LIC reiterates focus on VNB growth

STRONG MARGINS, COST CONTROL BOOST INSURER'S Q2 PROFIT

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LIFE INSURANCE CORPORATION of India (LIC) reported stronger-than-expected profit for the second quarter of fiscal 2026, driven by margin expansion and cost controls even as premium growth moderated.

The state-run insurer’s continued pivot toward higher-yield, nonparticipating products supported a solid rise in value of new business (VNB). LIC’s net premium income rose 5% year-over-year to %1.3 lakh crore, broadly in line with market forecasts. Renewal premiums climbed 5% to 65,000 crore, while single premiums grew 8% to 50,800 crore. However, first-year premiums dipped 3% to 10,800 crore as product changes impacted sales of smaller-ticket policies. Absolute VNB rose 8% to %3,200 crore, exceeding forecasts by 16%. The VNB margin expanded to 19.3% in the quarter, up from 17.9% a year earlier and well ahead of projection.