VOYA

Voya Financial (VOYA), a New York-based finance company, is highlighted as a compelling dividend investment opportunity with a 2.01% dividend yield, outperforming its industry average of 1.57%. The company has increased its dividend 4 times over the last 5 years with an average annual increase of 34.72%, and is expected to see earnings expansion with a 2026 consensus estimate of $9.19 per share representing 3.84% year-over-year growth. However, the stock carries a Zacks Rank of #3 (Hold).

Voya Financial is expanding its use of UnqorkAI to improve retirement customer onboarding and streamline internal workflows. The company's retirement fee-based revenues rose 10% year-over-year in Q2 2026, with AI expected to support scalable growth and reduce administrative costs. However, specific cost savings or revenue targets have not been disclosed.

The U.S. life insurance industry is positioned for growth driven by favorable demographics, aging population, rising retirement needs, and product innovation. Individual life insurance sales reached a record $17.5 billion in 2025, while annuity sales exceeded $450 billion in 2026. Three life insurers—Reinsurance Group of America, Lincoln National, and Voya Financial—are well-positioned to benefit from robust annuity demand and growing consumer preference for guaranteed income and protected market participation.

The U.S. life insurance industry reached record highs in 2025 with individual life insurance new annualized premiums hitting $17.5 billion, up 10% year-over-year. Annuity sales surged with RILAs (Registered Index-Linked Annuities) rising 21% to $21.2 billion, driven by aging demographics and demand for guaranteed income with downside protection. Digital innovation and product diversification are expanding growth opportunities for insurers.