Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC), the country's largest insurer, reported a robust 16.36% year-on-year growth in profit after tax (PAT) for the first half of fiscal year 2026, reaching Rs. 21,040.00 crore. The financial results, released on November 6, 2025, highlight LIC's strategic focus on diversifying its product mix and distribution channels.

Key Financial Highlights

• Total premium income increased by 5.14% to Rs. 2,45,680.00 crore in H1 FY26
• Individual new business premium declined by 3.54% to Rs. 28,491.00 crore
• Renewal premium grew by 6.14% to Rs. 1,22,224.00 crore
• Group business total premium rose by 6.73% to Rs. 94,965.00 crore

Product Mix Diversification

LIC made significant strides in expanding its non-participating (non-par) business:

• Individual non-par Annualized Premium Equivalent (APE) increased by 30.47% to Rs. 6,234.00 crore
• Non-par APE share within individual business rose to 36.31% in H1 FY26 from 26.31% in H1 FY25

Profitability and Value Creation

• Value of New Business (VNB) grew by 12.30% to Rs. 5,111.00 crore
• VNB margin improved by 140 basis points to 17.6%
• Assets Under Management (AUM) increased by 3.31% to Rs. 57.23 lakh crore

Operational Efficiency

LIC demonstrated improved operational efficiency:

• Overall expense ratio reduced by 146 basis points to 11.28% for H1 FY26
• Solvency ratio strengthened to 2.13 from 1.98 in the previous year

Distribution Channel Expansion

The insurer reported progress in diversifying its distribution channels:

• Bancassurance and alternate channels' share of individual new business premium increased to 7.12% in H1 FY26 from 4.10% in the previous year, representing 67.62% growth

Management Commentary

R. Doraiswamy, CEO & MD of LIC, expressed optimism about recent GST changes for the insurance industry, stating, "We at LIC are very optimistic about the positive impact of the GST changes announced for the Insurance Industry by the Government of India during September 2025. It is our firm belief that these changes are in the best interest of customers and will lead to further accelerated growth of the life insurance industry in India."

Doraiswamy also highlighted LIC's strategic progress, saying, "LIC has once again demonstrated the successful implementation of its strategy pertaining to both product and channel diversification, that we have been pursuing since our listing."

Market Position

Despite a slight decline, LIC maintained its dominant market position:

• Overall market share in first-year premium income stood at 59.41% for H1 FY26, compared to 61.07% in H1 FY25
• Market share in individual business was 37.21%, while group business share was 72.74%

Outlook

LIC remains focused on enhancing insurance penetration and density in India. The management reiterated its commitment to achieving "Insurance for All by 2047" and expressed confidence in the company's ability to navigate challenges and create long-term value for stakeholders.

As LIC continues to adapt to changing market dynamics and customer preferences, its strategic focus on product diversification and operational efficiency appears to be yielding positive results. The company's strong financial performance and improved profitability metrics in H1 FY26 provide a solid foundation for future growth in the competitive Indian insurance market.

Several major Indian companies have set crucial dates for their upcoming dividend payments, offering shareholders an opportunity to benefit from these distributions. The announcements come from a diverse range of sectors, including oil and gas, consumer goods, and power generation.

Key Dividend Announcements

The following table summarizes the dividend announcements from prominent companies:

Important Dates for Investors

Investors should note two critical dates:

1. Last Day to Buy Shares: November 6
2. Record Date: November 7

These dates are crucial for determining dividend eligibility. Due to India's T+1 settlement cycle, shares purchased on the record date will not qualify for dividend payments.

Additional Companies Trading Ex-Dividend

Several other companies will trade ex-dividend on Friday, including:

• Computer Age Management Services
• Aptus Value Housing Finance India
• Balkrishna Industries
• Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital
• Navin Fluorine International
• R R Kabel
• Sanofi India
• Shriram Finance

Tax Implications

Investors should be aware that dividend income exceeding Rs 5,000 annually is subject to a 10% Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) for resident individuals.

Investor Considerations

These dividend announcements provide an opportunity for investors to potentially benefit from additional income. However, it's important to consider the ex-dividend date and record date when making investment decisions. The share prices of these companies may adjust post the ex-dividend date to reflect the dividend payout.

Investors should also factor in their overall investment strategy and tax implications when considering these dividend-paying stocks. As always, it's advisable to consult with a financial advisor for personalized investment advice.