Jackson Financial Inc.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to adopt accounting policies and make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported in our Consolidated Financial Statements. The following are our most critical estimates, which require management’s most difficult, subjective and complex judgments, including the need to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain and may change in subsequent periods.

The following discussion is not intended to represent a comprehensive list of the estimates and judgments that we apply or our accounting policies. For a detailed discussion of the application of these and other accounting policies, see Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data — Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Reserves for Future Policy Benefits and Claims Payable

We establish reserves for future policy benefits to, or on behalf of, customers in the same period in which the policy is issued or acquired, using methodologies prescribed by U.S. GAAP.

Reserves for Future Policy Benefits

Fornon-participating traditional life insurance contracts and limited pay life-contingent contracts, which include term, whole life, and payout annuities with significant insurance risk, reserves for future policy benefits represents the present value of estimated future policy benefits to be paid to, or on behalf of, policyholders in future periods and certain related expenses less the present value of estimated future net premiums.

Reserves for future policy benefits for non-participating traditional and limited-payment insurance contracts are measured using the net premium ratio (NPR) measurement model. The NPR measurement model accrues for future policy benefits in proportion to the premium revenue recognized. The reserve for future policy benefits is derived from the Company's best estimate of future net premium and future benefits and expenses, which is based on best estimate assumptions, including mortality, persistency, claims expense, and discount rate. On an annual basis, or as circumstances warrant, we conduct a comprehensive review of our current best estimate assumptions based on our experience, industry benchmarking, and other factors, as applicable. Expense assumptions are updated based on estimates of expected non-level costs, such as termination or settlement costs, and costs after the premium-paying period, and exclude acquisition costs or any costs that are required to be charged to expenses as incurred. Updates to assumptions are applied on a retrospective basis, and each reporting period the reserve for future policy benefits is updated to reflect actual experience to date.

The Company establishes cohorts, which are product groupings used to measure reserves for future policy benefits. In determining cohorts, the Company considers both qualitative and quantitative factors, including the issue year, type of product, product features, and legal entity.

The discount rate used to estimate reserves for future policy benefits is consistent with an upper-medium grade (low-credit risk) fixed-income corporate instrument yield, which has been interpreted to represent a single-A corporate instrument yield. This discount rate curve is determined by fitting a parametric function to yields to maturity and related times to maturity of market observable single-A rated corporate instruments. The discount rate used to recognize interest accretion on the reserves for future policy benefits is locked at the initial measurement of the cohort. Each reporting period, the reserve for future policy benefits is remeasured using the current discount rate. The difference between the reserve calculated using the current discount rate and the reserve calculated using the locked-in discount rate is recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income.

Additional Liabilities - Universal Life-type

The Company issues universal life policies with secondary guarantees and interest-sensitive life policies. The primary reserves for these policies are the contract holder account balances reported within the other contract holder funds line of the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Where these contracts provide additional benefits beyond the account balance or base insurance coverage that are not market risk benefits or embedded derivatives, liabilities in addition to the policyholder’s account value are recognized. These additional liabilities for annuitization, death and other insurance benefits are reported within reserves for future policy benefits and claims payable. The liability measurement methodology uses a benefit ratio defined as a constant percentage of the assessment base. This ratio is multiplied by current period assessments to determine the reserve accrual for the period. The measurements of the additional liabilities for annuitization, death and other insurance benefits are based on best estimate assumptions including mortality, persistency, investment returns, and discount rates. These assumptions are similarly subject to the annual review process discussed above.

Other Future Policy Benefits and Claims Payable

In conjunction with a prior acquisition, we recorded a fair value adjustment related to certain annuity and interest-sensitive life blocks of business to reflect the cost of the interest guarantees within the in-force liabilities, based on the difference between the guaranteed interest rate and at purchase assumed new money guaranteed interest rate. This adjustment is recorded in reserves for future policy benefits and claims payable. This liability adjustment is remeasured each reporting period, taking into account changes in the in-force block. Any resulting change in the reserve is recorded as a change in policy reserve in the Consolidated Income Statements.

In addition, life and annuity claims liabilities in course of settlement are included in reserves for future policy benefits and claims payable.

See Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data— Note 9 - Reserve for Future Policy Benefits and Claims Payable of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on these accounting policies.

Market Risk Benefits

Contracts or contract features that provide protection to the contract holder from capital market risk and expose the Company to other-than-nominal capital market risk are classified as market risk benefits, or MRBs. All long-duration insurance contracts and certain investment contracts are subject to MRB evaluation. MRBs are measured at fair value at the contract level and can be in either an asset or liability position. For contracts that contain multiple MRB features, the MRBs are valued together as a single compound MRB.

The use of models and assumptions to determine fair value of MRBs requires a significant amount of judgment. The significant assumptions used in the MRB fair value calculations are:

•Mortality rates - These vary by attained age, tax qualification status, guaranteed benefit election, and duration. The range used reflects ages from the minimum issue age for the benefit through age 95, which corresponds to the typical maturity age. A mortality improvement assumption is also applied.

•Base lapse rates - These vary by contract-level factors, such as product type, surrender charge schedule and guaranteed benefits election. Lapse rates are further adjusted based on the degree to which a guaranteed benefit is in-the-money, with lower lapse applying when benefits are more in-the-money. Lapse rates are also adjusted to reflect lower lapse expectations when guaranteed benefits are utilized.

•Utilization rates - These represent the expected percentage of contracts that will utilize the benefit through annuitization (GMIB) or commencement of withdrawals (GMWB). Utilization may vary by benefit type, attained age, duration, tax qualification status, benefit provision, and degree to which the guaranteed benefit is in-the-money.

•Withdrawal rates- These represent the percentage of annual withdrawal assumed relative to the maximum allowable withdrawal amount under the free partial withdrawal provision or the GMWB, as applicable. Free partial withdrawal rates vary based on the product type, duration, and GMAB election. Withdrawal rates on contracts with a GMWB vary based on attained age, tax qualification status, GMWB type and GMWB benefit provisions.

•Non-performance risk adjustment- This is applied as a spread over the risk-free rate to determine the rate used to discount the related cash flows and varies by projection year.

•Long-term equity volatility - This represents the equity volatility beyond the period for which observable equity volatilities are available.

See Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data— Note 6 - Fair Value Measurements of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

We issue variable contracts through our separate accounts for which investment income and investment gains and losses accrue directly to, and investment risk is borne by, the contract holder. Certain of these contracts include contract provisions by which we contractually guarantee to the contract holder either a) return of no less than total deposits made to the account adjusted for any partial withdrawals, b) total deposits made to the account adjusted for any partial withdrawals plus a minimum return, or c) the highest account value on a specified anniversary date adjusted for any withdrawals following the contract anniversary. These guarantees include benefits that are payable upon the depletion of funds (GMWB), in the event of death (GMDB), at annuitization (GMIB), or at the end of a specified period (GMAB). Substantially all of our GMIB benefits are reinsured. GMIB benefits were discontinued in 2009. For additional information regarding our account value by optional guarantee benefit, see Item 1. Business–Our Product Offerings by Segments–Retail Annuities–Variable Annuities in this Form 10-K.

Variable annuity guaranteed benefit features classified as MRBs, which have explicit fees, are measured using the attributed fee method. Under the attributed fee method, fair value is measured as the difference between the present value of projected future liabilities and the present value of projected attributed fees. At the inception of the contract, the Company attributes to the MRB a portion of total fees expected to be assessed against the contract holder to offset the projected claims over the lifetime of the contract. The attributed fee is expressed as a percentage of total projected future fees at inception of the contract. This percentage of total projected fees is considered a fixed term of the MRB feature and is held static over the life of the contract. This percentage may not exceed 100% of the total projected contract fees as of contract inception. As the Company may issue contracts that have projected future liabilities greater than the projected future guaranteed benefit fees at issue, the Company may also attribute mortality and expense charges when performing this calculation. In subsequent valuations, both the present value of future projected liabilities and the present value of projected attributed fees are remeasured based on current market conditions and policyholder behavior assumptions.

Our FIA and RILA contracts may be issued with features that guarantee benefits that are payable upon death (GMDB) or upon depletion of funds (GMWB). These features are classified as MRBs and measured at fair value.

Where the guaranteed benefit features have explicit fees, the fair value of the MRB is measured as the difference between the present value of projected future guaranteed benefits and the present value of projected attributed fees (the attributed fee method). At inception of the contract, the Company attributes a percentage of total projected future fees expected to be assessed against the policyholder to offset the projected future guaranteed benefits over the lifetime of the contract. Where the projected attributed fees are sufficient to offset the projected guaranteed benefits at issue, the MRB has an initial fair value of zero resulting in no gain or loss on issuance of the contract. If the projected attributed fees are insufficient to offset the projected guaranteed benefits at issue, an MRB liability is recognized and the value of the MRB is deducted from the host contract liability resulting in no gain or loss on issuance of the contract.

If the guaranteed benefits do not have explicit fees, the fair value of the MRB is measured as the present value of projected future guaranteed benefits. At inception, the initial value of the MRB is deducted from the host contract liability resulting in no gain or loss on issuance of the contract.

See Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data— Note 12 - Market Risk Benefits of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on these accounting policies.

Income Taxes

The Company did not elect to early adopt the proposed regulations of the U.S. Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service and relied on reasonable interpretations of published guidance to determine the estimated Corporate Alternative Minimum Tax (“CAMT”) liability and related CAMT deferred tax asset. The determination of the estimated 2025 CAMT liability considered carryover impacts from the prior years tax returns and consideration of the applicability of the published guidance. The U.S. Treasury Department is expected to issue Final Regulations after the year ended December 31, 2025, which may materially change the estimated provision of the CAMT.

Deferred federal income taxes arise from the recognition of temporary differences between the basis of assets and liabilities determined for financial reporting purposes and the basis determined for income tax purposes. Such temporary differences are principally related to the effects of recording certain invested assets at market value, the deferral of acquisition costs and sales inducements and the provisions for future policy benefits and expenses. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using the tax rates expected to be in effect when such benefits are realized. We are required to test the value of deferred tax assets for realizability. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance if, based on the weight of available positive and negative evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion, or all, of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. In determining the need for a valuation allowance, we consider the carryback eligibility of losses, reversal of existing temporary differences, estimated future taxable income and tax planning strategies.

Determining the valuation allowance for our deferred tax assets requires management to make certain judgments and assumptions regarding future operations that are based on historical experience and expectations of future performance. To recognize a tax benefit in the Consolidated Financial Statements, there must be a greater than 50% chance of success of our position being sustained by the relevant taxing authority. Management’s judgments are potentially subject to change given the inherent uncertainty in predicting future performance, which is impacted by such factors as policyholder behavior, competitor pricing and other specific industry and market conditions.

See Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data — Note 15 – Income Taxes for additional information on these accounting policies and the estimated provision for the CAMT.

Reinsurance

We assess each of our reinsurance agreements to determine whether the agreement transfers insurance risk to the reinsurer by providing indemnification against loss or liability relating to insurance risk. Those contracts that transfer risk to the reinsurer are accounted for as reinsurance. Contracts that do not transfer sufficient risk to the reinsurer are accounted for as deposits.

For reinsurance contracts to transfer sufficient insurance risk to the reinsurer, the contract must provide a reasonable possibility that the reinsurer may realize a significant loss. Determining whether a reinsurance contract sufficiently transfers insurance risk is a matter of judgment based on an evaluation of all facts, both qualitative and quantitative.

For contracts where the Company cedes risks to reinsurers, reinsurance accounting generally matches the recognition of the benefits received from the reinsurance with the expense for benefits provided on the reinsured contracts. Premiums paid to the reinsurer are recorded as reduction of premium revenue. Expected reimbursements for losses are recorded as a reduction of losses as the losses are incurred with a corresponding reinsurance recoverable asset.

Reinsurance recoverables are generally measured using methodologies and assumptions that are consistent with those used to measure the direct liabilities. For non-participating traditional life insurance contracts and limited pay life-contingent contracts, there may be reinsurance contracts executed subsequent to the direct contract issue dates, and market interest rates may have changed between the date that the underlying insurance contracts were issued and the date the reinsurance contract is recognized in the financial statements, resulting in the underlying discount rate differing between the direct and reinsured business. We periodically review, and update as necessary, actual and anticipated experience and the assumptions used to measure reinsurance recoverable assets.

Reinsurance recoverables are reported net of an allowance for expected credit losses. The allowance for credit losses considers the credit quality of the reinsurer and is generally determined based on probability of default and loss given default assumptions after considering any applicable collateral arrangements. Counterparty credit risk may be managed through the use of letters of credit, collateral trusts or funds withheld agreements. Assets held under funds withheld agreements are included on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Guaranteed minimum income benefits (GMIBs) are reinsured with an unrelated party. This contract provides reinsurance for only the GMIB feature and is classified as a market risk benefit (MRB). The reinsurance MRB is recorded at fair value using internally developed models consistent with those used to value our direct MRBs.

See Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data— Note 8 - Reinsurance of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on these accounting policies.

Investments – Valuation and Impairment

We determine the fair values of certain financial assets and liabilities based on quoted market prices, where available. When necessary, we may also determine fair value based on estimated future cash flows discounted at the appropriate current market rate. Fair values also, if appropriate, reflect adjustments for counterparty credit quality, credit rating, liquidity and incorporate risk margins for unobservable inputs.

Where quoted market prices are not available, fair value estimates are made at a point in time, based on relevant market data, as well as the best information about the individual financial instrument. At times, illiquid market conditions could result in inactive markets for certain of our financial instruments. In such instances, there could be no or limited observable market data for these assets and liabilities. Fair value estimates for financial instruments deemed to be in an illiquid market are based on judgments regarding current economic conditions, liquidity discounts, currency, credit and interest rate risks, loss experience and other factors. These fair values are estimates and involve considerable uncertainty and variability as a result of the inputs selected and may differ materially from the values that would have been used had an active market existed. As a result of market inactivity, such calculated fair value estimates may not be realizable in an immediate sale or settlement of the instrument. In addition, changes in the underlying assumptions used in the fair value measurement technique could significantly affect these fair value estimates.

We periodically review our available-for-sale debt securities on a case-by-case basis to determine if an impairment is necessary for securities with a decline in fair value to below cost or amortized cost. Factors considered in determining whether an impairment is necessary include whether we have the intent to sell, or whether it is more likely than not we will be required to sell, the security before the amortized cost basis is fully recovered, the severity of the unrealized loss, the reasons for the decline in value and expectations for the amount and timing of a recovery in fair value. For debt securities in an unrealized loss position, for which we deem an impairment necessary, an ACL will be recorded along with a charge to net gains (losses) on derivatives and investments and any amounts deemed unrecoverable will be released from the ACL with a corresponding reduction to the amortized cost of the security.

Securities determined to be underperforming, or potential problem securities are subject to regular review. To facilitate the review, securities with significant declines in value, or where other objective criteria evidencing credit deterioration have been met, are included on a watch list. Among the criteria for securities to be included on a watch list are: credit deterioration that has led to a significant decline in fair value of the security; a significant covenant related to the security has been breached; or an issuer has filed or indicated a possibility of filing for bankruptcy, has missed or announced it intends to miss a scheduled interest or principal payment, or has experienced a specific material adverse change that could impair its creditworthiness.

In performing these reviews, we consider the relevant facts and circumstances relating to each investment and exercise considerable judgment in determining whether an impairment is needed for a particular security. Assessment factors include judgments about an obligor’s current and projected financial position, an issuer’s current and projected ability to service and repay its debt obligations, the existence of, and realizable value of, any collateral backing the obligations and the outlooks for specific industries and issuers. This assessment may also involve assumptions regarding underlying collateral such as prepayment rates, default and recovery rates, and third-party servicing capabilities.

In addition to the review procedures described above, investments in asset-backed securities where market prices are depressed are subject to a review of their future estimated cash flows, including expected and stress case scenarios, to identify potential shortfalls in contractual payments. These estimated cash flows are developed using available performance indicators from the underlying assets including current and projected default or delinquency rates, levels of credit enhancement, current subordination levels, vintage, expected loss severity and other relevant characteristics. These estimates reflect a combination of data derived by third parties and internally developed assumptions. Where possible, this data is benchmarked against third-party sources.

For mortgage-backed securities, credit losses are assessed using a cash flow model that estimates the cash flows on the underlying mortgages, using the security-specific collateral characteristics and transaction structure. The model estimates cash flows from the underlying mortgage loans and distributes those cash flows to various tranches of securities, considering the transaction structure and any subordination and credit enhancements existing in that structure. The cash flow model incorporates actual cash flows on the mortgage-backed securities through the current period and then projects the remaining cash flows using a number of assumptions, including prepayment speeds, default rates and loss severity. Specifically, for prime and Alt-A RMBS, the assumed default percentage is dependent on the severity of delinquency status, with foreclosures and real estate owned receiving higher rates, but also includes the currently performing loans. These estimates reflect a combination of data derived by third parties and internally developed assumptions. Where possible, this data is benchmarked against other third-party sources. In addition, these estimates are extrapolated along a default timing curve to estimate the total lifetime pool default rate.

After these reviews, we recognize impairments on debt securities in an unrealized loss position when any of the following circumstances exists:

•We intend to sell a security;

•It is more likely than not that we will be required to sell a security prior to recovery; or

•We do not expect full recovery of the amortized cost based on the discounted cash flows estimated to be collected.

Mortgage loans, which are not carried at fair value under the fair value option, are carried at the aggregate unpaid principal balance, adjusted for any applicable unamortized discount or premium, or ACL. Acquisition discounts and premiums on mortgage loans are amortized into investment income through maturity dates using the effective interest method. Interest income is accrued on the principal balance of the loan based on the loan’s contractual interest rate. Interest income and amortization of premiums and discounts are reported in net investment income along with prepayment fees and mortgage loan fees, which are recorded as incurred.

We review mortgage loans on a quarterly basis to estimate the ACL with changes in the ACL recorded in net gains (losses) on derivatives and investments. Apart from an ACL recorded on individual mortgage loans where the borrower is experiencing financial difficulties, we record an ACL on the pool of mortgage loans based on lifetime expected credit losses. Credit loss estimates are pooled by property type and unfunded commitments are included in the model with an allowance for credit losses determined accordingly.

Mortgage loans on real estate deemed uncollectible are charged against the ACL, and subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the ACL.

Accrued interest receivables are presented separate from the amortized cost of debt securities and mortgage loans. An allowance for credit losses is not estimated on an accrued interest receivable. Rather, receivable balances that are deemed uncollectible are written off with a corresponding reduction to net investment income.

Derivatives

We enter into financial derivative transactions, including swaps, put-swaptions, futures, forwards, and options to reduce and manage business risks. These transactions manage the risk of a change in the value, yield, price, cash flows, foreign currency, credit quality or degree of exposure with respect to assets, liabilities or future cash flows that we have acquired or incurred.

Freestanding derivative instruments are reported at fair value, which reflects the estimated amounts, net of payment accruals, that we would receive or pay upon sale or termination of the contracts at the reporting date. Freestanding derivatives priced using third party pricing services incorporate inputs that are predominantly observable in the market. The determination of the estimated fair value of freestanding derivatives, when quoted market values are not available, is based on market standard valuation methodologies and inputs that management believes are consistent with what other market participants would use when pricing such instruments. Derivative valuations can be affected by changes in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, financial indices, credit spreads, default risk, non-performance risk, volatility, liquidity and changes in estimates and assumptions used in the pricing models. See Item 8. Financials Statements and Supplementary Data — Note 5 - Derivative Instruments and Note 6 - Fair Value Measurements of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on significant inputs into our derivative pricing methodology.

Embedded Derivatives - Product Liabilities

For our registered index-linked and fixed index annuities, the equity-linked option issued by the Company is accounted for at fair value as an embedded derivative on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets as a component of other contract holder funds, with changes in fair value recorded in net income.

The fair value of the embedded derivative for the FIA and RILA products is determined using an option-budget method with capital market inputs of market index returns and discount rates as well as actuarial assumptions including lapse, mortality and withdrawal rates. We typically update our actuarial assumptions annually as discussed above, unless a material change is observed in an interim period that we feel is indicative of a long-term trend.

The underlying assumptions may have a material impact on the measurement of the embedded derivative, including equity market movements.

See Item 8. Financials Statements and Supplementary Data — Note 5 - Derivative Instruments and Note 10 - Other Contract Holder Funds of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on our accounting policies for embedded derivatives bifurcated for insurance host contracts.

Embedded Derivatives - Funds Withheld Reinsurance Agreements

The Company has recorded an embedded derivative liability related to the Athene coinsurance agreement (the “Athene Embedded Derivative”) in accordance with ASC 815-15 as Jackson’s obligation under the coinsurance agreement is based on the total return of investments in a segregated funds withheld account. As the coinsurance agreement transfers the performance of the investments in the segregated funds withheld account to Athene, they will receive an investment return equivalent to owning the underlying assets. At inception of the coinsurance agreement, the Athene Embedded Derivative was valued at zero. Additionally, the inception fair value of the investments in the segregated funds withheld account differed from their book value and, accordingly, the amortization of this difference is reported in Net gains (losses) on derivatives and investments in the Consolidated Income Statement, while the investments are held. Subsequent to the effective date of the coinsurance agreement, the Athene Embedded Derivative is measured at fair value with changes reported in Net gains (losses) on derivatives and investments in the Consolidated Income Statement. The Athene Embedded Derivative Liability is included in Funds withheld payable under reinsurance treaties on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

See Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data — Note 8 - Reinsurance of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on Athene Reinsurance Transaction.

Net Investment Income

Net investment income reported for each of our three segments and Corporate and Other includes an allocation for investment income generated on assigned capital. The amount of capital assigned to each of our segments for purposes of measuring segment net investment income is established at a level that management considers necessary to support the segment’s risks. This assessment is determined based upon internal models and contemplates the RBC requirements at internally defined levels. Net investment income on capital in excess of the amount required to support our core operating strategies is reflected in Corporate and Other.

Contingent Liabilities

We are a party to legal actions and, at times, regulatory investigations. Given the inherent unpredictability of these matters, it is difficult to estimate their impact on our financial position. A reserve is established for contingent liabilities if it is probable that a loss has been incurred and the amount is reasonably estimable. It is possible that an adverse outcome in certain of our contingent liabilities, or the use of different assumptions in the determination of amounts recorded, could have a material effect upon our financial position. However, it is the opinion of management that the ultimate disposition of contingent liabilities is unlikely to have a material adverse effect on our financial position.

Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities (“VIEs”)

The Company invests in a number of asset types that may be VIEs, such as equity positions in collateralized loan obligations (“CLOs”), limited partnerships (“LPs”), limited liability companies (“LLCs”), and mutual funds. These entities are assessed to determine whether they meet the criteria as a VIE. The Company consolidates VIEs where the Company has determined that it is the primary beneficiary of the VIE. To the extent that external parties are also invested in these VIEs, a non-controlling interest is reflected on our Consolidated Financial Statements as well. See Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data — Note 4 - Investments of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.