LINCOLN NATIONAL CORP

1. Nature of Operations, Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Nature of Operations

Lincoln National Corporation and its subsidiaries (“LNC” or the “Company,” which also may be referred to as “we,” “our” or “us”) operate multiple insurance businesses through four business segments: Annuities, Life Insurance, Group Protection and Retirement Plan Services. In addition, we include financial results for operations that are not directly related to our business segments in Other Operations. The collective group of businesses uses “Lincoln Financial” as its marketing identity. Through our business segments, we sell a wide range of wealth accumulation, wealth protection, group protection and retirement products and solutions. These products primarily include variable annuities, fixed annuities (including indexed), registered index-linked annuities (“RILA”), universal life insurance (“UL”), variable universal life insurance (“VUL”), linked-benefit UL and VUL, indexed universal life insurance (“IUL”), term life insurance, group life, disability and dental and employer-sponsored retirement plans and services. For more information on our segments and the products and solutions we provide, see Note 19.

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with United States of America generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). Certain GAAP policies, which significantly affect the determination of financial condition, results of operations and cash flows, are summarized below.

Certain amounts presented in the consolidated financial statements for prior year periods in this report have been reclassified to conform to the presentation adopted in the current year.

Effective in the third quarter of 2025, we reclassified the investments in company-owned life insurance (“COLI”) from other assets to other investments on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and the associated income statement activity from other revenues to net investment income on the Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income (Loss), which had no impact to total assets, total stockholders’ equity, total net income (loss) or net cash provided by (used in) investing activities in any such prior year period presented in this report.

We present disaggregated disclosures in the Notes below for long-duration insurance balances, applying the level of aggregation by segment as follows:

The variable annuities level of aggregation includes RILA products, which are indexed variable annuities. The fixed annuities level of aggregation represents deferred fixed annuities. We have excluded amounts reported in Other Operations from our disaggregated disclosures that are attributable to the indemnity reinsurance agreements with Protective Life Insurance Company (“Protective”) and Swiss Re Life & Health America, Inc (“Swiss Re”) as these contracts are fully reinsured, run-off institutional pension business in the form of group annuity and the results of certain disability income business.

Sale of Wealth Management Business

On May 6, 2024, we closed the sale of all of the ownership interests in the subsidiaries of the Company that comprise the Company’s wealth management business to Osaic Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Osaic”), pursuant to the Stock Purchase Agreement entered into between LNC and Osaic on December 14, 2023 (the “Agreement”). Pursuant to the Agreement, the Company sold its ownership interests in the following subsidiaries: Lincoln Financial Securities Corporation, Lincoln Financial Advisors Corporation, California Fringe Benefit and Insurance Marketing Corporation, LFA, Limited Liability Company and LFA Management Corporation (collectively, the “Wealth Management Business”). We received $723 million in cash, inclusive of a post-closing adjustment, and recognized a $544 million pre-tax realized gain for the year ended December 31, 2024, net of transaction expenses. Transaction expenses for the year ended December 31, 2024, of $38 million were reported in commissions and other expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss). For more information, see Note 20.

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Principles of Consolidation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of LNC and all other entities in which we have a controlling financial interest and any variable interest entities (“VIEs”) in which we are the primary beneficiary. We use the equity method of accounting to recognize all of our investments in limited partnerships (“LPs”). All material inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Our involvement with VIEs is primarily to invest in assets that allow us to gain exposure to a broadly diversified portfolio of asset classes. A VIE is an entity that does not have sufficient equity to finance its own activities without additional financial support or where investors lack certain characteristics of a controlling financial interest. We assess our contractual, ownership or other interests in a VIE to determine if our interest participates in the variability the VIE was designed to absorb and pass onto variable interest holders. We perform an ongoing qualitative assessment of our variable interests in VIEs to determine whether we have a controlling financial interest and would therefore be considered the primary beneficiary of the VIE. If we determine we are the primary beneficiary of a VIE, we consolidate the assets and liabilities of the VIE in the consolidated financial statements.

Accounting Estimates and Assumptions

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions affecting the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses for the reporting period. In applying these estimates and assumptions, management makes subjective and complex judgments that frequently require assumptions about matters that are uncertain and inherently subject to change. Actual results could differ from these estimates and assumptions. Included among the material (or potentially material) reported amounts and disclosures that require use of estimates are: fair value of certain financial assets, derivatives, allowances for credit losses, MRBs, future contract benefits, income taxes including the recoverability of our deferred tax assets and the potential effects of resolving litigated matters.

Business Combinations

We use the acquisition method of accounting for all business combination transactions, and accordingly, recognize the fair values of assets acquired, liabilities assumed and any noncontrolling interests in the consolidated financial statements. The allocation of fair values may be subject to adjustment after the initial allocation for up to a one-year period as more information becomes available relative to the fair values as of the acquisition date. The consolidated financial statements include the results of operations of any acquired company since the acquisition date.

Fair Value Measurement

Our measurement of fair value is based on assumptions used by market participants in pricing the asset or liability, which may include inherent risk, restrictions on the sale or use of an asset or non-performance risk, which would include our own credit risk. Our estimate of an exchange price is the price in an orderly transaction between market participants to sell the asset or transfer the liability (“exit price”) in the principal market, or the most advantageous market in the absence of a principal market, for that asset or liability, as opposed to the price that would be paid to acquire the asset or receive a liability (“entry price”). Pursuant to the Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures Topic of the Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification TM, we categorize our financial instruments carried at fair value into a three-level fair value hierarchy, based on the priority of inputs to the respective valuation technique. The three-level hierarchy for fair value measurement is defined as follows:

•Level 1 – inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices available in active markets for identical investments as of the reporting date, except for large holdings subject to “blockage discounts” that are excluded;

•Level 2 – inputs to the valuation methodology are other than quoted prices in active markets, which are either directly or indirectly observable as of the reporting date, and fair value can be determined through the use of models or other valuation methodologies; and

•Level 3 – inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable inputs in situations where there is little or no market activity for the asset or liability, and we make estimates and assumptions related to the pricing of the asset or liability, including assumptions regarding risk.

In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, the level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Our assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment and considers factors specific to the investment.

When a determination is made to classify an asset or liability within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy, the determination is based upon the significance of the unobservable inputs to the overall fair value measurement. Because certain securities trade in less liquid or illiquid markets with limited or no pricing information, the determination of fair value for these securities is inherently more difficult. However, Level 3 fair value investments may include, in addition to the unobservable or Level 3 inputs, observable components, which are components that are actively quoted or can be validated to market-based sources.

Fixed Maturity Available-For-Sale Securities – Fair Valuation Methodologies and Associated Inputs

Securities classified as available-for-sale (“AFS”) consist of fixed maturity securities and are stated at fair value with unrealized gains and losses included within accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (“AOCI”).

We measure the fair value of our securities classified as fixed maturity AFS based on assumptions used by market participants in pricing the security. The most appropriate valuation methodology is selected based on the specific characteristics of the fixed maturity security, and we consistently apply the valuation methodology to measure the security’s fair value. Our fair value measurement is based on a market approach that utilizes prices and other relevant information generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable securities. Sources of inputs to the market approach primarily include third-party pricing services, independent broker quotations or pricing matrices. We do not adjust prices received from third parties; however, we do analyze the third-party pricing services’ valuation methodologies and related inputs and perform additional evaluation to determine the appropriate level within the fair value hierarchy.

The observable and unobservable inputs to our valuation methodologies are based on a set of standard inputs that we generally use to evaluate all of our fixed maturity AFS securities. Observable inputs include benchmark yields, reported trades, broker-dealer quotes, issuer spreads, two-sided markets, benchmark securities, bids, offers and reference data. In addition, market indicators, industry and economic events are monitored, and further market data is acquired if certain triggers are met. For certain security types, additional inputs may be used, or some of the inputs described above may not be applicable. For private placement securities, we use pricing matrices that utilize observable pricing inputs of similar public securities and Treasury yields as inputs to the fair value measurement. Depending on the type of security or the daily market activity, standard inputs may be prioritized differently or may not be available for all fixed maturity AFS securities on any given day. For broker-quoted only securities, non-binding quotes from market makers or broker-dealers are obtained from sources recognized as market participants. For securities trading in less liquid or illiquid markets with limited or no pricing information, we use unobservable inputs to measure fair value.

The following summarizes our fair valuation methodologies and associated inputs, which are particular to the specified security type and are in addition to the defined standard inputs to our valuation methodologies for all of our fixed maturity AFS securities discussed above:

•Corporate bonds and U.S. government bonds – We also use Trade Reporting and Compliance Engine TM reported tables for our corporate bonds and vendor trading platform data for our U.S. government bonds.

•Mortgage- and asset-backed securities (“ABS”) – We also utilize additional inputs, which include new issues data, monthly payment information and monthly collateral performance, including prepayments, severity, delinquencies, step-down features and over collateralization features for each of our mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”), which include collateralized mortgage obligations and mortgage pass through securities backed by residential mortgages (“RMBS”), commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”) and collateralized loan obligations (“CLOs”).

•State and municipal bonds – We also use additional inputs that include information from the Municipal Securities Rule Making Board, as well as material event notices, new issue data, issuer financial statements and Municipal Market Data benchmark yields for our state and municipal bonds.

•Hybrid and redeemable preferred securities – We also utilize additional inputs of exchange prices (underlying and common stock of the same issuer) for our hybrid and redeemable preferred securities.

In order to validate the pricing information and broker-dealer quotes, we employ, where possible, procedures that include comparisons with similar observable positions, comparisons with subsequent sales and observations of general market movements for those security classes. We have policies and procedures in place to review the process that is utilized by our third-party pricing service and the output that is provided to us by the pricing service. On a periodic basis, we test the pricing for a sample of securities to evaluate the inputs and assumptions used by the pricing service, and we perform a comparison of the pricing service output to an alternative pricing source. We also evaluate prices provided by our primary pricing service to ensure that they are not stale or unreasonable by reviewing the prices for unusual changes from period to period based on certain parameters or for lack of change from one period to the next.

Fixed Maturity AFS Securities – Evaluation for Recovery of Amortized Cost

We regularly review our fixed maturity AFS securities (also referred to as “debt securities”) for declines in fair value that we determine to be impairment-related, including those attributable to credit risk factors that may require a credit loss allowance.

For our debt securities, we generally consider the following to determine whether our debt securities with unrealized losses are credit impaired:

•The estimated range and average period until recovery;

•The estimated range and average holding period to maturity;

•Remaining payment terms of the security;

•Current delinquencies and nonperforming assets of underlying collateral;

•Expected future default rates;

•Collateral value by vintage, geographic region, industry concentration or property type;

•Subordination levels or other credit enhancements as of the balance sheet date as compared to origination; and

•Contractual and regulatory cash obligations.

For a debt security, if we intend to sell a security, or it is more likely than not we will be required to sell a debt security before recovery of its amortized cost basis and the fair value of the debt security is below amortized cost, we conclude that an impairment has occurred and the amortized cost is written down to current fair value, with a corresponding charge to realized gain (loss) on the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss). For debt securities where impairment has been recognized, the difference between the new amortized cost basis and the cash flows expected to be collected are accreted as interest income and recognized in net investment income on the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss). If we do not intend to sell a debt security, or it is not more likely than not we will be required to sell a debt security before recovery of its amortized cost basis but the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected is less than the amortized cost of the debt security (referred to as the credit loss), we conclude that an impairment has occurred, and a credit loss allowance is recorded, with a corresponding charge to realized gain (loss) on the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss). The remainder of the decline to fair value related to factors other than credit loss is recorded in other comprehensive income (“OCI”) to unrealized losses on fixed maturity AFS securities on the Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity, as this amount is considered a noncredit impairment.

When assessing our intent to sell a debt security, or if it is more likely than not we will be required to sell a debt security before recovery of its cost basis, we evaluate facts and circumstances such as, but not limited to, decisions to reposition our security portfolio, sales of securities to meet cash flow needs and sales of securities to capitalize on favorable pricing. Management considers the following as part of the evaluation:

•The current economic environment and market conditions;

•Our business strategy and current business plans;

•The nature and type of security, including expected maturities and exposure to general credit, liquidity, market and interest rate risk;

•Our analysis of data from financial models and other internal and industry sources to evaluate the current effectiveness of our hedging and overall risk management strategies;

•The current and expected timing of contractual maturities of our assets and liabilities, expectations of prepayments on investments and expectations for surrenders and withdrawals of annuity contracts and life insurance policies;

•The capital risk limits approved by management; and

•Our current financial condition and liquidity demands.

In order to determine the amount of the credit loss for a debt security, we calculate the recovery value by performing a discounted cash flow analysis based on the current cash flows and future cash flows we expect to recover. The discount rate is the effective interest rate implicit in the underlying debt security. The effective interest rate is the original yield, or the coupon if the debt security was previously impaired. See the discussion below for additional information on the methodology and significant inputs, by security type, that we use to determine the amount of a credit loss.

To determine the recovery period of a debt security, we consider the facts and circumstances surrounding the underlying issuer including, but not limited to, the following:

•Historical and implied volatility of the security;

•The extent to which the fair value has been less than amortized cost;

•Adverse conditions specifically related to the security or to specific conditions in an industry or geographic area;

•Failure, if any, of the issuer of the security to make scheduled payments; and

•Recoveries or additional declines in fair value subsequent to the balance sheet date.

In periods subsequent to the recognition of a credit loss impairment through a credit loss allowance, we continue to reassess the expected cash flows of the debt security at each subsequent measurement date as necessary. If the measurement of credit loss changes, we recognize a provision for (or reversal of) credit loss expense through realized gain (loss) on the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss), limited by the amount that amortized cost exceeds fair value. Losses are charged against the allowance for credit losses when management believes the uncollectibility of a debt security is confirmed or when either of the criteria regarding intent or requirement to sell is met. Accrued interest on debt securities is written-off through net investment income on the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) when deemed uncollectible.

To determine the recovery value of a corporate bond or CLO, we perform additional analysis related to the underlying issuer including, but not limited to, the following:

•Fundamentals of the issuer to determine what we would recover if they were to file bankruptcy versus the price at which the market is trading;

•Fundamentals of the industry in which the issuer operates;

•Earnings multiples for the given industry or sector of an industry that the underlying issuer operates within, divided by the outstanding debt to determine an expected recovery value of the security in the case of a liquidation;

•Expected cash flows of the issuer (e.g., whether the issuer has cash flows in excess of what is required to fund its operations);

•Expectations regarding defaults and recovery rates;

•Changes to the rating of the security by a rating agency; and

•Additional market information (e.g., if there has been a replacement of the corporate debt security).

Each quarter, we review the cash flows for the MBS portfolio, including current credit enhancements and trends in the underlying collateral performance to determine whether or not they are sufficient to provide for the recovery of our amortized cost. To determine recovery value of a MBS, we perform additional analysis related to the underlying issuer including, but not limited to, the following:

•Discounted cash flow analysis based on the current cash flows and future cash flows we expect to recover;

•Level of borrower creditworthiness of the home equity loans or residential mortgages that back an RMBS or commercial mortgages that back a CMBS;

•Susceptibility to fair value fluctuations for changes in the interest rate environment;

•Susceptibility to reinvestment risks, in cases where market yields are lower than the securities’ book yield earned;

•Susceptibility to reinvestment risks, in cases where market yields are higher than the book yields earned on a security;

•Expectations of sale of such a security where market yields are higher than the book yields earned on a security; and

•Susceptibility to variability of prepayments.

When evaluating MBS and mortgage-related ABS, we consider a number of pool-specific factors as well as market level factors when determining whether or not the impairment on the security requires a credit loss allowance. The most important factor is the performance of the underlying collateral in the security and the trends of that performance in the prior periods. We use this information about the collateral to forecast the timing and rate of mortgage loan defaults, including making projections for loans that are already delinquent and for those loans that are currently performing but may become delinquent in the future. Other factors used in this analysis include the credit characteristics of borrowers, geographic distribution of underlying loans and timing of liquidations by state. Once default rates and timing assumptions are determined, we then make assumptions regarding the severity of a default if it were to occur. Factors that impact the severity assumption include expectations for future home price appreciation or depreciation, loan size, first lien versus second lien, existence of loan level private mortgage insurance, type of occupancy and geographic distribution of loans. Once default and severity assumptions are determined for the security in question, cash flows for the underlying collateral are projected including expected defaults and prepayments. These cash flows on the collateral are then translated to cash flows on our tranche based on the cash flow waterfall of the entire capital security structure. If this analysis indicates the entire principal on a particular security will not be returned, the security is reviewed for a credit loss by comparing the expected cash flows to amortized cost. To the extent that the security has already been impaired through a credit loss allowance or was purchased at a discount, such that the amortized cost of the security is less than or equal to the present value of cash flows expected to be collected, no credit loss allowance is required. Otherwise, if the amortized cost of the security is greater than the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected, and the security was not purchased at a discount greater than the expected principal loss, then an impairment through a credit loss allowance is recognized.

We further monitor the cash flows of all of our debt securities backed by mortgages on an ongoing basis. We also perform detailed analysis on all of our subprime, Alt-A, non-agency residential MBS and on a significant percentage of our debt securities backed by pools of commercial mortgages. The detailed analysis includes revising projected cash flows by updating the cash flows for actual cash received and applying assumptions with respect to expected defaults, foreclosures and recoveries in the future. These revised projected cash flows are then compared to the amount of credit enhancement (subordination) in the structure to determine whether the amortized cost of the security is recoverable. If it is not recoverable, we record an impairment through a credit loss allowance for the security.

Trading securities consist of fixed maturity securities in designated portfolios, some of which support modified coinsurance and coinsurance with funds withheld reinsurance agreements. Investment results for the portfolios that support modified coinsurance and coinsurance with funds withheld reinsurance agreements, including gains and losses from sales, are passed directly to the reinsurers pursuant to contractual terms of the reinsurance agreements. Trading securities are carried at fair value, and changes in fair value and changes in the fair value of embedded derivative liabilities associated with the underlying reinsurance agreements are recorded in realized gain (loss) on the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) as they occur.

Equity Securities

Equity securities are carried at fair value, and changes in fair value are recorded in realized gain (loss) on the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) as they occur. Equity securities consist primarily of common stock of publicly-traded companies, privately placed securities, mutual fund shares and closed-end funds. We measure the fair value of our equity securities based on assumptions used by market participants in pricing the security. The most appropriate valuation methodology is selected based on the specific characteristics of the equity security. Fair values of publicly-traded equity securities are determined using quoted prices in active markets for identical or comparable securities. When quoted prices are not available, we use valuation methodologies most appropriate for the specific asset. Fair values for private placement securities are determined using discounted cash flow, earnings multiple and other valuation models. The fair values of mutual fund shares that transact regularly are based on transaction prices of identical fund shares. The fair value of unconsolidated sponsored closed-end funds is determined using the net asset value (“NAV”) of the fund. The NAV of the fund represents the price at which we would be able to initiate a transaction

Mortgage loans on real estate consist of commercial and residential mortgage loans and are generally carried at unpaid principal balances adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts and are net of allowance for credit losses. We carry certain mortgage loans associated with modified coinsurance agreements at fair value where the fair value option has been elected. Interest income is accrued on the principal balance of the loan based on the loan’s contractual interest rate. Premiums and discounts are amortized using the effective yield method over the life of the loan. Interest income and amortization of premiums and discounts are reported in net investment income on the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) along with mortgage loan fees, which are recorded as they are incurred.

Our policy for commercial mortgage loans is to report loans that are 60 or more days past due, which equates totwo or more payments missed, as delinquent. Our policy for residential mortgage loans is to report loans that are 90 or more days past due, which equates tothree or more payments missed, as delinquent. We do not accrue interest on loans 90 days past due, and any interest received on these loans is either applied to the principal or recorded in net investment income on the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) when received, depending on the assessment of the collectability of the loan. When a loan is placed on non-accrual status, uncollected past due accrued interest income that is considered uncollectible is charged off against net investment income. We resume accruing interest once a loan complies with all of its original terms or restructured terms. Mortgage loans deemed uncollectible are charged against the allowance for credit losses, and subsequent recoveries, if any, are likewise credited to the allowance for credit losses.

In connection with our recognition of an allowance for credit losses for mortgage loans on real estate, we perform a quantitative analysis using a probability of default/loss given default/exposure at default approach to estimate expected credit losses in our mortgage loan portfolio as well as unfunded commitments related to commercial mortgage loans, exclusive of certain mortgage loans held at fair value. Our model estimates expected credit losses over the contractual terms of the loans, which are the periods over which we are exposed to credit risk, adjusted for expected prepayments. Credit loss estimates are segmented by commercial mortgage loans, residential mortgage loans, and unfunded commitments related to commercial mortgage loans.

The allowance for credit losses for pooled loans of similar risk (i.e., commercial and residential mortgage loans) is estimated using relevant historical credit loss information adjusted for current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts of future conditions. Historical credit loss experience provides the basis for the estimation of expected credit losses with adjustments for differences in current loan-specific risk characteristics, such as differences in underwriting standards, portfolio mix, delinquency level, or term lengths as well as adjustments for changes in environmental conditions, such as unemployment rates, property values, or other factors that management deems relevant. We apply probability weights to the positive, base and adverse scenarios we use. For periods beyond our reasonable and supportable forecast, we use implicit mean reversion over the remaining life of the recoverable, meaning our model will inherently revert to the baseline scenario as the baseline is representative of the historical average over a longer period of time.

Loans are considered impaired when it is probable that, based upon current information and events, we will be unable to collect all amounts due under the contractual terms of the loan agreement. When we determine that a loan is impaired, a specific credit loss allowance is established for the excess carrying value of the loan over its estimated value. The loan’s estimated value is based on: the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate; the loan’s observable market price; or the fair value of the loan’s collateral.

Allowance for credit losses are maintained at a level we believe is adequate to absorb current expected lifetime credit losses. Our periodic evaluation of the adequacy of the allowance for credit losses is based on historical loss experience, known and inherent risks in the portfolio, adverse situations that may affect the borrower’s ability to repay (including the timing of future payments), the estimated value of the underlying collateral, composition of the loan portfolio, current economic conditions, reasonable and supportable forecasts about the future and other relevant factors.

Mortgage loans on real estate are presented net of the allowance for credit losses on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Changes in the allowance are reported in realized gain (loss) on the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss). Mortgage loans on real estate deemed uncollectible are charged against the allowance for credit losses, and subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance for credit losses, limited to the aggregate of amounts previously charged off and expected to be charged off.

Our commercial loan portfolio is primarily comprised of long-term loans secured by existing commercial real estate. We believe all of the commercial loans in our portfolio share three primary risks: borrower credit worthiness; sustainability of the cash flow of the property; and market risk; therefore, our methods of monitoring and assessing credit risk are consistent for our entire portfolio.

We review each loan individually in our commercial mortgage loan portfolio on an annual basis to identify emerging risks. We primarily focus on properties that experienced a reduction in debt-service coverage or occupancy, as well as properties that have significant tenant rollover risk. We also focus on other qualitative trends, including historical loan performance, investment in the property and borrower behavior. Where warranted, we establish or increase a credit loss allowance for a specific loan based upon this analysis.

We measure and assess the credit quality of our commercial mortgage loans by using loan-to-value (“LTV”) and debt-service coverage ratios. The LTV ratio compares the principal amount of the loan to the fair value at origination of the underlying property collateralizing the loan and is commonly expressed as a percentage. LTV ratios greater than 100% indicate that the principal amount is greater than the collateral value. Therefore, all else being equal, a lower LTV ratio generally indicates a higher quality loan. The debt-service coverage ratio compares a property’s net operating income to its debt-service payments. Debt-service coverage ratios of less than 1.0 indicate that property operations do not generate enough income to cover its current debt payments. Therefore, all else being equal, a higher debt-service coverage ratio generally indicates a higher quality loan. These credit quality metrics are monitored and reviewed at least annually.

We have off-balance sheet commitments related to commercial mortgage loans. As such, an allowance for credit losses is developed based on the commercial mortgage loan process outlined above, along with an internally developed conversion factor.

Our residential loan portfolio is primarily comprised of first lien mortgages secured by existing residential real estate. In contrast to the commercial mortgage loan portfolio, residential mortgage loans are primarily smaller-balance homogenous loans that share similar risk characteristics. Therefore, these pools of loans are collectively evaluated for inherent credit losses. Such evaluations consider numerous factors, including, but not limited to borrower credit scores, collateral values, loss forecasts, geographic location, delinquency rates and economic trends. These evaluations and assessments are revised as conditions change and new information becomes available, including updated forecasts, which can cause the allowance for credit losses to increase or decrease over time as such evaluations are revised. Generally, residential mortgage loan pools exclude loans that are nonperforming, as those loans are evaluated individually using the evaluation framework for specific allowance for credit losses described above.

For residential mortgage loans, our primary credit quality indicator is whether the loan is performing or nonperforming. We generally define nonperforming residential mortgage loans as those that are 90 or more days past due and/or in nonaccrual status. There is generally a higher risk of experiencing credit losses when a residential mortgage loan is nonperforming. We monitor and update aging schedules and nonaccrual status on a monthly basis.

Policy Loans

Policy loans represent loans we issue to policyholders that use the cash surrender value of their life insurance policy as collateral. Policy loans are carried at unpaid principal balances.

Derivative Instruments

We hedge certain portions of our exposure to interest rate risk, foreign currency exchange risk, equity market risk, basis risk, commodity risk and credit risk by entering into derivative transactions. Our derivative instruments are recognized as either assets or liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at estimated fair value. We have master netting agreements with each of our derivative counterparties that allow for the netting of our derivative asset and liability positions by counterparty. We categorize derivatives into a three-level hierarchy, based on the priority of the inputs to the respective valuation technique as discussed above in “Fair Value Measurement.” The accounting for changes in the estimated fair value of a derivative instrument depends on whether it has been designated and qualifies as part of a hedging relationship, and further, on the type of hedging relationship. For those derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as hedging instruments, we designate the hedging instrument based upon the exposure being hedged: as a cash flow hedge or a fair value hedge.

For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as a cash flow hedge, the gain or loss on the derivative instrument is reported as a component of AOCI and reclassified into net income in the same period or periods during which the hedged transaction affects net income. For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as a fair value hedge, the gain or loss on the derivative instrument, as well as the offsetting gain or loss on the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk are recognized in net income during the period of change in estimated fair values. For derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments, but that are economic hedges, the gain or loss is recognized in net income. Cash flows from derivatives are reported in the operating, investing or financing activities sections in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows based on the nature and purpose of the derivative.

We purchase and issue financial instruments and products that contain embedded derivative instruments that are recorded with the associated host contract. When it is determined that the embedded derivative possesses economic characteristics that are not clearly and closely related to the economic characteristics of the host contract, and a separate instrument with the same terms would qualify as a derivative instrument, the embedded derivative is bifurcated from the host for measurement purposes and reported within other assets or other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The embedded derivative is carried at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income during the period of change.

We employ several different methods for determining the fair value of our derivative instruments. The fair value of our derivative contracts are measured based on current settlement values, which are based on quoted market prices, industry standard models that are commercially available and broker quotes. These techniques project cash flows of the derivatives using current and implied future market conditions. We calculate the present value of the cash flows to measure the current fair market value of the derivative.

Other Investments

Other investments consist primarily of alternative investments, COLI, asset-backed consolidated VIEs, cash collateral receivables related to our derivative instruments, Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) common stock and short-term investments. For more information on asset-backed consolidated VIEs, see Note 4.

Alternative investments consist primarily of investments in LPs. We account for our investments in LPs using the equity method to determine the carrying value. Investment income on alternative investments is reported within net investment income on the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss). Recognition of investment income on alternative investments is delayed due to the availability of the related financial statements, which are generally obtained from the partnerships’ general partners. As a result, our private equity investments are generally on a three-month delay and our hedge funds are on a one-month delay. In addition, the impact of audit adjustments related to completion of calendar-year financial statement audits of the investees are typically received during the second quarter of each calendar year. Accordingly, our investment income from alternative investments for any calendar-year period may not include the complete impact of the change in the underlying net assets for the partnership for that calendar-year period.

We invest in COLI on the lives of certain officers and key employees who have consented to the Company being the beneficiary of such contracts. COLI is carried at the cash surrender value of the policies. Changes in the cash surrender value are reported within net investment income on the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss). As of December 31, 2025 and 2024, we had $1.2 billion and $664 million of COLI reported within other investments on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

In uncleared derivative transactions, we and the counterparty enter into a credit support annex requiring either party to post collateral, which may be in the form of cash, equal to the net derivative exposure. Cash collateral we have posted to a counterparty is recorded within other investments on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Cash collateral a counterparty has posted is recorded within payables for collateral on investments on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. We also have investments in FHLB common stock, carried at cost, that enable access to the FHLB lending program and to issue funding agreements. For more information on our collateralized financing arrangements, see “Payables for Collateral on Investments” below. For more information on our funding agreements, see “Policyholder Account Balances” below.

Short-term investments consist of securities with original maturities of one year or less, but greater than three months. Securities included in short-term investments are carried at fair value, with valuation methods and inputs consistent with those applied to fixed maturity AFS securities.

Cash and Invested Cash

Cash and invested cash is carried at cost and includes all highly liquid debt instruments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less.

DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL

Acquisition costs directly related to successful contract acquisitions or renewals of annuities, UL, VUL, traditional life insurance, group life and disability insurance and other investment contracts have been deferred (i.e., deferred acquisition costs (“DAC”)). Such acquisition costs are capitalized in the period they are incurred and primarily include commissions, certain bonuses, a portion of total compensation and benefits of certain employees involved in the acquisition process and medical and inspection fees. Value of business acquired (“VOBA”) is an intangible asset that reflects the estimated fair value of in-force contracts in a life insurance company acquisition and represents the portion of the purchase price that is allocated to the value of the right to receive future cash flows from the business in force at the acquisition date. Bonus credits and excess interest for dollar cost averaging contracts are considered deferred sales inducements (“DSI”) and reported in deferred acquisition costs, value of business acquired and deferred sales inducements on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Contract sales charges that are collected in the early years of an insurance contract are deferred and reported as deferred front-end loads (“DFEL”) on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL amortization is reported within the following financial statement line items on the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss):

•DAC and VOBA – commissions and other expenses

•DSI – interest credited

•DFEL – fee income

DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL are amortized on a constant level basis relative to the insurance in force over the expected term of the related contracts using the groupings and actuarial assumptions that are consistent with those used for calculating the related policyholder liability balances. Actuarial assumptions include, but are not limited to, mortality, morbidity and certain policyholder behaviors such as persistency, which are adjusted for emerging experience and expected trends of the related long-duration insurance contracts and certain investment contracts by segment. During the third quarter of each year, we conduct our comprehensive review and update these actuarial assumptions. We may update our actuarial assumptions in other quarters as we become aware of information that warrants updating outside of our comprehensive review. These resulting changes are applied prospectively.

The following provides a summary of our DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL amortization basis and expected amortization period by segment:

We account for modifications of insurance contracts that result in a substantially unchanged contract as a continuation of the replaced contract. We account for modifications of insurance contracts that result in a substantially changed contract as an extinguishment of the replaced contract.

For reinsurance transactions where we receive proceeds that represent recovery of our previously incurred acquisition costs, we reduce the applicable unamortized acquisition cost such that net acquisition costs are capitalized and charged to commissions and other expenses.

Reinsurance

Our insurance subsidiaries enter into reinsurance agreements in the normal course of business to limit our exposure to the risk of loss and to enhance our capital management.

In order for a reinsurance agreement to qualify for reinsurance accounting, the agreement must satisfy certain risk transfer conditions that include, among other items, a reasonable possibility of a significant loss for the assuming entity. When we apply reinsurance accounting, insurance premiums, benefits and DAC and VOBA amortization are reported net of reinsurance ceded, as applicable, on the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss). Amounts currently recoverable, such as ceded reserves, other than ceded MRBs, are reported in reinsurance recoverables, and amounts currently payable to the reinsurers, such as premiums, are included in other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

In a modified coinsurance or coinsurance with funds withheld reinsurance structured agreement, the investments that would have been sent to the reinsurer as premiums are withheld by us and remain on our Consolidated Balance Sheets, with the existing accounting maintained. A corresponding liability is recognized on our Consolidated Balance Sheets within funds withheld reinsurance liabilities representing our obligation to pay the reinsurer. This liability includes embedded derivatives, which are total return swaps with contractual returns that are attributable to various assets and liabilities associated with these reinsurance agreements. The changes in the embedded derivative liabilities are reported within realized gain (loss) on our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss).

We use deposit accounting to recognize reinsurance agreements that do not transfer significant insurance risk. This accounting treatment results in amounts paid or received by our insurance subsidiaries to be considered on deposit with the reinsurer and such amounts are reported in deposit assets, net of allowance for credit losses and other liabilities, respectively, on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. As amounts are paid or received, consistent with the underlying contracts, deposit assets or liabilities are adjusted. Interest income on deposit assets and interest expense on deposit liabilities is reported in other revenues and commissions and other expenses, respectively, on the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss).

Reinsurance recoverables are measured and recognized consistent with the liabilities related to the underlying contracts. The interest assumption used for discounting reinsurance recoverables associated with limited payment life-contingent annuity contracts and non-participating traditional life insurance contracts is the upper-medium grade fixed income instrument (“single-A”) interest rate locked-in at the reinsurance contract issuance date. We remeasure reinsurance recoverables associated with limited payment life-contingent annuity contracts and non-participating traditional life insurance contracts with the current single-A interest rate as of the end of each reporting period. Ceded MRBs are accounted for separately from reinsurance recoverables. See “MRBs” below for additional information.

We estimated an allowance for credit losses for all reinsurance recoverables and related reinsurance deposit assets held by our subsidiaries, other than ceded MRB assets. As such, we performed a quantitative analysis using a probability of loss model approach to estimate expected credit losses for reinsurance recoverables, inclusive of similar assets recognized using the deposit method of accounting. The credit loss allowance is a general allowance for pools of receivables with similar risk characteristics segmented by credit risk ratings and receivables assessed on an individual basis that do not share similar risk characteristics where we anticipate a credit loss over the life of reinsurance-related assets, other than ceded MRB assets.

Our model uses relevant internal or external historical loss information adjusted for current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts of future events and conditions in developing our credit loss estimate. We utilized historical credit rating data to form an estimation of probability of default of counterparties by means of a transition matrix that provides the rates of credit migration for credit ratings transitioning to impairment. We updated reinsurer credit ratings during the period to incorporate the most up-to-date information on the current state of the financial stability of our reinsurers. To simulate changes in economic conditions, we used positive, base and adverse scenarios that include varying levels of loss given default assumptions to reflect the impact of changes in severity of losses. We applied probability weights to the positive, base and adverse scenarios. For periods beyond our reasonable and supportable forecasts, we used implicit mean reversion over the remaining life of the recoverable. Additionally, we considered factors that impact our exposure at default that are driven by actuarial expectations around term assumptions rather than being directly driven by market or economic environment.

Our model estimates the expected credit losses over the life of the reinsurance asset. Credit loss estimates are segmented based on counterparty credit risk. Our modeling process utilizes counterparty credit ratings, collateral types and amounts, and term and run-off assumptions. For reinsurance recoverables that do not share similar risk characteristics, we assessed on an individual basis to determine a specific credit loss allowance.

We estimated expected credit losses over the contractual term of the recoverable, which is the period during which we are exposed to the credit risk. Reinsurance recoverables may not have explicit contractual lives, but are tied to the underlying insurance products; as a result, we estimated the contractual life by utilizing actuarial estimates of the timing of payouts related to those underlying products.

Reinsurance agreements often require the reinsurer to collateralize the recoverable with funds in a trust account or with a letter of credit for the benefit of the ceding insurance entity that can reduce the expected credit losses on a given agreement. As such, we review reinsurance collateral by individual agreement to sensitize risk of loss based on level of collateralization. This review is driven by the assumption that non-collateralized reinsurance recoverables would have materially higher losses in times of default. Therefore, reinsurance recoverables are pooled as either fully-collateralized or non-collateralized.

Reinsurance recoverables are presented net of the allowance for credit losses on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Changes in the allowance for credit losses are reported in realized gain (loss) on the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss). Reinsurance recoverables deemed uncollectible are charged against the allowance for credit losses, and subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance for credit losses, limited to the aggregate of amounts previously charged off and expected to be charged off.

Where applicable, gains or losses recognized on reinsurance transactions are deferred and amortized into net income (loss) using an amortization basis reflective of the characteristics of the underlying ceded business. Our deferred gains and losses on reinsurance of our interest-sensitive life insurance products are recognized over the projected life of the policies, based on projected profitability or projected reserve development for blocks with negative profitability. Our deferred gains and losses on reinsurance of our annuity products are recognized over the period in which the majority of account balances is expected to run off. Deferred gains and losses are reported within other liabilities and other assets, respectively, on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Amortization of deferred gains and losses is reported within other revenues and commissions and other expenses, respectively, on the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss).

Goodwill

We recognize the excess of the purchase price, plus the fair value of any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree, over the fair value of identifiable net assets acquired as goodwill. Goodwill is not amortized, but is reviewed for impairment annually as of October 1 and more frequently if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying value.

We test goodwill for impairment by performing a qualitative assessment. The qualitative assessment considers current events including the economic and regulatory environment, financial performance and industry conditions to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value. If it is determined based on our qualitative analysis that it is more likely than not that the fair value is less than the carrying value, we perform a quantitative assessment where the fair value of the reporting unit is determined and compared to the carrying value of the reporting unit. If the carrying value of the reporting unit is greater than the reporting unit’s fair value, goodwill is impaired and written down to the reporting unit’s fair value; and a charge is reported in impairment of intangibles on the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss). The results of one goodwill impairment test on one reporting unit cannot subsidize the results of another reporting unit.

Other Assets and Other Liabilities

Other assets consist primarily of deferred loss on business sold through reinsurance, current and deferred taxes, certain reinsurance assets, property and equipment, premiums and fees receivable, specifically identifiable intangible assets, receivables resulting from sales of securities that had not yet settled as of the balance sheet date, operating lease right-of-use (“ROU”) assets, ceded MRB liabilities and other receivables and prepaid expenses. Other liabilities consist primarily of pension and other employee benefit liabilities, certain reinsurance payables, other policyholder liabilities, certain financing arrangements, payables resulting from purchases of securities that had not yet settled as of the balance sheet date, ceded MRB assets, deferred gain on business sold through reinsurance, operating lease liabilities, derivative instrument liabilities and other accrued expenses.

The carrying values of specifically identifiable intangible assets are reviewed at least annually for indicators of impairment in value that are related to credit loss or non-credit, including unexpected or adverse changes in the following: the economic or competitive environments in which the company operates; profitability analyses; cash flow analyses; and the fair value of the relevant business operation. If there was an indication of impairment, then the discounted cash flow method would be used to measure the impairment, and the carrying value would be adjusted as necessary and reported in impairment of intangibles on the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss). Sales force intangibles are attributable to the value of the new business distribution system acquired through business combinations. These assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over their useful life of 25 years. Specifically identifiable intangible assets also includes the value of customer relationships acquired (“VOCRA”) and value of distribution agreements (“VODA”). The carrying values of VOCRA and VODA are amortized using a straight-line basis over their weighted average life of 20 years and 13 years, respectively. See Note 8 for more information regarding specifically identifiable intangible assets.

Property and equipment owned for company use is carried at cost less allowances for depreciation. Provisions for depreciation of investment real estate and property and equipment owned for company use are computed principally on the straight-line method over the

estimated useful lives of the assets, which include buildings, computer hardware and software and other property and equipment. Certain assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets are related to certain financing arrangements and are depreciated in a manner consistent with our current depreciation policy for owned assets. We periodically review the carrying value of our long-lived assets, including property and equipment, for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be fully recoverable. For long-lived assets to be held and used, impairments are recognized when the carrying amount of a long-lived asset is not recoverable and exceeds its fair value. The carrying amount of a long-lived asset is not recoverable if it exceeds the sum of the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset. An impairment loss is measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of a long-lived asset exceeds its fair value and is reported within realized gain (loss) on our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss).

Long-lived assets to be disposed of by abandonment or in an exchange for a similar productive long-lived asset are classified as held-for-use until they are disposed. Long-lived assets to be sold are classified as held-for-sale and are no longer depreciated. Certain criteria have to be met in order for the long-lived asset to be classified as held-for-sale, including that a sale is probable and expected to occur within one year. Long-lived assets classified as held-for-sale are recorded at the lower of their carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell.

We lease office space and certain equipment under various long-term lease agreements. We determine if an arrangement is a lease at inception. Operating lease ROU assets and operating lease liabilities are recognized based on the present value of the future minimum lease payments over the lease term at the commencement date. Our leases do not provide an implicit rate; therefore, we use our incremental borrowing rate at the commencement date in determining the present value of future payments. The ROU asset is calculated using the lease liability carrying amount, plus or minus prepaid/accrued lease payments, minus the unamortized balance of lease incentives received, plus unamortized initial direct costs. Lease terms used to calculate our lease obligation include options when we are reasonably certain that we will exercise such options. Our lease agreements may contain both lease and non-lease components, which are accounted for separately. Lease expense for minimum lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

Separate Account Assets and Liabilities

Separate accounts represent segregated funds that are maintained to meet specific investment objectives of policyholders who direct the investments and bear the investment risk, except to the extent of minimum guarantees made by the Company with respect to certain accounts. The assets of each account are legally segregated and are not subject to claims that arise out of any other business of the Company.

We report separate account assets as a summary total on the Consolidated Balance Sheets based on the fair value of the underlying investments. Investment income and net realized and unrealized gains (losses) of the separate accounts generally accrue directly to the policyholders; therefore, they are not reflected on the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss), and the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows do not reflect investment activity of the separate accounts. Asset-based fees and contract administration charges (collectively referred to as “policyholder assessments”) are assessed against the accounts and included within fee income on the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss). An amount equivalent to the separate account assets is recorded as separate account liabilities, representing the account balance obligated to be returned to the policyholder.

Policyholder Account Balances

Policyholder account balances include the contract value that has accrued to the benefit of the policyholder as of the balance sheet date. The liability for policyholder account balances includes UL and VUL and investment-type annuity products where account balances are equal to deposits plus interest credited less withdrawals, surrender charges, policyholder assessments, as well as amounts representing the fair value of embedded derivative instruments associated with our IUL and indexed annuity products. During the third quarter of each year, we conduct our comprehensive review of the assumptions and projection models used in estimating these 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.

Obligations arising from funding agreements are also reported within policyholder account balances reported on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at amortized cost with the associated interest reported within interest credited on the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss). The Company issues funding agreements through its funding-agreement-backed notes (“FABN”) program, under secured funding agreement-backed repurchase agreements (“FABRs”) and to the FHLB.

Future Contract Benefits

Future contract benefits represent liability reserves, including liability for future policy benefits (“LFPB”), liability for future claims reserves and additional liability for other insurance benefits that we have established and carry based on estimates of how much we will need to pay for future benefits and claims.

The LFPB associated with limited payment life-contingent annuity contracts and non-participating traditional life insurance contracts is measured using a net premium ratio approach. This approach accrues expected benefits and claims in proportion to the premium revenue recognized. For life-contingent payout annuity contracts with limited premium payments, as premium collection is not the completion of the earnings process, gross premiums in excess of net premiums are deferred. This excess of gross premiums received over the related net premiums is referred to as the deferred profit liability (“DPL”). The DPL is included in the LFPB, and profits are recognized over the life of the contracts.

In measuring our LFPB, we establish cohorts, which are groupings of long-duration contracts. Factors that we consider in determining cohorts include, but are not limited to, our contract classification and issue year requirements, product risk characteristics, assumptions and modeling level used in the valuation systems. The net premium ratio is capped at 100% at the individual cohort level. Expected benefits and claims in excess of premium revenue recognized are expensed immediately.

We use actuarial assumptions to best estimate future premium and benefit cash flows (“cash flow assumptions”) as well as the actual historical cash flows received and paid to derive a net premium ratio in measuring the LFPB. These actuarial assumptions 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 (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 such update. On a quarterly basis, we retrospectively update the net premium ratio for actual experience. The remeasurement of LFPB for both assumption updates and actual experience are reported within policyholder liability remeasurement gain (loss) on the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss). 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, which is reported within policyholder liability discount rate remeasurement gain (loss) on the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss).

We evaluate the liability for future claims on our long-term disability and life waiver group products. Given the term and renewal features of our product and funding nature of the associated premiums, we have determined that the liability value is generally zero for policies that are not on claim. Therefore, the liability for future claims represents future payments on claims for which a disability event has occurred as of the valuation date. In measuring the liability for future claims, we establish cohorts similar to the process described above and use actuarial assumptions primarily based on claim termination rates, offsets for other insurance including social security, morbidity, incidence and severity assumptions. Cash flow assumptions are subject to the comprehensive review process discussed above. On a quarterly basis, the liability for future claims is updated for actual claims experience. The remeasurement of the liability for future claims for both assumption updates and actual experience are reported within policyholder liability remeasurement gain (loss) on the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss). We remeasure the liability for future claims using a single-A interest rate as of the end of each reporting period, which is reported within policyholder liability discount rate remeasurement gain (loss) on the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss).

We use the single-A interest rate curve to discount cash flows used to calculate the LFPB and the liability for future claims. This curve is developed using the upper-medium grade (low credit risk) fixed-income instrument yields that are intended to reflect the duration characteristics of the applicable insurance liabilities.

We issue UL contracts with separate accounts that may include various types of guaranteed benefits that are not accounted for as MRBs or embedded derivatives. These guaranteed benefits require an additional liability that is calculated by estimating 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 (“benefit ratio”) multiplied by the cumulative assessments recorded from the contract inception through the balance sheet date less the cumulative payments plus interest on the liability. 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 such update. On a quarterly basis, we retrospectively update the benefit ratio for actual experience. The remeasurement of additional liability for both assumptions and actual experience are reported within policyholder liability remeasurement gain (loss) on the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss). As future cash flow assumption and experience updates result in changes in expected benefit payments or assessments, the benefit ratio is recalculated using the updated expected benefit payments and assessments over the life of the contract since inception. The revised benefit ratio is then applied to the liability calculation described above.

Premium deficiency testing is performed for interest-sensitive life products periodically using best estimate assumptions as of the testing date to test the adequacy and appropriateness of the established net reserve (i.e., GAAP reserves net of any DSI or VOBA assets). The premium deficiency test is also performed using a discount rate based on the average crediting rate. A premium deficiency exists when the net reserve plus the present value of expected future gross premiums are determined to be insufficient to cover expected future benefits and non-level expenses.

The business written or assumed by us includes participating life insurance contracts, under which the policyholder is entitled to share in the earnings of such contracts via receipt of dividends. The dividend scale for participating policies is reviewed annually and may be adjusted to reflect recent experience and future expectations. As of December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, participating policies comprised less than 1% of the face amount of business in force, and dividend expenses were $27 million, $40 million and $41 million for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

MRBs

MRBs are contracts or contract features that provide protection to the policyholder from other-than-nominal capital market risk and expose us to other-than-nominal capital market risk upon the occurrence of a specific event or circumstance, such as death, annuitization or periodic withdrawal. MRBs do not include the death benefit component of a life insurance contract (i.e., the difference between the account balance and the death benefit amount). All long-duration insurance contracts and certain investment contracts are subject to MRB evaluation. An MRB can be in either an asset or a liability position. Our MRB assets and MRB liabilities are reported at fair value separately on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

We issue variable and fixed annuity contracts that may include various types of guaranteed living benefit (“GLB”) and guaranteed death benefit (“GDB”) riders that we have classified as MRBs. For contracts that contain multiple features that qualify as MRBs, the MRBs are valued on a combined basis using an integrated model. We have entered into reinsurance agreements to cede certain GLB and GDB riders where the reinsurance agreements themselves are accounted for as MRBs or contain MRBs. We therefore record ceded MRB assets and ceded MRB liabilities associated with these reinsurance agreements. Ceded MRB liabilities are included in other assets and ceded MRB assets are included in other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

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, policyholder behavior (e.g., policy lapse, rider utilization, etc.) mortality, risk margin and administrative expenses. These assumptions are based on a combination of historical data and actuarial judgments. During the third quarter of each year, we conduct our comprehensive review of the actuarial assumptions and projection models used in estimating 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. The assumptions 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 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. For information on fair value inputs, see Note 14.

Short-term debt has contractual or expected maturities of one year or less. Long-term debt has contractual or expected maturities greater than one year.

Payables for Collateral on Investments

When we enter into collateralized financing transactions on our investments, a liability is recorded equal to the cash or non-cash collateral received. This liability is included within payables for collateral on investments on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Income and expenses associated with these transactions are recorded as investment income and investment expenses within net investment income on the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss). Changes in payables for collateral on investments are reflected within cash flows from investing activities on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

Contingencies and Commitments

A loss contingency is an existing condition, situation or set of circumstances involving uncertainty as to possible loss that will ultimately be resolved when one or more future events occur or fail to occur. Contingencies arising from environmental remediation costs, regulatory judgments, claims, assessments, guarantees, litigation, recourse reserves, fines, penalties and other sources are recorded when deemed probable and reasonably estimable, based on our best estimate.

Fee income for investment and interest-sensitive life insurance contracts consists of asset-based fees, percent of premium charges, contract administration charges and surrender charges that are assessed against policyholder account balances. Investment products consist primarily of individual and group variable and fixed annuities. Interest-sensitive life insurance products include UL, VUL, linked-benefit UL and VUL and other interest-sensitive life insurance policies. These products include life insurance sold to individuals, corporate-owned life insurance and bank-owned life insurance.

The timing of revenue recognition as it relates to fees assessed on investment contracts is determined based on the nature of such fees. Asset-based fees and contract administration charges are assessed on a daily or monthly basis and recognized as revenue as performance obligations are met, over the period underlying customer assets are owned or advisory services are provided. Percent of premium charges are assessed at the time of premium payment and recognized as revenue when assessed and earned. Certain amounts assessed that represent compensation for services to be provided in future periods are reported as unearned revenue and recognized in income over the periods benefited. Surrender charges are recognized upon surrender of a contract by the policyholder in accordance with contractual terms. For investment and interest-sensitive life insurance contracts, the amounts collected from policyholders are considered deposits and are not included in revenue.

Wholesaling-related 12b-1 fees received from separate account fund sponsors as compensation for servicing the underlying mutual funds and fees earned by our Retirement Plan Services segment on services provided to our mutual fund programs are recorded as revenues based on a contractual percentage of the market value of mutual fund assets over the period shares are owned by customers. Net investment advisory fees related to asset management of certain separate account funds are recorded as revenues based on a contractual percentage of the customer’s managed assets over the period advisory services are provided. Certain services related to our Retirement

Plan Services segment, including recordkeeping, administrative and other services, are recorded as revenues based on a contractual percentage of customer account balances over the period services are provided. These revenues, reported primarily within our Annuities segment, were $790 million, $774 million and $715 million for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

Insurance premiums consist primarily of group insurance products, payout annuities with life contingencies and traditional life insurance. These insurance premiums are recognized as revenue when due.

We earn investment income on the underlying general account investments supporting our fixed products less related expenses. Dividends and interest income, recorded in net investment income, are recognized when earned. Amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts on investments in debt securities are reflected in net investment income over the contractual terms of the investments in a manner that produces a constant effective yield.

For CLOs and MBS, included in the trading and fixed maturity AFS securities portfolios, we recognize income using a constant effective yield based on anticipated prepayments and the estimated economic life of the securities. When actual prepayments differ significantly from originally anticipated prepayments, the retrospective effective yield is recalculated to reflect actual payments to date and a catch up adjustment is recorded in the current period. In addition, the new effective yield, which reflects anticipated future payments, is used prospectively. Any adjustments resulting from changes in effective yield are reflected in net investment income on the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss).

Realized Gain (Loss)

Realized gain (loss) includes realized gains and losses from the sale of investments, write-downs for impairments of investments and changes in the allowance for credit losses for financial assets, changes in fair value of mortgage loans on real estate accounted for under the fair value option, changes in fair value of equity securities, certain derivative and embedded derivative gains and losses, gains and losses on the sale of subsidiaries and businesses and net gains and losses on reinsurance-related embedded derivatives and trading securities. Realized gains and losses on the sale of investments are determined using the specific identification method. Realized gain (loss) is reported net of allocations of investment gains and losses to certain policyholders, certain funds withheld on reinsurance arrangements and certain modified coinsurance arrangements for which we have a contractual obligation to cede realized gains and losses to the reinsurer.

MRB Gain (Loss)

MRB gain (loss) includes the change in fair value of MRB and ceded MRB assets and liabilities. Changes in the fair value of MRB assets and liabilities are recognized in net income (loss), except for the portion attributable to the change in non-performance risk that is recognized in OCI. Changes in the fair value of ceded MRB assets and liabilities, including the changes in our counterparties’ non-performance risks, are recognized in net income (loss).

Other Revenues

Other revenues consist primarily of the net settlement related to certain reinsurance-related activity, as net investment income and interest credited are presented gross of reinsurance activity on the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss), and fees earned from administrative services performed by our Group Protection segment. Administrative services fees are recognized as performance obligations are met over the terms of the underlying agreements, and were $236 million, $224 million and $210 million for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

Prior to the sale of our wealth management business in 2024, other revenues also included fees attributable to broker-dealer services recorded as performance obligations are met, either at the time of sale or over time based on a contractual percentage of customer account balances. The broker-dealer services consisted of commission revenue for the sale of non-affiliated securities recorded on a trade date basis and advisory fee income. Advisory fee income is asset-based revenues recorded as earned based on a contractual percentage of customer account balances. Other revenues attributable to broker-dealer services and advisory fee income, reported primarily within our Annuities segment, were $225 million and $564 million for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. See “Sale of Wealth Management Business” above for additional information.

Interest Credited

We credit interest to our policyholder account balances based on the contractual terms supporting our products.

Benefits

Benefits for UL and other interest-sensitive life insurance products include benefit claims incurred during the period in excess of contract account balances. Benefits also include the change in reserves for annuity products with guaranteed death and living benefits, certain annuities with life contingencies and life insurance products with secondary guarantee benefits. For traditional life, group life and disability income products, benefits are recognized when incurred in a manner consistent with the related premium recognition policies.

Policyholder Liability Remeasurement Gain (Loss)

Policyholder liability remeasurement gain (loss) recognized in net income (loss) includes remeasurement gains and losses resulting from updates in cash flow assumptions and actual variance from expected experience used in the net premium ratio or benefit ratio calculation for future policy benefits associated with limited payment life-contingent annuity products and traditional life insurance, liabilities for future claims associated with our group products, and additional liabilities for other insurance benefits on certain guaranteed benefits associated with our UL products.

Policyholder liability remeasurement gain (loss) recognized in OCI includes any changes resulting from the discount rate remeasurement of future policy benefits associated with limited payment life-contingent annuity products and traditional life insurance and liabilities for future claims associated with our group products as of each reporting period.

Stock-Based Compensation

We sponsor stock-based incentive compensation plans for our employees and directors and for the employees and agents of our subsidiaries that provide for the issuance of stock options, performance shares and restricted stock units (“RSUs”), among other types of awards. Compensation cost is measured at grant-date fair value and recognized as expense over the required service period, which generally corresponds to the vesting period. We estimate forfeitures and adjust compensation expense accordingly. The fair value of stock options is determined using a Black-Scholes options valuation model, and the fair value of other stock awards is based upon the market value of the stock. The relative total shareholder return (“rTSR”) component of performance shares is valued using a Monte Carlo simulation. We issue new shares to satisfy option exercises and vested performance shares and RSUs. Cash received from stock option exercises and cash remitted for employee tax withholding on share-settled awards are reflected in financing activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Stock-based compensation expense is reflected in commissions and other expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss).

Interest and Debt Expense

Interest expense on our short-term and long-term debt is recognized as due and any associated premiums, discounts and debt issuance costs are amortized (accreted) over the term of the related borrowing utilizing the effective interest method. In addition, gains or losses related to certain derivative instruments associated with debt are recognized in interest and debt expense during the period of the change.

Income Taxes

We file a U.S. consolidated income tax return that includes all of our eligible subsidiaries. Ineligible subsidiaries file separate individual corporate tax returns. Subsidiaries operating outside of the U.S. are taxed, and income tax expense is recorded, based on applicable foreign statutes. Deferred income taxes are recognized, based on enacted rates, when assets and liabilities have different values for financial statement and tax reporting purposes. A valuation allowance is recorded to the extent required. Judgment and the use of estimates are required in determining whether a valuation allowance is necessary and, if so, the amount of such valuation allowance. In evaluating the need for a valuation allowance, we consider many factors, including: the nature and character of the deferred tax assets and liabilities; taxable income in prior carryback years; future reversals of temporary differences; the length of time carryovers can be utilized; and any tax planning strategies we would employ to avoid a tax benefit from expiring unused.

We use the individual security approach for releasing income tax effects from AOCI.

Foreign Currency Translation

The balance sheet accounts and income statement items of foreign subsidiaries reported in functional currencies other than the U.S. dollar are translated at the current and average exchange rates for the year, respectively. Resulting translation adjustments and other translation adjustments for foreign currency transactions that affect cash flows are reported in AOCI, a component of stockholders’ equity.

Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share (“EPS”) is computed by dividing net income (loss) available to common stockholders by the average common shares outstanding. Diluted EPS is computed assuming the conversion or exercise of non-vested stock, stock options and performance shares outstanding during the year. For any period where a net loss is experienced, shares used in the diluted EPS calculation represent basic shares, as the use of diluted shares would result in a lower loss per share.

2. New Accounting Standards

Adoption of Accounting Standards

The following table provides a description of current period adoptions of Accounting Standards Updates (“ASUs”).

Future Adoption of Accounting Standards

The following table provides a description of future adoptions of ASUs that may have an impact on the consolidated financial statements when adopted. ASUs not listed below were assessed and determined to be either not applicable or insignificant in presentation or amount.

3. Investments

Fixed Maturity AFS Securities

The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses, allowance for credit losses and fair value of fixed maturity AFS securities (in millions) were as follows:

The amortized cost and fair value of fixed maturity AFS securities by contractual maturities (in millions) as of December 31, 2025, were as follows:

Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because issuers may have the right to call or pre-pay obligations.

The fair value and gross unrealized losses of fixed maturity AFS securities (dollars in millions) for which an allowance for credit losses has not been recorded, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position, were as follows:

(1)As of December 31, 2025 and 2024, we recognized $12 million and $23 million of gross unrealized losses, respectively, in OCI for fixed maturity AFS securities for which an allowance for credit losses has been recorded.

The fair value, gross unrealized losses (in millions) and number of fixed maturity AFS securities where the fair value had declined and remained below amortized cost by greater than 20% were as follows:

(1)We may reflect a security in more than one aging category based on various purchase dates.

Our gross unrealized losses on fixed maturity AFS securities decreased by $2.0 billion for the year ended December 31, 2025. As discussed further below, we do not believe the unrealized loss position as of December 31, 2025, required an impairment recognized in earnings as: (i) we did not intend to sell these fixed maturity AFS securities; (ii) it is not more likely than not that we will be required to sell the fixed maturity AFS securities before recovery of their amortized cost basis; and (iii) the difference in the fair value compared to the amortized cost was due to factors other than credit loss. Based upon this evaluation as of December 31, 2025, management believes we have the ability to generate adequate amounts of cash from our normal operations (e.g., insurance premiums, fee income and investment income) to meet cash requirements with a prudent margin of safety without requiring the sale of our impaired securities.

As of December 31, 2025, the unrealized losses associated with our corporate bond, U.S. government bond, state and municipal bond and foreign government bond securities were attributable primarily to rising interest rates and widening credit spreads since purchase. We performed a detailed analysis of the financial performance of the underlying issuers and determined that we expected to recover the entire amortized cost of each impaired security.

Credit ratings express opinions about the credit quality of a security. Securities rated investment grade (those rated BBB- or higher by S&P Global Ratings (“S&P”) or Baa3 or higher by Moody’s Investors Service (“Moody’s”)) are generally considered by the rating agencies and market participants to be low credit risk. As of December 31, 2025 and 2024,96% of the fair value of our corporate bond portfolio was rated investment grade. As of December 31, 2025 and 2024, the portion of our corporate bond portfolio rated below investment grade had an amortized cost of $3.1 billion and $2.9 billion, respectively, and a fair value of $2.9 billion and $2.8 billion, respectively. Based upon the analysis discussed above, we believe that as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, we would have recovered the amortized cost of each corporate bond.

As of December 31, 2025, the unrealized losses associated with our MBS and ABS were attributable primarily to rising interest rates and widening credit spreads since purchase. We assessed for credit impairment using a cash flow model that incorporates key assumptions including default rates, severities and prepayment rates. We estimated losses for a security by forecasting the underlying loans in each transaction. The forecasted loan performance was used to project cash flows to the various tranches in the structure, as applicable. Our forecasted cash flows also considered, as applicable, independent industry analyst reports and forecasts and other independent market data. Based upon our assessment of the expected credit losses of the security given the performance of the underlying collateral compared to our subordination or other credit enhancement, we expected to recover the entire amortized cost of each impaired security.

As of December 31, 2025, the unrealized losses associated with our hybrid and redeemable preferred securities were attributable primarily to wider credit spreads caused by illiquidity in the market and subordination within the capital structure, as well as credit risk of underlying issuers. For our hybrid and redeemable preferred securities, we evaluated the financial performance of the underlying issuers based upon credit performance and investment ratings and determined that we expected to recover the entire amortized cost of each impaired security.

Credit Loss Impairment on Fixed Maturity AFS Securities

We regularly review our fixed maturity AFS securities for declines in fair value that we determine to be impairment-related, including those attributable to credit risk factors that may require an allowance for credit losses. See Note 1 for a discussion regarding our accounting policy relating to the allowance for credit losses on our fixed maturity AFS securities.

Changes in the allowance for credit losses on fixed maturity AFS securities (in millions), aggregated by investment category, were as follows:

(1)Represents purchased credit-deteriorated (“PCD”) fixed maturity AFS securities.

(2)As of December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, accrued investment income on fixed maturity AFS securities totaled $897 million, $876 million and $908 million, respectively, and was excluded from the estimate of credit losses.

Losses from debt instrument modifications were $27 million and $3 million for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively.

Trading securities at fair value (in millions) consisted of the following:

The portion of the market adjustment for trading gains and losses recognized in realized gain (loss) that relate to trading securities still held as of December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, was $41 million, $(2) million and $81 million, respectively.

The following provides the current and past due composition of our mortgage loans on real estate (in millions):

(1)Represents the mark-to-market on certain mortgage loans on real estate that support our modified coinsurance agreements, where the investment results are passed directly to the reinsurers, and for which we have elected the fair value option. As of December 31, 2025, the amortized cost and fair value of such mortgage loans on real estate that were in nonaccrual status was $30 million and $20 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2024, the amortized cost and fair value of such mortgage loans on real estate that were in nonaccrual status was $30 million and$21 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2025 and 2024, there wereno such mortgage loans on real estate that were more than 90 days past due and still accruing interest. For additional information, see “Fair Value Option” in Note 14.

Our commercial mortgage loan portfolio had the largest concentrations in California, which accounted for 28% and 27% of commercial mortgage loans on real estate as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively, and Texas, which accounted for 10% of commercial mortgage loans on real estate as of December 31, 2025 and 2024.

As of December 31, 2025, our residential mortgage loan portfolio had the largest concentrations in New York and Florida, which accounted for 13% and 12% of residential mortgage loans on real estate, respectively. As of December 31, 2024, our residential mortgage loans portfolio had the largest concentrations in California and New York, which accounted for 14% of residential mortgage loans on real estate.

The amortized cost of mortgage loans on real estate on nonaccrual status (in millions) was as follows, excluding certain mortgage loans on real estate that support our modified coinsurance agreements, where the investment results are passed directly to the reinsurers:

We use LTV and debt-service coverage ratios as credit quality indicators for our commercial mortgage loans on real estate. The amortized cost of commercial mortgage loans on real estate (dollars in millions) by year of origination and credit quality indicator was as follows:

We use loan performance status as the primary credit quality indicator for our residential mortgage loans on real estate. The amortized cost of residential mortgage loans on real estate (in millions) by year of origination and credit quality indicator was as follows:

Credit Losses on Mortgage Loans on Real Estate

In connection with our recognition of an allowance for credit losses for mortgage loans on real estate, we perform a quantitative analysis using a probability of default/loss given default/exposure at default approach to estimate expected credit losses in our mortgage loan portfolio as well as unfunded commitments related to commercial mortgage loans, exclusive of certain mortgage loans held at fair value. See Note 1 for a discussion regarding our accounting policy relating to the allowance for credit losses on our mortgage loans on real estate.

Changes in the allowance for credit losses on mortgage loans on real estate (in millions) were as follows:

(1) We recognized less than $1 million of credit loss benefit (expense) related to unfunded commitments for mortgage loans on real estate for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024. We recognized $(1) million of credit loss benefit (expense) related to unfunded commitments for mortgage loans on real estate for the year ended December 31, 2023.

(2)Accrued investment income on mortgage loans on real estate totaled $109 million, $94 million and $68 million as of December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively, and was excluded from the estimate of credit losses.

Alternative Investments

As of December 31, 2025 and 2024, alternative investments included investments in 384 and 371 different partnerships, respectively, and represented approximately 3% of total investments. These amounts do not include alternative investments that support funds withheld and modified coinsurance reinsurance agreements where the investment results are passed directly to the reinsurers.

The major categories of net investment income (in millions) on the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) were as follows:

Impairments on Fixed Maturity AFS Securities

Details underlying intent to sell impairments and credit loss benefit (expense) incurred as a result of impairments that were recognized in net income (loss) and included in realized gain (loss) on fixed maturity AFS securities (in millions) were as follows:

(1) For the year ended December 31, 2023, this includes impairments of certain fixed maturity AFS securities in an unrealized loss position, resulting from the Company’s intent to sell these securities as part of the fourth quarter 2023 reinsurance transaction.

Payables for Collateral on Investments

The carrying value of the payables for collateral on investments included on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and the fair value of the related investments or collateral (in millions) consisted of the following:

(1)We obtain collateral based upon contractual provisions with our counterparties. These agreements take into consideration the counterparties’ credit rating as compared to ours, the fair value of the derivative investments and specified thresholds that if exceeded result in the receipt of cash that is typically invested in cash and invested cash or fixed maturity AFS securities. This also includes interest payable on collateral. See Note 5 for additional information.

(2)Our pledged securities under securities lending agreements are included in fixed maturity AFS securities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. We generally obtain collateral in an amount equal to 102% and 105% of the fair value of the domestic and foreign securities, respectively. We value collateral daily and obtain additional collateral when deemed appropriate. The cash received in our securities lending program is typically invested in cash and invested cash or fixed maturity AFS securities.

(3)Our pledged investments for Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) related to the lending program are included in fixed maturity AFS securities and mortgage loans on real estate on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The collateral requirements are generally 105% to 115% of the fair value for fixed maturity AFS securities and 155% to 175% of the fair value for mortgage loans on real estate. The cash received in these transactions is primarily invested in cash and invested cash or fixed maturity AFS securities.

We have repurchase agreements through which we can obtain liquidity by pledging securities. The collateral requirements are generally 80% to 95% of the fair value of the securities, and our agreements with third parties contain contractual provisions to allow for additional collateral to be obtained when necessary. The cash received in our repurchase program is typically invested in fixed maturity AFS securities. Lincoln National Corporation guarantees the obligations of certain reinsurance subsidiaries under certain repurchase agreements. As of December 31, 2025 and 2024, we were not participating in any open repurchase agreements.

Increase (decrease) in payables for collateral on investments (in millions) consisted of the following:

We have elected not to offset our securities lending transactions in the consolidated financial statements. The remaining contractual maturities of securities lending transactions accounted for as secured borrowings (in millions) were as follows:

We accept collateral in the form of securities in connection with repurchase agreements. In instances where we are permitted to sell or re-pledge the securities received, we report the fair value of the collateral received and a related obligation to return the collateral in the consolidated financial statements. In addition, we receive securities in connection with securities borrowing agreements that we are permitted to sell or re-pledge. As of December 31, 2025, we had not received any collateral and, therefore, had not sold or repledged any collateral under these agreements.

We also accept collateral from derivative counterparties in the form of securities that we are permitted to sell or re-pledge. As of December 31, 2025, the fair value of this collateral received that we are permitted to sell or re-pledge was $2.3 billion, and we had re-pledged $31 million of this collateral to cover our collateral requirements.

Assets Pledged as Collateral

We pledge assets as collateral in connection with derivative, securities lending and repurchase agreements, FABR funding agreements, membership obligations with the FHLB and regulatory deposits. See “Payables for Collateral on Investments” above and “Funding Agreements – FABR Funding Agreements” in Note 11 for additional information. Assets pledged as collateral at carrying value as reported on the Consolidated Balance Sheets were as follows:

Investment Commitments

As of December 31, 2025, our investment commitments were $4.7 billion, which included $3.1 billion of LPs, $890 million of mortgage loans on real estate, $390 million of asset-backed variable interest entities and $245 million of private placement securities.

Concentrations of Financial Instruments

As of December 31, 2025 and 2024, our most significant investments in one issuer were our investments in securities issued by the Federal National Mortgage Association with a fair value of $951 million and $851 million, respectively, or 1% of total investments, and our investments in securities issued by the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation with a fair value of $595 million and $566 million, respectively, or less than 1% of total investments. These concentrations include fixed maturity AFS, trading and equity securities.

As of December 31, 2025 and 2024, our most significant investments in one industry were our investments in securities in the financial services industry with a fair value of $14.2 billion and $13.4 billion, respectively, or 10% of total investments, and our investments in securities in the consumer non-cyclical industry with a fair value of $13.2 billion and $12.9 billion, respectively, or 9% and 10%, respectively, of total investments. These concentrations include fixed maturity AFS, trading and equity securities.

4. Variable Interest Entities

Consolidated VIEs

Reinsurance-Related Notes

We were the sole equity owner of Lincoln Financial Limited Liability Company I (“LFLLCI”), which was formed in July 2013. The activities of LFLLCI related solely to our captive reinsurance subsidiary, the Lincoln Reinsurance Company of Vermont V (“LRCVV”), and were primarily to acquire, hold and issue notes with LRCVV as well as pay and collect interest on the notes. LFLLCI held a surplus note issued by LRCVV that had an outstanding principal balance of $522 million as of December 31, 2024. LFLLCI issued a long-term note to LRCVV that had a principal balance that moved concurrently with any variability in the face amount of the surplus note LFLLCI received from LRCVV. We concluded that LFLLCI was a VIE and that LNC was the primary beneficiary as we had the power to direct the most significant activities affecting the performance of LFLLCI. On October 1, 2025, LRCVV merged into the Lincoln Reinsurance Company of Vermont IV (“LRCIV”) as part of restructuring certain captive reinsurance subsidiaries. As a result, the reinsurance-related note structure was terminated effective October 1, 2025, and LFLLCI was dissolved.

Asset-backed VIE

We are the primary beneficiary of an LP that was formed in September 2025. The activities of this LP are primarily to acquire and hold other LP investments and issue rated notes and a residual tranche to the Company and pass along LP distributions via interest payments. This LP has a carrying value of $210 million as of December 31, 2025. We concluded that the Company is the primary beneficiary as we purchased all of the notes and have the obligation to absorb all benefits or losses that could potentially be significant to the VIE.

The assets of the VIE can only be used to settle obligations of the VIE and do not represent additional claims against the Company’s general assets. The Company’s maximum exposure to loss as a result of its involvement with the VIE is limited to its investment in the VIE and any additional support the Company may choose to provide in the future.

Asset information (dollars in millions) for the consolidated VIEs included on the Consolidated Balance Sheets was as follows:

There wereno gains or losses for consolidated VIEs recognized on the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024.

Unconsolidated VIEs

Reinsurance-Related Notes

Effective September 30, 2014, a subsidiary of LNC entered into a transaction with a non-affiliated VIE whose primary activities are to acquire, hold and issue notes and loans, pay and collect interest on the notes and loans, and enter into derivative instruments. That subsidiary issued a long-term senior note to the non-affiliated VIE in exchange for a corporate bond AFS security of like principal and duration that was assigned to another one of our subsidiaries. The outstanding principal balance of this long-term senior note was $1.2 billion as of December 31, 2025, and it is variable in nature; moving concurrently with any variability in the face amount of the corporate bond AFS security up to a maximum amount of $1.4 billion. We have concluded that we are not the primary beneficiary of the non-affiliated VIE because we do not have power over the activities that most significantly affect its economic performance. In addition, the terms of the senior note provide us with a set-off right with the corporate bond AFS security we purchased from the VIE; therefore, neither appears on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The VIE has entered into a total return swap with an unaffiliated third party that supports any necessary principal funding of the corporate bond AFS security required by our subsidiaries while the security is outstanding.

Effective October 1, 2017, our captive reinsurance subsidiary, the Lincoln Reinsurance Company of Vermont VI, restructured the $275 million, long-term surplus note which was originally issued to a non-affiliated VIE in October 2015 in exchange for two corporate bond AFS securities of like principal and duration. The activities of the VIE are primarily to acquire, hold and issue notes and loans and to pay and collect interest on the notes and loans. The outstanding principal balance of the long-term surplus note is variable in nature; moving concurrently with any variability in the face amount of the corporate bond AFS securities. We have concluded that we are not the primary beneficiary of the non-affiliated VIE because we do not have power over the activities that most significantly affect its economic performance. As of December 31, 2025, the principal balance of the long-term surplus note waszero and we do not currently have any exposure to this VIE.

Effective November 1, 2019, a subsidiary of LNC entered into a transaction with a non-affiliated VIE whose primary activities are to acquire, hold and issue notes, as well as pay and collect interest on the notes. That subsidiary issued a long-term senior note to the non-affiliated VIE in exchange for a corporate bond AFS security of like principal and duration that was assigned to another one of our subsidiaries. The outstanding principal balance of this long-term senior note was $424 million as of December 31, 2025, and it is variable in nature, moving concurrently with any variability in the face amount of the corporate bond AFS security up to a maximum amount of $500 million. We have concluded that we are not the primary beneficiary of the non-affiliated VIE due to our lack of power over the activities that most significantly affect its economic performance as well as the extent of our obligation to absorb its losses. In addition, the terms of the senior note provide us with a set-off right with the corporate bond AFS security we purchased from the VIE; therefore, neither appears on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Effective September 30, 2021, a subsidiary of LNC entered into a transaction with a non-affiliated VIE whose primary activities are to acquire, hold and issue notes, as well as pay and collect interest on the notes. That subsidiary issued a long-term senior note to the non-affiliated VIE in exchange for a corporate bond AFS security of like principal and duration that was assigned to another one of our subsidiaries. The outstanding principal balance of this long-term senior note was $396 million as of December 31, 2025, and it is variable in nature, moving concurrently with any variability in the face amount of the corporate bond AFS security up to a maximum amount of $400 million. We have concluded that we are not the primary beneficiary of the non-affiliated VIE due to our lack of power over the activities that most significantly affect its economic performance as well as the extent of our obligation to absorb its losses. In addition, the terms of the senior note provide us with a set-off right with the corporate bond AFS security we purchased from the VIE; therefore, neither appears on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Effective December 31, 2022, Lincoln National Corporation entered into a transaction with a non-affiliated VIE whose primary activities are to acquire, hold and issue notes, as well as pay and collect interest on the notes. Lincoln National Corporation issued a long-term note to the non-affiliated VIE in exchange for a corporate bond AFS security of like principal and duration that was assigned to one of our subsidiaries. The outstanding principal balance of this long-term note was $1.5 billion as of December 31, 2025, and it is variable in nature, moving concurrently with any variability in the face amount of the corporate bond AFS security up to a maximum amount of $1.5 billion. We have concluded that we are not the primary beneficiary of the non-affiliated VIE due to our lack of power over the activities that most significantly affect its economic performance as well as the extent of our obligation to absorb its losses. In addition, the terms of the note provide us with a set-off right with the corporate bond AFS security we received from the VIE; therefore, neither appears on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Structured Securities

Through our investment activities, we make passive investments in structured securities issued by VIEs for which we are not the manager. These structured securities include our ABS, RMBS and CMBS. We have not provided financial or other support with respect to these VIEs other than our original investment. We have determined that we are not the primary beneficiary of these VIEs due to the relative size of our investment in comparison to the principal amount of the structured securities issued by the VIEs and the level of credit subordination that reduces our obligation to absorb losses or right to receive benefits. Our maximum exposure to loss on these structured securities is limited to the amortized cost for these investments. We recognize our variable interest in these VIEs at fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. For information about these structured securities, see Note 3.

Limited Partnerships and Limited Liability Companies

We invest in certain LPs and limited liability companies (“LLCs”) that we have concluded are VIEs. Our exposure to loss is limited to the capital we invest in the LPs and LLCs. We do not hold any substantive kick-out or participation rights in the LPs and LLCs, and we do not receive any performance fees or decision maker fees from the LPs and LLCs. Based on our analysis of the LPs and LLCs, other than the asset-backed VIE LP discussed above, we are not the primary beneficiary of the VIEs as we do not have the power to direct the most significant activities of the LPs and LLCs. The carrying amounts of our investments in the LPs and LLCs are recognized in other investments on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and were $5.8 billion and $5.3 billion as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively.

Sponsored Investment Funds

We invest in certain closed-end funds that we have concluded are VIEs as the equity holders lack power through voting rights to direct the activities of the entity that most significantly impact its economic performance. We determined that we are not the primary beneficiary of the VIEs as we do not have the power to influence the decisions that are most impactful to the performance of the VIE, and we do not receive all of the economics of the VIE. Our exposure to loss is limited to the capital we invest in the funds. The carrying amounts of our investments in these funds are recognized in equity securities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and were $135 million and $5 million as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively.

5. Derivative Instruments

We maintain an overall risk management strategy that incorporates the use of derivative instruments to minimize significant unplanned fluctuations in earnings that are caused by interest rate risk, foreign currency exchange risk, equity market risk, basis risk, commodity risk and credit risk. We assess these risks by continually identifying and monitoring changes in our exposures that may adversely affect expected future cash flows and by evaluating hedging opportunities.

Derivative activities are monitored by various management committees. The committees are responsible for overseeing the implementation of various hedging strategies that are developed through the analysis of financial simulation models and other internal and industry sources. The resulting hedging strategies are incorporated into our overall risk management strategies.

See Note 1 for a discussion of the accounting treatment for derivative instruments. See Note 14 for additional disclosures related to the fair value of our derivative instruments and Note 4 for derivative instruments related to our consolidated VIEs.

Interest Rate Contracts

We use derivative instruments as part of our interest rate risk management strategy. These instruments are economic hedges unless otherwise noted and include:

Forward-Starting Interest Rate Swaps

We use forward-starting interest rate swaps to hedge the interest rate exposure within our annuity, life insurance and retirement products.

Interest Rate Cap Corridors

We use interest rate cap corridors to provide a level of protection from the effect of rising interest rates for certain annuity contracts and life insurance products. Interest rate cap corridors involve purchasing an interest rate cap at a specific cap rate and selling an interest rate cap with a higher cap rate. For each corridor, the amount of quarterly payments, if any, is determined by the rate at which the underlying index rate resets above the original capped rate. The corridor limits the benefit the purchaser can receive as the related interest rate index rises above the higher capped rate. There is no additional liability to us other than the purchase price associated with the interest rate cap corridor.

Interest Rate Futures

We use interest rate futures contracts to hedge the liability exposure on certain options in variable annuity and RILA products. These futures contracts require payment between our counterparty and us on a daily basis for changes in the futures index price.

Interest Rate Swap Agreements

We use interest rate swap agreements to hedge the liability exposure on certain options in variable annuity and RILA products.

We also use interest rate swap agreements designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges to hedge the interest rate risk of floating-rate bond coupon payments on certain variable-rate long-term debt and other variable-rate bonds held by replicating a fixed-rate bond.

Finally, we use interest rate swap agreements designated and qualifying as fair value hedges to hedge against changes in the fair value of certain fixed-rate long-term debt and fixed maturity securities due to interest rate risks.

Bond Forwards and Treasury and Reverse Treasury Locks

We use treasury locks designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges to hedge the interest rate exposure related to our issuance of fixed-rate securities or the anticipated future cash flows of floating-rate fixed maturity securities due to changes in interest rates. In addition, we use bond forwards and reverse treasury locks designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges to hedge the interest rate exposure related to the anticipated purchase of fixed-rate securities or the anticipated future cash flows of floating-rate fixed maturity securities due to changes in interest rates. These derivatives are primarily structured to hedge interest rate risk inherent in the assumptions used to price certain liabilities.

Foreign Currency Contracts

We use derivative instruments as part of our foreign currency risk management strategy. These instruments are economic hedges unless otherwise noted and include:

Foreign Currency Swaps

We use foreign currency swaps to hedge foreign exchange risk of investments in fixed maturity securities denominated in foreign currencies. A foreign currency swap is a contractual agreement to exchange one currency for another at specified dates in the future at a specified exchange rate.

We also use foreign currency swaps designated and qualifying as cash flow and fair value hedges to hedge foreign exchange risk of investments in fixed maturity securities denominated in foreign currencies.

Foreign Currency Forwards

We use foreign currency forwards to hedge foreign exchange risk of investments in fixed maturity securities denominated in foreign currencies. A foreign currency forward is a contractual agreement to exchange one currency for another at specified dates in the future at a specified current exchange rate.

Equity Market Contracts

We use derivative instruments as part of our equity market risk management strategy that are economic hedges and include:

Call Options Based on the S&P 500® Index and Other Indices

We use call options to hedge the liability exposure on certain options in variable annuity, RILA, fixed indexed annuity, IUL and VUL products.

Our RILA, fixed indexed annuity and IUL contracts permit the holder to elect an interest rate return or an equity market component, where interest credited to the contracts is linked to the performance of the S&P 500 Index or other indices. Policyholders may elect to rebalance index options at renewal dates. At the end of each indexed term, which can be up to six years, we have the opportunity to re-price the indexed component by establishing participation rates, caps, spreads and specified rates, subject to contractual guarantees. We use call options that are highly correlated to the portfolio allocation decisions of our policyholders, such that we are economically hedged with respect to equity returns for the current reset period.

Consumer Price Index Swaps

We use consumer price index swaps to hedge the liability exposure on certain options in fixed annuity products. Consumer price index swaps are contracts entered into at no cost and whose payoff is the difference between the consumer price index inflation rate and the fixed-rate determined as of inception.

Equity Futures

We use equity futures contracts to hedge the liability exposure on certain options in variable annuity and RILA products. These futures contracts require payment between our counterparty and us on a daily basis for changes in the futures index price.

Put Options

We use put options to hedge the liability exposure on certain options in variable annuity, RILA and VUL products. Put options are contracts that require the buyers to pay at a specified future date the amount, if any, by which a specified equity index is less than the strike rate stated in the agreement, applied to a notional amount.

Total Return Swaps

We use total return swaps to hedge the liability exposure on certain options in variable annuity, RILA and VUL products.

In addition, we use total return swaps to hedge a portion of the liability related to our deferred compensation plans. We receive the total return on a portfolio of indexes and pay a floating-rate of interest.

Commodity Contracts

We use commodity contracts to economically hedge certain investments that are closely tied to the changes in commodity values. The commodity contract is an over-the-counter contract that combines a purchase put/sold call to lock in a commodity price within a predetermined range in exchange for a net premium.

Credit Contracts

We use derivative instruments as part of our credit risk management strategy that are economic hedges and include:

Credit Default Swaps – Buying Protection

We use credit default swaps (“CDSs”) to hedge the liability exposure on certain options in variable annuity products.

We buy CDSs to hedge against a drop in bond prices due to credit concerns of certain bond issuers. A CDS allows us to put the bond back to the counterparty at par upon a default event by the bond issuer. A default event is defined as bankruptcy, failure to pay, obligation acceleration or restructuring.

CDSs – Selling Protection

We use CDSs to hedge the liability exposure on certain options in variable annuity products.

We sell CDSs to offer credit protection to policyholders and investors. The CDSs hedge the policyholders and investors against a drop in bond prices due to credit concerns of certain bond issuers. A CDS allows the investor to put the bond back to us at par upon a default event by the bond issuer. A default event is defined as bankruptcy, failure to pay, obligation acceleration or restructuring.

Embedded Derivatives

We have embedded derivatives that include:

RILA, Fixed Indexed Annuity and IUL Contracts Embedded Derivatives

Our RILA, fixed indexed annuity and IUL contracts permit the holder to elect an interest rate return or an equity market component, where interest credited to the contracts is linked to the performance of the S&P 500® Index or other indices. Policyholders may elect to rebalance index options at renewal dates. At the end of each indexed term, which can be up to six years, we have the opportunity to re-price the indexed component by establishing participation rates, caps, spreads and specified rates, subject to contractual guarantees. We use options that are highly correlated to the portfolio allocation decisions of our policyholders, such that we are economically hedged with respect to equity returns for the current reset period.

Reinsurance-Related Embedded Derivatives

We have certain modified coinsurance and coinsurance with funds withheld reinsurance agreements with embedded derivatives related to the withheld assets of the related funds. These derivatives are considered total return swaps with contractual returns that are attributable to various assets and liabilities associated with these reinsurance agreements.

Primary Risks Managed by Derivatives

We have derivative instruments with off-balance-sheet risks whose notional or contract amounts exceed the related credit exposure. Outstanding derivative instruments with off-balance-sheet risks (in millions) were as follows:

(1)These asset and liability balances are presented on a gross basis. Amounts are reported in derivative investments and other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets after the evaluation for right of offset subject to master netting agreements as described in Note 1.

(2)Reported in funds withheld reinsurance liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

(3)Reported in policyholder account balances and deposit assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

The maturity of the notional amounts of derivative instruments (in millions) was as follows:

(1)As of December 31, 2025, the latest maturity date for which we were hedging our exposure to the variability in future cash flows for these instruments was January 28, 2030.

(2)As of December 31, 2025, the latest maturity date for which we were hedging our exposure to the variability in future cash flows for these instruments was June 16, 2061.

The following amounts (in millions) were recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets related to cumulative basis adjustments for fair value hedges:

(1)Includes $21 million of unamortized adjustments from discontinued hedges as of December 31, 2025, andnone as of December 31, 2024.

(2)Includes $(278) million and $(310) million of unamortized adjustments from discontinued hedges as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively.

The change in our unrealized gain (loss) on derivative instruments within AOCI (in millions) was as follows:

(1)The OCI offset is reported within net investment income on the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss).

(2)The OCI offset is reported within interest and debt expense on the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss).

(3)The OCI offset is reported within realized gain (loss) on the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss).

The effects of qualifying and non-qualifying hedges (in millions) on the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) were as follows:

As of December 31, 2025, $68 million of the deferred net gains (losses) on derivative instruments in AOCI were expected to be reclassified to earnings during the next 12 months. The reclassification is impacted by both interest rates and foreign currency forward rates, as the cash flow hedges affecting the reclassification include interest rate swaps and foreign currency swaps.

For the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, there were no material reclassifications to earnings due to hedged firm commitments no longer deemed probable or due to hedged forecasted transactions that had not occurred by the end of the originally specified time period.

As of December 31, 2025 and 2024, we did not have any exposure related to CDSs for which we are the seller.

Credit Risk

We are exposed to credit losses in the event of non-performance by our counterparties on various derivative contracts and reflect assumptions regarding the credit or non-performance risk. The non-performance risk is based upon assumptions for each counterparty’s credit spread over the estimated weighted average life of the counterparty exposure, less collateral held. As of December 31, 2025, the non-performance risk adjustment waszero. The credit risk associated with such agreements is minimized by entering into agreements with financial institutions with long-standing, superior performance records. Additionally, we maintain a policy of requiring derivative contracts to be governed by an International Swaps and Derivatives Association (“ISDA”) Master Agreement. We are required to maintain minimum ratings as a matter of routine practice in negotiating ISDA agreements. Under nearly all of our ISDA agreements, our insurance subsidiaries have agreed to maintain certain financial strength ratings. A downgrade below these levels could result in termination of derivative contracts, at which time any amounts payable by us would be dependent on the market value of the underlying derivative contracts. In certain transactions, we and the counterparty have entered into a credit support annex requiring either party to post collateral when net exposures exceed pre-determined thresholds. These thresholds vary by counterparty and credit rating. The amount of such exposure is essentially the net replacement cost or market value less collateral held for such agreements with each counterparty if the net market value is in our favor. We didnot have any exposure as of December 31, 2025 or 2024.

The amounts recognized (in millions) by S&P credit rating of counterparty, for which we had the right to reclaim cash collateral or were obligated to return cash collateral, were as follows:

Balance Sheet Offsetting

Information related to the effects of offsetting on the Consolidated Balance Sheets (in millions) was as follows:

(1)Excludes excess non-cash collateral received of $1.6 billion, as the collateral offset is limited to the net estimated fair value of derivatives after application of netting arrangements.

(1)Excludes excess non-cash collateral received of $817 million, as the collateral offset is limited to the net estimated fair value of derivatives after application of netting arrangements.

(2)Excludes excess non-cash collateral pledged of $39 million, as the collateral offset is limited to the net estimated fair value of derivatives after application of netting arrangements.

6. DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL

The following table reconciles DAC, VOBA and DSI (in millions) to the Consolidated Balance Sheets:

The following table reconciles DFEL (in millions) to the Consolidated Balance Sheets:

(1)We reported $225 million and $256 million of ceded DFEL in reinsurance recoverables on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively.

(2)Represents DFEL reported in Other Operations attributable to the indemnity reinsurance agreement with Protective that is excluded from the following tables. We reported $57 million and $51 million of ceded DFEL in reinsurance recoverables on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively.

The following tables summarize the changes in DAC (in millions):

DAC amortization expense of $1.1 billion, $1.0 billion and $987 million was recorded in commissions and other expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

The following tables summarize the changes in VOBA (in millions):

VOBA amortization expense of $47 million, $48 million and $53 million was recorded in commissions and other expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively. No additions or write-offs were recorded for each respective year.

Estimated future amortization of VOBA (in millions), as of December 31, 2025, was as follows:

The following tables summarize the changes in DSI (in millions):

DSI amortization expense of $15 million, $17 million and $19 million was recorded in interest credited on the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

The following tables summarize the changes in DFEL (in millions):

DFEL amortization of $386 million, $311 million and $288 million was recorded in fee income on the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

7. Reinsurance

The following summarizes reinsurance amounts (in millions) recorded on the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss), excluding amounts attributable to the indemnity reinsurance agreements with Protective and Swiss Re:

(1)Includes impacts related to the fourth quarter 2023 reinsurance transaction.

Our insurance companies cede insurance to other companies. The portion of our life insurance risks exceeding each of our insurance companies’ retention limit is reinsured with other insurers. We seek annuity and life reinsurance coverage to limit our exposure to mortality losses and/or to enhance our capital and risk management. Reinsurance does not discharge us from our primary obligation to contract holders for losses incurred under the policies we issue. We evaluate each reinsurance agreement to determine whether the agreement provides indemnification against loss or liability.

As of December 31, 2025, the policy for our reinsurance program was to retain no more than $20 million on a single insured life, with the retention on most policies being significantly below that. As the amount we retain varies by policy, we reinsured 25% of the mortality risk on newly issued life insurance contracts in 2025.

Reinsurance Exposures

We focus on obtaining reinsurance from a diverse group of reinsurers, and we monitor concentration as well as financial strength ratings of our reinsurers. Significant reinsurance agreements are discussed below.

Fortitude Re

Effective October 1, 2023, we entered intotwo reinsurance agreements with Fortitude Reinsurance Company Ltd. (“Fortitude Re”), an authorized Bermuda reinsurer with reciprocal jurisdiction reinsurer status in Indiana, to reinsure certain blocks of in-force UL with secondary guarantees (“ULSG”), MoneyGuard® and fixed annuity products, including group pension annuities. Fortitude Re represents our largest reinsurance exposure as of December 31, 2025.

The first agreement was structured as a coinsurance treaty between us and Fortitude Re for the ULSG and fixed annuities blocks. As significant insurance risk was transferred for ULSG products and life-contingent annuities, amounts recoverable from Fortitude Re were $10.6 billion as of December 31, 2025 and 2024. We reported a deferred loss on the transaction of $2.5 billion and $2.6 billion as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. We amortized $92 million and $90 million of the deferred loss during the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. Annuities that are not life-contingent do not contain significant insurance risk; therefore, we reported deposit assets for these contracts of $2.4 billion and $3.0 billion as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively.

The second agreement was structured as coinsurance with funds withheld for the MoneyGuard block; however, as we retained significant insurance risk under the agreement, we reported deposit assets of $8.5 billion and $8.1 billion as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. In this coinsurance with funds withheld reinsurance agreement, we as the ceding company withhold, and therefore retain, the assets backing the deposit assets. We held investments with a carrying value of $8.9 billion and $9.3 billion in support of reserves associated with the Fortitude Re transaction in a funds withheld arrangement as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively,

which consisted of the following (in millions):

Resolution Life

Effective October 1, 2021, we entered into a reinsurance agreement with Security Life of Denver Insurance Company (a subsidiary of Resolution Life that we refer to herein as “Resolution Life”)to reinsure liabilities under a block of in-force executive benefit and universal life policies. The agreement was structured as coinsurance for the general account reserves and modified coinsurance for the separate account reserves. Amounts recoverable from Resolution Life were $4.8 billion and $4.9 billion as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. Resolution Life has funded trusts, the balances of which change as a result of ongoing reinsurance activity to support the business ceded, that totaled $3.7 billion as of December 31, 2025 and 2024.

Commonwealth

Effective January 15, 2020, we entered into a coinsurance agreement with Commonwealth Annuity and Life Insurance Company (“Commonwealth”) to reinsure fixed annuity products, which resulted in a net deposit asset of $11.5 billion and $9.5 billion as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. Commonwealth has funded trusts, the balances of which change as a result of ongoing reinsurance activity to support the business ceded, that totaled $11.6 billion and $9.0 billion as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively.

Protective

The sale of individual life and individual and group annuity business acquired from Liberty Life Assurance Company of Boston completed May 1, 2018 resulted in amounts recoverable from Protective of $8.1 billion and $8.4 billion as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. Protective has funded trusts, of which the balance in the trusts changes as a result of ongoing reinsurance activity, to support the business ceded, which totaled $9.3 billion and $9.9 billion as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively.

Athene

Effective October 1, 2018, we entered into a modified coinsurance agreement with Athene Holding Ltd. (“Athene”) to reinsure fixed annuity products, which resulted in a deposit asset of $1.7 billion and $2.1 billion as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. We held assets in support of reserves associated with the Athene transaction in a modified coinsurance investment portfolio, which consisted of the following (in millions):

The portfolio was supported by $47 million of over-collateralization and a $50 million letter of credit as of December 31, 2025. Additionally, we recorded a deferred gain on business sold through reinsurance related to the transaction with Athene and amortized $18 million, $26 million and $33 million of the gain during 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

Swiss Re

Our reinsurance operations were acquired by Swiss Re in December 2001 through a series of indemnity reinsurance transactions. As such, Swiss Re reinsured certain liabilities and obligations under the indemnity reinsurance agreements. As we are not relieved of our liability to the ceding companies for this business, the liabilities and obligations associated with the reinsured policies remain on the Consolidated Balance Sheets with a corresponding reinsurance recoverable from Swiss Re, which totaled $1.4 billion and $1.3 billion as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. Swiss Re has funded a trust, with a balance of $597 million and $617 million as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively, to support this business. In addition to various remedies that we would have in the event of a default by Swiss Re, we continue to hold assets in support of certain of the transferred reserves. These assets consist of those reported as trading securities and certain mortgage loans.

Hannover Life

Effective October 1, 2023, we entered into a reinsurance agreement with Hannover Life Reassurance Company of America (Bermuda) Ltd. (“Hannover Life”) to reinsure certain group annuity contracts, which resulted in net deposit asset of $4.5 billion and $3.0 billion as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively.

Credit Losses on Reinsurance-Related Assets

In connection with our recognition of an allowance for credit losses for reinsurance-related assets, we perform a quantitative analysis using a probability of loss approach to estimate expected credit losses for reinsurance recoverables, inclusive of similar assets recognized using the deposit method of accounting. Our allowance for credit losses was $97 million and $100 million as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively.

8. Goodwill and Specifically Identifiable Intangible Assets

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill (in millions) by segment were as follows:

2025, 2024 and 2023 Analysis

As of October 1, 2025,2024 and 2023, respectively, we performed our annual goodwill impairment test for our Annuities, Group Protection and Retirement Plan Services reporting units, and, as of each such date, the fair value was in excess of each reporting unit’s carrying value.

The gross carrying amounts and accumulated amortization (in millions) for each major specifically identifiable intangible asset class by segment were as follows:

(1)No amortization recorded as the intangible asset has indefinite life.

Future estimated amortization of specifically identifiable intangible assets (in millions) as of December 31, 2025, was as follows:

9. MRBs

The following table reconciles MRBs (in millions) to MRB assets and MRB liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets:

The following table summarizes the balances of and changes in net MRB (assets) liabilities (in millions):

(1) Consists primarily of changes in MRB assets and liabilities due to the impact of changes in actual to expected policyholder behavior and aggregation impacts related to fund performance and other assumptions.

(2) Consists primarily of the update of fund mapping, volatility and other capital market assumptions.

(3) Net amount at risk (“NAR”) is the current guaranteed minimum benefit in excess of the current account balance as of the balance sheet date. For GLBs, the guaranteed minimum benefit is calculated based on the present value of GLB payments. Our variable annuity products may offer more than one type of guaranteed benefit rider to a policyholder. In instances where more than one guaranteed benefit feature exists in a contract, the guaranteed benefit rider that provides the highest NAR is used in the calculation.

For the year ended December 31, 2025, Variable Annuities had an unfavorable impact to net income (loss) attributable to the annual assumption review driven by updates to policyholder behavior and capital market assumptions and other items, partially offset by model enhancements and updates to separate account fee assumptions. For the year ended December 31, 2025, Fixed Annuities and Retirement Plan Services did not have any significant assumption updates.

For the year ended December 31, 2024, Variable Annuities had a favorable impact to net income (loss) attributable to the annual assumption review driven by model enhancements and updates to capital market assumptions. For the year ended December 31, 2024, Fixed Annuities had an unfavorable impact to net income (loss) attributable to the annual assumption review driven by model enhancements and updates to policyholder GLB utilization assumptions. Retirement Plan Services did not have any significant assumption updates.

See “MRBs” in Note 1 and Note 14 for details related to our fair value judgments, assumptions, inputs and valuation methodology.

10. Separate Accounts

The following table presents the fair value of separate account assets (in millions) reported on the Consolidated Balance Sheets by major investment category:

The following table reconciles separate account liabilities (in millions) to the Consolidated Balance Sheets:

(1) Represents separate account liabilities reported in Other Operations primarily attributable to the indemnity reinsurance agreements with Protective ($53 million and $49 million as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively) that are excluded from the following tables.

The following table summarizes the balances of and changes in separate account liabilities (in millions):

11. Policyholder Account Balances

The following table reconciles policyholder account balances (in millions) to the Consolidated Balance Sheets:

(1) Represents policyholder account balances reported primarily in Other Operations attributable to the indemnity reinsurance agreements with Protective ($3.5 billion and $4.4 billion as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively) and funding agreements ($3.7 billion andnone as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively). See “Funding Agreements” below for more information.

The following table summarizes the balances and changes in policyholder account balances (in millions):

(1)NAR is the current guaranteed minimum benefit in excess of the current account balance as of the balance sheet date. For GLBs, the guaranteed minimum benefit is calculated based on the present value of GLB payments. Our variable annuity products may offer more than one type of guaranteed benefit rider to a policyholder. In instances where more than one guaranteed benefit rider exists in a contract, the guaranteed benefit rider that provides the highest NAR is used in the calculation.

(2) Calculation is based on total account balances and includes both policyholder account balances and separate account balances.

The following table presents policyholder account balances (in millions) by range of guaranteed minimum crediting rates and the related range of difference, in basis points, between the interest being credited to policyholders and the respective guaranteed contract minimums:

(1)Consists of indexed account balances that include the fair value of embedded derivative instruments, non-life contingent payout annuity account balances, short-term dollar cost averaging annuities business and policy loans.

Funding Agreements

The following summarizes the types of funding agreements issued by The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company (“LNL”):

FABN Program

LNL established a $5.0 billion FABN program in 2024 pursuant to which LNL may issue unsecured funding agreements to an unaffiliated and unconsolidated special purpose statutory trust (the “Trust”) that will then issue medium-term notes for which payment of interest and principal is secured by such funding agreement. LNL had funding agreements issued under the program totaling $1.5 billion as of December 31, 2025, compared tonone as of December 31, 2024, with original maturities ranging from three tofive years.

FABR Funding Agreements

LNL may issue funding agreements in connection with FABRs. Under an FABR, an unaffiliated and unconsolidated special-purpose entity enters into a repurchase agreement with a bank and uses the proceeds of the repurchase agreement to purchase funding agreements from LNL that are secured by portfolios of assets pledged to the special-purpose entity. LNL had secured funding agreements issued totaling $800 million as of December 31, 2025, compared tonone as of December 31, 2024, with original maturities offive years. See “Assets Pledged as Collateral” in Note 3 for information on pledged assets.

FHLB Funding Agreements

LNL is a member of the FHLB of Indianapolis (“FHLBI”) and, through membership, has the ability to issue funding agreements. We had FHLB funding agreements outstanding of$1.5 billion as of December 31, 2025, compared tonone as of December 31, 2024, with original maturities ofone year or less. The funding agreements are secured by a portfolio of assets pledged to the FHLB. See “Assets Pledged as Collateral” in Note 3 for information on pledged assets.

12. Future Contract Benefits

The following table reconciles future contract benefits (in millions) to the Consolidated Balance Sheets:

(1) See “Liability for Future Policy Benefits” below for further information.

(2) See “Liability for Future Claims” below for further information.

(3) See “Additional Liabilities for Other Insurance Benefits” below for further information.

(4) Represents future contract benefits reported in Other Operations primarily attributable to the indemnity reinsurance agreements with Protective($5.4 billion as of December 31, 2025 and 2024) and Swiss Re ($2.0 billion and $1.8 billion as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively) that are excluded from the following tables.

(5) Represents other miscellaneous reserves that are not representative of long-duration contracts, primarily related to participating traditional life insurance contracts and incurred but not reported and in course of settlement life insurance liabilities, and are excluded from the following tables.

Liability for Future Policy Benefits

The liability for future policy benefits represents reserves associated with our limited payment life-contingent annuities and non-participating traditional life insurance contracts (i.e., term insurance). The reserve is the net of present value of expected future policy benefits less present value of expected net premiums as summarized in the following table (in millions, except years):

(1) The cash flow assumption impact to the liability is calculated as the present value of expected future policy benefits less the present value of expected net premiums. For the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, the net effect of changes in cash flow assumptions gross of reinsurance reduced the liability by$168 million and $96 million, respectively, primarily associated with favorable updates to mortality assumptions. See “Effect of Annual Assumption Review” below for more information.

(2) For theyear ended December 31, 2025, the Traditional Life actual to expected reserve impact on expected net premiums was attributable primarily to policyholder behavior and mortality, which unfavorably impacted the liability by $38 million and $34 million, respectively; and the actual to expected reserve impact on expected future policy benefits was attributable primarily to policyholder behavior and mortality, which favorably impacted the liability by $49 million and $31 million, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2024, the Traditional Life actual to expected reserve impact on expected net premiums was attributable primarily to mortality, which unfavorably impacted the liability by $67 million, which was partially offset by $14 million primarily related to policyholder behavior; and the actual to expected reserve impact on expected future policy benefits was attributable primarily to mortality, which favorably impacted the liability by $107 million, which was partially offset by $37 million primarily related to policyholder behavior. For the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, Payout Annuities did not have any significantly different actual experience compared to expected.

(3) Includes deferred profit liability within Payout Annuities of$92 million, $62 million and $56 million as of December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

For the year ended December 31, 2025, Payout Annuities did not have a significant cash flow assumption impact to net income (loss) attributable to the annual assumption review, and Traditional Life had a favorable cash flow assumption impact from updates to mortality and policyholder behavior assumptions.

For the year ended December 31, 2024, Payout Annuities did not have a significant cash flow assumption impact to net income (loss) attributable to the annual assumption review, and Traditional Life had a favorable cash flow assumption impact from updates to mortality assumptions, partially offset by an unfavorable impact from updates to policyholder behavior assumptions.

The following table summarizes the discounted and undiscounted expected future gross premiums and expected future benefit payments (in millions):

The following table summarizes the gross premiums and interest accretion (in millions) recognized in insurance premiums and benefits, respectively, on the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss):

Liability for Future Claims

The liability for future claims represents reserves associated with our group long-term disability and life waiver products. The following table summarizes the balances of and changes in liability for future claims (in millions, except years):

(1) Generally, the experience exhibited for the Group Protection business relates to morbidity and, to a lesser extent, mortality. Group Protection long-duration products have limited exposure to lapse risk, as the liabilities for future claims are limited to those associated with claim reserves. For the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, morbidity comprised substantially all of the favorable effect of actual variances from expected experience, as our claims experience was more favorable than assumed.

For the year ended December 31, 2025, we had a favorable cash flow assumption impact to net income (loss) attributable to the annual assumption review from updates to the claim termination rate assumption, partially offset by updates to social security and incurred assumptions. For the year ended December 31, 2024, we did not have a significant cash flow assumption impact to net income (loss) attributable to the annual assumption review.

The following table summarizes the discounted and undiscounted expected future benefit payments (in millions):

The following table summarizes the gross premiums and interest accretion (in millions) recognized in insurance premiums and benefits, respectively, on the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss):

Additional Liabilities for Other Insurance Benefits

Additional liabilities for other insurance benefits represent reserves associated with our UL and VUL contracts with secondary guarantees, including MoneyGuard®. The following table summarizes the balances of and changes in additional liabilities for other insurance benefits (in millions, except years):

(1) For the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, the actual to expected reserve impact was attributable primarily to mortality, which unfavorably impacted the liability by $201 million and $273 million, respectively.

(2) For the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, the effect of actual variances from expected experience, net of reinsurance, was$96 million and $163 million, respectively.

For the year ended December 31, 2025, we had an unfavorable cash flow assumption impact to net income (loss) attributable to the annual assumption review from updates to mortality and policyholder behavior assumptions, partially offset by updates to the morbidity assumption.

For the year ended December 31, 2024, we had an unfavorable cash flow assumption impact to net income (loss) attributable to the annual assumption review impacting reinsured blocks of MoneyGuard® business from updates to policyholder behavior and mortality assumptions that were partially offset by updates to capital market assumptions.

The following table summarizes the gross assessments and interest accretion (in millions) recognized in insurance premiums and benefits, respectively, on the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss):

13. Short-Term and Long-Term Debt

Details underlying short-term and long-term debt (in millions) were as follows:

(1)We have the option to repurchase the outstanding notes by paying the greater of 100% of the principal amount of the notes to be redeemed or the make-whole amount (as defined in each note agreement), plus in each case any accrued and unpaid interest as of the date of redemption.

(2)Categorized as operating debt for leverage ratio calculations as the proceeds were primarily used as a long-term structured solution to reduce the strain on increasing statutory reserves associated with secondary guarantee UL and term policies.

(3)Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”)-based interest rates, plus an applicable transition spread of 10 basis points and credit spread of 137.5 basis points as of December 31, 2025 and 2024.

(4)3-Month ISDA SOFR-based interest rates, plus a credit spread of 236 basis points.

(5) 3-Month ISDA SOFR-based interest rates, plus a credit spread of 204 basis points.

(6) 3-Month Term SOFR-based interest rates, plus a transition spread of 26.161 basis points and a credit spread of 236 basis points.

(7) 3-Month Term SOFR-based interest rates, plus a transition spread of 26.161 basis points and a credit spread of 204 basis points.

Details underlying the recognition of a gain (loss) on the early extinguishment of debt (in millions) reported within interest expense on

our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) were as follows:

(1)In May 2025, pursuant to a tender offer, we repurchased $34 million of our 3.05% Senior Notes due 2030, $129 million of our 4.35% Senior Notes due 2048, $136 million of our 4.375% Senior Notes due 2050, $97 million of our Subordinated Notes due 2066, $97 million of our Subordinated Notes due 2067, $21 million of our Capital Securities due 2066 and $5 million of our Capital Securities due 2067.

Future principal payments due on long-term debt (in millions) as of December 31, 2025, were as follows:

For our long-term debt outstanding, unsecured senior debt, which consists of senior notes and a term loan, ranks highest in priority, followed by subordinated notes and then capital securities.

Facility Agreements for Senior Notes Issuances

Trust I Facility Agreement

On August 18, 2020, LNC entered into a 10-year facility agreement (the “Trust I Facility Agreement”) with Belrose Funding Trust, a Delaware statutory trust (“Trust I”), in connection with Trust I’s sale of $500 million of its Pre-Capitalized Trust Securities Redeemable August 15, 2030, (the “2030 P-Caps”) in a private placement pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). Trust I invested the proceeds from the sale of the 2030 P-Caps in a portfolio of principal and interest strips of U.S. Treasury securities (the “Trust I Eligible Assets”). The Trust I Facility Agreement provided LNC the right to issue to Trust I, and to require Trust I to purchase from LNC, on one or more occasions, up to an aggregate principal amount outstanding at any one time of $500 million of LNC’s 2.330% Senior Notes due 2030 (the “2.330% Senior Notes”) in exchange for a corresponding amount of the Trust I Eligible Assets. In return, LNC paid Trust I a semi-annual facility fee at a rate of 1.691% per year (applied to the unexercised portion of the issuance right) and reimbursed Trust I for its expenses.

On May 13, 2025, LNC exercised in full its issuance right under the Trust I Facility Agreement and on May 15, 2025, LNC issued $500 million aggregate principal amount of the 2.330% Senior Notes to Trust I in exchange for the Trust I Eligible Assets, which had a fair value of $418 million when the 2.330% Senior Notes were issued. The net proceeds from the issuance of the 2.330% Senior Notes and subsequent sale of the Trust I Eligible Assets were subsequently used to early extinguish long-term debt during the second quarter of 2025 pursuant to a tender offer.

In connection with the exercise of its issuance right, LNC waived its right to repurchase the 2.330% Senior Notes and directed the trustee of Trust I to dissolve Trust I and deliver the 2.330% Senior Notes to the beneficial holders of the 2030 P-Caps pro rata in respect of each 2030 P-Cap. On May 20, 2025, Trust I was dissolved and The Depository Trust Company distributed the 2.330% Senior Notes to the beneficial holders of the 2030 P-Caps pro rata in respect of each 2030 P-Cap.

Trust II Facility Agreement

On May 20, 2025, LNC entered into a 30-year facility agreement (the “Trust II Facility Agreement”) with Belrose Funding Trust II, a Delaware statutory trust (“Trust II”), in connection with Trust II’s sale of $1.0 billion of its Pre-Capitalized Trust Securities Redeemable May 15, 2055, (the “2055 P-Caps”) in a private placement pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act. Trust II invested the proceeds from the sale of the 2055 P-Caps in a portfolio of principal and interest strips of U.S. Treasury securities (the “Trust II Eligible Assets”). The Trust II Facility Agreement provides LNC the right to issue to Trust II, and to require Trust II to purchase from LNC, on one or more occasions, up to an aggregate principal amount outstanding at any one time of $1.0 billion of LNC’s 6.792% Senior Notes due 2055 (the “6.792% senior notes”) in exchange for a corresponding amount of the Trust II Eligible Assets. LNC may direct Trust II to grant all or a portion of the issuance right to one or more assignees (who are LNC’s consolidated subsidiaries or persons to whom LNC or any such consolidated subsidiary has an obligation or liability) (each, an “Issuance Right Assignee”) who may cause a corresponding portion of the 6.792% senior notes to be issued to Trust II and receive the corresponding Trust II Eligible Assets that would otherwise have been delivered to LNC pursuant to the exercise of the issuance right. The 6.792% senior notes will not be issued unless and until the issuance right is exercised. In return, LNC pays Trust II a semi-annual facility fee at a rate of 1.888% per year (applied to the unexercised portion of the issuance right) and reimburses Trust II for its expenses.

The issuance right will be exercised automatically in full upon (1) LNC’s failure to make certain payments to Trust II, such as the facility fee or payments for Trust II’s expenses, or failure to purchase and pay for any defaulted Trust II Eligible Assets that LNC is required to purchase at their face amount from Trust II pursuant to the Trust II Facility Agreement, in each case if the failure is not cured within 30 days, or (2) certain bankruptcy events involving LNC. LNC is also required to exercise the issuance right in full if it reasonably believes that its consolidated stockholders’ equity (excluding AOCI and equity of noncontrolling interests attributable thereto) has fallen below a minimum threshold (which was $2.75 billion as of December 31, 2025, and is subject to adjustment from time to time in certain cases), if an event of default under the indenture governing the 6.792% senior notes has occurred or would have occurs, and upon certain other events described in the Trust II Facility Agreement.

Prior to any involuntary exercise of the issuance right, LNC has the right to repurchase the 6.792% senior notes then outstanding and held by Trust II, in whole or in part, in exchange for principal and/or interest strips of U.S. Treasury securities, and may exercise or assign the issuance right with respect to the repurchased 6.792% senior notes at a later date. Additionally, LNC may redeem any outstanding 6.792% senior notes, in whole or in part, prior to their maturity. Prior to November 15, 2054, the redemption price will equal the greater of par and a make-whole redemption price. On or after November 15, 2054, any outstanding 6.792% senior notes may be redeemed at par.

Credit Facility

On December 21, 2023, we entered into a second amended and restated credit agreement with a syndicate of banks, which amended and restated our existing five-year revolving amended and restated credit agreement. The credit agreement, which is unsecured, allows for the issuance of letters of credit (“LOCs”) and borrowing of up to $2.0 billion and has a commitment termination date of December 21, 2028. The LOCs under the credit facility are used primarily to satisfy reserve credit requirements of (i) our domestic insurance companies for which reserve credit is provided by our affiliated reinsurance companies and (ii) certain ceding companies of our legacy reinsurance business. Lincoln National Corporation guarantees the obligations of its subsidiaries under the credit agreement. As of December 31, 2025, there were $92 million of LOCs issued andno amount was drawn on the issued LOCs.

The credit agreement, as currently in effect, contains:

•Customary terms and conditions, including covenants restricting our ability to incur liens, merge or consolidate with another entity where we are not the surviving entity and dispose of all or substantially all of our assets;

•Financial covenants including maintenance of a minimum consolidated net worth equal to the sum of $8.626 billion plus 50% of the aggregate net proceeds of equity issuances received by us after September 30, 2023, all as more fully set forth in the agreement; and a debt-to-capital ratio as defined in accordance with the agreement not to exceed 0.35 to 1.00;

•A cap on secured non-operating indebtedness and non-operating indebtedness of our subsidiaries equal to 7.5% of total capitalization, as defined in accordance with the agreement; and

•Customary events of default, subject to certain materiality thresholds and grace periods for certain of those events of default.

Upon an event of default, the credit agreement, as currently in effect, provides that, among other things, the commitments may be terminated and the loans then outstanding may be declared due and payable. As of December 31, 2025, we were in compliance with all such covenants.

LOCs

On November 25, 2025, Lincoln National Corporation entered into a letter of credit reimbursement agreement with a third-party lender in connection with the issuance of a $200 million irrevocable standby LOC to one of its affiliates, under whichno amount had been drawn as of December 31, 2025. Under the reimbursement agreement, issuance of additional LOCs is at the discretion of the third-party lender. The reimbursement agreement contains customary terms and conditions, covenants and events of default, including financial covenants that are consistent with the credit agreement disclosed in the “Credit Facility” section above. If an event of default occurs, the counterparty may require Lincoln National Corporation to post cash collateral equal to 100% of the maximum amount available to be drawn under outstanding LOCs. As of December 31, 2025, we were in compliance with all such covenants.

On October 1, 2025, we terminated our LOC facility agreements set to expire in 2031 as a result of restructuring certain captive reinsurance subsidiaries effective October 1, 2025. See Note 19 for additional information.

Shelf Registration

We currently have an effective shelf registration statement, which allows us to issue, in unlimited amounts, securities, including debt securities, preferred stock, common stock, warrants, stock purchase contracts, stock purchase units and depositary shares.

14. Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Financial Instruments Carried at Fair Value

The following summarizes our financial instruments carried at fair value (in millions) on a recurring basis by the fair value hierarchy levels:

(1)Total investments included in the fair value hierarchy exclude certain closed-end funds that are measured at estimated fair value using the NAV per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient. The estimated fair value of such investments was $135 million as of December 31, 2025.

(2)Derivative investment assets and liabilities are presented within the fair value hierarchy on a gross basis by derivative type and not on a master netting basis by counterparty.

The following summarizes changes to our financial instruments carried at fair value (in millions) and classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. The gains and losses below may include changes in fair value due in part to observable inputs that are a component of the valuation methodology. The summary schedule excludes changes to MRB assets and MRB liabilities as these balances are rolled forward in Note 9.

(1)The changes in fair value of the interest rate swaps are offset by an adjustment toderivative investments (see Note 5).

(2)Amortization and accretion of premiums and discounts are included in net investment income on the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss). Gains (losses) from sales, maturities, settlements and calls and credit loss expense are included in realized gain (loss) on the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss).

(3)Gains (losses) from the changes in fair value are included in market risk benefit gain (loss) on the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss).

(4)Gains (losses) from the changes in fair value are included in realized gain (loss) on the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss).

The following provides the components of the items included in issuances, sales, maturities, settlements and calls, net, (in millions) as reported above:

The following summarizes changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) related to financial instruments carried at fair value classified within Level 3 that we still held (in millions):

(1)Included inrealized gain (loss) on the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss).

(2)Included in market risk benefit gain (loss) on the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss).

The following summarizes changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in OCI, net of tax, related to financial instruments carried at fair value classified within Level 3 that we still held (in millions):

The following provides the components of the transfers into and out of Level 3 (in millions) as reported above:

Transfers into and out of Level 3 are generally the result of observable market information on financial instruments no longer being available or becoming available to our pricing vendors. For the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, transfers in and out of Level 3 were attributable primarily to the financial instruments’ observable market information no longer being available or becoming available.

The following summarizes the fair value (in millions), valuation techniques and significant unobservable inputs of the Level 3 fair value measurements as of December 31, 2025:

The following summarizes the fair value (in millions), valuation techniques and significant unobservable inputs of the Level 3 fair value measurements as of December 31, 2024:

(1)Unobservable inputs were weighted by the relative fair value of the instruments, unless otherwise noted.

(2)The liquidity/duration adjustment input represents an estimated market participant composite of adjustments attributable to liquidity premiums, expected durations, structures and credit quality that would be applied to the market observable information of an investment.

(3)The lapse input represents the estimated probability of a contract surrendering during a year, and thereby forgoing any future benefits. The range for indexed annuity contracts represents the lapses during the surrender charge period.

(4)The utilization of GLB withdrawals input represents the estimated percentage of policyholders that utilize the GLB withdrawal riders.

(5)The utilization factors are applied to the present value of claims or premiums, as appropriate, in the MRB calculation to estimate the impact of inefficient GLB withdrawal behavior, including taking less than or more than the maximum GLB withdrawal.

(6)The non-performance risk input represents the estimated additional credit spread that market participants would apply to the market observable discount rate when pricing a contract. The non-performance risk input was weighted by the absolute value of the sensitivity of the reserve to the non-performance risk assumption.

(7)The mortality input represents the estimated probability of when an individual belonging to a particular group, categorized according to age or some other factor such as gender, will die.

(8)The volatility input represents overall volatilities assumed for the underlying variable annuity funds, which include a mixture of equity and fixed-income assets. Volatility assumptions vary by fund due to the benchmarking of different indices. The volatility input was weighted by the relative account balance assigned to each index.

(9)The mortality is based on a combination of company and industry experience, adjusted for improvement factors.

(10)A weighted average input range is not a meaningful measurement for lapse, utilization factors or mortality.

(11)The fair value inputs for ceded MRBs are consistent with those used to value MRB assets and liabilities.

From the table above, we have excluded Level 3 fair value measurements obtained from independent, third-party pricing sources. We do not develop the significant inputs used to measure the fair value of these assets and liabilities, and the information regarding the significant inputs is not readily available to us. Independent broker-quoted fair values are non-binding quotes developed by market makers or broker-dealers obtained from third-party sources recognized as market participants. The fair value of a broker-quoted asset or liability is based solely on the receipt of an updated quote from a single market maker or a broker-dealer recognized as a market participant as we do not adjust broker quotes when used as the fair value measurement for an asset or liability. Significant increases or decreases in any of the quotes received from a third-party broker-dealer may result in a significantly higher or lower fair value measurement.

The embedded derivative liability associated with Fortitude Re was excluded from the above table. As discussed in Note 7, this embedded derivative liability was created through a coinsurance with funds withheld reinsurance agreement where the investments supporting the reinsurance agreement were withheld by and continue to be reported on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. This reinsurance-related embedded derivative is valued as a total return swap with reference to the fair value of the investments held by us. Accordingly, the unobservable inputs utilized in the valuation of the reinsurance-related embedded derivative are a component of the investments supporting the reinsurance agreement that are reported on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Changes in any of the significant inputs presented in the table above would have resulted in a significant change in the fair value measurement of the asset or liability as follows:

•Investments – An increase in the liquidity/duration adjustment input would have resulted in a decrease in the fair value measurement.

•Indexed annuity contracts embedded derivatives – For direct embedded derivatives, an increase in the lapse or mortality inputs would have resulted in a decrease in the fair value measurement.

•MRBs – Assuming our MRBs are in a liability position: an increase in our lapse, non-performance risk or mortality inputs would have resulted in a decrease in the fair value measurement, except for policies with GDB riders only, in which case an increase in mortality inputs would have resulted in an increase in the fair value measurement.

For each category discussed above, the unobservable inputs are not inter-related; therefore, a directional change in one input would not have affected the other inputs.

As part of our ongoing valuation process, we assess the reasonableness of our valuation techniques or models and make adjustments as necessary. For more information, see Note 1.

Fair Value Option

Mortgage loans on real estate, net of allowance for credit losses, as reported on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, includes mortgage loans on real estate for which the fair value option was elected. The fair value option allows us to elect fair value as an alternative measurement for mortgage loans not otherwise reported at fair value. We have made these elections for certain mortgage loans associated with modified coinsurance agreements to help mitigate the inconsistency in earnings that would otherwise result from the use of embedded derivatives included with these loans. Changes in fair value are reflected in realized gain (loss) on the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss). Changes in fair value due to instrument-specific credit risk are estimated using changes in credit spreads and quality ratings for the period reported. Mortgage loans on real estate for which the fair value option was elected are valued using third-party pricing services. We have procedures in place to review the valuations each quarter to ensure they are reasonable, including utilizing a separate third party to reperform the valuation for a selection of mortgage loans on an annual basis. Due to lack of observable inputs, mortgage loans electing the fair value option are classified as Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy.

The fair value and aggregate contractual principal for mortgage loans on real estate where the fair value option was elected (in millions) were as follows:

For information on current and past due composition and accruing status for loans where we have elected the fair value option, see Note 3.

Financial Instruments Not Carried at Fair Value

The following summarizes the fair value by the fair value hierarchy levels and the carrying amount of our financial instruments not carried at fair value (in millions):

The following discussion outlines the methodologies and assumptions used to determine the fair value of our financial instruments not carried at fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Considerable judgment is required to develop these assumptions used to measure fair value. Accordingly, the estimates shown above are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that would be realized in a one-time, current market exchange of all of our financial instruments.

The fair value of mortgage loans on real estate, excluding mortgage loans accounted for using the fair value option, is established using a discounted cash flow method based on internal quality rating, maturity and future income. The ratings for mortgages in good standing are based on occupancy, debt-service coverage, LTV, and forecasted tenancy. The fair value for impaired mortgage loans is based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, the loan’s market price or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent. The inputs used to measure the fair value of our mortgage loans on real estate, excluding mortgage loans accounted for using the fair value option, are classified as Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy.

Other Investments

The carrying value of our assets classified as other investments, excluding short-term investments, approximates fair value. Other investments includes primarily LPs and other privately held investments that are accounted for using the equity method of accounting and the carrying value is based on our proportional share of the net assets of the LPs. Other investments also include FHLB stock, which is carried at cost and periodically evaluated for impairment based on ultimate recovery of par value, and the investments in COLI, which are recorded at cash surrender value and not required to be included in the table above. The inputs used to measure the fair value of our LPs, other privately held investments and FHLB stock are classified as Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy. The remaining assets in other investments include cash collateral receivables and securities that are not LPs or other privately held investments. The inputs used to measure the fair value of these assets are classified as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

Policy Loans

The carrying value for policy loans are the unpaid principal balances. Policy loans are fully collateralized by the cash surrender value of underlying insurance policies. As a result, the carrying value of the policy loans approximates the fair value. The inputs used to measure the fair value of these assets are classified as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

Policyholder Account Balances – Certain Investment Contracts and Other Liabilities

Policyholder account balances and other liabilities include account balances of certain investment contracts that exclude significant mortality or morbidity risk. The fair value of the account balances of certain investment contracts is based on a discounted cash flow model as of the balance sheet date. The inputs used to measure the fair value of these policyholder account balances are classified as Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy.

Policyholder Account Balances – Funding Agreements

The fair value of funding agreements issued under the FABN program is based on quoted market prices. The fair value of secured funding agreements issued under FABRs and funding agreements issued to FHLB is based on a discounted cash flow model as of the balance sheet date. The inputs used to measure the fair value of funding agreements are classified as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy. For more information on funding agreements, see Note 11.

The fair value of short-term and long-term debt is based on quoted market prices. The inputs used to measure the fair value of our short-term and long-term debt are classified as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

Funds Withheld Reinsurance Liabilities

Funds withheld reinsurance liabilities includes our obligation to pay reinsurers under coinsurance with funds withheld and modified coinsurance arrangements where the Company is the cedant. This liability includes embedded derivatives, which are total return swaps with contractual returns that are attributable to the Company’s reinsurance agreements. The embedded derivatives are carried at fair value and thus excluded from the preceding table. The inputs used to measure the remaining balance are classified as Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy.

15. Retirement and Deferred Compensation Plans