Wrapping up Q3 earnings, we look at the numbers and key takeaways for the life insurance stocks, including Primerica (NYSE: PRI) and its peers.

Life insurance companies collect premiums from policyholders in exchange for providing a future death benefit or retirement income stream. Interest rates matter for the sector (and make it cyclical), with higher rates allowing insurers to reinvest their fixed-income portfolios at more attractive yields and vice versa. Additionally, favorable demographic shifts, such as an aging population, are driving strong demand for retirement products while AI and data analytics offer significant opportunities to improve underwriting accuracy and operational efficiency. Conversely, the industry faces headwinds from persistent competition from agile insurtechs that threaten traditional distribution models.

The 12 life insurance stocks we track reported a mixed Q3. As a group, revenues missed analysts’ consensus estimates by 2.8%.

In light of this news, share prices of the companies have held steady as they are up 1% on average since the latest earnings results.

Primerica (NYSE: PRI)

With a sales force of over 140,000 licensed representatives operating on an independent contractor model, Primerica (NYSE: PRI) provides term life insurance, investment products, and other financial services to middle-income households in the United States and Canada.

Primerica reported revenues of $901.8 million, up 7.5% year on year. This print exceeded analysts’ expectations by 0.8%. Overall, it was a solid quarter for the company with a solid beat of analysts’ book value per share estimates and a beat of analysts’ EPS estimates.

"In the third quarter, Primerica’s financial performance underscored the consistency of our business fundamentals, driven by our unique operating model that is purpose-built to help middle-income families achieve financial security," said Glenn Williams, Chief Executive Officer. "Stable earnings in our Term Life segment and record investment sales continue to drive earnings momentum. These results reflect the dedication of our independent sales force and their commitment to helping families build a more secure future."

Interestingly, the stock is up 5.2% since reporting and currently trades at $299.24.

Is now the time to buy Primerica? Access our full analysis of the earnings results here, it’s free.

Best Q3: Aflac (NYSE: AFL)

Known for its iconic duck mascot that has quacked "Aflac!" in commercials since 2000, Aflac (NYSE: AFL) provides supplemental health and life insurance policies that pay cash benefits directly to policyholders for expenses not covered by their primary insurance.

Aflac reported revenues of $4.30 billion, down 2.5% year on year, outperforming analysts’ expectations by 1.9%. The business had an impressive quarter with a solid beat of analysts’ book value per share estimates and a beat of analysts’ EPS estimates.

However, the results were likely priced into the stock as it’s traded sideways since reporting. Shares currently sit at $125.22.

Is now the time to buy Aflac? Access our full analysis of the earnings results here, it’s free.

Slowest Q3: Brighthouse Financial (NASDAQ: BHF)

Spun off from MetLife in 2017 to focus specifically on retail financial products, Brighthouse Financial (NASDAQ: BHF) provides annuity contracts and life insurance products designed to help individuals protect wealth, generate income, and transfer assets.

Brighthouse Financial reported revenues of $2.10 billion, down 3.1% year on year, falling short of analysts’ expectations by 4.1%. It was an underwhelming quarter as it posted a significant miss of analysts’ EPS estimates and a significant miss of analysts’ book value per share estimates.

Interestingly, the stock is up 7% since the results and currently trades at $43.97.

Read our full analysis of Brighthouse Financial’s results here.

Globe Life (NYSE: GL)

With roots dating back to 1900 and a rebranding from Torchmark Corporation in 2019, Globe Life (NYSE: GL) is an insurance holding company that offers life insurance, supplemental health insurance, and annuity products through various distribution channels.

Globe Life reported revenues of $1.61 billion, up 6% year on year. This number met analysts’ expectations. More broadly, it was a sluggish quarter as it recorded a significant miss of analysts’ book value per share estimates and a miss of analysts’ EPS estimates.

The stock is down 5.2% since reporting and currently trades at $160.78.

Read our full, actionable report on Globe Life here, it’s free.

CNO Financial Group (NYSE: CNO)

Rebranded from Conseco in 2010 to signal a fresh start after navigating financial challenges, CNO Financial Group (NYSE: CNO) develops and markets health insurance, annuities, and life insurance products primarily targeting middle-income pre-retirees and retirees.

CNO Financial Group reported revenues of $688.2 million, up 4.5% year on year. This print missed analysts’ expectations by 15.2%. Overall, it was a softer quarter as it also recorded a significant miss of analysts’ book value per share estimates.

The stock is up 3.7% since reporting and currently trades at $57.21.

Read our full, actionable report on CNO Financial Group here, it’s free.

Market update

Over the past year, investors have been forced to repeatedly answer the same question: what is the market’s biggest risk? The answer has changed several times, and each shift has reshaped market leadership.

Late in 2025 and early 2026, artificial intelligence became the market’s primary uncertainty. Investors questioned whether AI would erode software pricing power and weaken competitive moats as AI made it easier to replicate once-differentiated products.

By the spring, technology took a back seat to geopolitics. The U.S. conflict with Iran briefly became the market’s dominant narrative, raising concerns about oil prices, inflation, and global growth. But as energy markets remained orderly and fears of a prolonged supply disruption faded, investors quickly turned their focus back to fundamentals.

Want to invest in winners with rock-solid fundamentals? Check out our Top 6 Stocks and add them to your watchlist. These companies are poised for growth regardless of the political or macroeconomic climate.