10 Deep Value Stocks to Buy Now

4. Lincoln National Corp. (NYSE:LNC)

Fwd. P/E: 4.6; P/B: 0.8

Dividend Yield: 5.1%

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 41

Lincoln National Corp. (NYSE:LNC) is a holding company that operates a diverse portfolio of insurance and retirement businesses through its subsidiaries. The company offers a broad range of products and solutions focused on wealth accumulation, wealth protection, group protection, and retirement income.

Lincoln National Corp. (NYSE:LNC) demonstrated strong performance in its Q4 2024 earnings, reported on February 6. Adjusted operating earnings for the quarter reached $1.91 per share, reflecting a 30% year-over-year increase and surpassing the consensus estimate of approximately $1.83. The company attributed this growth to the successful execution of its market segment and product mix strategies. Additionally, its ongoing strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing profitability continue to drive robust earnings growth. Lincoln National remains focused on optimizing its annuities and wealth protection businesses to create long-term value for shareholders.

In a February 28 report, a Morgan Stanley analyst pointed out that life insurers are thriving in a stronger operating environment, a factor that has largely gone unnoticed. Upgrading the industry outlook to ‘Attractive’, the analyst emphasized that life insurers today boast stronger capital reserves, higher-quality products, and greater earnings power than they did before the 2008 financial crisis. However, despite this bullish industry stance, the analyst remained neutral on Lincoln National (NYSE:LNC), maintaining an Equal Weight rating on the stock. That said, he raised the price target from $39 to $42, reflecting a more optimistic view on the company’s prospects.