LINCOLN NATIONAL CORP
For the period ended Sep 30, 2025. Filed Oct 30, 2025.
View on SEC.govAbout this filing
A company's report for each of its first three quarters. The financial statements are not audited. It shows how the business has moved since the last annual report, and what management says changed.
Sep 30, 2025 · Filed Oct 30, 2025
What changed in Management’s Discussion and Analysis?
Read the current filingPrevious report: 10-Q
Period ended 2025-06-30; filed 2025-07-31.
0000059558-25-000082
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of OperationsForward-Looking Statements – Cautionary LanguageExecutive SummarySummary of Critical Accounting EstimatesResults of Consolidated OperationsResults of AnnuitiesResults of Life InsuranceResults of Group ProtectionResults of Retirement Plan ServicesResults of Other OperationsConsolidated InvestmentsLiquidity and Capital Resources – Holding Company Sources and Uses of Liquidity and Capital – DebtCurrent report: 10-Q
Period ended 2025-09-30; filed 2025-10-30.
0000059558-25-000093
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of OperationsForward-Looking Statements – Cautionary LanguageExecutive SummarySummary of Critical Accounting EstimatesResults of Consolidated OperationsResults of AnnuitiesResults of Life InsuranceResults of Group ProtectionResults of Retirement Plan ServicesResults of Other OperationsConsolidated InvestmentsLiquidity and Capital Resources – Holding Company Sources and Uses of Liquidity and Capital – DebtThe baseline is this issuer’s latest earlier reporting period of the same form that was filed before the current report. A previous 10-Q is a different quarter, not a year-over-year comparison. Amendments are excluded.
Compared 419 previous paragraphs and 420 current paragraphs.
297 unchanged; 83 reworded; 32 added; 22 removed; 17 previous and 8 current paragraphs rearranged.
Tables are not compared: 67 previous and 68 current tables excluded. Dates, whitespace, punctuation and numbering changes are ignored; changes to financial figures remain significant.
A changed paragraph is not evidence that risk increased or decreased. An unchanged paragraph does not establish that risk stayed the same.
Added paragraphs (32)
Current report
During the third quarter of 2025, the Federal Reserve announced a 25 basis point reduction in the federal funds rate target range to 4.00% to 4.25%, as the labor market shows signs of softening while acknowledging inflation and economic outlook uncertainty remain somewhat elevated. In October 2025, the Federal Reserve announced an additional 25 basis point reduction, setting the federal funds rate target range to 3.75% to 4.00%. In addition, the Federal Reserve announced that it will end the balance sheet reduction program, which began in 2022, effective December 1, 2025. The Federal Reserve noted that it will continue to monitor economic data and adjust its stance on monetary policy if risks emerge that could negatively impact the attainment of its goal of maximum employment and inflation at 2% over the long term.
Current report
Risks related to changes in interest rates are disclosed in our 2024 Form 10-K in “Part I – Item 1A. Risk Factors – Market Conditions – Changes in interest rates and sustained low interest rates may cause interest rate spreads to decrease, impacting our profitability, and make it more challenging to meet certain statutory requirements,” “Part I – Item 1A. Risk Factors – Market Conditions – Increases in interest rates and sustained high interest rates may negatively affect our profitability, capital position and the value of our investment portfolio and may also result in increased contract withdrawals and surrenders” and “Part II – Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk – Interest Rate Risk.”
Current report
The impacts of our annual assumption review were driven primarily by the following:
Current report
•For Annuities, the unfavorable impact was driven by model enhancements and updates to policyholder behavior assumptions.
Current report
•For Life Insurance, the unfavorable impact was driven by updates to mortality assumptions for our UL products with secondary guarantees and policyholder behavior assumptions, partially offset by updates to mortality assumptions for our traditional life insurance business and morbidity assumptions.
Current report
•For Group Protection, the favorable impact was driven by updates to the claim termination rate assumption, partially offset by updates to social security and incurred assumptions and other items.
Current report
•For excluded from income (loss) from operations, the unfavorable impact, related to net annuity product features, was driven by updates to policyholder behavior assumptions, model enhancements and other items, partially offset by updates to separate account fee assumptions.
Current report
•For Life Insurance, the favorable impact was driven by updates to capital market assumptions on reinsured blocks of MoneyGuard®business and other items, partially offset by unfavorable updates to policyholder behavior assumptions on reinsured blocks of MoneyGuard business.
Current report
•For Group Protection, the unfavorable impact was driven by updates to disability claim termination rate assumptions, partially offset by favorable updates to life waiver incurred assumptions.
Current report
•For excluded from income (loss) from operations, the favorable impact, related to net annuity product features, was driven by model enhancements.
Current report
During the fourth quarter of 2025, we will perform our annual quantitative goodwill impairment test as of October 1, 2025, on all of our reporting units. For more information on goodwill, see “Part II – Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Introduction – Summary of Critical Accounting Estimates – Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” and Notes 1 and 8 in our 2024 Form 10-K.
Current report
Net income increased due primarily to the following:
Current report
•Lower credit loss-related adjustments on our mortgage loans on real estate.
Current report
•Unfavorable impact from our annual assumption review in 2025 compared to favorable impact in 2024.
Current report
•Higher net unfavorable other items driven by transaction costs related to restructuring certain captive reinsurance subsidiaries and persistency optimization in our Life Insurance segment in 2025.
Current report
•Unfavorable impact from our annual assumption review in 2025 compared to favorable impact in 2024.
Current report
•Lower investment losses driven by favorable changes in the fair value of certain derivatives, higher gains on certain investments associated with the fourth quarter 2023 reinsurance transaction and lower realized losses on certain investments.
Current report
Income from operations for this segment increased due to higher fee income driven by higher average daily separate account balances.
Current report
•Higher net investment income, net of interest credited, driven by growth in investments and moderate spread expansion.
Current report
Additionally, for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, the increase in income from operations was driven by higher net investment income, net of interest credited, due to higher investment income on alternative investments.
Current report
(3) Includes primarily net investment income earned on our alternative investments portfolio. See “Consolidated Investments – Alternative Investments” below for more information on alternative investments.
Current report
See “ Summary of Critical Accounting Estimates – Annual Assumption Review” for information on the impacts from our annual assumption review.
Current report
Income from operations for this segment increased due primarily to higher fee income driven by higher average daily separate account balances.
Current report
Income from operations for this segment decreased due primarily to the following:
Current report
Loss from operations for Other Operations increased due primarily to the following:
Current report
Loss from operations for Other Operations increased due primarily to higher other expenses associated with other costs pertaining to business operations.
Current report
(1)Represents alternative investments that support reinsurance funds withheld and modified coinsurance agreements where the investment results are passed directly to the reinsurers. For more information, see Note 7 in our 2024 Form 10-K.
Current report
(2)Does not include the fair value of trading securities totaling $114 million that primarily support our reinsurance funds withheld and modified coinsurance agreements because investment results for these agreements are passed directly to the reinsurers. The $114 million in trading securities consisted of $73 million of multiple property CMBS and $41 million of single property CMBS.
Current report
(1)Does not include the amortized cost of trading securities totaling $322 million that primarily support our reinsurance funds withheld and modified coinsurance agreements because investment results for these agreements are passed directly to the reinsurers. The $322 million in trading securities consisted of $210 million of CLOs and $112 million of Other ABS.
Current report
(2)Does not include the fair value of trading securities totaling $319 million that primarily support our reinsurance funds withheld and modified coinsurance agreements because investment results for these agreements are passed directly to the reinsurers. The $319 million in trading securities consisted of $209 million of CLOs and $110 million of Other ABS.
Removed paragraphs (22)
Previous report
•Lower fee income driven by lower average daily separate account balances.
Previous report
•Policyholder liability remeasurement gain in 2025 compared to a loss in 2024 driven by more favorable experience on income annuities than expected.
Previous report
(1)See “Consolidated Investments – Commercial Mortgage Loan Prepayment and Bond Make-Whole Premiums” below for additional information.
Previous report
(2) For information on amortization of deferred gain (loss) on business sold through reinsurance, see Note 1 in our 2024 Form 10-K.
Previous report
•Lower benefits driven by improved mortality for the block in aggregate due to lower claims incidence, partially offset by aging of the block.
Previous report
The increase in income from operations for this segment was partially offset by higher policyholder liability remeasurement loss driven by more unfavorable actual to expected mortality experience within UL-type contracts with secondary guarantees.
Previous report
•Higher fee income driven by higher DFEL amortization.
Previous report
•Lower policyholder liability remeasurement loss driven by more favorable actual to expected mortality experience within UL-type contracts with secondary guarantees.
Previous report
Benefits and Policyholder Remeasurement (Gain) Loss
Previous report
(1) The amortization of deferred loss on business sold through reinsurance pertains to the fourth quarter 2023 reinsurance transaction. See Note 1 in our 2024 Form 10-K for additional information.
Previous report
(1)Represents net investment income on the required statutory surplus for this segment and includes the effect of investment income on alternative investments for such assets that are held in the portfolios supporting statutory surplus versus the portfolios supporting product liabilities. See “Consolidated Investments – Alternative Investments” below for more information on alternative investments.
Previous report
Benefits, Interest Credited and Policyholder Liability Remeasurement (Gain) Loss
Previous report
•Lower net investment income, net of interest credited, driven by an increase in crediting rates, partially offset by impacts to portfolio yields from the current interest rate environment and higher investment income on surplus investments.
Previous report
(1)See “Consolidated Investments – Commercial Mortgage Loan Prepayment and Bond Make-Whole Premiums” below for additional information.
Previous report
Loss from operations for Other Operations decreased due primarily to the following:
Previous report
•Lower other expenses associated with strategic initiatives.
Previous report
Loss from operations for Other Operations decreased due primarily to the following:
Previous report
(2)Does not include the fair value of trading securities totaling $53 million that primarily support our reinsurance funds withheld and modified coinsurance agreements because investment results for these agreements are passed directly to the reinsurers. The $53 million in trading securities consisted of $13 million agency and $40 million non-agency.
Previous report
(2)Does not include the fair value of trading securities totaling $115 million that primarily support our reinsurance funds withheld and modified coinsurance agreements because investment results for these agreements are passed directly to the reinsurers. The $115 million in trading securities consisted of $75 million of multiple property CMBS and $40 million of single property CMBS.
Previous report
(1)Does not include the amortized cost of trading securities totaling $412 million that primarily support our reinsurance funds withheld and modified coinsurance agreements because investment results for these agreements are passed directly to the reinsurers. The $412 million in trading securities consisted of $287 million of CLOs and $125 million of Other ABS.
Previous report
(2)Does not include the fair value of trading securities totaling $406 million that primarily support our reinsurance funds withheld and modified coinsurance agreements because investment results for these agreements are passed directly to the reinsurers. The $406 million in trading securities consisted of $286 million of CLOs and $120 million of Other ABS.
Reworded paragraphs (83)
Previous wording
The following Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”) is intended to help the reader understand the financial condition as of June 30, 2025, compared with December 31, 2024, and the results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2025, compared with the corresponding periods in 2024 of Lincoln National Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries. Unless otherwise stated or the context otherwise requires, “LNC,” “Company,” “we,” “our” or “us” refers to Lincoln National Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries.
Current wording
The following Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”) is intended to help the reader understand the financial condition as of September 30, 2025, compared with December 31, 2024, and the results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025, compared with the corresponding periods in 2024 of Lincoln National Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries. Unless otherwise stated or the context otherwise requires, “LNC,” “Company,” “we,” “our” or “us” refers to Lincoln National Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries.
Previous wording
Industry trends and significant operational matters are described in “Part II – Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Introduction – Executive Summary” of our 2024 Form 10-K.
Current wording
Industry trends and significant operational matters are described in “Part II – Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Introduction – Executive Summary” of our 2024 Form 10-K, which is further updated by the discussion that follows.
Previous wording
Liability for future policy benefits (“LFPB”) represents the reserve amounts associated with non-participating traditional life insurance contracts and limited payment life-contingent annuity contracts that are calculated to meet the various policy and contract obligations as they mature. Establishing adequate reserves for our obligations to policyholders requires assumptions to be made that are intended to represent an estimation of experience for the period that policy benefits are payable. If actual experience is better than or equal to the assumptions, then reserves should be adequate to provide for future benefits and expenses. If experience is worse than the assumptions, additional reserves may be required. Significant assumptions include mortality rates, morbidity and policyholder behavior (e.g., persistency) and withdrawals. During the third quarter of each year, we conduct our comprehensive review of the actuarial assumptions to best estimate future premium and benefit cash flows (“cash flow assumptions”) and projection models used in estimating these liabilities and update these assumptions as needed (excluding the claims settlement expense assumption that is locked-in at inception) in the calculation of the net premium ratio. We may also update these assumptions in other quarters as we become aware of information that is indicative of the need for such an update. In measuring our LFPB, we establish cohorts, which are groupings of long-duration contracts. On a quarterly basis, we retrospectively update the net premium ratio at the cohort level for actual experience. For all contract cohorts issued after January 1, 2021, interest is accrued on LFPB at the single-A interest rate on the contract cohort inception date. For contract cohorts issued prior to January 1, 2021, interest remains accruing at the original discount rate in effect on the contract cohort inception date due to the modified retrospective transition method. We also remeasure the LFPB using the single-A interest rate as of the end of each reporting period.
Current wording
Liability for future policy benefits (“LFPB”) represents the reserve amounts associated with non-participating traditional life insurance contracts and limited payment life-contingent annuity contracts that are calculated to meet the various policy and contract obligations as they mature. Establishing adequate reserves for our obligations to policyholders requires assumptions to be made that are intended to represent an estimation of experience for the period that policy benefits are payable. If actual experience is better than or equal to the assumptions, then reserves should be adequate to provide for future benefits and expenses. If experience is worse than the assumptions, additional reserves may be required. Significant assumptions include mortality rates, morbidity and policyholder behavior (e.g., persistency) and withdrawals. During the third quarter of each year, we conduct our comprehensive review of the actuarial assumptions to best estimate future premium and benefit cash flows (“cash flow assumptions”) and projection models used in estimating these liabilities and update these assumptions as needed (excluding the claims settlement expense assumption that is locked-in at inception) in the calculation of the net premium ratio. We may also update these assumptions in other quarters as we become aware of information that is indicative of the need for such an update. See “Annual Assumption Review” below for more information. In measuring our LFPB, we establish cohorts, which are groupings of long-duration contracts. On a quarterly basis, we retrospectively update the net premium ratio at the cohort level for actual experience. For all contract cohorts issued after January 1, 2021, interest is accrued on LFPB at the single-A interest rate on the contract cohort inception date. For contract cohorts issued prior to January 1, 2021, interest remains accruing at the original discount rate in effect on the contract cohort inception date due to the modified retrospective transition method. We also remeasure the LFPB using the single-A interest rate as of the end of each reporting period.
Previous wording
Future contract benefits include reserves for long-term life and disability claims associated with our Group Protection segment. These reserves use actuarial assumptions primarily based on claim termination rates, offsets for other insurance including social security and long-term disability incidence and severity assumptions. Such cash flow assumptions are subject to the comprehensive review process discussed above. We remeasure the liability for future claims using a single-A interest rate as of the end of each reporting period.
Current wording
Future contract benefits include reserves for long-term disability and life waiver claims associated with our Group Protection segment. These reserves use actuarial assumptions primarily based on claim termination rates, mortality rates, offsets for other insurance including social security, morbidity, incidence and severity assumptions. Such cash flow assumptions are subject to the comprehensive review process discussed above. We remeasure the liability for future claims using a single-A interest rate as of the end of each reporting period. See “Annual Assumption Review” below for more information.
Previous wording
We previously issued UL-type contracts where we provided a secondary guarantee to the policyholder. The policy can remain in force, even if the base policy account balance is zero, as long as contractual secondary guarantee requirements have been met. These guaranteed benefits require an additional liability that is calculated based on the application of a benefit ratio (calculated as the present value of total expected benefit payments over the life of the contract from inception divided by the present value of total expected assessments over the life of the contract). These secondary guarantees are reported within future contract benefits on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The level and direction of the change in reserves will vary over time based on the emergence of the benefit ratio and the level of assessments associated with the contracts. Cash flow assumptions incorporated in a benefit ratio in measuring these additional liabilities for other insurance benefits include mortality rates, morbidity, policyholder behavior (e.g., persistency) and withdrawals based principally on generally accepted actuarial methods and assumptions. During the third quarter of each year, we conduct our comprehensive review of the cash flow assumptions and projection models used in estimating these liabilities and update these assumptions in the calculation of the benefit ratio. We may also update these assumptions in other quarters as we become aware of information that is indicative of the need for such an update.
Current wording
We previously issued UL-type contracts where we provided a secondary guarantee to the policyholder. The policy can remain in force, even if the base policy account balance is zero, as long as contractual secondary guarantee requirements have been met. These guaranteed benefits require an additional liability that is calculated based on the application of a benefit ratio (calculated as the present value of total expected benefit payments over the life of the contract from inception divided by the present value of total expected assessments over the life of the contract). These secondary guarantees are reported within future contract benefits on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The level and direction of the change in reserves will vary over time based on the emergence of the benefit ratio and the level of assessments associated with the contracts. Cash flow assumptions incorporated in a benefit ratio in measuring these additional liabilities for other insurance benefits include mortality rates, morbidity, policyholder behavior (e.g., persistency) and withdrawals based principally on generally accepted actuarial methods and assumptions. During the third quarter of each year, we conduct our comprehensive review of the cash flow assumptions and projection models used in estimating these liabilities and update these assumptions in the calculation of the benefit ratio. We may also update these assumptions in other quarters as we become aware of information that is indicative of the need for such an update. See “Annual Assumption Review” below for more information.
Previous wording
Net amount at risk (“NAR”) represents the amount of GLB or GDB in excess of a policyholder’s account balance at the balance sheet date. Underperforming markets increase our exposure to potential benefits with the GLB and GDB riders. A contract with a GDB rider is “in the money” if the policyholder’s account balance falls below the GDB. As of June 30, 2025 and 2024, 4% and 8%, respectively, of all in-force contracts with a GDB rider were “in the money.” A contract with a GLB rider is “in the money” if the policyholder’s account balance falls below the present value of GLB payments, assuming no full surrenders. As of June 30, 2025 and 2024, 15% and 18%, respectively, of all in-force contracts with a GLB rider were “in the money.” However, the only way the policyholder can realize the excess of the present value of benefits over the account balance of the contract is through a series of withdrawals or income payments that do not exceed a maximum amount. If, after the series of withdrawals or income payments, the account balance is exhausted, the policyholder will continue to receive a series of annuity payments. The account balance can also fluctuate with market returns on a daily basis resulting in increases or decreases in the excess of the present value of benefits over account balance.
Current wording
Net amount at risk (“NAR”) represents the amount of GLB or GDB in excess of a policyholder’s account balance at the balance sheet date. Underperforming markets increase our exposure to potential benefits with the GLB and GDB riders. A contract with a GDB rider is “in the money” if the policyholder’s account balance falls below the GDB. As of September 30, 2025 and 2024, 3% and 5%, respectively, of all in-force contracts with a GDB rider were “in the money.” A contract with a GLB rider is “in the money” if the policyholder’s account balance falls below the present value of GLB payments, assuming no full surrenders. As of September 30, 2025 and 2024, 12% and 13%, respectively, of all in-force contracts with a GLB rider were “in the money.” However, the only way the policyholder can realize the excess of the present value of benefits over the account balance of the contract is through a series of withdrawals or income payments that do not exceed a maximum amount. If, after the series of withdrawals or income payments, the account balance is exhausted, the policyholder will continue to receive a series of annuity payments. The account balance can also fluctuate with market returns on a daily basis resulting in increases or decreases in the excess of the present value of benefits over account balance.
Previous wording
MRBs are valued based on a stochastic projection of risk-neutral scenarios that incorporate a spread reflecting our non-performance risk. Ceded MRBs are valued based on a stochastic projection of risk-neutral scenarios that incorporate a spread reflecting our counterparties’ non-performance risk. The scenario assumptions, at each valuation date, are those we view to be appropriate for a hypothetical market participant and include assumptions for capital markets, lapse, benefit utilization, mortality, risk margin and administrative expenses. These assumptions are based on a combination of historical data and actuarial judgments. The assumption for our own non-performance risk and our counterparties’ non-performance risk for MRBs and ceded MRBs, respectively, are determined at each valuation date and reflect our risk and our counterparties’ risks of not fulfilling the obligations of the underlying liability. The spread for the non-performance risk is added to the discount rates used in determining the fair value from the net cash flows. We believe these assumptions are consistent with those that would be used by a market participant; however, as the related markets develop, we will continue to reassess our assumptions. During the third quarter of each year, we conduct our comprehensive review of the assumptions used in calculating the fair value of these MRBs and update these assumptions on a prospective basis as needed. We may also update these assumptions in other quarters as we become aware of information that is indicative of the need for such an update. For information on fair value inputs, see Note 13.
Current wording
MRBs are valued based on a stochastic projection of risk-neutral scenarios that incorporate a spread reflecting our non-performance risk. Ceded MRBs are valued based on a stochastic projection of risk-neutral scenarios that incorporate a spread reflecting our counterparties’ non-performance risk. The scenario assumptions, at each valuation date, are those we view to be appropriate for a hypothetical market participant and include assumptions for capital markets, lapse, benefit utilization, mortality, risk margin and administrative expenses. These assumptions are based on a combination of historical data and actuarial judgments. The assumption for our own non-performance risk and our counterparties’ non-performance risk for MRBs and ceded MRBs, respectively, are determined at each valuation date and reflect our risk and our counterparties’ risks of not fulfilling the obligations of the underlying liability. The spread for the non-performance risk is added to the discount rates used in determining the fair value from the net cash flows. We believe these assumptions are consistent with those that would be used by a market participant; however, as the related markets develop, we will continue to reassess our assumptions. During the third quarter of each year, we conduct our comprehensive review of the assumptions used in calculating the fair value of these MRBs and update these assumptions on a prospective basis as needed. We may also update these assumptions in other quarters as we become aware of information that is indicative of the need for such an update. For information on fair value inputs, see Note 13. See “Annual Assumption Review” below for more information.
Previous wording
Policyholder account balances include the contract value that has accrued to the benefit of the policyholder as of the balance sheet date. This liability includes universal life insurance (“UL”), MoneyGuard®, variable universal life insurance (“VUL”), indexed universal life insurance (“IUL”), investment-type annuity (including registered index-linked annuities (“RILA”), individual and group fixed and fixed portion of variable annuities, fixed indexed deferred annuities and non-life contingent payout fixed annuities) and funding agreement products where account balances are equal to deposits plus interest credited less withdrawals, surrender charges, asset-based fees and policyholder administration charges (collectively known as “policyholder assessments”), as well as amounts representing the fair value of embedded derivative instruments associated with our fixed indexed annuity and IUL products. During the third quarter of each year, we conduct our comprehensive review of the assumptions and projection models underlying our reserves and embedded derivatives and update assumptions as needed. We may also update these assumptions in other quarters as we become aware of information that is indicative of the need for such an update.
Current wording
Policyholder account balances include the contract value that has accrued to the benefit of the policyholder as of the balance sheet date. This liability includes universal life insurance (“UL”), MoneyGuard®, variable universal life insurance (“VUL”), indexed universal life insurance (“IUL”), investment-type annuity (including registered index-linked annuities (“RILA”)), individual and group fixed and fixed portion of variable annuities, fixed indexed deferred annuities and non-life contingent payout fixed annuities) and funding agreement products where account balances are equal to deposits plus interest credited less withdrawals, surrender charges, asset-based fees and policyholder administration charges (collectively known as “policyholder assessments”), as well as amounts representing the fair value of embedded derivative instruments associated with our fixed indexed annuity and IUL products. During the third quarter of each year, we conduct our comprehensive review of the assumptions and projection models underlying our reserves and embedded derivatives and update assumptions as needed. We may also update these assumptions in other quarters as we become aware of information that is indicative of the need for such an update. See “Annual Assumption Review” below for more information.
Previous wording
Reinsurance recoverables are generally measured and recognized consistent with the assumptions and methodologies used to project the future performance of the underlying direct business as discussed in the “Future Contract Benefits” and “Policyholder Account Balances” sections above. During the third quarter of each year, we conduct our comprehensive review of the assumptions and projection models and update assumptions as needed. In addition, we consider the potential impact of counterparty credit risks related to the reinsurance recoverable by estimating an allowance for credit losses using a probability of loss model approach to estimate expected credit losses for reinsurance recoverables. For additional information on our allowance for credit losses on reinsurance-related assets, see Note 7 in our 2024 Form 10-K.
Current wording
Reinsurance recoverables are generally measured and recognized consistent with the assumptions and methodologies used to project the future performance of the underlying direct business as discussed in the “Future Contract Benefits” and “Policyholder Account Balances” sections above. During the third quarter of each year, we conduct our comprehensive review of the assumptions and projection models and update assumptions as needed. See “Annual Assumption Review” below for more information. In addition, we consider the potential impact of counterparty credit risks related to the reinsurance recoverable by estimating an allowance for credit losses using a probability of loss model approach to estimate expected credit losses for reinsurance recoverables. For additional information on our allowance for credit losses on reinsurance-related assets, see Note 7 in our 2024 Form 10-K.
Previous wording
During the third quarter of each year, we conduct our comprehensive review of the assumptions and projection models used in estimating MRBs, our reserves and embedded derivatives. For more information on our comprehensive review, see Note 1 in our 2024 Form 10-K.
Current wording
During the third quarter of each year, we conduct our comprehensive review of the assumptions and projection models used in estimating MRBs, our reserves and embedded derivatives. For more information on our comprehensive review, see Note 1 in our 2024 Form 10-K. Details underlying the impact to net income (loss) from our annual assumption review (in millions) were as follows:
Previous wording
As of June 30, 2025, we had an approximate $1.9 billion deferred tax asset related to net unrealized losses on fixed maturity available-for-sale (“AFS”) securities. In the assessment of the future realizability of this deferred tax asset, management concluded that its tax planning strategies, including holding these securities to recovery, were prudent and feasible as these unrealized losses were caused by factors other than credit loss, and we have the intent and ability to hold these securities to recovery and collect all of the contractual cash flows.
Current wording
As of September 30, 2025, we had an approximate $1.7 billion deferred tax asset related to net unrealized losses on fixed maturity available-for-sale (“AFS”) securities. In the assessment of the future realizability of this deferred tax asset, management concluded that its tax planning strategies, including holding these securities to recovery, were prudent and feasible as these unrealized losses were caused by factors other than credit loss, and we have the intent and ability to hold these securities to recovery and collect all of the contractual cash flows.
Previous wording
(2)For the three months ended June 30, 2025 and 2024, includes changes in MRBs of $932 million and $126 million, respectively; changes in the fair value of the related hedge instruments inclusive of income allocated to support the cost of hedging or future benefits of $(595) million and $50 million, respectively; and changes in the fair value of the embedded derivative liabilities and the associated index options for our indexed annuity products of $68 million and $76 million, respectively. For the six months ended June 30, 2025 and 2024, includes changes in MRBs of $(370) million and $2,021 million, respectively; changes in the fair value of the related hedge instruments inclusive of income allocated to support the cost of hedging or future benefits of $(321) million and $(537) million, respectively; and changes in the fair value of the embedded derivative liabilities and the associated index options for our indexed annuity products of $4 million and $218 million, respectively.
Current wording
(1)For the three months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024, includes changes in MRBs of $337 million and $(666) million, respectively; changes in the fair value of the related hedge instruments inclusive of income allocated to support the cost of hedging or future benefits of $30 million and $188 million, respectively; and changes in the fair value of the embedded derivative liabilities and the associated index options for our indexed annuity products of $43 million and $97 million, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024, includes changes in MRBs of $(33) million and $1,354 million, respectively; changes in the fair value of the related hedge instruments inclusive of income allocated to support the cost of hedging or future benefits of $(307) million and $(350) million, respectively; and changes in the fair value of the embedded derivative liabilities and the associated index options for our indexed annuity products of $63 million and $315 million, respectively.
Previous wording
(3)Includes primarily changes in the fair value of the embedded derivative related to the fourth quarter 2023 reinsurance transaction. The coinsurance with funds withheld investment portfolio includes fixed maturity securities classified as AFS with changes in fair value recorded in OCI. Since the corresponding and offsetting changes in fair value of the embedded derivative related to the coinsurance with funds withheld investment portfolio are recorded in realized gain (loss), volatility can occur within net income (loss). See Note 7 for more information.
Current wording
(2)Includes primarily changes in the fair value of the embedded derivative related to the fourth quarter 2023 reinsurance transaction. The coinsurance with funds withheld investment portfolio includes fixed maturity securities classified as AFS with changes in fair value recorded in OCI. Since the corresponding and offsetting changes in fair value of the embedded derivative related to the coinsurance with funds withheld investment portfolio are recorded in realized gain (loss), volatility can occur within net income (loss). See Note 7 for more information.
Previous wording
(4)For information on the sale of our wealth management business, see Note 1 in our 2024 Form 10-K.
Current wording
(3)For information on the sale of our wealth management business, see Note 1 in our 2024 Form 10-K.
Previous wording
(5)Includes $(114) million for the six months ended June 30, 2024, primarily related to the settlement of cost of insurance litigation in the first quarter of 2024.
Current wording
(4)Includes certain legal accruals of $(9) million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025; and $(114) million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, primarily related to the settlement of cost of insurance litigation in the first quarter of 2024.
Previous wording
(6)Includes severance expense related to initiatives to realign the workforce of $(2) million and $(7) million for the three months ended June 30, 2025 and 2024, respectively, and $(8) million and $(56) million for the six months ended June 30, 2025 and 2024, respectively.
Current wording
(5)Includes severance expense related to initiatives to realign the workforce of $(5) million and $(16) million for the three months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024, respectively, and $(13) million and $(72) million for the nine months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024, respectively.
Previous wording
(7)Includes transaction, integration and other costs related to mergers, acquisitions, divestitures and certain other corporate initiatives for the three months ended June 30, 2025 and 2024, respectively, of $(18) million primarily related to the Bain Capital transaction and $(27) million related to the sale of our wealth management business; and for the six months ended June 30, 2025 and 2024, respectively, of $(38) million related to the Bain Capital transaction and the sale of our wealth management business and $(37) million primarily related to the sale of our wealth management business.
Current wording
(6)Includes transaction, integration and other costs related to mergers, acquisitions, divestitures and certain other corporate initiatives consisting of $(55) million of transaction costs related to restructuring certain captive reinsurance subsidiaries and $(22) million related to Life Insurance segment persistency optimization for the three months ended September 30, 2025; $(2) million related to the sale of our wealth management business for the three months ended September 30, 2024; for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, includes $(55) million of transaction costs related to restructuring certain captive reinsurance subsidiaries, $(22) million related to Life Insurance segment persistency optimization, $(20) million related to the sale of our wealth management business and $(18) million primarily related to the Bain Capital transaction; for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, includes $(39) million primarily related to the sale of our wealth management business.
Previous wording
(8)Includes deferred compensation mark-to-market adjustment of $1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2025 and 2024, and $(8) million and $(12) million for the six months ended June 30, 2025 and 2024, respectively.
Current wording
(7)Includes deferred compensation mark-to-market adjustment of $(14) million and $(1) million for the three months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024, respectively, and $(22) million and $(13) million for the nine months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024, respectively.
Previous wording
(9)Includes gains (losses) on early extinguishment of debt of $94 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2025.
Current wording
(8)Includes gains on early extinguishment of debt of $94 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2025.
Previous wording
•Higher gain in net annuity product features driven by the impact of capital markets.
Current wording
•Gain in net annuity product features in 2025 compared to loss in 2024 driven by the impact of capital markets.
Previous wording
•Less favorable changes in the fair value of reinsurance-related embedded derivatives, trading securities and certain mortgage loans driven by the fair value of the embedded derivative related to the fourth quarter 2023 reinsurance transaction.
Current wording
•Lower unfavorable changes in the fair value of reinsurance-related embedded derivatives, trading securities and certain mortgage loans driven by the fair value of the embedded derivative related to the fourth quarter 2023 reinsurance transaction.
Previous wording
•Lower loss in net life insurance product features driven by change in the fair value of hedges associated with VUL products attributable to the impact of capital markets.
Current wording
•Lower loss in net life insurance product features driven by the change in the fair value of hedges associated with VUL products attributable to the impact of capital markets.
Previous wording
•Lower investment losses driven by lower losses on fixed maturity AFS securities.
Current wording
•Lower investment losses driven by gains in 2025 on certain investments associated with the fourth quarter 2023 reinsurance transaction compared to losses in 2024 and lower realized losses on certain investments.
Previous wording
The decrease in net income was partially offset by the following:
Current wording
The increase in net income was partially offset by the following:
Previous wording
•Unfavorable changes in the fair value of reinsurance-related embedded derivatives, trading securities and certain mortgage loans in 2025 compared to favorable changes in 2024 driven by the fair value of the embedded derivative related to the fourth quarter 2023 reinsurance transaction.
Current wording
•Higher unfavorable changes in the fair value of reinsurance-related embedded derivatives, trading securities and certain mortgage loans driven by the fair value of the embedded derivative related to the fourth quarter 2023 reinsurance transaction.
Previous wording
•Loss in net life insurance product features in 2025 compared to gain in 2024 driven by change in the fair value of hedges associated with VUL products attributable to the impact of capital markets.
Current wording
•Lower loss in net life insurance product features driven by the change in the fair value of hedges associated with VUL products attributable to the impact of capital markets.
Previous wording
•Net favorable other items in 2025 compared to net unfavorable in 2024 driven by gain on extinguishment of debt in 2025 and settlement of cost of reinsurance litigation in 2024.
Current wording
•Lower net unfavorable other items driven by gain on extinguishment of debt in 2025 and settlement of cost of reinsurance litigation in 2024, partially offset by transaction costs related to restructuring certain captive reinsurance subsidiaries and persistency optimization in our Life Insurance segment in 2025.
Previous wording
•Improvement in our total loss ratio in our Group Protection segment.
Current wording
•Improvement in our total loss ratio in our Group Protection segment and growth in average account balances.
Previous wording
(1)Insurance premiums include primarily our income annuities that have a corresponding offset in benefits. Benefits include primarily changes in income annuity reserves driven by insurance premiums.
Current wording
(1)Insurance premiums include primarily our income annuities that have a corresponding offset in benefits and policyholder liability remeasurement. Benefits and policyholder liability remeasurement include primarily changes in income annuity reserves driven by insurance premiums.
Previous wording
(2)Consists primarily of revenues attributable to broker-dealer services, which are subject to market volatility and have a comparable offset in commissions and other expenses; and the net settlement related to certain reinsurance transactions, which has a corresponding offset in net investment income and interest credited. During the second quarter of 2024, we closed the sale of our wealth management business. For more information, see Note 1 in our 2024 Form 10-K.
Current wording
(2)Consists primarily of revenues attributable to the net settlement related to certain reinsurance transactions, which has a corresponding offset in net investment income and interest credited; and broker-dealer services, which are subject to market volatility and have a comparable offset in commissions and other expenses. During the second quarter of 2024, we closed the sale of our wealth management business. For more information, see Note 1 in our 2024 Form 10-K.
Previous wording
•Higher commissions and other expenses, net of broker-dealer expenses, driven by higher other costs pertaining to business operations and higher deferred acquisition costs (“DAC”) amortization.
Current wording
•Higher commissions and other expenses, driven by the impact from our annual assumption review and higher deferred acquisition costs (“DAC”) amortization.
Previous wording
•Lower net investment income, net of interest credited, which more than offset impacts from higher average general account balances, improving portfolio yields from the current interest rate environment and higher investment income within our surplus portfolio. The lower net investment income, net of interest credited, was experienced in certain reinsured portfolios that have a corresponding increase in other revenues.
Current wording
•Lower net investment income, net of interest credited, in certain reinsured portfolios and lower investment income within our surplus portfolio, which more than offset impacts from higher average general account balances and improving portfolio yields from the current interest rate environment. The lower net investment income, net of interest credited in certain reinsured portfolios had a corresponding increase in other revenues.
Previous wording
•Lower federal income tax expense due to unfavorable separate account dividends-received deduction true-ups in 2024.
Current wording
•Lower federal income tax expense due to more unfavorable separate account dividends-received deduction true-ups in 2024.
Previous wording
•Higher commissions and other expenses, net of broker-dealer expenses, driven by higher DAC amortization and higher other costs pertaining to business operations.
Current wording
•Higher commissions and other expenses, net of broker-dealer expenses, driven by higher DAC amortizationand the impact from our annual assumption review.
Previous wording
•Lower net investment income, net of interest credited, which more than offset impacts from higher average general account balances, improving portfolio yields from the current interest rate environment and higher investment income within our surplus portfolio. The lower net investment income, net of interest credited, was experienced in certain reinsured portfolios that have a corresponding increase in other revenues.
Current wording
•Lower net investment income, net of interest credited, in certain reinsured portfolios and lower investment income within our surplus portfolio, which more than offset impacts from higher average general account balances and improving portfolio yields from the current interest rate environment. The lower net investment income, net of interest credited, in certain reinsured portfolios had a corresponding increase in other revenues.
Previous wording
The other component of net flows relates to the retention of new business and account balances. An important measure of retention is the reduction in account balances caused by full surrenders, deaths and other contract benefits. These outflows as a percentage of average gross account balances were 11% for thethree and six months ended June 30, 2025, and 10% and 11%, respectively, for the corresponding periods in 2024.
Current wording
The other component of net flows relates to the retention of new business and account balances. An important measure of retention is the reduction in account balances caused by full surrenders, deaths and other contract benefits. These outflows as a percentage of average gross account balances were 11% for thethree and nine months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024.
Previous wording
(1)Includes term insurance premiums, which have a corresponding partial offset in benefits for changes in reserves. The decrease in insurance premiums in the second quarter of 2025 was driven by the expiration of a 10-year assumed reinsurance treaty in the first quarter of 2025, which has a corresponding offset in benefits.
Current wording
(1)Includes term insurance premiums, which have a corresponding partial offset in benefits and policyholder liability remeasurement for changes in reserves. The decrease in insurance premiums in the third quarter of 2025 was driven by the expiration of a 10-year assumed reinsurance treaty in the first quarter of 2025, which has a corresponding offset in benefits and policyholder liability remeasurement.
Previous wording
Comparison of the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2025 to 2024
Current wording
Comparison of the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2025 to 2024
Previous wording
The decrease in income from operations was partially offset by policyholder liability remeasurement gain in 2025 compared to a loss in 2024 driven by more favorable experience on income annuities than expected.
Current wording
Income from operations for this segment increased due primarily to the following:
Previous wording
The increase in income from operations for this segment was partially offset by higher benefits driven by aging of the block, partially offset by improved mortality due to lower claims incidence.
Current wording
The increase in income from operations for this segment was partially offset by higher benefits and policyholder liability remeasurement driven by the impact from our annual assumption review and aging of the block, partially offset by improved mortality due to lower claims incidence.
Showing the first 40 of 83 pairs. Open the source sections for the rest.
Rearranged current paragraphs (8)
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
For information on interest rate spreads and interest rate risk, see “Part I – Item 1A. Risk Factors – Market Conditions – Changes in interest rates and sustained low interest rates may cause interest rate spreads to decrease, impacting our profitability, and make it more challenging to meet certain statutory requirements,” “Part I – Item 1A. Risk Factors – Market Conditions – Increases in interest rates and sustained high interest rates may negatively affect our profitability, capital position and the value of our investment portfolio and may also result in increased contract withdrawals and surrenders” and “Part II – Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk – Interest Rate Risk” in our 2024 Form 10-K. For information on the interest rate environment, see “Part II – Item 7. Management’s
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Introduction – Executive Summary – Industry Trends – Interest Rate Environment” in our 2024 Form 10-K.
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
Comparison of the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2025 to 2024
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
Income from operations for this segment increased due primarily to the following:
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
•Higher fee income driven by higher average daily separate account balances.
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
(2)Represents net investment income on the required statutory surplus for this segment and includes the effect of investment income on alternative investments for such assets that are held in the portfolios supporting statutory surplus versus the portfolios supporting product liabilities. See “Consolidated Investments – Alternative Investments” below for more information on alternative investments.
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
•Higher other expenses associated with other costs pertaining to business operations.
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
(1)Does not include the amortized cost of trading securities totaling $54 million that primarily support our reinsurance funds withheld and modified coinsurance agreements because investment results for these agreements are passed directly to the reinsurers. The $54 million in trading securities consisted of $15 million agency and $39 million non-agency.
Rearranged previous paragraphs (17)
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
•Net favorable other items in 2025 compared to net unfavorable in 2024 driven by gain on extinguishment of debt in 2025.
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
Net income decreased due primarily to the following:
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
•Gain on other non-financial assets in 2024 due to the sale of our wealth management business.
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
•Improvement in our total loss ratio in our Group Protection segment.
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
•Higher investment income on alternative investments.
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
The increase in income from operations was partially offset by the following:
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
•Higher net investment income, net of interest credited, driven by higher investment income on alternative investments.
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
•Higher net investment income, net of interest credited, driven by higher investment income on alternative investments.
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
For information on interest rate spreads and interest rate risk, see “Part I – Item 1A. Risk Factors – Market Conditions – Changes in interest rates and sustained low interest rates may cause interest rate spreads to decrease, impacting our profitability, and make it more challenging to meet certain statutory requirements,” “Part I – Item 1A. Risk Factors – Market Conditions – Increases in interest rates and sustained high interest rates may negatively affect our profitability, capital position and the value of our investment portfolio and may also result in increased contract withdrawals and surrenders” and “Part II – Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk – Interest Rate Risk” in our 2024 Form 10-K. For information on the interest rate environment, see “Part II – Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Introduction – Executive Summary – Industry Trends – Interest Rate Environment” in our 2024 Form 10-K.
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
(2) See “Consolidated Investments – Alternative Investments” below for additional information.
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
The increase in income from operations was partially offset by the following:
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
•Higher commissions and other expenses driven by higher trail commissions resulting from higher average daily separate account balances.
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
•Higher other revenues due to the effect of market fluctuations on assets held as part of certain compensation plans.
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
During the second quarter of 2024, The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company (“LNL”) made a $929 million extraordinary dividend
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
During the second quarter of 2024, LNC contributed $929 million of investments and $22 million in cash to LPINE, a wholly owned
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
subsidiary of LNC and a licensed Bermuda-based life and annuity reinsurance company, in support of an inter-company reinsurance
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
Details underlying our debt activities (in millions) for the six months ended June 30, 2025, were as follows: