Wells Fargo Lowers Operating Estimates On SFG

StanCorp Financial Group, Inc. SFG held a conference call today to discuss Q4 earnings, Wells Fargo reports. “Last night, SFG reported operating EPS of $1.14 versus our estimate of $1.25,” Wells Fargo writes. “We are lowering our 2011 operating EPS estimate to $4.95 from $5.26. Our new 2011 estimate sits at the midpoint of SFG's guidance of $4.80 to $5.10. “We are also lowering our 2012 operating EPS estimate to $5.35 from $5.81. We believe today's share price is a reaction to the earnings miss and lower-than expected guidance. We do not believe a read-through to the larger life insurance sector is warranted, as SFG's issues are limited to the group insurance market targeted by StanCorp.” StanCorp Financial Group currently trades at $44.75.