The insurer is also exploring ways to monetize its large real estate portfolio while maintaining growth momentum. Additionally, LIC has been designated a Domestic Systemically Important Insurer (D-SII), reinforcing its critical role in the financial system. | Photo Credit: NIHARIKA KULKARNI/REUTERS
The stock price of Life Insurance Corporatiion of India zoomed 6.75 per cent to ₹793.50 on the BSE after the company said its board of directors meeting on April 13 to consider and recommend a proposal to issue bonus shares to shareholders. If approved, it would be the first bonus issue from the insurance behemoth.
The move will benefit nearly 21 lakh retail investors, who currently hold around 1.52 per cent stake in the company.
Strong Q3 performance
Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) had reported a 17 per cent year-on-year increase in its Q3 standalone net profit to ₹12,958 crore amid robust growth in premium income and income from investments.
Net premium income was up 17.5 per cent at ₹1,25,613 crore. Net income from investments rose 14 per cent to ₹1,07,608 crore. The Assets Under Management (AUM) increased to ₹59,16,680 crore as on December 31, 2025, from ₹54,77,651 crore on December 31, 2024, registering an increase of 8.01 per cent.
Dinesh Pant, MD, had then said that, given that the equity market gained almost 10 per cent, the corporation was able to book a good amount of profit without disturbing the portfolio’s intrinsic value.
FY25 earnings growth
For FY25, the Corporation had posted an 18 per cent yoy increase in net profit at ₹48,151 crore (₹40,676 crore in FY24).
Further, the insurance company said it was planning to optimize its real estate holdings (market value estimated at about ₹45,000 crore) by increasing rental income and exploring structures such as Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs).
Industry performance and outlook
According to JM Financial, in Feb’26, industry retail weighted premiums (RWRP) increased 21 per cent yoy to ₹11,300 crore. LIC outperformed the private sector with 23 per cent yoy growth—after reporting robust 61 per cent yoy retail APE growth in Q3-FY26. LIC was one of the favorite stocks for JM Financial, which retained its Buy rating with a target price of Rs 1,111, said
D-SII designation
Recently, the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has designated Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC), New India Assurance Company Ltd, and General Insurance Corporation of India as Domestic Systemically Important Insurers (D-SIIs) for FY26.
Published on April 8, 2026