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Lincoln National (LNC) Q4 Earnings: A Beat in the Cards?
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We expect Lincoln National Corp. (LNC - Free Report) to beat earnings expectations when it reports fourth-quarter and full-year 2016 results, on Feb 1, after market close.
Why a Likely Positive Surprise?
Our proven model shows that Lincoln National has the right combination of the two key ingredients to beat on earnings.
Zacks ESP:Earnings ESP, which represents the difference between the Most Accurate estimate and the Zacks Consensus Estimate, stands at +0.59%. This is a major indicator of a likely positive earnings surprise for the company. You can uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they’re reported with our Earnings ESP Filter.
Zacks Rank: Lincoln National carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). Note that stocks with a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 or 3 (Hold) have a significantly higher chance of beating estimates.
The combination of Lincoln National’s favorable Zacks Rank and positive ESP makes us confident of an earnings beat on Feb 1.
Factors to Influence Q4 Results
We expect to see earnings upside from disciplined expense management and incremental capital management.
The life insurance segment's results are expected to show top-line growth from a change in sales mix as the company is focusing on an increase in sales of product without long-term guarantees, and scale back of sale of products with long-term guarantees.
Also, the company’s repricing efforts and enhancements to claims management functions to restore profitability will boost sales in its Group Protection segment.
In the Retirement Plan Services, small market sales are expected to increase as a result of distribution expansion and increased wholesaler productivity. This momentum is expected to continue, aided by the recent launch of enhanced small-market Director product.
The bottom line will be favored by the company’s expense management efforts. The company is successfully managing general and administrative expenses in a period of slower revenue growth.
Finally, Lincoln National’s share repurchase driven by its balance sheet strength and capital generation will further lift the bottom line.
Lincoln National Corporation Price and EPS Surprise
Here are some companies that you may consider as our model shows that these have the right combination of elements to post an earnings beat this quarter:
Molina Healthcare Inc. (MOH - Free Report) has an Earnings ESP of +5.33% and a Zacks Rank #3. The company is expected to report fourth-quarter earnings results on Feb 13.
CVS Health Corporation (CVS - Free Report) has an Earnings ESP of +0.60% and a Zacks Rank #3. The company is expected to report fourth-quarter and 2016 earnings results on Feb 9.
Zacks' Top 10 Stocks for 2017
In addition to the stocks discussed above, would you like to know about our 10 finest tickers for the entirety of 2017?
Who wouldn't? These 10 are painstakingly hand-picked from 4,400 companies covered by the Zacks Rank. They are our primary picks to buy and hold. Be among the very first to see them >>
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Lincoln National (LNC) Q4 Earnings: A Beat in the Cards?
We expect Lincoln National Corp. (LNC - Free Report) to beat earnings expectations when it reports fourth-quarter and full-year 2016 results, on Feb 1, after market close.
Why a Likely Positive Surprise?
Our proven model shows that Lincoln National has the right combination of the two key ingredients to beat on earnings.
Zacks ESP: Earnings ESP, which represents the difference between the Most Accurate estimate and the Zacks Consensus Estimate, stands at +0.59%. This is a major indicator of a likely positive earnings surprise for the company. You can uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they’re reported with our Earnings ESP Filter.
Zacks Rank: Lincoln National carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). Note that stocks with a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 or 3 (Hold) have a significantly higher chance of beating estimates.
The combination of Lincoln National’s favorable Zacks Rank and positive ESP makes us confident of an earnings beat on Feb 1.
Factors to Influence Q4 Results
We expect to see earnings upside from disciplined expense management and incremental capital management.
The life insurance segment's results are expected to show top-line growth from a change in sales mix as the company is focusing on an increase in sales of product without long-term guarantees, and scale back of sale of products with long-term guarantees.
Also, the company’s repricing efforts and enhancements to claims management functions to restore profitability will boost sales in its Group Protection segment.
In the Retirement Plan Services, small market sales are expected to increase as a result of distribution expansion and increased wholesaler productivity. This momentum is expected to continue, aided by the recent launch of enhanced small-market Director product.
The bottom line will be favored by the company’s expense management efforts. The company is successfully managing general and administrative expenses in a period of slower revenue growth.
Finally, Lincoln National’s share repurchase driven by its balance sheet strength and capital generation will further lift the bottom line.
Lincoln National Corporation Price and EPS Surprise
Lincoln National Corporation Price and EPS Surprise | Lincoln National Corporation Quote
Stocks That Warrant a Look
Here are some companies that you may consider as our model shows that these have the right combination of elements to post an earnings beat this quarter:
Anthem Inc. will report fourth-quarter and full-year 2016 earnings results on Feb 1. The company has an Earnings ESP of +6.29% and a Zacks Rank #3. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
Molina Healthcare Inc. (MOH - Free Report) has an Earnings ESP of +5.33% and a Zacks Rank #3. The company is expected to report fourth-quarter earnings results on Feb 13.
CVS Health Corporation (CVS - Free Report) has an Earnings ESP of +0.60% and a Zacks Rank #3. The company is expected to report fourth-quarter and 2016 earnings results on Feb 9.
Zacks' Top 10 Stocks for 2017
In addition to the stocks discussed above, would you like to know about our 10 finest tickers for the entirety of 2017?
Who wouldn't? These 10 are painstakingly hand-picked from 4,400 companies covered by the Zacks Rank. They are our primary picks to buy and hold. Be among the very first to see them >>