On February 25, 2026, Wesley Carmichael of Wells Fargo upgraded Lincoln National Corporation (LNC) to an “Overweight” rating, delivering a positive signal to investors amid a fluctuating market. This emphasis on growth potential comes with a projected price target of $48, significantly above its current trading price of $36.01. For those contemplating LNC’s capacity for appreciation, such an upgrade hints at an attractive opportunity in the insurance and financial services sector.
Recent Price Action
Lincoln National’s stock has demonstrated a mixed performance in recent trading sessions. Closing at $36.01, it has shown resilience with a change of $0.38, or approximately 1.07%, in the latest session. This price sits around 23.09% below its 52-week high of $46.78 and conversely, reflects a 17.92% increase from its 52-week low of $30.57. The market seems engaged, as evidenced by a trading volume of approximately 3.88 million shares, notably higher than its average volume of 1.74 million. The stock’s beta of 1.274 suggests it may be more volatile than the overall market, which can attract aggressive investors aiming for higher returns.
Short- and Long-Term Performance
Over varying timeframes, LNC’s performance paints a complex picture reflective of market conditions. In the past 30 days, the stock has seen a decline of 12.19%, driven by broader market trends that have shaken investor confidence. However, the stock rebounded over the last quarter, securing a modest increase of 3.14%, and made a stronger showing over the past year, climbing 21.6%. Volatility measures indicate weekly fluctuations of 2.75% and monthly volatility at 2.43%. Averaging volumes suggest heightened trading interest, with 10-day average volumes reaching approximately 2.94 million compared to a 3-month average of about 1.81 million.
Earnings / Financials
An analysis of Lincoln National’s earnings reveals a critical disparity in performance. The most recent earnings estimate pegged at $1.84 is yet to be published as of October 30, 2025. Prior earnings results from July showed an actual EPS of $2.36 against an expectation of $1.91, resulting in an impressive surprise factor of over 23%. This significant outperformance indicates strong financial health and the ability to exceed market expectations, a quality which typically enhances investor confidence and lends credence to future earnings potential.
Analyst / Consensus View
The consensus among analysts reflects a broadly positive outlook for LNC, with Wells Fargo leading the charge following this recent upgrade. Of the six ratings issued, four are categorized as “Buy,” two as “Hold,” and none as “Sell,” highlighting strong overall confidence in the stock. The average price target stands at approximately $50.33, while the high target reaches as far as $59, suggesting ample room for growth from the current trading price. Conversely, with a low target of $41, even the most conservative projections imply potential upside, reinforcing a generally favorable sentiment in investment circles.
Stock Grading or Fundamental View
Assessing Lincoln National’s Stocks Telegraph Grade reveals a score of 51, reflective of its fundamental health and market position. This grade suggests that while LNC faces short-term challenges, it maintains satisfactory performance metrics based on financial analysis and market conditions. Such a score indicates that the company’s fundamentals are solid, though not without room for improvement, particularly as it positions itself for growth in a competitive landscape.
Conclusion
Investors eyeing Lincoln National Corporation may find this stock particularly suited for those with a propensity for seeking long-term growth opportunities. The recent upgrade signals potential for upward movement and value appreciation, though investors should remain cognizant of inherent risks tied to market fluctuations and Lincoln’s recent volatility. Overall, LNC presents a compelling case for investors willing to embrace a mix of growth prospects and some short-term uncertainty, making it a stock worth watching as it navigates the evolving financial landscape.