The Hartford's life insurance operations reported a return to profitability with net income of $118 million in the fourth quarter of 2009, compared with a net loss of $807 million in the prior year period.

"Although the company posted strong earnings in the fourth quarter, the economy and market conditions remain uncertain. In this environment, The Hartford team is focused on execution. In the fourth quarter, we delivered strong underwriting results, completed the expense initiatives announced in late 2008 and launched a new marketing campaign that reinforces the company's strong, trusted brand with businesses and consumers," added McGee.

Lincoln Financial Group posted a profit of $102.3 million, compared with a year-earlier loss of $505.5 million.

"Our results in the quarter and for the full year underscore the quality and resilience of our business model, particularly in a challenging operating environment," said Dennis R. Glass, Lincoln's president and CEO. "The strength of the Lincoln Financial franchise and the successful actions we took last year to increase financial flexibility and sharpen our focus on our core businesses were evident in our operating results. We expanded distribution relationships, produced strong sales and positive net flows, and grew earnings throughout the year, even during the depths of the crisis. In addition to these operational accomplishments, we took deliberate and prudent steps to execute on a comprehensive capital plan that left the company in a strong capital position as we exited 2009."

For more information and a complete review of The Hartford's fourth-quarter business results, and Lincoln's fourth-quarter and full-year business results, visit www.thehartford.com and www.lincolnfinancial.com.