485BPOS 1 a15-4834_1485bpos.htm POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT FILED PURSUANT TO SECURITIES ACT RULE 485(B)
As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 29, 2015
1933 Act Registration No. 333-198913
1940 Act Registration No. 811-07645
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM N-4
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 1 /X/
and
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940
AMENDMENT NO. 72 /X/
Lincoln National Variable Annuity Account L
(Exact Name of Registrant)
Lincoln Retirement Income RolloverSM Version 3
THE LINCOLN NATIONAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
(Name of Depositor)
1300 South Clinton Street
Post Office Box 1110
Fort Wayne, Indiana 46801
(Address of Depositor’s Principal Executive Offices)
Depositor’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code: (260) 455-2000
Adam C. Ciongoli, Esquire
The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company
1300 South Clinton Street
Post Office Box 1110
Fort Wayne, IN 46801
(Name and Address of Agent for Service)
Copy to:
Mary Jo Ardington, Esquire
The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company
1300 South Clinton Street
Fort Wayne, Indiana 46802
Approximate Date of Proposed Public Offering: Continuous
It is proposed that this filing will become effective:
/ / immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 485
/x/ on May 1, 2015, pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 485
/ / 60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(1) of Rule 485
/ / on __________, pursuant to paragraph (a)(1) of Rule 485
Title of Securities being registered:
Interests in a separate account under individual flexible
payment deferred variable annuity contracts.

Lincoln Retirement Income RolloverSM Version 3  
Group Variable Annuity Contract with Certificates
Lincoln National Variable Annuity Account L  
May 1, 2015
Home Office:
The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company
1300 South Clinton Street
Fort Wayne, IN 46802
1-800-234-3500
This prospectus describes a group variable annuity contract and Certificates with a Guaranteed Withdrawal Benefit that is issued by The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company (Lincoln Life or Company). This contract is for use with qualified plans under Sections 408 (IRAs) and 408A (Roth IRAs) of the tax code. Generally, you do not pay federal income tax on the contract’s growth until it is paid out. IRAs provide tax deferral, however, whether or not the funds are invested in an annuity contract. Further, if your contract is a Roth IRA, you generally will not pay income tax on distributions, provided certain conditions are met. Therefore, there should be reasons other than tax deferral for acquiring this contract. This contract is available to former plan participants who are eligible for a rollover distribution and wish to carry over their current Guaranteed Withdrawal Benefit from the Lincoln Secured Retirement IncomeSM variable annuity. It is designed to accumulate Annuitant Account Value (AAV) and to provide retirement income over a certain period of time, or for life, subject to certain conditions.
The benefits offered under this contract may be variable or a fixed amount, if available, or a combination of both. This contract also offers a Death Benefit payable upon the death of the Annuitant.
The state in which your Certificate is issued will govern whether or not certain features are available, and the applicability of any restrictions, limitations, charges and fees. All material state variations are discussed in this prospectus, however, non-material variations may not be discussed. You should refer to your contract regarding state-specific features. Please check with your registered representative regarding availability.
The minimum initial Purchase Payment must be an eligible rollover from a qualified plan that was invested in the Lincoln Secured Retirement IncomeSM annuity (defined as Rollover Money). In most cases, the prior participant from the qualified plan will be the Annuitant. Additional Purchase Payments may be made, subject to certain restrictions, and must be at least $100 per payment ($25 if transmitted electronically), and at least $300 annually.
All Purchase Payments will be placed in Lincoln National Variable Annuity Account L (Variable Annuity Account (VAA)). The VAA is a segregated investment account of Lincoln Life. You take all the investment risk on the AAV derived from Purchase Payments. If the Subaccount makes money, your AAV goes up; if the Subaccount loses money, it goes down. How much it goes up or down depends on the performance of the fund. We do not guarantee how the Subaccount or its fund will perform. Also, neither the U.S. Government nor any federal agency insures or guarantees your investment. The Purchase Payments are not bank deposits, and the contract is not endorsed by any bank or government agency.
The available fund is: LVIP Global Moderate Allocation Managed Risk Fund (fund), a series of the Lincoln Variable Insurance Products Trust. The fund is a fund of funds and invests substantially all of its assets in other funds.
This prospectus gives you information about the contract that you should know before deciding to invest in a contract and make Purchase Payments. You should also review the prospectus for the fund and keep all prospectuses for future reference.
Neither the SEC nor any state securities commission has approved this contract or determined that this prospectus is accurate or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
More information about the contract is in the current Statement of Additional Information (SAI), dated the same date as this prospectus. The SAI is incorporated by reference into this prospectus and is legally part of this prospectus. For a free copy of the SAI, write The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company, P.O. Box 2340, Fort Wayne, IN 46801 or call 1-800-234-3500. The SAI and other information about Lincoln Life and the VAA are also available on the SEC's website (http://www.sec.gov). There is a table of contents for the SAI on the last page of this prospectus.
    
    
    
1

Special Terms
In this prospectus, the following terms have the indicated meanings:
Account or Variable Annuity Account (VAA)—The segregated investment account, Account L, into which we set aside and invest the assets of the contract offered in this prospectus.
Accumulation Unit—A measure used to calculate AAV for the contract before the Annuity Commencement Date.
Annuitant (you, your)—The person upon whose life the annuity payments are based and the person who can exercise the rights under the contract (including investment allocations, transfers, payout option, designation of the Beneficiary, etc.). The Annuitant was previously the participant (or the surviving spouse of a participant) in a qualified plan that was invested in the Lincoln Secured Retirement IncomeSM variable annuity.
Annuitant Account Value (AAV)—The value of the VAA held under the contract on your (the Annuitant’s) behalf. The Contractowner will maintain an AAV for each Annuitant.
Annuity Commencement Date—The Valuation Date when funds are withdrawn to provide a fixed dollar payout for payment of annuity benefits under the Annuity Payout option you select .
Annuity Payout— An amount paid at regular intervals after the Annuity Commencement Date under one of several options available to the Annuitant and/or any other payee. This amount is paid on a fixed basis.
Automatic Annual Step-up—A feature that provides an automatic step-up of the Income Base to the AAV, subject to certain conditions.
Benefit Year—The 12-month period starting with the GWB Effective Date and starting with that date each subsequent year.
Beneficiary—The person or entity you choose to receive any Death Benefit payable upon the death of the Annuitant.
Certificate—A legal document we issue to each person covered under this group annuity contract. The Certificate is proof of participation in the contract, describes the coverage guaranteed to you, and outlines all essential terms and conditions of the contract.
Certificate Effective Date—The date this Certificate is issued and in force as shown on the Certificate Specification page.
Contractowner—The Lincoln Financial Group Trust Company, LLC.
Death Benefit—Before the Annuity Commencement Date, the amount payable to your designated Beneficiary if the Annuitant dies.
Excess Withdrawals—Amounts withdrawn from the AAV which may decrease or eliminate guarantees under the Guaranteed Withdrawal Benefit. All withdrawals are Excess Withdrawals
except withdrawals to provide the Guaranteed Annual Income and the Guaranteed Withdrawal Benefit charge.
Good Order—The actual receipt at our Home Office of the requested transaction in writing or by other means we accept, along with all information and supporting legal documentation necessary to effect the transaction. The forms we provide will identify the necessary documentation. We may, in our sole discretion, determine whether any particular transaction request is in Good Order, and we reserve the right to change or waive any Good Order requirements at any time.
Guaranteed Annual Income (GAI)—The guaranteed periodic withdrawal amount available from the AAV each Benefit Year for life.
Guaranteed Annual Income Effective Date—The Valuation Date the request to receive Guaranteed Annual Income amounts is approved by the Home Office.
Guaranteed Withdrawal Benefit—This feature provides guaranteed lifetime periodic withdrawals called GAI that may increase based on Automatic Annual Step-ups and also age-based increases to the withdrawal amount, regardless of investment performance of the contract and provided certain conditions are met.
Guaranteed Withdrawal Benefit Effective Date (GWB Effective Date)—The date of the first Purchase Payment into the Lincoln Secured Retirement IncomeSM contract by the Annuitant.
Income Base—A value used to calculate the Guaranteed Annual Income amount.
Lincoln Life (we, us, our, Company)—The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company.
Purchase Payments—The sum of all amounts paid into the AAV. Purchase Payments are allocated to the LVIP Global Moderate Allocation Managed Risk Fund and are used to fund the Guaranteed Withdrawal Benefit.
Rollover Money—An eligible rollover from a qualified plan that was previously invested in the Lincoln Secured Retirement IncomeSM variable annuity.
Subaccount—The portion of the VAA that reflects investments in Accumulation Units of the fund available under the contract.
Valuation Date—Each day the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) is open for trading.
Valuation Period—The period starting at the close of trading (normally 4:00 p.m. New York time) on each day that the NYSE is open for trading (Valuation Date) and ending at the close of such trading on the next Valuation Date.
3

Expense Tables
The following tables describe the fees and expenses that you will pay when investing in and surrendering the contract.
The first table describes the fees and expenses that you will pay at the time that you invest in or surrender the contract.
ANNUITANT TRANSACTION EXPENSES
There are no sales charges, deferred sales charges, or surrender charges associated with this contract.
 
    
The next table describes the fees and expenses that you will pay periodically during the time that you are invested in the contract, not including fund fees and expenses.     
Separate Account Annual Expense (as a percentage of average daily net assets in the Subaccount):
 		   
Mortality and Expense Risk and Administrative Charge
  0.45%
Guaranteed Withdrawal Benefit1
   
Guaranteed Maximum Annual Charge
  2.00%
Current Annual Charge
  0.90%
(1) As a percentage of the Income Base, as increased for subsequent Purchase Payments, Automatic Annual Step-ups and decreased upon an Excess Withdrawal. The current monthly charge is 0.075%, not to exceed the guaranteed maximum monthly percentage charge of 0.17%. This charge is deducted from the AAV on a monthly basis.
   
    
The next item shows the minimum and maximum total annual operating expenses charged by the funds that you may pay periodically during the time that you are invested in the contract. The expenses are for the year ended December 31, 2014. More detail concerning the fund's fees and expenses is contained in the prospectus for the fund.
  Minimum   Maximum
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that are deducted from fund assets, including management fees, distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees, and other expenses)
0.69%   0.69%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (after contractual waivers/reimbursements)
0.69%   0.69%
The following table shows the expenses charged by the fund for the year ended December 31, 2014:
(as a percentage of each fund’s average net assets):
  Management
Fees (before
any waivers/
reimburse-
ments) 		+ 12b-1 Fees
(before any
waivers/
reimburse-
ments) 		+ Other
Expenses
(before any
waivers/
reimburse-
ments) 		+ Acquired
Fund
Fees and
Expenses (“AFFE”) 		= Total
Expenses
(before any
waivers/
reimburse-
ments) 		Total
Contractual
waivers/
reimburse-
ments
(if any) 		Total
Expenses
(after
Contractual
waivers/
reimburse-
ments)
LVIP Global Moderate Allocation Managed Risk Fund - Standard Class(1) 0.25%   0.00%   0.02%   0.42%   0.69% 0.00% 0.69%
(1) The Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses do not correlate to the ratio of expenses to the average net assets appearing in the Financial Highlights table which reflects only the operating expenses of the Fund and does not include AFFE.
The fund has reserved the right to impose fees when funds shares are redeemed within a specified period of time of purchase (“redemption fees”) not reflected in the table above. There are no redemption fees at this time.
For information concerning compensation paid for the sale of contracts, see Distribution of the Contracts.
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EXAMPLES
These examples are intended to help you compare the cost of investing in this contract with the cost of investing in other variable annuity contracts. These costs include separate account annual expenses, benefit charges and fund fees and expenses.
The examples assume that you invest $10,000 for the time periods indicated, and that your investment has a 5% annual return on assets and the maximum fees and expenses of the fund. The examples also assume that the guaranteed maximum contract charges are in effect. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, your costs would be:
1) If you surrender your Certificate at the end of the applicable time period:
1 year   3 years   5 years   10 years
$315   $963   $1,634   $3,423
2) If you annuitize or do not surrender your Certificate at the end of the applicable time period:
1 year   3 years   5 years   10 years
$315   $963   $1,634   $3,423
For more information – See Charges and Other Deductions in this prospectus. These examples should not be considered a representation of past or future expenses. Actual expenses may be more or less than those shown.
Summary of Common Questions
What kind of contract is this? It is a group variable annuity contract with Certificates between the Contractowner and Lincoln Life that is designed to be an Individual Retirement Annuity (IRA) purchased with Rollover Money from the Lincoln Secured Retirement IncomeSM variable annuity. It will be issued with the Guaranteed Withdrawal Benefit. See The Contract – Guaranteed Withdrawal Benefit. This prospectus provides a general description of the contract. Certain benefits, features, and charges may vary in certain states. You should refer to your contract for any state-specific provisions. All material state variations are discussed in this prospectus.
Who is eligible to receive a Certificate? The Certificate will be issued to former qualified plan participants (or the surviving spouse of a participant) who will purchase an IRA contract with Rollover Money. To be eligible to receive a Certificate, the money must have been previously invested in the Lincoln Secured Retirement IncomeSM variable annuity sold by Lincoln Life to the qualified plan.
What is the Variable Annuity Account (VAA)? It is a separate account we established under Indiana insurance law, and registered with the SEC as a unit investment trust. VAA assets are allocated to the Subaccount. VAA assets are not chargeable with liabilities arising out of any other business which we may conduct. Remember that because of your investment in the VAA you will benefit from any gain, and take a risk of any loss in the value of the securities in the fund's portfolios. See Variable Annuity Account.
What is my investment choice? The VAA applies your Purchase Payments to buy shares in the LVIP Global Moderate Allocation Managed Risk Fund (fund). In turn, the fund holds a portfolio of securities consistent with its investment policy. See Investments of the Variable Annuity Account – Description of the Fund.
Who invests the money? The investment adviser for the fund is Lincoln Investment Advisors Corporation. See Investments of the Variable Annuity Account — Description of the Fund.
How does the contract work? If we approve your application, we will issue you a Certificate that outlines your rights in the group annuity contract, which include the right to receive a Guaranteed Withdrawal Benefit, a Death Benefit or an Annuity Payout if conditions are met. When you make Purchase Payments, you buy Accumulation Units. You will receive a Guaranteed Withdrawal Benefit if all conditions are met. If you decide to annuitize the AAV to receive an Annuity Payout, the Accumulation Units are withdrawn to provide a fixed Annuity Payout. See The Contract.
What charges will be taken from my account? We apply a charge to the daily net asset value of the VAA that consists of a mortality and expense risk and administrative charge. There is also an additional monthly charge for the Guaranteed Withdrawal Benefit. See Expense Tables and also the Charges and Other Deductions section of this prospectus.
The fund's investment management fee, expenses and expense limitations, if applicable, are more fully described in the Expense Tables and also the prospectus for the fund.
For information about the compensation we pay for sales of contracts, see Distribution of the Contracts.
What Purchase Payments must be made, and how often? Subject to minimum payment amounts, additional payments after the initial rollover are completely flexible. Purchase Payments within 180 days of a withdrawal may be limited. For more information, see The Contracts – Purchase Payments.
5

What is the Guaranteed Withdrawal Benefit? This feature provides on an annual basis guaranteed lifetime periodic withdrawals up to a guaranteed amount (referred to as Guaranteed Annual Income amounts) based on a percentage of an Income Base with the potential for age-based increases to the Guaranteed Annual Income amount. Withdrawals may be made up to the Guaranteed Annual Income amount as long as that amount is greater than zero. The Income Base is not available as a separate benefit upon death or surrender and is increased by subsequent Purchase Payments, Automatic Annual Step-ups to the Income Base and is decreased by Excess Withdrawals in accordance with provisions described in this prospectus.
How will my Annuity Payouts be calculated? If you decide to annuitize, you may select an annuity option and start receiving Annuity Payouts as a fixed option. See Annuity Payouts — Annuity Options.
What happens if I die before I annuitize? Your Beneficiary may receive a Death Benefit and have options as to how the Death Benefit is paid. See Guaranteed Withdrawal Benefit — Death Prior to the Annuity Commencement Date.
What happens if I die on or after the Annuity Commencement Date? Once you reach the Annuity Commencement Date, any applicable Death Benefit will terminate.
May I surrender my Certificate or make a withdrawal? Yes, we will allow the surrender of the contract or a withdrawal of AAV upon your written request on an approved Lincoln form. Any Excess Withdrawals may significantly reduce your Income Base as well as your Guaranteed Annual Income amount. A portion of surrender or withdrawal proceeds may be taxable. In addition, if you decide to take a distribution before age 59½, a 10% Internal Revenue Service (IRS) tax penalty may apply. A surrender or a withdrawal also may be subject to 20% withholding. See Federal Tax Matters.
Do I get a free look at this Certificate? Yes, you can cancel a Certificate within twenty days (in some states longer) of the date you receive the Certificate by giving written notice to the Home Office. See Return Privilege.
Where may I find more information about Accumulation Unit values? Since no sales of this product occurred before December 31, 2014, there is no financial information to report for the subaccount.
Investment Results
The VAA advertises the annual performance of the Subaccounts for the fund on both a standardized and non-standardized basis.
The standardized calculation measures average annual total return. This is based on a hypothetical $1,000 payment made at the beginning of a one-year, a five-year and a 10-year period. This calculation reflects all fees and charges that are or could be imposed on all Contractowner accounts.
The non-standardized calculation compares changes in Accumulation Unit values from the beginning of the most recently completed calendar year to the end of that year. It may also compare changes in Accumulation Unit values over shorter or longer time periods. This calculation reflects mortality and expense risk charges. It also reflects management fees and other expenses of the fund.
The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company
The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company (Lincoln Life or Company), organized in 1905, is an Indiana-domiciled insurance company, engaged primarily in the direct issuance of life insurance contracts and annuities. Lincoln Life is wholly owned by Lincoln National Corporation (LNC), a publicly held insurance and financial services holding company incorporated in Indiana. Lincoln Life is obligated to pay all amounts promised to Contractowners under the contracts.
Any guarantees under the contract that exceed your AAV, such as those associated with Death Benefit options and living benefit riders are paid from our general account (not the VAA). Therefore, any amounts that we may pay under the contract in excess of AAV are subject to our financial strength and claims-paying ability and our long-term ability to make such payments. With respect to the issuance of the contracts, Lincoln Life does not file periodic financial reports with the SEC pursuant to the exemption for life insurance companies provided under Rule 12h-7 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
We issue other types of insurance policies and financial products as well, and we also pay our obligations under these products from our assets in the general account. Moreover, unlike assets held in the VAA, the assets of the general account are subject to the general liabilities of the Company and, therefore, to the Company’s general creditors. In the event of an insolvency or receivership, payments we make from our general account to satisfy claims under the contract would generally receive the same priority as our other Contractowner obligations.
The general account is not segregated or insulated from the claims of the insurance company’s creditors. Investors look to the financial strength of the insurance companies for these insurance guarantees. Therefore, guarantees provided by the insurance company as to benefits promised in the prospectus are subject to the claims paying ability of the insurance company and are subject to the risk that the insurance company may not be able to cover or may default on its obligations under those guarantees.
6

Our Financial Condition.  Among the laws and regulations applicable to us as an insurance company are those which regulate the investments we can make with assets held in our general account. In general, those laws and regulations determine the amount and type of investments which we can make with general account assets.
In addition, state insurance regulations require that insurance companies calculate and establish on their financial statements, a specified amount of reserves in order to meet the contractual obligations to pay the claims of our Contractowners. In order to meet our claims-paying obligations, we regularly monitor our reserves to ensure we hold sufficient amounts to cover actual or expected contract and claims payments. However, it is important to note that there is no guarantee that we will always be able to meet our claims paying obligations, and that there are risks to purchasing any insurance product.
State insurance regulators also require insurance companies to maintain a minimum amount of capital in excess of liabilities, which acts as a cushion in the event that the insurer suffers a financial impairment, based on the inherent risks in the insurer’s operations. These risks include those associated with losses that we may incur as the result of defaults on the payment of interest or principal on assets held in our general account, which include bonds, mortgages, general real estate investments, and stocks, as well as the loss in value of these investments resulting from a loss in their market value.
How to Obtain More Information.  We encourage both existing and prospective Contractowners to read and understand our financial statements. We prepare our financial statements on both a statutory basis and according to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). Our audited GAAP financial statements, as well as the financial statements of the VAA, are located in the SAI. If you would like a free copy of the SAI, please write to us at: PO Box 2340, Fort Wayne, IN 46801-2340, or call 1-800-234-3500. In addition, the Statement of Additional Information is available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. You may obtain our audited statutory financial statements and any unaudited statutory financial statements that may be available by visiting our website at www.LincolnFinancial.com.
You also will find on our website information on ratings assigned to us by one or more independent rating organizations. These ratings are opinions of an operating insurance company’s financial capacity to meet the obligations of its insurance and annuity contracts based on its financial strength and/or claims-paying ability. Additional information about rating agencies is included in the Statement of Additional Information.
Lincoln Financial Group is the marketing name for Lincoln National Corporation (NYSE:LNC) and its affiliates. Through its affiliates, Lincoln Financial Group offers annuities, life, group life and disability insurance, 401(k) and 403(b) plans, and comprehensive financial planning and advisory services.
Variable Annuity Account (VAA)
On April 29, 1996, the VAA was established as an insurance company separate account under Indiana law. It is registered with the SEC as a unit investment trust under the provisions of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (1940 Act).
The VAA is a segregated investment account under Indiana law, meaning that its assets may not be charged with liabilities resulting from any other business that we may conduct. Income, gains and losses, whether realized or not, from assets allocated to the VAA are, in accordance with the applicable contracts, credited to or charged against the VAA. They are credited or charged without regard to any other income, gains or losses of Lincoln Life. We are the issuer of the contract and the obligations set forth in the contract, other than those of the Certificate holder, are ours. The VAA satisfies the definition of separate account under the federal securities laws. We do not guarantee the investment performance of the VAA. Any investment gain or loss depends on the investment performance of the fund. The Certificate holder assumes the full investment risk for all amounts placed in the VAA.
Financial Statements
The December 31, 2014 financial statements of the VAA and the December 31, 2014 consolidated financial statements of Lincoln Life are located in the SAI. If you would like a free copy of the SAI, complete and mail the request on the last page of this prospectus, or call 1-800-234-3500.
Investments of the Variable Annuity Account
Any Purchase Payments that you allocate to the Subaccount will be allocated to the Standard Class of the fund. Shares of the fund will be sold at net asset value with no initial sales charge to the VAA in order to fund the contracts. The fund is required to redeem fund shares at net asset value upon our request.
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Investment Adviser
Lincoln Investment Advisors Corporation (LIA) is the investment adviser for the fund. LIA is registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. As compensation for its services to the fund, the investment adviser receives a fee from the fund which is accrued daily and paid monthly. This fee is based on the net assets of the fund, as defined in the prospectus for the fund.
Certain Payments We Receive with Regard to the Fund
We (or our affiliates) incur expenses in promoting, marketing, and administering the contracts (and in our role as intermediary, the funds). With respect to the fund, the adviser and/or distributor, or an affiliate thereof, may make payments to us (or an affiliate) for certain services we provide on behalf of the funds. Such services include, but are not limited to, recordkeeping; aggregating and processing purchase and redemption orders; providing Annuitants with statements showing their positions within the funds; processing dividend payments; providing subaccounting services for shares held by Annuitants; and forwarding shareholder communications, such as proxies, shareholder reports, dividend and tax notices, and printing and delivering prospectuses and updates to Annuitants. It is anticipated that such payments will be based on a percentage of assets of the fund attributable to the contracts along with certain other variable contracts issued or administered by us (or an affiliate). These percentages are negotiated and the amount we receive may be substantial. We (or our affiliates) may profit from these payments. These payments may be derived, in whole or in part, from the investment advisory fee deducted from fund assets. Annuitants, through their indirect investment in the funds, bear the costs of these investment advisory fees (see the fund’s prospectus for more information). Additionally, a fund’s adviser and/or distributor or its affiliates may provide us with certain services that assist us in the distribution of the contracts and may pay us and/or certain affiliates amounts for marketing programs and sales support, as well as amounts to participate in training and sales meetings.
Description of the Fund
The Subaccount of the VAA is invested solely in shares of the LVIP Global Moderate Allocation Managed Risk Fund, a fund of funds. This fund is managed by an adviser affiliated with us.
The fund offered as part of this contract may have similar investment objectives and policies to other portfolios managed by the adviser. The investment results of the fund, however, may be higher or lower than the other portfolios that are managed by the adviser or sub-adviser. There can be no assurance, and no representation is made, that the investment results of the fund will be comparable to the investment results of any other portfolio managed by the adviser or sub-adviser, if applicable.
The fund invests substantially all of its assets in other funds. As a result, you will pay fees and expenses at both fund levels. This will reduce your investment return. This arrangement is referred to as funds of funds. Funds of funds structures may have higher expenses than funds that invest directly in debt or equity securities.
This fund may employ a risk management strategy to provide for downside protection during sharp downward movements in equity markets.This strategy could limit the upside participation of the fund in rising equity markets relative to other funds. The success of the adviser’s risk management strategy depends, in part, on the adviser’s ability to effectively and efficiently implement its risk forecasts and to manage the strategy for the fund’s benefit. There is no guarantee that the strategy can achieve or maintain the fund’s optimal risk targets. The fund’s performance may be negatively impacted in certain markets as a result of reliance on these strategies. In low volatility markets the volatility management strategy may not mitigate losses. In addition, the adviser may not be able to effectively implement the strategy during rapid or extreme market events. Such inefficiency in implementation could cause the fund to lose more money than investing without the risk management strategy or not realize potential gains. Any one of these factors could impact the success of the volatility management strategy, and the fund may not perform as expected. For more information about the fund and the investment strategies it employs, please refer to the fund's current prospectuses. Fund prospectuses are available by contacting us.
This fund is included as an investment option in part, to reduce the risk of investment losses that may require us to use our own assets to make guaranteed payments under the Guaranteed Withdrawal Benefit. Our financial interest in reducing loss and the volatility of overall AAVs, in light of our obligations to provide benefits under the rider, may be deemed to present a potential conflict of interest with respect to the interests of the Contractowner and/or Annuitants. In addition, any negative impact to the underlying fund as a result of the risk management strategies may limit your AAV, which in turn may limit your ability to achieve step-ups of the Income Base under the Guaranteed Withdrawal Benefit.
The Guaranteed Withdrawal Benefit also provides protection in the event of a market downturn. Likewise, there is an additional cost associated with the Guaranteed Withdrawal Benefit which can limit the contract’s upside participation in the markets.
Following is a brief summary of the fund description. More detailed information may be obtained from the current prospectus for the fund. You should read the fund prospectus that accompanies this prospectus carefully before investing. A prospectus for the fund is available by contacting us. In addition, if you receive a summary prospectus for the fund, you may obtain a full statutory prospectus by referring to the contact information for the fund company on the cover page of the summary prospectus. Please be advised that there is no assurance that the fund will achieve its stated objective.
8

Lincoln Variable Insurance Products Trust, advised by Lincoln Investment Advisors Corporation.
• LVIP Global Moderate Allocation Managed Risk Fund (Standard Class): Balance between high current income with growth of capital. The fund employs hedging strategies designed to provide for downside protection during sharp downward movements in equity markets; A fund of funds.
Fund Shares
We will purchase shares of the fund at net asset value and direct them to the Subaccount of the VAA. We will redeem sufficient shares of the fund to pay Annuity Payouts, Death Benefits, surrender/withdrawal proceeds or for other purposes described in the contract. Redeemed shares are retired, but they may be reissued later.
Shares of the fund are not sold directly to the general public. They are sold to us, and may be sold to other insurance companies, for investment of the assets of the Subaccount established by those insurance companies to fund variable annuity and variable life insurance contracts.
When a fund sells any of its shares both to variable annuity and to variable life insurance separate accounts, it is said to engage in mixed funding. When a fund sells any of its shares to separate accounts of unaffiliated life insurance companies, it is said to engage in shared funding.
The fund currently engages in mixed and shared funding. Therefore, due to differences in redemption rates or tax treatment, or other considerations, the interest of various Annuitants participating in a fund could conflict. The fund’s Board of Directors will monitor for the existence of any material conflicts, and determine what action, if any, should be taken. The fund does not foresee any disadvantage to Annuitants arising out of mixed or shared funding. If such a conflict were to occur, one of the separate accounts might withdraw its investment in a fund. This might force a fund to sell portfolio securities at disadvantageous prices. See the prospectuses for the funds.
Reinvestment of Dividends and Capital Gain Distributions
All dividends and capital gain distributions of the fund are automatically reinvested in shares of the distributing funds at their net asset value on the date of distribution. Dividends are not paid out to Annuitants as additional units, but are reflected as changes in unit values.
Addition, Deletion or Substitution of Investments
We reserve the right, within the law, to make certain changes to the structure and operation of the VAA at our discretion and without your consent. We may add, delete, or substitute the fund for all Annuitants or only for certain classes of Annuitants. New or substitute funds may have different fees and expenses, and may only be offered to certain classes of Annuitants.
Substitutions may be made with respect to existing investments or the investment of future Purchase Payments, or both. We may close the Subaccount to allocations of Purchase Payments or AAV, or both, at any time in our sole discretion. The fund, which sells shares to the Subaccount pursuant to a participation agreement, also may terminate the agreement and discontinue offering its shares to the Subaccount. A substitution might also occur if shares of a fund should no longer be available, or if investment in the fund’s shares should become inappropriate, in the judgment of our management, for the purposes of the contract, or for any other reason in our sole discretion.
If the Subaccount or fund is closed to future Purchase Payments, we may add a new investment option to the contract. As an alternative, we may substitute a new fund for the prior fund option, after obtaining any necessary approval of the SEC and upon written notice to you. At least one variable investment option will be available at all times.
We also may:
• remove, combine, or add Subaccounts and make the new Subaccounts available to you at our discretion;
• transfer assets supporting the contract from one Subaccount to another or from the VAA to another separate account;
• combine the VAA with other separate accounts and/or create new separate accounts;
• deregister the VAA under the 1940 Act; and
• operate the VAA as a management investment company under the 1940 Act or as any other form permitted by law.
We may modify the provisions of the contract to reflect changes to the Subaccount and the VAA and to comply with applicable law. We will not make any changes without any necessary approval by the SEC. We will also provide you written notice.
Charges and Other Deductions
We will deduct the charges described below to cover our costs and expenses, services provided and risks assumed under the contracts. We incur certain costs and expenses for the distribution and administration of the contracts and for paying the benefits under the contracts.
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Our administrative services include:
• processing applications for and issuing the contracts;
• processing purchases and redemptions of fund shares as required;
• maintaining records;
• administering Annuity Payouts;
• furnishing accounting and valuation services (including the calculation and monitoring of daily Subaccount values);
• reconciling and depositing cash receipts;
• providing contract confirmations; and
• providing toll-free and website inquiry services.
The benefits we provide include:
• a Death Benefit;
• a Guaranteed Withdrawal Benefit;
• Annuity Payout benefits; and
• cash surrender value benefits.
The risks we assume include:
• the risk that Annuitants receiving Annuity Payouts live longer than we assumed when we calculated our guaranteed rates (these rates are incorporated in the contract and cannot be changed);
• the risk that lifetime payments to individuals from the Guaranteed Withdrawal Benefit will exceed the AAV;
• the risk that the Death Benefits paid will exceed the actual AAV; and
• the risk that our costs in providing the services will exceed our revenues from contract charges (which we cannot change).
The amount of a charge may not necessarily correspond to the costs associated with providing the services or benefits indicated by the description of the charge. Any remaining expenses will be paid from our general account which may consist, among other things, of proceeds derived from mortality and expense risk charges deducted from the VAA. We may profit from one or more of the fees and charges deducted under the contract. We may use these profits for any corporate purpose, including financing the distribution of the contracts.
Deductions from the VAA
We apply to the daily net asset value of the Subaccount a charge which is equal to an annual rate of:
Mortality and expense risk and administrative charge
0.45%
Guaranteed Withdrawal Benefit charge: The annual charge for this feature is currently 0.90% (0.075% monthly). This charge is applied to the Income Base (carried over from the Lincoln Secured Retirement IncomeSM contract under your former qualified retirement plan), as increased for subsequent Purchase Payments, Automatic Annual Step-ups, and decreased for Excess Withdrawals. We will deduct the cost of this benefit from the AAV on a monthly basis, with the first deduction occurring on the Valuation Date on or next following the one-month anniversary of the Guaranteed Withdrawal Benefit Effective Date. The amount we deduct will increase or decrease as the Income Base increases or decreases, because the charge is based on the Income Base. See Guaranteed Withdrawal Benefit – Income Base section for a discussion and example of the impact of the changes to the Income Base.
The percentage charge may increase no more frequently than once in a 12-month period and we will notify you in advance of the effective date of the change. The charge will not exceed the guaranteed maximum annual percentage charge of 2.00%. The guaranteed maximum monthly percentage charge is 0.17%.
If the AAV is reduced to zero while you are receiving a Guaranteed Annual Income, this charge will not be deducted.
Other Charges and Deductions
There are additional deductions from and expenses paid out of the assets of the underlying fund that are more fully described in the prospectus for the fund.
Additional Information
The sales and administrative charges described previously may be reduced or eliminated for any particular contract. However, these charges will be reduced only to the extent that we anticipate lower distribution and/or administrative expenses, or that we perform fewer sales or administrative services than those originally contemplated in establishing the level of those charges. Lower distribution and administrative expenses may be the result of economies associated with:
• the use of mass enrollment procedures;
• the performance of administrative or sales functions by the employer;
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• the use by an employer of automated techniques in submitting deposits or information related to deposits on behalf of its employees; or
• any other circumstances which reduce distribution or administrative expenses.
The exact amount of sales and administrative charges applicable to a particular contract will be stated in that contract.
The Contract
Purchase of Contract
This prospectus describes the group variable annuity contract under which we allocate payments to the accounts of individual Annuitants and provide a Guaranteed Withdrawal Benefit if all conditions are met. Each Annuitant under the group variable annuity contract receives a Certificate which summarizes the provisions of the group contract and is proof of participation.
Purchase Payments
You may make Purchase Payments to the Subaccount at any time, prior to the Annuity Commencement Date, subject to certain conditions. You are not required to make additional Purchase Payments after the initial Purchase Payment of Rollover Money. The minimum initial Purchase Payment is $10,000 and must be made using Rollover Money that was previously invested in the Lincoln Secured Retirement IncomeSM variable annuity, purchased by a qualified plan from Lincoln Life. Additional Purchase Payments may be made with qualified money from any source. The minimum annual amount for additional Purchase Payments is $300. Please check with your registered representative about making additional Purchase Payments since the requirements of your state may vary. The minimum Purchase Payment at any one time must be at least $100 ($25 if transmitted electronically). If a Purchase Payment is submitted that does not meet the minimum amount, we will contact you to ask whether additional money will be sent, or whether we should return the Purchase Payment to you.
Purchase Payments are allocated to the LVIP Global Moderate Allocation Managed Risk Fund and are used to fund the Guaranteed Withdrawal Benefit. If Purchase Payments are discontinued, the Certificate will remain in force as a paid-up contract. If you submit a Purchase Payment to your agent, we will not begin processing the Purchase Payment until we receive it from your agent's broker-dealer in Good Order.
The maximum annual Purchase Payment will be limited to $500,000 without Home Office approval (excluding the Rollover Money). Purchase Payments which originate from other investment options available under your retirement plan and are made within 180 days of a withdrawal from the AAV may be limited to $25,000 in the future. After the Guaranteed Annual Income Effective Date no additional Purchase Payments will be allowed if your AAV is zero. In addition, we may further limit or decline future Purchase Payments as long as we provide you 180 days-notice. It is possible that we could refuse any or all future Purchase Payments. If future Purchase Payments cannot be made, AAVs and Income Bases will no longer be increased by additional Purchase Payments and you will not have the opportunity to further increase your GAI amount. You should consider these Purchase Payment limitations and how they may impact their long-term investment plans, especially if the intent is to make additional Purchase Payments over a long period of time.
Valuation Date
Accumulation Units will be valued once daily at the close of trading (normally, 4:00 p.m., New York time) on each day the New York Stock Exchange is open (Valuation Date). On any date other than a Valuation Date, the Accumulation Unit value will not change.
Allocation of Purchase Payments
Purchase Payments are allocated to the LVIP Global Moderate Allocation Managed Risk Fund Subaccount and are used to fund the Guaranteed Withdrawal Benefit. Purchase Payments allocated to the VAA are converted into Accumulation Units and are credited to the account of each Annuitant. The number of Accumulation Units credited is determined by dividing the Purchase Payment by the value of an Accumulation Unit on the Valuation Date on which the Purchase Payment is received in Good Order at our Home Office if received before 4:00 p.m., New York time or the close of trading of the New York Stock Exchange. If the Purchase Payment is received in Good Order at or after 4:00 p.m., New York time, we will process the request using the Accumulation Unit value computed on the next Valuation Date. The number of Accumulation Units determined in this way is not changed by any subsequent change in the value of an Accumulation Unit. However, the dollar value of an Accumulation Unit will vary depending not only upon how well the fund performs, but also upon the expenses of the VAA and the fund.
Valuation of Accumulation Units
Purchase Payments allocated to the VAA are converted into Accumulation Units. This is done by dividing the amount allocated by the value of an Accumulation Unit for the Valuation Period during which the Purchase Payments are allocated to the VAA. The Accumulation Unit value for the Subaccount was established at the inception of the Subaccount. It may increase or decrease from Valuation
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Period to Valuation Period. Accumulation Unit values are affected by investment performance of the fund, fund expenses, and the deduction of certain contract charges. We determine the value of an Accumulation Unit on the last day of any following Valuation Period as follows:
1.  The total value of the fund shares held in the Subaccount is calculated by multiplying the number of fund shares owned by the Subaccount at the beginning of the Valuation Period by the net asset value per share of the fund at the end of the Valuation Period, and adding any dividend or other distribution of the fund if an ex-dividend date occurs during the Valuation Period; minus
2.  The liabilities of the Subaccount at the end of the Valuation Period; these liabilities include daily charges imposed on the Subaccount, and may include a charge or credit with respect to any taxes paid or reserved for by us that we determine result from the operations of the VAA; and
3.  The result is divided by the number of Subaccount units outstanding at the beginning of the Valuation Period.
The daily charges imposed on the Subaccount for any Valuation Period are equal to the daily mortality and expense risk charge multiplied by the number of calendar days in the Valuation Period. In certain circumstances (for example, when separate account assets are less than $1,000), and when permitted by law, it may be prudent for us to use a different standard industry method for this calculation, called the Net Investment Factor method. We will achieve substantially the same result using either method.
Guaranteed Withdrawal Benefit
The Guaranteed Withdrawal Benefit provides for each Annuitant (and spouse if the joint life option is elected):
• Guaranteed lifetime periodic withdrawals up to the Guaranteed Annual Income amount which is based upon a guaranteed Income Base;
• Automatic Annual Step-ups of the Income Base to the AAV if the AAV is equal to or greater than the Income Base and the maximum age(s) has not been reached;
• Age-based increases to the Guaranteed Annual Income amount (after reaching a higher age-band and after an Automatic Annual Step-up).
Please note any withdrawals made prior to the Guaranteed Annual Income Effective Date or that exceed the Guaranteed Annual Income amount (referred to as Excess Withdrawals) may significantly reduce the Income Base as well as the Guaranteed Annual Income amount by an amount greater than the dollar amount of the Excess Withdrawal and will terminate the benefit if the Income Base is reduced to zero.
The Guaranteed Withdrawal Benefit provides guaranteed, periodic withdrawals for your life or for the lives of you and your spouse (joint life option) regardless of the investment performance of the contract, provided that certain conditions are met. For purposes of this Guaranteed Withdrawal Benefit, spouse means an individual who would be recognized as a spouse under federal law. An Income Base is used to calculate the Guaranteed Annual Income payment from AAV, but is not available as a separate benefit upon death or surrender. The Income Base will be carried over from the Lincoln Secured Retirement IncomeSM variable annuity under your previous retirement plan. The Income Base will be increased by subsequent Purchase Payments and Automatic Annual Step-ups, and decreased by Excess Withdrawals in accordance with the provisions set forth below. Limits on Purchase Payments are discussed in the Purchase Payments section of this prospectus. No additional Purchase Payments are allowed if the AAV decreases to zero after the Guaranteed Annual Income Effective Date for any reason.
The Guaranteed Withdrawal Benefit provides for guaranteed, periodic withdrawals up to the Guaranteed Annual Income amount commencing after you (single life option) or the younger of you or your spouse (joint life option) reach age 55. The Guaranteed Annual Income payments are based upon specified percentages of the Income Base. The specified withdrawal percentages of the Income Base are age-based and may increase over time. With the single life option, you may receive Guaranteed Annual Income payments for life. Under the joint life option, Guaranteed Annual Income amounts for the lifetimes of you and your spouse will be available.
Income Base. The Income Base is a value used to calculate the Guaranteed Annual Income amount. The Income Base is not available as a lump sum withdrawal or as a Death Benefit. The initial Income Base under this Certificate is the amount of your Income Base that was transferred from the Lincoln Secured Retirement IncomeSM variable annuity contract under your former retirement plan. The maximum Income Base is $2,000,000. This maximum takes into consideration the total guaranteed amounts under the living benefit riders of all Lincoln Life contracts (or contracts issued by our affiliates) in which you (and/or your spouse if joint life option) are the covered lives.
Each additional Purchase Payment automatically increases the Income Base by the amount of the Purchase Payment (not to exceed the maximum Income Base). Additional Purchase Payments will not be allowed after the Guaranteed Annual Income Effective Date if the AAV decreases to zero for any reason including market loss.
Excess Withdrawals reduce the Income Base as discussed below. Withdrawals less than or equal to the Guaranteed Annual Income amount, amounts deducted for the Guaranteed Withdrawal Benefit charge, and any recordkeeping charge of 0.20% or less assessed by your IRA custodian will not reduce the Income Base. All withdrawals prior to the Guaranteed Annual Income Effective Date are considered Excess Withdrawals.
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Automatic Annual Step-ups of the Income Base. The Income Base will automatically step-up to the AAV on the Valuation Date immediately prior to each Benefit Year anniversary if:
a) the Annuitant (single life option), or the Annuitant or spouse (joint life option) are still living and under age 86 (if both spouses are living, they both must be under age 86); and
b) the AAV on that Valuation Date, after the deduction of any withdrawals (including the Guaranteed Withdrawal Benefit charge), plus any Purchase Payments made on that date, is equal to or greater than the Income Base.
The Automatic Annual Step-up is available even in those years when a withdrawal has occurred.
Following is an example of how the Automatic Annual Step-ups will work (assuming no withdrawals or additional Purchase Payments):
  AAV   Income Base
Initial Rollover Money $50,000
$50,000   $50,000
Valuation Date immediately prior to 1st Benefit Year anniversary
$54,000   $54,000
Valuation Date immediately prior to 2nd Benefit Year anniversary
$53,900   $54,000
Valuation Date immediately prior to 3rd Benefit Year anniversary
$57,000   $57,000
Valuation Date immediately prior to 4th Benefit Year anniversary
$64,000   $64,000
Withdrawal Amount. If the Guaranteed Annual Income Effective Date occurred under the Lincoln Secured Retirement IncomeSM contract, the Guaranteed Annual Income will continue under this Certificate, using the same Guaranteed Annual Income calculation. If the Certificate Effective Date is not the same as the Benefit Year anniversary date, you will receive only the amount of Guaranteed Annual Income remaining from the Lincoln Secured Retirement IncomeSM contract for that Benefit Year until your next Benefit Year anniversary.
For those who have not previously requested a Guaranteed Annual Income Effective Date, you may request to begin Guaranteed Annual Income withdrawals by submitting a request to the Home Office. The Valuation Date the request is approved is the Guaranteed Annual Income Effective Date. At that time, you will elect either the single life option or the joint life option of the Guaranteed Withdrawal Benefit. After the Guaranteed Annual Income Effective Date, periodic withdrawals up to the Guaranteed Annual Income amount may be taken each Benefit Year for your lifetime (single life option) or the lifetimes of you and your spouse (joint life option) as long as the Guaranteed Annual Income amount is greater than zero. Guaranteed Annual Income withdrawals may be taken once you (single life option) or the younger of you and your spouse (joint life option) turn age 55. If the Guaranteed Annual Income Effective Date does not occur on a Benefit Year anniversary, the Guaranteed Annual Income amount for the first year will be prorated based on the number of days remaining in that Benefit Year.
Upon the Guaranteed Annual Income Effective Date, the Weighted Average Guaranteed Annual Income (“WAGAI”) percentage is calculated, based on your age (single life option) or the age of the younger of you and your spouse (joint life option). After the Guaranteed Annual Income Effective Date, the Guaranteed Annual Income amount percentage will increase on a Benefit Year anniversary on or after an applicable higher age band has been reached only after there has also been an Automatic Annual Step-up. The Automatic Annual Step-up must occur after the date you (or spouse if applicable) reached the higher age band. If an applicable age band has been reached and there has not also been an Automatic Annual Step-up, then the Guaranteed Annual Income amount percentage will not increase until the next Automatic Annual Step-up occurs. If the entire Guaranteed Annual Income amount is not withdrawn during a Benefit Year, there is no carryover of the remaining amount into the next Benefit Year.
Weighted Average Guaranteed Annual Income Percentage (WAGAI). Under the Lincoln Secured Retirement IncomeSM contract and this Certificate, Guaranteed Annual Income percentages were provided for different ages and for single and joint life options on different tables (“Tables”). The Current Table of Guaranteed Annual Income Percentages by Ages is shown below. A WAGAI percentage will be used to calculate the Guaranteed Annual Income. A WAGAI percentage will be calculated based on the portion of Purchase Payments, Automatic Annual Step-Ups and Excess Withdrawals that are allocated to each Table that was in effect when Purchase Payments were made. The percentage for each Table is determined according to this formula: (a) divided by (b) times (c); where
(a) is the portion of the Income Base calculated on the basis of Purchase Payments made during the time the specific Table is in effect and adjusted by Automatic Annual Step-Ups and Excess Withdrawals;
(b) is the total Income Base for all Tables;
(c) is the applicable percentage for the age and measuring life option for that Table.
The percentage for each applicable Table will be calculated according to the formula above. Then the percentages determined for each Table will be added together to determine the WAGAI percentage. The WAGAI percentage will be recalculated following the date of an additional Purchase Payment, Automatic Annual Step-Up or Excess Withdrawal. The Income Base allocated to each rate Table will be reduced by the same proportion that the Excess Withdrawal reduces the AAV.
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The following example demonstrates how the WAGAI is calculated if Purchase Payments are made while two different Tables are in effect:
Total Purchase Payment during Year 1 (Table 1 in effect)
$5,000
Automatic Step-Up of Income Base to market value on Benefit Year anniversary
$5,900
Total Purchase Payments during Year 2 (Table 2 in effect)
$5,000
Market loss so no Automatic Step-Up on Benefit Year anniversary
$10,900
The Annuitant is age 60 on the Guaranteed Annual Income Effective Date. The percentage rate for this Annuitant under Table 1 was 4% (single life). The percentage rate under Table 2 was 3.5%.
According to the formula above, at the end of year 2 the percentage attributed to the first Table is ($5,900 / $10,900 x 4%) = 2.16%. The percentage attributed to the second Table is ($5,000 / $10,900 x 3.5%) = 1.61%. Adding the two rates together results in a WAGAI of 3.77%. This rate will be applied to the Total Income Base of $10,900 to produce a Guaranteed Annual Income amount of $410.93.
Current Table of Guaranteed Annual Income Percentages by Ages
Age   Guaranteed
Annual Income amount
percentage (Single Life Option) 		  Guaranteed Annual Income
amount percentage
(Joint Life Option)
At Least 55 and under 65
  4%   3.5%
65-70
  5%   4.5%
71+
  6%   5.5%
We may change the Table of Guaranteed Annual Income Percentages by Ages (“Table”) for future Purchase Payments. We will provide you with notice of any change to the Table.
If the AAV is reduced to zero while receiving a Guaranteed Annual Income amount because of market performance, Guaranteed Withdrawal Benefit charges or the recordkeeping charge of 0.20% or less assessed by your IRA custodian, payments equal to the Guaranteed Annual Income amount will continue automatically for your life (and your spouse's life if applicable). The remaining Income Base is not available as a lump sum withdrawal. You will not be entitled to the Guaranteed Annual Income amount if the Income Base is reduced to zero as a result of an Excess Withdrawal. If the Income Base is reduced to zero due to an Excess Withdrawal the Guaranteed Withdrawal Benefit will terminate, and you will have no more rights or benefits under this contract.
Withdrawals equal to or less than the Guaranteed Annual Income amount will not reduce the Income Base. All withdrawals will decrease the AAV.
The following example shows the calculation of the Guaranteed Annual Income amount and how withdrawals less than or equal to the Guaranteed Annual Income amount affect the Income Base and the AAV. The example assumes that the Annuitant is age 58 (4% Guaranteed Annual Income percentage for single life option) on the Guaranteed Annual Income Effective Date, the Guaranteed Annual Income Effective Date is on a Benefit Year anniversary, and the Income Base is $200,000:
AAV on the Guaranteed Annual Income Effective Date
$200,000
Income Base on the Guaranteed Annual Income Effective Date
$200,000
Initial Guaranteed Annual Income amount on the Guaranteed Annual Income Effective Date ($200,000 x 4%)
$ 8,000
AAV six months after Guaranteed Annual Income Effective Date
$210,000
Income Base six months after Guaranteed Annual Income Effective Date
$200,000
Withdrawal six months after Guaranteed Annual Income Effective Date when Annuitant is still age 58
$ 8,000
AAV after withdrawal ($210,000 - $8,000)
$202,000
Income Base after withdrawal ($200,000 - $0)
$200,000
AAV on next Benefit Year anniversary
$205,000
Income Base on next Benefit Year anniversary
$205,000
Guaranteed Annual Income amount on next Benefit Year anniversary
$ 8,200
The Automatic Annual Step-up was available on the first Benefit Year anniversary and increased the Income Base to the AAV of $205,000. The Guaranteed Annual Income amount also increased to $8,200 (4% x $205,000).
Purchase Payments added to the contract subsequent to the Guaranteed Annual Income Effective Date will increase the Guaranteed Annual Income amount by an amount equal to the WAGAI percentage multiplied by the amount of the subsequent Purchase Payment.
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For example, assuming an Annuitant is age 58 (single life option), if the Guaranteed Annual Income amount of $2,000 (4% of $50,000 Income Base) is in effect and an additional Purchase Payment of $10,000 is made (and the GAI rates had not changed), the new Guaranteed Annual Income amount that Benefit Year is $2,400 ($2,000 + 4% of $10,000). The Guaranteed Annual Income payment amount will be recalculated immediately after a Purchase Payment is made. Note that the Benefit Year does not change so all withdrawals during the Benefit Year, (withdrawals before and after the additional Purchase Payment), will count toward the Guaranteed Annual Income amount.
Purchase Payments (other than Rollover Money) into the contract cannot exceed $500,000 in a Benefit Year.
Automatic Annual Step-ups will increase the Income Base and thus the Guaranteed Annual Income amount. The Guaranteed Annual Income amount, after the Income Base is adjusted by an Automatic Annual Step-up, will be equal to the adjusted Income Base multiplied by the applicable WAGAI percentage.
Excess Withdrawals. Excess Withdrawals are the cumulative amounts withdrawn from the contract during the Benefit Year (including the current withdrawal) that exceed the Guaranteed Annual Income amount at the time of the withdrawal, or are withdrawals made prior to the Guaranteed Annual Income Effective Date. Withdrawals for the Guaranteed Withdrawal Benefit charge and any recordkeeping charge of 0.20% or less assessed by your IRA custodian are not treated as Excess Withdrawals.
When an Excess Withdrawal occurs:
• the Income Base is reduced by the same proportion that the Excess Withdrawal reduces the AAV. This means that the reduction in the Income Base could be more than the dollar amount of the withdrawal; and
• the Guaranteed Annual Income amount will be recalculated to equal the applicable WAGAI percentage multiplied by the new (reduced) Income Base.
We will provide to you quarterly statements that will include the Guaranteed Annual Income amount (as adjusted for Guaranteed Annual Income amount payments, Automatic Annual Step-ups, Excess Withdrawals and additional Purchase Payments) available for the Benefit Year, if applicable, in order to determine whether a withdrawal may be an Excess Withdrawal. Questions regarding Excess Withdrawals should be referred to the customer service number provided on the front page of this prospectus.
The following example demonstrates the impact of an Excess Withdrawal on the Income Base, the Guaranteed Annual Income amount and the AAV. The Annuitant who is age 58 (single life option) makes a $12,000 withdrawal which causes a $12,915.19 reduction in the Income Base. If there are multiple GAI tables in effect, the Income Base allocated to each rate Table will be reduced by the same proportion that the Excess Withdrawal reduces the AAV.
Prior to Excess Withdrawal: AAV = $60,000 Income Base = $85,000
Guaranteed Annual Income amount = $3,400 (4% of the Income Base of $85,000)
After a $12,000 Withdrawal, $3,400 is within the Guaranteed Annual Income amount, $8,600 is the Excess Withdrawal.
The AAV is reduced by the amount of the Guaranteed Annual Income amount of $3,400 and the Income Base is not reduced: AAV = $56,600 ($60,000 - $3,400) Income Base = $85,000
The AAV is also reduced by the $8,600 Excess Withdrawal and the Income Base is reduced by 15.19435%, the same proportion that the Excess Withdrawal reduced the $56,600 AAV ($8,600 ÷ $56,600)
AAV = $48,000 ($56,600 - $8,600)
Income Base = $72,084.81 ($85,000 x 15.19435% = $12,915.19; $85,000 - $12,915.19 = $72,084.81)
On the following Benefit Year anniversary:
AAV = $43,000
Income Base = $72,084.81
Guaranteed Annual Income amount = $2,883.39 (4% x $72,084.81 Income Base)
In a declining market, Excess Withdrawals may significantly reduce the Income Base as well as the Guaranteed Annual Income amount. If the Income Base or AAV is reduced to zero due to an Excess Withdrawal the Guaranteed Withdrawal Benefit will terminate and you will have no more rights or benefits under this contract.
After the Guaranteed Annual Income Effective Date, withdrawals will be treated as within the Guaranteed Annual Income amount (even if they exceed the Guaranteed Annual Income amount) only if the withdrawals are taken as systematic monthly or quarterly installments of the amount needed to satisfy the required minimum distribution (RMD) rules under Internal Revenue Code Section 401(a)(9). In addition, in order for this exception for RMDs to apply, the following must occur:
• Lincoln's monthly or quarterly automatic withdrawal service is used to calculate and pay the RMD;
• The RMD calculation must be based only on the AAV in this contract; and
• No withdrawals other than RMDs are made within the Benefit Year (except as described in the next paragraph).
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If RMD withdrawals during a Benefit Year are less than the Guaranteed Annual Income amount, an additional amount up to the Guaranteed Annual Income amount may be withdrawn. If a withdrawal, other than an RMD is made during the Benefit Year, then all amounts withdrawn in excess of the greater of the Guaranteed Annual Income amount or RMDs, will be treated as Excess Withdrawals.
Distributions from qualified contracts are generally taxed as ordinary income. See Federal Tax Matters for a discussion of the tax consequences of withdrawals.
Death Prior to the Annuity Commencement Date. The Guaranteed Withdrawal Benefit has no provision for a payout of the Income Base upon death of the Annuitant. A Death Benefit may be paid to the Beneficiary if the conditions set forth below are met. Payment of a Death Benefit terminates the Guaranteed Withdrawal Benefit for you and your surviving spouse if applicable. All Death Benefit payments must be made in compliance with Internal Revenue Code Sections 72(s) or 401(a)(9) as applicable as amended from time to time.
Upon the death of the Annuitant prior to the Guaranteed Annual Income Effective Date or upon the Annuitant’s death with the single life option, the Guaranteed Withdrawal Benefit will end and no further Guaranteed Annual Income amounts are available (even if there was an Income Base in effect at the time of the death). A Death Benefit, as set forth below, may be available.
Upon the first death under the joint life option, the lifetime payout of the Guaranteed Annual Income amount will continue for the life of the surviving spouse unless a Death Benefit is paid out if available. The Automatic Annual Step-up will continue if applicable as discussed above. Upon the death of the surviving spouse, the Guaranteed Withdrawal Benefit will end and no further Guaranteed Annual Income amounts are available (even if there was an Income Base in effect at the time of the death). A Death Benefit, as set forth below, may be available upon the second death.
The Death Benefit is equal to the greater of:
• the current AAV as of the Valuation Date we approve the payment of the claim; or
• the sum of all Purchase Payments into the AAV decreased by withdrawals. Excess Withdrawals reduce the sum of all Purchase Payments in the same proportion that Excess Withdrawals reduced the AAV. All other withdrawals reduce the sum of all Purchase Payments by the dollar amount of the withdrawal.
The value of the Death Benefit will be determined as of the date on which the death claim is approved for payment. This payment will occur upon receipt of:
• proof, satisfactory to us, of the death;
• written authorization for payment; and
• our receipt of all required claim forms, fully completed.
If the Death Benefit becomes payable upon the death of the Annuitant, the Beneficiary may elect to receive payment either in the form of a lump sum settlement or an Annuity Payout. Federal tax law requires that an annuity election be made no later than 60 days after we receive satisfactory notice of death as discussed previously.
If a lump sum settlement is requested, the proceeds will be mailed within seven days of receipt of satisfactory claim documentation as discussed previously, subject to the laws and regulations governing payment of Death Benefits. This payment may be postponed as permitted by the 1940 Act.
All Death Benefit payments will be subject to the laws and regulations governing Death Benefits.
The tax code requires that any distribution be paid within five years of the death of the Annuitant unless the Beneficiary begins receiving, within one year of the Annuitant’s death, the distribution in the form of a life annuity or an annuity for a designated period not exceeding the Beneficiary's life expectancy.
Termination. You may terminate the contract, including the Guaranteed Withdrawal Benefit, by notifying us in writing and surrendering your Certificate.
The Guaranteed Withdrawal Benefit will automatically terminate:
• on the Annuity Commencement Date; or
• upon the death of the Annuitant prior to the Guaranteed Annual Income Effective Date or under the single life option; or
• upon the death of the survivor under the joint life option; or
• when the Income Base or AAV is reduced to zero due to an Excess Withdrawal.
The termination of the Guaranteed Withdrawal Benefit will not result in any increase in AAV equal to the Income Base. Upon effective termination of the Guaranteed Withdrawal Benefit, the benefits and charges provided by the Certificate will terminate and any AAV must be removed from this contract.
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Surrenders and Withdrawals
Before the Annuity Commencement Date, we will allow the surrender of your Certificate or a withdrawal of a portion of the AAV upon your written request, subject to the conditions of the Certificate discussed below. Surrender or withdrawal rights after the Annuity Commencement Date depend on the Annuity Payout option selected.
The amount available upon surrender/withdrawal is the AAV at the end of the Valuation Period during which the written request for surrender/withdrawal is received at the Home Office if the request is received in Good Order before 4:00 p.m. New York time or the close of trading of the New York Stock Exchange if earlier. If we receive a surrender or withdrawal request in Good Order at or after 4:00 p.m., New York time, we will process the request using the Accumulation Unit value computed on the next Valuation Date. Unless prohibited, surrender/withdrawal payments will be mailed within seven days after we receive a valid written request at the home office. The payment may be postponed as permitted by the 1940 Act.
The tax consequences of a surrender/withdrawal are discussed later in this prospectus. See Federal Tax Matters.
Delay of Payments
Contract proceeds from the VAA will be paid within seven days, except:
• when the NYSE is closed (other than weekends and holidays);
• times when market trading is restricted or the SEC declares an emergency, and we cannot value units or the funds cannot redeem shares; or
• when the SEC so orders for your protection.
Due to federal laws designed to counter terrorism and prevent money laundering by criminals, we may be required to reject a Purchase Payment and/or deny payment of a request for transfers, withdrawals, surrenders, or Death Benefits, until instructions are received from the appropriate regulator. We also may be required to provide additional information about your account to government regulators.
Abandoned Property. Every state has unclaimed property laws which generally declare annuity contracts to be abandoned after a period of inactivity of three to five years from the date a benefit is due and payable. For example, if the payment of a Death Benefit has been triggered, but, if after a thorough search, we are still unable to locate the Beneficiary of the Death Benefit, or the Beneficiary does not come forward to claim the Death Benefit in a timely manner, the Death Benefit will be “escheated”. This means that the Death Benefit will be paid to the abandoned property division or unclaimed property office of the state in which the Beneficiary or the Annuitant last resided, as shown on our books and records, or to our state of domicile. This escheatment is revocable and the state is obligated to pay the Death Benefit (without interest) if your Beneficiary steps forward to claim it with the proper documentation.
To prevent such escheatment, it is important that you update your Beneficiary designations, including addresses, if and as they change. You may update your Beneficiary designations by submitting a Beneficiary change form to our Home Office.
Amendment of Contract
We reserve the right to amend the contract to meet the requirements of the 1940 Act or other applicable federal or state laws or regulations. You will be notified in writing of any changes, modifications or waivers. Any changes are subject to prior approval of your state’s insurance department (if required).
Ownership
The owner of this group annuity contract on the date of issue will be the Lincoln Financial Group Trust Company.
As Annuitant and as the individual for whom the IRA and/or Roth IRA is established, you have all rights as described in this Certificate. According to Indiana law, the assets of the VAA are held for the exclusive benefit of all Annuitants and their designated Beneficiaries; and the assets of the VAA are not chargeable with liabilities arising from any other business that we may conduct. Qualified contracts may not be assigned or transferred except as permitted by applicable law and upon written notification to us. Assignments may have an adverse impact on any Death Benefits or benefits offered under living benefit riders in this product and may be prohibited under the terms of a particular feature. We assume no responsibility for the validity or effect of any assignment. Consult your tax adviser about the tax consequences of an assignment.
Contractowner Questions
The obligations to purchasers under the contracts are those of Lincoln Life. This prospectus provides a general description of the material features of this Certificate or of the contract. Contracts, Certificates, endorsements and riders may vary as required by state law. Questions about your Certificate or this contract should be directed to us at 1-800-234-3500.
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Annuity Payouts
The Certificate provides optional forms of payouts of annuities (annuity options), each of which is payable on a fixed basis. The Certificate provides that all or part of the AAV may be used to purchase an Annuity Payout option.
You may elect Annuity Payouts in monthly, quarterly, semiannual or annual installments. If the payouts would be or become less than $50, we have the right to reduce their frequency until the payouts are at least $50 each. The amount of each Annuity Payout will depend upon the frequency of payout you select. For example, if you select frequent payments (e.g., monthly), the amount of each payout will be lower than if you choose a less frequent payout (e.g., annual installments). Also, the amount of each Annuity Payout will depend upon the duration of payout you select. For example, if you choose the Life Annuity option, the amount of each payout likely will be higher than if you choose the Joint Life Annuity since the Life Annuity assumes a shorter period of time than the Joint Life Annuity. Following are explanations of the annuity options available.
Annuity Options
Life Annuity with Guaranteed Period. This option guarantees periodic payouts during a designated period, usually 10, 15 or 20 years, and then continues throughout the lifetime of the Annuitant. The designated period is selected by the Annuitant.
Life Annuity. This option offers a periodic payout during the lifetime of the Annuitant and ends with the last payout before the death of the Annuitant. This option offers the highest periodic payout since there is no guarantee of a minimum number of payouts or provision for a Death Benefit for Beneficiaries. However, there is the risk under this option that the recipient would receive no payouts if the Annuitant dies before the date set for the first payout; only one payout if death occurs before the second scheduled payout, and so on.
Joint Life Annuity. This option offers a periodic payout during the joint lifetime of the Annuitant and a designated joint Annuitant. The payouts continue during the lifetime of the survivor.
Joint Life and Two Thirds to Survivor Annuity. This option provides a periodic payout during the joint lifetime of the Annuitant and a designated joint Annuitant. When one of the joint Annuitants dies, the survivor receives two thirds of the periodic payout made when both were alive.
If any payee dies after an Annuity Payout becomes operative, then we will pay the following to the payee's estate (unless otherwise specified in the election option):
the present value of unpaid payments under the payouts guaranteed for designated period or life annuity with payouts guaranteed for designated period;
• the amount payable at the death of the payee under the unit refund life annuity; or
• the proceeds remaining with Lincoln Life under the payouts guaranteed for designated amount or interest income, if available.
If the annuity settlement has been selected and becomes operative, when the last payee dies, we will pay the remainder of the contract in a single sum to the last payee's estate (unless otherwise specified in the election option).
General Information
None of the options listed above currently provides withdrawal features, permitting you to withdraw commuted values as a lump sum payment. Other options, with or without withdrawal features, may be made available by us. Options are only available to the extent they are consistent with the requirements of the contract as well as Sections 72(s) and 401 (a)(9) of the tax code, if applicable.
You must give us at least 30 days notice before the date on which you want payouts to begin. If proceeds become available to a Beneficiary in a lump sum, the Beneficiary may choose any Annuity Payout option. We may require proof of age, sex, or survival of any payee upon whose age, sex, or survival payments depend.
Unless you select another option, the contract automatically provides for a life annuity with Annuity Payouts guaranteed for 10 years except when a joint life payout is required by law. Under any option providing for guaranteed period payouts, the number of payouts which remain unpaid at the date of the Annuitant’s death (or surviving Annuitant’s death in case of joint life annuity) will be paid to the Beneficiary as payouts become due after we are in receipt of:
• proof, satisfactory to us, of the death;
• written authorization for payment; and
• all claim forms, fully completed.
Once you begin to receive Annuity Payouts, you cannot change the payout option, payout amount, or payout period.
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Federal Tax Matters
Introduction
The Federal income tax treatment of the contract is complex and sometimes uncertain. The Federal income tax rules may vary with your particular circumstances. This discussion does not include all the Federal income tax rules that may affect you and your contract. This discussion also does not address other Federal tax consequences (including consequences of sales to foreign individuals or entities), or state or local tax consequences, associated with the contract. As a result, you should always consult a tax adviser about the application of tax rules found in the Internal Revenue Code (“Code”), Treasury Regulations and applicable IRS guidance to your individual situation.
Qualified Retirement Plans
We have designed the contracts for use in connection with certain types of retirement plans that receive favorable treatment under the tax code. Contracts issued to or in connection with a qualified retirement plan are called “qualified contracts.” We issue contracts for use with various types of qualified retirement plans. The Federal income tax rules applicable to those plans are complex and varied. As a result, this prospectus does not attempt to provide more than general information about the use of the contract with the various types of qualified retirement plans. Persons planning to use the contract in connection with a qualified retirement plan should obtain advice from a competent tax adviser.
Types of Qualified Contracts and Terms of Contracts
Qualified retirement plans may include the following:
• Individual Retirement Accounts and Annuities (“Traditional IRAs”)
• Roth IRAs
• Traditional IRA that is part of a Simplified Employee Pension Plan (“SEP”)
• SIMPLE 401(k) plans (Savings Incentive Matched Plan for Employees)
• 401(a) / (k) plans (qualified corporate employee pension and profit-sharing plans)
• 403(a) plans (qualified annuity plans)
• 403(b) plans (public school system and tax-exempt organization annuity plans)
• H.R. 10 or Keogh Plans (self-employed individual plans)
• 457(b) plans (deferred compensation plans for state and local governments and tax-exempt organizations)
We will amend contracts to be used with a qualified retirement plan as generally necessary to conform to the tax law requirements for the type of plan. However, the rights of a person to any qualified retirement plan benefits may be subject to the plan's terms and conditions. In addition, we are not bound by the terms and conditions of qualified retirement plans to the extent such terms and conditions contradict the contract, unless we consent.
Tax Deferral on Earnings
The Federal income tax law generally does not tax any increase in your contract value until you receive a contract distribution. However, for this general rule to apply, certain requirements must be satisfied:
• An individual must own the contract (or the tax law must treat the contract as owned by an individual).
• The investments of the VAA must be “adequately diversified” in accordance with IRS regulations.
• Your right to choose particular investments for a contract must be limited.
• The Annuity Commencement Date must not occur near the end of the Annuitant’s life expectancy.
Investments in the VAA Must Be Diversified
For a contract to be treated as an annuity for Federal income tax purposes, the investments of the VAA must be “adequately diversified.” Treasury regulations define standards for determining whether the investments of the VAA are adequately diversified. If the VAA fails to comply with these diversification standards, you could be required to pay tax currently on the excess of the contract value over the contract Purchase Payments. Although we do not control the investments of the underlying investment options, we expect that the underlying investment options will comply with the IRS regulations so that the VAA will be considered “adequately diversified.”
Restrictions
Federal income tax law limits your right to choose particular investments for the contract. Because the IRS has issued little guidance specifying those limits, the limits are uncertain and your right to allocate contract values among the Subaccounts may exceed those limits. If so, you would be treated as the owner of the assets of the VAA and thus subject to current taxation on the income, bonus credits, persistency credits and gains, if applicable, from those assets. We do not know what limits may be set by the IRS in any guidance that it may issue and whether any such limits will apply to existing contracts. We reserve the right to modify the contract without your consent to try to prevent the tax law from considering you as the owner of the assets of the VAA.
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Tax Treatment of Qualified Contracts
The Federal income tax rules applicable to qualified retirement plans and qualified contracts vary with the type of plan and contract. For example,
• Federal tax rules limit the amount of Purchase Payments that can be made, and the tax deduction or exclusion that may be allowed for the Purchase Payments. These limits vary depending on the type of qualified retirement plan and the plan participant’s specific circumstances (e.g., the participant’s compensation).
• Minimum annual distributions are required under some qualified retirement plans once you reach age 70 ½ or retire, if later as described below.
• Under most qualified plans, such as a traditional IRA, the owner must begin receiving payments from the contract in certain minimum amounts by a certain age, typically age 70 ½. Other qualified plans may allow the participant to take required distributions upon the later of reaching age 70 ½ or retirement.
Please note that qualified retirement plans such as 403(b) plans, 401(k) plans and IRAs generally defer taxation of contributions and earnings until distribution. As such, an annuity does not provide any additional tax deferral benefit beyond the qualified retirement plan itself.
Tax Treatment of Payments
The Federal income tax rules generally include distributions from a qualified contract in the participant's income as ordinary income. These taxable distributions will include Purchase Payments that were deductible or excludible from income. Thus, under many qualified contracts, the total amount received is included in income since a deduction or exclusion from income was taken for Purchase Payments. There are exceptions. For example, you do not include amounts received from a Roth IRA in income if certain conditions are satisfied.
Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs)
Under most qualified plans, you must begin receiving payments from the contract in certain minimum amounts by April 1 of the year following the year you attain age 70 ½ or retire, if later. You are required to take distributions from your traditional IRAs by April 1 of the year following the year you reach age 70 ½. If you own a Roth IRA, you are not required to receive minimum distributions from your Roth IRA during your life.
Failure to comply with the minimum distribution rules applicable to certain qualified plans, such as Traditional IRAs, will result in the imposition of an excise tax. This excise tax equals 50% of the amount by which a minimum required distribution exceeds the actual distribution from the qualified plan.
Treasury regulations applicable to required minimum distributions include a rule that may impact the distribution method you have chosen and the amount of your distributions. Under these regulations, the presence of an enhanced Death Benefit, or other benefit, if any, may require you to take additional distributions. An enhanced Death Benefit is any Death Benefit that has the potential to pay more than the contract value or a return of Purchase Payments. Please contact your tax adviser regarding any tax ramifications.
Federal Penalty Tax on Early Distributions from Qualified Retirement Plans
The tax code may impose a 10% penalty tax on an early distribution from a qualified contract that must be included in income. The tax code does not impose the penalty tax if one of several exceptions applies. The exceptions vary depending on the type of qualified contract you purchase. For example, in the case of an IRA, the 10% penalty tax will not apply to any of the following withdrawals, surrenders, or Annuity Payouts:
• Distribution received on or after the Annuitant reaches 59½
• Distribution received on or after the Annuitant’s death or because of the Annuitant’s disability (as defined in the tax law)
• Distribution received as a series of substantially equal periodic payments based on the Annuitant’s life (or life expectancy), or
• Distribution received as reimbursement for certain amounts paid for medical care.
These exceptions, as well as certain others not described here, generally apply to taxable distributions from other qualified retirement plans. However, the specific requirements of the exception may vary.
Unearned Income Medicare Contribution
Congress enacted the “Unearned Income Medicare Contribution” as a part of the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010. This new tax, which affects individuals whose modified adjusted gross income exceeds certain thresholds, is a 3.8% tax on the lesser of (i) the individual’s “unearned income,” or (ii) the dollar amount by which the individual’s modified adjusted gross income exceeds the applicable threshold. Distributions that you take from your contract are not included in the calculation of unearned income because your contract is a qualified plan contract. However, the amount of any such distribution is included in determining whether you exceed the modified adjusted gross income threshold. The tax is effective for tax years after December 31, 2012. Please consult your tax advisor to determine whether your annuity distributions are subject to this tax.
Taxation of Death Benefits
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We may distribute amounts from your contract because of your death. Federal tax rules may limit the payment options available to your Beneficiaries. If your spouse is your Beneficiary, your surviving spouse will generally receive special treatment and will have more available payment options. Non-spouse Beneficiaries do not receive the same special treatment. Payment options may be further limited depending upon whether you reached the date upon which you were required to begin minimum distributions. The Pension Protection Act of 2006 (“PPA”) permits non-spouse Beneficiary rollovers to an “inherited IRA” (effective January 1, 2007).
Transfers and Direct Rollovers
As a result of the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 (“EGTRRA”), you may be able to move funds between different types of qualified plans, such as 403(b) and 457(b) governmental plans, by means of a rollover or transfer. You may be able to rollover or transfer amounts between qualified plans and traditional IRAs. These rules do not apply to Roth IRAs and 457(b) non-governmental tax-exempt plans. The PPA permits direct conversions from certain qualified, 403(b) or 457(b) plans to Roth IRAs (effective for distribution after 2007). There are special rules that apply to rollovers, direct rollovers and transfers (including rollovers or transfers or after-tax amounts). If the applicable rules are not followed, you may incur adverse Federal income tax consequences, including paying taxes which you might not otherwise have had to pay. Before we send a rollover distribution, we will provide a notice explaining tax withholding requirements (see Federal Income Tax Withholding). We are not required to send you such notice for your IRA. You should always consult your tax adviser before you move or attempt to move any funds.
The IRS issued Announcement 2014-32 confirming its intent to apply the one-rollover-per-year limitation of 408(d)(3)(B) on an aggregate basis to all IRAs that an individual owns. This means that an individual cannot make a tax-free IRA-to-IRA rollover if he or she has made such a rollover involving any of the individuals IRAs in the current tax year. If an intended rollover does not qualify for tax-free rollover treatment, contributions to your IRA may constitute excess contributions that may exceed contribution limits. This one-rollover-per-year limitation does not apply to direct trustee-to-trustee transfers.
Federal Income Tax Withholding
We will withhold and remit to the IRS a part of the taxable portion of each distribution made under a contract unless you notify us prior to the distribution that tax is not to be withheld. In certain circumstances, Federal income tax rules may require us to withhold tax. At the time a withdrawal, surrender, or Annuity Payout is requested, we will give you an explanation of the withholding requirements.
Certain payments from your contract may be considered eligible rollover distributions (even if such payments are not being rolled over). Such distributions may be subject to special tax withholding requirements. The Federal income tax withholding rules require that we withhold 20% of the eligible rollover distribution from the payment amount, unless you elect to have the amount directly transferred to certain qualified plans or contracts. The IRS requires that tax be withheld, even if you have requested otherwise. Such tax withholding requirements are generally applicable to 401(a), 403(a) or (b), HR 10, and 457(b) governmental plans and contracts used in connection with these types of plans.
Special Considerations for Same-Sex Couples
The U.S. Supreme Court recently held same-sex spouses who have been married under state law will now be treated as spouses for purposes of federal law. You are strongly encouraged to consult a tax advisor before electing spousal rights under the contract.
Nonqualified Annuity Contracts
A nonqualified annuity is a contract not issued in connection with an IRA or a qualified retirement plan receiving special tax treatment under the tax code. These contracts are not intended for use with nonqualified annuity contracts. Different federal tax rules apply to nonqualified annuity contracts. Persons planning to use the contract in connection with a nonqualified annuity should obtain advice from a tax advisor.
Our Tax Status
Under existing Federal income tax laws, we do not pay tax on investment income and realized capital gains of the VAA. We do not expect that we will incur any Federal income tax liability on the income and gains earned by the VAA. However, the Company does expect, to the extent permitted under Federal tax law, to claim the benefit of the foreign tax credit as the owner of the assets of the VAA. Therefore, we do not impose a charge for Federal income taxes. If Federal income tax law changes and we must pay tax on some or all of the income and gains earned by the VAA, we may impose a charge against the VAA to pay the taxes.
Changes in the Law
The above discussion is based on the tax code, IRS regulations, and interpretations existing on the date of this prospectus. However, Congress, the IRS, and the courts may modify these authorities, sometimes retroactively.
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Voting Rights
As required by law, we will vote the fund shares held in the VAA at meetings of the shareholders of the fund. The voting will be done according to the instructions of the Contractowners or Annuitants who have interests in the Subaccount which invests in the fund. If the 1940 Act or any regulation under it should be amended or if present interpretations should change, and if as a result we determine that we are permitted to vote the fund shares in our own right, we may elect to do so.
The number of votes which you have the right to cast will be determined by applying your percentage interest in a Subaccount to the total number of votes attributable to the Subaccount. In determining the number of votes, fractional shares will be recognized.
The underlying fund is subject to the laws of the state in which it is organized concerning, among other things, the matters which are subject to a shareholder vote, the number of shares which must be present in person or by proxy at a meeting of shareholders (a “quorum”), and the percentage of such shares present in person or by proxy which must vote in favor of matters presented. Because shares of the underlying fund held in the VAA are owned by us, and because under the 1940 Act we will vote all such shares in the same proportion as the voting instruction, which we receive, it is important that each Annuitant provide their voting instructions to us. Even though you may choose not to provide voting instruction, the shares of a fund to which such you would have been entitled to provide voting instruction will, subject to fair representation requirements, be voted by us in the same proportion as the voting instruction which we actually receive. As a result, the instruction of a small number of Annuitants could determine the outcome of matters subject to shareholder vote. All shares voted by us will be counted when the underlying fund determines whether any requirement for a minimum number of shares be present at such a meeting to satisfy a quorum requirement has been met. Voting instructions to abstain on any item to be voted on will be applied proportionately to reduce the number of votes eligible to be cast.
Whenever a shareholders meeting is called, we will provide or make available to each person having a voting interest in a Subaccount proxy voting material, reports and other materials relating to the fund. Since the fund engages in shared funding, other persons or entities besides Lincoln Life may vote fund shares. See Investments of the Variable Annuity Account — Fund Shares.
Distribution of the Contracts
Lincoln Financial Distributors (“LFD”) serves as Principal Underwriter of this contract. LFD is affiliated with Lincoln Life and is registered as a broker-dealer with the SEC under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and is a member of FINRA. The Principal Underwriter has entered into selling agreements with Lincoln Financial Advisors (“LFA”), also an affiliate of ours. The Principal Underwriter has also entered into selling agreements with broker-dealers that are unaffiliated with us. While the Principal Underwriter has the legal authority to make payments to broker-dealers which have entered into selling agreements, we will make such payments on behalf of the Principal Underwriter in compliance with appropriate regulations. We also pay on behalf of LFD certain of its operating expenses related to the distribution of this and other of our contracts. The following paragraphs describe how payments are made by us and The Principal Underwriter to various parties.
Compensation Paid to LFA. The maximum compensation the Principal Underwriter pays to LFA is limited to the compensation the advisor received based on the amount of assets in the former retirement plan, which include assets in this contract. Alternatively, LFA may elect to receive a lower rate of compensation.
Lincoln Life also pays for the operating and other expenses of LFA, including the following sales expenses: sales representative training allowances; compensation and bonuses for LFA's management team; advertising expenses; and all other expenses of distributing the contracts. LFA pays its sales representatives a portion of the commissions received for their sales of contracts. LFA sales representatives and their managers are also eligible for various cash benefits, such as bonuses, insurance benefits and financing arrangements, and non-cash compensation items that we may provide jointly with LFA. Non-cash compensation items may include conferences, seminars, trips, entertainment, merchandise and other similar items. In addition, LFA sales representatives who meet certain productivity, persistency and length of service standards and/or their managers may be eligible for additional compensation. Sales of the contracts may help LFA sales representatives and/or their managers qualify for such benefits. LFA sales representatives and their managers may receive other payments from us for services that do not directly involve the sale of the contracts, including payments made for the recruitment and training of personnel, production of promotional literature and similar services.
Compensation Paid to Unaffiliated Selling Firms. The maximum compensation the Principal Underwriters pays to Selling Firms, other than LFA, is 1.00% based on assets in the retirement plan, which include assets in this contract. Alternatively, some Selling Firms may elect to receive a lower rate of compensation. LFD also acts as wholesaler of the contracts and performs certain marketing and other functions in support of the distribution and servicing of the contracts.
LFD may pay certain Selling Firms or their affiliates additional amounts for: (1) “preferred product” treatment of the contracts in their marketing programs, which may include marketing services and increased access to sales representatives; (2) sales promotions relating to the contracts; (3) costs associated with sales conferences and educational seminars for their sales representatives; (4) other sales expenses incurred by them; and (5) inclusion in the financial products the Selling Firm offers.
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Lincoln Life may provide loans to broker-dealers or their affiliates to help finance marketing and distribution of the contracts, and those loans may be forgiven if aggregate sales goals are met. In addition, we may provide staffing or other administrative support and services to broker-dealers who distribute the contracts. LFD, as wholesaler, may make bonus payments to certain Selling Firms based on aggregate sales of our variable insurance contracts (including the contracts) or persistency standards. These additional payments are not offered to all Selling Firms, and the terms of any particular agreement governing the payments may vary among Selling Firms.
These additional types of compensation are not offered to all Selling Firms. The terms of any particular agreement governing compensation may vary among Selling Firms and the amounts may be significant. The prospect of receiving, or the receipt of, additional compensation may provide Selling Firms and/or their registered representatives with an incentive to favor sales of the contracts over other variable annuity contracts (or other investments) with respect to which a Selling Firm does not receive additional compensation, or lower levels of additional compensation. You may wish to take such payment arrangements into account when considering and evaluating any recommendation relating to the contracts. Additional information relating to compensation paid in 2014 is contained in the Statement of Additional Information (SAI).
Compensation Paid to Other Parties. Depending on the particular selling arrangements, there may be others whom LFD compensates for the distribution activities. For example, LFD may compensate certain “wholesalers”, who control access to certain selling offices, for access to those offices or for referrals, and that compensation may be separate from the compensation paid for sales of the contracts. LFD may compensate marketing organizations, associations, brokers or consultants which provide marketing assistance and other services to broker-dealers who distribute the contracts, and which may be affiliated with those broker-dealers.
Return Privilege
Within the free-look period after your Certificate is issued, you may cancel it for any reason by delivering or mailing it postage prepaid, to The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company at PO Box 2340, Fort Wayne, IN 46801-2340. A Certificate canceled under this provision will be void. Except as explained in the following paragraph, we will return the AAV as of the Valuation Date on which we receive the cancellation request. A purchaser who participates in the VAA is subject to the risk of a market loss on the AAV during the free-look period.
For Certificates issued in those states whose laws require that we assume this market risk during the free-look period, a Certificate may be canceled, subject to the conditions explained before, except that we will return the greater of the Purchase Payment(s) or AAV as of the Valuation Date we receive the cancellation request, plus any premium taxes that had been deducted. IRA purchasers will also receive the greater of Purchase Payments or AAV as of the Valuation Date on which we receive the cancellation request.
State Regulation
As a life insurance company organized and operated under Indiana law, we are subject to provisions governing life insurers and to regulation by the Indiana Commissioner of Insurance. Our books and accounts are subject to review and examination by the Indiana Department of Insurance at all times. A full examination of our operations is conducted by that Department at least every five years.
Records and Reports
As presently required by the 1940 Act and applicable regulations, we are responsible for maintaining all records and accounts relating to the VAA. We have entered into an agreement with The Bank of New York Mellon, One Mellon Bank Center, 500 Grant Street, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15258, to provide accounting services to the VAA. We will mail to you, at your last known address of record at the Home Office, at least semi-annually after the first contract year, reports containing information required by that Act or any other applicable law or regulation.
Cyber Security
Our business is highly dependent upon the effective operation of our computer systems and those of our business partners, so our business is potentially susceptible to operational and information security risks resulting from a cyber-attack. These risks include, among other things, the theft, misuse, corruption and destruction of data maintained online or digitally, denial of service attacks on websites and other operational disruption and unauthorized release of confidential customer information. Cyber-attacks affecting us, any third-party administrator, the underlying funds, intermediaries and other affiliated or third-party service providers may adversely affect us and your Contract Value. For instance, cyber-attacks may interfere with our processing of contract transactions, including the processing of orders from our website or with the underlying funds, impact our ability to calculate Accumulation Unit values, cause the release and possible destruction of confidential customer or business information, subject us and/or our service providers and intermediaries to regulatory fines and financial losses and/or cause reputational damage. Cyber security risks may also impact the issuers of securities in which the underlying funds invest, which may cause the funds underlying your contract to lose value. There can be no assurance that we or the underlying funds or our service providers will avoid losses affecting your contract due to cyber-attacks or information security breaches in the future.
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Other Information
You may elect to receive your prospectus, prospectus supplements, quarterly statements, and annual and semiannual reports electronically over the Internet, if you have an e-mail account and access to an Internet browser. Once you select eDelivery, via the Internet Service Center, all documents available in electronic format will no longer be sent to you in hard copy. You will receive an e-mail notification when the documents become available online. It is your responsibility to provide us with your current e-mail address. You can resume paper mailings at any time without cost, by updating your profile at the Internet Service Center, or contacting us. To learn more about this service, please log on to www.LincolnFinancial.com, select service centers and continue on through the Internet Service Center.
Legal Proceedings
In the ordinary course of its business and otherwise, the Company and its subsidiaries or its separate accounts and Principal Underwriter may become or are involved in various pending or threatened legal proceedings, including purported class actions, arising from the conduct of its business. In some instances, the proceedings include claims for unspecified or substantial punitive damages and similar types of relief in addition to amounts for alleged contractual liability or requests for equitable relief.
After consultation with legal counsel and a review of available facts, it is management’s opinion that the proceedings, after consideration of any reserves and rights to indemnification, ultimately will be resolved without materially affecting the consolidated financial position of the Company and its subsidiaries, or the financial position of its separate accounts or Principal Underwriter. However, given the large and indeterminate amounts sought in certain of these proceedings and the inherent difficulty in predicting the outcome of such legal proceedings, it is possible that an adverse outcome in certain matters could be material to the Company's operating results for any particular reporting period. Please refer to the Statement of Additional Information for possible additional information regarding legal proceedings.
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Statement of Additional Information
Table of Contents for Lincoln National Variable Annuity Account L
Item Page
Special Terms B-2
Services B-2
Principal Underwriter B-2
Purchase and Pricing of Securities Being Offered B-2
Determination of Accumulation Unit Value B-2
Capital Markets B-3
Advertising & Ratings B-3
Unclaimed Property B-3
Other Information B-4
Financial Statements B-4
For a free copy of the SAI complete the form below.
Statement of Additional Information Request Card
Lincoln Retirement Income RolloverSM Version 3
Lincoln National Variable Annuity Account L
Please send me a free copy of the current Statement of Additional Information for Lincoln National Variable Annuity Account L / Lincoln Retirement Income RolloverSM Version 3.
(Please Print)
Name: 
Address: 
City 
State 
Zip 
Mail to: The Lincoln National Life Insurance Co., P.O. Box 2340, Fort Wayne, Indiana 46801
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Lincoln Retirement Income RolloverSM Version 3
Lincoln National
Variable Annuity Account L  (Registrant)
The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company  (Depositor)
Statement of Additional Information (SAI)
This SAI should be read in conjunction with the Lincoln Retirement Income RolloverSM Version 3 prospectus of Lincoln National Variable Annuity Account L dated May 1, 2015. You may obtain a copy of the Lincoln Retirement Income RolloverSM Version 3 prospectus on request and without charge. Please write Customer Service, The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company, PO Box 2340, Fort Wayne, IN 46802, or call 1-800-234-3500.
Table of Contents
Item Page
Special Terms B-2
Services B-2
Principal Underwriter B-2
Purchase of Securities Being Offered B-2
Determination of Accumulation and Annuity Unit Value B-2
Item Page
Capital Markets B-3
Advertising & Ratings B-3
Unclaimed Property B-3
Other Information B-4
Financial Statements B-4
This SAI is not a prospectus.
The date of this SAI is May 1, 2015.

Special Terms
The special terms used in this SAI are the ones defined in the prospectus.
Services
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Ernst & Young LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, One Commerce Square, 2005 Market Street, Suite 700, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19103, has audited a) our financial statements of the Lincoln National Variable Annuity Account L as of December 31, 2014 and for the year then ended and the statement of changes in net assets for each of the years in the two year period ended December 31, 2014; and b) our consolidated financial statements of The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2014, which are included in this SAI and Registration Statement. The aforementioned financial statements are included herein in reliance on Ernst & Young LLP's reports, given on their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.
Keeper of Records
All accounts, books, records and other documents which are required to be maintained for the VAA are maintained by us or by third parties responsible to Lincoln Life. We have entered into an agreement with The Bank of New York Mellon, One Mellon Bank Center, 500 Grant Street, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15258, to provide accounting services to the VAA. No separate charge against the assets of the VAA is made by us for this service.
Principal Underwriter
Lincoln Financial Distributors, Inc. (“LFD”), an affiliate of Lincoln Life, serves as principal underwriter (the “Principal Underwriter”) for the contracts, as described in the prospectus. The Principal Underwriter offers the contracts to the public on a continuous basis and anticipates continuing to offer the contracts, but reserves the right to discontinue the offering. The Principal Underwriter offers the contracts through sales representatives, who are associated with Lincoln Financial Advisors Corporation and/or Lincoln Financial Securities Corporation (collectively, “LFN”), our affiliates. The Principal Underwriter also may enter into selling agreements with other broker-dealers (“Selling Firms”) for the sale of the contracts. Sales representatives of Selling Firms are appointed as our insurance agents. LFD, acting as Principal Underwriter, paid $1,720,320, $1,746,647 and $1,631,195
to LFN and Selling Firms in 2012, 2013 and 2014 respectively, as sales compensation with respect to all the contracts offered under the VAA. The Principal Underwriter retained no underwriting commissions for the sale of the contracts.
Purchase of Securities Being Offered
The variable annuity contracts are offered to the public through licensed insurance agents who specialize in selling our products; through independent insurance brokers; and through certain securities brokers/dealers selected by us whose personnel are legally authorized to sell annuity products. There are no special purchase plans for any class of prospective buyers. However, under certain limited circumstances described in the prospectus under the section Charges and Other Deductions, any applicable account fee and/or surrender charge may be reduced or waived.
Both before and after the Annuity Commencement Date, there are exchange privileges between Subaccounts, and from the VAA to the general account (if available) subject to restrictions set out in the prospectus. See The Contracts, in the prospectus. No exchanges are permitted between the VAA and other separate accounts.
The offering of the contracts is continuous.
Determination of Accumulation and Annuity Unit Value
A description of the days on which Accumulation and Annuity Units will be valued is given in the prospectus. The New York Stock Exchange's (NYSE) most recent announcement (which is subject to change) states that it will be closed on weekends and on these holidays: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Day, President's Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. If any of these holidays occurs on a weekend day, the Exchange may also be closed on the business day occurring just before or just after the holiday. It may also be closed on other days.
B-2

Since the portfolios of some of the fund and series will consist of securities primarily listed on foreign exchanges or otherwise traded outside the United States, those securities may be traded (and the net asset value of those fund and series and of the variable account could therefore be significantly affected) on days when the investor has no access to those funds and series.
Capital Markets
In any particular year, our capital may increase or decrease depending on a variety of factors — the amount of our statutory income or losses (which is sensitive to equity market and credit market conditions), the amount of additional capital we must hold to support business growth, changes in reserving requirements, our inability to secure capital market solutions to provide reserve relief, such as issuing letters of credit to support captive reinsurance structures, changes in equity market levels, the value of certain fixed-income and equity securities in our investment portfolio and changes in interest rates.
Advertising & Ratings
We may include in certain advertisements, endorsements in the form of a list of organizations, individuals or other parties which recommend Lincoln Life or the policies. Furthermore, we may occasionally include in advertisements comparisons of currently taxable and tax deferred investment programs, based on selected tax brackets, or discussions of alternative investment vehicles and general economic conditions.
Our financial strength is ranked and rated by nationally recognized independent rating agencies. The ratings do not imply approval of the product and do not refer to the performance of the product, or any separate account, including the underlying investment options. Ratings are not recommendations to buy our products. Each of the rating agencies reviews its ratings periodically. Accordingly, all ratings are subject to revision or withdrawal at any time by the rating agencies, and therefore, no assurance can be given that these ratings will be maintained. The current outlook for the insurance subsidiaries is stable for Moody’s, A.M. Best, Fitch, and Standard & Poor’s. Our financial strength ratings, which are intended to measure our ability to meet contract holder obligations, are an important factor affecting public confidence in most of our products and, as a result, our competitiveness. A downgrade of our financial strength rating could affect our competitive position in the insurance industry by making it more difficult for us to market our products as potential customers may select companies with higher financial strength ratings and by leading to increased withdrawals by current customers seeking companies with higher financial strength ratings. For more information on ratings, including outlooks, see www.LincolnFinancial.com/investor.
Annuity Payout Illustrations. These will provide an initial benefit payment based in part on the Annuitant, the Contract Value and the fixed and/or variable Annuity Payout option elected. In addition, variable Annuity Payout illustrations may show the historical results of a variable payout in a Subaccount of the VAA.
Compound Interest Illustrations—These will emphasize several advantages of the variable annuity contract. For example, but not by way of illustration, the literature may emphasize the potential tax savings through tax deferral; the potential advantage of the variable annuity account over the fixed account; and the compounding effect when a client makes regular deposits to his or her contract.
Internet—An electronic communications network which may be used to provide information regarding Lincoln Life, performance of the subaccounts and advertisement literature.
Unclaimed Property
We have entered into a Global Resolution Agreement with a third party auditor representing multiple states and jurisdictions. Under the terms of the Global Resolution Agreement, the third party auditor has compared expanded matching criteria to the Social Security Master Death File (“SSMDF”) to identify deceased insureds and policy or contract holders where a valid claim has not been made. We have also entered into a Regulatory Settlement Agreement with multiple states and jurisdictions. The Regulatory Settlement Agreement applies prospectively and requires us to adopt and implement additional procedures comparing our records to the SSMDF to identify unclaimed death benefits and prescribes procedures for identifying and locating beneficiaries once deaths are identified. Other jurisdictions that are not signatories to the Regulatory Settlement Agreement are conducting examinations and audits of our compliance with unclaimed property laws and considering proposals that would apply prospectively and require life insurance companies to take additional steps to identify unreported deceased policy and contract holders. These prospective changes and any escheatable property identified as a result of the audits and inquiries could result in: (1) additional payments of previously unclaimed death benefits; (2) the payment of abandoned funds to U.S. jurisdictions; and (3) changes in our practices and procedures for the identification of escheatable funds and beneficiaries, which would impact claim payments and reserves, among other consequences.
B-3

Other Information
Due to differences in redemption rates, tax treatment or other considerations, the interests of policyholders under the variable life accounts could conflict with those of Contractowners under the VAA. In those cases, where assets from variable life and variable annuity separate accounts are invested in the same fund(s) (i.e., where mixed funding occurs), the Boards of Directors of the fund involved will monitor for any material conflicts and determine what action, if any, should be taken. If it becomes necessary for any separate account to replace shares of any fund with another investment, that fund may have to liquidate securities on a disadvantageous basis. Refer to the prospectus for each fund for more information about mixed funding.
Financial Statements
The December 31, 2014 financial statements of the VAA and the December 31, 2014 consolidated financial statements of Lincoln Life appear on the following pages.
B-4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company

 

 

 

 

 

The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company

 

Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2014 and 2013

 

 

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

 

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

The Board of Directors and Stockholder of

The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company 

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, and the related consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss), stockholder’s equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2014.  These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement.  We were not engaged to perform an audit of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.  Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.  Accordingly, we express no such opinion.  An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.  We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company at December 31, 2014 and 2013, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2014, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

 

 

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

April 1, 2015

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

1

 

THE LINCOLN NATIONAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in millions, except share data)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As of December 31,

 

 

 

2014

 

 

2013

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Available-for-sale securities, at fair value:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturity securities (amortized cost:  2014 – $78,039; 2013 – $75,585)

 

$
85,421 

 

 

$
79,178 

 

Variable interest entities’ fixed maturity securities (amortized cost:  2014 – $587; 2013 – $682)

 

 
598 

 

 

 
697 

 

Equity securities (cost:  2014 – $216; 2013 – $182)

 

 
231 

 

 

 
201 

 

Trading securities

 

 
1,966 

 

 

 
2,190 

 

Mortgage loans on real estate

 

 
7,387 

 

 

 
7,029 

 

Real estate

 

 
14 

 

 

 
26 

 

Policy loans

 

 
2,645 

 

 

 
2,651 

 

Derivative investments

 

 
1,763 

 

 

 
617 

 

Other investments

 

 
1,551 

 

 

 
1,208 

 

Total investments

 

 
101,576 

 

 

 
93,797 

 

Cash and invested cash

 

 
3,224 

 

 

 
630 

 

Deferred acquisition costs and value of business acquired

 

 
8,155 

 

 

 
8,859 

 

Premiums and fees receivable

 

 
480 

 

 

 
424 

 

Accrued investment income

 

 
1,016 

 

 

 
1,002 

 

Reinsurance recoverables

 

 
6,926 

 

 

 
7,075 

 

Reinsurance related embedded derivatives

 

 

 -

 

 

 
159 

 

Funds withheld reinsurance assets

 

 
655 

 

 

 
781 

 

Goodwill

 

 
2,273 

 

 

 
2,273 

 

Other assets

 

 
3,940 

 

 

 
5,373 

 

Separate account assets

 

 
125,265 

 

 

 
117,135 

 

Total assets

 

$
253,510 

 

 

$
237,508 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Future contract benefits

 

$
19,225 

 

 

$
17,627 

 

Other contract holder funds

 

 
74,561 

 

 

 
73,530 

 

Short-term debt

 

 
2 

 

 

 
51 

 

Long-term debt

 

 
2,662 

 

 

 
2,600 

 

Reinsurance related embedded derivatives

 

 
109 

 

 

 

 -

 

Funds withheld reinsurance liabilities

 

 
4,441 

 

 

 
3,111 

 

Deferred gain on business sold through reinsurance

 

 
220 

 

 

 
297 

 

Payables for collateral on investments

 

 
4,311 

 

 

 
2,865 

 

Variable interest entities’ liabilities

 

 
13 

 

 

 
27 

 

Other liabilities

 

 
5,804 

 

 

 
5,421 

 

Separate account liabilities

 

 
125,265 

 

 

 
117,135 

 

Total liabilities

 

 
236,613 

 

 

 
222,664 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Contingencies and Commitments (See Note 14)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stockholder’s Equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock – 10,000,000 shares authorized, issued and outstanding

 

 
10,652 

 

 

 
10,636 

 

Retained earnings

 

 
3,066 

 

 

 
2,778 

 

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

 

 
3,179 

 

 

 
1,430 

 

Total stockholder’s equity

 

 
16,897 

 

 

 
14,844 

 

Total liabilities and stockholder’s equity

 

$
253,510 

 

 

$
237,508 

 

 

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

2

 

THE LINCOLN NATIONAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

(in millions)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Years Ended December 31,

 

 

2014

 

2013

 

2012

 

Revenues

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Insurance premiums

$
2,371

 

$
2,339

 

$
2,290

 

Fee income

 
4,608

 

 
4,008

 

 
3,626

 

Net investment income

 
4,648

 

 
4,561

 

 
4,551

 

Realized gain (loss):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total other-than-temporary impairment losses on securities

 
(25

)

 
(75

)

 
(242

)

Portion of loss recognized in other comprehensive income

 
10

 

 
10

 

 
103

 

Net other-than-temporary impairment losses on securities recognized in earnings

 
(15

)

 
(65

)

 
(139

)

Realized gain (loss), excluding other-than-temporary impairment losses on securities

 
(509

)

 
122

 

 
16

 

Total realized gain (loss)

 
(524

)

 
57

 

 
(123

)

Amortization of deferred gain on business sold through reinsurance

 
69

 

 
69

 

 
77

 

Other revenues

 
867

 

 
426

 

 
396

 

Total revenues

 
12,039

 

 
11,460

 

 
10,817

 

Expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest credited

 
2,492

 

 
2,468

 

 
2,424

 

Benefits

 
4,354

 

 
3,613

 

 
2,939

 

Commissions and other expenses

 
3,876

 

 
3,526

 

 
3,838

 

Interest and debt expense

 
103

 

 
93

 

 
110

 

Total expenses

 
10,825

 

 
9,700

 

 
9,311

 

Income (loss) before taxes

 
1,214

 

 
1,760

 

 
1,506

 

Federal income tax expense (benefit)

 
220

 

 
431

 

 
344

 

Net income (loss)

 
994

 

 
1,329

 

 
1,162

 

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities

 
1,610

 

 
(2,355

)

 
1,071

 

  Unrealized other-than-temporary impairment on available-for-sale securities

 
20

 

 
27

 

 
(2

)

  Unrealized gain (loss) on derivative instruments

 
122

 

 
(96

)

 
(31

)

  Funded status of employee benefit plans

 
(3

)

 
(6

)

 
2

 

  Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax

 
1,749

 

 
(2,430

)

 
1,040

 

  Comprehensive income (loss)

$
2,743

 

$
(1,101

)

$
2,202

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

3

 

THE LINCOLN NATIONAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY

(in millions)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Years Ended December 31,

 

 

2014

 

2013

 

2012

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common Stock

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance as of beginning-of-year

$
10,636

 

$
10,620

 

$
10,605

 

Stock compensation/issued for benefit plans

 
16

 

 
16

 

 
15

 

Balance as of end-of-year

 
10,652

 

 
10,636

 

 
10,620

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Retained Earnings

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance as of beginning-of-year

 
2,778

 

 
2,089

 

 
1,532

 

Net income (loss)

 
994

 

 
1,329

 

 
1,162

 

Dividends declared

 
(706

)

 
(640

)

 
(605

)

Balance as of end-of-year

 
3,066

 

 
2,778

 

 
2,089

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance as of beginning-of-year

 
1,430

 

 
3,860

 

 
2,820

 

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax

 
1,749

 

 
(2,430

)

 
1,040

 

Balance as of end-of-year

 
3,179

 

 
1,430

 

 
3,860

 

Total stockholder’s equity as of end-of-year

$
16,897

 

$
14,844

 

$
16,569

 

 

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

4

 

THE LINCOLN NATIONAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in millions)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Years Ended December 31,

 

 

2014

 

2013

 

2012

 

Cash Flows from Operating Activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

$
994

 

$
1,329

 

$
1,162

 

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred acquisition costs, value of business acquired, deferred sales inducements

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

and deferred front-end loads deferrals and interest, net of amortization

 
(535

)

 
(539

)

 
(283

)

Trading securities purchases, sales and maturities, net

 
310

 

 
131

 

 
202

 

Change in premiums and fees receivable

 
(56

)

 
(42

)

 
27

 

Change in accrued investment income

 
(14

)

 
(16

)

 
(37

)

Change in future contract benefits and other contract holder funds

 
1,407

 

 
(232

)

 
(1,277

)

Change in reinsurance related assets and liabilities

 
(960

)

 
68

 

 
1,438

 

Change in federal income tax accruals

 
48

 

 
437

 

 
208

 

Realized (gain) loss

 
524

 

 
(57

)

 
123

 

Amortization of deferred gain on business sold through reinsurance

 
(69

)

 
(69

)

 
(77

)

Proceeds from reinsurance recapture

 
422

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

Change in cash management agreement investment

 
329

 

 
(29

)

 
(359

)

Other

 
249

 

 
(85

)

 
(72

)

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

 
2,649

 

 
896

 

 
1,055

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash Flows from Investing Activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchases of available-for-sale securities

 
(8,306

)

 
(11,002

)

 
(11,021

)

Sales of available-for-sale securities

 
1,120

 

 
954

 

 
1,098

 

Maturities of available-for-sale securities

 
4,984

 

 
5,952

 

 
5,757

 

Purchases of other investments

 
(5,013

)

 
(2,481

)

 
(2,112

)

Sales or maturities of other investments

 
4,411

 

 
2,494

 

 
2,009

 

Increase (decrease) in payables for collateral on investments

 
1,446

 

 
(1,256

)

 
374

 

Proceeds (outflows) from business ceded, recaptured and novated

 
(3

)

 
(22

)

 
35

 

Other

 
(82

)

 
(95

)

 
(130

)

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

 
(1,443

)

 
(5,456

)

 
(3,990

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash Flows from Financing Activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Issuance of long-term debt, net of issuance costs

 

 -

 

 
311

 

 

 -

 

Issuance (decrease) in short-term debt

 
(49

)

 
23

 

 
18

 

Proceeds from sales leaseback transaction

 
83

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

Deposits of fixed account values, including the fixed portion of variable

 
10,363

 

 
10,466

 

 
10,667

 

Withdrawals of fixed account values, including the fixed portion of variable

 
(5,775

)

 
(5,230

)

 
(5,618

)

Transfers to and from separate accounts, net

 
(2,509

)

 
(3,001

)

 
(2,091

)

Common stock issued for benefit plans and excess tax benefits

 
(19

)

 
(17

)

 
(2

)

Dividends paid to common and preferred stockholders

 
(706

)

 
(640

)

 
(605

)

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

 
1,388

 

 
1,912

 

 
2,369

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and invested cash

 
2,594

 

 
(2,648

)

 
(566

)

Cash and invested cash as of beginning-of-year

 
630

 

 
3,278

 

 
3,844

 

Cash and invested cash as of end-of-year

$
3,224

 

$
630

 

$
3,278

 

 

 

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

5

 

THE LINCOLN NATIONAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

 

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

 

Nature of Operations 

 

The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company (“LNL” or the “Company,” which also may be referred to as “we,” “our” or “us”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lincoln National Corporation (“LNC” or the “Parent Company”), is domiciled in the state of Indiana.  We own 100% of the outstanding common stock of one insurance company subsidiary, Lincoln Life & Annuity Company of New York (“LLANY”). We also own several non-insurance companies, including Lincoln Financial Distributors and Lincoln Financial Advisors, LNC’s wholesaling and retailing business units, respectively.  LNL’s principal businesses consist of underwriting annuities, deposit-type contracts and life insurance through multiple distribution channels.  LNL is licensed and sells its products throughout the U.S. and several U.S. territories.  See Note 23 for additional information.

 

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.

 

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies 

 

Principles of Consolidation

 

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of LNL 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.  Entities in which we do not have a controlling financial interest and do not exercise significant management influence over the operating and financing decisions are reported using the equity method.  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 our 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.  Those estimates are inherently subject to change and actual results could differ from those estimates.  Included among the material (or potentially material) reported amounts and disclosures that require extensive use of estimates are:  fair value of certain invested assets and derivatives, other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) and asset valuation allowances, deferred acquisition costs (“DAC”),  value of business acquired (“VOBA”), deferred sales inducements (“DSI”), goodwill, future contract benefits, other contract holder funds including deferred front-end loads (“DFEL”), pension plans, stock-based incentive compensation, income taxes 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 our 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 (“NPR”), 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 (“FASB”) Accounting Standards CodificationTM (“ASC”),

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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.

 

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

 

Securities classified as available-for-sale (“AFS”) consist of fixed maturity and equity securities and are stated at fair value with unrealized gains and losses included within accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (“AOCI”), net of associated DAC, VOBA, DSI, future contract benefits, other contract holder funds and deferred income taxes. 

 

We measure the fair value of our securities classified as 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 or equity 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 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 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 AFS securities discussed above:

 

·

Corporate bonds and U.S. government bonds – We also use Trade Reporting and Compliance EngineTM 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”), collateralized loan obligations (“CLOs”) and collateralized debt obligations (“CDOs”).

·

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

 

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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. 

 

AFS Securities – Evaluation for Recovery of Amortized Cost

 

We regularly review our AFS securities for declines in fair value that we determine to be other-than-temporary.  For an equity security, if we do not have the ability and intent to hold the security for a sufficient period of time to allow for a recovery in value, we conclude that an OTTI has occurred and the amortized cost of the equity security is written down to the current fair value, with a corresponding charge to realized gain (loss) on our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss).  When assessing our ability and intent to hold the equity security to recovery, we consider, among other things, the severity and duration of the decline in fair value of the equity security as well as the cause of the decline, a fundamental analysis of the liquidity, and business prospects and overall financial condition of the issuer.

 

For our fixed maturity AFS securities (also referred to as “debt securities”), we generally consider the following to determine whether our unrealized losses are other-than-temporarily 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 OTTI has occurred and the amortized cost is written down to current fair value, with a corresponding charge to realized gain (loss) on our 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 OTTI has occurred and the amortized cost is written down to the estimated recovery value with a corresponding charge to realized gain (loss) on our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss), as this amount is deemed the credit portion of the OTTI.  The remainder of the decline to fair value is recorded in other comprehensive income (“OCI”) to unrealized OTTI on AFS securities on our Consolidated Statements of Stockholder’s Equity, as this amount is considered a noncredit (i.e., recoverable) 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.  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, which we use to determine the amount of a credit loss.

 

Our conclusion that 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, the estimated future cash flows are equal to or greater than the amortized cost basis of the debt securities, or we have the ability to hold the equity AFS securities for a period of time sufficient for recovery is based upon our asset-liability management process.  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 life insurance policies and annuity contracts;

·

The capital risk limits approved by management; and

·

Our current financial condition and liquidity demands.

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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;

·

Length of time and 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 an OTTI, the AFS security is accounted for as if it had been purchased on the measurement date of the OTTI.  Therefore, for the fixed maturity AFS security, the original discount or reduced premium is reflected in net investment income over the contractual term of the investment in a manner that produces a constant effective yield.

 

To determine recovery value of a corporate bond, CLO or CDO, 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 to determine whether or not they are sufficient to provide for the recovery of our amortized cost.  We revise our cash flow projections only for those securities that are at most risk for impairment based on current credit enhancement and trends in the underlying collateral performance.  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 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 is temporary or other-than-temporary.  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 type of underlying collateral (e.g., prime, Alt-A or subprime), 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 OTTI by comparing the expected cash flows to amortized cost.  To the extent that the security has already been impaired 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 impairment 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 impairment is recognized.

 

We further monitor the cash flows of all of our AFS securities backed by pools 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 AFS securities backed by pools of commercial mortgages.  The detailed analysis includes revising projected cash flows by updating the cash flows for actual cash received

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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 of the security. 

 

Trading Securities

 

Trading securities consist of fixed maturity and equity securities in designated portfolios, some of which support modified coinsurance (“Modco”) and coinsurance with funds withheld (“CFW”) reinsurance arrangements.  Investment results for the portfolios that support Modco and CFW reinsurance arrangements, including gains and losses from sales, are passed directly to the reinsurers pursuant to contractual terms of the reinsurance arrangements.  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 arrangements, are recorded in realized gain (loss) on our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) as they occur.

 

Alternative Investments

 

Alternative investments, which consist primarily of investments in limited partnerships (“LPs”), are included in other investments on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.    We account for our investments in LPs using the equity method to determine the carrying value.  Recognition of alternative investment income is delayed due to the availability of the related financial statements, which are generally obtained from the partnerships’ general partners.  As a result, our venture capital, real estate and oil and gas portfolios 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. 

 

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 our Consolidated Balance Sheets.  Income and expenses associated with these transactions are recorded as investment income and investment expenses within net investment income on our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss).  Changes in payables for collateral on investments are reflected within cash flows from investing activities on our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

 

Mortgage Loans on Real Estate

 

Mortgage loans on real estate are carried at unpaid principal balances adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts and are net of valuation allowances.  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 our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) along with mortgage loan fees, which are recorded as they are incurred.

 

Our commercial loan portfolio is comprised of long-term loans secured by existing commercial real estate.  As such, it does not exhibit risk characteristics unique to mezzanine, construction, residential, agricultural, land or other types of real estate loans.  We believe all of the loans in our portfolio share three primary risks:  borrower creditworthiness; sustainability of the cash flow of the property; and market risk; therefore, our methods for monitoring and assessing credit risk are consistent for our entire portfolio.  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 valuation 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.  Valuation allowances are maintained at a level we believe is adequate to absorb estimated probable credit losses of each specific loan.  Our periodic evaluation of the adequacy of the allowance for losses is based on our past loan 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 and other relevant factors.  Trends in market vacancy and rental rates are incorporated into the analysis that we perform for monitored loans and may contribute to the establishment of (or an increase or decrease in) an allowance for credit losses.  In addition, we review each loan individually in our commercial mortgage loan portfolio on an annual basis to identify emerging risks.  We focus on properties that experienced a reduction in debt-service coverage or that have significant exposure to tenants with deteriorating credit profiles.  Where warranted, we establish or increase loss reserves for a specific loan based upon this analysis.  Our process for determining past due or delinquency status begins when a payment date is missed, at which time the borrower is contacted.  After the grace period expiration that may last up to 10 days, we send a default notice.  The default notice generally provides a short time period to cure the default. Our policy is to report loans that are 60 or more days past due, which equates to two 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 our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) when received, depending on the assessment of the collectability of the loan.  We resume accruing interest once a loan complies with all of its original terms or restructured terms.  Mortgage loans deemed uncollectable are charged against the allowance for losses, and subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance for losses.  All mortgage loans that are impaired have an established allowance for credit losses.  Changes in valuation allowances are reported in realized gain (loss) on our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss).

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We measure and assess the credit quality of our mortgage loans by using loan-to-value and debt-service coverage ratios.  The loan-to-value 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.  Loan-to-value ratios greater than 100% indicate that the principal amount is greater than the collateral value.  Therefore, all else being equal, a lower loan-to-value 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.

 

Policy Loans

 

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

 

Real Estate

 

Real estate includes both real estate held for the production of income and real estate held-for-sale.  Real estate held for the production of income is carried at cost less accumulated depreciation.  Depreciation is calculated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the asset.  We periodically review properties held for the production of income for impairment.  Properties whose carrying values are greater than their projected undiscounted cash flows are written down to estimated fair value, with impairment losses reported in realized gain (loss) on our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss).  The estimated fair value of real estate is generally computed using the present value of expected future cash flows from the real estate discounted at a rate commensurate with the underlying risks.  Real estate classified as held-for-sale is stated at the lower of depreciated cost or fair value less expected disposition costs at the time classified as held-for-sale.  Real estate is not depreciated while it is classified as held-for-sale.  Also, valuation allowances for losses are established, as appropriate, for real estate held-for-sale and any changes to the valuation allowances are reported in realized gain (loss) on our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss).  Real estate acquired through foreclosure proceedings is recorded at fair value at the settlement date. 

 

Derivative Instruments

 

We hedge certain portions of our exposure to interest rate risk, foreign currency exchange risk, equity market risk and credit risk by entering into derivative transactions.  All of our derivative instruments are recognized as either assets or liabilities on our Consolidated Balance Sheets at estimated fair value.  We categorized 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 effective portion of 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.  The remaining gain or loss on the derivative instrument in excess of the cumulative change in the present value of designated future cash flows of the hedged item (hedge ineffectiveness), if any, is recognized in net income during the period of change.  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.

 

We purchase and issue financial instruments and products that contain embedded derivative instruments.  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.  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.

 

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

 

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Acquisition costs directly related to successful contract acquisitions or renewals of universal life insurance (“UL”),  variable universal life insurance (“VUL”), traditional life insurance, annuities and other investment contracts have been deferred (i.e., DAC) to the extent recoverable.  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 DSI.  Contract sales charges that are collected in the early years of an insurance contract are deferred (i.e., DFEL), and the unamortized balance is reported in other contract holder funds on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. 

 

Both DAC and VOBA amortization, excluding amounts reported in realized gain (loss), is reported within commissions and other expenses on our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss).  DSI amortization, excluding amounts reported in realized gain (loss), is reported in interest credited on our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss).  The amortization of DFEL, excluding amounts reported in realized gain (loss), is reported within fee income on our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss).  The methodology for determining the amortization of DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL varies by product type.  For all insurance contracts, amortization is based on assumptions consistent with those used in the development of the underlying contract adjusted for emerging experience and expected trends. 

 

Acquisition costs for UL and VUL insurance and investment-type products, which include fixed and variable deferred annuities, are generally amortized over the lives of the policies in relation to the incidence of estimated gross profits (“EGPs”) from surrender charges, investment, mortality net of reinsurance ceded and expense margins and actual realized gain (loss) on investments.  Contract lives for UL and VUL policies are estimated to be 30 to 40 years based on the expected lives of the contracts.  Contract lives for fixed and variable deferred annuities are generally between 13 and 30 years, while some of our fixed multi-year guarantee products have amortization periods equal to the guarantee period.  The front-end load annuity product has an assumed life of 25 years.  Longer lives are assigned to those blocks that have demonstrated favorable lapse experience. 

 

Acquisition costs for all traditional contracts, including traditional life insurance contracts, such as individual whole life, group business and term life insurance, are amortized over the expected premium-paying period that ranges from 7 to 77 years.  Acquisition costs are either amortized on a straight-line basis or as a level percent of premium of the related policies depending on the block of business.  There is currently no DAC, VOBA, DSI or DFEL balance or related amortization for fixed and variable payout annuities.

 

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.

 

The carrying amounts of DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL are adjusted for the effects of realized and unrealized gains and losses on securities classified as AFS and certain derivatives and embedded derivatives.  Amortization expense of DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL reflects an assumption for an expected level of credit-related investment losses.  When actual credit-related investment losses are realized, we recognize a true-up to our DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL amortization within realized gain (loss) on our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) reflecting the incremental effect of actual versus expected credit-related investment losses.  These actual to expected amortization adjustments can create volatility from period to period in realized gain (loss). 

 

During the third quarter of each year, we conduct our annual comprehensive review of the assumptions and the projection models used for our estimates of future gross profits underlying the amortization of DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL and the calculations of the embedded derivatives and reserves for life insurance and annuity products with living benefit and death benefit guarantees.  These assumptions include investment margins, mortality, retention, rider utilization and maintenance expenses (costs associated with maintaining records relating to insurance and individual and group annuity contracts, and with the processing of premium collections, deposits, withdrawals and commissions).  Based on our review, the cumulative balances of DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL included on our Consolidated Balance Sheets are adjusted with an offsetting benefit or charge to revenue or amortization expense to reflect such change related to our expectations of future EGPs (“unlocking”).  We may have unlocking in other quarters as we become aware of information that warrants updating assumptions outside of our annual comprehensive review.  We may also identify and implement actuarial modeling refinements that result in increases or decreases to the carrying values of DAC, VOBA, DSI, DFEL, embedded derivatives and reserves for life insurance and annuity products with living benefit and death benefit guarantees.

 

DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL are reviewed to ensure that the unamortized portion does not exceed the expected recoverable amounts.

 

Reinsurance

 

We enter into reinsurance agreements with other companies in the normal course of business.  Assets and liabilities and premiums and benefits from certain reinsurance contracts that grant statutory surplus relief to other insurance companies are netted on our Consolidated Balance Sheets and Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss), respectively, because there is a right of offset.  All other reinsurance agreements are reported on a gross basis on our Consolidated Balance Sheets as an asset for amounts recoverable from reinsurers or as a component of other liabilities for amounts, such as premiums, owed to the reinsurers, with the exception of Modco agreements for which the right of offset also exists.  Reinsurance premiums and benefits paid or provided are accounted for on bases consistent with those used in accounting for the original policies issued and the terms of the reinsurance contracts.  Premiums, benefits and DAC are reported net of insurance ceded. 

 

Goodwill

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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 at least annually for indications of value impairment, with consideration given to financial performance and other relevant factors.  We perform a two-step test in our evaluation of the carrying value of goodwill for each of our reporting units, if qualitative factors determine it is necessary to complete the two-step goodwill impairment test.  The results of one test on one reporting unit cannot subsidize the results of another reporting unit.  In Step 1 of the evaluation, the fair value of each reporting unit is determined and compared to the carrying value of the reporting unit.  If the fair value is greater than the carrying value, then the carrying value of the reporting unit is deemed to be recoverable, and Step 2 is not required.  If the fair value estimate is less than the carrying value, it is an indicator that impairment may exist, and Step 2 is required.  In Step 2, the implied fair value of goodwill is determined for the reporting unit.  The reporting unit’s fair value as determined in Step 1 is assigned to all of its net assets (recognized and unrecognized) as if the reporting unit were acquired in a business combination as of the date of the impairment test.  If the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill is lower than its carrying amount, goodwill is impaired and written down to its fair value; and a charge is reported in impairment of intangibles on our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss).    

 

Other Assets and Other Liabilities

 

Other assets consist primarily of DSI, specifically identifiable intangible assets, property and equipment owned by the Company, balances associated with corporate-owned and bank-owned life insurance, certain reinsurance assets, receivables resulting from sales of securities that had not yet settled as of the balance sheet date, debt issue costs, assets under capital leases, guaranteed living benefit (“GLB”) reserves embedded derivatives, other prepaid expenses and deferred losses on business sold through reinsurance.  Other liabilities consist primarily of current and deferred taxes, pension and other employee benefit liabilities, derivative instrument liabilities, certain reinsurance payables, payables resulting from purchases of securities that had not yet settled as of the balance sheet date, interest on borrowed funds, obligations under capital leases and other accrued expenses.

 

Other assets and other liabilities on our Consolidated Balance Sheets include GLB features and remaining guaranteed interest and similar contracts that are carried at fair value, which may be reported in either other assets or other liabilities.  The fair value of these items represents approximate exit price including an estimate for our NPR. Certain of these features have elements of both insurance benefits and embedded derivatives.  Through our hybrid accounting approach, for reserve calculation purposes we assign product cash flows to the embedded derivative or insurance portion of the reserves based on the life-contingent nature of the benefits. We classify these GLB reserves embedded derivatives in Level 3 within the hierarchy levels described above in “Fair Value Measurement.”  We report the insurance portion of the reserves in future contract benefits. 

 

The carrying values of specifically identifiable intangible assets are reviewed at least annually for indicators of impairment in value that are other-than-temporary, 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 our 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.  Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) licenses acquired through business combinations are not amortized. 

 

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 our Consolidated Balance Sheets are related to capital leases.  These assets under capital leases 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.

 

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 completed reinsurance transactions in 2012 and 2014 whereby we ceded closed blocks of UL contracts with secondary guarantees to Lincoln National Reinsurance Company (Barbados) Limited (“LNBAR”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of LNC.  We are recognizing the losses related to these transactions over a period of 30 years.

Separate Account Assets and Liabilities

 

We maintain separate account assets, which are reported at fair value.  The related liabilities are reported at an amount equivalent to the separate account assets.  Investment risks associated with market value changes are borne by the contract holders, except to the extent of minimum guarantees made by the Company with respect to certain accounts. 

13

 

 

We issue variable annuity 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 (traditional variable annuities).  We also issue variable annuity and life contracts through separate accounts that include various types of guaranteed death benefit (“GDB”), guaranteed withdrawal benefit (“GWB”) and guaranteed income benefit (“GIB”) features.  The GDB features include those where we contractually guarantee to the contract holder either:  return of no less than total deposits made to the contract less any partial withdrawals (“return of net deposits”); total deposits made to the contract less any partial withdrawals plus a minimum return (“minimum return”); or the highest contract value on any contract anniversary date through age 80 minus any payments or withdrawals following the contract anniversary (“anniversary contract value”). 

 

As discussed in Note 7, certain features of these guarantees are accounted for as embedded derivative reserves, whereas other guarantees are accounted for as benefit reserves.  Other guarantees contain characteristics of both and are accounted for under an approach that calculates the value of the embedded derivative reserve and the benefit reserve based on the specific characteristics of each GLB feature.  We use derivative instruments to hedge our exposure to the risks and earnings volatility that result from the embedded derivatives for living benefits in certain of our variable annuity products.  The change in fair value of these instruments tends to move in the opposite direction of the change in the value of the associated reserves.  The net impact of these changes is reported as a component of realized gain (loss) on our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss).

 

The “market consistent scenarios” used in the determination of the fair value of the GLB liability are similar to those used by an investment bank to value derivatives for which the pricing is not transparent and the aftermarket is nonexistent or illiquid.  We use risk-neutral Monte Carlo simulations in our calculation to value the entire block of guarantees, which involve 100 unique scenarios per policy or approximately 46 million scenarios.  The market consistent scenario assumptions, as of each valuation date, are those we view to be appropriate for a hypothetical market participant.  The market consistent inputs include assumptions for the capital markets (e.g., implied volatilities, correlation among indices, risk-free swap curve, etc.), policyholder behavior (e.g., policy lapse, benefit utilization, mortality, etc.), risk margins, administrative expenses and a margin for profit.  We believe these assumptions are consistent with those that would be used by a market participant; however, as the related markets develop we will continue to reassess our assumptions.  It is possible that different valuation techniques and assumptions could produce a materially different estimate of fair value.

 

Future Contract Benefits and Other Contract Holder Funds

 

Future contract benefits represent liability reserves that we have established and carry based on estimates of how much we will need to pay for future benefits and claims.  Other contract holder funds represent liabilities for fixed account values, including the fixed portion of variable, dividends payable, premium deposit funds, undistributed earnings on participating business and other contract holder funds as well the carrying value of DFEL discussed above.

 

The liabilities for future contract benefits and claim reserves for UL and VUL policies consist of contract account balances that accrue to the benefit of the contract holders, excluding surrender charges.  The liabilities for future insurance contract benefits and claim reserves for traditional life policies are computed using assumptions for investment yields, mortality and withdrawals based principally on generally accepted actuarial methods and assumptions at the time of contract issue.  Investment yield assumptions for traditional direct individual life reserves for all contracts range from 2.25% to 7.75% depending on the time of contract issue.  The investment yield assumptions for immediate and deferred paid-up annuities range from 1.50% to 13.50%.  These investment yield assumptions are intended to represent an estimation of the interest rate experience for the period that these contract benefits are payable.

 

The liabilities for future claim reserves for variable annuity products containing GDB features are 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 GDB payments plus interest on the liability.  The change in the liability for a period is the benefit ratio multiplied by the assessments recorded for the period less GDB claims paid in the period plus interest.  As experience or assumption changes result in a change in expected benefit payments or assessments, the benefit ratio is unlocked, that 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, with the resulting change in liability reported in benefits on our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss).

 

With respect to our future contract benefits and other contract holder funds, we continually review overall reserve position, reserving techniques and reinsurance arrangements.  As experience develops and new information becomes known, liabilities are adjusted as deemed necessary.  The effects of changes in estimates are included in the operating results for the period in which such changes occur.

 

The business written or assumed by us includes participating life insurance contracts, under which the contract holder 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, 2014 and 2013, participating policies comprised approximately 1% of the face amount of insurance in force, and dividend expenses were $64 million, $62 million and $71 million for the years ended December 31, 2014,  2013 and 2012, respectively.

 

Liabilities for the secondary guarantees on UL-type products are calculated by multiplying the benefit ratio by the cumulative assessments recorded from contract inception through the balance sheet date less the cumulative secondary guarantee benefit payments plus interest.  If experience or assumption changes result in a new benefit ratio, the reserves are adjusted to reflect the changes in a manner similar to

14

 

the unlocking of DAC, VOBA, DFEL and DSI.  The accounting for secondary guarantee benefits impacts, and is impacted by, EGPs used to calculate amortization of DAC, VOBA, DFEL and DSI.

 

Certain of our variable annuity contracts reported within future contract benefits contain GLB reserves embedded derivatives, a portion of which may be reported in either other assets or other liabilities, and include guaranteed interest and similar contracts, that are carried at fair value on our Consolidated Balance Sheets, which represents approximate exit price including an estimate for our NPR.  Certain of these features have elements of both insurance benefits and embedded derivatives.  Through our hybrid accounting approach, for reserve calculation purposes we assign product cash flows to the embedded derivative or insurance portion of the reserves based on the life-contingent nature of the benefits.  We classify these GLB reserves embedded derivatives items in Level 3 within the hierarchy levels described above in “Fair Value Measurement.”  We report the insurance portion of the reserves in future contract benefits. 

 

The fair value of our indexed annuity contracts is based on their approximate surrender values.

 

Borrowed Funds

 

LNL’s short-term borrowings are defined as borrowings with contractual or expected maturities of one year or less.  Long-term borrowings have contractual or expected maturities greater than one year.

 

Deferred Gain on Business Sold Through Reinsurance

 

Our reinsurance operations were acquired by Swiss Re Life & Health America, Inc. (“Swiss Re”) in December 2001 through a series of indemnity reinsurance transactions.  We are recognizing the gain related to these transactions at the rate that earnings on the reinsured business are expected to emerge, over a period of 15 years from the date of sale.

 

We completed a reinsurance transaction in 2009 whereby we assumed a closed block of term contracts from First Penn-Pacific Life Insurance Company.  We are recognizing the gain related to this transaction over a period of 15 years.

 

We completed reinsurance transactions in 2012 and 2013 whereby we ceded a closed block of UL contracts with secondary guarantees to LNBAR.  We are recognizing the gains related to these transactions over a period of 30 years.

 

Contingencies and Commitments

 

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.

 

Fee Income

 

Fee income for investment and interest-sensitive life insurance contracts consist of asset-based fees, cost of insurance charges, percent of premium charges, contract administration charges and surrender charges that are assessed against contract holder account balances.  Investment products consist primarily of individual and group variable and fixed deferred annuities.  Interest-sensitive life insurance products include UL, 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. 

 

In bifurcating the embedded derivative of our GLB features on our variable annuity products, we attribute to the embedded derivative the portion of total fees collected from the contract holder that relate to the GLB riders (the “attributed fees”), which are not reported within fee income on our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss).  These attributed fees represent the present value of future claims expected to be paid for the GLB at the inception of the contract plus a margin that a theoretical market participant would include for risk/profit and are reported within realized gain (loss) on our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss).

 

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, cost of insurance and contract administration charges are assessed on a daily or monthly basis and recognized as revenue when assessed and earned.  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 contract holder in accordance with contractual terms.

 

For investment and interest-sensitive life insurance contracts, the amounts collected from contract holders are considered deposits and are not included in revenue.

 

Insurance Premiums

 

Our insurance premiums for traditional life insurance and group insurance products are recognized as revenue when due from the contract holder.  Our traditional life insurance products include those products with fixed and guaranteed premiums and benefits and consist primarily of whole life insurance, limited-payment life insurance, term life insurance and certain annuities with life contingencies.  Our group non-medical insurance products consist primarily of term life, disability and dental.

 

15

 

Net Investment Income

 

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 AFS fixed maturity 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 our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss).

 

Realized Gain (Loss)

 

Realized gain (loss) on our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) includes realized gains and losses from the sale of investments, write-downs for OTTI of investments, 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 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 recognized in net income, net of associated amortization of DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL.  Realized gain (loss) is also net of allocations of investment gains and losses to certain contract holders and certain funds withheld on reinsurance arrangements for which we have a contractual obligation. 

 

Other Revenues

 

Other revenues consists primarily of proceeds from reinsurance recaptures, fees attributable to broker-dealer services recorded as earned at the time of sale, changes in the market value of our seed capital investments and communications sales recognized as earned, net of agency and representative commissions. 

 

Interest Credited

 

Interest credited includes interest credited to contract holder account balances.  Interest crediting rates associated with funds invested in our general account during 2012 through 2014 ranged from 1% to 10%.

 

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 life insurance products with secondary guarantee benefits, annuity products with guaranteed death and living benefits and certain annuities with life contingencies.  For traditional life, group health and disability income products, benefits are recognized when incurred in a manner consistent with the related premium recognition policies. 

 

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans

 

Pursuant to the accounting rules for our obligations to employees and agents under our various pension and other postretirement benefit plans, we are required to make a number of assumptions to estimate related liabilities and expenses.  The mortality assumption is based on actual and anticipated plan experience, determined using acceptable actuarial methods.  We use assumptions for the weighted-average discount rate and expected return on plan assets to estimate pension expense.  The discount rate assumptions are determined using an analysis of current market information and the projected benefit flows associated with these plans.  The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets is based on historical and projected future rates of return on the funds invested in the plan.  The calculation of our accumulated postretirement benefit obligation also uses an assumption of weighted-average annual rate of increase in the per capita cost of covered benefits, which reflects a health care cost trend rate. 

 

Stock-Based Compensation

 

In general, we expense the fair value of stock awards included in our incentive compensation plans.  As of the date LNC’s Board of Directors approves stock awards, the fair value of stock options is determined using a Black-Scholes options valuation methodology, and the fair value of other stock awards is based upon the market value of the stock.  The fair value of the awards is expensed over the performance or service period, which generally corresponds to the vesting period, and is recognized as an increase to common stock in stockholder’s equity.  We classify certain stock awards as liabilities.  For these awards, the settlement value is classified as a liability on our Consolidated Balance Sheets, and the liability is marked-to-market through net income at the end of each reporting period.  Stock-based compensation expense is reflected in commissions and other expenses on our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss). 

 

Interest and Debt Expense

 

16

 

Interest expense on our short-term and long-term debt is recognized as due and any associated premiums, discounts and 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 with LNC and its eligible subsidiaries.  Ineligible subsidiaries file separate individual corporate tax returns.  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.  Considerable 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.

 

Discontinued Operations

 

As of October 1, 2014, the results of operations of a component of the Company that either has been disposed of or is classified as held-for-sale are reported in income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of federal income taxes, if the disposal represents a strategic shift that has, or will have, a major effect on our consolidated financial condition and results of operations.  See Note 2 for more information regarding the change to our discontinued operations policy.

 

 

17

 

2.    New Accounting Standards

 

Adoption of New Accounting Standards

 

The following table provides a description of our adoption of new Accounting Standard Updates (“ASUs”) issued by the FASB and the impact of the adoption on our financial statements:

 

 

 

Standard

Description

Date of Adoption

Effect on Financial Statements or Other Significant Matters

ASU 2011-06, Fees Paid to the Federal Government by Health Insurer

This standard addresses the recognition and classification of fees mandated by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.  The annual fee is imposed on health insurers for each calendar year beginning on or after January 1, 2014, and is payable no later than September 30 of the applicable year.  If a fee payment is required, the insurer is required to record the liability in full with a corresponding deferred cost that is amortized to expense using a straight-line method of allocation over the applicable year.  The ASU indicates that the annual fee does not meet the definition of an acquisition cost. 

January 1, 2014

The amendments in this ASU did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial condition and results of operations.

ASU 2013-08, Amendments to the Scope, Measurement, and Disclosure Requirements (Topic 946, Investment Companies)

This standard provides comprehensive accounting guidance for assessing whether an entity is an investment company through the use of a new two-tiered approach; considering the entity’s purpose and design to determine whether the entity is an investment company.  Upon adoption, all entities must be re-evaluated against the new investment company criteria to determine if investment company classification is permitted. 

January 1, 2014

The adoption of this ASU did not have an effect on our consolidated financial condition and results of operations.

ASU 2013-11, Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists

This standard requires an entity to present unrecognized tax benefits as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward.  The standard defines specific exceptions when the unrecognized tax benefit should be presented in the financial statements as a liability and not combined with deferred tax assets.

January 1, 2014

The adoption of this ASU did not have an effect on the deferred tax asset or liability classification on our balance sheet and did not result in any additional disclosures to our financial statements.

ASU 2014-08, Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity

This standard changes the requirements for reporting discontinued operations.  The disposal of a component of an entity must be reported as a discontinued operation if the disposal represents a strategic shift that has a major effect on an entity’s operations and financial results.  The amendments also require entities to provide new disclosures about a disposal of an individually significant component of an entity that does not qualify for discontinued operations presentation.  Early adoption is permitted, but only for disposals that have not been reported in financial statements previously issued or available for issuance.   

Early adopted as of October 1, 2014

We applied the guidance in this standard to the sale of Lincoln Financial Media (“LFM”) in the fourth quarter of 2014.  For more information regarding the sale of LFM, see Note 3. 

 

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Future Adoption of New Accounting Standards

 

The following table provides a description of future adoptions of new accounting standards that may have an impact on our financial statements when adopted:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Standard

Description

Projected Date of Adoption

Effect on Financial Statements or Other Significant Matters

ASU 2014-01, Accounting for Investments in Qualified Affordable Housing Projects

Under current GAAP, the use of the effective yield method for investments in qualified affordable housing projects is limited, and may result in certain investments being accounted for under a method of accounting that may not fairly represent the economics of the investment.  This standard permits an entity to make an accounting policy election to use the proportional amortization method of accounting if certain conditions are met.  The amendments are to be applied retrospectively for interim and annual reporting periods.   

January 1, 2015

We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting this standard, and do not expect the adoption to have a material effect on our consolidated financial condition and results of operations.

ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers

This standard establishes the core principle of recognizing revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods and services.  The amendments define a five-step process that systematically identifies the various components of the revenue recognition process, culminating with the recognition of revenue upon satisfaction of an entity’s performance obligation.  Retrospective application is required, and early adoption is not permitted.

January 1, 2017

We will adopt the accounting guidance in this standard for non-insurance related products and services, and are currently evaluating the impact of adoption on our consolidated financial condition and results of operations. 

ASU 2014-11, Repurchase-to-Maturity Transactions, Repurchase Financings and
Disclosures

This standard eliminates a distinction in current GAAP related to certain repurchase agreements, and amends current GAAP to require repurchase-to-maturity transactions and linked repurchase financings to be accounted for as secured borrowings; consistent with the accounting for other repurchase agreements.  The standard also includes new disclosure requirements related to transfers accounted for as sales that are economically similar to repurchase agreements.  The new disclosures are not required for comparative periods before the effective date.    

January 1, 2015

We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting this standard on our consolidated financial condition and results of operations and will provide the required disclosures, as necessary, in our 2015 consolidated financial statements.

ASU 2014-16, Determining Whether the Host Contract in a Hybrid Financial Instrument Issued in the Form of a Share Is More Akin to Debt or to Equity

This standard clarifies that when considering the nature of the host contract in a hybrid financial instrument issued in the form of a share; an entity must consider all of the stated and implied substantive terms of the hybrid instrument, including the embedded derivative feature that is being considered for separate accounting from the host contract.  Early adoption of this standard is permitted and application is under a modified retrospective basis to existing hybrid financial instruments that are within the scope of the standard. 

January 1, 2016

We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting this standard on our consolidated financial condition and results of operations.

ASU 2015-02, Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis

This standard is intended to improve consolidation accounting guidance related to LPs, limited liability corporations and securitization structures.  The new standard includes changes to existing consolidation models that will eliminate the presumption that a general partner should consolidate a LP, clarify when fees paid to a decision maker should be a factor in the VIE consolidation evaluation and reduce the VIE consolidation models from two to one by eliminating the indefinite deferral for certain investment funds.  Early adoption is permitted including adoption in an interim period.

January 1, 2016

We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting this standard on our consolidated financial condition and results of operations.

 

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3.  Dispositions

 

LFM

 

On December 7, 2014, we entered into a stock purchase agreement with Entercom Communications Corp. (“Entercom Parent”) and Entercom Radio, LLC (“Entercom”), pursuant to which we agreed to sell LFM to Entercom for $105 million consisting of cash and perpetual cumulative convertible preferred stock of Entercom Parent.  The transaction is subject to FCC, Hart-Scott-Rodino (“H-S-R”) and other customary regulatory approvals and closing conditions.  As a result of a request for additional information under the H-S-R Act, closing may be delayed beyond the second quarter of 2015.

 

As of December 31, 2014, we adjusted the carrying amount of the assets and liabilities of LFM that will be sold to fair value less cost to sell and have reclassified such amounts as held-for-sale within other assets and other liabilities on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.  Accordingly, we recognized a loss of $28 million, after-tax, during the fourth quarter of 2014 reflected within income (loss) from continuing operations on our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss).

 

4.  Business Ceded, Recaptured and Novated

 

Business Ceded

 

We completed a reinsurance transaction during 2014 whereby we ceded a block of business to LNBAR that resulted in the release of $64 million of capital previously supporting a portion of statutory reserves related to our Worksite UL business.  The following summarizes the effect of this transaction (in millions) on our Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2014:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assets

 

 

 

Cash and invested cash

$
(1

)

DAC and VOBA

 
(12

)

Reinsurance recoverables

 
3

 

Other assets (deferred loss on business sold through reinsurance)

 
9

 

Total assets

$
(1

)

 

 

 

 

Liabilities

 

 

 

Other liabilities

 
(1

)

Total liabilities

$
(1

)

 

 

 

 

We completed a reinsurance transaction during 2014 whereby we ceded an additional block of business to LNBAR that resulted in the release of $28 million of capital previously supporting a portion of statutory reserves related to our UL/survivorship UL (“SUL”) business.  The following summarizes the effect of this transaction (in millions) on our Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2014:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assets

 

 

 

Cash and invested cash

$
(2

)

DAC and VOBA

 
(8

)

Reinsurance recoverables

 
5

 

Other assets (deferred loss on business sold through reinsurance)

 
1

 

Total assets

$
(4

)

 

 

 

 

Liabilities

 

 

 

Other contract holder funds

$
(2

)

Other liabilities

 
(2

)

Total liabilities

$
(4

)

 

20

 

We completed reinsurance transactions during 2013 whereby we ceded blocks of business to LNBAR that resulted in the release of $196 million of capital previously supporting a portion of statutory reserves related to our UL/SUL business.  The following summarizes the effect of these transactions (in millions) on our Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2013:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assets

 

 

 

Cash and invested cash

$
(22

)

DAC and VOBA

 
(65

)

Reinsurance recoverables

 
76

 

Total assets

$
(11

)

 

 

 

 

Liabilities

 

 

 

Other contract holder funds

$
(7

)

Deferred gain on business sold through reinsurance

 
18

 

Other liabilities

 
(22

)

Total liabilities

$
(11

)

 

We completed a reinsurance transaction during 2012 whereby we ceded a block of business to LNBAR that resulted in the release of $164 million of capital previously supporting a portion of statutory reserves related to our Duet/Legend business.  The following summarizes the effect of this transaction (in millions) on our Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2012:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assets

 

 

 

Cash and invested cash

$
(32

)

DAC and VOBA

 
(148

)

Reinsurance recoverables

 
547

 

Total assets

$
367

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities

 

 

 

Other contract holder funds

$
(44

)

Deferred gain on business sold through reinsurance

 
(233

)

Funds withheld reinsurance liabilities

 
676

 

Other liabilities

 
(32

)

Total liabilities

$
367

 

 

Business Recaptured

 

We completed a reinsurance transaction during 2014 whereby we entered into an agreement to recapture certain traditional and interest sensitive business under several yearly renewable term reinsurance treaties that were originally ceded to a reinsurer.  As part of this agreement, we received cash consideration of $500 million, of which $78 million represented reimbursement for prepaid reinsurance premiums related to the recaptured treaties.  We recognized a one-time gain of $57 million, after-tax, related to this recapture with the remaining difference between the proceeds and the gain being driven primarily by increases in reserves of $226 million and a reduction of DAC of $123 million.

 

21

 

We completed a reinsurance transaction during 2012 whereby we recaptured a block of secondary guaranteed UL business previously ceded to LNBAR.  The following summarizes the effect of this transaction (in millions) on our Consolidated Balance Sheets and Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) as of and for the year ended December 31, 2012:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assets

 

 

 

Cash and invested cash

$
119

 

Other assets

 
(34

)

Total assets

$
85

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities

 

 

 

Reinsurance related embedded derivatives

$
39

 

Other liabilities

 
45

 

Total liabilities

$
84

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues and Expenses

 

 

 

Benefits

$
290

 

Commissions and other expenses

 
(289

)

Net income (loss)

$
1

 

 

 

 

 

Business Novated

 

We completed a reinsurance transaction during 2012 whereby Lincoln Reinsurance Company of Vermont II (“LRCVII”) novated SUL business to LNBAR.  The following summarizes the effect of this transaction (in millions) on our Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2012:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assets

 

 

 

Cash and invested cash

$
(52

)

Total assets

$
(52

)

 

 

 

 

Liabilities

 

 

 

Reinsurance related embedded derivatives

$
(18

)

Deferred gain on business sold through reinsurance

 
8

 

Long-term debt

 
(500

)

Funds withheld reinsurance liabilities

 
500

 

Other liabilities

 
(16

)

Total liabilities

$
(26

)

 

 

 

 

Revenue and Expenses

 

 

 

Net investment income

$
(13

)

Benefits

 
13

 

Net income (loss)

$
(26

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

5.  VIE

 

Consolidated VIEs

 

Credit-Linked Notes

 

We have invested in the Class 1 notes of two credit-linked note (“CLN”) structures, which represent special purpose trusts combining ABS with credit default swaps to produce multi-class structured securities.  The CLN structures also include subordinated Class 2 notes, which are held by third parties, and, together with the Class 1 notes, represent 100% of the outstanding notes of the CLN structures.  The entities that issued the CLNs are financed by the note holders, and, as such, the note holders participate in the expected losses and residual returns of the entities. 

 

Because the note holders do not have voting rights or similar rights, we determined the entities issuing the CLNs are VIEs, and as a note holder, our interest represented a variable interest.  We have the power to direct the most significant activity affecting the performance of both CLN structures, as we have the ability to actively manage the reference portfolios underlying the credit default swaps.  In addition, we receive returns from the CLN structures and may absorb losses that could potentially be significant to the CLN structures.  As such, we concluded that we are the primary beneficiary of the VIEs associated with the CLNs.  We reflect the assets and liabilities on our Consolidated Balance Sheets and recognize the results of operations of these VIEs on our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss).

22

 

 

As a result of consolidating the CLNs, we also consolidate the derivative instruments in the CLN structures.  The credit default swaps create variability in the CLN structures and expose the note holders to the credit risk of the referenced portfolio.  The contingent forward contracts transfer a portion of the loss in the underlying fixed maturity corporate asset-backed credit card loan securities back to the counterparty after credit losses reach our attachment point.

 

The following summarizes information regarding the CLN structures (dollars in millions) as of December 31, 2014:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amount and Date of Issuance

 

 

 

 

$400

 

$200

 

 

 

 

 

December

 

April

 

 

 

 

 

2006

 

2007

 

 

Original attachment point (subordination)

 

 
5.50% 

 
2.05% 

 

 

Current attachment point (subordination)

 

 
4.21% 

 
1.48% 

 

 

Maturity

 

 

12/20/2016

 

3/20/2017

 

 

Current rating of tranche 

 

 

BBB-

 

Ba2

 

 

Current rating of underlying reference obligations 

AA - BB

 

AAA - CCC

 

 

Number of defaults in underlying reference obligations
3 

 
2 

 

 

Number of entities

 

 
123 

 
99 

 

 

Number of countries

 

 
20 

 
21 

 

 

 

There has been no event of default on the CLNs themselves.  Based upon our analysis, the remaining subordination as represented by the attachment point should be sufficient to absorb future credit losses, subject to changing market conditions.  Similar to other debt market instruments, our maximum principal loss is limited to our original investment.

 

The following summarizes the exposure of the CLN structures’ underlying reference obligations by industry and rating as of December 31, 2014:  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AAA

 

AA

 

A

 

BBB

 

BB

 

B

 

CCC

 

Total

 

Industry

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financial intermediaries
0.0% 

 
2.1% 

 
6.4% 

 
2.1% 

 
0.0% 

 
0.0% 

 
0.0% 

 
10.6% 

 

Telecommunications
0.0% 

 
0.0% 

 
3.5% 

 
6.1% 

 
1.4% 

 
0.0% 

 
0.0% 

 
11.0% 

 

Oil and gas
0.3% 

 
2.1% 

 
1.3% 

 
4.3% 

 
0.0% 

 
0.0% 

 
0.0% 

 
8.0% 

 

Utilities
0.0% 

 
0.0% 

 
2.6% 

 
2.0% 

 
0.0% 

 
0.0% 

 
0.0% 

 
4.6% 

 

Chemicals and plastics
0.0% 

 
0.0% 

 
2.3% 

 
1.2% 

 
0.3% 

 
0.0% 

 
0.0% 

 
3.8% 

 

Drugs
0.3% 

 
2.2% 

 
1.2% 

 
0.0% 

 
0.0% 

 
0.0% 

 
0.0% 

 
3.7% 

 

Retailers (except food

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

and drug)
0.0% 

 
0.0% 

 
2.1% 

 
0.9% 

 
0.5% 

 
0.0% 

 
0.0% 

 
3.5% 

 

Industrial equipment
0.0% 

 
0.0% 

 
2.1% 

 
0.7% 

 
0.0% 

 
0.0% 

 
0.0% 

 
2.8% 

 

Sovereign
0.0% 

 
0.7% 

 
1.6% 

 
1.0% 

 
0.0% 

 
0.0% 

 
0.0% 

 
3.3% 

 

Conglomerates
0.0% 

 
2.3% 

 
0.9% 

 
0.0% 

 
0.0% 

 
0.0% 

 
0.0% 

 
3.2% 

 

Forest products
0.0% 

 
0.0% 

 
0.5% 

 
1.1% 

 
1.4% 

 
0.0% 

 
0.0% 

 
3.0% 

 

Other

0.0% 

 
4.7% 

 
14.2% 

 
17.5% 

 
5.5% 

 
0.3% 

 
0.3% 

 
42.5% 

 

Total
0.6% 

 
14.1% 

 
38.7% 

 
36.9% 

 
9.1% 

 
0.3% 

 
0.3% 

 
100.0% 

 

 

Statutory Trust Note

 

In August 2011, we purchased a $100 million note issued by a statutory trust (“Issuer”) in a private placement offering.  The proceeds were used by the Issuer to purchase U.S. government bonds to be held as collateral assets supporting an excess mortality swap.  We concluded that the Issuer of the note was a VIE and that we were the primary beneficiary.  We consolidated all of the assets and liabilities of the Issuer on our Consolidated Balance Sheets as of August 1, 2011.

 

On December 16, 2013, the excess mortality swap underlying this VIE was terminated as a result of a cancellation event under the associated swap agreement.  Subsequently, the U.S. government bonds were redeemed on January 6, 2014, and our $100 million note issued by the statutory trust was cancelled.    The combination of these two events, under the direction of LNC and its counterparty, has provided for the dissolution of this VIE effective January 6, 2014.  As such, we no longer have any exposure to loss related to this VIE.   

23

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2014

 

 

As of December 31, 2013

 

 

 

Number

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

of

 

 

Notional

 

Carrying

 

 

of

 

 

Notional

 

Carrying

 

 

Instruments

 

Amounts

 

Value

 

Instruments

 

Amounts

 

Value

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturity securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Asset-backed credit card loans

 

 

N/A

 

 

$

 -

 

$
598 

 

 

 

N/A

 

 

$

 -

 

$
595 

 

U.S. government bonds

 

 

N/A

 

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 

N/A

 

 

 

 -

 

 
102 

 

Total assets (1)

 

 

 -

 

 

$

 -

 

$
598 

 

 

 

 -

 

 

$

 -

 

$
697 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-qualifying hedges:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Credit default swaps

 

 
2 

 

 

$
600 

 

$
13 

 

 

 
2 

 

 

$
600 

 

$
27 

 

Contingent forwards

 

 
2 

 

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 
2 

 

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

Total liabilities (2)

 

 
4 

 

 

$
600 

 

$
13 

 

 

 
4 

 

 

$
600 

 

$
27 

 

 

(1)

Reported in variable interest entities’ fixed maturity securities on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

(2)

Reported in variable interest entities’ liabilities on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

 

For details related to the fixed maturity AFS securities for these VIEs, see Note 6.

 

As described more fully in Note 1, we regularly review our investment holdings for OTTI.  Based upon this review, we believe that the AFS fixed maturity securities were not other-than-temporarily impaired as of December 31, 2014.  

 

The gains (losses) for the consolidated VIEs (in millions) recorded on our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) were as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Years Ended

 

 

December 31,

 

 

2014

 

2013

 

Non-Qualifying Hedges

 

 

 

 

 

 

Credit default swaps

$
14 

 

$
101 

 

Contingent forwards

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

Total non-qualifying hedges (1)

$
14 

 

$
101 

 

 

(1)

Reported in realized gain (loss) on our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss).

 

Unconsolidated VIEs

 

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 RMBS, CMBS, CLOs and CDOs.  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 our Consolidated Balance Sheets.  For information about these structured securities, see Note 6.

 

Qualified Affordable Housing Projects

 

We invest in certain LPs that operate qualified affordable housing projects that we concluded are VIEs.  We receive returns from the LPs in the form of income tax credits, and our exposure to loss is limited to the capital we invest in the LPs.  We are not the primary beneficiary of these VIEs as we do not have the power to direct the most significant activities of the LPs.  Our maximum exposure to loss was $60 million and $77 million as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

24

 

6.  Investments

 

AFS Securities

 

Pursuant to the Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures Topic of the FASB ASC, we have categorized AFS securities into a three-level hierarchy, based on the priority of the inputs to the respective valuation technique.  The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3), as described in Note 1, which also includes additional disclosures regarding our fair value measurements.

 

The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains, losses and OTTI and fair value of AFS securities (in millions) were as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2014

 

 

Amortized

 

Gross Unrealized

 

Fair

 

 

Cost

 

Gains

 

Losses

 

OTTI

 

Value

 

Fixed maturity securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate bonds

$
67,000 

 

$
6,495 

 

$
398 

 

$
42 

 

$
73,055 

 

ABS

 
1,037 

 

 
82 

 

 
2 

 

 
39 

 

 
1,078 

 

U.S. government bonds

 
339 

 

 
51 

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 
390 

 

Foreign government bonds

 
468 

 

 
68 

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 
536 

 

RMBS

 
3,797 

 

 
256 

 

 
3 

 

 
17 

 

 
4,033 

 

CMBS

 
532 

 

 
25 

 

 

 -

 

 
10 

 

 
547 

 

CLOs

 
374 

 

 
3 

 

 
2 

 

 

 -

 

 
375 

 

State and municipal bonds

 
3,628 

 

 
855 

 

 
4 

 

 

 -

 

 
4,479 

 

Hybrid and redeemable preferred securities

 
864 

 

 
104 

 

 
40 

 

 

 -

 

 
928 

 

VIEs' fixed maturity securities

 
587 

 

 
11 

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 
598 

 

Total fixed maturity securities

 
78,626 

 

 
7,950 

 

 
449 

 

 
108 

 

 
86,019 

 

Equity securities

 
216 

 

 
16 

 

 
1 

 

 

 -

 

 
231 

 

Total AFS securities

$
78,842 

 

$
7,966 

 

$
450 

 

$
108 

 

$
86,250 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2013

 

 

Amortized

 

Gross Unrealized

 

Fair

 

 

Cost

 

Gains

 

Losses

 

OTTI

 

Value

 

Fixed maturity securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate bonds

$
64,257 

 

$
4,189 

 

$
1,109 

 

$
43 

 

$
67,294 

 

ABS

 
1,166 

 

 
58 

 

 
32 

 

 
45 

 

 
1,147 

 

U.S. government bonds

 
314 

 

 
25 

 

 
14 

 

 

 -

 

 
325 

 

Foreign government bonds

 
498 

 

 
45 

 

 
1 

 

 

 -

 

 
542 

 

RMBS

 
3,939 

 

 
244 

 

 
9 

 

 
30 

 

 
4,144 

 

CMBS

 
686 

 

 
33 

 

 
4 

 

 
17 

 

 
698 

 

CLOs

 
232 

 

 

 -

 

 
1 

 

 
6 

 

 
225 

 

State and municipal bonds

 
3,549 

 

 
302 

 

 
27 

 

 

 -

 

 
3,824 

 

Hybrid and redeemable preferred securities

 
944 

 

 
86 

 

 
51 

 

 

 -

 

 
979 

 

VIEs' fixed maturity securities

 
682 

 

 
15 

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 
697 

 

Total fixed maturity securities

 
76,267 

 

 
4,997 

 

 
1,248 

 

 
141 

 

 
79,875 

 

Equity securities

 
182 

 

 
19 

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 
201 

 

Total AFS securities

$
76,449 

 

$
5,016 

 

$
1,248 

 

$
141 

 

$
80,076 

 

 

25

 

The amortized cost and fair value of fixed maturity AFS securities by contractual maturities (in millions) as of December 31, 2014, were as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amortized

 

Fair

 

 

Cost

 

Value

 

Due in one year or less

$
2,188 

 

$
2,237 

 

Due after one year through five years

 
16,990 

 

 
18,321 

 

Due after five years through ten years

 
21,950 

 

 
22,861 

 

Due after ten years

 
32,795 

 

 
37,645 

 

Subtotal

 
73,923 

 

 
81,064 

 

MBS

 
4,329 

 

 
4,580 

 

CLOs

 
374 

 

 
375 

 

Total fixed maturity AFS securities

$
78,626 

 

$
86,019 

 

 

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, including the portion of OTTI recognized in OCI, of AFS securities (dollars in millions), aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position, were as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2014

 

 

Less Than or Equal

 

Greater Than

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

to Twelve Months

 

Twelve Months

 

Total

 

 

 

 

Gross 

 

 

 

Gross 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross 

 

 

 

Unrealized

 

Unrealized

 

 

 

Unrealized

 

Fair

Losses and

Fair

Losses and

Fair

 

Losses and

 

Value

 

OTTI

 

Value

 

OTTI

 

Value

 

 

OTTI

 

Fixed maturity securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate bonds

$
4,636 

 

$
202 

 

$
4,291 

 

$
238 

 

$
8,927 

 

 

$
440 

 

ABS

 
94 

 

 
1 

 

 
310 

 

 
40 

 

 
404 

 

 

 
41 

 

RMBS

 
417 

 

 
7 

 

 
238 

 

 
13 

 

 
655 

 

 

 
20 

 

CMBS

 
121 

 

 

 -

 

 
19 

 

 
10 

 

 
140 

 

 

 
10 

 

CLOs

 
110 

 

 
1 

 

 
69 

 

 
1 

 

 
179 

 

 

 
2 

 

State and municipal bonds

 
6 

 

 

 -

 

 
26 

 

 
4 

 

 
32 

 

 

 
4 

 

Hybrid and redeemable

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

preferred securities

 
29 

 

 

 -

 

 
176 

 

 
40 

 

 
205 

 

 

 
40 

 

Total fixed maturity securities

 
5,413 

 

 
211 

 

 
5,129 

 

 
346 

 

 
10,542 

 

 

 
557 

 

Equity securities

 
37 

 

 
1 

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 
37 

 

 

 
1 

 

Total AFS securities

$
5,450 

 

$
212 

 

$
5,129 

 

$
346 

 

$
10,579 

 

 

$
558 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total number of AFS securities in an unrealized loss position

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
990 

 

 

26

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2013

 

 

Less Than or Equal

 

Greater Than

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

to Twelve Months

 

Twelve Months

 

Total

 

 

 

 

Gross 

 

 

 

Gross 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross 

 

 

 

Unrealized

 

Unrealized

 

 

 

Unrealized

 

Fair

Losses and

Fair

Losses and

Fair

 

Losses and

 

Value

 

OTTI

 

Value

 

OTTI

 

Value

 

 

OTTI

 

Fixed maturity securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate bonds

$
16,457 

 

$
998 

 

$
915 

 

$
154 

 

$
17,372 

 

 

$
1,152 

 

ABS

 
163 

 

 
6 

 

 
318 

 

 
71 

 

 
481 

 

 

 
77 

 

U.S. government bonds

 
151 

 

 
14 

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 
151 

 

 

 
14 

 

Foreign government bonds

 
69 

 

 
1 

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 
69 

 

 

 
1 

 

RMBS

 
455 

 

 
15 

 

 
259 

 

 
24 

 

 
714 

 

 

 
39 

 

CMBS

 
109 

 

 
7 

 

 
43 

 

 
14 

 

 
152 

 

 

 
21 

 

CLOs

 
136 

 

 
3 

 

 
50 

 

 
4 

 

 
186 

 

 

 
7 

 

State and municipal bonds

 
359 

 

 
20 

 

 
24 

 

 
7 

 

 
383 

 

 

 
27 

 

Hybrid and redeemable

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

preferred securities

 
58 

 

 
6 

 

 
195 

 

 
45 

 

 
253 

 

 

 
51 

 

Total fixed maturity securities

 
17,957 

 

 
1,070 

 

 
1,804 

 

 
319 

 

 
19,761 

 

 

 
1,389 

 

Equity securities

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 

 -

 

Total AFS securities

$
17,957 

 

$
1,070 

 

$
1,804 

 

$
319 

 

$
19,761 

 

 

$
1,389 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total number of AFS securities in an unrealized loss position

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
1,449 

 

 

For information regarding our investments in VIEs, see Note 5.

 

27

 

We perform detailed analysis on the AFS securities backed by pools of residential and commercial mortgages that are most at risk of impairment based on factors discussed in Note 1.  Selected information for these securities in a gross unrealized loss position (in millions) was as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2014

 

 

Amortized

 

Fair

 

Unrealized

 

 

Cost

 

Value

 

Loss

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AFS securities backed by pools of residential mortgages

$
1,057 

 

$
997 

 

$
60 

 

AFS securities backed by pools of commercial mortgages

 
150 

 

 
140 

 

 
10 

 

Total

$
1,207 

 

$
1,137 

 

$
70 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Subject to Detailed Analysis

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AFS securities backed by pools of residential mortgages

$
929 

 

$
871 

 

$
58 

 

AFS securities backed by pools of commercial mortgages

 
13 

 

 
12 

 

 
1 

 

Total

$
942 

 

$
883 

 

$
59 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2013

 

 

Amortized

 

Fair

 

Unrealized

 

 

Cost

 

Value

 

Loss

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AFS securities backed by pools of residential mortgages

$
1,198 

 

$
1,087 

 

$
111 

 

AFS securities backed by pools of commercial mortgages

 
193 

 

 
169 

 

 
24 

 

Total

$
1,391 

 

$
1,256 

 

$
135 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Subject to Detailed Analysis

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AFS securities backed by pools of residential mortgages

$
871 

 

$
774 

 

$
97 

 

AFS securities backed by pools of commercial mortgages

 
29 

 

 
23 

 

 
6 

 

Total

$
900 

 

$
797 

 

$
103 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number

 

 

Fair

 

Gross Unrealized

 

 

of

 

 

Value

 

Losses

 

OTTI

 

Securities (1)

Less than six months

$
48 

 

$
19 

 

$

 -

 

 

 
12 

 

Six months or greater, but less than nine months

 
8 

 

 
7 

 

 

 -

 

 

 
3 

 

Twelve months or greater

 
239 

 

 
70 

 

 
59 

 

 

 
82 

 

Total

$
295 

 

$
96 

 

$
59 

 

 

 
97 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number

 

 

Fair

 

Gross Unrealized

 

 

of

 

 

Value

 

Losses

 

OTTI

 

Securities (1)

Less than six months

$
1 

 

$

 -

 

$

 -

 

 

 
4 

 

Six months or greater, but less than nine months

 
7 

 

 
3 

 

 

 -

 

 

 
1 

 

Nine months or greater, but less than twelve months

 
56 

 

 
18 

 

 

 -

 

 

 
4 

 

Twelve months or greater

 
340 

 

 
89 

 

 
81 

 

 

 
92 

 

Total

$
404 

 

$
110 

 

$
81 

 

 

 
101 

 

 

(1)

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

 

We regularly review our investment holdings for OTTI.  Our gross unrealized losses, including the portion of OTTI recognized in OCI, on AFS securities decreased $831 million for the year ended December 31, 2014.  As discussed further below, we believe the unrealized loss position as of December 31, 2014, did not represent OTTI 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; (iii) the estimated future cash flows were equal to or greater than the amortized cost basis of the debt securities; and (iv) we had the ability and intent to hold the equity AFS securities for a period of time sufficient for recovery. 

28

 

 

Based upon this evaluation as of December 31, 2014, management believes we have the ability to generate adequate amounts of cash from our normal operations (e.g., insurance premiums and fees and investment income) to meet cash requirements with a prudent margin of safety without requiring the sale of our temporarily-impaired securities.

 

As of December 31, 2014,  the unrealized losses associated with our corporate bond securities were attributable primarily to widening credit spreads and rising interest rates 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 for each security.

 

As of December 31, 2014, the unrealized losses associated with our MBS and ABS were attributable primarily to collateral losses and credit spreads.  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, sector credit ratings 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 basis of each temporarily impaired security.

 

As of December 31, 2014, 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 security.

 

Changes in the amount of credit loss of OTTI recognized in net income (loss) where the portion related to other factors was recognized in OCI (in millions) on fixed maturity AFS securities were as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Years Ended December 31,

 

 

2014

 

2013

 

2012

 

Balance as of beginning-of-year

$
378

 

$
402

 

$
380

 

Increases attributable to:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Credit losses on securities for which an OTTI was not previously recognized

 
4

 

 
37

 

 
98

 

Credit losses on securities for which an OTTI was previously recognized

 
15

 

 
40

 

 
59

 

Decreases attributable to:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Securities sold, paid down or matured

 
(37

)

 
(101

)

 
(135

)

Balance as of end-of-year

$
360

 

$
378

 

$
402

 

 

During 2014,  2013 and 2012, we recorded credit losses on securities for which an OTTI was not previously recognized as we determined the cash flows expected to be collected would not be sufficient to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the debt security.  The credit losses we recorded on securities for which an OTTI was not previously recognized were attributable primarily to one or a combination of the following reasons:

 

·

Failure of the issuer of the security to make scheduled payments;

·

Deterioration of creditworthiness of the issuer;

·

Deterioration of conditions specifically related to the security;

·

Deterioration of fundamentals of the industry in which the issuer operates; and

·

Deterioration of the rating of the security by a rating agency.

 

We recognize the OTTI attributed to the noncredit portion as a separate component in OCI referred to as unrealized OTTI on AFS securities. 

 

29

 

Details of the amount of credit loss of OTTI recognized in net income (loss) for which a portion related to other factors was recognized in OCI (in millions), were as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2014

 

 

 

 

Gross Unrealized

 

 

 

OTTI in

 

 

Amortized

 

 

 

Losses and

 

Fair

 

Credit

 

 

Cost

 

Gains

 

OTTI

 

Value

 

Losses

 

Corporate bonds

$
38 

 

$
5 

 

$
9 

 

$
34 

 

$
20 

 

ABS

 
217 

 

 
31 

 

 
22 

 

 
226 

 

 
101 

 

RMBS

 
417 

 

 
24 

 

 
7 

 

 
434 

 

 
180 

 

CMBS

 
46 

 

 
4 

 

 
10 

 

 
40 

 

 
59 

 

Total

$
718 

 

$
64 

 

$
48 

 

$
734 

 

$
360 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2013

 

 

 

 

Gross Unrealized

 

 

 

OTTI in

 

 

Amortized

 

 

 

Losses and

 

Fair

 

Credit

 

 

Cost

 

Gains

 

OTTI

 

Value

 

Losses

 

Corporate bonds

$
53 

 

$

 -

 

$
16 

 

$
37 

 

$
32 

 

ABS

 
199 

 

 
18 

 

 
32 

 

 
185 

 

 
94 

 

RMBS

 
513 

 

 
17 

 

 
17 

 

 
513 

 

 
175 

 

CMBS

 
34 

 

 
3 

 

 
12 

 

 
25 

 

 
77 

 

Total

$
799 

 

$
38 

 

$
77 

 

$
760 

 

$
378 

 

 

Trading Securities

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As of December 31,

 

 

2014

 

2013

 

Fixed maturity securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate bonds

$
1,434 

 

$
1,650 

 

ABS

 
32 

 

 
33 

 

U.S. government bonds

 
278 

 

 
272 

 

Foreign government bonds

 
24 

 

 
24 

 

RMBS

 
132 

 

 
152 

 

CMBS

 
4 

 

 
7 

 

CLOs

 
9 

 

 
2 

 

State and municipal bonds

 
21 

 

 
20 

 

Hybrid and redeemable preferred securities

 
32 

 

 
30 

 

Total trading securities

$
1,966 

 

$
2,190 

 

 

The portion of the market adjustment for gains (losses) that relate to trading securities still held as of December 31, 2014,  2013 and 2012,  was $40 million,  $(166) million and $53 million, respectively.

 

Mortgage Loans on Real Estate

 

Mortgage loans on real estate principally involve commercial real estate.  The commercial loans are geographically diversified throughout the U.S. with the largest concentrations in California and Texas, which accounted for 24%  and 9%, respectively, of mortgage loans on real estate as of December 31, 2014 and 23% and 9%, respectively, of mortgage loans on real estate as of December 31, 2013.

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As of December 31,

 

 

2014

 

2013

 

Current

$
7,386

 

$
7,026

 

Valuation allowance associated with impaired mortgage loans on real estate

 
(3

)

 
(3

)

Unamortized premium (discount)

 
4

 

 
6

 

Total carrying value

$
7,387

 

$
7,029

 

30

 

The number of impaired mortgage loans on real estate, each of which had an associated specific valuation allowance, and the carrying value of impaired mortgage loans on real estate (dollars in millions) were as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As of December 31,

 

 

2014

 

2013

 

Number of impaired mortgage loans on real estate
3

 
3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Principal balance of impaired mortgage loans on real estate

$
26

 

$
27

 

Valuation allowance associated with impaired mortgage loans on real estate

 
(3

)

 
(3

)

Carrying value of impaired mortgage loans on real estate

$
23

 

$
24

 

 

The changes in the valuation allowance associated with impaired mortgage loans on real estate (in millions) were as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As of December 31,

 

 

 

2014

 

 

2013

 

 

2012

 

Balance as of beginning-of-year

 

$
3

 

 

$
6

 

 

$
3

 

Additions

 

 

 -

 

 

 
3

 

 

 
4

 

Charge-offs, net of recoveries

 

 

 -

 

 

 
(6

)

 

 
(1

)

Balance as of end-of-year

 

$
3

 

 

$
3

 

 

$
6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The average carrying value on the impaired mortgage loans on real estate (in millions) was as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Years Ended December 31,

 

 

2014

 

2013

 

2012

 

Average carrying value for impaired mortgage loans on real estate

$
24 

 

$
30 

 

$
17 

 

Interest income recognized on impaired mortgage loans on real estate

 
2 

 

 
2 

 

 
1 

 

Interest income collected on impaired mortgage loans on real estate

 
2 

 

 
2 

 

 
1 

 

 

As described in Note 1, we use the loan-to-value and debt-service coverage ratios as credit quality indicators for our mortgage loans, which were as follows (dollars in millions):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2014

 

As of December 31, 2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Debt-

 

 

 

 

 

 

Debt-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Service

 

 

 

 

 

 

Service

 

 

Carrying

 

% of

 

Coverage

 

Carrying

 

% of

 

Coverage

 

 

Value

 

Total

 

Ratio

 

Value

 

Total

 

Ratio

 

Less than 65%

$
6,463 

 
87.5% 

 

1.91

 

$
5,898 

 
83.9% 

 

1.79

 

65% to 74%

 
622 

 
8.4% 

 

1.55

 

 
737 

 
10.5% 

 

1.42

 

75% to 100%

 
271 

 
3.7% 

 

0.73

 

 
363 

 
5.2% 

 

0.83

 

Greater than 100%

 
31 

 
0.4% 

 

0.77

 

 
31 

 
0.4% 

 

0.78

 

Total mortgage loans on real estate

$
7,387 

 
100.0% 

 

 

 

$
7,029 

 
100.0% 

 

 

 

 

Alternative Investments 

 

As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, alternative investments included investments in 156 and 121 different partnerships, respectively, and the portfolio represented approximately 1% of our overall invested assets.

 

31

 

Net Investment Income

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Years Ended December 31,

 

 

2014

 

2013

 

2012

 

Fixed maturity AFS securities

$
3,937

 

$
3,876

 

$
3,813

 

Equity AFS securities

 
9

 

 
6

 

 
6

 

Trading securities

 
119

 

 
130

 

 
138

 

Mortgage loans on real estate

 
367

 

 
377

 

 
381

 

Real estate

 
3

 

 
5

 

 
11

 

Policy loans

 
153

 

 
153

 

 
163

 

Invested cash

 
1

 

 
3

 

 
4

 

Commercial mortgage loan prepayment and bond make-whole premiums

 
132

 

 
107

 

 
39

 

Alternative investments

 
130

 

 
86

 

 
125

 

Consent fees

 
2

 

 
4

 

 
3

 

Other investments

 
(2

)

 
4

 

 
(5

)

Investment income

 
4,851

 

 
4,751

 

 
4,678

 

Investment expense

 
(203

)

 
(190

)

 
(127

)

Net investment income

$
4,648

 

$
4,561

 

$
4,551

 

 

Realized Gain (Loss) Related to Certain Investments

 

The detail of the realized gain (loss) related to certain investments (in millions) was as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Years Ended December 31,

 

 
2014

 
2013

 
2012

 

Fixed maturity AFS securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross gains

$
37

 

$
20

 

$
14

 

Gross losses

 
(28

)

 
(89

)

 
(187

)

Equity AFS securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross gains

 
5

 

 
8

 

 
1

 

Gross losses

 

 -

 

 
(2

)

 
(9

)

Gain (loss) on other investments

 
4

 

 
6

 

 
15

 

Associated amortization of DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

and changes in other contract holder funds

 
(31

)

 
(27

)

 
2

 

Total realized gain (loss) related to certain investments

$
(13

)

$
(84

)

$
(164

)

 

32

 

Details underlying write-downs taken as a result of OTTI (in millions) that were recognized in net income (loss) and included in realized gain (loss) on AFS securities above, and the portion of OTTI recognized in OCI (in millions) were as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Years Ended December 31,

 

 
2014

 
2013

 
2012

 

OTTI Recognized in Net Income (Loss)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturity securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate bonds

$
(1

)

$
(16

)

$
(26

)

ABS

 
(8

)

 
(18

)

 
(36

)

RMBS

 
(7

)

 
(28

)

 
(50

)

CMBS

 
(1

)

 
(14

)

 
(47

)

CLOs

 
(2

)

 
(1

)

 
(2

)

Total fixed maturity securities

 
(19

)

 
(77

)

 
(161

)

Equity securities

 

 -

 

 
(1

)

 
(8

)

Gross OTTI recognized in net income (loss)

 
(19

)

 
(78

)

 
(169

)

Associated amortization of DAC, VOBA, DSI, and DFEL

 
4

 

 
13

 

 
30

 

Net OTTI recognized in net income (loss), pre-tax

$
(15

)

$
(65

)

$
(139

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Portion of OTTI Recognized in OCI

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross OTTI recognized in OCI

$
11

 

$
11

 

$
118

 

Change in DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL

 
(1

)

 
(1

)

 
(15

)

Net portion of OTTI recognized in OCI, pre-tax

$
10

 

$
10

 

$
103

 

 

Determination of Credit Losses on Corporate Bonds and ABS

 

As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, we reviewed our corporate bond and ABS portfolios for potential shortfall in contractual principal and interest based on numerous subjective and objective inputs.  The factors used to determine the amount of credit loss for each individual security, include, but are not limited to, near term risk, substantial discrepancy between book and market value, sector or company-specific volatility, negative operating trends and trading levels wider than peers. 

 

Credit ratings express opinions about the credit quality of a security.  Securities rated investment grade, that is those rated BBB- or higher by Standard & Poor’s (“S&P”) Rating Services 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, 2014 and 2013, 96% of the fair value of our corporate bond portfolio was rated investment grade.  As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the portion of our corporate bond portfolio rated below investment grade had an amortized cost of $3.2 billion and $2.7 billion, respectively, and a fair value of $3.2 billion and $2.7 billion, respectively.  As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, 88% and 89%, respectively, of the fair value of our ABS portfolio was rated investment grade.  As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the portion of our ABS portfolio rated below investment grade had an amortized cost of $188 million and $262 million, respectively, and a fair value of $171 million and $217 million, respectively.  Based upon the analysis discussed above, we believed as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, that we would recover the amortized cost of each investment grade corporate bond and ABS security.

 

Determination of Credit Losses on MBS

 

As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, default rates were projected by considering underlying MBS loan performance and collateral type.  Projected default rates on existing delinquencies vary between 10% to 100% depending on loan type and severity of delinquency status.  In addition, we estimate the potential contributions of currently performing loans that may become delinquent in the future based on the change in delinquencies and loan liquidations experienced in the recent history.  Finally, we develop a default rate timing curve by aggregating the defaults for all loans in the pool (delinquent loans, foreclosure and real estate owned and new delinquencies from currently performing loans) and the associated loan-level loss severities. 

 

We use certain available loan characteristics such as lien status, loan sizes and occupancy to estimate the loss severity of loans.  Second lien loans are assigned 100% severity, if defaulted.  For first lien loans, we assume a minimum of 30% severity with higher severity assumed for investor properties and further adjusted by housing price assumptions.  With the default rate timing curve and loan-level severity, we derive the future expected credit losses.

 

33

 

Payables for Collateral on Investments

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2014

 

As of December 31, 2013

 

 

Carrying

 

Fair

 

Carrying

 

Fair

 

 

Value

 

Value

 

Value

 

Value

 

Collateral payable held for derivative investments (1)

$
1,577 

 

$
1,577 

 

$
264 

 

$
264 

 

Securities pledged under securities lending agreements (2)

 
204 

 

 
196 

 

 
184 

 

 
178 

 

Securities pledged under repurchase agreements (3)

 
605 

 

 
631 

 

 
530 

 

 
553 

 

Securities pledged for Term Asset-Backed Securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loan Facility (“TALF”) (4)

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 
36 

 

 
49 

 

Investments pledged for Federal Home Loan Bank of

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Indianapolis (“FHLBI”) (5)

 
1,925 

 

 
3,151 

 

 
1,851 

 

 
3,127 

 

Total payables for collateral on investments

$
4,311 

 

$
5,555 

 

$
2,865 

 

$
4,171 

 

 

(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.  See Note 7 for additional information.

(2)    Our pledged securities under securities lending agreements are included in fixed maturity AFS securities on our 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 securities under repurchase agreements are included in fixed maturity AFS securities on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.  We obtain collateral in an amount equal 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.

(4)    Our pledged securities for TALF are included in fixed maturity AFS securities on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.  We obtain collateral in an amount that has typically averaged 90% of the fair value of the TALF securities.  The cash received in these transactions is invested in fixed maturity AFS securities.

(5)    Our pledged investments for FHLBI are included in fixed maturity AFS securities and mortgage loans on real estate on our 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.

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Years Ended December 31,

 

 

2014

 

2013

 

2012

 

Collateral payable held for derivative investments

$
1,313

 

$
(2,243

)

$
(487

)

Securities pledged under securities lending agreements

 
20

 

 
(13

)

 
(3

)

Securities pledged under repurchase agreements

 
75

 

 
250

 

 

 -

 

Securities pledged for TALF

 
(36

)

 
(1

)

 
(136

)

Investments pledged for FHLBI

 
74

 

 
751

 

 
1,000

 

Total increase (decrease) in payables for collateral on investments

$
1,446

 

$
(1,256

)

$
374

 

 

Investment Commitments

 

As of December 31, 2014, our investment commitments were $1.4 billion, which included $615 million of LPs, $388 million of private placement securities and $372 million of mortgage loans on real estate.

 

Concentrations of Financial Instruments

 

As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, our most significant investments in one issuer were our investments in securities issued by the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation with a fair value of $2.1 billion and $2.5 billion, respectively, or 2% and 3% of our invested assets portfolio, respectively, and our investments in securities issued by Fannie Mae with a fair value of $1.3 billion and $1.7 billion, respectively, or 1% and 2%, respectively, of our invested assets portfolio.  These investments are included in corporate bonds in the tables above.

 

As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, our most significant investments in one industry were our investment securities in the utilities industry with a fair value of $12.4 billion and $10.9 billion, respectively, or 12% of our invested assets portfolio, and our investment

34

 

securities in the consumer non-cyclical industry with a fair value of $11.3 billion and $10.7 billion, respectively, or 11% of our invested assets portfolio. 

 

7.  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, default risk, basis 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 detailed discussion of the accounting treatment for derivative instruments.  See Note 22 for additional disclosures related to the fair value of our derivative instruments and Note 5 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:

 

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.

 

Forward-Starting Interest Rate Swaps

 

We use forward-starting interest rate swaps designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges to hedge our exposure to interest rate fluctuations related to the forecasted purchases of certain assets. 

 

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 life insurance products and annuity contracts.  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 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 products.

 

We also use interest rate swap agreements designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges.  These instruments either hedge the interest rate risk of floating-rate bond coupon payments by replicating a fixed-rate bond, or hedge our exposure to fixed-rate bond coupon payments and the change in the underlying asset values as interest rates fluctuate. 

 

Reverse Treasury Locks

 

We use reverse treasury locks designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges to hedge the interest rate exposure related to the 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: 

Currency Futures

35

 

 

We use currency futures to hedge foreign exchange risk associated with certain options in variable annuity products.  Currency futures exchange one currency for another at a specified date in the future at a specified exchange rate. 

 

Foreign Currency Swaps

 

We use foreign currency swaps designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges to hedge some of the foreign exchange risk of investments in fixed maturity securities denominated in foreign currencies.  A foreign currency swap is a contractual agreement to exchange the currencies of two different countries at a specified rate of exchange in the future. 

 

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®

 

We issue indexed annuity contracts that 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® (“S&P 500”).  Contract holders may elect to rebalance index options at renewal dates, either annually or biannually.  As of each renewal date, we have the opportunity to re-price the indexed component by establishing participation rates, caps, spreads and specified rates, subject to contractual guarantees.  We purchase call options that are highly correlated to the portfolio allocation decisions of our contract holders, such that we are economically hedged with respect to equity returns for the current reset period. 

 

Equity Futures

 

We use equity futures contracts to hedge the liability exposure on certain options in variable annuity 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 products.  Put options are contracts that require counterparties to pay us 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 products.  We receive the total return on a portfolio of indexes and pay a floating-rate of interest.

 

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.    

 

Variance Swaps

 

We use variance swaps to hedge the liability exposure on certain options in variable annuity products.  Variance swaps are contracts entered into at no cost and whose payoff is the difference between the realized variance rate of an underlying index and the fixed variance rate determined as of inception.

 

Credit Contracts

 

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

 

Credit Default Swaps – Selling Protection

 

We sell credit default swaps to offer credit protection to contract holders and investors.  The credit default swaps hedge the contract holders and investors against a drop in bond prices due to credit concerns of certain bond issuers.  A credit default swap 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. 

 

36

 

Embedded Derivatives

 

We have embedded derivatives that include:

 

GLB Reserves Embedded Derivatives

 

We use a hedging strategy designed to mitigate the risk and income statement volatility caused by changes in the equity markets, interest rates and volatility associated with GLBs offered in our variable annuity products, including products with GWB and GIB features.  The hedging strategy is designed such that changes in the value of the hedge contracts due to changes in equity markets, interest rates and implied volatilities move in the opposite direction of changes in embedded derivative GLB reserves caused by those same factors.    We rebalance our hedge positions based upon changes in these factors as needed.  While we actively manage our hedge positions, these hedge positions may not be totally effective in offsetting changes in the embedded derivative reserve due to, among other things, differences in timing between when a market exposure changes and corresponding changes to the hedge positions, extreme swings in the equity markets and interest rates, market volatility, contract holder behavior, divergence between the performance of the underlying funds and the hedging indices, divergence between the actual and expected performance of the hedge instruments and our ability to purchase hedging instruments at prices consistent with our desired risk and return trade-off.  However, the hedging results do not impact LNL due to a funds withheld agreement with LNBAR, which causes the financial impact of the derivatives, as well as the cash flow activity, to be reflected on LNBAR.

 

Certain features of these guarantees have elements of both insurance benefits accounted for under the Financial Services – Insurance – Claim Costs and Liabilities for Future Policy Benefits Subtopic of the FASB ASC (“benefit reserves”) and embedded derivatives accounted for under the Derivatives and Hedging and the Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures Topics of the FASB ASC (“embedded derivative reserves”).    We calculate the value of the embedded derivative reserve and the benefit reserve based on the specific characteristics of each GLB feature.

 

Indexed Annuity and Indexed Universal Life Contracts Embedded Derivatives

 

We distribute indexed annuity and indexed universal life (“IUL”) contracts that 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.  Contract holders may elect to rebalance index options at renewal dates, either annually or biannually.  As of each renewal date, we have the opportunity to re-price the indexed component by establishing participation rates, caps, spreads and specified rates, subject to contractual guarantees.  We purchase S&P 500 call options that are highly correlated to the portfolio allocation decisions of our contract holders, such that we are economically hedged with respect to equity returns for the current reset period. 

 

Reinsurance Related Embedded Derivatives

 

We have certain Modco arrangements and CFW reinsurance arrangements 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 arrangements.

 

We are involved in an inter-company reinsurance agreement where we cede to LNBAR the risk under certain UL contracts for no lapse benefit guarantees.  If our contract holders’ account value is not sufficient to pay the cost of insurance charges required to keep the policy inforce, and the contract holder has made required deposits, LNBAR will reimburse us for the charges.

 

37

 

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:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2014

 

As of December 31, 2013

 

Notional

 

Fair Value

 

Notional

 

Fair Value

 

Amounts

 

Asset

 

Liability

 

Amounts

 

Asset

 

Liability

Qualifying Hedges

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flow hedges:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest rate contracts (1)

$
2,091 

 

$
369 

 

$
198 

 

$
2,876 

 

$
160 

 

$
149 

Foreign currency contracts (1)

 
642 

 

 
46 

 

 
21 

 

 
615 

 

 
32 

 

 
46 

Total cash flow hedges

 
2,733 

 

 
415 

 

 
219 

 

 
3,491 

 

 
192 

 

 
195 

Non-Qualifying Hedges

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest rate contracts (1)

 
54,401 

 

 
989 

 

 
342 

 

 
44,620 

 

 
214 

 

 
744 

Foreign currency contracts (1)

 
68 

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 
102 

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

Equity market contracts (1)

 
24,144 

 

 
886 

 

 
243 

 

 
19,804 

 

 
956 

 

 
192 

Credit contracts (2)

 
126 

 

 

 -

 

 
3 

 

 
126 

 

 

 -

 

 
2 

Embedded derivatives:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GLB reserves (3)

 

 -

 

 
174 

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 
1,244 

 

 

 -

GLB reserves (2) 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 
174 

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 
1,244 

Reinsurance related (4)

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 
109 

 

 

 -

 

 
159 

 

 

 -

Indexed annuity and IUL contracts (5)

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 
1,170 

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 
1,048 

Total derivative instruments

$
81,472 

 

$
2,464 

 

$
2,260 

 

$
68,143 

 

$
2,765 

 

$
3,425 

 

(1)

Reported in derivative investments and other liabilities on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

(2)

Reported in other liabilities on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

(3)

Reported in other assets on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

(4)

Reported in reinsurance related embedded derivatives on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

(5)

Reported in future contract benefits on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Remaining Life as of December 31, 2014

 

Less Than

 

1 – 5

 

6 – 10

 

11 – 30

 

Over 30

 

 

 

1 Year

 

Years

 

Years

 

Years

 

Years

 

Total

Interest rate contracts (1)

$
2,569 

 

$
30,777 

 

$
11,676 

 

$
11,470 

 

$

 -

 

$
56,492 

Foreign currency contracts (2)

 
98 

 

 
126 

 

 
276 

 

 
210 

 

 

 -

 

 
710 

Equity market contracts

 
13,799 

 

 
5,746 

 

 
4,439 

 

 
20 

 

 
140 

 

 
24,144 

Credit contracts

 

 -

 

 
126 

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 
126 

Total derivative instruments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

with notional amounts

$
16,466 

 

$
36,775 

 

$
16,391 

 

$
11,700 

 

$
140 

 

$
81,472 

 

(1)

As of December 31, 2014, the latest maturity date for which we were hedging our exposure to the variability in future cash flows for these instruments was June 2042.

(2)

As of December 31, 2014, the latest maturity date for which we were hedging our exposure to the variability in future cash flows for these instruments was December 2029.

 

38

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Years Ended December 31,

 

 

2014

 

2013

 

2012

 

Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance as of beginning-of-year

$
5

 

$
101

 

$
132

 

Other comprehensive income (loss):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the year:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flow hedges:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest rate contracts

 
78

 

 
(126

)

 
(41

)

Foreign currency contracts

 
36

 

 
(24

)

 
(22

)

Change in foreign currency exchange rate adjustment

 
50

 

 
(19

)

 
(12

)

Change in DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL

 
2

 

 
5

 

 
14

 

Income tax benefit (expense)

 
(58

)

 
57

 

 
20

 

Less:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reclassification adjustment for gains (losses) included in net income (loss):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flow hedges:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest rate contracts (1)

 
(22

)

 
(21

)

 
(21

)

Foreign currency contracts (1)

 

 -

 

 
3

 

 
3

 

Associated amortization of DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL

 
1

 

 
1

 

 
3

 

Income tax benefit (expense)

 
7

 

 
6

 

 
5

 

Balance as of end-of-year

$
127

 

$
5

 

$
101

 

 

(1)

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

 

The gains (losses) on derivative instruments (in millions) recorded within income (loss) from continuing operations on our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) were as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Years Ended December 31,

 

 

2014

 

2013

 

2012

 

Qualifying Hedges

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flow hedges:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest rate contracts (1)

$
(22

)

$
(21

)

$
(22

)

Foreign currency contracts (1)

 

 -

 

 
3

 

 
3

 

Total cash flow hedges

 
(22

)

 
(18

)

 
(19

)

Non-Qualifying Hedges

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest rate contracts (2)

 
1,304

 

 
(998

)

 
26

 

Foreign currency contracts (2)

 
(8

)

 
(4

)

 
(8

)

Equity market contracts (2)

 
(215

)

 
(1,306

)

 
(1,014

)

Equity market contracts (3)

 
11

 

 
37

 

 
(362

)

Credit contracts (2)

 
(1

)

 
9

 

 
2

 

Embedded derivatives:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other assets – GLB reserves (2)

 
1,391

 

 
(2,153

)

 

 -

 

Other liabilities – GLB reserves (2)

 
(1,391

)

 
2,153

 

 
1,308

 

Reinsurance related (2)

 
(242

)

 
352

 

 
(50

)

Indexed annuity and IUL contracts (2)

 
(210

)

 
(356

)

 
(136

)

Total derivative instruments

$
617

 

$
(2,284

)

$
(253

)

 

(1)

Reported in net investment income on our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss).

(2)

Reported in realized gain (loss) on our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss).

(3)

Reported in commissions and other expenses on our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss).

 

Gains (losses) (in millions) on derivative instruments designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges were as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Years Ended December 31,

 

 

2014

 

2013

 

2012

 

Gain (loss) recognized as a component of OCI with

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

the offset to net investment income

$
(22

)

$
(18

)

$
(18

)

 

39

 

As of December 31, 2014, $19 million of the deferred net losses on derivative instruments in AOCI were expected to be reclassified to earnings during the next 12 months.  This reclassification would be due primarily to interest rate variances related to our interest rate swap agreements.

 

For the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, 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.

 

 

 

 

 

Information related to our open credit default swap liabilities for which we are the seller (dollars in millions) was as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Credit

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reason

 

Nature

 

Rating of

 

Number

 

 

 

 

Maximum

 

 

 

for

 

of

Underlying

of

 

Fair

 

Potential

 

Maturity

 

Entering

 

Recourse

Obligation (1)

Instruments

 

Value (2)

 

Payout

 

12/20/2016 (3)

 

(4)

 

(5)

 

BBB-

 
3

 

$
(2

)

$
68

 

3/20/2017 (3)

 

(4)

 

(5)

 

BBB-

 
3

 

 
(1

)

 
58

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
6

 

$
(3

)

$
126

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Credit

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reason

 

Nature

 

Rating of

 

Number

 

 

 

 

Maximum

 

 

 

for

 

of

Underlying

of

 

Fair

 

Potential

 

Maturity

 

Entering

 

Recourse

Obligation (1)

Instruments

 

Value (2)

 

Payout

 

12/20/2016 (3)

 

(4)

 

(5)

 

BBB-

 
3

 

$
(1

)

$
68

 

3/20/2017 (3)

 

(4)

 

(5)

 

BBB-

 
3

 

 
(1

)

 
58

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
6

 

$
(2

)

$
126

 

 

(1)

Represents average credit ratings based on the midpoint of the applicable ratings among Moody’s, S&P and Fitch Ratings, as scaled to the corresponding S&P ratings.

(2)

Broker quotes are used to determine the market value of our credit default swaps.

(3)

These credit default swaps were sold to a counterparty of the consolidated VIEs discussed in Note 5. 

(4)

Credit default swaps were entered into in order to generate income by providing default protection in return for a quarterly payment.

(5)

Sellers do not have the right to demand indemnification or compensation from third parties in case of a loss (payment) on the contract.

 

Details underlying the associated collateral of our open credit default swaps for which we are the seller if credit risk-related contingent features were triggered (in millions) were as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As of December 31,

 

 

 

 

2014

 

 

2013

 

 

Maximum potential payout

 

$
126 

 

 

$
126 

 

 

Less:  Counterparty thresholds

 

 

 -

 

 

 

 -

 

 

Maximum collateral potentially required to post

 

$
126 

 

 

$
126 

 

 

 

Certain of our credit default swap agreements contain contractual provisions that allow for the netting of collateral with our counterparties related to all of our collateralized financing transactions that we have outstanding.  If these netting agreements were not in place, we would have been required to post $3 million as of December 31, 2014, after considering the fair values of the associated investments and counterparties’ credit ratings as compared to ours and specified thresholds that once exceeded result in the payment of cash. 

 

Credit Risk

 

We are exposed to credit loss in the event of non-performance by our counterparties on various derivative contracts and reflect assumptions regarding the credit or NPR.  The NPR 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, 2014, the NPR adjustment was less than $1 million.  The credit risk associated with such agreements is minimized by entering into such 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 some ISDA agreements, our insurance subsidiaries have agreed to maintain certain financial strength or claims-paying 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

40

 

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.  As of December 31, 2014, our exposure was $41 million.    

 

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:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2014

 

As of December 31, 2013

 

 

 

Collateral

 

Collateral

 

Collateral

 

Collateral

 

 

 

Posted by

 

Posted by

 

Posted by

 

Posted by

 

S&P

 

Counter-

 

LNL

 

Counter-

 

LNL

 

Credit

 

Party

 

(Held by

 

Party

 

(Held by

 

Rating of

 

(Held by

 

Counter-

 

(Held by

 

Counter-

 

Counterparty

 

LNL)

 

Party)

 

LNL)

 

Party)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AA-

 

$
64

 

$

 -

 

$
34

 

$
(10

)

A+

 

 
48

 

 

 -

 

 
19

 

 

 -

 

A

 

 
1,047

 

 
(85

)

 
228

 

 
(183

)

A-

 

 
252

 

 

 -

 

 
207

 

 
(123

)

BBB+

 

 
27

 

 

 -

 

 
79

 

 

 -

 

 

 

$
1,438

 

$
(85

)

$
567

 

$
(316

)

 

Balance Sheet Offsetting

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Embedded

 

 

 

 

Derivative

Derivative

 

 

 

 

Instruments

Instruments

Total

 

Financial Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross amount of recognized assets

 

$
2,240

 

 

$
174

 

 

$
2,414

 

Gross amounts offset

 

 
(477

)

 

 

 -

 

 

 
(477

)

Net amount of assets

 

 
1,763

 

 

 
174

 

 

 
1,937

 

Gross amounts not offset:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash collateral

 

 
(1,438

)

 

 

 -

 

 

 
(1,438

)

Net amount

 

$
325

 

 

$
174

 

 

$
499

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financial Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross amount of recognized liabilities

 

$
330

 

 

$
1,453

 

 

$
1,783

 

Gross amounts offset

 

 
(50

)

 

 

 -

 

 

 
(50

)

Net amount of liabilities

 

 
280

 

 

 
1,453

 

 

 
1,733

 

Gross amounts not offset:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash collateral

 

 
(85

)

 

 

 -

 

 

 
(85

)

Net amount

 

$
195

 

 

$
1,453

 

 

$
1,648

 

 

 

41

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Embedded

 

 

 

 

Derivative

Derivative

 

 

 

 

Instruments

Instruments

Total

 

Financial Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross amount of recognized assets

 

$
1,170

 

 

$
1,403

 

 

$
2,573

 

Gross amounts offset

 

 
(553

)

 

 

 -

 

 

 
(553

)

Net amount of assets

 

 
617

 

 

 
1,403

 

 

 
2,020

 

Gross amounts not offset:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash collateral

 

 
(251

)

 

 

 -

 

 

 
(251

)

Net amount

 

$
366

 

 

$
1,403

 

 

$
1,769

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financial Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross amount of recognized liabilities

 

$
580

 

 

$
2,292

 

 

$
2,872

 

Gross amounts offset

 

 
(192

)

 

 

 -

 

 

 
(192

)

Net amount of liabilities

 

 
388

 

 

 
2,292

 

 

 
2,680

 

Gross amounts not offset:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash collateral

 

 

 -

 

 

 

 -

 

 

 

 -

 

Net amount

 

$
388

 

 

$
2,292

 

 

$
2,680

 

 

 

8.  Federal Income Taxes

 

The federal income tax expense (benefit) on continuing operations (in millions) was as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Years Ended December 31,

 

 

2014

 

2013

 

2012

 

Current

$
104

 

$
211

 

$
(320

)

Deferred

 
116

 

 
220

 

 
664

 

Federal income tax expense (benefit)

$
220

 

$
431

 

$
344

 

 

A reconciliation of the effective tax rate differences (in millions) was as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Years Ended December 31,

 

 

2014

 

2013

 

2012

 

Tax rate times pre-tax income

$
425

 

$
616

 

$
527

 

Effect of:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Separate account dividend

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

received deduction

 
(174

)

 
(145

)

 
(128

)

Tax credits

 
(24

)

 
(35

)

 
(34

)

Goodwill

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 
(2

)

Change in uncertain tax positions

 
(12

)

 
7

 

 
(88

)

Other items

 
5

 

 
(12

)

 
69

 

Federal income tax expense (benefit)

$
220

 

$
431

 

$
344

 

Effective tax rate

 
18%

 

 
24%

 

 
23%

 

 

The effective tax rate is the ratio of tax expense over pre-tax income (loss).  The benefit for tax credits is attributable to foreign tax credits and low income housing tax credits.

 

The federal income tax asset (liability) (in millions) was as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As of December 31,

 

 

2014

 

2013

 

Current

$
49

 

$
(8

)

Deferred

 
(3,306

)

 
(2,278

)

Total federal income tax asset (liability)

$
(3,257

)

$
(2,286

)

 

42

 

Significant components of our deferred tax assets and liabilities (in millions) were as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As of December 31,

 

 

2014

 

2013

 

Deferred Tax Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

Future contract benefits and other contract holder funds

$
544

 

$
963

 

Deferred gain on business sold through reinsurance

 
(7

)

 
21

 

Reinsurance related embedded derivative asset

 
177

 

 
17

 

Investments

 
317

 

 
274

 

Compensation and benefit plans

 
198

 

 
177

 

Net operating loss

 

 -

 

 
4

 

Net capital loss

 
3

 

 

 -

 

Tax credits

 

 -

 

 
184

 

VIE

 
45

 

 
4

 

Other

 
62

 

 
32

 

Total deferred tax assets

 
1,339

 

 
1,676

 

Deferred Tax Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

DAC

 
1,731

 

 
1,954

 

VOBA

 
(186

)

 
409

 

Net unrealized gain on AFS securities

 
3,100

 

 
1,273

 

Net unrealized gain on trading securities

 
100

 

 
86

 

Intangibles

 
22

 

 
151

 

Other

 
(122

)

 
81

 

Total deferred tax liabilities

 
4,645

 

 
3,954

 

Net deferred tax asset (liability)

$
(3,306

)

$
(2,278

)

 

Although realization is not assured, management believes that it is more likely than not that the Company will realize the benefits of its deferred tax assets, and, accordingly, no valuation allowance has been recorded.

 

As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, $10 million and $64 million, respectively, of our unrecognized tax benefits presented below, if recognized, would have affected our income tax expense and our effective tax rate.  The Company is not aware of any events for which it is likely that unrecognized tax benefits will significantly increase or decrease within the next year.  A reconciliation of the unrecognized tax benefits (in millions) was as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Years Ended

 

 

December 31,

 

 

2014

 

2013

 

Balance as of beginning-of-year

$
75

 

$
67

 

Increases for prior year tax positions

 
35

 

 

              - 

 

Decreases for prior year tax positions

 
(23

)

 

              - 

 

Increases for current year tax positions

 

 -

 

 
8

 

Decreases for settlements with taxing authorities

 
(77

)

 

              - 

 

Balance as of end-of-year

$
10

 

$
75

 

 

We recognize interest and penalties accrued, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of tax expense.  For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, we recognized interest and penalty expense (benefit) related to uncertain tax positions of $(12) million, $2 million and $(78) million, respectively.  We had accrued interest and penalty expense related to the unrecognized tax benefits of $1 million and $13 million as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

 

The Company is subject to examination by U.S. federal, state, local and non-U.S. income authorities.  The Company is currently under examination by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) for tax years 2009 through 2011.  The Company anticipates closing the current exam cycle in 2015.  Furthermore, LNC has filed a protest with the IRS Appeals division for tax years 2005 through 2008.  These years remain open as the Company works with Appeals to finalize the tax computations in these years.  All protested items have been resolved and we anticipate reaching a final settlement in 2015.  The Company does not expect any adjustments that would be material to its consolidated results of operations or its financial condition.

 

 

43

 

9.  DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL

 

Changes in DAC (in millions) were as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Years Ended December 31,

 

 

2014

 

2013

 

2012

 

Balance as of beginning-of-year

$
7,690

 

$
6,030

 

$
5,887

 

Business acquired (sold) through reinsurance

 
(20

)

 
(67

)

 
(126

)

Deferrals

 
1,525

 

 
1,559

 

 
1,294

 

Amortization, net of interest:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amortization, excluding unlocking, net of interest

 
(956

)

 
(795

)

 
(760

)

Unlocking

 
18

 

 
42

 

 
(71

)

Adjustment related to realized (gains) losses

 
(58

)

 
(49

)

 
(49

)

Adjustment related to unrealized (gains) losses

 
(672

)

 
970

 

 
(145

)

Balance as of end-of-year

$
7,527

 

$
7,690

 

$
6,030

 

 

Changes in VOBA (in millions) were as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Years Ended December 31,

 

 

2014

 

2013

 

2012

 

Balance as of beginning-of-year

$
1,169

 

$
702

 

$
1,055

 

Business acquired (sold) through reinsurance

 
2

 

 
3

 

 
(20

)

Deferrals

 
9

 

 
13

 

 
12

 

Amortization:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amortization, excluding unlocking

 
(185

)

 
(179

)

 
(225

)

Unlocking

 
(21

)

 
(52

)

 
(23

)

Accretion of interest (1)

 
64

 

 
68

 

 
73

 

Adjustment related to realized (gains) losses

 
(1

)

 
(1

)

 
9

 

Adjustment related to unrealized (gains) losses

 
(409

)

 
615

 

 
(179

)

Balance as of end-of-year

$
628

 

$
1,169

 

$
702

 

 

(1)

The interest accrual rates utilized to calculate the accretion of interest ranged from 4.02% to 7.05%.

 

Estimated future amortization of VOBA, net of interest (in millions), as of December 31, 2014, was as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2015

$
49 

 

2016

 
46 

 

2017

 
43 

 

2018

 
41 

 

2019

 
41 

 

 

Changes in DSI (in millions) were as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Years Ended December 31,

 

 

2014

 

2013

 

2012

 

Balance as of beginning-of-year

$
310

 

$
296

 

$
309

 

Deferrals

 
13

 

 
10

 

 
39

 

Amortization, net of interest:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amortization, excluding unlocking, net of interest

 
(37

)

 
(41

)

 
(43

)

Unlocking

 
2

 

 
8

 

 
14

 

Adjustment related to realized (gains) losses

 
(3

)

 
(3

)

 
(5

)

Adjustment related to unrealized (gains) losses

 

 -

 

 
40

 

 
(18

)

Balance as of end-of-year

$
285

 

$
310

 

$
296

 

 

44

 

Changes in DFEL (in millions) were as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Years Ended December 31,

 

 

2014

 

2013

 

2012

 

Balance as of beginning-of-year

$
1,899

 

$
1,342

 

$
1,360

 

Business acquired (sold) through reinsurance

 
(2

)

 
(7

)

 
(44

)

Deferrals

 
400

 

 
319

 

 
348

 

Amortization, net of interest:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amortization, excluding unlocking, net of interest

 
(326

)

 
(210

)

 
(206

)

Unlocking

 
(50

)

 
(14

)

 
(69

)

Adjustment related to realized (gains) losses

 
(8

)

 
(8

)

 
(5

)

Adjustment related to unrealized (gains) losses

 
(548

)

 
477

 

 
(42

)

Balance as of end-of-year

$
1,365

 

$
1,899

 

$
1,342

 

 

 

10.  Reinsurance

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Years Ended December 31,

 

 

2014

 

2013

 

2012

 

Direct insurance premiums and fee income

$
8,880

 

$
7,833

 

$
7,185

 

Reinsurance assumed

 
16

 

 
19

 

 
18

 

Reinsurance ceded

 
(1,917

)

 
(1,505

)

 
(1,287

)

Total insurance premiums and fee income

$
6,979

 

$
6,347

 

$
5,916

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Direct insurance benefits

$
5,970

 

$
5,346

 

$
4,717

 

Reinsurance recoveries netted against benefits

 
(1,616

)

 
(1,733

)

 
(1,778

)

Total benefits

$
4,354

 

$
3,613

 

$
2,939

 

 

We cede insurance to other companies.  The portion of our life insurance and annuity risks exceeding our retention limit is reinsured with other insurers.  We seek reinsurance coverage to limit our exposure to mortality losses and to enhance our capital management. As discussed in Note 25, a portion of this reinsurance activity is with affiliated companies.

 

Under our reinsurance program, we reinsure approximately 25% of the mortality risk on newly issued life insurance contracts.  Our policy for this program is to retain no more than $20 million on a single insured life.  Portions of our deferred annuity business have been reinsured on a Modco basis with other companies to limit our exposure to interest rate risks.  As of December 31, 2014, the reserves associated with these reinsurance arrangements totaled $676 million.    

 

Our amounts recoverable from reinsurers represent receivables from and reserves ceded to reinsurers.  The amounts recoverable from reinsurers were $6.9 billion and $7.1 billion as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  We focus on obtaining reinsurance from a diverse group of reinsurers, and we monitor concentration as well as financial strength ratings of our reinsurers.  Our reinsurance operations were acquired by Swiss Re in December 2001 through a series of indemnity reinsurance transactions.  As such, Swiss Re reinsured certain of our liabilities and obligations under the indemnity reinsurance agreements and thereby represents our largest reinsurance exposure.  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 our Consolidated Balance Sheets with a corresponding reinsurance receivable from Swiss Re, which totaled $3.1 billion and $3.2 billion as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  Swiss Re has funded a trust, with a balance of $2.6 billion as of December 31, 2014, 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.  Our liabilities for funds withheld and embedded derivatives as of December 31, 2014, included $1.3 billion and $128 million, respectively, related to the business sold to Swiss Re.

 

We recorded the gain related to the indemnity reinsurance transactions with Swiss Re as a deferred gain on business sold through reinsurance on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.  The deferred gain is being amortized into income at the rate that earnings on the reinsured business are expected to emerge, over a period of 15 years from the date of sale.  We amortized $48 million, after-tax, of deferred gain on business sold through reinsurance during each of 2014, 2013 and 2012. 

 

45

 

11.  Goodwill and Specifically Identifiable Intangible Assets

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

 

Acquisition

Cumulative

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance

Impairment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

as of

as of

 

 

 

Balance

 

 

Beginning-

Beginning-

 

 

 

 

as of End-

 

 

 

of-Year

 

 

of-Year

 

 

Impairment

 

 

of-Year

 

Annuities

 

$
1,040

 

 

$
(600

)

 

$

 -

 

 

$
440

 

Retirement Plan Services

 

 
20

 

 

 

 -

 

 

 

 -

 

 

 
20

 

Life Insurance

 

 
2,186

 

 

 
(647

)

 

 

 -

 

 

 
1,539

 

Group Protection

 

 
274

 

 

 

 -

 

 

 

 -

 

 

 
274

 

Other Operations – Media

 

 
176

 

 

 
(176

)

 

 

 -

 

 

 

 -

 

Total goodwill

 

$
3,696

 

 

$
(1,423

)

 

$

 -

 

 

$
2,273

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Year Ended December 31, 2013

 

 

Acquisition

Cumulative

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance

Impairment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

as of

as of

 

 

 

Balance

 

 

Beginning-

Beginning-

 

 

 

 

as of End-

 

 

 

of-Year

 

 

of-Year

 

 

Impairment

 

 

of-Year

 

Annuities

 

$
1,040

 

 

$
(600

)

 

$

 -

 

 

$
440

 

Retirement Plan Services

 

 
20

 

 

 

 -

 

 

 

 -

 

 

 
20

 

Life Insurance

 

 
2,186

 

 

 
(647

)

 

 

 -

 

 

 
1,539

 

Group Protection

 

 
274

 

 

 

 -

 

 

 

 -

 

 

 
274

 

Other Operations – Media

 

 
176

 

 

 
(176

)

 

 

 -

 

 

 

 -

 

Total goodwill

 

$
3,696

 

 

$
(1,423

)

 

$

 -

 

 

$
2,273

 

 

We perform a Step 1 goodwill impairment analysis on all of our reporting units at least annually on October 1.  To determine the implied fair value for our reporting units, we utilize primarily a discounted cash flow valuation technique (“income approach”), although limited available market data is also considered.  In determining the estimated fair value, we consider discounted cash flow calculations, the level of LNC’s share price and assumptions that market participants would make in valuing the reporting unit.  This analysis requires us to make judgments about revenues, earnings projections, capital market assumptions and discount rates.

 

As of October 1, 2014 and 2013, our Annuities and Retirement Plan Services reporting units passed the Step 1 analysis.  Given the Step 1 results, we performed a Step 2 analysis for our Life Insurance and Group Protection reporting units.  Based upon our Step 2 analysis for Life Insurance and Group Protection, we determined that there was no impairment due to the implied fair value of goodwill being in excess of the carrying value of goodwill.

 

As of October 1, 2012,  our Annuities, Retirement Plan Services and Group Protection reporting units passed the Step 1 analysis, and although the carrying value of the net assets for Group Protection was within the estimated fair value range, we deemed it prudent to validate the carrying value of goodwill through a Step 2 analysis.  Given the Step 1 results, we also performed a Step 2 analysis for our Life Insurance reporting unit.  Based upon our Step 2 analysis for Life Insurance and Group Protection, we determined that there was no impairment due to the implied fair value of goodwill being in excess of the carrying value of goodwill.    

 

46

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2014

 

 

As of December 31, 2013

 

 

 

Gross

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross

 

 

 

 

 

 

Carrying

 

Accumulated

 

Carrying

 

Accumulated

 

 

Amount

 

Amortization

 

Amount

 

Amortization

 

Life Insurance:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sales force

$
100 

 

 

$
35 

 

 

$
100 

 

 

$
31 

 

 

Retirement Plan Services:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mutual fund contract rights (1)

 
5 

 

 

 

 -

 

 

 
5 

 

 

 

 -

 

 

Other Operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FCC licenses (1) (2)

 

 -

 

 

 

 -

 

 

 
131 

 

 

 

 -

 

 

Other (2)

 

 -

 

 

 

 -

 

 

 
4 

 

 

 
3 

 

 

Total

$
105 

 

 

$
35 

 

 

$
240 

 

 

$
34 

 

 

 

(1)

No amortization recorded as the intangible asset has indefinite life.

(2)

As of December 31, 2014, LFM’s intangible assets were reclassified as other assets held-for-sale.  For more information, see Note 3.

 

Future estimated amortization of specifically identifiable intangible assets (in millions) as of December 31, 2014, was as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2015

$
4 

 

2016

 
4 

 

2017

 
4 

 

2018

 
4 

 

2019

 
4 

 

Thereafter

 
45 

 

 

 

12.  Guaranteed Benefit Features

 

Information on the GDB features outstanding (dollars in millions) was as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As of December 31,

 

 

 

 

2014 (1)

 

 

2013 (1)

 

 

Return of Net Deposits

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total account value

 

$
85,917 

 

 

$
79,391 

 

 

Net amount at risk (2)

 

 
183 

 

 

 
141 

 

 

Average attained age of contract holders

 

 

62 years

 

 

 

61 years

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Minimum Return

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total account value

 

$
135 

 

 

$
151 

 

 

Net amount at risk (2)

 

 
25 

 

 

 
27 

 

 

Average attained age of contract holders

 

 

74 years

 

 

 

73 years

 

 

Guaranteed minimum return

 

 
5% 

 

 

 
5% 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Anniversary Contract Value

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total account value

 

$
26,021 

 

 

$
25,958 

 

 

Net amount at risk (2)

 

 
597 

 

 

 
570 

 

 

Average attained age of contract holders

 

 

68 years

 

 

 

68 years

 

 

 

(1)    Our variable contracts with guarantees may offer more than one type of guarantee in each contract; therefore, the amounts listed are not mutually exclusive.

(2)    Represents the amount of death benefit in excess of the account balance that is subject to market volatility.

 

The determination of GDB liabilities is based on models that involve a range of scenarios and assumptions, including those regarding expected market rates of return and volatility, contract surrender rates and mortality experience. 

47

 

The following summarizes the balances of and changes in the liabilities for GDBs (in millions), which were recorded in future contract benefits on our Consolidated Balance Sheets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Years Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2014

 

2013

 

2012

 

 

Balance as of beginning-of-year

$
73

 

$
104

 

$
84

 

 

Changes in reserves

 
34

 

 
(10

)

 
64

 

 

Benefits paid

 
(18

)

 
(21

)

 
(44

)

 

Balance as of end-of-year

$
89

 

$
73

 

$
104

 

 

 

Variable Annuity Contracts

 

Account balances of variable annuity contracts with guarantees (in millions) were invested in separate account investment options as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As of December 31,

 

 

 

 

2014

 

 

2013

 

 

Asset Type

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Domestic equity

 

$
47,930 

 

 

$
45,590 

 

 

International equity

 

 
18,103 

 

 

 
17,707 

 

 

Bonds

 

 
25,742 

 

 

 
23,648 

 

 

Money market

 

 
12,173 

 

 

 
10,518 

 

 

Total

 

$
103,948 

 

 

$
97,463 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Percent of total variable annuity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

separate account values

 

 
99% 

 

 

 
99% 

 

 

 

Secondary Guarantee Products

 

Future contract benefits and other contract holder funds include reserves for our secondary guarantee products sold through our Life Insurance segment.  These UL and VUL products with secondary guarantees represented 35% of total life insurance in-force reserves as of December 31, 2014, and 39% of total sales for the year ended December 31, 2014.

 

13.  Short-Term and Long-Term Debt

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As of December 31,

 

 

2014

 

2013

 

Short-Term Debt

 

 

 

 

 

 

Short-term debt (1)

$
2 

 

$
51 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-Term Debt, Excluding Current Portion

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.40% note, due 2016

$
4 

 

$
4 

 

LIBOR + 3 bps loan, due 2017

 
250 

 

 
250 

 

Surplus notes due LNC:

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIBOR + 142 bps surplus note, due 2023

 
240 

 

 
240 

 

9.76% surplus note, due 2024

 
50 

 

 
50 

 

6.56% surplus note, due 2028

 
500 

 

 
500 

 

LIBOR + 111 bps surplus note, due 2028

 
71 

 

 
71 

 

LIBOR + 226 bps surplus note, due 2028

 
422 

 

 
360 

 

6.03% surplus note, due 2028

 
750 

 

 
750 

 

LIBOR + 100 bps surplus note, due 2037

 
375 

 

 
375 

 

Total surplus notes

 
2,408 

 

 
2,346 

 

Total long-term debt

$
2,662 

 

$
2,600 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1)    The short-term debt represents short-term notes payable to LNC.

 

48

 

Future principal payments due on long-term debt (in millions) as of December 31, 2014, were as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2015

$

 -

 

2016

 
4 

 

2017

 
250 

 

2018

 

 -

 

2019

 

 -

 

Thereafter

 
2,408 

 

Total

$
2,662 

 

 

On September 10, 2013, we issued a note of $4 million to LNC.  This note calls for us to pay the principal amount of the note on or before September 10, 2016, and interest to be paid semiannually at an annual rate of 1.40%.

 

We have a $250 million floating-rate loan outstanding under our borrowing capacity with the FHLBI due June 20, 2017.

 

On June 28, 2013, we issued a surplus note of $240 million to LNC.  The note calls for us to pay the principal amount of the note on or before June 28, 2023, and interest to be paid quarterly at an annual rate of the London Interbank Offered Rate “LIBOR” + 142 bps.  Subject to approval by the Indiana Insurance Commissioner (the “Commissioner”), we have the right to repay the note in whole or in part prior to the maturity date, if our statutory capital surplus exceeds the sum of our surplus at closing plus any accrued but unpaid interest.

 

We issued a surplus note of $50 million to LNC in 1994.  The note calls for us to pay the principal amount of the note on or before September 30, 2024, and interest to be paid semiannually at an annual rate of 9.76%.  Subject to approval by the Commissioner, we have the right to repay the note on any March 31 or September 30.

 

We issued a surplus note of $500 million to LNC in 1998.  The note calls for us to pay the principal amount of the note on or before March 31, 2028, and interest to be paid quarterly at an annual rate of 6.56%.  Subject to approval by the Commissioner, LNC also has a right to redeem the note for immediate repayment in total or in part once per year on the anniversary date of the note.  Any payment of interest or repayment of principal may be paid only out of our statutory earnings, only if our statutory capital surplus exceeds our statutory capital as of the date of note issuance of $2.3 billion, and subject to approval by the Commissioner.

 

On October 1, 2013, we issued a surplus note of $71 million to LNC.  The note calls for us to pay the principal amount of the note on or before September 24, 2028, and interest to be paid quarterly at an annual rate of LIBOR + 111 bps.  Subject to approval by the Commissioner, we have the right to repay the note in whole or in part prior to the maturity date, if our statutory capital surplus exceeds the sum of our surplus at closing plus any accrued but unpaid interest.

 

On December 17, 2013, we issued a variable surplus note to a wholly-owned subsidiary of LNC with an initial outstanding principal amount of $287 million.  The outstanding principal amount as of December 31, 2014, was $422 million.  The note calls for us to pay the principal amount of the note on or before October 1, 2028, and interest to be paid quarterly at an annual rate of LIBOR + 226 bps.

 

We issued a surplus note of $750 million to LNC in 1998.  The note calls for us to pay the principal amount of the note on or before December 31, 2028, and interest to be paid quarterly at an annual rate of 6.03%.  Subject to approval by the Commissioner, LNC also has a right to redeem the note for immediate repayment in total or in part once per year on the anniversary date of the note.  Any payment of interest or repayment of principal may be paid only out of our statutory earnings, only if our statutory capital surplus exceeds our statutory capital surplus as of the date of note issuance of $2.4 billion, and subject to approval by the Commissioner.

 

On October 9, 2007, we issued a surplus note of $375 million that LNC has held effective December 31, 2008.  The note calls for us to pay the principal amount of the note on or before October 9, 2037, and interest to be paid quarterly at an annual rate of LIBOR + 100 bps.

 

14.  Contingencies and Commitments

 

Contingencies

 

Regulatory and Litigation Matters

 

Regulatory bodies, such as state insurance departments, the Securities and Exchange Commission, Financial Industry Regulatory Authority and other regulatory bodies regularly make inquiries and conduct examinations or investigations concerning our compliance with, among other things, insurance laws, securities laws, laws governing the activities of broker-dealers, registered investment advisors and unclaimed property laws. 

 

LNL and its subsidiaries are involved in various pending or threatened legal or regulatory proceedings, including purported class actions, arising from the conduct of business both in the ordinary course and otherwise.  In some of the matters, very large and/or indeterminate amounts, including punitive and treble damages, are sought.  Modern pleading practice in the U.S. permits considerable variation in the

49

 

assertion of monetary damages or other relief.  Jurisdictions may permit claimants not to specify the monetary damages sought or may permit claimants to state only that the amount sought is sufficient to invoke the jurisdiction of the trial court.  In addition, jurisdictions may permit plaintiffs to allege monetary damages in amounts well exceeding reasonably possible verdicts in the jurisdiction for similar matters.  This variability in pleadings, together with the actual experiences of LNL in litigating or resolving through settlement numerous claims over an extended period of time, demonstrates to management that the monetary relief which may be specified in a lawsuit or claim bears little relevance to its merits or disposition value.

 

Due to the unpredictable nature of litigation, the outcome of a litigation matter and the amount or range of potential loss at particular points in time is normally difficult to ascertain.  Uncertainties can include how fact finders will evaluate documentary evidence and the credibility and effectiveness of witness testimony, and how trial and appellate courts will apply the law in the context of the pleadings or evidence presented, whether by motion practice, or at trial or on appeal.  Disposition valuations are also subject to the uncertainty of how opposing parties and their counsel will themselves view the relevant evidence and applicable law.

 

We establish liabilities for litigation and regulatory loss contingencies when information related to the loss contingencies shows both that it is probable that a loss has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated.  It is possible that some matters could require us to pay damages or make other expenditures or establish accruals in amounts that could not be estimated as of December 31, 2014.  While the potential future charges could be material in the particular quarterly or annual periods in which they are recorded, based on information currently known by management, management does not believe any such charges are likely to have a material adverse effect on LNL’s financial condition.

 

For some matters, the Company is able to estimate a reasonably possible range of loss.  For such matters in which a loss is probable, an accrual has been made.  For such matters where a loss is believed to be reasonably possible, but not probable, no accrual has been made.  Accordingly, the estimate contained in this paragraph reflects two types of matters.  For some matters included within this estimate, an accrual has been made, but there is a reasonable possibility that an exposure exists in excess of the amount accrued.  In these cases, the estimate reflects the reasonably possible range of loss in excess of the accrued amount.  For other matters included within this estimation, no accrual has been made because a loss, while potentially estimable, is believed to be reasonably possible but not probable.  In these cases, the estimate reflects the reasonably possible loss or range of loss.  As of December 31, 2014, LNC, LNL’s parent company, disclosed in its Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC that it estimates the aggregate range of reasonably possible losses on a consolidated basis, including amounts in excess of amounts accrued for these matters as of such date, to be up to approximately $200 million. 

 

For other matters, we are not currently able to estimate the reasonably possible loss or range of loss.  We are often unable to estimate the possible loss or range of loss until developments in such matters have provided sufficient information to support an assessment of the range of possible loss, such as quantification of a damage demand from plaintiffs, discovery from other parties and investigation of factual allegations, rulings by the court on motions or appeals, analysis by experts and the progress of settlement negotiations.  On a quarterly and annual basis, we review relevant information with respect to litigation contingencies and update our accruals, disclosures and estimates of reasonably possible losses or ranges of loss based on such reviews.  

 

On June 13, 2009, a single named plaintiff filed a putative national class action in the Circuit Court of Allen County (“Court”), Indiana, captioned Peter S. Bezich v. LNL, No. 02C01-0906-PL73, asserting he was charged a cost of insurance fee that exceeded the applicable mortality charge, and that this fee breached the terms of the insurance contract.  We dispute the allegations and are vigorously defending this matter.  Plaintiff petitioned the Court to certify a class action, on behalf of all persons who purchased or owned the relevant insurance product between 1999 and 2009, alleging that:  (i) LNL breached the contract by including non-mortality factors in cost of insurance rates; (ii) LNL breached the contract when it charged administrative expenses in excess of set amount; and (iii) LNL breached the contract by failing to adjust cost of insurance rates to reflect improving mortality expectations.  On June 12, 2014, the Court issued an Order denying certification on all of the Plaintiff’s counts and claims except with respect to a single legal issue:  whether the contract was breached as alleged in Count III.  However, any damages arising from this alleged breach would have to be tried on an individual case-by-case basis.  The appellate court granted permission for our interlocutory appeal of the Court’s certification of the single issue class.  The plaintiff has cross-appealed and both appeals are pending.

 

On July 23, 2012, LNL was added as a noteholder defendant to a putative class action adversary proceeding captioned Lehman Brothers Special Financing, Inc. v. Bank of America, N.A. et al., Adv. Pro. No. 10-03547 (JMP) and instituted under In re Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc. in the United States Bankruptcy Court in the Southern District of New York.  Plaintiff Lehman Brothers Special Financing Inc. seeks to (i) overturn the application of certain priority of payment provisions in 47 CDO transactions on the basis such provisions are unenforceable under the Bankruptcy Code; and (ii) recover funds paid out to noteholders in accordance with the note agreements.  We are vigorously defending this matter. 

 

Commitments

 

Operating Leases

 

We lease our home office properties.  In 2006, we exercised the right and option to extend the Fort Wayne lease for two extended terms such that the lease shall expire in 2019.  We retain our right and option to exercise the remaining four extended terms of five years each in accordance with the lease agreement.  These agreements also provide us with the right of first refusal to purchase the properties at a price defined in the agreements and the option to purchase the leased properties at fair market value on the last day of any renewal period.  In 2012, we exercised the right and option to extend the Hartford lease for one extended term such that the lease shall expire in 2018. 

50

 

 

Total rental expense on operating leases for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, was $38 million,  $37 million and $36 million, respectively.  Future minimum rental commitments (in millions) as of December 31, 2014, were as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2014

$
32 

 

2015

 
29 

 

2016

 
22 

 

2017

 
15 

 

2018

 
7 

 

Thereafter

 
2 

 

Total

$
107 

 

 

Capital Leases

 

In December 2014, we entered into a five-year, sale-leaseback transaction on $83 million (net of amortization) of assets, which we have classified as a capital lease on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.  These assets will continue to be amortized on a straight-line basis over the assets’ remaining lives.  Total accumulated amortization related to these leased assets was $55 million as of December 31, 2014.  As of December 31, 2013, we did not have any leased assets that met the criteria of a capital lease.  Future minimum lease payments under capital leases (in millions) as of December 31, 2014, were as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2015

$
1 

 

2016

 
1 

 

2017

 
1 

 

2018

 
1 

 

2019

 
86 

 

Total minimum lease payments

 
90 

 

Less: Amount representing interest

 
7 

 

Present value of minimum lease payments        

$
83 

 

 

Vulnerability from Concentrations

 

As of December 31, 2014, we did not have a concentration of:  business transactions with a particular customer or lender; sources of supply of labor or services used in the business; or a market or geographic area in which business is conducted that makes us vulnerable to an event that is at least reasonably possible to occur in the near term and which could cause a severe impact to our financial condition. 

 

Although we do not have any significant concentration of customers, our American Legacy Variable Annuity (“ALVA”) product offered in our Annuities segment is significant to this segment.  The ALVA product accounted for 20%,  17% and 19% of Annuities’ variable annuity product deposits in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and represented approximately 44%,  47% and 50% of the segment’s total variable annuity product account values as of December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  In addition, fund choices for certain of our other variable annuity products offered in our Annuities segment include American Fund Insurance SeriesSM (“AFIS”) funds.  For the Annuities segment, AFIS funds accounted for 22%, 19% and 21% of variable annuity product deposits in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and represented 50%,  54% and 58% of the segment’s total variable annuity product account values as of December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

 

Other Contingency Matters

 

State guaranty funds assess insurance companies to cover losses to contract holders of insolvent or rehabilitated companies.  Mandatory assessments may be partially recovered through a reduction in future premium taxes in some states.  We have accrued for expected assessments and the related reductions in future state premium taxes, which net to assessments (recoveries) of $(17) million and $(7) million as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

 

51

 

15.  Shares and Stockholder’s Equity

 

All authorized and issued shares of LNL are owned by LNC.

 

AOCI

 

The following summarizes the components and changes in AOCI (in millions):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Years Ended December 31,

 

 

2014

 

2013

 

2012

 

Unrealized Gain (Loss) on AFS Securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance as of beginning-of-year

$
1,521

 

$
3,876

 

$
2,805

 

Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the year

 
3,762

 

 
(5,569

)

 
2,631

 

Change in foreign currency exchange rate adjustment

 
(47

)

 
20

 

 
14

 

Change in DAC, VOBA, DSI, future contract benefits and other contract holder funds

 
(1,252

)

 
1,835

 

 
(1,233

)

Income tax benefit (expense)

 
(865

)

 
1,300

 

 
(459

)

Less:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reclassification adjustment for gains (losses) included in net income (loss)

 
14

 

 
(63

)

 
(181

)

Associated amortization of DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL

 
(32

)

 
(28

)

 
(1

)

Income tax benefit (expense)

 
6

 

 
32

 

 
64

 

Balance as of end-of-year

$
3,131

 

$
1,521

 

$
3,876

 

Unrealized OTTI on AFS Securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance as of beginning-of-year

$
(78

)

$
(105

)

$
(103

)

(Increases) attributable to:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross OTTI recognized in OCI during the year

 
(11

)

 
(11

)

 
(118

)

Change in DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL

 
1

 

 
1

 

 
15

 

Income tax benefit (expense)

 
3

 

 
4

 

 
35

 

Decreases attributable to:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sales, maturities or other settlements of AFS securities

 
44

 

 
58

 

 
118

 

Change in DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL

 
(6

)

 
(8

)

 
(17

)

Income tax benefit (expense)

 
(11

)

 
(17

)

 
(35

)

Balance as of end-of-year

$
(58

)

$
(78

)

$
(105

)

Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance as of beginning-of-year

$
5

 

$
101

 

$
132

 

Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the year

 
114

 

 
(150

)

 
(63

)

Change in foreign currency exchange rate adjustment

 
50

 

 
(19

)

 
(12

)

Change in DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL

 
2

 

 
5

 

 
14

 

Income tax benefit (expense)

 
(58

)

 
57

 

 
20

 

Less:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reclassification adjustment for gains (losses) included in net income (loss)

 
(22

)

 
(18

)

 
(18

)

Associated amortization of DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL

 
1

 

 
1

 

 
3

 

Income tax benefit (expense)

 
7

 

 
6

 

 
5

 

Balance as of end-of-year

$
127

 

$
5

 

$
101

 

Funded Status of Employee Benefit Plans

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance as of beginning-of-year

$
(18

)

$
(12

)

$
(14

)

Adjustment arising during the year

 
(5

)

 
(9

)

 
3

 

Income tax benefit (expense)

 
2

 

 
3

 

 
(1

)

Balance as of end-of-year

$
(21

)

$
(18

)

$
(12

)

 

52

 

The following summarizes the reclassifications out of AOCI (in millions) and the associated line item in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Years Ended

 

 

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2014

 

 

2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unrealized Gain (Loss) on AFS Securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross reclassification

$
14

 

 

$
(63

)

Total realized gain (loss)

Associated amortization of DAC,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

VOBA, DSI and DFEL

 
(32

)

 

 
(28

)

Total realized gain (loss)

Reclassification before income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

tax benefit (expense)

 
(18

)

 

 
(91

)

Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes

Income tax benefit (expense)

 
6

 

 

 
32

 

Federal income tax expense (benefit)

Reclassification, net of income tax

$
(12

)

 

$
(59

)

Net income (loss)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unrealized OTTI on AFS Securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross reclassification

$
44

 

 

$
58

 

Total realized gain (loss)

Change in DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL

 
(6

)

 

 
(8

)

Total realized gain (loss)

Reclassification before income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

tax benefit (expense)

 
38

 

 

 
50

 

Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes

Income tax benefit (expense)

 
(11

)

 

 
(17

)

Federal income tax expense (benefit)

Reclassification, net of income tax

$
27

 

 

$
33

 

Net income (loss)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross reclassifications:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest rate contracts

$
(22

)

 

$
(21

)

Net investment income

Foreign currency contracts

 

 -

 

 

 
3

 

Net investment income

Total gross reclassifications

 
(22

)

 

 
(18

)

 

Associated amortization of DAC,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

VOBA, DSI and DFEL

 
1

 

 

 
1

 

Commissions and other expenses

Reclassification before income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

tax benefit (expense)

 
(21

)

 

 
(17

)

Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes

Income tax benefit (expense)

 
7

 

 

 
6

 

Federal income tax expense (benefit)

Reclassification, net of income tax

$
(14

)

 

$
(11

)

Net income (loss)

 

 

 

53

 

16.  Realized Gain (Loss)

 

Details underlying realized gain (loss) (in millions) reported on our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) were as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Years Ended December 31,

 

 

2014

 

2013

 

2012

 

Total realized gain (loss) related to certain investments (1)

$
(13

)

$
(84

)

$
(164

)

Realized gain (loss) on the mark-to-market on certain instruments (2)

 
(250

)

 
308

 

 
138

 

Indexed annuity and IUL contracts net derivatives results: (3)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross gain (loss)

 
(35

)

 
(39

)

 
16

 

Associated amortization of DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL

 
6

 

 
9

 

 
(5

)

Variable annuity net derivatives results: (4)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross gain (loss)

 
(150

)

 
(104

)

 
(77

)

Associated amortization of DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL

 
(36

)

 
(33

)

 
(31

)

Realized gain (loss) on sale of subsidiaries/businesses (5)

 
(46

)

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

Total realized gain (loss)

$
(524

)

$
57

 

$
(123

)

 

(1)

See “Realized Gain (Loss) Related to Certain Investments” section in Note 6.

(2)

Represents changes in the fair values of certain derivative investments (not including those associated with our variable annuity net derivatives results), reinsurance related embedded derivatives and trading securities.

(3)

Represents the net difference between the change in the fair value of the S&P 500 call options that we hold and the change in the fair value of the embedded derivative liabilities of our indexed annuity and IUL products along with changes in the fair value of embedded derivative liabilities related to index call options we may purchase in the future to hedge contract holder index allocations applicable to future reset periods for our indexed annuity products.

(4)

Includes the net difference in the change in embedded derivative reserves of our GLB riders and the change in the fair value of the derivative instruments we own to hedge the change in embedded derivative reserves on our GLB riders and the benefit ratio unlocking on our GDB riders, including the cost of purchasing the hedging instruments. 

(5)

See LFM in Note 3.

 

17.  Commissions and Other Expenses

 

Details underlying commissions and other expenses (in millions) were as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Years Ended December 31,

 

 

2014

 

2013

 

2012

 

Commissions

$
2,100

 

$
1,980

 

$
1,972

 

General and administrative expenses

 
1,582

 

 
1,569

 

 
1,553

 

Expenses associated with reserve financing and unrelated LOCs

 
31

 

 
40

 

 
40

 

DAC and VOBA deferrals and interest, net of amortization

 
(454

)

 
(656

)

 
(300

)

Broker-dealer expenses

 
302

 

 
288

 

 
243

 

Specifically identifiable intangible asset amortization

 
4

 

 
4

 

 
4

 

Media expenses

 
60

 

 
62

 

 
66

 

Taxes, licenses and fees

 
251

 

 
239

 

 
244

 

Restructuring charges

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 
16

 

Total

$
3,876

 

$
3,526

 

$
3,838

 

 

 

18.  Pension, Postretirement Health Care and Life Insurance Benefit Plans

 

LNC and LNL maintain qualified funded defined benefit pension plans in which many of our employees and agents are participants.  LNC and LNL also maintain non-qualified, unfunded defined benefit pension plans for certain employees and agents.  In addition, for certain former employees we have supplemental retirement plans that provide defined benefit pension benefits in excess of limits imposed by federal tax law.  All of our defined benefit pension plans are frozen and there are no new participants and no future accruals of benefits from the date of the freeze.

 

LNC and LNL also sponsor a voluntary employees’ beneficiary association (“VEBA”) trust that provides postretirement medical, dental and life insurance benefits to retired full-time employees and agents who, depending on the plan, have worked for us for at least 10 years and attained age 55 (age 60 for agents).  VEBAs are a special type of tax-exempt trust used to provide benefits that are subject to preferential tax treatment under the Internal Revenue Code.  Medical and dental benefits are available to spouses and other eligible dependents of retired employees and agents.  Retirees may be required to contribute toward the cost of these benefits.  Eligibility and the amount of required contribution for these benefits varies based upon a variety of factors including years of service and year of retirement.

 

54

 

Obligations, Funded Status and Assumptions

 

Information (in millions) with respect to our benefit plans’ assets and obligations was as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As of or For the Years Ended December 31,

 

 

2014

 

2013

 

2014

 

2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other

 

 

Pension Benefits

 

Postretirement Benefits

 

Change in Plan Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fair value as of beginning-of-year

$
127

 

$
145

 

$
6

 

$
5

 

Actual return on plan assets

 
16

 

 
(9

)

 

 -

 

 
1

 

Company and participant contributions

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 
3

 

 
3

 

Benefits paid

 
(10

)

 
(9

)

 
(3

)

 
(3

)

Fair value as of end-of-year

 
133

 

 
127

 

 
6

 

 
6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Change in Benefit Obligation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance as of beginning-of-year

 
115

 

 
126

 

 
15

 

 
17

 

Interest cost

 
6

 

 
5

 

 
1

 

 
1

 

Company and participant contributions

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 
1

 

 
1

 

Amendments

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 
(1

)

Actuarial (gains) losses

 
16

 

 
(7

)

 
2

 

 
(1

)

Benefits paid

 
(10

)

 
(9

)

 
(3

)

 
(2

)

Balance as of end-of-year

 
127

 

 
115

 

 
16

 

 
15

 

Funded status of the plans

$
6

 

$
12

 

$
(10

)

$
(9

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amounts Recognized on the

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other assets

$
9

 

$
14

 

$

 -

 

$

 -

 

Other liabilities

 
(3

)

 
(2

)

 
(10

)

 
(9

)

Net amount recognized

$
6

 

$
12

 

$
(10

)

$
(9

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amounts Recognized in

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AOCI, Net of Tax

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net (gain) loss

$
22

 

$
20

 

$

 -

 

$
(1

)

Prior service credit

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 
(1

)

Net amount recognized

$
22

 

$
20

 

$

 -

 

$
(2

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rate of Increase in Compensation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Retiree Life Insurance Plan

 

N/A

 

 

N/A

 

 
4.00%

 

 
4.00%

 

All other plans

 

N/A

 

 

N/A

 

 

N/A

 

 

N/A

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted-Average Assumptions

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Benefit obligations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted-average discount rate

 
4.00%

 

 
4.50%

 

 
4.00%

 

 
4.50%

 

Net periodic benefit cost:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted-average discount rate

 
4.50%

 

 
3.93%

 

 
4.50%

 

 
4.03%

 

Expected return on plan assets

 
5.00%

 

 
6.50%

 

 
6.50%

 

 
6.50%

 

 

(1)

Amounts for our U.S. pension plans represent general and administrative expenses.

 

Consistent with our benefit plans’ year end, we use December 31 as the measurement date.

 

The expected return on plan assets was determined based on historical and expected future returns of the various asset categories, using the plans’ target plan allocation.  We reevaluate this assumption each plan year.  For 2015, our expected return on plan assets will be 5.00% for our pension plans. 

 

The discount rate was determined based on a corporate yield curve as of December 31, 2014, and projected benefit obligation cash flows for the pension plans.  We reevaluate this assumption each plan year.  For 2015, our discount rate will be 4.00% for our pension plans. 

 

In October 2014, the Society of Actuaries published updated mortality tables that were incorporated into our assumptions, resulting in an increase in our pension plans benefit obligation of $7 million, pre-tax.

 

55

 

The calculation of the accumulated other postretirement benefit obligation assumes a weighted-average annual rate of increase in the per capita cost of covered benefits (i.e., health care cost trend rate) as follows: 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As of or For the

 

 

Years Ended December 31,

 

 

2014

 

2013

 

2012

 

Pre-65 health care cost trend rate
8.00% 

 
7.50% 

 
8.00% 

 

Post-65 health care cost trend rate
6.25% 

 
7.50% 

 
8.00% 

 

Ultimate trend rate
4.50% 

 
4.50% 

 
4.50% 

 

Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate
2022 

 
2020 

 
2020 

 

 

We expect the health care cost trend rate for 2015 to be 8.00% for the pre-65 population and 6.25% for the post-65 population.  A one percent increase in assumed health care cost trend rates would have increased the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation by $1 million and total service and interest cost components by less than $1 million.  A one percent decrease in assumed health care cost trend rates would have decreased the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation by $1 million and total service and interest cost components by less than $1 million.

 

Information for our pension plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets (in millions) was as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As of December 31,

 

 

2014

 

2013

 

Accumulated benefit obligation

$
2 

 

$
2 

 

Projected benefit obligation

 
2 

 

 
2 

 

Fair value of plan assets

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost

 

The components of net periodic benefit cost (in millions) for our pension and other postretirement plans were as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Years Ended December 31,

 

 

2014

 

2013

 

2012

 

2014

 

2013

 

2012

 

 

Pension Benefits

 

Other Postretirement Benefits

 

Interest cost

$
6

 

$
5

 

$
5

 

$
1

 

$
1

 

$
1

 

Expected return on plan assets

 
(6

)

 
(9

)

 
(9

)

 
(1

)

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

Recognized net actuarial loss (gain)

 
3

 

 
1

 

 
1

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

Recognized actuarial gain due

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

to curtailments

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 
(1

)

 

 -

 

Net periodic benefit cost (recovery)

$
3

 

$
(3

)

$
(3

)

$

 -

 

$

 -

 

$
1

 

 

We expect our 2015 pension plans’ net periodic benefit cost to be approximately $3 million. 

 

For 2015, the estimated amount of amortization from AOCI into net periodic benefit cost related to net actuarial loss or gain is expected to be a  $4 million loss for our pension plans and less than  a $1 million loss for our other postretirement plans.

 

Plan Assets

 

Our pension plans’ asset target allocations by asset category based on estimated fair values were as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Years Ended

 

 

December 31,

 

 

2014

 

2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturity securities
100% 

 
100% 

 

 

The investment objectives for the assets related to our pension plans are to:

 

·

Maintain sufficient liquidity to pay obligations of the plans as they come due;

·

Minimize the effect of a single investment loss and large losses to the plans through prudent risk/reward diversification consistent with sound fiduciary standards;

·

Maintain an appropriate asset allocation policy;

·

Earn a return commensurate with the level of risk assumed through the asset allocation policy; and

·

Control costs of administering and managing the plans’ investment operations.

56

 

Investments can be made in various asset classes and styles, including, but not limited to: domestic and international equity, fixed-income securities, derivatives and other asset classes the investment managers deem prudent.  Our plans follow a strategic asset allocation policy that strives to systemically increase the percentage of assets in liability-matching fixed-income investments as funding levels increase.

 

Our pension plans’ assets have been combined into a master retirement trust where a variety of qualified managers, including manager of managers, are expected to have returns that exceed the median of similar funds over three-year periods, above an appropriate index over five-year periods and meet real return standards over ten-year periods.  Managers are monitored for adherence to approved investment policy guidelines and managers not meeting these criteria are subject to additional due diligence review, corrective action or possible termination.

 

Fair Value of Plan Assets

 

See “Fair Value Measurement” in Note 1 for discussion of how we categorize our pension plans’ assets into the three-level fair value hierarchy.  See “Financial Instruments Carried at Fair Value” in Note 22 for a summary of our fair value measurements of our pension plans’ assets by the three-level fair value hierarchy. 

 

The following summarizes our fair value measurements of benefit plans’ assets (in millions) on a recurring basis by asset category:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As of December 31,

 

 

2014

 

2013

 

2014

 

2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other

 

 

Pension Plans

 

Postretirement Benefits

 

Fixed maturity securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate bonds

$
30 

 

$
86 

 

$

 -

 

$

 -

 

U.S. government bonds

 
99 

 

 
31 

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

State and municipal bonds

 

 -

 

 
9 

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

Cash and invested cash

 
4 

 

 
1 

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

Other investments

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 
6 

 

 
6 

 

Total

$
133 

 

$
127 

 

$
6 

 

$
6 

 

 

Valuation Methodologies and Associated Inputs for Pension Plans’ Assets

 

The fair value measurements of our pension plans’ assets are 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 security, and the valuation methodology is consistently applied to measure the security’s fair value.  The fair value measurement is based on a market approach, which utilizes prices and other relevant information generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable securities.  Sources of inputs to the market approach include third-party pricing services, independent broker quotations or pricing matrices.  Both observable and unobservable inputs are used in the valuation methodologies.  Observable inputs include benchmark yields, reported trades, broker 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 broker-quoted only securities, quotes from market makers or broker dealers are obtained from sources recognized to be market participants.  In order to validate the pricing information and broker quotes, procedures are employed, where possible, that include comparisons with similar observable positions, comparisons with subsequent sales, discussions with brokers and observations of general market movements for those security classes.  For those securities trading in less liquid or illiquid markets with limited or no pricing information, unobservable inputs are used in order to measure the fair value of these securities.  In cases where this information is not available, such as for privately placed securities, fair value is estimated using an internal pricing matrix.  This matrix relies on judgment concerning the discount rate used in calculating expected future cash flows, credit quality, industry sector performance and expected maturity.

 

Prices received from third parties are not adjusted; however, the third-party pricing services’ valuation methodologies and related inputs are evaluated and additional evaluation is performed to determine the appropriate level within the fair value hierarchy.

 

The observable and unobservable inputs to the valuation methodologies are based on general standard inputs.  The standard inputs used in order of priority are benchmark yields, reported trades, broker quotes, issuer spreads, two-sided markets, benchmark securities, bids, offers and reference data.  Depending on the type of security or the daily market activity, standard inputs may be prioritized differently or may not be available for all securities on any given day. 

 

Cash and invested cash is carried at cost, which approximates fair value.  This category includes highly liquid debt instruments purchased with a maturity of three months or less.  Due to the nature of these assets, we believe these assets should be classified as Level 2.

 

57

 

Plan Cash Flows

 

It is our practice to make contributions to our qualified pension plans to comply with minimum funding requirements of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended and with guidance issued there under.  We do not expect to be required to make any contributions to these plans in 2015.

 

For our nonqualified pension and other postretirement benefit plans, we fund benefits as they become due to retirees.  The amount expected to be contributed to the plans during 2015 is less than $1 million and $2 million, respectively.

 

We expect the following benefit payments (in millions):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Defined

 

Other

 

 

Benefit

 

Post-

 

 

Pension

 

retirement

 

 

Plans

 

Plans

 

2015

$
12 

 

$
2 

 

2016

 
10 

 

 
2 

 

2017

 
10 

 

 
1 

 

2018

 
9 

 

 
1 

 

2019

 
9 

 

 
1 

 

Following five years thereafter

 
42 

 

 
5 

 

 

 

19.  Defined Contribution and Deferred Compensation Plans

 

Defined Contribution Plans

 

LNC and LNL sponsor defined contribution plans, which include 401(k) and money purchase plans, for eligible employees and agents.  We make contributions and matching contributions to each of the active plans in accordance with the plan documents and various limitations under Section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.  For the years ended December 31, 2014,  2013 and 2012, expenses for these plans were $75 million, $70 million and $68 million, respectively. 

 

Deferred Compensation Plans

 

LNC and LNL sponsor six separate non-qualified, unfunded, deferred compensation plans for employees, agents and non-employee directors.

 

The results for certain investment options within the plans are hedged by total return swaps.  Participants’ account values change due primarily to investment earnings driven by market fluctuations.  Our expenses increase or decrease in direct proportion to the change in market value of the participants’ investment options.  Participants are able to select our stock as an investment option; however, it is not hedged by the total return swaps and is a primary source of expense volatility related to these plans.  For further discussion of total return swaps related to our deferred compensation plans, see Note 7.

 

Information (in millions) with respect to these plans was as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As of December 31,

 

 

 

 

 

2014

 

2013

 

 

 

 

Total liabilities (1)

$
423 

 

$
398 

 

 

 

 

Investments held to fund liabilities (2)

 
160 

 

 
166 

 

 

 

 

 

(1)

Reported in other liabilities on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

(2)

Reported in other assets on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

 

Deferred Compensation Plan for Employees

 

Participants may elect to defer a portion of their compensation as defined by the plan.  Participants may select from prescribed “phantom” investment options that are used as measures for calculating the returns that are notionally credited to their accounts.  Under the terms of the plan, we agree to pay out amounts based upon the aggregate performance of the investment measures selected by the participants.  We make matching contributions based upon amounts placed into the plan by individuals after participants have exceeded

58

 

applicable limits of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to 401(k) plans.  The amount of our contribution is calculated in accordance with the plan document.  Expenses (in millions) for this plan were as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Years Ended December 31,

 

 

2014

 

2013

 

2012

 

Company matching contributions

$
10 

 

$
9 

 

$
7 

 

Increase (decrease) in measurement of

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

liabilities, net of total return swap

 
5 

 

 
11 

 

 
11 

 

Total

$
15 

 

$
20 

 

$
18 

 

 

Deferred Compensation Plans for Agents

 

We sponsor three deferred compensation plans for certain eligible agents.  Participants may elect to defer a portion of their compensation as defined by the respective plan.  Participants may select from prescribed “phantom” investment options that are used as measures for calculating the returns that are notionally credited to their accounts.  Under the terms of these plans, we agree to pay out amounts based upon the aggregate performance of the investment measures selected by the participants.  We make matching contributions based upon amounts placed into the plans by individuals after participants have exceeded applicable limits of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to 401(k) plans.  The amounts of our contributions are calculated in accordance with the plans’ documents.  Expenses (in millions) for these plans were as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Years Ended December 31,

 

 

2014

 

2013

 

2012

 

Company matching contributions

$
2 

 

$
1 

 

$
1 

 

Increase (decrease) in measurement of

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

liabilities, net of total return swap

 
2 

 

 
4 

 

 
5 

 

Total

$
4 

 

$
5 

 

$
6 

 

 

Deferred Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors of LNC

 

Non-employee directors may defer a portion of their annual cash retainers as defined by the plan.  They also receive a portion of their retainer in the form of deferred stock units, which we credit quarterly in arrears to their accounts.  The prescribed “phantom” investment options are identical to those offered in the employees’ deferred compensation plan.  For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, expenses (income) for this plan were less than $(1) million, less than $1 million and $2 million, respectively. 

 

Deferred Compensation Plan for Former JP Agents

 

Eligible former agents of JP may defer a portion of their commissions and bonuses as defined by the plan.  Participants may select from “phantom” investment options that are used as measures for calculating the returns that are notionally credited to their accounts.  For the years ended December 31, 2014,  2013 and 2012, expenses for this plan were $2 million, $2 million and $3 million, respectively.

 

20.  Stock-Based Incentive Compensation Plans

 

Our employees and agents are included in LNC’s various incentive plans that provide for the issuance of stock options, performance shares (performance-vested shares as opposed to time-vested shares), stock appreciation rights (“SARs”) and restricted stock units (“RSUs”).  LNC issues new shares to satisfy option exercises.

 

Total compensation expense (in millions) for all of our stock-based incentive plans was as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Years Ended December 31,

 

 

2014

 

2013

 

2012

 

Stock options

$
9 

 

$
8 

 

$
8 

 

Performance shares

 
12 

 

 
10 

 

 
5 

 

SARs

 
2 

 

 
5 

 

 
1 

 

RSUs and nonvested stock

 
15 

 

 
15 

 

 
17 

 

Total

$
38 

 

$
38 

 

$
31 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Recognized tax benefit

$
13 

 

$
13 

 

$
11 

 

 

 

 

 

 

59

 

21.  Statutory Information and Restrictions

 

We prepare financial statements in accordance with statutory accounting principles (“SAP”) prescribed or permitted by the insurance departments of our states of domicile, which may vary materially from GAAP.

 

Prescribed SAP includes the Accounting Practices and Procedures Manual of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (“NAIC”) as well as state laws, regulations and administrative rules.  Permitted SAP encompasses all accounting practices not so prescribed.  The principal differences between statutory financial statements and financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP are that statutory financial statements do not reflect DAC, some bond portfolios may be carried at amortized cost, assets and liabilities are presented net of reinsurance, contract holder liabilities are generally valued using more conservative assumptions and certain assets are non-admitted.

 

We are subject to the applicable laws and regulations of our states of domicile.  Changes in these laws and regulations could change capital levels or capital requirements for the Company.

 

Statutory capital and surplus, net gain (loss) from operations, after-tax, net income (loss) and dividends to the LNC holding company amounts (in millions) below consist of all or a combination of the following entities:  LNL, Lincoln Reinsurance Company of South Carolina, LLANY, Lincoln Reinsurance Company of Vermont I, LRCVII, Lincoln Reinsurance Company of Vermont III, Lincoln Reinsurance Company of Vermont IV and Lincoln Reinsurance Company of Vermont V.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As of December 31,

 

 

2014

 

2013

 

U.S. capital and surplus

$
7,991 

 

$
7,248 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Years Ended December 31,

 

 

2014

 

2013

 

2012

 

U.S. net gain (loss) from operations, after-tax

$
1,170 

 

$
425 

 

$
649 

 

U.S. net income (loss)

 
1,401 

 

 
495 

 

 
600 

 

U.S. dividends to LNC holding company

 
705 

 

 
640 

 

 
605 

 

 

The increase in statutory net income (loss) when comparing 2014 to 2013 was due primarily to the recapture of certain traditional and interest sensitive business under several yearly renewable term reinsurance treaties that were originally ceded to a reinsurer, a change in estimate on reserves for certain products and a lower effective tax rate due to the use of tax credit carryforwards. 

 

The decrease in statutory net income (loss) when comparing 2013 to 2012 was due primarily to the effects of reserve financing transactions in 2013.

 

Our states of domicile, Indiana for LNL and New York for LLANY,  have adopted certain prescribed accounting practices that differ from those found in NAIC SAP.  These prescribed practices are the use of continuous Commissioners Annuity Reserve Valuation Method (“CARVM”) in the calculation of reserves as prescribed by the state of New York, the calculation of reserves on universal life policies based on the Indiana universal life method as prescribed by the state of Indiana for policies issued before January 1, 2006, and the use of a more conservative valuation interest rate on certain annuities prescribed by the states of Indiana and New York.  The Vermont insurance subsidiaries also have an accounting practice permitted by the state of Vermont that differs from that found in NAIC SAP.  Specifically, the permitted practice involves accounting for the lesser of the face amount of all amounts outstanding under an LOC and the value of the Valuation of Life Insurance Policies Model Regulation (“XXX”) additional statutory reserves as an admitted asset and a form of surplus as of December 31, 2014 and 2013.

 

The favorable (unfavorable) effects on statutory surplus compared to NAIC statutory surplus from the use of these prescribed and permitted practices (in millions) were as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As of December 31,

 

 

2014

 

2013

 

Calculation of reserves using the Indiana universal life method

$
140

 

$
219

 

Calculation of reserves using continuous CARVM

 
(1

)

 
(2

)

Conservative valuation rate on certain annuities

 
(39

)

 
(30

)

Lesser of LOC and XXX additional reserve as surplus

 
2,751

 

 
2,635

 

 

During the third quarter of 2013, the New York State Department of Financial Services (“NYDFS”) announced that it would not recognize the NAIC revisions to Actuarial Guideline 38 in applying the New York law governing the reserves to be held for UL and VUL products containing secondary guarantees.  The change, effective December 31, 2013, impacts our New York-domiciled insurance subsidiary, LLANY.  LLANY discontinued the sale of these products in early 2013, but the change affects those policies sold prior to that time.  We  began phasing in the increase in reserves over five years beginning in 2013.  As of December 31, 2014, we have increased

60

 

reserves by $180 million.  The additional increase in reserves over the next three years is subject to ongoing discussions with the NYDFS.  However, we do not expect the amount for each of the remaining years to exceed $90 million per year.

 

The NAIC has adopted risk-based capital (“RBC”) requirements for life insurance companies to evaluate the adequacy of statutory capital and surplus in relation to investment and insurance risks.  The requirements provide a means of measuring the minimum amount of statutory surplus appropriate for an insurance company to support its overall business operations based on its size and risk profile.  Under RBC requirements, regulatory compliance is determined by the ratio of a company’s total adjusted capital, as defined by the NAIC, to its company action level of RBC (known as the “RBC ratio”), also as defined by the NAIC.  The company action level may be triggered if the RBC ratio is between 75% and 100%, which would require the insurer to submit a plan to the regulator detailing corrective action it proposes to undertake.  As of December 31, 2014, the Company’s RBC ratio was approximately five times the aforementioned company action level.

 

We are subject to certain insurance department regulatory restrictions as to the transfer of funds and payment of dividends to the holding company.  Under Indiana laws and regulations, LNL may pay dividends to LNC without prior approval of the Commissioner, only from unassigned surplus and must receive prior approval of the Commissioner to pay a dividend if such dividend, along with all other dividends paid within the preceding 12 consecutive months, would exceed the statutory limitation.  The current statutory limitation is the greater of 10% of the insurer’s contract holders’ surplus, as shown on its last annual statement on file with the Commissioner or the insurer’s statutory net gain from operations for the previous 12 months, but in no event to exceed statutory unassigned surplus.  Indiana law gives the Commissioner broad discretion to disapprove requests for dividends in excess of these limits.  LNL’s subsidiary, LLANY, a New York domiciled insurance company, has similar restrictions, except that in New York it is the lesser of 10% of surplus to contract holders as of the immediately preceding calendar year or net gain from operations for the immediately preceding calendar year, not including realized capital gains.  We expect that we could pay dividends of approximately $1.3 billion in 2015 without prior approval from the respective state commissioner.

 

All payments of principal and interest on surplus notes must be approved by the respective Commissioner of Insurance.

 

 

 

61

 

22.  Fair Value of Financial Instruments

 

The carrying values and estimated fair values of our financial instruments (in millions) were as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2014

 

As of December 31, 2013

 

 

Carrying

 

Fair

 

Carrying

 

Fair

 

 

Value

 

Value

 

Value

 

Value

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AFS securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturity securities

$
85,421

 

$
85,421

 

$
79,178

 

$
79,178

 

VIEs’ fixed maturity securities

 
598

 

 
598

 

 
697

 

 
697

 

Equity securities

 
231

 

 
231

 

 
201

 

 
201

 

Trading securities

 
1,966

 

 
1,966

 

 
2,190

 

 
2,190

 

Mortgage loans on real estate

 
7,387

 

 
7,838

 

 
7,029

 

 
7,193

 

Derivative investments (1)

 
1,763

 

 
1,763

 

 
617

 

 
617

 

Other investments

 
1,551

 

 
1,551

 

 
1,208

 

 
1,208

 

Cash and invested cash

 
3,224

 

 
3,224

 

 
630

 

 
630

 

Reinsurance related embedded derivatives

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 
159

 

 
159

 

Other assets: 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reinsurance recoverable

 
174

 

 
174

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

GLB reserves embedded derivatives (2)

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 
1,244

 

 
1,244

 

Separate account assets

 
125,265

 

 
125,265

 

 
117,135

 

 
117,135

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Future contract benefits – indexed annuity and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

IUL contracts embedded derivatives

 
(1,170

)

 
(1,170

)

 
(1,048

)

 
(1,048

)

Other contract holder funds:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Remaining guaranteed interest and similar contracts

 
(699

)

 
(699

)

 
(809

)

 
(809

)

Account values of certain investment contracts

 
(27,779

)

 
(31,493

)

 
(29,024

)

 
(30,514

)

Short-term debt

 
(2

)

 
(2

)

 
(51

)

 
(51

)

Long-term debt

 
(2,662

)

 
(3,047

)

 
(2,600

)

 
(2,634

)

Reinsurance related embedded derivatives

 
(109

)

 
(109

)

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

VIEs’ liabilities – derivative instruments

 
(13

)

 
(13

)

 
(27

)

 
(27

)

Other liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Credit default swaps

 
(3

)

 
(3

)

 
(2

)

 
(2

)

Derivative liabilities (1)

 
(277

)

 
(277

)

 
(386

)

 
(386

)

GLB reserves embedded derivatives (2)

 
(174

)

 
(174

)

 
(1,244

)

 
(1,244

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Benefit Plans' Assets (3)

 
139

 

 
139

 

 
133

 

 
133

 

 

(1)

We have master netting agreements with each of our derivative counterparties, which allow for the netting of our derivative asset and liability positions by counterparty.

(2)

Portions of our GLB reserves embedded derivatives are ceded to third-party reinsurance counterparties.  Refer to Note 7 for additional detail.   

(3)

Included in the funded statuses of the benefit plans, which is reported in other liabilities on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.  Refer to Note 18 for additional detail.

 

Valuation Methodologies and Associated Inputs for Financial Instruments Not Carried at Fair Value

 

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

 

Mortgage Loans on Real Estate

 

The fair value of mortgage loans on real estate is established using a discounted cash flow method based on credit rating, maturity and future income.  The ratings for mortgages in good standing are based on property type, location, market conditions, occupancy, debt-service coverage, loan-to-value, quality of tenancy, borrower and payment record.  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

62

 

the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent.  The inputs used to measure the fair value of our mortgage loans on real estate are classified as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

 

Other Investments

 

The carrying value of our assets classified as other 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.  The inputs used to measure the fair value of our LPs and other privately held investments are classified as Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy.  Other investments also includes securities that are not LPs or other privately held investments and the inputs used to measure the fair  value of these securities are classified as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy.

 

Other Contract Holder Funds

 

Other contract holder funds include remaining guaranteed interest and similar contracts and account values of certain investment contracts.  The fair value for the remaining guaranteed interest and similar contracts is estimated using discounted cash flow calculations as of the balance sheet date.  These calculations are based on interest rates currently offered on similar contracts with maturities that are consistent with those remaining for the contracts being valued.  As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the remaining guaranteed interest and similar contracts carrying value approximated fair value.  The fair value of the account values of certain investment contracts is based on their approximate surrender value as of the balance sheet date.  The inputs used to measure the fair value of our other contract holder funds are classified as Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy.

 

Short-Term and Long-Term Debt    

 

The fair value of long-term debt is based on quoted market prices.  For short-term debt, excluding current maturities of long-term debt, the carrying value approximates fair value.  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.   

 

Financial Instruments Carried at Fair Value

 

We did not have any assets or liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis as of December 31, 2014 or 2013, and we noted no changes in our valuation methodologies between these periods.

 

63

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2014

 

 

 

Quoted

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prices

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

in Active

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Markets for

Significant

Significant

 

 

 

 

 

 

Identical

 

Observable

Unobservable

 

Total

 

 

 

Assets

 

 

Inputs

 

 

Inputs

 

 

Fair

 

 

 

(Level 1)

 

 

(Level 2)

 

 

(Level 3)

 

 

Value

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturity AFS securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate bonds

 

$
63

 

 

$
68,940

 

 

$
4,052

 

 

$
73,055

 

ABS

 

 

 -

 

 

 
1,045

 

 

 
33

 

 

 
1,078

 

U.S. government bonds

 

 
354

 

 

 
36

 

 

 

 -

 

 

 
390

 

Foreign government bonds

 

 

 -

 

 

 
426

 

 

 
110

 

 

 
536

 

RMBS

 

 

 -

 

 

 
4,032

 

 

 
1

 

 

 
4,033

 

CMBS

 

 

 -

 

 

 
532

 

 

 
15

 

 

 
547

 

CLOs

 

 

 -

 

 

 
7

 

 

 
368

 

 

 
375

 

State and municipal bonds

 

 

 -

 

 

 
4,479

 

 

 

 -

 

 

 
4,479

 

Hybrid and redeemable preferred securities

 

 
44

 

 

 
829

 

 

 
55

 

 

 
928

 

VIEs’ fixed maturity securities

 

 

 -

 

 

 
598

 

 

 

 -

 

 

 
598

 

Equity AFS securities

 

 
7

 

 

 
67

 

 

 
157

 

 

 
231

 

Trading securities

 

 

 -

 

 

 
1,893

 

 

 
73

 

 

 
1,966

 

Other investments

 

 
150

 

 

 

 -

 

 

 

 -

 

 

 
150

 

Derivative investments (1)

 

 

 -

 

 

 
1,059

 

 

 
1,232

 

 

 
2,291

 

Cash and invested cash

 

 

 -

 

 

 
3,224

 

 

 

 -

 

 

 
3,224

 

Other assets – reinsurance recoverable

 

 

 -

 

 

 

 -

 

 

 
174

 

 

 
174

 

Separate account assets

 

 
1,539

 

 

 
123,726

 

 

 

 -

 

 

 
125,265

 

Total assets

 

$
2,157

 

 

$
210,893

 

 

$
6,270

 

 

$
219,320

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Future contract benefits – indexed annuity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

and IUL contracts embedded derivatives

 

$

 -

 

 

$

 -

 

 

$
(1,170

)

 

$
(1,170

)

Reinsurance related embedded derivatives

 

 

 -

 

 

 
(109

)

 

 

 -

 

 

 
(109

)

VIEs’ liabilities – derivative instruments

 

 

 -

 

 

 

 -

 

 

 
(13

)

 

 
(13

)

Other liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Credit default swaps

 

 

 -

 

 

 

 -

 

 

 
(3

)

 

 
(3

)

Derivative liabilities (1)

 

 

 -

 

 

 
(562

)

 

 
(243

)

 

 
(805

)

GLB reserves embedded derivatives

 

 

 -

 

 

 

 -

 

 

 
(174

)

 

 
(174

)

Total liabilities

 

$

 -

 

 

$
(671

)

 

$
(1,603

)

 

$
(2,274

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Benefit Plans' Assets

 

$

 -

 

 

$
139

 

 

$

 -

 

 

$
139

 

 

 

 

 

 

64

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2013

 

 

 

Quoted

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prices

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

in Active

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Markets for

Significant

Significant

 

 

 

 

 

 

Identical

 

Observable

Unobservable

 

Total

 

 

 

Assets

 

 

Inputs

 

 

Inputs

 

 

Fair

 

 

 

(Level 1)

 

 

(Level 2)

 

 

(Level 3)

 

 

Value

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturity AFS securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate bonds

 

$
60

 

 

$
64,322

 

 

$
2,912

 

 

$
67,294

 

ABS

 

 

 -

 

 

 
1,099

 

 

 
48

 

 

 
1,147

 

U.S. government bonds

 

 
304

 

 

 
21

 

 

 

 -

 

 

 
325

 

Foreign government bonds

 

 

 -

 

 

 
464

 

 

 
78

 

 

 
542

 

RMBS

 

 

 -

 

 

 
4,143

 

 

 
1

 

 

 
4,144

 

CMBS

 

 

 -

 

 

 
678

 

 

 
20

 

 

 
698

 

CLOs

 

 

 -

 

 

 
47

 

 

 
178

 

 

 
225

 

State and municipal bonds

 

 

 -

 

 

 
3,796

 

 

 
28

 

 

 
3,824

 

Hybrid and redeemable preferred securities

 

 
39

 

 

 
874

 

 

 
66

 

 

 
979

 

VIEs’ fixed maturity securities

 

 
102

 

 

 
595

 

 

 

 -

 

 

 
697

 

Equity AFS securities

 

 
3

 

 

 
37

 

 

 
161

 

 

 
201

 

Trading securities

 

 

 -

 

 

 
2,137

 

 

 
53

 

 

 
2,190

 

Derivative investments (1)

 

 

 -

 

 

 
244

 

 

 
1,118

 

 

 
1,362

 

Cash and invested cash

 

 

 -

 

 

 
630

 

 

 

 -

 

 

 
630

 

Reinsurance related embedded derivatives

 

 

 -

 

 

 
159

 

 

 

 -

 

 

 
159

 

Other assets – GLB reserves embedded

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

derivatives

 

 

 -

 

 

 

 -

 

 

 
1,244

 

 

 
1,244

 

Separate account assets

 

 
1,766

 

 

 
115,369

 

 

 

 -

 

 

 
117,135

 

Total assets

 

$
2,274

 

 

$
194,615

 

 

$
5,907

 

 

$
202,796

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Future contract benefits – indexed annuity and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

IUL contracts embedded derivatives

 

$

 -

 

 

$

 -

 

 

$
(1,048

)

 

$
(1,048

)

VIEs’ liabilities – derivative instruments

 

 

 -

 

 

 

 -

 

 

 
(27

)

 

 
(27

)

Other liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Credit default swaps

 

 

 -

 

 

 

 -

 

 

 
(2

)

 

 
(2

)

Derivative liabilities (1)

 

 

 -

 

 

 
(879

)

 

 
(252

)

 

 
(1,131

)

GLB reserves embedded derivatives

 

 

 -

 

 

 

 -

 

 

 
(1,244

)

 

 
(1,244

)

Total liabilities

 

$

 -

 

 

$
(879

)

 

$
(2,573

)

 

$
(3,452

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Benefit Plans' Assets

 

$

 -

 

 

$
133

 

 

$

 -

 

 

$
133

 

 

(1)

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

65

 

The following summarizes changes to our financial instruments carried at fair value (in millions) and classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.  This summary excludes any effect of amortization of DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL.  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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchases,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gains

Issuances,

Transfers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Items

 

(Losses)

Sales,

Into or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Included

 

in

Maturities,

Out

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning

 

in

 

OCI

Settlements,

of

 

Ending

 

 

Fair

 

Net

 

and

 

Calls,

 

Level 3,

 

Fair

 

 

Value

 

Income

 

Other (1)

 

Net

 

Net (2)(3)

 

Value

 

Investments: (4)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturity AFS securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate bonds

$
2,951

 

$
8

 

$
28

 

$
1,039

 

$
26

 

$
4,052

 

ABS

 
9

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 
24

 

 
33

 

Foreign government bonds

 
78

 

 

 -

 

 
7

 

 

 -

 

 
25

 

 
110

 

RMBS

 
1

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 
1

 

CMBS

 
20

 

 

 -

 

 
2

 

 
(13

)

 
6

 

 
15

 

CLOs

 
178

 

 

 -

 

 
6

 

 
134

 

 
50

 

 
368

 

State and municipal bonds

 
28

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 
(28

)

 

 -

 

Hybrid and redeemable

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

preferred securities

 
66

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 
(5

)

 
(6

)

 
55

 

Equity AFS securities

 
161

 

 
4

 

 
(3

)

 
(5

)

 

 -

 

 
157

 

Trading securities

 
53

 

 
3

 

 
7

 

 
10

 

 

 -

 

 
73

 

Derivative investments

 
866

 

 
72

 

 
357

 

 
(280

)

 
(26

)

 
989

 

Other assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GLB reserves embedded derivatives

 
1,244

 

 
(1,264

)

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 
20

 

 

 -

 

Reinsurance recoverable

 

 -

 

 
174

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 

 

 
174

 

Future contract benefits – indexed

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

annuity and IUL contracts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

embedded derivatives (5)

 
(1,048

)

 
(210

)

 

 -

 

 
88

 

 

 -

 

 
(1,170

)

VIEs’ liabilities – derivative instruments (6)

 
(27

)

 
14

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 
(13

)

Other liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Credit default swaps (7)

 
(2

)

 
(1

)

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 
(3

)

GLB reserves embedded derivatives (5)

 
(1,244

)

 
1,090

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 
(20

)

 
(174

)

Total, net

$
3,334

 

$
(110

)

$
404

 

$
968

 

$
71

 

$
4,667

 

 

66

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Year Ended December 31, 2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchases,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gains

Issuances,

Transfers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Items

 

(Losses)

Sales,

Into or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Included

 

in

Maturities,

Out

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning

 

in

 

OCI

Settlements,

of

 

Ending

 

 

Fair

 

Net

 

and

 

Calls,

 

Level 3,

 

Fair

 

 

Value

 

Income

 

Other (1)

 

Net

 

Net (2)

 

Value

 

Investments: (4)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturity AFS securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate bonds

$
2,051

 

$
(17

)

$

 -

 

$
996

 

$
(79

)

$
2,951

 

ABS

 
14

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 
30

 

 
(35

)

 
9

 

U.S. government bonds

 
1

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 
(1

)

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

Foreign government bonds

 
46

 

 

 -

 

 
(1

)

 
33

 

 

 -

 

 
78

 

RMBS

 
3

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 
(2

)

 

 -

 

 
1

 

CMBS

 
27

 

 

 -

 

 
6

 

 
(5

)

 
(8

)

 
20

 

CLOs

 
154

 

 
(1

)

 
4

 

 
50

 

 
(29

)

 
178

 

State and municipal bonds

 
32

 

 

 -

 

 
(4

)

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 
28

 

Hybrid and redeemable

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

preferred securities

 
116

 

 

 -

 

 
13

 

 
(33

)

 
(30

)

 
66

 

Equity AFS securities

 
87

 

 
(1

)

 
2

 

 
73

 

 

 -

 

 
161

 

Trading securities

 
56

 

 
2

 

 
(7

)

 
(6

)

 
8

 

 
53

 

Derivative investments

 
1,916

 

 
(681

)

 
(194

)

 
(175

)

 

 -

 

 
866

 

Other assets – GLB embedded derivatives

 
909

 

 
(2,153

)

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 
2,488

 

 
1,244

 

Future contract benefits – indexed

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

annuity and IUL contracts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

embedded derivatives (5)

 
(732

)

 
(356

)

 

 -

 

 
40

 

 

 -

 

 
(1,048

)

VIEs' liabilities – derivative instruments (6)

 
(128

)

 
101

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 
(27

)

Other liabilities – credit default swaps (7)

 
(11

)

 
9

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 
(2

)

GLB reserves embedded derivatives (5)

 
(909

)

 
2,153

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 
(2,488

)

 
(1,244

)

Total, net

$
3,632

 

$
(944

)

$
(181

)

$
1,000

 

$
(173

)

$
3,334

 

 

67

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Year Ended December 31, 2012

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchases,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gains

Issuances,

Transfers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Items

 

(Losses)

Sales,

Into or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Included

 

in

Maturities,

Out

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning

 

in

 

OCI

Settlements,

of

 

Ending

 

 

Fair

 

Net

 

and

 

Calls,

 

Level 3,

 

Fair

 

 

Value

 

Income

 

Other (1)

 

Net

 

Net (2)

 

Value

 

Investments: (4)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturity AFS securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate bonds

$
2,370

 

$
(25

)

$
34

 

$
277

 

$
(605

)

$
2,051

 

ABS

 
53

 

 

 -

 

 
1

 

 
(3

)

 
(37

)

 
14

 

U.S. government bonds

 
1

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 
1

 

Foreign government bonds

 
97

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 
(5

)

 
(46

)

 
46

 

RMBS

 
158

 

 
(3

)

 
3

 

 
(8

)

 
(147

)

 
3

 

CMBS

 
31

 

 
(11

)

 
16

 

 
(11

)

 
2

 

 
27

 

CLOs

 
101

 

 
(2

)

 
8

 

 
61

 

 
(14

)

 
154

 

State and municipal bonds

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 
32

 

 

 -

 

 
32

 

Hybrid and redeemable

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

preferred securities

 
99

 

 
(1

)

 
23

 

 

 -

 

 
(5

)

 
116

 

Equity AFS securities

 
56

 

 
(8

)

 
13

 

 
26

 

 

 -

 

 
87

 

Trading securities

 
67

 

 
3

 

 
4

 

 
(2

)

 
(16

)

 
56

 

Derivative investments

 
2,484

 

 
(823

)

 
73

 

 
182

 

 

 -

 

 
1,916

 

Future contract benefits – indexed

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

annuity and IUL contracts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

embedded derivatives (5)

 
(399

)

 
(136

)

 

 -

 

 
(197

)

 

 -

 

 
(732

)

VIEs' liabilities – derivative instruments (6)

 
(291

)

 
163

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 
(128

)

Other liabilities – credit default swaps (7)

 
(16

)

 
5

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 
(11

)

GLB reserves embedded derivatives (5)

 
(2,217

)

 
1,308

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 
(909

)

Total, net

$
2,594

 

$
470

 

$
175

 

$
352

 

$
(868

)

$
2,723

 

 

(1)

The changes in fair value of the interest rate swaps are offset by an adjustment to derivative investments (see Note 6).

(2)

Transfers into or out of Level 3 for AFS and trading securities are displayed at amortized cost as of the beginning-of-year.  For AFS and trading securities, the difference between beginning-of-year amortized cost and beginning-of-year fair value was included in OCI and earnings, respectively, in prior years.

(3)

Transfers into or out of Level 3 for GLB reserves embedded derivatives between future contract benefits, other assets and other liabilities on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

(4)

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

(5)

Gains (losses) from sales, maturities, settlements and calls are included in realized gain (loss) on our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss).

(6)

Gains (losses) from sales, maturities, settlements and calls are included in net investment income on our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss).

(7)

The changes in fair value of the credit default swaps and contingency forwards are included in realized gain (loss) on our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss).

 

68

 

 The following provides the components of the items included in issuances, sales, maturities, settlements and calls, net, excluding any effect of amortization of DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL and changes in future contract benefits, (in millions) as reported above: 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

 

Issuances

 

Sales

 

Maturities

Settlements

Calls

 

Total

 

Investments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturity AFS securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate bonds

$
1,939

 

$
(576

)

$
(115

)

$
(47

)

$
(162

)

$
1,039

 

CMBS

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 
(13

)

 

 -

 

 
(13

)

CLOs

 
185

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 
(46

)

 
(5

)

 
134

 

Hybrid and redeemable

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

preferred securities

 

 -

 

 
(5

)

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 
(5

)

Equity AFS securities

 

 -

 

 
(5

)

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 
(5

)

Trading securities

 
14

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 
(4

)

 

 -

 

 
10

 

Derivative investments

 
160

 

 
(87

)

 
(353

)

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 
(280

)

Future contract benefits – indexed annuity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

and IUL contracts embedded derivatives

 
(69

)

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 
157

 

 

 -

 

 
88

 

Total, net

$
2,229

 

$
(673

)

$
(468

)

$
47

 

$
(167

)

$
968

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Year Ended December 31, 2013

 

 

Issuances

 

Sales

 

Maturities

Settlements

Calls

 

Total

 

Investments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturity AFS securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate bonds

$
1,205

 

$
(51

)

$
(44

)

$
(45

)

$
(69

)

$
996

 

ABS

 
30

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 
30

 

U.S. government bonds

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 
(1

)

 

 -

 

 
(1

)

Foreign government bonds

 
50

 

 

 -

 

 
(17

)

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 
33

 

RMBS

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 
(2

)

 

 -

 

 
(2

)

CMBS

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 
(3

)

 
(2

)

 
(5

)

CLOs

 
74

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 
(24

)

 

 -

 

 
50

 

Hybrid and redeemable preferred

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

securities

 

 -

 

 
(33

)

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 
(33

)

Equity AFS securities

 
78

 

 
(5

)

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 
73

 

Trading securities

 

 -

 

 
(3

)

 
(1

)

 
(2

)

 

 -

 

 
(6

)

Derivative investments

 
152

 

 
(23

)

 
(304

)

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 
(175

)

Future contract benefits – indexed annuity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

and IUL contracts embedded derivatives

 
(68

)

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 
108

 

 

 -

 

 
40

 

Total, net

$
1,521

 

$
(115

)

$
(366

)

$
31

 

$
(71

)

$
1,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Year Ended December 31, 2012

 

 

Issuances

 

Sales

 

Maturities

Settlements

Calls

 

Total

 

Investments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturity AFS securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate bonds

$
363

 

$
(26

)

$
(6

)

$
(49

)

$
(6

)

$
276

 

ABS

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 
(2

)

 

 -

 

 
(2

)

Foreign government bonds

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 
(5

)

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 
(5

)

RMBS

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 
(6

)

 
(2

)

 

 -

 

 
(8

)

CMBS

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 
(11

)

 

 -

 

 
(11

)

CLOs

 
72

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 
(11

)

 

 -

 

 
61

 

State and municipal bonds

 
32

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 
32

 

Equity AFS securities

 
26

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 
26

 

Trading securities

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 
(2

)

 

 -

 

 
(2

)

Derivative investments

 
454

 

 
(34

)

 
(238

)

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 
182

 

Future contract benefits – indexed annuity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

and IUL contracts embedded derivatives

 
(99

)

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 
(98

)

 

 -

 

 
(197

)

Total, net

$
848

 

$
(60

)

$
(255

)

$
(175

)

$
(6

)

$
352

 

69

 

The following summarizes changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income, excluding any effect of amortization of DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL and changes in future contract benefits, related to financial instruments carried at fair value classified within Level 3 that we still held (in millions):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Years Ended December 31,

 

 

2014

 

2013

 

2012

 

Derivative investments (1)

$
(15

)

$
(753

)

$
(823

)

Indexed annuity and IUL contracts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

embedded derivatives (1)

 
(37

)

 
(44

)

 
(10

)

Other assets – GLB reserves embedded derivatives (1)

 
(678

)

 
(2,444

)

 

 -

 

VIEs’ liabilities – derivative instruments (1)

 
14

 

 
101

 

 
163

 

Other liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Credit default swaps (2)

 
(1

)

 
9

 

 
6

 

GLB reserves embedded derivatives (1)

 
678

 

 
2,444

 

 
1,472

 

Total, net

$
(39

)

$
(687

)

$
808

 

 

(1)

Included in realized gain (loss) on our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss). 

(2)

Included in net investment income on our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss). 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

 

Transfers

 

Transfers

 

 

 

 

 

Into

 

Out of

 

 

 

 

 

Level 3

 

Level 3

 

Total

 

Investments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturity AFS securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate bonds

$
473

 

$
(447

)

$
26

 

ABS

 
26

 

 
(2

)

 
24

 

Foreign government bonds

 
25

 

 

 -

 

 
25

 

CMBS

 
6

 

 

 -

 

 
6

 

CLOs

 
50

 

 

 -

 

 
50

 

State and municipal bonds

 

 -

 

 
(28

)

 
(28

)

Hybrid and redeemable preferred

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

securities

 
17

 

 
(23

)

 
(6

)

Trading securities

 
10

 

 
(10

)

 

 -

 

Derivative investments

 

 -

 

 
(26

)

 
(26

)

Other assets – GLB reserves

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

embedded derivatives

 
20

 

 

 -

 

 
20

 

Other liabilities – GLB reserves

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

embedded derivatives

 

 -

 

 
(20

)

 
(20

)

Total, net

$
627

 

$
(556

)

$
71

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Year Ended December 31, 2013

 

 

Transfers

 

Transfers

 

 

 

 

 

Into

 

Out of

 

 

 

 

 

Level 3

 

Level 3

 

Total

 

Investments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturity AFS securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate bonds

$
367

 

$
(446

)

$
(79

)

ABS

 

 

 

 
(35

)

 
(35

)

CMBS

 

 -

 

 
(8

)

 
(8

)

CLOs

 

 -

 

 
(29

)

 
(29

)

Hybrid and redeemable preferred securities

 
20

 

 
(50

)

 
(30

)

Trading securities

 
8

 

 

 -

 

 
8

 

Total, net

$
395

 

$
(568

)

$
(173

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

70

 

 

For the Year Ended December 31, 2012

 

 

Transfers

 

Transfers

 

 

 

 

 

Into

 

Out of

 

 

 

 

 

Level 3

 

Level 3

 

Total

 

Investments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturity AFS securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate bonds

$
33

 

$
(638

)

$
(605

)

ABS

 
2

 

 
(39

)

 
(37

)

Foreign government bonds

 

 -

 

 
(46

)

 
(46

)

RMBS

 

 -

 

 
(147

)

 
(147

)

CMBS

 
5

 

 
(3

)

 
2

 

CLOs

 
6

 

 
(20

)

 
(14

)

Hybrid and redeemable preferred securities

 
35

 

 
(40

)

 
(5

)

Trading securities

 
2

 

 
(18

)

 
(16

)

Total, net

$
83

 

$
(951

)

$
(868

)

 

Transfers into and out of Level 3 are generally the result of observable market information on a security no longer being available or becoming available to our pricing vendors.  For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 transfers in and out were attributable primarily to the securities’ observable market information no longer being available or becoming available.  Transfers in and out for GLB reserves embedded derivatives represent reclassifications between future contract benefits and other assets or other liabilities.  Transfers into and out of Levels 1 and 2 are generally the result of a change in the type of input used to measure the fair value of an asset or liability at the end of the reporting period.  When quoted prices in active markets become available, transfers from Level 2 to Level 1 will result.  When quoted prices in active markets become unavailable, but we are able to employ a valuation methodology using significant observable inputs, transfers from Level 1 to Level 2 will result.  For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 the transfers between Levels 1 and 2 of the fair value hierarchy were less than $1 million for our financial instruments carried at fair value.

 

71

 

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, 2014:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fair

 

Valuation

 

Significant

 

Assumption or

 

 

Value

 

Technique

 

Unobservable Inputs

 

Input Ranges

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturity AFS and trading

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate bonds

$
1,262

 

Discounted cash flow

 

Liquidity/duration adjustment (1)

 
0.5

%

 

-
11.6

%

 

ABS

 
64

 

Discounted cash flow

 

Liquidity/duration adjustment (1)

 
2.8

%

 

-
3.0

%

 

Foreign government bonds

 
80

 

Discounted cash flow

 

Liquidity/duration adjustment (1)

 
2.0

%

 

-
3.5

%

 

Hybrid and redeemable

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

preferred securities

 
20

 

Discounted cash flow

 

Liquidity/duration adjustment (1)

 
2.1

%

 

-
2.1

%

 

Equity AFS and trading securities

 
27

 

Discounted cash flow

 

Liquidity/duration adjustment (1)

 
4.3

%

 

-
7.3

%

 

Other assets – reinsurance

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

recoverable

 
174

 

Discounted cash flow

 

Long-term lapse rate (2)

 
1

%

 

-
30

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Utilization of guaranteed withdrawals (3)
90

%

 

-
100

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Claims utilization factor (4)

 
60

%

 

-
100

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Premiums utilization factor (4)

 
70

%

 

-
140

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NPR (5)

 
0.00

%

 

-
0.35

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mortality rate (6)

 

 

 

 

 

(8)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Volatility (7)

 
1

%

 

-
28

%

 

Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Future contract benefits – indexed

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

annuity and IUL contracts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

embedded derivatives

 
(1,170

)

Discounted cash flow

 

Lapse rate (2)

 
1

%

 

-
15

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mortality rate (6)

 

 

 

 

 

(9)

 

 

Other liabilities – GLB reserves

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

embedded derivatives

 
(174

)

Discounted cash flow

 

Long-term lapse rate (2)

 
1

%

 

-
30

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Utilization of guaranteed withdrawals (3)
90

%

 

-
100

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Claims utilization factor (4)

 
60

%

 

-
100

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Premiums utilization factor (4)

 
70

%

 

-
140

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NPR (5)

 
0.00

%

 

-
0.35

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mortality rate (6)(8)

 

 

 

 

 

(9)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Volatility (7)

 
1

%

 

-
28

%

 

 

(1)

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.

(2)

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

(3)

The utilization of guaranteed withdrawals input represents the estimated percentage of contract holders that utilize the guaranteed withdrawal feature.

(4)

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

(5)

The NPR input represents the estimated additional credit spread that market participants would apply to the market observable discount rate when pricing a contract.

(6)

The mortality rate 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. 

(7)

The volatility input represents overall volatilities assumed for the underlying variable annuity funds, which include a mixture of equity and fixed-income assets.  Fair value of the variable annuity GLB embedded derivatives would increase if higher volatilities were used for valuation.

(8)

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

(9)

Based on the “Annuity 2000 Mortality Table” developed by the Society of Actuaries Committee on Life Insurance Research that was adopted by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners in 1996 for our mortality input.

 

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

72

 

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. 

 

Changes in any of the significant inputs presented in the table above may result 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 result in a decrease in the fair value measurement. 

·

Indexed annuity and IUL contracts embedded derivatives – An increase in the lapse rate or mortality rate inputs would result in a decrease in the fair value measurement. 

·

GLB reserves embedded derivatives –  Assuming our GLB reserves embedded derivatives are in a liability position:  an increase in our lapse rate, NPR or mortality rate inputs would result in a decrease in the fair value measurement; and an increase in the utilization of guarantee withdrawal or volatility inputs would result 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 will not affect 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 “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” above.

 

23.  Segment Information

 

We provide products and services and report results through our Annuities, Retirement Plan Services, Life Insurance and Group Protection segments.  We also have Other Operations, which includes the financial data for operations that are not directly related to the business segments.  Our reporting segments reflect the manner by which our chief operating decision makers view and manage the business.  The following is a brief description of these segments and Other Operations.

 

The Annuities segment provides tax-deferred investment growth and lifetime income opportunities for its clients by offering fixed (including indexed) and variable annuities.

 

The Retirement Plan Services segment provides employer-sponsored defined benefit and individual retirement accounts, as well as individual and group variable annuities, group fixed annuities and mutual-fund based programs in the retirement plan marketplace.

 

The Life Insurance segment focuses in the creation and protection of wealth through life insurance products, including term insurance, a linked-benefit product (which is a UL policy linked with riders that provide for long-term care costs), IUL and both single and survivorship versions of UL and VUL, including corporate-owned UL and VUL insurance and bank-owned UL and VUL insurance products.

 

The Group Protection segment offers principally group non-medical insurance products, including term life, universal life, disability, dental, vision, accident and critical illness insurance to the employer market place through various forms of contributory and non-contributory plans.  Its products are marketed primarily through a national distribution system of regional group offices.  These offices develop business through employee benefit brokers, third-party administrators and other employee benefit firms.

 

Other Operations includes investments related to our excess capital; investments in media properties (see Note 3 for more information) and other corporate investments; benefit plan net liability; the unamortized deferred gain on indemnity reinsurance related to the sale of reinsurance; the results of certain disability income business; our run-off Institutional Pension business, the majority of which was sold on a group annuity basis; and debt costs.

 

Segment operating revenues and income (loss) from operations are internal measures used by our management and Board of Directors to evaluate and assess the results of our segments.  Income (loss) from operations is GAAP net income excluding the after-tax effects of the following items, as applicable:

 

·

Realized gains and losses associated with the following (“excluded realized gain (loss)”):

§

Sales or disposals and impairments of securities;  

§

Changes in the fair value of derivatives, embedded derivatives within certain reinsurance arrangements and trading securities;

§

Changes in the fair value of the derivatives we own to hedge our GDB riders within our variable annuities;

§

Changes in the fair value of the embedded derivatives of our GLB riders accounted for at fair value, net of the change in the fair value of the derivatives we own to hedge them; and

§

Changes in the fair value of the embedded derivative liabilities related to index call options we may purchase in the future to hedge contract holder index allocations applicable to future reset periods for our indexed annuity products accounted for at fair value;

·

Changes in reserves resulting from benefit ratio unlocking on our GDB and GLB riders;

·

Income (loss) from reserve changes, net of related amortization, on business sold through reinsurance;

73

 

·

Gains (losses) on early extinguishment of debt;

·

Losses from the impairment of intangible assets;

·

Income (loss) from discontinued operations; and

·

Income (loss) from the initial adoption of new accounting standards.

 

Operating revenues represent GAAP revenues excluding the pre-tax effects of the following items, as applicable:

 

·

Excluded realized gain (loss);

·

Revenue adjustments from the initial adoption of new accounting standards;

·

Amortization of DFEL arising from changes in GDB and GLB benefit ratio unlocking; and

·

Amortization of deferred gains arising from reserve changes on business sold through reinsurance.

 

We use our prevailing corporate federal income tax rate of 35% while taking into account any permanent differences for events recognized differently in our financial statements and federal income tax returns when reconciling our non-GAAP measures to the most comparable GAAP measure.  Operating revenues and income (loss) from operations do not replace revenues and net income as the GAAP measures of our consolidated results of operations.

 

Segment information (in millions) was as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Years Ended December 31,

 

 

2014

 

2013

 

2012

 

Revenues

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Annuities

$
3,450

 

$
3,044

 

$
2,713

 

Retirement Plan Services

 
1,081

 

 
1,061

 

 
1,015

 

Life Insurance

 
5,343

 

 
4,781

 

 
4,820

 

Group Protection

 
2,445

 

 
2,260

 

 
2,090

 

Other Operations

 
406

 

 
392

 

 
411

 

Excluded realized gain (loss), pre-tax

 
(689

)

 
(81

)

 
(235

)

Amortization of deferred gain arising from reserve changes on business

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

sold through reinsurance, pre-tax

 
3

 

 
3

 

 
3

 

Total revenues

$
12,039

 

$
11,460

 

$
10,817

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Years Ended December 31,

 

 

2014

 

2013

 

2012

 

Net Income (Loss)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Annuities

$
901

 

$
715

 

$
608

 

Retirement Plan Services

 
154

 

 
135

 

 
131

 

Life Insurance

 
373

 

 
464

 

 
538

 

Group Protection

 
23

 

 
71

 

 
72

 

Other Operations

 
(13

)

 
(5

)

 
(39

)

Excluded realized gain (loss), after-tax

 
(446

)

 
(53

)

 
(152

)

Income (loss) from reserve changes (net of related

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

amortization) on business sold through reinsurance, after-tax

 
2

 

 
2

 

 
2

 

Impairment of intangibles, after-tax

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 
2

 

Net income (loss)

$
994

 

$
1,329

 

$
1,162

 

 

 

74

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Years Ended December 31,

 

 

2014

 

2013

 

2012

 

Net Investment Income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Annuities

$
1,013 

 

$
1,022 

 

$
1,058 

 

Retirement Plan Services

 
828 

 

 
825 

 

 
797 

 

Life Insurance

 
2,376 

 

 
2,317 

 

 
2,297 

 

Group Protection

 
180 

 

 
165 

 

 
161 

 

Other Operations

 
251 

 

 
232 

 

 
238 

 

Total net investment income

$
4,648 

 

$
4,561 

 

$
4,551 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Years Ended December 31,

 

 

2014

 

2013

 

2012

 

Amortization of DAC and VOBA, Net of Interest

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Annuities

$
346 

 

$
374 

 

$
307 

 

Retirement Plan Services

 
37 

 

 
48 

 

 
42 

 

Life Insurance

 
640 

 

 
441 

 

 
609 

 

Group Protection

 
57 

 

 
53 

 

 
48 

 

Total amortization of DAC and VOBA, net of interest

$
1,080 

 

$
916 

 

$
1,006 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Years Ended December 31,

 

 

2014

 

2013

 

2012

 

Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Annuities

$
225

 

$
159

 

$
117

 

Retirement Plan Services

 
48

 

 
46

 

 
29

 

Life Insurance

 
167

 

 
225

 

 
326

 

Group Protection

 
12

 

 
38

 

 
38

 

Other Operations

 
10

 

 
(9

)

 
(82

)

Excluded realized gain (loss)

 
(243

)

 
(29

)

 
(83

)

Reserve changes (net of related amortization)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

on business sold through reinsurance

 
1

 

 
1

 

 
1

 

Impairment of intangibles

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 
(2

)

Total federal income tax expense (benefit)

$
220

 

$
431

 

$
344

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As of December 31,

 

 

2014

 

2013

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

Annuities

$
130,509 

 

$
119,147 

 

Retirement Plan Services

 
33,686 

 

 
32,367 

 

Life Insurance

 
69,712 

 

 
67,470 

 

Group Protection

 
4,239 

 

 
3,865 

 

Other Operations

 
15,364 

 

 
14,659 

 

Total assets

$
253,510 

 

$
237,508 

 

 

 

 

75

 

24.  Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Data

 

The following summarizes our supplemental cash flow data (in millions):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Years Ended December 31,

 

 

2014

 

2013

 

2012

 

Interest paid

$
104

 

$
91

 

$
134

 

Income taxes paid (received)

 
172

 

 
(6

)

 
136

 

Significant non-cash investing and financing transactions:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Disposal of note receivable from affiliate

 
(500

)

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

Acquisition of note receivable from affiliate

 
712

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

Exchange of surplus note for promissory note with affiliate:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Carrying value of asset

 
88

 

 
360

 

 

 -

 

Carrying value of liability

 
(88

)

 
(360

)

 

 -

 

Net asset (liability) from exchange

$

 -

 

$

 -

 

$

 -

 

Reinsurance ceded:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Carrying value of assets

$
15

 

$
11

 

$
367

 

Carrying value of liabilities

 
15

 

 
11

 

 
(367

)

Total reinsurance ceded

$
30

 

$
22

 

$

 -

 

Reinsurance recaptured:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Carrying value of assets

$

 -

 

$

 -

 

$
(34

)

Carrying value of liabilities

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 
(84

)

Total reinsurance recaptured

$

 -

 

$

 -

 

$
(118

)

Reinsurance novated:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Carrying value of assets

$

 -

 

$

 -

 

$

 -

 

Carrying value of liabilities

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 
(26

)

Total reinsurance novated

$

 -

 

$

 -

 

$
(26

)

 

76

 

 

25.  Transactions with Affiliates

 

The following summarizes transactions with affiliates (in millions) and the associated line item on our Consolidated Balance Sheets:

 

 

T

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As of December 31,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2014

 

2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assets with affiliates:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accrued inter-company interest receivable

$
2

 

$
2

 

 

Accrued investment income

 

Bonds 

 
1,410

 

 
873

 

 

Fixed maturity AFS securities

 

Ceded reinsurance contracts

 
(239

)

 

 -

 

 

Deferred acquisition costs and value of

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

business acquired

 

Ceded reinsurance contracts

 
1,700

 

 
1,559

 

 

Reinsurance recoverables

 

Ceded reinsurance contracts

 
44

 

 
268

 

 

Reinsurance related embedded derivatives

 

Ceded reinsurance contracts

 
71

 

 
51

 

 

Other assets

 

Cash management agreement investment

 
449

 

 
777

 

 

Other assets

 

Promissory note due from LNC

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

Fixed maturity AFS securities

 

Service agreement receivable 

 
48

 

 
5

 

 

Other assets

 

Ceded reinsurance contracts

 
10

 

 
202

 

 

Other assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities with affiliates:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accrued inter-company interest payable

 
4

 

 
4

 

 

Other liabilities

 

Assumed reinsurance contracts

 
25

 

 
407

 

 

Future contract benefits

 

Assumed reinsurance contracts

 
413

 

 

 -

 

 

Other contract holder funds

 

Service agreement payable

 
62

 

 

 -

 

 

Other liabilities

 

Ceded reinsurance contracts

 
(53

)

 

 -

 

 

Other contract holder funds

 

Ceded reinsurance contracts

 
3,677

 

 
2,244

 

 

Funds withheld reinsurance liabilities

 

Ceded reinsurance contracts

 
72

 

 
1,244

 

 

Other liabilities

 

Inter-company short-term debt

 
2

 

 
51

 

 

Short-term debt

 

Inter-company long-term debt    

 
2,412

 

 
2,350

 

 

Long-term debt

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

77

 

The following summarizes transactions with affiliates (in millions) and the associated line item on our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Years Ended

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2014

 

2013

 

2012

 

 

 

Revenues with affiliates:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Premiums received on assumed reinsurance contracts

$
(574

)

$
(318

)

$
(188

)

 

Insurance premiums

 

Net investment income on intercompany notes

 
12

 

 
5

 

 

 -

 

 

Net investment income

 

Fees for management of general account

 
(105

)

 
(103

)

 
(92

)

 

Net investment income

 

Realized gains (losses) on ceded reinsurance contracts:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GLB reserves embedded derivatives

 
1,265

 

 
(2,153

)

 

 -

 

 

Realized gain (loss)

 

 

Reinsurance related settlements

 
(1,573

)

 
2,110

 

 

 -

 

 

Realized gain (loss)

 

 

Other gains (losses)

 
(199

)

 
242

 

 

 -

 

 

Realized gain (loss)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Benefits and expenses with affiliates:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reinsurance (recoveries) benefits on ceded reinsurance

 
255

 

 
(205

)

 
(433

)

 

Benefits

 

Service agreement payments

 
76

 

 
100

 

 
114

 

 

Commissions and other

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

expenses

 

Interest expense on inter-company debt    

 
102

 

 
92

 

 
109

 

 

Interest and debt expense

 

Interest credited on assumed reinsurance contracts

 
15

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

Interest credited

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bonds

 

LNC issues bonds to us for a predetermined face value to be repaid by LNC at a predetermined maturity with a specified interest rate. 

 

Cash Management Agreement

 

In order to manage our capital more efficiently, we participate in an inter-company cash management program where LNC can lend to or borrow from us to meet short-term borrowing needs.  The cash management program is essentially a series of demand loans, which are permitted under applicable insurance laws, among LNC and its affiliates that reduces overall borrowing costs by allowing LNC and its subsidiaries to access internal resources instead of incurring third-party transaction costs.  The borrowing and lending limit is currently 3% of our admitted assets as of our most recent year end.

 

Service Agreement

 

In accordance with service agreements with LNC and other subsidiaries of LNC for personnel and facilities usage, general management services and investment management services, we receive services from and provide services to affiliated companies and receive an allocation of corporate overhead.  Corporate overhead expenses are allocated based on specific methodologies for each function.  The majority of the expenses are allocated based on the following methodologies:  headcount, capital, investments by product, weighted policies in force, and sales. 

 

Fees for Management of General Account

 

Effective January 1, 2012, LNL entered into an Investment Advisory Agreement with Lincoln Investment Management Company (“LIMCO”), also a wholly-owned subsidiary of LNC.  LIMCO provides investment advisory services to LNL and enters into sub-advisory agreements with other third-party investment advisers.

 

Ceded Reinsurance Contracts

 

As discussed in Note 10, we cede insurance contracts to and assume insurance contracts from affiliated companies.  We cede certain guaranteed benefit risks (including certain GDB and GWB benefits) to LNBAR.  As discussed in Note 7, we cede the GLB reserves embedded derivatives and the related hedge results to LNBAR.  As discussed in Note 4, we also cede the risks for no-lapse benefit guarantees under certain UL contracts to LNBAR. 

 

Substantially all reinsurance ceded to affiliated companies is with unauthorized companies.  To take reserve credit for such reinsurance, we hold assets from the reinsurer, including funds held under reinsurance treaties, and are the beneficiary of LOCs aggregating to $186 million and $651 million as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  The LOCs are obtained by the affiliate reinsurer and issued by banks in order for the Company to recognize the reserve credit.

 

 

26.  Subsequent Events

 

On March 16, 2015, LNL paid a cash dividend in the amount of $400 million to LNC.

 

 

E-78


Lincoln National Variable Annuity Account L


L-1



Lincoln National Variable Annuity Account L

Statements of assets and liabilities

December 31, 2014

Subaccount

  

Investments

   Contract
Purchases
Due From
The Lincoln
National Life
Insurance
Company		  

Total Assets

   Contract
Redemptions
Due To
The Lincoln
National Life
Insurance
Company		   Mortality &
Expense
Guarantee
Charges
Payable To
The Lincoln
National Life
Insurance
Company		  

Net Assets

  

ABVPSF Global Thematic Growth Class B

  

$

1,969,525

    

$

—

    

$

1,969,525

    

$

464

    

$

54

    

$

1,969,007

    

ABVPSF Growth Class B

    

1,488,061

      

—

      

1,488,061

      

2,252

      

40

      

1,485,769

    

American Century VP Balanced Class I

    

16,086,903

      

—

      

16,086,903

      

15,975

      

433

      

16,070,495

    

American Funds Global Growth Class 2

    

5,599,479

      

—

      

5,599,479

      

49

      

150

      

5,599,280

    

American Funds Growth Class 2

    

26,781,215

      

—

      

26,781,215

      

7,083

      

722

      

26,773,410

    

American Funds Growth-Income Class 2

    

11,880,518

      

—

      

11,880,518

      

2,994

      

324

      

11,877,200

    

American Funds International Class 2

    

10,765,328

      

31

      

10,765,359

      

—

      

294

      

10,765,065

    

BlackRock Global Allocation V.I. Class I

    

1,528,398

      

—

      

1,528,398

      

1,486

      

42

      

1,526,870

    

Delaware VIP Diversified Income Standard Class

    

5,744,758

      

183

      

5,744,941

      

—

      

156

      

5,744,785

    

Delaware VIP High Yield Standard Class

    

2,828,988

      

156

      

2,829,144

      

—

      

77

      

2,829,067

    

Delaware VIP REIT Service Class

    

13,518,243

      

—

      

13,518,243

      

8,310

      

372

      

13,509,561

    

Delaware VIP Small Cap Value Service Class

    

9,892,705

      

—

      

9,892,705

      

4,919

      

269

      

9,887,517

    

Delaware VIP Smid Cap Growth Service Class

    

5,232,207

      

—

      

5,232,207

      

7,434

      

143

      

5,224,630

    
Deutsche Alternative Asset Allocation VIP
Class A		    

224,379

      

—

      

224,379

      

6

      

6

      

224,367

    

Fidelity VIP Asset Manager Initial Class

    

39,158,657

      

—

      

39,158,657

      

36,377

      

1,062

      

39,121,218

    

Fidelity VIP Contrafund Service Class 2

    

22,989,098

      

—

      

22,989,098

      

5,291

      

628

      

22,983,179

    

Fidelity VIP Growth Initial Class

    

79,551,520

      

—

      

79,551,520

      

87,566

      

2,160

      

79,461,794

    

Fidelity VIP Money Market Initial Class

    

9,873

      

—

      

9,873

      

—

      

—

      

9,873

    

Janus Aspen Global Research Institutional Class

    

9,760,620

      

159

      

9,760,779

      

—

      

264

      

9,760,515

    

LVIP Baron Growth Opportunities Service Class

    

17,120,680

      

—

      

17,120,680

      

7,350

      

464

      

17,112,866

    
LVIP BlackRock Emerging Markets RPM
Standard Class		    

23,704

      

—

      

23,704

      

—

      

1

      

23,703

    
LVIP BlackRock Inflation Protected Bond
Standard Class		    

843,142

      

303

      

843,445

      

—

      

21

      

843,424

    

LVIP Clarion Global Real Estate Standard Class

    

600,346

      

3

      

600,349

      

—

      

16

      

600,333

    
LVIP Columbia Small-Mid Cap Growth RPM
Standard Class		    

410

      

—

      

410

      

—

      

—

      

410

    

LVIP Delaware Bond Standard Class

    

5,067,425

      

129

      

5,067,554

      

—

      

137

      

5,067,417

    
LVIP Delaware Diversified Floating Rate
Service Class		    

741,792

      

315

      

742,107

      

—

      

20

      

742,087

    
LVIP Delaware Foundation Aggressive
Allocation Standard Class		    

282,556

      

—

      

282,556

      

201

      

8

      

282,347

    
LVIP Delaware Foundation Conservative
Allocation Standard Class		    

1,312,051

      

69

      

1,312,120

      

—

      

34

      

1,312,086

    
LVIP Delaware Foundation Moderate Allocation
Standard Class		    

538,691

      

642

      

539,333

      

—

      

15

      

539,318

    
LVIP Delaware Growth and Income
Standard Class		    

5,665,840

      

48

      

5,665,888

      

—

      

154

      

5,665,734

    

LVIP Delaware Social Awareness Standard Class

    

16,084,238

      

—

      

16,084,238

      

142

      

436

      

16,083,660

    

LVIP Global Income Standard Class

    

307,924

      

336

      

308,260

      

—

      

8

      

308,252

    
LVIP JPMorgan Mid Cap Value RPM
Standard Class		    

163,552

      

100

      

163,652

      

—

      

5

      

163,647

    

LVIP Managed Risk Profile 2010 Standard Class

    

554,495

      

315

      

554,810

      

—

      

15

      

554,795

    

LVIP Managed Risk Profile 2020 Standard Class

    

2,261,673

      

319

      

2,261,992

      

—

      

62

      

2,261,930

    

LVIP Managed Risk Profile 2030 Standard Class

    

4,456,566

      

—

      

4,456,566

      

1,115

      

122

      

4,455,329

    

LVIP Managed Risk Profile 2040 Standard Class

    

1,739,351

      

944

      

1,740,295

      

—

      

48

      

1,740,247

    

LVIP Managed Risk Profile 2050 Standard Class

    

311,332

      

—

      

311,332

      

378

      

9

      

310,945

    
LVIP Managed Risk Profile Conservative
Standard Class		    

1,861,144

      

—

      

1,861,144

      

746

      

51

      

1,860,347

    
LVIP Managed Risk Profile Growth
Standard Class		    

5,485,955

      

—

      

5,485,955

      

1,266

      

150

      

5,484,539

    

See accompanying notes.
L-2


Lincoln National Variable Annuity Account L

Statements of assets and liabilities (continued)

December 31, 2014

Subaccount

  

Investments

   Contract
Purchases
Due From
The Lincoln
National Life
Insurance
Company		  

Total Assets

   Contract
Redemptions
Due To
The Lincoln
National Life
Insurance
Company		   Mortality &
Expense
Guarantee
Charges
Payable To
The Lincoln
National Life
Insurance
Company		  

Net Assets

  
LVIP Managed Risk Profile Moderate
Standard Class		  

$

7,329,979

    

$

—

    

$

7,329,979

    

$

2,151

    

$

165

    

$

7,327,663

    
LVIP Mondrian International Value
Standard Class		    

3,671,379

      

—

      

3,671,379

      

14

      

98

      

3,671,267

    

LVIP SSgA Bond Index Standard Class

    

587,216

      

—

      

587,216

      

—

      

16

      

587,200

    
LVIP SSgA Emerging Markets 100
Standard Class		    

1,144,544

      

63

      

1,144,607

      

—

      

31

      

1,144,576

    
LVIP SSgA Global Tactical Allocation RPM
Standard Class		    

1,902,108

      

—

      

1,902,108

      

61

      

52

      

1,901,995

    

LVIP SSgA International Index Standard Class

    

180,857

      

6

      

180,863

      

—

      

5

      

180,858

    

LVIP SSgA S&P 500 Index Standard Class

    

112,421,862

      

—

      

112,421,862

      

70,195

      

3,041

      

112,348,626

    

LVIP SSgA Small-Cap Index Standard Class

    

30,640,518

      

—

      

30,640,518

      

24,892

      

830

      

30,614,796

    
LVIP T. Rowe Price Structured Mid-Cap
Growth Standard Class		    

19,749,487

      

—

      

19,749,487

      

6,767

      

535

      

19,742,185

    

LVIP Templeton Growth RPM Standard Class

    

24,005

      

—

      

24,005

      

—

      

1

      

24,004

    
LVIP UBS Large Cap Growth RPM
Standard Class		    

1,714,682

      

281

      

1,714,963

      

—

      

46

      

1,714,917

    

NB AMT Large Cap Value I Class

    

5,488,946

      

—

      

5,488,946

      

1,509

      

149

      

5,487,288

    

T. Rowe Price International Stock

    

10,717,470

      

—

      

10,717,470

      

1,150

      

290

      

10,716,030

    

See accompanying notes.
L-3


Lincoln National Variable Annuity Account L

Statements of operations

Year Ended December 31, 2014

Subaccount

   Dividends
from
Investment
Income		   Mortality and
Expense
Guarantee Charges		   Net
Investment
Income (Loss)		   Net Realized
Gain (Loss)
on Investments		  

ABVPSF Global Thematic Growth Class B

  

$

—

    

$

(19,287

)

  

$

(19,287

)

  

$

62,808

    

ABVPSF Growth Class B

    

—

      

(14,139

)

    

(14,139

)

    

119,179

    

American Century VP Balanced Class I

    

249,535

      

(160,203

)

    

89,332

      

276,190

    

American Funds Global Growth Class 2

    

64,999

      

(55,597

)

    

9,402

      

198,814

    

American Funds Growth Class 2

    

208,365

      

(260,653

)

    

(52,288

)

    

1,053,870

    

American Funds Growth-Income Class 2

    

148,283

      

(111,059

)

    

37,224

      

296,080

    

American Funds International Class 2

    

154,633

      

(114,132

)

    

40,501

      

243,300

    

BlackRock Global Allocation V.I. Class I

    

33,797

      

(15,085

)

    

18,712

      

30,572

    

Delaware VIP Diversified Income Standard Class

    

132,652

      

(58,221

)

    

74,431

      

38,066

    

Delaware VIP High Yield Standard Class

    

192,165

      

(29,087

)

    

163,078

      

29,782

    

Delaware VIP REIT Service Class

    

131,820

      

(117,798

)

    

14,022

      

137,480

    

Delaware VIP Small Cap Value Service Class

    

33,625

      

(99,585

)

    

(65,960

)

    

431,199

    

Delaware VIP Smid Cap Growth Service Class

    

—

      

(54,926

)

    

(54,926

)

    

247,217

    

Deutsche Alternative Asset Allocation VIP Class A

    

3,487

      

(1,990

)

    

1,497

      

1,363

    

Fidelity VIP Asset Manager Initial Class

    

593,832

      

(401,711

)

    

192,121

      

491,860

    

Fidelity VIP Contrafund Service Class 2

    

164,029

      

(221,255

)

    

(57,226

)

    

697,639

    

Fidelity VIP Growth Initial Class

    

146,504

      

(784,675

)

    

(638,171

)

    

3,191,464

    

Fidelity VIP Money Market Initial Class

    

1

      

—

      

1

      

—

    

Janus Aspen Global Research Institutional Class

    

106,342

      

(96,727

)

    

9,615

      

107,431

    

LVIP Baron Growth Opportunities Service Class

    

30,710

      

(171,015

)

    

(140,305

)

    

1,147,382

    

LVIP BlackRock Emerging Markets RPM Standard Class

    

303

      

(114

)

    

189

      

65

    

LVIP BlackRock Inflation Protected Bond Standard Class

    

12,264

      

(8,054

)

    

4,210

      

(19,319

)

  

LVIP Clarion Global Real Estate Standard Class

    

15,674

      

(5,450

)

    

10,224

      

49,447

    

LVIP Columbia Small-Mid Cap Growth RPM Standard Class

    

—

      

(1

)

    

(1

)

    

17

    

LVIP Delaware Bond Standard Class

    

103,069

      

(51,935

)

    

51,134

      

52,494

    

LVIP Delaware Diversified Floating Rate Service Class

    

8,497

      

(3,343

)

    

5,154

      

(5

)

  

LVIP Delaware Foundation Aggressive Allocation Standard Class

    

6,500

      

(2,614

)

    

3,886

      

4,574

    

LVIP Delaware Foundation Conservative Allocation Standard Class

    

34,880

      

(12,252

)

    

22,628

      

7,815

    

LVIP Delaware Foundation Moderate Allocation Standard Class

    

10,844

      

(5,285

)

    

5,559

      

16,097

    

LVIP Delaware Growth and Income Standard Class

    

107,116

      

(51,109

)

    

56,007

      

144,252

    

LVIP Delaware Social Awareness Standard Class

    

235,680

      

(151,110

)

    

84,570

      

494,487

    

LVIP Global Income Standard Class

    

1,949

      

(2,941

)

    

(992

)

    

91

    

LVIP JPMorgan Mid Cap Value RPM Standard Class

    

1,286

      

(653

)

    

633

      

(55

)

  

LVIP Managed Risk Profile 2010 Standard Class

    

10,334

      

(5,760

)

    

4,574

      

46,725

    

LVIP Managed Risk Profile 2020 Standard Class

    

43,890

      

(23,368

)

    

20,522

      

85,254

    

LVIP Managed Risk Profile 2030 Standard Class

    

92,401

      

(41,477

)

    

50,924

      

46,975

    

LVIP Managed Risk Profile 2040 Standard Class

    

39,323

      

(17,144

)

    

22,179

      

51,434

    

LVIP Managed Risk Profile 2050 Standard Class

    

5,861

      

(2,190

)

    

3,671

      

2,826

    

LVIP Managed Risk Profile Conservative Standard Class

    

36,863

      

(19,210

)

    

17,653

      

77,468

    

LVIP Managed Risk Profile Growth Standard Class

    

111,156

      

(57,091

)

    

54,065

      

159,512

    

LVIP Managed Risk Profile Moderate Standard Class

    

142,783

      

(55,314

)

    

87,469

      

242,633

    

LVIP Mondrian International Value Standard Class

    

154,231

      

(39,143

)

    

115,088

      

(6,187

)

  

LVIP SSgA Bond Index Standard Class

    

10,824

      

(5,603

)

    

5,221

      

(3,298

)

  

LVIP SSgA Emerging Markets 100 Standard Class

    

35,001

      

(11,659

)

    

23,342

      

(32,049

)

  

LVIP SSgA Global Tactical Allocation RPM Standard Class

    

42,653

      

(18,936

)

    

23,717

      

20,802

    

LVIP SSgA International Index Standard Class

    

5,140

      

(1,753

)

    

3,387

      

745

    

LVIP SSgA S&P 500 Index Standard Class

    

2,057,991

      

(1,075,882

)

    

982,109

      

1,817,999

    

LVIP SSgA Small-Cap Index Standard Class

    

252,528

      

(302,757

)

    

(50,229

)

    

530,471

    

LVIP T. Rowe Price Structured Mid-Cap Growth Standard Class

    

45,361

      

(191,051

)

    

(145,690

)

    

881,610

    

LVIP Templeton Growth RPM Standard Class

    

361

      

(80

)

    

281

      

(2

)

  

LVIP UBS Large Cap Growth RPM Standard Class

    

—

      

(16,707

)

    

(16,707

)

    

55,966

    

NB AMT Large Cap Value I Class

    

39,912

      

(52,566

)

    

(12,654

)

    

108,490

    

T. Rowe Price International Stock

    

116,619

      

(113,156

)

    

3,463

      

283,237

    

See accompanying notes.
L-4


Subaccount

   Dividends
from
Net Realized
Gain on
Investments		   Total
Net Realized
Gain (Loss)
on Investments		   Net Change
in Unrealized
Appreciation or
Depreciation
on Investments		   Net Increase
(Decrease)
in Net Assets
Resulting
from Operations		  

ABVPSF Global Thematic Growth Class B

  

$

—

    

$

62,808

    

$

24,538

    

$

68,059

    

ABVPSF Growth Class B

    

27,543

      

146,722

      

23,383

      

155,966

    

American Century VP Balanced Class I

    

1,462,437

      

1,738,627

      

(444,437

)

    

1,383,522

    

American Funds Global Growth Class 2

    

557,382

      

756,196

      

(697,854

)

    

67,744

    

American Funds Growth Class 2

    

1,293,482

      

2,347,352

      

(388,135

)

    

1,906,929

    

American Funds Growth-Income Class 2

    

536,865

      

832,945

      

156,648

      

1,026,817

    

American Funds International Class 2

    

—

      

243,300

      

(688,222

)

    

(404,421

)

  

BlackRock Global Allocation V.I. Class I

    

116,985

      

147,557

      

(150,107

)

    

16,162

    

Delaware VIP Diversified Income Standard Class

    

—

      

38,066

      

134,046

      

246,543

    

Delaware VIP High Yield Standard Class

    

45,754

      

75,536

      

(275,987

)

    

(37,373

)

  

Delaware VIP REIT Service Class

    

—

      

137,480

      

2,730,049

      

2,881,551

    

Delaware VIP Small Cap Value Service Class

    

855,889

      

1,287,088

      

(777,118

)

    

444,010

    

Delaware VIP Smid Cap Growth Service Class

    

568,732

      

815,949

      

(741,599

)

    

19,424

    

Deutsche Alternative Asset Allocation VIP Class A

    

1,118

      

2,481

      

(1,139

)

    

2,839

    

Fidelity VIP Asset Manager Initial Class

    

1,889,090

      

2,380,950

      

(635,607

)

    

1,937,464

    

Fidelity VIP Contrafund Service Class 2

    

456,719

      

1,154,358

      

1,153,860

      

2,250,992

    

Fidelity VIP Growth Initial Class

    

—

      

3,191,464

      

5,175,765

      

7,729,058

    

Fidelity VIP Money Market Initial Class

    

—

      

—

      

—

      

1

    

Janus Aspen Global Research Institutional Class

    

—

      

107,431

      

495,424

      

612,470

    

LVIP Baron Growth Opportunities Service Class

    

98,295

      

1,245,677

      

(503,943

)

    

601,429

    

LVIP BlackRock Emerging Markets RPM Standard Class

    

—

      

65

      

(3,351

)

    

(3,097

)

  

LVIP BlackRock Inflation Protected Bond Standard Class

    

—

      

(19,319

)

    

34,201

      

19,092

    

LVIP Clarion Global Real Estate Standard Class

    

—

      

49,447

      

6,203

      

65,874

    

LVIP Columbia Small-Mid Cap Growth RPM Standard Class

    

—

      

17

      

10

      

26

    

LVIP Delaware Bond Standard Class

    

27,055

      

79,549

      

127,308

      

257,991

    

LVIP Delaware Diversified Floating Rate Service Class

    

—

      

(5

)

    

(11,805

)

    

(6,656

)

  

LVIP Delaware Foundation Aggressive Allocation Standard Class

    

—

      

4,574

      

(180

)

    

8,280

    

LVIP Delaware Foundation Conservative Allocation Standard Class

    

57,272

      

65,087

      

(38,830

)

    

48,885

    

LVIP Delaware Foundation Moderate Allocation Standard Class

    

20,477

      

36,574

      

(24,293

)

    

17,840

    

LVIP Delaware Growth and Income Standard Class

    

285,138

      

429,390

      

117,901

      

603,298

    

LVIP Delaware Social Awareness Standard Class

    

781,697

      

1,276,184

      

677,705

      

2,038,459

    

LVIP Global Income Standard Class

    

462

      

553

      

2,164

      

1,725

    

LVIP JPMorgan Mid Cap Value RPM Standard Class

    

—

      

(55

)

    

5,816

      

6,394

    

LVIP Managed Risk Profile 2010 Standard Class

    

—

      

46,725

      

(36,289

)

    

15,010

    

LVIP Managed Risk Profile 2020 Standard Class

    

—

      

85,254

      

(26,375

)

    

79,401

    

LVIP Managed Risk Profile 2030 Standard Class

    

—

      

46,975

      

27,908

      

125,807

    

LVIP Managed Risk Profile 2040 Standard Class

    

—

      

51,434

      

(31,558

)

    

42,055

    

LVIP Managed Risk Profile 2050 Standard Class

    

35,194

      

38,020

      

(38,472

)

    

3,219

    

LVIP Managed Risk Profile Conservative Standard Class

    

22,671

      

100,139

      

(30,988

)

    

86,804

    

LVIP Managed Risk Profile Growth Standard Class

    

—

      

159,512

      

(67,155

)

    

146,422

    

LVIP Managed Risk Profile Moderate Standard Class

    

—

      

242,633

      

(156,139

)

    

173,963

    

LVIP Mondrian International Value Standard Class

    

—

      

(6,187

)

    

(235,511

)

    

(126,610

)

  

LVIP SSgA Bond Index Standard Class

    

285

      

(3,013

)

    

23,521

      

25,729

    

LVIP SSgA Emerging Markets 100 Standard Class

    

—

      

(32,049

)

    

(43,908

)

    

(52,615

)

  

LVIP SSgA Global Tactical Allocation RPM Standard Class

    

—

      

20,802

      

11,748

      

56,267

    

LVIP SSgA International Index Standard Class

    

—

      

745

      

(19,172

)

    

(15,040

)

  

LVIP SSgA S&P 500 Index Standard Class

    

860,247

      

2,678,246

      

9,145,844

      

12,806,199

    

LVIP SSgA Small-Cap Index Standard Class

    

793,237

      

1,323,708

      

(224,085

)

    

1,049,394

    

LVIP T. Rowe Price Structured Mid-Cap Growth Standard Class

    

1,034,679

      

1,916,289

      

175,999

      

1,946,598

    

LVIP Templeton Growth RPM Standard Class

    

—

      

(2

)

    

(1,539

)

    

(1,260

)

  

LVIP UBS Large Cap Growth RPM Standard Class

    

—

      

55,966

      

33,089

      

72,348

    

NB AMT Large Cap Value I Class

    

—

      

108,490

      

352,096

      

447,932

    

T. Rowe Price International Stock

    

61,740

      

344,977

      

(579,234

)

    

(230,794

)

  


L-5



Lincoln National Variable Annuity Account L

Statements of changes in net assets

Years Ended December 31, 2013 and 2014

    ABVPSF
Global
Thematic
Growth
Class B
Subaccount		   ABVPSF
Growth
Class B
Subaccount		   ABVPSF
Growth and
Income
Class B
Subaccount		   American
Century
VP Balanced
Class I
Subaccount		   American
Century
VP Inflation
Protection
Class I
Subaccount		   American
Funds
Global Growth
Class 2
Subaccount		   American
Funds
Growth
Class 2
Subaccount		  

NET ASSETS AT JANUARY 1, 2013

  

$

1,872,402

    

$

1,190,058

    

$

1,214,796

    

$

16,049,324

    

$

1,625,228

    

$

4,966,016

    

$

23,427,228

    

Changes From Operations:

  

• Net investment income (loss)

    

(18,117

)

    

(12,677

)

    

10,102

      

100,846

      

2,444

      

15,201

      

(11,837

)

  

• Net realized gain (loss) on investments

    

33,431

      

53,739

      

249,855

      

589,424

      

29,463

      

168,007

      

812,637

    

• Net change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation on investments

    

348,153

      

335,291

      

(57,735

)

    

1,814,251

      

(61,851

)

    

1,137,806

      

5,551,786

    
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING
FROM OPERATIONS		    

363,467

      

376,353

      

202,222

      

2,504,521

      

(29,944

)

    

1,321,014

      

6,352,586

    

Changes From Unit Transactions:

  

• Contract purchases

    

107,231

      

77,786

      

46,592

      

477,236

      

49,840

      

334,934

      

1,327,557

    

• Contract withdrawals

    

(155,822

)

    

(144,988

)

    

(68,775

)

    

(1,673,617

)

    

(50,430

)

    

(557,860

)

    

(3,094,726

)

  

• Contract transfers

    

(198,074

)

    

26,521

      

(1,394,835

)

    

(588,779

)

    

(1,594,694

)

    

(63,214

)

    

(792,984

)

  
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM
UNIT TRANSACTIONS		    

(246,665

)

    

(40,681

)

    

(1,417,018

)

    

(1,785,160

)

    

(1,595,284

)

    

(286,140

)

    

(2,560,153

)

  

TOTAL INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS

    

116,802

      

335,672

      

(1,214,796

)

    

719,361

      

(1,625,228

)

    

1,034,874

      

3,792,433

    

NET ASSETS AT DECEMBER 31, 2013

    

1,989,204

      

1,525,730

      

—

      

16,768,685

      

—

      

6,000,890

      

27,219,661

    

Changes From Operations:

  

• Net investment income (loss)

    

(19,287

)

    

(14,139

)

    

—

      

89,332

      

—

      

9,402

      

(52,288

)

  

• Net realized gain (loss) on investments

    

62,808

      

146,722

      

—

      

1,738,627

      

—

      

756,196

      

2,347,352

    

• Net change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation on investments

    

24,538

      

23,383

      

—

      

(444,437

)

    

—

      

(697,854

)

    

(388,135

)

  
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM
OPERATIONS		    

68,059

      

155,966

      

—

      

1,383,522

      

—

      

67,744

      

1,906,929

    

Changes From Unit Transactions:

  

• Contract purchases

    

100,362

      

75,977

      

—

      

264,922

      

—

      

297,044

      

886,495

    

• Contract withdrawals

    

(191,348

)

    

(253,205

)

    

—

      

(1,792,219

)

    

—

      

(552,263

)

    

(2,369,629

)

  

• Contract transfers

    

2,730

      

(18,699

)

    

—

      

(554,415

)

    

—

      

(214,135

)

    

(870,046

)

  
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM
UNIT TRANSACTIONS		    

(88,256

)

    

(195,927

)

    

—

      

(2,081,712

)

    

—

      

(469,354

)

    

(2,353,180

)

  

TOTAL INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS

    

(20,197

)

    

(39,961

)

    

—

      

(698,190

)

    

—

      

(401,610

)

    

(446,251

)

  

NET ASSETS AT DECEMBER 31, 2014

  

$

1,969,007

    

$

1,485,769

    

$

—

    

$

16,070,495

    

$

—

    

$

5,599,280

    

$

26,773,410

    

See accompanying notes.
L-6


    American
Funds
Growth-Income
Class 2
Subaccount		   American
Funds
International
Class 2
Subaccount		   BlackRock
Global
Allocation V.I.
Class I
Subaccount		   Delaware VIP
Diversified
Income
Standard
Class
Subaccount		   Delaware VIP
High Yield
Standard
Class
Subaccount		   Delaware VIP
REIT
Service
Class
Subaccount		  

NET ASSETS AT JANUARY 1, 2013

  

$

7,932,965

    

$

11,350,715

    

$

1,215,132

    

$

7,056,169

    

$

3,077,698

    

$

11,576,227

    

Changes From Operations:

  

• Net investment income (loss)

    

39,499

      

40,829

      

3,661

      

88,559

      

191,502

      

40,000

    

• Net realized gain (loss) on investments

    

176,863

      

108,150

      

68,088

      

165,918

      

60,886

      

23,820

    

• Net change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation on investments

    

2,370,644

      

1,994,480

      

102,571

      

(411,501

)

    

(21,979

)

    

48,663

    
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING
FROM OPERATIONS		    

2,587,006

      

2,143,459

      

174,320

      

(157,024

)

    

230,409

      

112,483

    

Changes From Unit Transactions:

  

• Contract purchases

    

631,136

      

536,424

      

199,953

      

361,659

      

164,731

      

685,320

    

• Contract withdrawals

    

(1,117,898

)

    

(1,419,939

)

    

(113,379

)

    

(1,252,817

)

    

(296,021

)

    

(1,067,428

)

  

• Contract transfers

    

816,867

      

(527,117

)

    

87,542

      

(91,684

)

    

(312,601

)

    

(456,044

)

  
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM
UNIT TRANSACTIONS		    

330,105

      

(1,410,632

)

    

174,116

      

(982,842

)

    

(443,891

)

    

(838,152

)

  

TOTAL INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS

    

2,917,111

      

732,827

      

348,436

      

(1,139,866

)

    

(213,482

)

    

(725,669

)

  

NET ASSETS AT DECEMBER 31, 2013

    

10,850,076

      

12,083,542

      

1,563,568

      

5,916,303

      

2,864,216

      

10,850,558

    

Changes From Operations:

  

• Net investment income (loss)

    

37,224

      

40,501

      

18,712

      

74,431

      

163,078

      

14,022

    

• Net realized gain (loss) on investments

    

832,945

      

243,300

      

147,557

      

38,066

      

75,536

      

137,480

    

• Net change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation on investments

    

156,648

      

(688,222

)

    

(150,107

)

    

134,046

      

(275,987

)

    

2,730,049

    
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM
OPERATIONS		    

1,026,817

      

(404,421

)

    

16,162

      

246,543

      

(37,373

)

    

2,881,551

    

Changes From Unit Transactions:

  

• Contract purchases

    

404,839

      

428,435

      

168,520

      

334,624

      

146,639

      

372,380

    

• Contract withdrawals

    

(1,046,419

)

    

(1,112,221

)

    

(282,003

)

    

(754,900

)

    

(416,179

)

    

(1,223,448

)

  

• Contract transfers

    

641,887

      

(230,270

)

    

60,623

      

2,215

      

271,764

      

628,520

    
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM
UNIT TRANSACTIONS		    

307

      

(914,056

)

    

(52,860

)

    

(418,061

)

    

2,224

      

(222,548

)

  

TOTAL INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS

    

1,027,124

      

(1,318,477

)

    

(36,698

)

    

(171,518

)

    

(35,149

)

    

2,659,003

    

NET ASSETS AT DECEMBER 31, 2014

  

$

11,877,200

    

$

10,765,065

    

$

1,526,870

    

$

5,744,785

    

$

2,829,067

    

$

13,509,561

    


L-7


Lincoln National Variable Annuity Account L

Statements of changes in net assets (continued)

Years Ended December 31, 2013 and 2014

    Delaware VIP
Small Cap
Value
Service Class
Subaccount		   Delaware VIP
Smid Cap
Growth
Service Class
Subaccount		   Dreyfus
Opportunistic
Small Cap
Initial Class
Subaccount		   Dreyfus
Stock Index
Initial Class
Subaccount		   Deutsche
Alternative
Asset
Allocation
VIP Class A
Subaccount		   Deutsche Equity
500 Index VIP
Class A
Subaccount		   Deutsche
Small Cap
Index VIP
Class A
Subaccount		  

NET ASSETS AT JANUARY 1, 2013

  

$

8,060,937

    

$

4,312,965

    

$

24,277,228

    

$

48,754,441

    

$

130,967

    

$

1,756,809

    

$

1,997,201

    

Changes From Operations:

  

• Net investment income (loss)

    

(44,368

)

    

(52,070

)

    

(96,376

)

    

38,614

      

1,361

      

29,205

      

29,508

    

• Net realized gain (loss) on investments

    

625,616

      

408,621

      

(2,775,690

)

    

16,332,988

      

(30

)

    

542,820

      

451,451

    

• Net change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation on investments

    

1,967,326

      

1,409,112

      

7,322,884

      

(8,082,061

)

    

(457

)

    

(266,300

)

    

(136,516

)

  
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING
FROM OPERATIONS		    

2,548,574

      

1,765,663

      

4,450,818

      

8,289,541

      

874

      

305,725

      

344,443

    

Changes From Unit Transactions:

  

• Contract purchases

    

440,712

      

431,060

      

251,328

      

316,309

      

13,177

      

66,373

      

43,762

    

• Contract withdrawals

    

(731,355

)

    

(507,840

)

    

(1,113,315

)

    

(2,080,546

)

    

(13,767

)

    

(71,190

)

    

(162,349

)

  

• Contract transfers

    

209,975

      

489,065

      

(27,866,059

)

    

(55,279,745

)

    

57,274

      

(2,057,717

)

    

(2,223,057

)

  
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM
UNIT TRANSACTIONS		    

(80,668

)

    

412,285

      

(28,728,046

)

    

(57,043,982

)

    

56,684

      

(2,062,534

)

    

(2,341,644

)

  

TOTAL INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS

    

2,467,906

      

2,177,948

      

(24,277,228

)

    

(48,754,441

)

    

57,558

      

(1,756,809

)

    

(1,997,201

)

  

NET ASSETS AT DECEMBER 31, 2013

    

10,528,843

      

6,490,913

      

—

      

—

      

188,525

      

—

      

—

    

Changes From Operations:

  

• Net investment income (loss)

    

(65,960

)

    

(54,926

)

    

—

      

—

      

1,497

      

—

      

—

    

• Net realized gain (loss) on investments

    

1,287,088

      

815,949

      

—

      

—

      

2,481

      

—

      

—

    

• Net change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation on investments

    

(777,118

)

    

(741,599

)

    

—

      

—

      

(1,139

)

    

—

      

—

    
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM
OPERATIONS		    

444,010

      

19,424

      

—

      

—

      

2,839

      

—

      

—

    

Changes From Unit Transactions:

  

• Contract purchases

    

339,417

      

149,153

      

—

      

—

      

11,164

      

—

      

—

    

• Contract withdrawals

    

(1,143,970

)

    

(649,723

)

    

—

      

—

      

(52,608

)

    

—

      

—

    

• Contract transfers

    

(280,783

)

    

(785,137

)

    

—

      

—

      

74,447

      

—

      

—

    
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM
UNIT TRANSACTIONS		    

(1,085,336

)

    

(1,285,707

)

    

—

      

—

      

33,003

      

—

      

—

    

TOTAL INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS

    

(641,326

)

    

(1,266,283

)

    

—

      

—

      

35,842

      

—

      

—

    

NET ASSETS AT DECEMBER 31, 2014

  

$

9,887,517

    

$

5,224,630

    

$

—

    

$

—

    

$

224,367

    

$

—

    

$

—

    

See accompanying notes.
L-8


    Fidelity VIP
Asset
Manager
Initial Class
Subaccount		   Fidelity VIP
Contrafund
Service
Class 2
Subaccount		   Fidelity VIP
Equity-Income
Initial Class
Subaccount		   Fidelity VIP
Growth
Initial Class
Subaccount		   Fidelity VIP
Money Market
Initial Class
Subaccount		   Janus Aspen
Global
Research
Institutional
Class
Subaccount		  

NET ASSETS AT JANUARY 1, 2013

  

$

39,405,183

    

$

18,394,701

    

$

38,900,117

    

$

64,761,253

    

$

8,090

    

$

8,840,691

    

Changes From Operations:

  

• Net investment income (loss)

    

217,575

      

(32,369

)

    

(150,761

)

    

(497,676

)

    

3

      

21,989

    

• Net realized gain (loss) on investments

    

425,027

      

338,986

      

3,070,403

      

2,359,973

      

—

      

(64,402

)

  

• Net change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation on investments

    

4,823,319

      

4,981,469

      

3,646,697

      

19,550,324

      

—

      

2,303,934

    
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING
FROM OPERATIONS		    

5,465,921

      

5,288,086

      

6,566,339

      

21,412,621

      

3

      

2,261,521

    

Changes From Unit Transactions:

  

• Contract purchases

    

933,048

      

1,064,539

      

499,846

      

1,519,429

      

40,215

      

271,835

    

• Contract withdrawals

    

(4,050,326

)

    

(1,841,045

)

    

(1,766,584

)

    

(7,672,331

)

    

(8,397

)

    

(1,058,818

)

  

• Contract transfers

    

(1,073,589

)

    

(585,185

)

    

(44,199,718

)

    

(1,955,721

)

    

(31,807

)

    

(352,335

)

  
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM
UNIT TRANSACTIONS		    

(4,190,867

)

    

(1,361,691

)

    

(45,466,456

)

    

(8,108,623

)

    

11

      

(1,139,318

)

  

TOTAL INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS

    

1,275,054

      

3,926,395

      

(38,900,117

)

    

13,303,998

      

14

      

1,122,203

    

NET ASSETS AT DECEMBER 31, 2013

    

40,680,237

      

22,321,096

      

—

      

78,065,251

      

8,104

      

9,962,894

    

Changes From Operations:

  

• Net investment income (loss)

    

192,121

      

(57,226

)

    

—

      

(638,171

)

    

1

      

9,615

    

• Net realized gain (loss) on investments

    

2,380,950

      

1,154,358

      

—

      

3,191,464

      

—

      

107,431

    

• Net change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation on investments

    

(635,607

)

    

1,153,860

      

—

      

5,175,765

      

—

      

495,424

    
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM
OPERATIONS		    

1,937,464

      

2,250,992

      

—

      

7,729,058

      

1

      

612,470

    

Changes From Unit Transactions:

  

• Contract purchases

    

499,243

      

708,133

      

—

      

1,080,937

      

57,842

      

146,739

    

• Contract withdrawals

    

(3,136,948

)

    

(2,085,260

)

    

—

      

(7,415,914

)

    

(11,773

)

    

(910,251

)

  

• Contract transfers

    

(858,778

)

    

(211,782

)

    

—

      

2,462

      

(44,301

)

    

(51,337

)

  
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM
UNIT TRANSACTIONS		    

(3,496,483

)

    

(1,588,909

)

    

—

      

(6,332,515

)

    

1,768

      

(814,849

)

  

TOTAL INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS

    

(1,559,019

)

    

662,083

      

—

      

1,396,543

      

1,769

      

(202,379

)

  

NET ASSETS AT DECEMBER 31, 2014

  

$

39,121,218

    

$

22,983,179

    

$

—

    

$

79,461,794

    

$

9,873

    

$

9,760,515

    


L-9


Lincoln National Variable Annuity Account L

Statements of changes in net assets (continued)

Years Ended December 31, 2013 and 2014

    LVIP
Baron
Growth
Opportunities
Service
Class
Subaccount		   LVIP
BlackRock
Emerging
Markets
RPM
Standard
Class
Subaccount		   LVIP
BlackRock
Inflation
Protected Bond
Standard
Class
Subaccount		   LVIP
Clarion
Global
Real Estate
Standard
Class
Subaccount		   LVIP
Columbia
Small-Mid
Cap Growth
RPM
Standard
Class
Subaccount		   LVIP
Delaware
Bond
Standard
Class
Subaccount		   LVIP
Delaware
Diversified
Floating
Rate
Service
Class
Subaccount		  

NET ASSETS AT JANUARY 1, 2013

  

$

14,060,367

    

$

—

    

$

69,225

    

$

623,618

    

$

—

    

$

7,912,925

    

$

25,234

    

Changes From Operations:

  

• Net investment income (loss)

    

(90,594

)

    

—

      

48

      

(6,875

)

    

—

      

39,834

      

(72

)

  

• Net realized gain (loss) on investments

    

2,093,063

      

—

      

(12,436

)

    

35,994

      

—

      

164,733

      

41

    

• Net change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation on investments

    

3,347,951

      

—

      

(94,966

)

    

(14,356

)

    

—

      

(447,805

)

    

(42

)

  
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING
FROM OPERATIONS		    

5,350,420

      

—

      

(107,354

)

    

14,763

      

—

      

(243,238

)

    

(73

)

  

Changes From Unit Transactions:

  

• Contract purchases

    

455,312

      

—

      

47,830

      

47,545

      

—

      

350,550

      

16,279

    

• Contract withdrawals

    

(1,611,200

)

    

—

      

(562,850

)

    

(123,801

)

    

—

      

(1,185,194

)

    

(12,293

)

  

• Contract transfers

    

632,295

      

—

      

1,505,700

      

98,889

      

—

      

(1,088,271

)

    

99,459

    
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM
UNIT TRANSACTIONS		    

(523,593

)

    

—

      

990,680

      

22,633

      

—

      

(1,922,915

)

    

103,445

    

TOTAL INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS

    

4,826,827

      

—

      

883,326

      

37,396

      

—

      

(2,166,153

)

    

103,372

    

NET ASSETS AT DECEMBER 31, 2013

    

18,887,194

      

—

      

952,551

      

661,014

      

—

      

5,746,772

      

128,606

    

Changes From Operations:

  

• Net investment income (loss)

    

(140,305

)

    

189

      

4,210

      

10,224

      

(1

)

    

51,134

      

5,154

    

• Net realized gain (loss) on investments

    

1,245,677

      

65

      

(19,319

)

    

49,447

      

17

      

79,549

      

(5

)

  

• Net change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation on investments

    

(503,943

)

    

(3,351

)

    

34,201

      

6,203

      

10

      

127,308

      

(11,805

)

  
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM
OPERATIONS		    

601,429

      

(3,097

)

    

19,092

      

65,874

      

26

      

257,991

      

(6,656

)

  

Changes From Unit Transactions:

  

• Contract purchases

    

295,830

      

434

      

68,391

      

43,619

      

15

      

253,538

      

39,668

    

• Contract withdrawals

    

(2,260,175

)

    

(312

)

    

(163,363

)

    

(193,576

)

    

—

      

(788,714

)

    

(15,760

)

  

• Contract transfers

    

(411,412

)

    

26,678

      

(33,247

)

    

23,402

      

369

      

(402,170

)

    

596,229

    
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM
UNIT TRANSACTIONS		    

(2,375,757

)

    

26,800

      

(128,219

)

    

(126,555

)

    

384

      

(937,346

)

    

620,137

    

TOTAL INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS

    

(1,774,328

)

    

23,703

      

(109,127

)

    

(60,681

)

    

410

      

(679,355

)

    

613,481

    

NET ASSETS AT DECEMBER 31, 2014

  

$

17,112,866

    

$

23,703

    

$

843,424

    

$

600,333

    

$

410

    

$

5,067,417

    

$

742,087

    

See accompanying notes.
L-10


    LVIP
Delaware
Foundation
Aggressive
Allocation
Standard
Class
Subaccount		   LVIP
Delaware
Foundation
Conservative
Allocation
Standard
Class
Subaccount		   LVIP
Delaware
Foundation
Moderate
Allocation
Standard
Class
Subaccount		   LVIP
Delaware
Growth
and Income
Standard
Class
Subaccount		   LVIP
Delaware
Social
Awareness
Standard
Class
Subaccount		   LVIP
Global
Income
Standard
Class
Subaccount		  

NET ASSETS AT JANUARY 1, 2013

  

$

156,687

    

$

1,134,046

    

$

309,208

    

$

3,805,702

    

$

12,425,870

    

$

247,696

    

Changes From Operations:

  

• Net investment income (loss)

    

1,420

      

14,951

      

5,158

      

35,948

      

38,519

      

(1,923

)

  

• Net realized gain (loss) on investments

    

2,139

      

25,317

      

11,634

      

250,001

      

508,891

      

(1,148

)

  

• Net change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation on investments

    

30,758

      

53,542

      

32,879

      

919,978

      

3,543,644

      

(6,480

)

  
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING
FROM OPERATIONS		    

34,317

      

93,810

      

49,671

      

1,205,927

      

4,091,054

      

(9,551

)

  

Changes From Unit Transactions:

  

• Contract purchases

    

43,303

      

117,593

      

71,142

      

175,406

      

314,598

      

29,119

    

• Contract withdrawals

    

(3,362

)

    

(84,539

)

    

(10,436

)

    

(512,688

)

    

(1,322,836

)

    

(15,356

)

  

• Contract transfers

    

747

      

(25,181

)

    

85,005

      

280,000

      

(147,438

)

    

9,718

    
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM
UNIT TRANSACTIONS		    

40,688

      

7,873

      

145,711

      

(57,282

)

    

(1,155,676

)

    

23,481

    

TOTAL INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS

    

75,005

      

101,683

      

195,382

      

1,148,645

      

2,935,378

      

13,930

    

NET ASSETS AT DECEMBER 31, 2013

    

231,692

      

1,235,729

      

504,590

      

4,954,347

      

15,361,248

      

261,626

    

Changes From Operations:

  

• Net investment income (loss)

    

3,886

      

22,628

      

5,559

      

56,007

      

84,570

      

(992

)

  

• Net realized gain (loss) on investments

    

4,574

      

65,087

      

36,574

      

429,390

      

1,276,184

      

553

    

• Net change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation on investments

    

(180

)

    

(38,830

)

    

(24,293

)

    

117,901

      

677,705

      

2,164

    
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM
OPERATIONS		    

8,280

      

48,885

      

17,840

      

603,298

      

2,038,459

      

1,725

    

Changes From Unit Transactions:

  

• Contract purchases

    

58,951

      

137,934

      

94,811

      

217,650

      

243,344

      

25,673

    

• Contract withdrawals

    

(16,698

)

    

(77,924

)

    

(152,007

)

    

(500,650

)

    

(1,760,982

)

    

(25,661

)

  

• Contract transfers

    

122

      

(32,538

)

    

74,084

      

391,089

      

201,591

      

44,889

    
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM
UNIT TRANSACTIONS		    

42,375

      

27,472

      

16,888

      

108,089

      

(1,316,047

)

    

44,901

    

TOTAL INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS

    

50,655

      

76,357

      

34,728

      

711,387

      

722,412

      

46,626

    

NET ASSETS AT DECEMBER 31, 2014

  

$

282,347

    

$

1,312,086

    

$

539,318

    

$

5,665,734

    

$

16,083,660

    

$

308,252

    


L-11


Lincoln National Variable Annuity Account L

Statements of changes in net assets (continued)

Years Ended December 31, 2013 and 2014

    LVIP
JPMorgan
Mid Cap
Value
RPM
Standard
Class
Subaccount		   LVIP
Managed
Risk Profile
2010
Standard
Class
Subaccount		   LVIP
Managed
Risk Profile
2020
Standard
Class
Subaccount		   LVIP
Managed
Risk Profile
2030
Standard
Class
Subaccount		   LVIP
Managed
Risk Profile
2040
Standard
Class
Subaccount		   LVIP
Managed
Risk Profile
2050
Standard
Class
Subaccount		   LVIP
Managed
Risk Profile
Conservative
Standard
Class
Subaccount		  

NET ASSETS AT JANUARY 1, 2013

  

$

—

    

$

760,605

    

$

2,136,241

    

$

2,960,652

    

$

1,230,346

    

$

25,589

    

$

2,273,449

    

Changes From Operations:

  

• Net investment income (loss)

    

—

      

2,729

      

6,658

      

13,244

      

5,231

      

1,031

      

15,831

    

• Net realized gain (loss) on investments

    

—

      

10,674

      

85,904

      

74,587

      

22,711

      

843

      

119,801

    

• Net change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation on investments

    

—

      

46,779

      

119,322

      

312,512

      

172,681

      

10,547

      

43,662

    
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING
FROM OPERATIONS		    

—

      

60,182

      

211,884

      

400,343

      

200,623

      

12,421

      

179,294

    

Changes From Unit Transactions:

  

• Contract purchases

    

—

      

58,715

      

267,471

      

477,603

      

329,122

      

91,445

      

119,046

    

• Contract withdrawals

    

—

      

(6,531

)

    

(395,682

)

    

(443,752

)

    

(116,896

)

    

(12,172

)

    

(482,794

)

  

• Contract transfers

    

—

      

(48,323

)

    

(20,011

)

    

341,033

      

(44,189

)

    

26,043

      

(99,530

)

  
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM
UNIT TRANSACTIONS		    

—

      

3,861

      

(148,222

)

    

374,884

      

168,037

      

105,316

      

(463,278

)

  

TOTAL INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS

    

—

      

64,043

      

63,662

      

775,227

      

368,660

      

117,737

      

(283,984

)

  

NET ASSETS AT DECEMBER 31, 2013

    

—

      

824,648

      

2,199,903

      

3,735,879

      

1,599,006

      

143,326

      

1,989,465

    

Changes From Operations:

  

• Net investment income (loss)

    

633

      

4,574

      

20,522

      

50,924

      

22,179

      

3,671

      

17,653

    

• Net realized gain (loss) on investments

    

(55

)

    

46,725

      

85,254

      

46,975

      

51,434

      

38,020

      

100,139

    

• Net change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation on investments

    

5,816

      

(36,289

)

    

(26,375

)

    

27,908

      

(31,558

)

    

(38,472

)

    

(30,988

)

  
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM
OPERATIONS		    

6,394

      

15,010

      

79,401

      

125,807

      

42,055

      

3,219

      

86,804

    

Changes From Unit Transactions:

  

• Contract purchases

    

623

      

56,587

      

266,777

      

561,974

      

377,263

      

181,044

      

90,311

    

• Contract withdrawals

    

(2,549

)

    

(321,355

)

    

(520,750

)

    

(261,594

)

    

(246,429

)

    

(30,200

)

    

(434,833

)

  

• Contract transfers

    

159,179

      

(20,095

)

    

236,599

      

293,263

      

(31,648

)

    

13,556

      

128,600

    
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM
UNIT TRANSACTIONS		    

157,253

      

(284,863

)

    

(17,374

)

    

593,643

      

99,186

      

164,400

      

(215,922

)

  

TOTAL INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS

    

163,647

      

(269,853

)

    

62,027

      

719,450

      

141,241

      

167,619

      

(129,118

)

  

NET ASSETS AT DECEMBER 31, 2014

  

$

163,647

    

$

554,795

    

$

2,261,930

    

$

4,455,329

    

$

1,740,247

    

$

310,945

    

$

1,860,347

    

See accompanying notes.
L-12


    LVIP
Managed
Risk Profile
Growth
Standard
Class
Subaccount		   LVIP
Managed
Risk Profile
Moderate
Standard
Class
Subaccount		   LVIP
Mondrian
International
Value
Standard
Class
Subaccount		   LVIP
SSgA
Bond
Index
Standard
Class
Subaccount		   LVIP
SSgA
Emerging
Markets 100
Standard
Class
Subaccount		   LVIP SSgA
Global
Tactical
Allocation
RPM
Standard
Class
Subaccount		  

NET ASSETS AT JANUARY 1, 2013

  

$

5,182,561

    

$

5,016,147

    

$

3,768,229

    

$

704,258

    

$

1,258,209

    

$

1,861,171

    

Changes From Operations:

  

• Net investment income (loss)

    

42,548

      

41,946

      

57,528

      

6,329

      

15,253

      

19,806

    

• Net realized gain (loss) on investments

    

39,204

      

55,058

      

(79,418

)

    

94

      

(71,040

)

    

8,225

    

• Net change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation on investments

    

560,399

      

438,656

      

761,470

      

(29,901

)

    

4,210

      

130,093

    
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING
FROM OPERATIONS		    

642,151

      

535,660

      

739,580

      

(23,478

)

    

(51,577

)

    

158,124

    

Changes From Unit Transactions:

  

• Contract purchases

    

444,322

      

428,556

      

205,248

      

47,185

      

125,012

      

105,915

    

• Contract withdrawals

    

(311,889

)

    

(429,490

)

    

(396,887

)

    

(50,612

)

    

(185,434

)

    

(146,156

)

  

• Contract transfers

    

(100,062

)

    

20,679

      

(201,767

)

    

(68,356

)

    

22,595

      

(55,896

)

  
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM
UNIT TRANSACTIONS		    

32,371

      

19,745

      

(393,406

)

    

(71,783

)

    

(37,827

)

    

(96,137

)

  

TOTAL INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS

    

674,522

      

555,405

      

346,174

      

(95,261

)

    

(89,404

)

    

61,987

    

NET ASSETS AT DECEMBER 31, 2013

    

5,857,083

      

5,571,552

      

4,114,403

      

608,997

      

1,168,805

      

1,923,158

    

Changes From Operations:

  

• Net investment income (loss)

    

54,065

      

87,469

      

115,088

      

5,221

      

23,342

      

23,717

    

• Net realized gain (loss) on investments

    

159,512

      

242,633

      

(6,187

)

    

(3,013

)

    

(32,049

)

    

20,802

    

• Net change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation on investments

    

(67,155

)

    

(156,139

)

    

(235,511

)

    

23,521

      

(43,908

)

    

11,748

    
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM
OPERATIONS		    

146,422

      

173,963

      

(126,610

)

    

25,729

      

(52,615

)

    

56,267

    

Changes From Unit Transactions:

  

• Contract purchases

    

366,683

      

1,361,204

      

153,520

      

29,598

      

98,448

      

93,445

    

• Contract withdrawals

    

(742,853

)

    

(1,011,582

)

    

(355,371

)

    

(136,210

)

    

(148,741

)

    

(218,115

)

  

• Contract transfers

    

(142,796

)

    

1,232,526

      

(114,675

)

    

59,086

      

78,679

      

47,240

    
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM
UNIT TRANSACTIONS		    

(518,966

)

    

1,582,148

      

(316,526

)

    

(47,526

)

    

28,386

      

(77,430

)

  

TOTAL INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS

    

(372,544

)

    

1,756,111

      

(443,136

)

    

(21,797

)

    

(24,229

)

    

(21,163

)

  

NET ASSETS AT DECEMBER 31, 2014

  

$

5,484,539

    

$

7,327,663

    

$

3,671,267

    

$

587,200

    

$

1,144,576

    

$

1,901,995

    


L-13


Lincoln National Variable Annuity Account L

Statements of changes in net assets (continued)

Years Ended December 31, 2013 and 2014

    LVIP SSgA
International
Index
Standard
Class
Subaccount		   LVIP SSgA
S&P 500
Index
Standard
Class
Subaccount		   LVIP SSgA
Small-Cap
Index
Standard
Class
Subaccount		   LVIP
T. Rowe Price
Structured
Mid-Cap
Growth
Standard
Class
Subaccount		   LVIP
Templeton
Growth
RPM
Standard
Class
Subaccount		  

NET ASSETS AT JANUARY 1, 2013

  

$

104,237

    

$

21,113

    

$

5,536

    

$

15,640,591

    

$

—

    

Changes From Operations:

  

• Net investment income (loss)

    

1,067

      

919,328

      

41,187

      

(173,790

)

    

—

    

• Net realized gain (loss) on investments

    

4,978

      

212,550

      

258,593

      

694,174

      

—

    

• Net change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation on investments

    

16,777

      

10,432,576

      

4,499,974

      

4,531,560

      

—

    
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING
FROM OPERATIONS		    

22,822

      

11,564,454

      

4,799,754

      

5,051,944

      

—

    

Changes From Unit Transactions:

  

• Contract purchases

    

15,867

      

1,676,849

      

324,186

      

377,688

      

—

    

• Contract withdrawals

    

(4,027

)

    

(8,069,798

)

    

(1,884,076

)

    

(1,803,961

)

    

—

    

• Contract transfers

    

11,210

      

105,743,127

      

29,799,292

      

488,274

      

—

    
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM
UNIT TRANSACTIONS		    

23,050

      

99,350,178

      

28,239,402

      

(937,999

)

    

—

    

TOTAL INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS

    

45,872

      

110,914,632

      

33,039,156

      

4,113,945

      

—

    

NET ASSETS AT DECEMBER 31, 2013

    

150,109

      

110,935,745

      

33,044,692

      

19,754,536

      

—

    

Changes From Operations:

  

• Net investment income (loss)

    

3,387

      

982,109

      

(50,229

)

    

(145,690

)

    

281

    

• Net realized gain (loss) on investments

    

745

      

2,678,246

      

1,323,708

      

1,916,289

      

(2

)

  

• Net change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation on investments

    

(19,172

)

    

9,145,844

      

(224,085

)

    

175,999

      

(1,539

)

  
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM
OPERATIONS		    

(15,040

)

    

12,806,199

      

1,049,394

      

1,946,598

      

(1,260

)

  

Changes From Unit Transactions:

  

• Contract purchases

    

17,579

      

2,268,937

      

611,351

      

340,577

      

833

    

• Contract withdrawals

    

(5,229

)

    

(11,080,809

)

    

(3,005,464

)

    

(1,931,167

)

    

—

    

• Contract transfers

    

33,439

      

(2,581,446

)

    

(1,085,177

)

    

(368,359

)

    

24,431

    
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM
UNIT TRANSACTIONS		    

45,789

      

(11,393,318

)

    

(3,479,290

)

    

(1,958,949

)

    

25,264

    

TOTAL INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS

    

30,749

      

1,412,881

      

(2,429,896

)

    

(12,351

)

    

24,004

    

NET ASSETS AT DECEMBER 31, 2014

  

$

180,858

    

$

112,348,626

    

$

30,614,796

    

$

19,742,185

    

$

24,004

    

See accompanying notes.
L-14


    LVIP
UBS
Large Cap
Growth
RPM
Standard
Class
Subaccount		   NB AMT
Large Cap
Value I
Class
Subaccount		   NB AMT
Mid Cap
Growth I
Class
Subaccount		   T. Rowe Price
International
Stock
Subaccount		  

NET ASSETS AT JANUARY 1, 2013

  

$

1,521,247

    

$

4,318,915

    

$

6,598,276

    

$

11,673,495

    

Changes From Operations:

  

• Net investment income (loss)

    

(15,263

)

    

8,951

      

(25,560

)

    

(15,855

)

  

• Net realized gain (loss) on investments

    

60,851

      

(2,951

)

    

2,491,871

      

121,643

    

• Net change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation on investments

    

297,908

      

1,249,243

      

(1,535,644

)

    

1,323,976

    
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING
FROM OPERATIONS		    

343,496

      

1,255,243

      

930,667

      

1,429,764

    

Changes From Unit Transactions:

  

• Contract purchases

    

58,573

      

170,010

      

113,398

      

252,764

    

• Contract withdrawals

    

(174,784

)

    

(516,188

)

    

(259,655

)

    

(929,321

)

  

• Contract transfers

    

(50,021

)

    

154,457

      

(7,382,686

)

    

(312,143

)

  
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM
UNIT TRANSACTIONS		    

(166,232

)

    

(191,721

)

    

(7,528,943

)

    

(988,700

)

  

TOTAL INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS

    

177,264

      

1,063,522

      

(6,598,276

)

    

441,064

    

NET ASSETS AT DECEMBER 31, 2013

    

1,698,511

      

5,382,437

      

—

      

12,114,559

    

Changes From Operations:

  

• Net investment income (loss)

    

(16,707

)

    

(12,654

)

    

—

      

3,463

    

• Net realized gain (loss) on investments

    

55,966

      

108,490

      

—

      

344,977

    

• Net change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation on investments

    

33,089

      

352,096

      

—

      

(579,234

)

  
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM
OPERATIONS		    

72,348

      

447,932

      

—

      

(230,794

)

  

Changes From Unit Transactions:

  

• Contract purchases

    

54,532

      

162,931

      

—

      

536,079

    

• Contract withdrawals

    

(140,218

)

    

(591,969

)

    

—

      

(1,397,088

)

  

• Contract transfers

    

29,744

      

85,957

      

—

      

(306,726

)

  
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM
UNIT TRANSACTIONS		    

(55,942

)

    

(343,081

)

    

—

      

(1,167,735

)

  

TOTAL INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS

    

16,406

      

104,851

      

—

      

(1,398,529

)

  

NET ASSETS AT DECEMBER 31, 2014

  

$

1,714,917

    

$

5,487,288

    

$

—

    

$

10,716,030

    


L-15



Lincoln National Variable Annuity Account L

Notes to financial statements

December 31, 2014

1. Accounting Policies and Variable Account Information

The Variable Account: Lincoln National Variable Annuity Account L (the Variable Account) is a segregated investment account of The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company (the Company) and is registered as a unit investment trust with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. The operations of the Variable Account, which commenced on September 26, 1996, are part of the operations of the Company. The Variable Account consists of two products as follows:

•  Group Variable Annuity

•  Lincoln Secured Retirement Income

The assets of the Variable Account are owned by the Company. The Variable Account's assets support the annuity contracts and may not be used to satisfy liabilities arising from any other business of the Company.

Basis of Presentation: The accompanying financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) for unit investment trusts.

Accounting Estimates: The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions affecting the reported amounts as of the date of the financial statements. Those estimates are inherently subject to change and actual results could differ from those estimates. Included among the material (or potentially material) reported amounts that require use of estimates is the fair value of certain assets.

Investments: The assets of the Variable Account are divided into variable subaccounts, each of which may be invested in shares of one of fifty-three mutual funds (the Funds) of eleven diversified, open-ended management investment companies, each Fund with its own investment objective. The Funds are:

AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (ABVPSF):

ABVPSF Global Thematic Growth Class B Fund

ABVPSF Growth Class B Fund

American Century Variable Portfolios, Inc. (American Century VP):

American Century VP Balanced Class I Portfolio

American Funds Insurance Series (American Funds):

American Funds Global Growth Class 2 Fund

American Funds Growth Class 2 Fund

American Funds Growth-Income Class 2 Fund

American Funds International Class 2 Fund

BlackRock Variable Series Funds, Inc. (BlackRock):

BlackRock Global Allocation V.I. Class I Fund

Delaware VIP Trust (Delaware VIP):

Delaware VIP Diversified Income Standard Class Series

Delaware VIP High Yield Standard Class Series

Delaware VIP REIT Service Class Series

Delaware VIP Small Cap Value Service Class Series

Delaware VIP Smid Cap Growth Service Class Series

Deutsche Investments VIT Funds (Deutsche):

Deutsche Alternative Asset Allocation VIP Class A Portfolio

Fidelity Variable Insurance Products Fund (Fidelity VIP):

Fidelity VIP Asset Manager Initial Class Portfolio

Fidelity VIP Contrafund Service Class 2 Portfolio

Fidelity VIP Growth Initial Class Portfolio

Fidelity VIP Money Market Initial Class Portfolio

Janus Aspen Series:

Janus Aspen Global Research Institutional Class Portfolio

Lincoln Variable Insurance Products Trust (LVIP)*:

LVIP Baron Growth Opportunities Service Class Fund

LVIP BlackRock Emerging Markets RPM Standard Class Fund

LVIP BlackRock Inflation Protected Bond Standard Class Fund

LVIP Clarion Global Real Estate Standard Class Fund

LVIP Columbia Small-Mid Cap Growth RPM Standard Class Fund

LVIP Delaware Bond Standard Class Fund

LVIP Delaware Diversified Floating Rate Service Class Fund

LVIP Delaware Foundation Aggressive Allocation Standard Class Fund

LVIP Delaware Foundation Conservative Allocation Standard Class Fund

LVIP Delaware Foundation Moderate Allocation Standard Class Fund

LVIP Delaware Growth and Income Standard Class Fund

LVIP Delaware Social Awareness Standard Class Fund

LVIP Global Income Standard Class Fund

LVIP JPMorgan Mid Cap Value RPM Standard Class Fund

LVIP Managed Risk Profile 2010 Standard Class Fund

LVIP Managed Risk Profile 2020 Standard Class Fund

LVIP Managed Risk Profile 2030 Standard Class Fund

LVIP Managed Risk Profile 2040 Standard Class Fund

LVIP Managed Risk Profile 2050 Standard Class Fund

LVIP Managed Risk Profile Conservative Standard Class Fund

LVIP Managed Risk Profile Growth Standard Class Fund

LVIP Managed Risk Profile Moderate Standard Class Fund

LVIP Mondrian International Value Standard Class Fund

LVIP SSgA Bond Index Standard Class Fund


L-16


Lincoln National Variable Annuity Account L

Notes to financial statements (continued)

1. Accounting Policies and Variable Account Information (continued)

LVIP SSgA Emerging Markets 100 Standard Class Fund

LVIP SSgA Global Tactical Allocation RPM Standard Class Fund

LVIP SSgA International Index Standard Class Fund

LVIP SSgA S&P 500 Index Standard Class Fund

LVIP SSgA Small-Cap Index Standard Class Fund

LVIP T. Rowe Price Structured Mid-Cap Growth Standard Class Fund

LVIP Templeton Growth RPM Standard Class Fund

LVIP UBS Large Cap Growth RPM Standard Class Fund

Neuberger Berman Advisors Management Trust (NB AMT):

NB AMT Large Cap Value I Class Portfolio

T. Rowe Price International Series, Inc. (T. Rowe Price):

T. Rowe Price International Stock Portfolio

*  Denotes an affiliate of The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company.

The Fidelity VIP Money Market Portfolio is used only for investments of initial contributions for which the Company has not received complete order instructions. Upon receipt of complete order instructions, the payments transferred to the Fidelity VIP Money Market Portfolio are allocated to purchase shares of one of the above Funds.

Investments in the Funds are stated at fair value as determined by the closing net asset value per share on December 31, 2014. The difference between cost and net asset value is reflected as unrealized appreciation or depreciation of investments.

The Variable Account's investments in the Funds are valued in accordance with the Fair Value Measurements and Disclosure Topic of the Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification (Topic). The Topic defines fair value as the price that the Variable Account would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The Topic also establishes a framework for measuring fair value and a three-level hierarchy for fair value measurements based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability. Inputs may be observable or unobservable and refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Observable inputs reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on

market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity. Unobservable inputs reflect the reporting entity's own assessment regarding the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability and are developed based on the best information available in the circumstances. The Variable Account's investments in the Funds are assigned a level based upon the observability of the inputs which are significant to the overall valuation. The three-tier hierarchy of inputs is summarized below.

Level 1 - inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices in active markets

Level 2 - inputs to the valuation methodology are observable, directly or indirectly

Level 3 - inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and reflect assumptions on the part of the reporting entity

The Variable Account's investments in the Funds are valued within the fair value hierarchy as Level 2. Net asset value is quoted by the Funds as derived by the fair value of the Funds' underlying investments. The Funds are not considered Level 1 as they are not traded in the open market; rather the Company sells and redeems shares at net asset value with the Funds.

Investment transactions are accounted for on a trade-date basis. The cost of investments sold is determined by the average cost method.

ASU 2013-08, Amendments to the Scope, Measurement, and Disclosure Requirements (Topic 946, Investment Companies) provides accounting guidance for assessing whether an entity is an investment company; considering the entity's purpose and design to determine whether the entity is an investment company. The standard also adds additional disclosure requirements regarding contractually required commitments to investees. Management has evaluated the criteria in the standard and concluded that the Variable Account qualifies as an investment company and therefore will continue to apply the accounting requirements of ASC 946. The adoption of this ASU did not have an effect on our financial condition and results of operations

Dividends: Dividends paid to the Variable Account are automatically reinvested in shares of the Funds on the payable date with the exception of Fidelity VIP Money Market Portfolio, which is invested monthly. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date.

Federal Income Taxes: Operations of the Variable Account form a part of and are taxed with operations of the Company, which is taxed as a "life insurance company" under the Internal Revenue Code. The Variable Account will not be taxed as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code, as amended. Under current federal income tax law, no federal income taxes are payable or receivable with respect to the Variable Account's net investment income and the net realized gain (loss) on investments.


L-17


Lincoln National Variable Annuity Account L

Notes to financial statements (continued)

1. Accounting Policies and Variable Account Information (continued)

Investment Fund Changes: During 2013, the following funds ceased to be available as investment options to Variable Account Contract owners:

ABVPSF Growth and Income Class B Fund

  

DWS Equity 500 Index VIP Class A Portfolio

  

American Century VP Inflation Protection Class I Portfolio

  

DWS Small Cap Index VIP Class A Portfolio

  

Dreyfus Opportunistic Small Cap Initial Class Portfolio

  

Fidelity VIP Equity-Income Initial Class Portfolio

  

Dreyfus Stock Index Initial Class Fund

  

NB AMT Mid Cap Growth I Class Portfolio

  

Also during 2013, the following funds changed their names:

Previous Fund Name

  

New Fund Name

  

Janus Aspen Series Worldwide Institutional Class Portfolio

  

Janus Aspen Global Research Institutional Class Portfolio

  

LVIP Protected Profile 2010 Standard Class Fund

  

LVIP Managed Risk Profile 2010 Standard Class Fund

  

LVIP Protected Profile 2020 Standard Class Fund

  

LVIP Managed Risk Profile 2020 Standard Class Fund

  

LVIP Protected Profile 2030 Standard Class Fund

  

LVIP Managed Risk Profile 2030 Standard Class Fund

  

LVIP Protected Profile 2040 Standard Class Fund

  

LVIP Managed Risk Profile 2040 Standard Class Fund

  

LVIP Protected Profile 2050 Standard Class Fund

  

LVIP Managed Risk Profile 2050 Standard Class Fund

  

LVIP Protected Profile Conservative Standard Class Fund

  

LVIP Managed Risk Profile Conservative Standard Class Fund

  

LVIP Protected Profile Growth Standard Class Fund

  

LVIP Managed Risk Profile Growth Standard Class Fund

  

LVIP Protected Profile Moderate Standard Class Fund

  

LVIP Managed Risk Profile Moderate Standard Class Fund

  

During 2014, the following funds became available as investment options for account contract owners. Accordingly, for the subaccounts that commenced operations during 2014, the 2014 statements of operations and statements of changes in net assets and total return and investment income ratios in note 3 are for the period from the commencement of operations to December 31, 2014:

LVIP BlackRock Emerging Markets RPM Standard Class Fund

  

LVIP JPMorgan Mid Cap Value RPM Standard Class Fund

  

LVIP Columbia Small-Mid Cap Growth RPM Standard Class Fund

  

LVIP Templeton Growth RPM Standard Class Fund

  

Also during 2014, the DWS Investments VIT Funds (DWS) family of funds changed its name to Deutsche Investments VIT Funds (Deutsche).

2. Mortality and Expense Guarantees and Other Transactions with Affiliates

Amounts are paid to the Company for mortality and expense guarantees at a percentage of the current value of the Variable Account each day with the exception of Fidelity VIP Money Market Portfolio, which does not have a mortality and expense charge. The ranges of rates are as follows for the two contract types within the Variable Account:

•  Group Variable Annuity at a daily rate of .0020548% to .0027397% (.75% to 1.00% on an annual basis)

•  Lincoln Secured Retirement Income at a daily rate of .0001370% to .0017808% (.05% to .65% on an annual basis)

During May, 2013, the fund replacement listed below occurred in certain products. The replacement fund has higher fund expenses than the fund it replaced, so the Company enacted a mortality and expense guarantee (M&E) reduction to ensure that overall fund expenses were the same after the replacement. The M&E reduction will last for a period of two years. The fund replacement was as follows:

Previous Fund Name

  

Replacement Fund Name

   M&E Reduction  

American Century VP Inflation Protection Class I Fund

  

LVIP BlackRock Inflation Protected Bond Standard Class Fund

    

0.06

%

  

In addition, amounts retained by the Company from the proceeds of the sales of annuity contracts for contract charges and surrender charges for 2014 and 2013 were $258,284 and $269,518, respectively.

Surrender, contract and all other charges are included within Contract withdrawals on the Statements of Changes in Net Assets.


L-18


Lincoln National Variable Annuity Account L

Notes to financial statements (continued)

3. Financial Highlights

A summary of the fee rates, unit values, units outstanding, net assets and total return and investment income ratios for variable annuity contracts as of and for each year or period in the five years ended December 31, 2014, follows:

Subaccount

  

Year

   Commencement
Date(1)		   Minimum
Fee
Rate(2)		   Maximum
Fee
Rate(2)		   Minimum
Unit
Value(3)		   Maximum
Unit
Value(3)		   Units
Outstanding		  

Net Assets

   Minimum
Total
Return(4)		   Maximum
Total
Return(4)		   Investment
Income
Ratio(5)		  

ABVPSF Global Thematic Growth Class B

  
     

2014

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

  

$

5.80

    

$

6.01

      

338,951

    

$

1,969,007

      

3.76

%

    

4.02

%

    

0.00

%

  
     

2013

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

5.59

      

5.78

      

355,281

      

1,989,204

      

21.70

%

    

22.01

%

    

0.02

%

  
     

2012

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

4.60

      

4.74

      

407,020

      

1,872,402

      

12.11

%

    

12.40

%

    

0.00

%

  
     

2011

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

4.10

      

4.22

      

453,695

      

1,861,796

      

-24.17

%

    

-23.98

%

    

0.35

%

  
     

2010

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

5.41

      

5.55

      

514,709

      

2,785,369

      

17.40

%

    

17.70

%

    

1.97

%

  

ABVPSF Growth Class B

  
     

2014

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

12.10

      

12.54

      

122,461

      

1,485,769

      

11.84

%

    

12.12

%

    

0.00

%

  
     

2013

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

10.82

      

11.18

      

140,737

      

1,525,730

      

32.40

%

    

32.73

%

    

0.03

%

  
     

2012

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

8.17

      

8.42

      

145,376

      

1,190,058

      

12.45

%

    

12.73

%

    

0.00

%

  
     

2011

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

7.27

      

7.47

      

148,943

      

1,083,910

      

-0.04

%

    

0.21

%

    

0.00

%

  
     

2010

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

7.27

      

7.46

      

161,724

      

1,177,462

      

13.65

%

    

13.94

%

    

0.05

%

  

ABVPSF Growth and Income Class B

  
     

2013

          

0.00

%

    

0.00

%

    

—

      

—

      

—

      

—

      

0.00

%

    

0.00

%

    

1.18

%

  
     

2012

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

13.21

      

13.50

      

91,918

      

1,214,796

      

16.08

%

    

16.37

%

    

1.38

%

  
     

2011

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

11.38

      

11.60

      

83,635

      

952,275

      

5.01

%

    

5.28

%

    

1.05

%

  
     

2010

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

10.84

      

11.02

      

83,141

      

901,820

      

11.68

%

    

11.96

%

    

0.00

%

  

American Century VP Balanced Class I

  
     

2014

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

41.83

      

43.48

      

382,815

      

16,070,495

      

8.76

%

    

9.03

%

    

1.52

%

  
     

2013

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

38.46

      

39.88

      

434,732

      

16,768,685

      

16.26

%

    

16.55

%

    

1.58

%

  
     

2012

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

33.08

      

34.22

      

483,889

      

16,049,324

      

10.69

%

    

10.97

%

    

2.06

%

  
     

2011

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

29.89

      

30.84

      

529,970

      

15,875,249

      

4.28

%

    

4.54

%

    

1.89

%

  
     

2010

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

28.66

      

29.49

      

606,823

      

17,425,978

      

10.53

%

    

10.80

%

    

1.88

%

  

American Century VP Inflation Protection Class I

  
     

2013

          

0.00

%

    

0.00

%

    

—

      

—

      

—

      

—

      

0.00

%

    

0.00

%

    

0.54

%

  
     

2012

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

13.08

      

13.20

      

124,230

      

1,625,228

      

6.48

%

    

6.75

%

    

2.82

%

  
     

2011

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

12.28

      

12.36

      

92,897

      

1,141,311

      

10.98

%

    

11.26

%

    

3.96

%

  
     

2010

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

11.07

      

11.11

      

71,574

      

792,299

      

4.32

%

    

4.58

%

    

1.85

%

  

American Funds Global Growth Class 2

  
     

2014

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

23.35

      

23.98

      

239,094

      

5,599,280

      

1.30

%

    

1.55

%

    

1.14

%

  
     

2013

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

23.05

      

23.61

      

259,684

      

6,000,890

      

27.89

%

    

28.21

%

    

1.26

%

  
     

2012

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

18.02

      

18.42

      

274,966

      

4,966,016

      

21.34

%

    

21.65

%

    

0.91

%

  
     

2011

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

14.85

      

15.14

      

302,484

      

4,500,793

      

-9.79

%

    

-9.57

%

    

1.25

%

  
     

2010

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

16.46

      

16.74

      

337,607

      

5,565,771

      

10.63

%

    

10.91

%

    

1.50

%

  

American Funds Growth Class 2

  
     

2014

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

15.80

      

16.38

      

1,688,620

      

26,773,410

      

7.43

%

    

7.70

%

    

0.78

%

  
     

2013

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

14.71

      

15.21

      

1,845,206

      

27,219,661

      

28.81

%

    

29.13

%

    

0.93

%

  
     

2012

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

11.42

      

11.78

      

2,046,065

      

23,427,228

      

16.72

%

    

17.01

%

    

0.79

%

  
     

2011

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

9.79

      

10.07

      

2,203,885

      

21,614,387

      

-5.23

%

    

-4.99

%

    

0.61

%

  
     

2010

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

10.33

      

10.59

      

2,391,020

      

24,737,180

      

17.50

%

    

17.79

%

    

0.70

%

  

American Funds Growth-Income Class 2

  
     

2014

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

19.70

      

20.22

      

602,195

      

11,877,200

      

9.53

%

    

9.81

%

    

1.32

%

  
     

2013

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

17.98

      

18.42

      

602,597

      

10,850,076

      

32.17

%

    

32.50

%

    

1.41

%

  
     

2012

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

13.60

      

13.90

      

582,370

      

7,932,965

      

16.31

%

    

16.60

%

    

1.63

%

  
     

2011

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

11.70

      

11.92

      

607,917

      

7,118,457

      

-2.81

%

    

-2.56

%

    

1.49

%

  
     

2010

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

12.03

      

12.23

      

678,662

      

8,174,284

      

10.32

%

    

10.59

%

    

1.49

%

  

American Funds International Class 2

  
     

2014

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

15.16

      

15.71

      

709,340

      

10,765,065

      

-3.62

%

    

-3.38

%

    

1.34

%

  
     

2013

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

15.72

      

16.25

      

767,401

      

12,083,542

      

20.42

%

    

20.73

%

    

1.35

%

  
     

2012

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

13.06

      

13.46

      

868,210

      

11,350,715

      

16.73

%

    

17.03

%

    

1.42

%

  
     

2011

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

11.19

      

11.51

      

1,034,750

      

11,586,451

      

-14.82

%

    

-14.61

%

    

1.60

%

  
     

2010

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

13.13

      

13.47

      

1,283,685

      

16,871,090

      

6.17

%

    

6.43

%

    

1.98

%

  


L-19


Lincoln National Variable Annuity Account L

Notes to financial statements (continued)

3. Financial Highlights (continued)

Subaccount

  

Year

   Commencement
Date(1)		   Minimum
Fee
Rate(2)		   Maximum
Fee
Rate(2)		   Minimum
Unit
Value(3)		   Maximum
Unit
Value(3)		   Units
Outstanding		  

Net Assets

   Minimum
Total
Return(4)		   Maximum
Total
Return(4)		   Investment
Income
Ratio(5)		  

BlackRock Global Allocation V.I. Class I

  
     

2014

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

  

$

14.88

    

$

15.09

      

102,561

    

$

1,526,870

      

1.09

%

    

1.35

%

    

2.23

%

  
     

2013

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

14.72

      

14.89

      

106,183

      

1,563,568

      

13.62

%

    

13.90

%

    

1.26

%

  
     

2012

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

12.96

      

13.07

      

93,759

      

1,215,132

      

9.18

%

    

9.46

%

    

1.48

%

  
     

2011

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

11.87

      

11.95

      

99,310

      

1,178,695

      

-4.45

%

    

-4.22

%

    

2.61

%

  
     

2010

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

12.42

      

12.47

      

71,179

      

884,156

      

8.96

%

    

9.24

%

    

1.74

%

  

Delaware VIP Diversified Income Standard Class

  
     

2014

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

17.77

      

18.25

      

323,001

      

5,744,785

      

4.27

%

    

4.53

%

    

2.26

%

  
     

2013

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

17.04

      

17.45

      

346,914

      

5,916,303

      

-2.24

%

    

-2.00

%

    

2.37

%

  
     

2012

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

17.43

      

17.81

      

404,524

      

7,056,169

      

6.13

%

    

6.39

%

    

3.09

%

  
     

2011

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

16.43

      

16.74

      

409,849

      

6,738,120

      

5.34

%

    

5.60

%

    

4.35

%

  
     

2010

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

15.60

      

15.85

      

471,338

      

7,355,730

      

6.98

%

    

7.25

%

    

4.69

%

  

Delaware VIP High Yield Standard Class

  
     

2014

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

18.57

      

19.02

      

152,142

      

2,829,067

      

-1.28

%

    

-1.03

%

    

6.53

%

  
     

2013

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

18.81

      

19.22

      

152,088

      

2,864,216

      

8.13

%

    

8.40

%

    

7.40

%

  
     

2012

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

17.40

      

17.73

      

176,736

      

3,077,698

      

16.65

%

    

16.94

%

    

8.56

%

  
     

2011

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

14.92

      

15.16

      

189,691

      

2,831,730

      

1.36

%

    

1.62

%

    

8.83

%

  
     

2010

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

14.71

      

14.92

      

208,040

      

3,063,324

      

14.17

%

    

14.46

%

    

7.66

%

  

Delaware VIP REIT Service Class

  
     

2014

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

38.00

      

39.38

      

354,974

      

13,509,561

      

27.84

%

    

28.16

%

    

1.11

%

  
     

2013

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

29.73

      

30.73

      

364,544

      

10,850,558

      

0.91

%

    

1.16

%

    

1.32

%

  
     

2012

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

29.46

      

30.38

      

392,488

      

11,576,227

      

15.45

%

    

15.74

%

    

1.30

%

  
     

2011

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

25.52

      

26.25

      

428,767

      

10,954,794

      

9.52

%

    

9.79

%

    

1.37

%

  
     

2010

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

23.30

      

23.90

      

464,315

      

10,830,826

      

25.35

%

    

25.66

%

    

2.57

%

  

Delaware VIP Small Cap Value Service Class

  
     

2014

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

24.66

      

25.33

      

400,294

      

9,887,517

      

4.57

%

    

4.83

%

    

0.33

%

  
     

2013

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

23.58

      

24.16

      

445,837

      

10,528,843

      

31.85

%

    

32.18

%

    

0.51

%

  
     

2012

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

17.89

      

18.28

      

450,097

      

8,060,937

      

12.50

%

    

12.79

%

    

0.35

%

  
     

2011

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

15.90

      

16.21

      

480,324

      

7,645,697

      

-2.57

%

    

-2.33

%

    

0.30

%

  
     

2010

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

16.32

      

16.59

      

540,575

      

8,829,991

      

30.60

%

    

30.93

%

    

0.46

%

  

Delaware VIP Smid Cap Growth Service Class

  
     

2014

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

16.84

      

17.44

      

309,856

      

5,224,630

      

1.85

%

    

2.10

%

    

0.00

%

  
     

2013

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

16.53

      

17.09

      

392,019

      

6,490,913

      

39.57

%

    

39.92

%

    

0.00

%

  
     

2012

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

11.84

      

12.21

      

363,549

      

4,312,965

      

9.61

%

    

9.88

%

    

0.01

%

  
     

2011

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

10.81

      

11.11

      

350,408

      

3,795,589

      

6.83

%

    

7.09

%

    

0.72

%

  
     

2010

    

10/8/10

    

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

10.11

      

10.38

      

266,490

      

2,702,240

      

13.45

%

    

13.51

%

    

0.00

%

  

Dreyfus Opportunistic Small Cap Initial Class

  
     

2012

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

23.82

      

24.64

      

1,016,901

      

24,277,228

      

19.36

%

    

19.66

%

    

0.00

%

  
     

2011

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

19.96

      

20.59

      

1,137,365

      

22,743,588

      

-14.70

%

    

-14.49

%

    

0.42

%

  
     

2010

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

23.39

      

24.08

      

1,301,328

      

30,502,057

      

29.85

%

    

30.17

%

    

0.76

%

  

Dreyfus Stock Index Initial Class

  
     

2013

          

0.00

%

    

0.00

%

    

—

      

—

      

—

      

—

      

0.00

%

    

0.00

%

    

0.45

%

  
     

2012

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

47.72

      

49.36

      

1,018,877

      

48,754,441

      

14.59

%

    

14.87

%

    

2.02

%

  
     

2011

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

41.65

      

42.97

      

1,136,755

      

47,470,262

      

0.86

%

    

1.12

%

    

1.80

%

  
     

2010

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

41.29

      

42.50

      

1,378,411

      

57,034,613

      

13.70

%

    

13.98

%

    

1.80

%

  

Deutsche Alternative Asset Allocation VIP Class A

  
     

2014

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

13.40

      

13.58

      

16,747

      

224,367

      

2.47

%

    

2.73

%

    

1.75

%

  
     

2013

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

13.07

      

13.22

      

14,420

      

188,525

      

-0.07

%

    

0.18

%

    

1.81

%

  
     

2012

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

13.08

      

13.20

      

10,010

      

130,967

      

8.63

%

    

8.90

%

    

3.26

%

  
     

2011

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

12.04

      

12.04

      

8,100

      

97,553

      

-3.83

%

    

-3.83

%

    

1.50

%

  
     

2010

          

1.00

%

    

1.00

%

    

12.52

      

12.52

      

6,674

      

83,584

      

11.35

%

    

11.35

%

    

1.19

%

  

Deutsche Equity 500 Index VIP Class A

  
     

2013

          

0.00

%

    

0.00

%

    

—

      

—

      

—

      

—

      

0.00

%

    

0.00

%

    

1.90

%

  
     

2012

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

14.00

      

14.30

      

125,401

      

1,756,809

      

14.55

%

    

14.83

%

    

2.09

%

  
     

2011

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

12.22

      

12.45

      

193,503

      

2,366,306

      

0.82

%

    

1.07

%

    

1.75

%

  
     

2010

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

12.12

      

12.32

      

199,957

      

2,424,596

      

13.56

%

    

13.85

%

    

1.91

%

  


L-20


Lincoln National Variable Annuity Account L

Notes to financial statements (continued)

3. Financial Highlights (continued)

Subaccount

  

Year

   Commencement
Date(1)		   Minimum
Fee
Rate(2)		   Maximum
Fee
Rate(2)		   Minimum
Unit
Value(3)		   Maximum
Unit
Value(3)		   Units
Outstanding		  

Net Assets

   Minimum
Total
Return(4)		   Maximum
Total
Return(4)		   Investment
Income
Ratio(5)		  

Deutsche Small Cap Index VIP Class A

  
     

2013

          

0.00

%

    

0.00

%

  

$

—

    

$

—

      

—

    

$

—

      

0.00

%

    

0.00

%

    

1.77

%

  
     

2012

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

15.31

      

15.65

      

130,153

      

1,997,201

      

15.09

%

    

15.38

%

    

0.88

%

  
     

2011

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

13.31

      

13.56

      

133,027

      

1,773,487

      

-5.37

%

    

-5.13

%

    

0.89

%

  
     

2010

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

14.06

      

14.29

      

147,905

      

2,082,615

      

25.14

%

    

25.45

%

    

0.92

%

  

Fidelity VIP Asset Manager Initial Class

  
     

2014

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

42.28

      

43.95

      

923,700

      

39,121,218

      

4.78

%

    

5.04

%

    

1.46

%

  
     

2013

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

40.35

      

41.84

      

1,006,553

      

40,680,237

      

14.56

%

    

14.84

%

    

1.53

%

  
     

2012

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

35.22

      

36.43

      

1,117,038

      

39,405,183

      

11.36

%

    

11.64

%

    

1.52

%

  
     

2011

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

31.63

      

32.63

      

1,213,528

      

38,437,578

      

-3.53

%

    

-3.29

%

    

1.89

%

  
     

2010

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

32.79

      

33.74

      

1,343,770

      

44,114,945

      

13.13

%

    

13.41

%

    

1.64

%

  

Fidelity VIP Contrafund Service Class 2

  
     

2014

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

21.84

      

22.63

      

1,050,549

      

22,983,179

      

10.54

%

    

10.82

%

    

0.73

%

  
     

2013

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

19.76

      

20.42

      

1,128,066

      

22,321,096

      

29.65

%

    

29.97

%

    

0.83

%

  
     

2012

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

15.24

      

15.71

      

1,205,276

      

18,394,701

      

14.99

%

    

15.27

%

    

1.13

%

  
     

2011

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

13.25

      

13.63

      

1,238,854

      

16,441,190

      

-3.75

%

    

-3.51

%

    

0.75

%

  
     

2010

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

13.77

      

14.13

      

1,402,304

      

19,333,235

      

15.76

%

    

16.05

%

    

1.02

%

  

Fidelity VIP Equity-Income Initial Class

  
     

2012

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

33.42

      

34.57

      

1,160,289

      

38,900,117

      

16.14

%

    

16.43

%

    

3.06

%

  
     

2011

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

28.77

      

29.69

      

1,282,791

      

37,016,452

      

-0.03

%

    

0.22

%

    

2.36

%

  
     

2010

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

28.78

      

29.62

      

1,503,500

      

43,377,161

      

14.00

%

    

14.29

%

    

1.77

%

  

Fidelity VIP Growth Initial Class

  
     

2014

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

67.91

      

70.60

      

1,167,218

      

79,461,794

      

10.19

%

    

10.47

%

    

0.18

%

  
     

2013

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

61.63

      

63.91

      

1,263,909

      

78,065,251

      

34.98

%

    

35.32

%

    

0.28

%

  
     

2012

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

45.66

      

47.23

      

1,415,464

      

64,761,253

      

13.55

%

    

13.83

%

    

0.59

%

  
     

2011

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

40.21

      

41.49

      

1,530,863

      

61,671,758

      

-0.80

%

    

-0.55

%

    

0.35

%

  
     

2010

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

40.54

      

41.72

      

1,774,948

      

72,062,172

      

22.94

%

    

23.25

%

    

0.27

%

  

Fidelity VIP Money Market Initial Class

  
     

2014

          

0.00

%

    

0.00

%

    

18.01

      

18.04

      

548

      

9,873

      

0.01

%

    

0.01

%

    

0.01

%

  
     

2013

          

0.00

%

    

0.00

%

    

18.01

      

18.04

      

450

      

8,104

      

0.03

%

    

0.03

%

    

0.03

%

  
     

2012

          

0.00

%

    

0.00

%

    

18.00

      

18.03

      

449

      

8,090

      

0.12

%

    

0.14

%

    

0.14

%

  
     

2011

          

0.00

%

    

0.00

%

    

17.98

      

17.98

      

2,384

      

42,873

      

0.11

%

    

0.11

%

    

0.11

%

  
     

2010

          

0.00

%

    

0.00

%

    

17.96

      

17.96

      

1,237

      

22,220

      

0.24

%

    

0.24

%

    

0.18

%

  

Janus Aspen Global Research Institutional Class

  
     

2014

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

19.22

      

19.98

      

506,118

      

9,760,515

      

6.37

%

    

6.64

%

    

1.07

%

  
     

2013

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

18.07

      

18.74

      

549,580

      

9,962,894

      

27.15

%

    

27.47

%

    

1.21

%

  
     

2012

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

14.21

      

14.70

      

620,209

      

8,840,691

      

18.89

%

    

19.18

%

    

0.87

%

  
     

2011

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

11.95

      

12.33

      

682,174

      

8,176,833

      

-14.60

%

    

-14.39

%

    

0.56

%

  
     

2010

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

14.00

      

14.41

      

819,249

      

11,492,633

      

14.68

%

    

14.97

%

    

0.61

%

  

LVIP Baron Growth Opportunities Service Class

  
     

2014

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

55.66

      

57.87

      

306,639

      

17,112,866

      

3.81

%

    

4.07

%

    

0.18

%

  
     

2013

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

53.62

      

55.60

      

351,269

      

18,887,194

      

38.67

%

    

39.02

%

    

0.43

%

  
     

2012

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

38.67

      

40.00

      

362,634

      

14,060,367

      

17.07

%

    

17.36

%

    

1.14

%

  
     

2011

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

33.03

      

34.08

      

419,765

      

13,901,459

      

2.99

%

    

3.25

%

    

0.00

%

  
     

2010

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

32.07

      

33.01

      

509,670

      

16,384,821

      

25.13

%

    

25.44

%

    

0.00

%

  

LVIP BlackRock Emerging Markets RPM Standard Class

  
     

2014

    

5/27/14

    

1.00

%

    

1.00

%

    

9.30

      

9.30

      

2,549

      

23,703

      

-8.29

%

    

-8.29

%

    

1.60

%

  

LVIP BlackRock Inflation Protected Bond Standard Class

  
     

2014

          

0.69

%

    

0.94

%

    

9.51

      

9.57

      

88,703

      

843,424

      

2.10

%

    

2.36

%

    

1.42

%

  
     

2013

          

0.69

%

    

0.94

%

    

9.31

      

9.31

      

102,316

      

952,551

      

-9.25

%

    

-9.25

%

    

0.95

%

  
     

2012

    

5/17/12

    

1.00

%

    

1.00

%

    

10.26

      

10.26

      

6,748

      

69,225

      

2.22

%

    

2.22

%

    

0.00

%

  

LVIP Clarion Global Real Estate Standard Class

  
     

2014

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

9.73

      

9.92

      

61,557

      

600,333

      

12.76

%

    

13.04

%

    

2.79

%

  
     

2013

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

8.63

      

8.77

      

76,485

      

661,014

      

2.28

%

    

2.53

%

    

0.00

%

  
     

2012

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

8.44

      

8.56

      

73,829

      

623,618

      

23.44

%

    

23.75

%

    

0.00

%

  
     

2011

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

6.84

      

6.91

      

73,611

      

503,522

      

-9.58

%

    

-9.35

%

    

0.00

%

  
     

2010

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

7.56

      

7.63

      

83,533

      

631,722

      

16.80

%

    

17.10

%

    

0.00

%

  


L-21


Lincoln National Variable Annuity Account L

Notes to financial statements (continued)

3. Financial Highlights (continued)

Subaccount

  

Year

   Commencement
Date(1)		   Minimum
Fee
Rate(2)		   Maximum
Fee
Rate(2)		   Minimum
Unit
Value(3)		   Maximum
Unit
Value(3)		   Units
Outstanding		  

Net Assets

   Minimum
Total
Return(4)		   Maximum
Total
Return(4)		   Investment
Income
Ratio(5)		  

LVIP Columbia Small-Mid Cap Growth RPM Standard Class

  
     

2014

    

6/17/14

    

1.00

%

    

1.00

%

  

$

10.15

    

$

10.15

      

40

    

$

410

      

-0.06

%

    

-0.06

%

    

0.00

%

  

LVIP Delaware Bond Standard Class

  
     

2014

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

16.10

      

16.53

      

314,538

      

5,067,417

      

4.92

%

    

5.18

%

    

1.97

%

  
     

2013

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

15.34

      

15.71

      

374,119

      

5,746,772

      

-3.28

%

    

-3.04

%

    

1.56

%

  
     

2012

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

15.86

      

16.21

      

498,292

      

7,912,925

      

5.55

%

    

5.81

%

    

2.00

%

  
     

2011

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

15.03

      

15.32

      

531,555

      

7,996,162

      

6.57

%

    

6.83

%

    

3.41

%

  
     

2010

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

14.10

      

14.34

      

570,500

      

8,051,380

      

7.41

%

    

7.68

%

    

3.56

%

  

LVIP Delaware Diversified Floating Rate Service Class

  
     

2014

          

1.00

%

    

1.00

%

    

9.94

      

9.94

      

74,690

      

742,087

      

-0.63

%

    

-0.63

%

    

2.53

%

  
     

2013

          

1.00

%

    

1.00

%

    

10.00

      

10.00

      

12,862

      

128,606

      

-0.50

%

    

-0.50

%

    

0.90

%

  
     

2012

          

1.00

%

    

1.00

%

    

10.05

      

10.05

      

2,511

      

25,234

      

2.93

%

    

2.93

%

    

1.35

%

  
     

2011

    

7/8/11

    

1.00

%

    

1.00

%

    

9.76

      

9.76

      

393

      

3,839

      

-2.14

%

    

-2.14

%

    

2.73

%

  

LVIP Delaware Foundation Aggressive Allocation Standard Class

  
     

2014

          

1.00

%

    

1.00

%

    

17.86

      

17.86

      

15,807

      

282,347

      

3.30

%

    

3.30

%

    

2.49

%

  
     

2013

          

1.00

%

    

1.00

%

    

17.29

      

17.29

      

13,400

      

231,692

      

19.04

%

    

19.04

%

    

1.72

%

  
     

2012

          

1.00

%

    

1.00

%

    

14.52

      

14.52

      

10,788

      

156,687

      

12.16

%

    

12.16

%

    

2.07

%

  
     

2011

          

1.00

%

    

1.00

%

    

12.95

      

12.95

      

7,754

      

100,414

      

-3.00

%

    

-3.00

%

    

2.34

%

  
     

2010

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

13.35

      

13.40

      

6,233

      

83,270

      

11.36

%

    

11.64

%

    

3.52

%

  

LVIP Delaware Foundation Conservative Allocation Standard Class

  
     

2014

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

15.48

      

15.90

      

84,283

      

1,312,086

      

3.83

%

    

4.09

%

    

2.70

%

  
     

2013

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

14.91

      

15.27

      

82,482

      

1,235,729

      

8.25

%

    

8.52

%

    

2.22

%

  
     

2012

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

13.77

      

14.07

      

81,986

      

1,134,046

      

9.53

%

    

9.81

%

    

2.41

%

  
     

2011

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

12.57

      

12.82

      

78,818

      

995,079

      

1.21

%

    

1.47

%

    

6.45

%

  
     

2010

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

12.42

      

12.63

      

81,634

      

1,017,302

      

9.33

%

    

9.61

%

    

1.70

%

  

LVIP Delaware Foundation Moderate Allocation Standard Class

  
     

2014

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

16.62

      

16.84

      

32,432

      

539,318

      

3.59

%

    

3.85

%

    

2.03

%

  
     

2013

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

16.05

      

16.22

      

31,435

      

504,590

      

13.10

%

    

13.40

%

    

2.33

%

  
     

2012

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

14.19

      

14.30

      

21,793

      

309,208

      

10.20

%

    

10.42

%

    

2.62

%

  
     

2011

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

12.88

      

12.88

      

18,011

      

231,921

      

-0.73

%

    

-0.73

%

    

2.88

%

  
     

2010

          

1.00

%

    

1.00

%

    

12.97

      

12.97

      

11,901

      

154,355

      

9.91

%

    

9.91

%

    

6.12

%

  

LVIP Delaware Growth and Income Standard Class

  
     

2014

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

15.84

      

16.42

      

356,541

      

5,665,734

      

12.05

%

    

12.33

%

    

2.05

%

  
     

2013

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

14.14

      

14.62

      

349,480

      

4,954,347

      

31.93

%

    

32.26

%

    

1.79

%

  
     

2012

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

10.72

      

11.05

      

354,280

      

3,805,702

      

14.17

%

    

14.46

%

    

1.07

%

  
     

2011

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

9.39

      

9.66

      

390,097

      

3,669,574

      

0.19

%

    

0.44

%

    

1.00

%

  
     

2010

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

9.37

      

9.61

      

453,326

      

4,254,556

      

11.81

%

    

12.09

%

    

0.91

%

  

LVIP Delaware Social Awareness Standard Class

  
     

2014

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

27.00

      

28.06

      

594,059

      

16,083,660

      

14.05

%

    

14.34

%

    

1.53

%

  
     

2013

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

23.67

      

24.54

      

647,268

      

15,361,248

      

34.34

%

    

34.68

%

    

1.26

%

  
     

2012

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

17.62

      

18.22

      

703,524

      

12,425,870

      

14.14

%

    

14.42

%

    

0.75

%

  
     

2011

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

15.44

      

15.93

      

761,073

      

11,777,523

      

-0.36

%

    

-0.11

%

    

0.70

%

  
     

2010

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

15.49

      

15.95

      

904,374

      

14,040,223

      

10.46

%

    

10.74

%

    

0.60

%

  

LVIP Global Income Standard Class

  
     

2014

          

1.00

%

    

1.00

%

    

12.16

      

12.16

      

25,356

      

308,252

      

0.93

%

    

0.93

%

    

0.66

%

  
     

2013

          

1.00

%

    

1.00

%

    

12.05

      

12.05

      

21,720

      

261,626

      

-3.79

%

    

-3.79

%

    

0.26

%

  
     

2012

          

1.00

%

    

1.00

%

    

12.52

      

12.52

      

19,785

      

247,696

      

6.62

%

    

6.62

%

    

1.90

%

  
     

2011

          

1.00

%

    

1.00

%

    

11.74

      

11.74

      

20,240

      

237,668

      

0.08

%

    

0.08

%

    

4.68

%

  
     

2010

          

1.00

%

    

1.00

%

    

11.73

      

11.73

      

12,568

      

147,459

      

8.59

%

    

8.59

%

    

2.85

%

  

LVIP JPMorgan Mid Cap Value RPM Standard Class

  
     

2014

    

5/30/14

    

1.00

%

    

1.00

%

    

10.52

      

10.52

      

15,561

      

163,647

      

4.79

%

    

4.79

%

    

1.15

%

  

LVIP Managed Risk Profile 2010 Standard Class

  
     

2014

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

12.95

      

13.20

      

42,849

      

554,795

      

3.74

%

    

4.00

%

    

1.79

%

  
     

2013

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

12.48

      

12.69

      

66,071

      

824,648

      

7.84

%

    

8.11

%

    

1.34

%

  
     

2012

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

11.57

      

11.74

      

65,720

      

760,605

      

7.46

%

    

7.73

%

    

2.39

%

  
     

2011

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

10.77

      

10.89

      

65,779

      

709,674

      

0.24

%

    

0.49

%

    

0.83

%

  
     

2010

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

10.74

      

10.84

      

77,423

      

832,709

      

10.36

%

    

10.63

%

    

1.15

%

  


L-22


Lincoln National Variable Annuity Account L

Notes to financial statements (continued)

3. Financial Highlights (continued)

Subaccount

  

Year

   Commencement
Date(1)		   Minimum
Fee
Rate(2)		   Maximum
Fee
Rate(2)		   Minimum
Unit
Value(3)		   Maximum
Unit
Value(3)		   Units
Outstanding		  

Net Assets

   Minimum
Total
Return(4)		   Maximum
Total
Return(4)		   Investment
Income
Ratio(5)		  

LVIP Managed Risk Profile 2020 Standard Class

  
     

2014

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

  

$

12.50

    

$

12.74

      

180,840

    

$

2,261,930

      

3.35

%

    

3.61

%

    

1.86

%

  
     

2013

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

12.09

      

12.29

      

181,807

      

2,199,903

      

10.03

%

    

10.30

%

    

1.28

%

  
     

2012

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

10.99

      

11.14

      

194,273

      

2,136,241

      

7.30

%

    

7.57

%

    

2.06

%

  
     

2011

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

10.24

      

10.36

      

196,176

      

2,010,079

      

-0.80

%

    

-0.55

%

    

0.76

%

  
     

2010

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

10.32

      

10.42

      

216,761

      

2,238,428

      

10.92

%

    

11.19

%

    

1.00

%

  

LVIP Managed Risk Profile 2030 Standard Class

  
     

2014

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

12.34

      

12.58

      

360,949

      

4,455,329

      

3.12

%

    

3.38

%

    

2.22

%

  
     

2013

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

11.96

      

12.16

      

312,189

      

3,735,879

      

12.61

%

    

12.90

%

    

1.38

%

  
     

2012

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

10.62

      

10.78

      

278,616

      

2,960,652

      

6.82

%

    

7.09

%

    

1.90

%

  
     

2011

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

9.95

      

10.06

      

249,283

      

2,479,688

      

-1.55

%

    

-1.31

%

    

0.66

%

  
     

2010

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

10.10

      

10.20

      

226,525

      

2,288,763

      

11.43

%

    

11.71

%

    

0.91

%

  

LVIP Managed Risk Profile 2040 Standard Class

  
     

2014

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

11.69

      

11.92

      

148,817

      

1,740,247

      

2.45

%

    

2.71

%

    

2.29

%

  
     

2013

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

11.41

      

11.60

      

140,076

      

1,599,006

      

15.38

%

    

15.66

%

    

1.37

%

  
     

2012

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

9.89

      

10.03

      

124,354

      

1,230,346

      

6.06

%

    

6.32

%

    

1.84

%

  
     

2011

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

9.33

      

9.44

      

101,413

      

946,060

      

-2.44

%

    

-2.20

%

    

0.63

%

  
     

2010

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

9.56

      

9.65

      

82,452

      

788,425

      

12.53

%

    

12.82

%

    

0.94

%

  

LVIP Managed Risk Profile 2050 Standard Class

  
     

2014

          

1.00

%

    

1.00

%

    

11.61

      

11.61

      

26,779

      

310,945

      

1.92

%

    

1.92

%

    

2.68

%

  
     

2013

          

1.00

%

    

1.00

%

    

11.39

      

11.39

      

12,580

      

143,326

      

17.85

%

    

17.85

%

    

2.47

%

  
     

2012

          

1.00

%

    

1.00

%

    

9.67

      

9.67

      

2,647

      

25,589

      

4.93

%

    

4.93

%

    

0.30

%

  
     

2011

    

7/15/11

    

1.00

%

    

1.00

%

    

9.21

      

9.21

      

29,223

      

269,237

      

-7.17

%

    

-7.17

%

    

0.00

%

  

LVIP Managed Risk Profile Conservative Standard Class

  
     

2014

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

16.49

      

16.89

      

112,782

      

1,860,347

      

4.65

%

    

4.91

%

    

1.91

%

  
     

2013

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

15.76

      

16.10

      

126,229

      

1,989,465

      

8.66

%

    

8.93

%

    

1.72

%

  
     

2012

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

14.50

      

14.78

      

156,741

      

2,273,449

      

8.68

%

    

8.96

%

    

3.87

%

  
     

2011

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

13.34

      

13.56

      

157,522

      

2,102,251

      

2.65

%

    

2.91

%

    

1.52

%

  
     

2010

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

13.00

      

13.18

      

286,321

      

3,721,821

      

9.40

%

    

9.68

%

    

3.77

%

  

LVIP Managed Risk Profile Growth Standard Class

  
     

2014

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

15.22

      

15.59

      

360,047

      

5,484,539

      

2.44

%

    

2.70

%

    

1.93

%

  
     

2013

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

14.86

      

15.18

      

393,939

      

5,857,083

      

12.42

%

    

12.70

%

    

1.77

%

  
     

2012

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

13.22

      

13.47

      

391,875

      

5,182,561

      

8.06

%

    

8.33

%

    

2.50

%

  
     

2011

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

12.23

      

12.43

      

418,427

      

5,120,586

      

-1.00

%

    

-0.75

%

    

1.97

%

  
     

2010

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

12.35

      

12.53

      

420,843

      

5,201,715

      

11.60

%

    

11.88

%

    

2.89

%

  

LVIP Managed Risk Profile Moderate Standard Class

  
     

2014

          

0.05

%

    

1.00

%

    

16.00

      

16.39

      

525,926

      

7,327,663

      

3.11

%

    

3.37

%

    

2.45

%

  
     

2013

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

15.52

      

15.85

      

358,649

      

5,571,552

      

10.74

%

    

11.02

%

    

1.79

%

  
     

2012

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

14.01

      

14.28

      

357,635

      

5,016,147

      

8.50

%

    

8.77

%

    

3.29

%

  
     

2011

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

12.91

      

13.13

      

369,710

      

4,778,923

      

0.16

%

    

0.41

%

    

1.76

%

  
     

2010

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

12.89

      

13.07

      

378,148

      

4,879,150

      

10.85

%

    

11.12

%

    

2.98

%

  

LVIP Mondrian International Value Standard Class

  
     

2014

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

17.75

      

18.22

      

206,128

      

3,671,267

      

-3.51

%

    

-3.27

%

    

3.81

%

  
     

2013

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

18.39

      

18.84

      

223,032

      

4,114,403

      

20.63

%

    

20.93

%

    

2.43

%

  
     

2012

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

15.25

      

15.58

      

246,515

      

3,768,229

      

8.53

%

    

8.80

%

    

2.77

%

  
     

2011

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

14.05

      

14.32

      

288,351

      

4,059,549

      

-5.17

%

    

-4.93

%

    

2.84

%

  
     

2010

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

14.81

      

15.06

      

341,663

      

5,069,710

      

1.44

%

    

1.70

%

    

3.11

%

  

LVIP SSgA Bond Index Standard Class

  
     

2014

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

12.03

      

12.03

      

48,811

      

587,200

      

4.70

%

    

4.70

%

    

1.93

%

  
     

2013

          

1.00

%

    

1.00

%

    

11.49

      

11.49

      

53,003

      

608,997

      

-3.54

%

    

-3.54

%

    

2.00

%

  
     

2012

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

11.91

      

12.02

      

59,085

      

704,258

      

2.82

%

    

3.08

%

    

2.74

%

  
     

2011

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

11.58

      

11.66

      

50,337

      

583,204

      

6.33

%

    

6.59

%

    

3.71

%

  
     

2010

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

10.89

      

10.94

      

44,556

      

485,640

      

4.91

%

    

5.17

%

    

2.71

%

  

LVIP SSgA Emerging Markets 100 Standard Class

  
     

2014

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

14.92

      

15.12

      

76,682

      

1,144,576

      

-4.33

%

    

-4.09

%

    

2.98

%

  
     

2013

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

15.59

      

15.77

      

74,944

      

1,168,805

      

-3.80

%

    

-3.55

%

    

2.35

%

  
     

2012

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

16.21

      

16.35

      

77,620

      

1,258,209

      

11.53

%

    

11.81

%

    

2.61

%

  
     

2011

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

14.53

      

14.62

      

78,785

      

1,145,087

      

-15.78

%

    

-15.57

%

    

2.43

%

  
     

2010

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

17.25

      

17.32

      

77,860

      

1,343,516

      

26.50

%

    

26.82

%

    

1.71

%

  


L-23


Lincoln National Variable Annuity Account L

Notes to financial statements (continued)

3. Financial Highlights (continued)

Subaccount

  

Year

   Commencement
Date(1)		   Minimum
Fee
Rate(2)		   Maximum
Fee
Rate(2)		   Minimum
Unit
Value(3)		   Maximum
Unit
Value(3)		   Units
Outstanding		  

Net Assets

   Minimum
Total
Return(4)		   Maximum
Total
Return(4)		   Investment
Income
Ratio(5)		  

LVIP SSgA Global Tactical Allocation RPM Standard Class

  
     

2014

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

  

$

13.93

    

$

14.27

      

136,392

    

$

1,901,995

      

2.94

%

    

3.20

%

    

2.23

%

  
     

2013

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

13.53

      

13.83

      

141,990

      

1,923,158

      

8.72

%

    

8.99

%

    

2.04

%

  
     

2012

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

12.45

      

12.69

      

149,416

      

1,861,171

      

10.04

%

    

10.32

%

    

3.40

%

  
     

2011

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

11.31

      

11.50

      

156,978

      

1,776,647

      

-0.78

%

    

-0.53

%

    

1.30

%

  
     

2010

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

11.40

      

11.56

      

169,896

      

1,938,112

      

7.65

%

    

7.92

%

    

1.05

%

  

LVIP SSgA International Index Standard Class

  
     

2014

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

14.55

      

14.76

      

12,430

      

180,858

      

-6.78

%

    

-6.51

%

    

2.92

%

  
     

2013

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

15.60

      

15.78

      

9,619

      

150,109

      

19.78

%

    

20.08

%

    

1.82

%

  
     

2012

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

13.03

      

13.15

      

8,001

      

104,237

      

16.95

%

    

17.26

%

    

1.86

%

  
     

2011

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

11.14

      

11.14

      

6,474

      

72,113

      

-13.25

%

    

-13.25

%

    

1.04

%

  
     

2010

          

1.00

%

    

1.00

%

    

12.84

      

12.84

      

8,697

      

111,675

      

5.98

%

    

5.98

%

    

1.50

%

  

LVIP SSgA S&P 500 Index Standard Class

  
     

2014

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

15.74

      

15.85

      

7,132,300

      

112,348,626

      

12.30

%

    

12.58

%

    

1.87

%

  
     

2013

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

14.02

      

14.02

      

7,910,666

      

110,935,745

      

30.69

%

    

30.69

%

    

2.38

%

  
     

2012

    

5/21/12

    

1.00

%

    

1.00

%

    

10.73

      

10.73

      

1,968

      

21,113

      

9.05

%

    

9.05

%

    

2.06

%

  

LVIP SSgA Small-Cap Index Standard Class

  
     

2014

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

15.45

      

15.55

      

1,980,246

      

30,614,796

      

3.63

%

    

3.89

%

    

0.82

%

  
     

2013

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

14.91

      

14.91

      

2,215,500

      

33,044,692

      

36.53

%

    

36.53

%

    

1.21

%

  
     

2012

    

6/19/12

    

1.00

%

    

1.00

%

    

10.92

      

10.92

      

507

      

5,536

      

8.17

%

    

8.17

%

    

1.01

%

  

LVIP T. Rowe Price Structured Mid-Cap Growth Standard Class

  
     

2014

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

25.43

      

26.44

      

774,185

      

19,742,185

      

10.48

%

    

10.75

%

    

0.23

%

  
     

2013

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

23.02

      

23.87

      

856,195

      

19,754,536

      

33.45

%

    

33.79

%

    

0.00

%

  
     

2012

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

17.25

      

17.84

      

904,684

      

15,640,591

      

15.15

%

    

15.43

%

    

0.00

%

  
     

2011

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

14.98

      

15.46

      

1,006,689

      

15,117,255

      

-4.82

%

    

-4.59

%

    

0.00

%

  
     

2010

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

15.74

      

16.20

      

1,167,911

      

18,420,566

      

27.09

%

    

27.41

%

    

0.00

%

  

LVIP Templeton Growth RPM Standard Class

  
     

2014

    

6/26/14

    

1.00

%

    

1.00

%

    

9.50

      

9.50

      

2,528

      

24,004

      

-6.78

%

    

-6.78

%

    

2.35

%

  

LVIP UBS Large Cap Growth RPM Standard Class

  
     

2014

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

9.86

      

10.22

      

173,436

      

1,714,917

      

4.30

%

    

4.56

%

    

0.00

%

  
     

2013

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

9.46

      

9.77

      

179,209

      

1,698,511

      

24.25

%

    

24.56

%

    

0.00

%

  
     

2012

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

7.61

      

7.85

      

199,348

      

1,521,247

      

15.23

%

    

15.52

%

    

0.00

%

  
     

2011

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

6.60

      

6.79

      

210,235

      

1,391,272

      

-6.62

%

    

-6.39

%

    

0.21

%

  
     

2010

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

7.07

      

7.26

      

224,617

      

1,591,476

      

10.24

%

    

10.51

%

    

0.73

%

  

NB AMT Large Cap Value I Class

  
     

2014

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

24.00

      

24.95

      

228,024

      

5,487,288

      

8.76

%

    

9.03

%

    

0.75

%

  
     

2013

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

22.07

      

22.88

      

243,292

      

5,382,437

      

29.83

%

    

30.16

%

    

1.17

%

  
     

2012

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

17.00

      

17.58

      

253,438

      

4,318,915

      

15.44

%

    

15.73

%

    

0.41

%

  
     

2011

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

14.72

      

15.19

      

290,712

      

4,290,578

      

-12.24

%

    

-12.02

%

    

0.00

%

  
     

2010

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

16.78

      

17.27

      

359,925

      

6,050,361

      

14.52

%

    

14.80

%

    

0.66

%

  

NB AMT Mid Cap Growth I Class

  
     

2012

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

9.38

      

9.67

      

702,641

      

6,598,276

      

11.30

%

    

11.57

%

    

0.00

%

  
     

2011

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

8.42

      

8.66

      

757,209

      

6,387,768

      

-0.53

%

    

-0.28

%

    

0.00

%

  
     

2010

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

8.47

      

8.69

      

873,255

      

7,404,066

      

27.81

%

    

28.13

%

    

0.00

%

  

T. Rowe Price International Stock

  
     

2014

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

20.53

      

21.35

      

520,642

      

10,716,030

      

-2.22

%

    

-1.98

%

    

1.02

%

  
     

2013

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

21.00

      

21.78

      

575,787

      

12,114,559

      

12.92

%

    

13.20

%

    

0.85

%

  
     

2012

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

18.60

      

19.24

      

626,616

      

11,673,495

      

17.26

%

    

17.55

%

    

1.25

%

  
     

2011

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

15.86

      

16.36

      

678,905

      

10,784,826

      

-13.70

%

    

-13.49

%

    

1.43

%

  
     

2010

          

0.75

%

    

1.00

%

    

18.38

      

18.91

      

788,274

      

14,509,437

      

13.32

%

    

13.60

%

    

0.89

%

  

(1)  Reflects less than a full year of activity. Funds were first received in this option on the commencement date noted or the option was inactive at the date funds were received thereby a succeeding commencement date is disclosed.

(2)  These amounts represent the annualized minimum and maximum contract expenses of the separate account, consisting primarily of mortality and expense charges, for each period indicated. The ratios include only those expenses that result in a direct reduction to unit values. Charges made directly to contract owner accounts through the redemption of units and expenses of the underlying funds have been excluded.


L-24


Lincoln National Variable Annuity Account L

Notes to financial statements (continued)

3. Financial Highlights (continued)

(3)  As the unit value is presented as a range of minimum to maximum values for only those subaccounts which existed for the entire year, some individual contract unit values may not be within the ranges presented as a result of partial year activity.

(4)  These amounts represent the total return, including changes in value of mutual funds, and reflect deductions for all items included in the fee rate. The total return does not include contract charges deducted directly from policy account values. The total return is not annualized. As the total return is presented as a range of minimum to maximum values for only those subaccounts which existed for the entire year, some individual contract total returns may not be within the ranges presented as a result of partial year activity.

(5)  These amounts represent the dividends, excluding distributions of capital gains, received by the subaccount from the underlying mutual fund, net of management fees assessed by the fund manager, divided by the average net assets. These ratios exclude those expenses, such as mortality and expense guarantee charges, that result in direct reductions in the unit values. The recognition of investment income by the subaccount is affected by the timing of the declaration of dividends by the underlying fund in which the subaccounts invest. Investment income ratios are not annualized.

Note: Fee rate, unit value and total return minimum and maximum are the same where there is only one active contract level charge for the subaccount.


L-25


Lincoln National Variable Annuity Account L

Notes to financial statements (continued)

4. Purchases and Sales of Investments

The aggregate cost of investments purchased and the aggregate proceeds from investments sold were as follows for 2014:

Subaccount

   Aggregate
Cost of
Purchases		   Aggregate
Proceeds
from Sales		  

ABVPSF Global Thematic Growth Class B

  

$

159,616

    

$

267,038

    

ABVPSF Growth Class B

    

138,604

      

315,204

    

American Century VP Balanced Class I

    

1,886,086

      

2,400,193

    

American Funds Global Growth Class 2

    

992,827

      

892,349

    

American Funds Growth Class 2

    

2,139,442

      

3,226,104

    

American Funds Growth-Income Class 2

    

1,726,478

      

1,146,560

    

American Funds International Class 2

    

657,033

      

1,563,583

    

BlackRock Global Allocation V.I. Class I

    

422,856

      

338,431

    

Delaware VIP Diversified Income Standard Class

    

549,874

      

902,781

    

Delaware VIP High Yield Standard Class

    

712,560

      

501,457

    

Delaware VIP REIT Service Class

    

1,612,318

      

1,833,830

    

Delaware VIP Small Cap Value Service Class

    

1,472,805

      

1,759,670

    

Delaware VIP Smid Cap Growth Service Class

    

840,884

      

1,582,598

    

Deutsche Alternative Asset Allocation VIP Class A

    

94,472

      

58,805

    

Fidelity VIP Asset Manager Initial Class

    

2,782,046

      

4,167,574

    

Fidelity VIP Contrafund Service Class 2

    

1,485,205

      

2,744,959

    

Fidelity VIP Growth Initial Class

    

1,157,923

      

8,068,814

    

Fidelity VIP Money Market Initial Class

    

158,462

      

156,383

    

Janus Aspen Global Research Institutional Class

    

264,674

      

1,067,636

    

LVIP Baron Growth Opportunities Service Class

    

325,280

      

2,734,367

    

LVIP BlackRock Emerging Markets RPM Standard Class

    

40,002

      

13,012

    

LVIP BlackRock Inflation Protected Bond Standard Class

    

203,404

      

327,625

    

LVIP Clarion Global Real Estate Standard Class

    

119,285

      

235,565

    

LVIP Columbia Small-Mid Cap Growth RPM Standard Class

    

2,589

      

2,206

    

LVIP Delaware Bond Standard Class

    

585,694

      

1,444,773

    

LVIP Delaware Diversified Floating Rate Service Class

    

714,858

      

89,854

    

LVIP Delaware Foundation Aggressive Allocation Standard Class

    

71,318

      

24,819

    

LVIP Delaware Foundation Conservative Allocation Standard Class

    

216,034

      

108,727

    

LVIP Delaware Foundation Moderate Allocation Standard Class

    

207,988

      

165,717

    

LVIP Delaware Growth and Income Standard Class

    

920,483

      

471,205

    

LVIP Delaware Social Awareness Standard Class

    

1,406,195

      

1,855,872

    

LVIP Global Income Standard Class

    

110,858

      

66,809

    

LVIP JPMorgan Mid Cap Value RPM Standard Class

    

160,876

      

3,085

    

LVIP Managed Risk Profile 2010 Standard Class

    

69,672

      

350,322

    

LVIP Managed Risk Profile 2020 Standard Class

    

525,619

      

524,064

    

LVIP Managed Risk Profile 2030 Standard Class

    

893,822

      

247,983

    

LVIP Managed Risk Profile 2040 Standard Class

    

393,427

      

272,959

    

LVIP Managed Risk Profile 2050 Standard Class

    

248,656

      

44,997

    

LVIP Managed Risk Profile Conservative Standard Class

    

336,359

      

512,281

    

LVIP Managed Risk Profile Growth Standard Class

    

543,501

      

1,007,667

    

LVIP Managed Risk Profile Moderate Standard Class

    

2,866,913

      

1,195,201

    

LVIP Mondrian International Value Standard Class

    

327,832

      

529,384

    

LVIP SSgA Bond Index Standard Class

    

234,566

      

276,462

    

LVIP SSgA Emerging Markets 100 Standard Class

    

282,833

      

231,127

    

LVIP SSgA Global Tactical Allocation RPM Standard Class

    

163,536

      

217,241

    

LVIP SSgA International Index Standard Class

    

74,944

      

25,767

    

LVIP SSgA S&P 500 Index Standard Class

    

3,586,611

      

13,232,576

    

LVIP SSgA Small-Cap Index Standard Class

    

1,375,628

      

4,088,400

    

LVIP T. Rowe Price Structured Mid-Cap Growth Standard Class

    

1,528,952

      

2,592,162

    

LVIP Templeton Growth RPM Standard Class

    

25,606

      

60

    

LVIP UBS Large Cap Growth RPM Standard Class

    

85,030

      

157,955

    

NB AMT Large Cap Value I Class

    

450,605

      

804,976

    

T. Rowe Price International Stock

    

609,430

      

1,710,552

    


L-26


Lincoln National Variable Annuity Account L

Notes to financial statements (continued)

5. Investments

The following is a summary of investments owned at December 31, 2014:

Subaccount

   Shares
Owned		   Net
Asset
Value		   Fair Value
of Shares		  

Cost of Shares

  

ABVPSF Global Thematic Growth Class B

    

93,122

    

$

21.15

    

$

1,969,525

    

$

1,496,182

    

ABVPSF Growth Class B

    

44,687

      

33.30

      

1,488,061

      

884,835

    

American Century VP Balanced Class I

    

2,018,432

      

7.97

      

16,086,903

      

13,953,917

    

American Funds Global Growth Class 2

    

205,109

      

27.30

      

5,599,479

      

4,640,737

    

American Funds Growth Class 2

    

335,436

      

79.84

      

26,781,215

      

18,256,423

    

American Funds Growth-Income Class 2

    

226,684

      

52.41

      

11,880,518

      

8,903,668

    

American Funds International Class 2

    

530,573

      

20.29

      

10,765,328

      

9,602,997

    

BlackRock Global Allocation V.I. Class I

    

94,171

      

16.23

      

1,528,398

      

1,545,210

    

Delaware VIP Diversified Income Standard Class

    

529,959

      

10.84

      

5,744,758

      

5,477,161

    

Delaware VIP High Yield Standard Class

    

498,940

      

5.67

      

2,828,988

      

2,854,221

    

Delaware VIP REIT Service Class

    

873,836

      

15.47

      

13,518,243

      

11,022,709

    

Delaware VIP Small Cap Value Service Class

    

246,824

      

40.08

      

9,892,705

      

7,684,564

    

Delaware VIP Smid Cap Growth Service Class

    

180,110

      

29.05

      

5,232,207

      

4,263,087

    

Deutsche Alternative Asset Allocation VIP Class A

    

16,166

      

13.88

      

224,379

      

222,901

    

Fidelity VIP Asset Manager Initial Class

    

2,283,304

      

17.15

      

39,158,657

      

35,170,313

    

Fidelity VIP Contrafund Service Class 2

    

626,406

      

36.70

      

22,989,098

      

16,754,324

    

Fidelity VIP Growth Initial Class

    

1,253,175

      

63.48

      

79,551,520

      

46,782,731

    

Fidelity VIP Money Market Initial Class

    

9,872

      

1.00

      

9,873

      

9,873

    

Janus Aspen Global Research Institutional Class

    

235,479

      

41.45

      

9,760,620

      

8,562,903

    

LVIP Baron Growth Opportunities Service Class

    

364,006

      

47.03

      

17,120,680

      

9,568,513

    

LVIP BlackRock Emerging Markets RPM Standard Class

    

2,536

      

9.35

      

23,704

      

27,055

    

LVIP BlackRock Inflation Protected Bond Standard Class

    

81,463

      

10.35

      

843,142

      

904,274

    

LVIP Clarion Global Real Estate Standard Class

    

61,688

      

9.73

      

600,346

      

464,838

    

LVIP Columbia Small-Mid Cap Growth RPM Standard Class

    

32

      

12.64

      

410

      

400

    

LVIP Delaware Bond Standard Class

    

364,484

      

13.90

      

5,067,425

      

4,888,868

    

LVIP Delaware Diversified Floating Rate Service Class

    

73,759

      

10.06

      

741,792

      

753,588

    

LVIP Delaware Foundation Aggressive Allocation Standard Class

    

17,736

      

15.93

      

282,556

      

240,282

    

LVIP Delaware Foundation Conservative Allocation Standard Class

    

88,081

      

14.90

      

1,312,051

      

1,293,665

    

LVIP Delaware Foundation Moderate Allocation Standard Class

    

34,463

      

15.63

      

538,691

      

511,142

    

LVIP Delaware Growth and Income Standard Class

    

127,747

      

44.35

      

5,665,840

      

4,143,826

    

LVIP Delaware Social Awareness Standard Class

    

348,001

      

46.22

      

16,084,238

      

11,756,255

    

LVIP Global Income Standard Class

    

26,646

      

11.56

      

307,924

      

308,818

    

LVIP JPMorgan Mid Cap Value RPM Standard Class

    

10,469

      

15.62

      

163,552

      

157,736

    

LVIP Managed Risk Profile 2010 Standard Class

    

44,545

      

12.45

      

554,495

      

471,657

    

LVIP Managed Risk Profile 2020 Standard Class

    

186,761

      

12.11

      

2,261,673

      

1,942,129

    

LVIP Managed Risk Profile 2030 Standard Class

    

366,072

      

12.17

      

4,456,566

      

3,727,463

    

LVIP Managed Risk Profile 2040 Standard Class

    

149,224

      

11.66

      

1,739,351

      

1,469,830

    

LVIP Managed Risk Profile 2050 Standard Class

    

31,483

      

9.89

      

311,332

      

338,818

    

LVIP Managed Risk Profile Conservative Standard Class

    

133,473

      

13.94

      

1,861,144

      

1,632,181

    

LVIP Managed Risk Profile Growth Standard Class

    

407,151

      

13.47

      

5,485,955

      

4,761,501

    

LVIP Managed Risk Profile Moderate Standard Class

    

519,525

      

14.11

      

7,329,979

      

6,640,706

    

LVIP Mondrian International Value Standard Class

    

216,703

      

16.94

      

3,671,379

      

4,074,203

    

LVIP SSgA Bond Index Standard Class

    

51,397

      

11.43

      

587,216

      

588,702

    

LVIP SSgA Emerging Markets 100 Standard Class

    

123,228

      

9.29

      

1,144,544

      

1,355,349

    

LVIP SSgA Global Tactical Allocation RPM Standard Class

    

158,787

      

11.98

      

1,902,108

      

1,754,497

    

LVIP SSgA International Index Standard Class

    

20,891

      

8.66

      

180,857

      

180,135

    

LVIP SSgA S&P 500 Index Standard Class

    

7,673,323

      

14.65

      

112,421,862

      

92,843,458

    

LVIP SSgA Small-Cap Index Standard Class

    

1,135,254

      

26.99

      

30,640,518

      

26,364,567

    

LVIP T. Rowe Price Structured Mid-Cap Growth Standard Class

    

894,492

      

22.08

      

19,749,487

      

13,171,711

    

LVIP Templeton Growth RPM Standard Class

    

731

      

32.85

      

24,005

      

25,544

    

LVIP UBS Large Cap Growth RPM Standard Class

    

55,071

      

31.14

      

1,714,682

      

1,084,120

    

NB AMT Large Cap Value I Class

    

334,896

      

16.39

      

5,488,946

      

4,552,765

    

T. Rowe Price International Stock

    

702,324

      

15.26

      

10,717,470

      

9,340,656

    


L-27


Lincoln National Variable Annuity Account L

Notes to financial statements (continued)

6. Changes in Units Outstanding

The change in units outstanding for the year ended December 31, 2014, is as follows:

Subaccount

   Units
Issued		   Units
Redeemed		   Net Increase
(Decrease)		  

ABVPSF Global Thematic Growth Class B

    

29,671

      

(46,001

)

    

(16,330

)

  

ABVPSF Growth Class B

    

10,367

      

(28,643

)

    

(18,276

)

  

American Century VP Balanced Class I

    

5,704

      

(57,621

)

    

(51,917

)

  

American Funds Global Growth Class 2

    

17,587

      

(38,177

)

    

(20,590

)

  

American Funds Growth Class 2

    

46,318

      

(202,904

)

    

(156,586

)

  

American Funds Growth-Income Class 2

    

58,168

      

(58,570

)

    

(402

)

  

American Funds International Class 2

    

35,438

      

(93,499

)

    

(58,061

)

  

BlackRock Global Allocation V.I. Class I

    

19,022

      

(22,644

)

    

(3,622

)

  

Delaware VIP Diversified Income Standard Class

    

25,650

      

(49,563

)

    

(23,913

)

  

Delaware VIP High Yield Standard Class

    

25,575

      

(25,521

)

    

54

    

Delaware VIP REIT Service Class

    

44,533

      

(54,103

)

    

(9,570

)

  

Delaware VIP Small Cap Value Service Class

    

26,887

      

(72,430

)

    

(45,543

)

  

Delaware VIP Smid Cap Growth Service Class

    

17,417

      

(99,580

)

    

(82,163

)

  

Deutsche Alternative Asset Allocation VIP Class A

    

6,668

      

(4,341

)

    

2,327

    

Fidelity VIP Asset Manager Initial Class

    

8,606

      

(91,459

)

    

(82,853

)

  

Fidelity VIP Contrafund Service Class 2

    

47,086

      

(124,603

)

    

(77,517

)

  

Fidelity VIP Growth Initial Class

    

18,272

      

(114,963

)

    

(96,691

)

  

Fidelity VIP Money Market Initial Class

    

8,782

      

(8,684

)

    

98

    

Janus Aspen Global Research Institutional Class

    

10,618

      

(54,080

)

    

(43,462

)

  

LVIP Baron Growth Opportunities Service Class

    

5,029

      

(49,659

)

    

(44,630

)

  

LVIP BlackRock Emerging Markets RPM Standard Class

    

3,776

      

(1,227

)

    

2,549

    

LVIP BlackRock Inflation Protected Bond Standard Class

    

20,542

      

(34,155

)

    

(13,613

)

  

LVIP Clarion Global Real Estate Standard Class

    

11,497

      

(26,425

)

    

(14,928

)

  

LVIP Columbia Small-Mid Cap Growth RPM Standard Class

    

256

      

(216

)

    

40

    

LVIP Delaware Bond Standard Class

    

30,699

      

(90,280

)

    

(59,581

)

  

LVIP Delaware Diversified Floating Rate Service Class

    

70,653

      

(8,825

)

    

61,828

    

LVIP Delaware Foundation Aggressive Allocation Standard Class

    

3,768

      

(1,361

)

    

2,407

    

LVIP Delaware Foundation Conservative Allocation Standard Class

    

8,617

      

(6,816

)

    

1,801

    

LVIP Delaware Foundation Moderate Allocation Standard Class

    

11,147

      

(10,150

)

    

997

    

LVIP Delaware Growth and Income Standard Class

    

37,702

      

(30,641

)

    

7,061

    

LVIP Delaware Social Awareness Standard Class

    

17,658

      

(70,867

)

    

(53,209

)

  

LVIP Global Income Standard Class

    

9,067

      

(5,431

)

    

3,636

    

LVIP JPMorgan Mid Cap Value RPM Standard Class

    

15,821

      

(260

)

    

15,561

    

LVIP Managed Risk Profile 2010 Standard Class

    

5,015

      

(28,237

)

    

(23,222

)

  

LVIP Managed Risk Profile 2020 Standard Class

    

40,536

      

(41,503

)

    

(967

)

  

LVIP Managed Risk Profile 2030 Standard Class

    

68,601

      

(19,841

)

    

48,760

    

LVIP Managed Risk Profile 2040 Standard Class

    

31,931

      

(23,190

)

    

8,741

    

LVIP Managed Risk Profile 2050 Standard Class

    

18,100

      

(3,901

)

    

14,199

    

LVIP Managed Risk Profile Conservative Standard Class

    

18,033

      

(31,480

)

    

(13,447

)

  

LVIP Managed Risk Profile Growth Standard Class

    

31,031

      

(64,923

)

    

(33,892

)

  

LVIP Managed Risk Profile Moderate Standard Class

    

236,276

      

(68,999

)

    

167,277

    

LVIP Mondrian International Value Standard Class

    

10,163

      

(27,067

)

    

(16,904

)

  

LVIP SSgA Bond Index Standard Class

    

19,098

      

(23,290

)

    

(4,192

)

  

LVIP SSgA Emerging Markets 100 Standard Class

    

16,614

      

(14,876

)

    

1,738

    

LVIP SSgA Global Tactical Allocation RPM Standard Class

    

9,677

      

(15,275

)

    

(5,598

)

  

LVIP SSgA International Index Standard Class

    

4,554

      

(1,743

)

    

2,811

    

LVIP SSgA S&P 500 Index Standard Class

    

59,619

      

(837,985

)

    

(778,366

)

  

LVIP SSgA Small-Cap Index Standard Class

    

27,225

      

(262,479

)

    

(235,254

)

  

LVIP T. Rowe Price Structured Mid-Cap Growth Standard Class

    

22,065

      

(104,075

)

    

(82,010

)

  

LVIP Templeton Growth RPM Standard Class

    

2,528

      

—

      

2,528

    

LVIP UBS Large Cap Growth RPM Standard Class

    

10,206

      

(15,979

)

    

(5,773

)

  

NB AMT Large Cap Value I Class

    

18,852

      

(34,120

)

    

(15,268

)

  

T. Rowe Price International Stock

    

22,353

      

(77,498

)

    

(55,145

)

  


L-28


Lincoln National Variable Annuity Account L

Notes to financial statements (continued)

6. Changes in Units Outstanding (continued)

The change in units outstanding for the year ended December 31, 2013, is as follows:

Subaccount

   Units
Issued		   Units
Redeemed		   Net Increase
(Decrease)		  

ABVPSF Global Thematic Growth Class B

    

18,122

      

(69,861

)

    

(51,739

)

  

ABVPSF Growth Class B

    

13,193

      

(17,832

)

    

(4,639

)

  

ABVPSF Growth and Income Class B

    

4,795

      

(96,713

)

    

(91,918

)

  

American Century VP Balanced Class I

    

15,535

      

(64,692

)

    

(49,157

)

  

American Century VP Inflation Protection Class I

    

6,097

      

(130,327

)

    

(124,230

)

  

American Funds Global Growth Class 2

    

36,696

      

(51,978

)

    

(15,282

)

  

American Funds Growth Class 2

    

55,783

      

(256,642

)

    

(200,859

)

  

American Funds Growth-Income Class 2

    

90,111

      

(69,884

)

    

20,227

    

American Funds International Class 2

    

35,142

      

(135,951

)

    

(100,809

)

  

BlackRock Global Allocation V.I. Class I

    

26,917

      

(14,493

)

    

12,424

    

Delaware VIP Diversified Income Standard Class

    

57,616

      

(115,226

)

    

(57,610

)

  

Delaware VIP High Yield Standard Class

    

20,406

      

(45,054

)

    

(24,648

)

  

Delaware VIP REIT Service Class

    

29,036

      

(56,980

)

    

(27,944

)

  

Delaware VIP Small Cap Value Service Class

    

38,238

      

(42,498

)

    

(4,260

)

  

Delaware VIP Smid Cap Growth Service Class

    

91,021

      

(62,551

)

    

28,470

    

Dreyfus Opportunistic Small Cap Initial Class

    

14,508

      

(1,031,409

)

    

(1,016,901

)

  

Dreyfus Stock Index Initial Class

    

4,320

      

(1,023,197

)

    

(1,018,877

)

  

Deutsche Alternative Asset Allocation VIP Class A

    

5,795

      

(1,385

)

    

4,410

    

Deutsche Equity 500 Index VIP Class A

    

10,146

      

(135,547

)

    

(125,401

)

  

Deutsche Small Cap Index VIP Class A

    

8,941

      

(139,094

)

    

(130,153

)

  

Fidelity VIP Asset Manager Initial Class

    

8,870

      

(119,355

)

    

(110,485

)

  

Fidelity VIP Contrafund Service Class 2

    

73,584

      

(150,794

)

    

(77,210

)

  

Fidelity VIP Equity-Income Initial Class

    

5,813

      

(1,166,102

)

    

(1,160,289

)

  

Fidelity VIP Growth Initial Class

    

11,913

      

(163,468

)

    

(151,555

)

  

Fidelity VIP Money Market Initial Class

    

2,246

      

(2,245

)

    

1

    

Janus Aspen Global Research Institutional Class

    

14,735

      

(85,364

)

    

(70,629

)

  

LVIP Baron Growth Opportunities Service Class

    

25,445

      

(36,810

)

    

(11,365

)

  

LVIP BlackRock Inflation Protected Bond Standard Class

    

163,384

      

(67,816

)

    

95,568

    

LVIP Clarion Global Real Estate Standard Class

    

22,076

      

(19,420

)

    

2,656

    

LVIP Delaware Bond Standard Class

    

18,063

      

(142,236

)

    

(124,173

)

  

LVIP Delaware Diversified Floating Rate Service Class

    

12,315

      

(1,964

)

    

10,351

    

LVIP Delaware Foundation Aggressive Allocation Standard Class

    

3,309

      

(697

)

    

2,612

    

LVIP Delaware Foundation Conservative Allocation Standard Class

    

11,084

      

(10,588

)

    

496

    

LVIP Delaware Foundation Moderate Allocation Standard Class

    

10,744

      

(1,102

)

    

9,642

    

LVIP Delaware Growth and Income Standard Class

    

34,843

      

(39,643

)

    

(4,800

)

  

LVIP Delaware Social Awareness Standard Class

    

14,812

      

(71,068

)

    

(56,256

)

  

LVIP Global Income Standard Class

    

11,753

      

(9,818

)

    

1,935

    

LVIP Managed Risk Profile 2010 Standard Class

    

5,583

      

(5,232

)

    

351

    

LVIP Managed Risk Profile 2020 Standard Class

    

41,204

      

(53,670

)

    

(12,466

)

  

LVIP Managed Risk Profile 2030 Standard Class

    

76,518

      

(42,945

)

    

33,573

    

LVIP Managed Risk Profile 2040 Standard Class

    

29,736

      

(14,014

)

    

15,722

    

LVIP Managed Risk Profile 2050 Standard Class

    

11,427

      

(1,494

)

    

9,933

    

LVIP Managed Risk Profile Conservative Standard Class

    

13,998

      

(44,510

)

    

(30,512

)

  

LVIP Managed Risk Profile Growth Standard Class

    

30,068

      

(28,004

)

    

2,064

    

LVIP Managed Risk Profile Moderate Standard Class

    

30,642

      

(29,628

)

    

1,014

    

LVIP Mondrian International Value Standard Class

    

13,161

      

(36,644

)

    

(23,483

)

  

LVIP SSgA Bond Index Standard Class

    

17,367

      

(23,449

)

    

(6,082

)

  

LVIP SSgA Emerging Markets 100 Standard Class

    

22,609

      

(25,285

)

    

(2,676

)

  

LVIP SSgA Global Tactical Allocation RPM Standard Class

    

6,592

      

(14,018

)

    

(7,426

)

  

LVIP SSgA International Index Standard Class

    

5,182

      

(3,564

)

    

1,618

    

LVIP SSgA S&P 500 Index Standard Class

    

8,688,874

      

(780,176

)

    

7,908,698

    

LVIP SSgA Small-Cap Index Standard Class

    

2,379,596

      

(164,603

)

    

2,214,993

    

LVIP T. Rowe Price Structured Mid-Cap Growth Standard Class

    

49,770

      

(98,259

)

    

(48,489

)

  

LVIP UBS Large Cap Growth RPM Standard Class

    

7,863

      

(28,002

)

    

(20,139

)

  

NB AMT Large Cap Value I Class

    

25,249

      

(35,395

)

    

(10,146

)

  

NB AMT Mid Cap Growth I Class

    

6,810

      

(709,451

)

    

(702,641

)

  

T. Rowe Price International Stock

    

8,809

      

(59,638

)

    

(50,829

)

  


L-29


Lincoln National Variable Annuity Account L

Notes to financial statements (continued)

7. Subsequent Event

Management evaluated subsequent events through the date these financial statements were issued and determined there were no additional matters to be disclosed.


L-30



Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Board of Directors of The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company
and

Contract Owners of Lincoln National Variable Annuity Account L

We have audited the accompanying statements of assets and liabilities of Lincoln National Variable Annuity Account L ("Variable Account"), comprised of the subaccounts described in Note 1, as of December 31, 2014, and the related statements of operations for the year then ended and the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, or for those sub-accounts operating for portions of such periods as disclosed in the financial statements. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Variable Account's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. We were not engaged to perform an audit of the Variable Account's internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Variable Account's internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our procedures included confirmation of investments owned as of December 31, 2014, by correspondence with the fund companies, or their transfer agents, as applicable. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of each of the respective subaccounts constituting Lincoln National Variable Annuity Account L at December 31, 2014, and the results of their operations and the changes in their net assets for the periods described above, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
April 15, 2015


L-31



Lincoln National Variable Annuity Account L
PART C - OTHER INFORMATION
Item 24. Financial Statements and Exhibits
(a) List of Financial Statements
1. Part A
The Table of Condensed Financial Information is included in Part A of this Registration Statement.
2. Part B
The following financial statements for the Variable Account are included in Part B of this Registration Statement:
Statement of Assets and Liabilities - December 31, 2014
Statement of Operations - Year ended December 31, 2014
Statements of Changes in Net Assets - Years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013
Notes to Financial Statements - December 31, 2014
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
3. Part B
The following consolidated financial statements for The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company are included in Part B of this Registration Statement:
Consolidated Balance Sheets - Years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012
Consolidated Statements of Stockholder’s Equity - Years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - Years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - December 31, 2014
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
(b) List of Exhibits
(1) Resolution of Board of Directors and Memorandum from the President of The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company authorizing establishment of the Variable Account are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 15 (File No. 033-25990) filed on April 22, 1999.
(2) Not Applicable
(3)(a) Broker-Dealer Selling Agreement among The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company, Lincoln Life & Annuity Company of New York and Lincoln Financial Distributors, Inc. incorporated herein by reference to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 (File No. 333-170897) filed on April 8, 2011.
(b) Amended and Restated Principal Underwriting Agreement dated May 1, 2007 between The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company and Lincoln Financial Distributors, Inc. incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 24 (File No. 333-61554) filed on December 18, 2007.
(4) Variable Annuity Contract (AN-701) incorporated herein by reference to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 (File No. 333-187072) filed on May 28, 2013.
(b) Group Variable Annuity Certificate (AN-711) incorporated herein by reference to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 (File No. 333-198911) filed on December 8, 2014.
(5) Application (N/A)
(6)(a) Articles of Incorporation of The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company incorporated herein by reference to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 (File No. 333-04999) filed on September 24, 1996.
(b) By-Laws of The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 3 on Form N-6 (File No. 333-118478) filed on April 5, 2007.
(7) Automatic Indemnity Reinsurance Agreement Amended and Restated as of October 1, 2009 between The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company and Lincoln National Reinsurance Company (Barbados) Limited incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 43 (File No. 033-26032) filed on April 7, 2010.

(8)(a) Accounting and Financial Administration Services Agreement dated October 1, 2007 among Mellon Bank, N.A., The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company and Lincoln Life & Annuity Company of New York incorporated herein by reference to Registration Statement on Form N-4 (File No. 333-147673) filed on November 28, 2007.
(b) Fund Participation Agreement between The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company and Lincoln Variable Insurance Products Trust incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 23 on Form N-6 (File No. 333-146507) filed on April 1, 2015.
(c) Rule 22c-2 Agreement between The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company and Lincoln Variable Insurance Products Trust incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 30 (File No. 333-36304) filed on May 29, 2008.
(9) Opinion and Consent of Mary Jo Ardington, Associate General Counsel of The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company as to the legality of securities being issued incorporated herein by reference to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 (File No. 333-198911) filed on December 8, 2014.
(10)(a) Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
(b) Power of Attorney - Principal Officers and Directors of The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company
(11) Not Applicable
(12) Not Applicable
(13) Organizational Chart of The Lincoln National Insurance Holding Company System incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 23 on Form N-6 (File No. 333-146507) filed on April 1, 2015.
Item 25. Directors and Officers of the Depositor
The following list contains the officers and directors of The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company who are engaged directly or indirectly in activities relating to Lincoln National Variable Annuity Account L as well as the contracts. The list also shows The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company's executive officers.
Name   Positions and Offices with Depositor
Charles A. Brawley, III**   Senior Vice President, Associate General Counsel and Secretary
Ellen G. Cooper**   Executive Vice President, Chief Investment Officer and Director
Jeffrey D. Coutts**   Senior Vice President and Treasurer
Randal J. Freitag**   Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Director
Dennis R. Glass**   President and Director
Mark E. Konen**   Executive Vice President and Director
Douglas N. Miller**   Senior Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer and Controller
Keith J. Ryan*   Vice President and Director
*Principal business address is 1300 South Clinton Street, Fort Wayne, Indiana 46802
**Principal business address is Radnor Financial Center, 150 Radnor Chester Road, Radnor, PA 19087
Item 26. Persons Controlled by or Under Common Control with the Depositor or Registrant
See Exhibit 13: Organizational Chart of the Lincoln National Insurance Holding Company System.
Item 27. Number of Contractowners
As of February 28, 2015 there were 45,029 participants in group contracts under Account L.
Item 28. Indemnification
a) Brief description of indemnification provisions.
In general, Article VII of the By-Laws of The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company provides that Lincoln Life will indemnify certain persons against expenses, judgments and certain other specified costs incurred by any such person if he/she is made a party or is threatened to be made a party to a suit or proceeding because he/she was a director, officer, or employee of Lincoln Life, as long as he/she acted in good faith and in a manner he/she reasonably believed to be in the best interests of, or act opposed to the best interests of, Lincoln Life. Certain additional conditions apply to indemnification in criminal proceedings.
In particular, separate conditions govern indemnification of directors, officers, and employees of Lincoln Life in connection with suits by, or in the right of, Lincoln Life.
B-2

Please refer to Article VII of the By-Laws of Lincoln Life (Exhibit no. 6(b) hereto) for the full text of the indemnification provisions. Indemnification is permitted by, and is subject to the requirements of, Indiana law.
b) Undertaking pursuant to Rule 484 of Regulation C under the Securities Act of 1933:
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to the provisions described in Item 28(a) above or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer, or controlling person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any such action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
Item 29. Principal Underwriter
(a) Lincoln Financial Distributors, Inc. (“LFD”) currently serves as Principal Underwriter for: Lincoln National Variable Annuity Account C; Lincoln National Flexible Premium Variable Life Account D; Lincoln National Variable Annuity Account E; Lincoln National Flexible Premium Variable Life Account F; Lincoln National Flexible Premium Variable Life Account G; Lincoln National Variable Annuity Account H; Lincoln Life & Annuity Variable Annuity Account H; Lincoln Life Flexible Premium Variable Life Account J; Lincoln Life Flexible Premium Variable Life Account K; Lincoln National Variable Annuity Account L; Lincoln Life & Annuity Variable Annuity Account L; Lincoln Life Flexible Premium Variable Life Account M; Lincoln Life & Annuity Flexible Premium Variable Life Account M; Lincoln Life Variable Annuity Account N; Lincoln New York Account N for Variable Annuities; Lincoln Life Variable Annuity Account Q; Lincoln Life Flexible Premium Variable Life Account R; LLANY Separate Account R for Flexible Premium Variable Life Insurance; Lincoln Life Flexible Premium Variable Life Account S; LLANY Separate Account S for Flexible Premium Variable Life Insurance; Lincoln Life Variable Annuity Account T; Lincoln Life Variable Annuity Account W; and Lincoln Life Flexible Premium Variable Life Account Y and Lincoln Life & Annuity Flexible Premium Variable Life Account Y; Lincoln Life Variable Annuity Account JF-H; Lincoln Life Variable Annuity Account JF-I; Lincoln Life Flexible Premium Variable Life Account JF-A; Lincoln Life Flexible Premium Variable Life Account JF-C; Lincoln Life Variable Annuity Account JL-A; Lincoln Life & Annuity Flexible Premium Variable Life Account JA-B; Lincoln Variable Insurance Products Trust; Lincoln Advisors Trust.
(b) Officers and Directors of Lincoln Financial Distributors, Inc.:
Name   Positions and Offices with Underwriter
Patrick J. Caulfield**   Vice President, Chief Compliance Officer and Senior Counsel
Jeffrey D. Coutts*   Senior Vice President and Treasurer
Wilford H. Fuller*   President, Chief Executive Officer and Director
Elizabeth M. O’Brien*   Senior Vice President and Director
Thomas P. O'Neill*   Senior Vice President, Chief Operating Officer and Director
Nancy A. Smith*   Secretary
Vacant   Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
*Principal Business address is Radnor Financial Center, 150 Radnor Chester Road, Radnor, PA 19087
**Principal Business address is 350 Church Street, Hartford, CT 06103
(c) N/A
Item 30. Location of Accounts and Records
All accounts, books, and other documents, except accounting records, required to be maintained by Section 31a of the 1940 Act and the Rules promulgated thereunder are maintained by The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company, 1300 South Clinton Street, Fort Wayne, Indiana 46802. The accounting records are maintained by The Bank of New York Mellon, One Mellon Bank Center, 500 Grant Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15258.
Item 31. Management Services
Not Applicable.
B-3

Item 32. Undertakings
(a) Registrant undertakes that it will file a post-effective amendment to this registration statement as frequently as necessary to ensure that the audited financial statements in the registration statement are never more than 16 months old for so long as payments under the variable annuity contracts may be accepted.
(b) Registrant undertakes that it will include either (1) as part of any application to purchase a Certificate or an Individual Contract offered by the Prospectus, a space that an applicant can check to request a Statement of Additional Information, or (2) a post card or a similar written communication affixed to or included in the Prospectus that the applicant can remove to send for a Statement of Additional Information.
(c) Registrant undertakes to deliver any Statement of Additional Information and any financial statements required to be made available under this Form promptly upon written or oral request to Lincoln Life at the address or phone number listed in the Prospectus.
(d) The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company hereby represents that the fees and charges deducted under the contract, in the aggregate, are reasonable in relation to the services rendered, the expenses expected to be incurred, and the risks assumed by The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company.
SIGNATURES
a) As required by the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Registrant certifies that it meets the requirements of Securities Act Rule 485(b) for effectiveness of this Registration Statement and has caused this Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf, in the City of Fort Wayne, and State of Indiana on this 29th day of April, 2015.
   

Lincoln National Variable Annuity Account L (Registrant)
Lincoln Retirement Income RolloverSM Version 3
  By: /s/ Robert M. Melia
Robert M. Melia
Vice President, The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company
(Title)
  THE LINCOLN NATIONAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
(Depositor)
  By: /s/ John D. Weber
John D. Weber
(Signature-Officer of Depositor)
Vice President, The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company
(Title)
(b) As required by the Securities Act of 1933, this Amendment to the Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in their capacities indicated on April 29, 2015.
   
Signature Title
*
Dennis R. Glass 		President and Director (Principal Executive Officer)
*
Ellen Cooper 		Executive Vice President, Chief Investment Officer and Director
*
Randal J. Freitag 		Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Director
(Principal Financial Officer)
*
Mark E. Konen 		Senior Vice President and Director
*
Keith J. Ryan 		Vice President and Director
*By: /s/ John D. Weber
John D. Weber 		Pursuant to a Power of Attorney
B-4