Brighthouse Financial (BHF) vs Lincoln National (LNC)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 8, 2026.
Summary
Lincoln National (LNC) has outperformed Brighthouse Financial (BHF) over the past year, gaining 2.3% versus a gain of 2.2%. Over five years, BHF leads with a +0.6% price change compared with -43.3% for LNC. Lincoln National is the larger company by market cap ($7.92 billion vs $2.83 billion), about 2.8 times the size, while Brighthouse Financial is growing revenue faster (+43.2% vs -1.2%).
On valuation, Brighthouse Financial trades at a lower forward P/E (2.4x vs 4.7x for Lincoln National). Lincoln National pays a dividend yielding 4.35%, while Brighthouse Financial does not currently pay one. Lincoln National converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 6.5% versus 6.4%.
Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology
Relative performance
Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.
Head-to-head
| Metric | BHF | LNC |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $49.15 | $41.38 |
| Market cap | $2.83B | $7.92B |
| 1-day change | -1.04% | +0.91% |
| YTD return | -23.35% | -7.93% |
| 1-year return | +2.16% | +2.35% |
| 5-year return | +0.63% | -43.29% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 3.88 | 3.53 |
| Forward P/E | 2.44 | 4.72 |
| EPS (TTM) | $12.66 | $11.73 |
| Dividend yield | 0.00% | 4.35% |
| Annual dividend | $0.00 | $1.80 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $6.77B | $18.21B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +43.23% | -1.25% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $433.00M | $1.18B |
| Net margin | 6.40% | 6.46% |
| 52-week high | $66.80 | $47.67 |
| 52-week low | $44.51 | $32.18 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -26.43% | -13.21% |
| Analyst consensus | hold | hold |
| Avg. price target upside | +32.26% | +16.21% |
| Average volume | 913.50K | 2.04M |
| Shares outstanding | 57.51M | 191.45M |
| Employees | 1,400 | 9,423 |
| Sector | Finance | Finance |
| Industry | Life Insurance | Life Insurance |
Highlighted cells mark the higher value for growth, returns, margins and yield, and the lower value for P/E ratios. Highlighting is a mechanical comparison, not a recommendation.
Key differences
- Lincoln National is about 2.8 times larger than Brighthouse Financial by market value ($7.92B vs $2.83B).
- Lincoln National offers a meaningfully higher dividend yield (4.35% vs 0.00%).
- Brighthouse Financial grew revenue faster in its latest fiscal year (+43.23% vs -1.25%).
About Brighthouse Financial
BHF stock →Brighthouse Financial, Inc. provides annuity and life insurance products in the United States.
Finance · Life Insurance · 1,400 employees
About Lincoln National
LNC stock →Lincoln National Corporation, through its subsidiaries, operates multiple insurance and retirement businesses in the United States. It operates through four segments: Life Insurance, Annuities, Group Protection, and Retirement Plan Services.
Finance · Life Insurance · 9,423 employees
BHF vs LNC FAQ
Which is bigger, Brighthouse Financial or Lincoln National?
Lincoln National (LNC) is larger, with a market capitalization of $7.92B compared with $2.83B for Brighthouse Financial (BHF).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, BHF or LNC?
LNC returned +2.35% over the past 12 months, compared with +2.16% for BHF (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, BHF or LNC?
LNC has the lower trailing P/E at 3.5, versus 3.9 for BHF. A lower P/E is not by itself a sign of a better investment; it can reflect slower expected growth or higher risk.
Which pays a higher dividend, Brighthouse Financial or Lincoln National?
Lincoln National pays a dividend yielding 4.35%, while Brighthouse Financial does not currently pay a regular dividend.
Are Brighthouse Financial and Lincoln National in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Life Insurance industry within the Finance sector.