UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

_________________

FORM 10-Q

_________________

(Mark One)

 Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2021

OR

 Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the transition period from ____________ to____________

Commission File Number: 000-55871  

_________________

THE LINCOLN NATIONAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

_________________

Indiana	35-0472300
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)	(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
1300 South Clinton Street, Fort Wayne, Indiana	46802
(Address of principal executive offices)	(Zip Code)

(260) 455-2000

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

_________________

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes      No  

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes      No  

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large Accelerated Filer		Accelerated Filer	
Non-accelerated Filer		Smaller Reporting Company	
		Emerging Growth Company	

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes      No  

As of May 10, 2021, 10,000,000 shares of common stock of the registrant ($2.50 par value) were outstanding, all of which were directly owned by Lincoln National Corporation.

THE REGISTRANT MEETS THE CONDITIONS SET FORTH IN GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS H(1)(a) AND (b) OF

FORM 10-Q AND IS THEREFORE FILING THIS FORM 10-Q WITH THE REDUCED DISCLOSURE FORMAT.

The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company

Table of Contents

Item		Page
PART I
1.	Financial Statements	1
2.	Management’s Narrative Analysis of the Results of Operations	47
	Forward-Looking Statements – Cautionary Language	47
	Introduction	48
	Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates	49
	Acquisitions and Dispositions	49
	Results of Consolidated Operations	50
	Results of Annuities	51
	Results of Retirement Plan Services	52
	Results of Life Insurance	53
	Results of Group Protection	54
	Results of Other Operations	55
	Realized Gain (Loss)	56
	Review of Consolidated Financial Condition	57
	Liquidity and Capital Resources	57
3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	58
4.	Controls and Procedures	59
PART II
1.	Legal Proceedings	60
1A.	Risk Factors	60
2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	60
6.	Exhibits	60
	Exhibit Index for the Report on Form 10-Q	61
	Signatures	62

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

THE LINCOLN NATIONAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in millions, except share data)

		As of			As of
	March 31,			December 31,
		2021			2020
	(Unaudited)
ASSETS
Investments:
Fixed maturity available-for-sale securities, at fair value
(amortized cost: 2021 - $104,684; 2020 - $103,021; allowance for credit losses: 2021 - $14; 2020 - $13)		$	115,695		$	121,111
Trading securities			4,308			4,442
Equity securities			121			127
Mortgage loans on real estate, net of allowance for credit losses
(portion at fair value: 2021 - $874; 2020 - $832)			17,159			16,681
Policy loans			2,487			2,411
Derivative investments			3,453			3,109
Other investments			3,024			3,025
Total investments			146,247			150,906
Cash and invested cash			1,086			1,462
Deferred acquisition costs and value of business acquired			7,606			5,824
Premiums and fees receivable			653			484
Accrued investment income			1,255			1,217
Reinsurance recoverables, net of allowance for credit losses			18,583			18,752
Funds withheld reinsurance assets			528			530
Goodwill			1,778			1,778
Other assets			21,163			19,401
Separate account assets			171,339			167,965
Total assets		$	370,238		$	368,319
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY
Liabilities
Future contract benefits		$	38,940		$	40,146
Other contract holder funds			106,461			104,858
Short-term debt			568			497
Long-term debt			2,332			2,412
Reinsurance related embedded derivatives			516			540
Funds withheld reinsurance liabilities			6,300			7,179
Payables for collateral on investments			7,593			6,215
Other liabilities			13,979			13,466
Separate account liabilities			171,339			167,965
Total liabilities			348,028			343,278
Contingencies and Commitments (See Note 10)
Stockholder’s Equity
Common stock – 10,000,000 shares authorized, issued and outstanding			11,919			11,853
Retained earnings			4,451			4,167
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)			5,840			9,021
Total stockholder’s equity			22,210			25,041
Total liabilities and stockholder’s equity		$	370,238		$	368,319

‎

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

1

THE LINCOLN NATIONAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

(Unaudited, in millions)

	For the Three
	Months Ended
	March 31,
	2021			2020
Revenues
Insurance premiums	$	1,330		$	1,318
Fee income		1,524			1,478
Net investment income		1,447			1,318
Realized gain (loss)		211			(2	)
Amortization of deferred gain on business sold through reinsurance		7			9
Other revenues		170			120
Total revenues		4,689			4,241
Expenses
Interest credited		731			719
Benefits		2,182			1,822
Commissions and other expenses		1,171			1,053
Interest and debt expense		29			34
Strategic digitization expense		13			12
Total expenses		4,126			3,640
Income (loss) before taxes		563			601
Federal income tax expense (benefit)		99			99
Net income (loss)		464			502
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax		(3,181	)		(2,063	)
Comprehensive income (loss)	$	(2,717	)	$	(1,561	)

‎

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

2

THE LINCOLN NATIONAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY

(Unaudited, in millions)

	For the Three
	Months Ended
	March 31,
	2021			2020
Common Stock
Balance as of beginning-of-year	$	11,853		$	11,312
Capital contribution from Lincoln National Corporation		65			475
Stock compensation/issued for benefit plans		1			4
Balance as of end-of-period		11,919			11,791
Retained Earnings
Balance as of beginning-of-year		4,167			4,437
Cumulative effect from adoption of new accounting standards		-			(201	)
Net income (loss)		464			502
Dividends paid to Lincoln National Corporation		(180	)		(305	)
Balance as of end-of-period		4,451			4,433
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Balance as of beginning-of-year		9,021			5,836
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax		(3,181	)		(2,063	)
Balance as of end-of-period		5,840			3,773
Total stockholder’s equity as of end-of-period	$	22,210		$	19,997

‎

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

3

THE LINCOLN NATIONAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited, in millions)

	For the Three
	Months Ended
	March 31,
	2021			2020
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Net income (loss)	$	464		$	502
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Realized (gain) loss		(211	)		2
Trading securities purchases, sales and maturities, net		98			226
Amortization of deferred gain on business sold through reinsurance		(7	)		(9	)
Change in:
Deferred acquisition costs, value of business acquired, deferred sales inducements
and deferred front-end loads deferrals and interest, net of amortization		50			(172	)
Premiums and fees receivable		(169	)		(98	)
Accrued investment income		(51	)		(43	)
Insurance liabilities and reinsurance-related balances		(265	)		680
Accrued expenses		(35	)		(285	)
Federal income tax accruals		99			99
Cash management agreement		(182	)		(1,870	)
Other		(204	)		51
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities		(413	)		(917	)
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Purchases of available-for-sale securities and equity securities		(3,783	)		(3,513	)
Sales of available-for-sale securities and equity securities		592			380
Maturities of available-for-sale securities		1,862			1,267
Purchases of alternative investments		(163	)		(79	)
Sales and repayments of alternative investments		54			55
Issuance of mortgage loans on real estate		(869	)		(829	)
Repayment and maturities of mortgage loans on real estate		398			224
Issuance (repayment) of policy loans, net		(76	)		(94	)
Net change in collateral on investments, derivatives and related settlements		987			4,221
Other		(30	)		(59	)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities		(1,028	)		1,573
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Capital contribution from Lincoln National Corporation		65			475
Payment of long-term debt, including current maturities		(60	)		(30	)
Issuance of long-term debt, net of issuance costs		-			30
Issuance (payment) of short-term debt		71			11
Deposits of fixed account values, including the fixed portion of variable		3,132			3,911
Withdrawals of fixed account values, including the fixed portion of variable		(1,768	)		(1,671	)
Transfers to and from separate accounts, net		(122	)		323
Common stock issued for benefit plans		(10	)		(13	)
Dividends paid to Lincoln National Corporation		(180	)		(305	)
Other		(63	)		-
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities		1,065			2,731
Net increase (decrease) in cash, invested cash and restricted cash		(376	)		3,387
Cash, invested cash and restricted cash as of beginning-of-year		1,462			1,879
Cash, invested cash and restricted cash as of end-of-period	$	1,086		$	5,266

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

4

THE LINCOLN NATIONAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

1. Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation

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 two insurance company subsidiaries, Lincoln Life & Annuity Company of New York (“LLANY”) and Lincoln Life Assurance Company of Boston. We also own several non-insurance companies, including Lincoln Financial Distributors, our wholesale distributor, and Lincoln Financial Advisors Corporation, part of LNC’s retail distributor, Lincoln Financial Network. Through our business segments, we sell a wide range of wealth protection, accumulation, retirement income and group protection products and solutions. These products primarily include fixed and indexed annuities, variable annuities, universal life insurance (“UL”), variable universal life insurance (“VUL”), linked-benefit UL and VUL, indexed universal life insurance (“IUL”), term life insurance, employer-sponsored retirement plans and services, and group life, disability and dental. LNL is licensed and sells its products throughout the U.S. and several U.S. territories. See Note 14 for additional information.

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with United States of America generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions for the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, including Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. The information contained in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 (‘‘2020 Form 10-K’’), should be read in connection with the reading of these interim unaudited consolidated financial statements.

Certain GAAP policies, which significantly affect the determination of financial condition, results of operations and cash flows, are summarized in our 2020 Form 10-K.

In the opinion of management, these statements include all normal recurring adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the Company’s results. Operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2021, are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year ending December 31, 2021, especially when considering the risks and uncertainties associated with the COVID-19 pandemic and the future impacts of the pandemic on our business, results of operations and financial condition. All material inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

‎

5

2.  New Accounting Standards

The following table provides a description of our adoption of new Accounting Standards Updates (“ASUs”) issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) and the impact of the adoption on our consolidated financial statements. ASUs not listed below were assessed and determined to be either not applicable or insignificant in presentation or amount.

Standard	Description	Effective Date	Effect on Financial Statements or Other Significant Matters
ASU 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848) and related amendments	The amendments in this update provide optional guidance for a limited period of time to ease the potential burden in accounting for (or recognizing the effects of) reference rate reform on financial reporting. The amendments provide optional expedients and exceptions for applying GAAP to contracts, hedging relationships and other transactions impacted by reference rate reform. If certain criteria are met, an entity will not be required to remeasure or reassess contracts impacted by reference rate reform. Additionally, changes to the critical terms of a hedging relationship affected by reference rate reform will not require entities to de-designate the relationship if certain requirements are met. The expedients and exceptions provided by the amendments do not apply to contract modifications made and hedging relationships entered into or evaluated after December 31, 2022, with certain exceptions. The amendments are effective for contract modifications made between March 12, 2020, and December 31, 2022.	March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022	This standard may be elected and applied prospectively as reference rate reform unfolds. We have elected practical expedients to maintain hedge accounting for certain derivatives. We will continue to evaluate our options under this guidance as our reference rate reform adoption process continues. This ASU has not had a material impact to our consolidated financial condition and results of operations, but we will continue to evaluate those impacts as our transition progresses.
ASU 2018-12, Targeted Improvements to the Accounting for Long-Duration Contracts and related amendments	These amendments make changes to the accounting and reporting for long-duration contracts issued by an insurance entity that will significantly change how insurers account for long-duration contracts, including how they measure, recognize and make disclosures about insurance liabilities and deferred acquisition costs. Under this ASU, insurers will be required to review cash flow assumptions at least annually and update them if necessary. They also will have to make quarterly updates to the discount rate assumptions they use to measure the liability for future policyholder benefits. The ASU creates a new category of market risk benefits (i.e., features that protect the contract holder from capital market risk and expose the insurer to that risk) that insurers will have to measure at fair value. The ASU provides various transition methods by topic that entities may elect upon adoption. The ASU is currently effective January 1, 2023, and early adoption is permitted.	January 1, 2023	We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting this ASU on our consolidated financial condition and results of operations.

‎

6

3. Variable Interest Entities

Unconsolidated Variable Interest Entities

Structured Securities

Through our investment activities, we make passive investments in structured securities issued by variable interest entities (“VIEs”) for which we are not the manager. These structured securities include our asset-backed securities (“ABS”), residential mortgage-backed securities (“RMBS”) and commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”). We have not provided financial or other support with respect to these VIEs other than our original investment. We have determined that we are not the primary beneficiary of these VIEs due to the relative size of our investment in comparison to the principal amount of the structured securities issued by the VIEs and the level of credit subordination that reduces our obligation to absorb losses or right to receive benefits. Our maximum exposure to loss on these structured securities is limited to the amortized cost for these investments. We recognize our variable interest in these VIEs at fair value on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. For information about these structured securities, see Note 4.

Limited Partnerships and Limited Liability Companies

We invest in certain limited partnerships (“LPs”) and limited liability companies (“LLCs”), including qualified affordable housing projects, that we have concluded are VIEs. Our exposure to loss is limited to the capital we invest in the LPs and LLCs. We do not hold any substantive kick-out or participation rights in the LPs and LLCs, and we do not receive any performance fees or decision maker fees from the LPs and LLCs. Based on our analysis of the LPs and LLCs, we are not the primary beneficiary of the VIEs as we do not have the power to direct the most significant activities of the LPs and LLCs.

The carrying amounts of our investments in the LPs and LLCs are recognized in other investments on our Consolidated Balance Sheets and were $2.3 billion and $2.1 billion as of March 31, 2021, and December 31, 2020, respectively. Included in these carrying amounts are our investments in qualified affordable housing projects, which were $6 million and $7 million as of March 31, 2021, and December 31, 2020, respectively. We do not have any contingent commitments to provide additional capital funding to these qualified affordable housing projects. We received returns from these qualified affordable housing projects in the form of income tax credits and other tax benefits of $1 million and less than $1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, which were recognized in federal income tax expense (benefit) on our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss).

7

4. Investments

Fixed Maturity AFS Securities

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

	As of March 31, 2021
							Allowance
	Amortized		Gross Unrealized				for Credit		Fair
	Cost		Gains		Losses		Losses		Value
Fixed maturity AFS securities:
Corporate bonds	$	86,191	$	9,974	$	648	$	13	$	95,504
U.S. government bonds		365		49		3		-		411
State and municipal bonds		5,252		1,154		32		-		6,374
Foreign government bonds		424		63		6		-		481
RMBS		2,607		240		3		1		2,843
CMBS		1,455		67		15		-		1,507
ABS		7,875		142		27		-		7,990
Hybrid and redeemable preferred securities		515		91		21		-		585
Total fixed maturity AFS securities	$	104,684	$	11,780	$	755	$	14	$	115,695

	As of December 31, 2020
							Allowance
	Amortized		Gross Unrealized				for Credit		Fair
	Cost		Gains		Losses		Losses		Value
Fixed maturity AFS securities:
Corporate bonds	$	85,625	$	15,947	$	136	$	12	$	101,424
U.S. government bonds		369		81		1		-		449
State and municipal bonds		5,145		1,517		-		-		6,662
Foreign government bonds		380		86		1		-		465
RMBS		2,551		289		1		1		2,838
CMBS		1,380		115		-		-		1,495
ABS		7,035		158		15		-		7,178
Hybrid and redeemable preferred securities		536		94		30		-		600
Total fixed maturity AFS securities	$	103,021	$	18,287	$	184	$	13	$	121,111

The amortized cost and fair value of fixed maturity AFS securities by contractual maturities (in millions) as of March 31, 2021, were as follows:

	Amortized		Fair
	Cost		Value
Due in one year or less	$	3,210	$	3,231
Due after one year through five years		15,083		15,965
Due after five years through ten years		19,614		21,218
Due after ten years		54,840		62,941
Subtotal		92,747		103,355
Structured securities (RMBS, CMBS, ABS)		11,937		12,340
Total fixed maturity AFS securities	$	104,684	$	115,695

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

8

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

	As of March 31, 2021
	Less Than or Equal					Greater Than
	to Twelve Months					Twelve Months					Total
			Gross					Gross					Gross
	Fair		Unrealized			Fair		Unrealized			Fair		Unrealized
	Value			Losses		Value			Losses		Value			Losses (1)
Fixed maturity AFS securities:
Corporate bonds	$	11,558		$	595	$	686		$	53	$	12,244		$	648
U.S. government bonds		25			3		-			-		25			3
State and municipal bonds		719			32		-			-		719			32
Foreign government bonds		99			6		-			-		99			6
RMBS		198			3		6			-		204			3
CMBS		362			15		-			-		362			15
ABS		2,400			24		164			3		2,564			27
Hybrid and redeemable
preferred securities		124			8		91			13		215			21
Total fixed maturity AFS securities	$	15,485		$	686	$	947		$	69	$	16,432		$	755
Total number of fixed maturity AFS securities in an unrealized loss position															1,723

	As of December 31, 2020
	Less Than or Equal					Greater Than
	to Twelve Months					Twelve Months					Total
				Gross					Gross					Gross
	Fair		Unrealized			Fair		Unrealized			Fair		Unrealized
	Value			Losses		Value			Losses		Value			Losses (1)
Fixed maturity AFS securities:
Corporate bonds	$	2,785		$	85	$	588		$	51	$	3,373		$	136
U.S. government bonds		28			1		-			-		28			1
Foreign government bonds		57			1		-			-		57			1
RMBS		43			1		6			-		49			1
ABS		1,527			9		355			6		1,882			15
Hybrid and redeemable
preferred securities		112			13		96			17		208			30
Total fixed maturity AFS securities	$	4,552		$	110	$	1,045		$	74	$	5,597		$	184
Total number of fixed maturity AFS securities in an unrealized loss position															782

⁽¹⁾As of March 31, 2021, and December 31, 2020, we recognized $2 million and $1 million, respectively, of gross unrealized losses in other comprehensive income (loss) (“OCI”) for fixed maturity AFS securities for which an allowance for credit losses has been recorded.

9

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

	As of March 31, 2021
			Gross			Number
	Fair		Unrealized			of
	Value		Losses		Securities (1)
Less than six months	$	50	$	16			10
Six months or greater, but less than nine months		52		23			4
Nine months or greater, but less than twelve months		1		1			3
Twelve months or greater		27		8			28
Total	$	130	$	48			45

	As of December 31, 2020
			Gross			Number
	Fair		Unrealized			of
	Value		Losses		Securities (1)
Less than six months	$	63	$	23			14
Six months or greater, but less than nine months		2		1			4
Nine months or greater, but less than twelve months		22		6			13
Twelve months or greater		30		11			20
Total	$	117	$	41			51

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

Our gross unrealized losses on fixed maturity AFS securities increased by $571 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021. As discussed further below, we believe the unrealized loss position as of March 31, 2021, did not require an impairment recognized in earnings as (i) we did not intend to sell these fixed maturity AFS securities; (ii) it is not more likely than not that we will be required to sell the fixed maturity AFS securities before recovery of their amortized cost basis; and (iii) the difference in the fair value compared to the amortized cost was due to factors other than credit loss. Based upon this evaluation as of March 31, 2021, management believes we have the ability to generate adequate amounts of cash from our normal operations (e.g., insurance premiums, fee income and investment income) to meet cash requirements with a prudent margin of safety without requiring the sale of our impaired securities.

As of March 31, 2021, the unrealized losses associated with our corporate bond, U.S. government bond, state and municipal bond and foreign government bond securities were attributable primarily to 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 of each impaired security.

Credit ratings express opinions about the credit quality of a security. Securities rated investment grade (those rated BBB- or higher by S&P Global Ratings (“S&P”) or Baa3 or higher by Moody’s Investors Service (“Moody’s”)) are generally considered by the rating agencies and market participants to be low credit risk. As of March 31, 2021, and December 31, 2020, 96% of the fair value of our corporate bond portfolio was rated investment grade. As of March 31, 2021, and December 31, 2020, the portion of our corporate bond portfolio rated below investment grade had an amortized cost of $3.8 billion, and a fair value of $3.9 billion and $4.0 billion, respectively. Based upon the analysis discussed above, we believe that as of March 31, 2021, and December 31, 2020, we would have recovered the amortized cost of each corporate bond.

As of March 31, 2021, the unrealized losses associated with our mortgage-backed securities and ABS were attributable primarily to widening credit spreads and rising interest rates since purchase. We assessed for credit impairment using a cash flow model that incorporates key assumptions including default rates, severities and prepayment rates. We estimated losses for a security by forecasting the underlying loans in each transaction. The forecasted loan performance was used to project cash flows to the various tranches in the structure, as applicable. Our forecasted cash flows also considered, as applicable, independent industry analyst reports and forecasts and other independent market data. Based upon our assessment of the expected credit losses of the security given the performance of the underlying collateral compared to our subordination or other credit enhancement, we expected to recover the entire amortized cost of each impaired security

As of March 31, 2021, the unrealized losses associated with our hybrid and redeemable preferred securities were attributable primarily to wider credit spreads caused by illiquidity in the market and subordination within the capital structure, as well as credit risk of underlying issuers. For our hybrid and redeemable preferred securities, we evaluated the financial performance of the underlying issuers based upon credit performance and investment ratings and determined that we expected to recover the entire amortized cost of each impaired security.

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Credit Loss Impairment on Fixed Maturity AFS Securities

We regularly review our fixed maturity AFS securities for declines in fair value that we determine to be impairment-related, including those attributable to credit risk factors that may require an allowance for credit losses.

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

	For the Three
	Months Ended
	March 31, 2021
	Corporate
	Bonds		RMBS		ABS		Total
Balance as of beginning-of-year	$	12	$	1	$	-	$	13
Additions from purchases of PCD debt securities (1)		-		-		-		-
Additions (reductions) for securities for which credit losses
were previously recognized		1		-		-		1
Balance as of end-of-period (2)	$	13	$	1	$	-	$	14

	For the Three
	Months Ended
	March 31, 2020
	Corporate
	Bonds		RMBS		ABS		Total
Balance as of beginning-of-year	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	-
Additions for securities for which credit losses were not
previously recognized		18		-		-		18
Additions from purchases of PCD debt securities (1)		-		-		-		-
Balance as of end-of-period (2)	$	18	$	-	$	-	$	18

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

⁽²⁾Accrued interest receivable on fixed maturity AFS securities totaled $1.0 billion as of March 31, 2021 and 2020, and was excluded from the estimate of credit losses.

Mortgage Loans on Real Estate

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

	As of March 31, 2021									As of December 31, 2020
	Commercial			Residential			Total			Commercial			Residential			Total
Current	$	16,577		$	666		$	17,243		$	16,162		$	610		$	16,772
30 to 59 days past due		6			26			32			4			28			32
60 to 89 days past due		-			8			8			-			8			8
90 or more days past due		-			55			55			-			69			69
Allowance for credit losses		(171	)		(12	)		(183	)		(186	)		(17	)		(203	)
Unamortized premium (discount)		(13	)		23			10			(14	)		22			8
Mark-to-market gains (losses) (1)		(6	)		-			(6	)		(5	)		-			(5	)
Total carrying value	$	16,393		$	766		$	17,159		$	15,961		$	720		$	16,681

⁽¹⁾Represents the mark-to-market on certain mortgage loans on real estate for which we have elected the fair value option. See Note 13 for additional information.

Our commercial mortgage loan portfolio has the largest concentrations in California, which accounted for 25% and 24% of commercial mortgage loans on real estate as of March 31, 2021, and December 31, 2020, respectively, and Texas, which accounted for 10% of commercial mortgage loans on real estate as of March 31, 2021, and December 31, 2020.

Our residential mortgage loan portfolio has the largest concentrations in California, which accounted for 28% and 32% of residential mortgage loans on real estate as of March 31, 2021, and December 31, 2020, respectively, and Florida, which accounted for 19% and 18% of residential mortgage loans on real estate as of March 31, 2021, and December 31, 2020, respectively.

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As of March 31, 2021, and December 31, 2020, we had 113 and 147 residential mortgage loans, respectively, that were either delinquent or in foreclosure.

For our commercial mortgage loans, there were nine specifically identified impaired loans with an aggregate carrying value of $3 million as of March 31, 2021. There were four specifically identified impaired loans with an aggregate carrying value of $1 million as of December 31, 2020.

For our residential mortgage loans, there were 74 specifically identified impaired loans with an aggregate carrying value of $34 million as of March 31, 2021. There were 76 specifically identified impaired loans with an aggregate carrying value of $34 million as of December 31, 2020.

Additional information related to impaired mortgage loans on real estate (in millions) was as follows:

	For the Three
	Months Ended
	March 31,
	2021		2020
Average carrying value for impaired mortgage loans on real estate	$	36	$	3
Interest income recognized on impaired mortgage loans on real estate		-		-
Interest income collected on impaired mortgage loans on real estate		-		-

The amortized cost of mortgage loans on real estate on nonaccrual status (in millions) was as follows:

	As of March 31, 2021				As of December 31, 2020
	Nonaccrual				Nonaccrual
	with no				with no
	Allowance				Allowance
	for Credit				for Credit
	Losses		Nonaccrual		Losses		Nonaccrual
Commercial mortgage loans on real estate	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	-
Residential mortgage loans on real estate		-		57		-		71
Total	$	-	$	57	$	-	$	71

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

	As of March 31, 2021
			Debt-			Debt-			Debt-
			Service			Service			Service
	Less		Coverage	65%		Coverage	Greater		Coverage
	than 65%		Ratio	to 74%		Ratio	than 75%		Ratio	Total
Origination Year
2021	$	1,362	3.01	$	109	1.47	$	40	2.21	$	1,511
2020		3,007	2.20		318	1.96		25	1.79		3,350
2019		2,335	2.16		214	1.54		15	0.76		2,564
2018		1,746	2.34		153	1.74		27	0.67		1,926
2017		6,241	2.39		263	1.75		30	1.40		6,534
2016 and prior		660	3.00		25	1.95		-	-		685
Total	$	15,351		$	1,082		$	137		$	16,570

	As of December 31, 2020
			Debt-			Debt-			Debt-
			Service			Service			Service
	Less		Coverage	65%		Coverage	Greater		Coverage
	than 65%		Ratio	to 74%		Ratio	than 75%		Ratio	Total
Origination Year
2020	$	1,495	2.85	$	32	1.52	$	-	-	$	1,527
2019		3,098	2.24		258	1.78		2	1.74		3,358
2018		2,379	2.16		182	1.49		15	0.71		2,576
2017		1,779	2.34		169	1.73		-	-		1,948
2016		1,711	2.37		174	1.56		22	1.58		1,907
2015 and prior		4,695	2.38		133	1.95		8	1.02		4,836
Total	$	15,157		$	948		$	47		$	16,152

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

	As of March 31, 2021
	Performing		Nonperforming			Total
Origination Year
2021	$	71		$	6	$	77
2020		197			42		239
2019		295			9		304
2018		158			-		158
2017		-			-		-
2016 and prior		-			-		-
Total	$	721		$	57	$	778

	As of December 31, 2020
	Performing		Nonperforming			Total
Origination Year
2020	$	176		$	8	$	184
2019		315			51		366
2018		175			12		187
2017		-			-		-
2016		-			-		-
2015 and prior		-			-		-
Total	$	666		$	71	$	737

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Credit Losses on Mortgage Loans on Real Estate

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

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

	For the Three
	Months Ended
	March 31, 2021
	Commercial			Residential			Total
Balance as of beginning-of-year	$	186		$	17		$	203
Additions from provision for credit loss expense (1)		4			2			6
Additions from purchases of PCD mortgage loans on real estate		-			-			-
Additions (reductions) for mortgage loans on real estate for which
credit losses were previously recognized (1)		(19	)		(7	)		(26	)
Balance as of end-of-period (2)	$	171		$	12		$	183

	For the Three
	Months Ended
	March 31, 2020
	Commercial		Residential		Total
Balance as of beginning-of-year	$	-	$	2	$	2
Impact of new accounting standard		61		26		87
Additions from provision for credit loss expense (3)		64		7		71
Additions from purchases of PCD mortgage loans on real estate		-		-		-
Balance as of end-of-period (2)	$	125	$	35	$	160

⁽¹⁾Due to improving economic projections, the provision for credit loss expense decreased by $20 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021. For the three months ended March 31, 2021, we recognized $4 million of credit loss benefit related to unfunded commitments for mortgage loans on real estate.

⁽²⁾Accrued interest receivable on mortgage loans on real estate totaled $50 million as of March 31, 2021 and 2020, and was excluded from the estimate of credit losses.

⁽³⁾Due to changes in economic projections driven by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the provision for credit loss expense increased by $71 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020. For the three months ended March 31, 2020, we recognized $1 million of credit loss benefit related to unfunded commitments for mortgage loans on real estate.

Alternative Investments 

As of March 31, 2021, and December 31, 2020, alternative investments included investments in 278 and 270 different partnerships, respectively, and represented approximately 1% of total investments.

‎

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Impairments on Fixed Maturity AFS Securities

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

	For the Three
	Months Ended
	March 31,
	2021			2020
Credit Loss Expense
Fixed maturity AFS securities:
Corporate bonds	$	(2	)	$	(18	)
RMBS		-			-
ABS		-			-
Gross credit loss expense		(2	)		(18	)
Associated amortization of DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL (1)		-			-
Net credit loss expense	$	(2	)	$	(18	)

⁽¹⁾Deferred acquisition costs (“DAC”), value of business acquired (“VOBA”), deferred sales inducements (“DSI”) and deferred front-end loads (“DFEL”).

Payables for Collateral on Investments

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

	As of March 31, 2021				As of December 31, 2020
	Carrying		Fair		Carrying		Fair
	Value		Value		Value		Value
Collateral payable for derivative investments (1)	$	3,218	$	3,218	$	2,970	$	2,970
Securities pledged under securities lending agreements (2)		145		140		115		112
Investments pledged for Federal Home Loan Bank of
Indianapolis (“FHLBI”) (3)		4,230		6,819		3,130		5,049
Total payables for collateral on investments	$	7,593	$	10,177	$	6,215	$	8,131

⁽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 5 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 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.

We have repurchase agreements through which we can obtain liquidity by pledging securities. The collateral requirements are generally 80% to 95% of the fair value of the securities, and our agreements with third parties contain contractual provisions to allow for additional collateral to be obtained when necessary. The cash received in our repurchase program is typically invested in fixed maturity AFS securities. As of March 31, 2021, and December 31, 2020, we were not participating in any open repurchase agreements.

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

	For the Three
	Months Ended
	March 31,
	2021		2020
Collateral payable for derivative investments	$	248	$	2,561
Securities pledged under securities lending agreements		30		47
Investments pledged for FHLBI		1,100		750
Total increase (decrease) in payables for collateral on investments	$	1,378	$	3,358

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

	As of March 31, 2021
	Overnight and Continuous		Up to 30 Days		30 - 90 Days		Greater Than 90 Days		Total
Securities Lending
Corporate bonds	$	145	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	145

	As of December 31, 2020
	Overnight and Continuous		Up to 30 Days		30 - 90 Days		Greater Than 90 Days		Total
Securities Lending
Corporate bonds	$	114	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	114
Foreign government bonds		1		-		-		-		1
Total gross secured borrowings	$	115	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	115

We accept collateral in the form of securities in connection with repurchase agreements. In instances where we are permitted to sell or re-pledge the securities received, we report the fair value of the collateral received and a related obligation to return the collateral in the financial statements. In addition, we receive securities in connection with securities borrowing agreements that we are permitted to sell or re-pledge. As of March 31, 2021, the fair value of all collateral received that we are permitted to sell or re-pledge was $22 million, and we had not re-pledged any of this collateral to cover initial margin and over-the-counter collateral requirements on certain derivative investments as of March 31, 2021.

Investment Commitments

As of March 31, 2021, our investment commitments were $2.0 billion, which included $1.1 billion of LPs, $416 million of mortgage loans on real estate and $400 million of private placement securities.

Concentrations of Financial Instruments

As of March 31, 2021, our most significant investments in one issuer were our investments in securities issued by the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation and by the Federal National Mortgage Association with a fair value of $1.1 billion and $1.0 billion, respectively, or 1% of total investments. As of December 31, 2020, our most significant investments in one issuer were our investments in securities issued by the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation and by White Chapel LLC with a fair value of $1.2 billion and $1.0 billion, respectively, or 1% of total investments. These concentrations include fixed maturity AFS, trading and equity securities.

As of March 31, 2021, and December 31, 2020, our most significant investments in one industry were our investments in securities in the financial services industry with a fair value of $20.7 billion and $21.7 billion, respectively, or 14% of total investments, and our investments in securities in the consumer non-cyclical industry with a fair value of $17.9 billion and $19.2 billion, respectively, or 12% and 13%, respectively, of total investments. These concentrations include fixed maturity AFS, trading and equity securities.

5. Derivative Instruments

We maintain an overall risk management strategy that incorporates the use of derivative instruments to minimize significant unplanned fluctuations in earnings that are caused by interest rate risk, foreign currency exchange risk, equity market risk, basis risk 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.

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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 13 for additional disclosures related to the fair value of our derivative instruments.

Interest Rate Contracts

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

Forward-Starting Interest Rate Swaps

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

We also use forward-starting interest rate swaps to hedge the interest rate exposure within our life products 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 to hedge the interest rate risk of floating-rate bond coupon payments by replicating a fixed-rate bond.

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

Reverse Treasury Locks

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

Foreign Currency Contracts

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

Currency Futures

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.

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Foreign Currency Swaps

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

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

Foreign Currency Forwards

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

Equity Market Contracts

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

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

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

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

Consumer Price Index Swaps

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

Equity Futures

We use equity futures contracts to hedge the liability exposure on certain options in variable annuity 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.

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.

Credit Contracts

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

Credit Default Swaps – Buying Protection

We use credit default swaps to hedge the liability exposure on certain options in variable annuity products.

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

Credit Default Swaps – Selling Protection

We use credit default swaps to hedge the liability exposure on certain options in variable annuity products.

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.

Other Derivatives

Lapse Protection Rider (“LPR”) Ceded Derivative

We also have an inter-company agreement through which LNBAR, an affiliated insurer, assumes the risk under certain UL contracts for no-lapse benefit guarantees. If the contract holder’s account value is insufficient to pay the cost of insurance charges required to keep the policy in force, and the contract holder has made the required deposits, we will be reimbursed for those charges.

Embedded Derivatives

We have embedded derivatives that include:

GLB Reserves Embedded Derivatives

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 Accounting Standards Codification (“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 benefit reserves and the embedded derivative reserves based on the specific characteristics of each guaranteed living benefit (“GLB”) feature.

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 guaranteed withdrawal benefit and guaranteed income benefit features. These GLB features are reinsured among various reinsurance counterparties on a coinsurance basis. We cede a portion of the GLB features to Lincoln National Reinsurance Company (Barbados) Limited (“LNBAR”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of LNC, on a funds withheld coinsurance basis. The funds withheld arrangement includes a dynamic hedging strategy designed to mitigate selected risks. Changes in the value of the hedge contracts due to changes in equity markets, interest rates and implied volatilities hedge the income statement effect of changes in embedded derivative GLB reserves assumed by LNBAR 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 assumed by LNBAR 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.

Indexed Annuity and IUL Contracts Embedded Derivatives

Our indexed annuity and IUL contracts permit the holder to elect an interest rate return or an equity market component, where interest credited to the contracts is linked to the performance of the S&P 500^® Index or other indices. Contract holders may elect to rebalance index options at renewal dates. At the end of each indexed term, we have the opportunity to re-price the indexed component by establishing participation rates, caps, spreads and specified rates, subject to contractual guarantees. We use options that are highly correlated to the portfolio allocation decisions of our 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 modified coinsurance (“Modco”) and coinsurance with funds withheld reinsurance agreements with embedded derivatives related to the withheld assets of the related funds. These derivatives are considered total return swaps with contractual returns that are attributable to various assets and liabilities associated with these reinsurance agreements.

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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 March 31, 2021						As of December 31, 2020
	Notional		Fair Value				Notional		Fair Value
	Amounts		Asset		Liability		Amounts		Asset		Liability
Qualifying Hedges
Cash flow hedges:
Interest rate contracts (1)	$	1,899	$	7	$	133	$	964	$	87	$	11
Foreign currency contracts (1)		3,249		119		147		3,089		147		151
Total cash flow hedges		5,148		126		280		4,053		234		162
Fair value hedges:
Interest rate contracts (1)		528		-		187		530		-		271
Non-Qualifying Hedges
Interest rate contracts (1)		73,433		1,225		308		135,434		1,587		159
Foreign currency contracts (1)		410		4		6		304		1		8
Equity market contracts (1)		77,997		3,949		1,298		74,300		3,486		1,952
Credit contracts (1)		85		-		-		51		-		-
LPR ceded derivative (2)		-		268		-		-		-		-
Embedded derivatives:
GLB direct (3)		-		1,831		-		-		450		-
GLB ceded (3)		-		42		1,869		-		82		531
Reinsurance related (4)		-		-		516		-		-		540
Indexed annuity and IUL contracts (3) (5)		-		527		4,170		-		550		3,594
Total derivative instruments	$	157,601	$	7,972	$	8,634	$	214,672	$	6,390	$	7,217

⁽¹⁾Reported in derivative investments and other liabilities on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

⁽²⁾Reported in other assets on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

⁽³⁾Reported in other assets and other liabilities 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 March 31, 2021
	Less Than		1 – 5		6 – 10		11 – 30		Over 30
	1 Year		Years		Years		Years		Years		Total
Interest rate contracts (1)	$	2,251	$	48,239	$	14,295	$	11,070	$	5	$	75,860
Foreign currency contracts (2)		354		400		1,249		1,559		97		3,659
Equity market contracts		44,952		18,172		6,274		11		8,588		77,997
Credit contracts		-		20		65		-		-		85
Total derivative instruments
with notional amounts	$	47,557	$	66,831	$	21,883	$	12,640	$	8,690	$	157,601

⁽¹⁾As of March 31, 2021, the latest maturity date for which we were hedging our exposure to the variability in future cash flows for these instruments was November 22, 2023.

⁽²⁾As of March 31, 2021, the latest maturity date for which we were hedging our exposure to the variability in future cash flows for these instruments was June 16, 2061.

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

value hedges:

					Cumulative Fair Value
					Hedging Adjustment
					Included in the
	Amortized Cost of the				Amortized Cost of the
	Hedged				Hedged
	Assets / (Liabilities)				Assets / (Liabilities)
	As of		As of		As of		As of
	March 31,		December 31,		March 31,		December 31,
	2021		2020		2021		2020
Line Item in the Consolidated Balance Sheets in
which the Hedged Item is Included
Fixed maturity AFS securities, at fair value	$	738	$	824	$	187	$	271

The change in our unrealized gain (loss) on derivative instruments within accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (“AOCI”) (in millions) was as follows:

	For the Three
	Months Ended
	March 31,
	2021			2020
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments
Balance as of beginning-of-year	$	42		$	181
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period:
Cash flow hedges:
Interest rate contracts		(203	)		241
Foreign currency contracts		(63	)		312
Change in foreign currency exchange rate adjustment		47			153
Change in DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL		14			(48	)
Income tax benefit (expense)		43			(140	)
Less:
Reclassification adjustment for gains (losses)
included in net income (loss):
Cash flow hedges:
Interest rate contracts (1)		1			-
Foreign currency contracts (1)		10			11
Foreign currency contracts (2)		(2	)		1
Associated amortization of DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL		(1	)		(1	)
Income tax benefit (expense)		(2	)		(2	)
Balance as of end-of-period	$	(126	)	$	690

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

⁽²⁾The OCI offset is reported within realized gain (loss) on our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss).

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

	Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income
	For the Three Months Ended March 31,
	2021								2020
	Realized			Net					Realized			Net
	Gain			Investment					Gain			Investment
	(Loss)			Income			Benefits		(Loss)			Income			Benefits
Total Line Items in which the
Effects of Fair Value or Cash
Flow Hedges are Recorded	$	211		$	1,447		$	2,182	$	(2	)	$	1,318		$	1,822
Qualifying Hedges
Gain or (loss) on fair value
hedging relationships:
Interest rate contracts:
Hedged items		-			(84	)		-		-			127			-
Derivatives designated as
hedging instruments		-			84			-		-			(127	)		-
Gain or (loss) on cash flow
hedging relationships:
Interest rate contracts:
Amount of gain or (loss)
reclassified from AOCI
into income		-			1			-		-			-			-
Foreign currency contracts:
Amount of gain or (loss)
reclassified from AOCI
into income		(2	)		10			-		1			11			-
Non-Qualifying Hedges
Interest rate contracts		(1,159	)		-			-		2,150			-			-
Equity market contracts		1,242			-			-		1,070			-			-
Credit contracts		-			-			-		(4	)		-			-
LPR ceded derivative		-			-			50		-			-			-
Embedded derivatives:
GLB		3			-			-		(7	)		-			-
Reinsurance related		342			-			-		596			-			-
Indexed annuity and IUL
contracts		(594	)		-			-		1,028			-			-

‎

As of March 31, 2021, $49 million of the deferred net gains (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 three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, 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.

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

As of March 31, 2021
					Credit
		Reason	Nature		Rating of	Number			Maximum
		for	of	Underlying		of	Fair		Potential
Credit Contract Type	Maturity	Entering	Recourse	Obligation (1)		Instruments	Value (2)		Payout
Basket credit default swaps	12/20/2025	(3)	(4)		BBB+	1	$	-	$	20
Basket credit default swaps	6/20/2026	(3)	(4)		BBB+	1		2		65

As of December 31, 2020
					Credit
		Reason	Nature		Rating of	Number			Maximum
		for	of	Underlying		of	Fair		Potential
Credit Contract Type	Maturity	Entering	Recourse		Obligation (1)	Instruments	Value (2)		Payout
Basket credit default swaps	12/20/2025	(3)	(4)		BBB+	1	$	1	$	51

⁽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⁾Credit default swaps were entered into in order to hedge the liability exposure on certain variable annuity products.

⁽⁴⁾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 credit default swaps for which we are the seller if credit risk-related contingent features were triggered (in millions) were as follows:

		As of			As of
	March 31,			December 31,
		2021			2020
Maximum potential payout		$	85		$	51
Less: Counterparty thresholds			-			-
Maximum collateral potentially required to post		$	85		$	51

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, our counterparties would have been required to post $2 million of collateral as of March 31, 2021.

Credit Risk

We are exposed to credit losses in the event of non-performance by our counterparties on various derivative contracts and reflect assumptions regarding the credit or non-performance risk (“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 March 31, 2021, the NPR adjustment was zero. The credit risk associated with such agreements is minimized by entering into agreements with financial institutions with long-standing, superior performance records. Additionally, we maintain a policy of requiring derivative contracts to be governed by an International Swaps and Derivatives Association (“ISDA”) Master Agreement. We are required to maintain minimum ratings as a matter of routine practice in negotiating ISDA agreements. Under some ISDA agreements, we and LLANY 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 exceed pre-determined thresholds. These thresholds vary by counterparty and credit rating. The amount of such exposure is essentially the net replacement cost or market value less collateral held for such agreements with each counterparty if the net market value is in our favor. We did not have any exposure as of March 31, 2021, or December 31, 2020.

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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 March 31, 2021					As of December 31, 2020
	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-	$	1,453	$	(11	)	$	1,232	$	(7	)
A+		1,316		(119	)		1,112		(175	)
A		60		-			53		-
A-		388		-			572		-
	$	3,217	$	(130	)	$	2,969	$	(182	)

Balance Sheet Offsetting

Information related to the effects of offsetting (in millions) was as follows:

		As of March 31, 2021
					Embedded
	Derivative				Derivative
	Instruments				Instruments			Total
Financial Assets
Gross amount of recognized assets		$	5,680			$	2,400	$	8,080
Gross amounts offset			(1,848	)			-		(1,848	)
Net amount of assets			3,832				2,400		6,232
Gross amounts not offset:
Cash collateral			(3,217	)			-		(3,217	)
Non-cash collateral			(372	)			-		(372	)
Net amount		$	243			$	2,400	$	2,643
Financial Liabilities
Gross amount of recognized liabilities		$	666			$	6,555	$	7,221
Gross amounts offset			(4	)			-		(4	)
Net amount of liabilities			662				6,555		7,217
Gross amounts not offset:
Cash collateral			(130	)			-		(130	)
Non-cash collateral			-				-		-
Net amount		$	532			$	6,555	$	7,087

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		As of December 31, 2020
					Embedded
	Derivative				Derivative
	Instruments				Instruments			Total
Financial Assets
Gross amount of recognized assets		$	4,978			$	1,082	$	6,060
Gross amounts offset			(1,869	)			-		(1,869	)
Net amount of assets			3,109				1,082		4,191
Gross amounts not offset:
Cash collateral			(2,969	)			-		(2,969	)
Non-cash collateral			(56	)			-		(56	)
Net amount		$	84			$	1,082	$	1,166
Financial Liabilities
Gross amount of recognized liabilities		$	902			$	4,665	$	5,567
Gross amounts offset			(330	)			-		(330	)
Net amount of liabilities			572				4,665		5,237
Gross amounts not offset:
Cash collateral			(182	)			-		(182	)
Non-cash collateral			-				-		-
Net amount		$	390			$	4,665	$	5,055

6. Federal Income Taxes

The effective tax rate is the ratio of tax expense (benefit) over pre-tax income (loss). The effective tax rate was 18% and 16% for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The effective tax rate on pre-tax income is typically lower than the prevailing corporate federal income tax rate of 21% due to benefits from preferential tax items including the separate accounts dividends-received deduction and tax credits.

7. Reinsurance

Credit Losses on Reinsurance-related Assets

In connection with our recognition of an allowance for credit losses for reinsurance-related assets, we perform a quantitative analysis using a probability of loss approach to estimate expected credit losses for reinsurance recoverables, inclusive of similar assets recognized using the deposit method of accounting. As of March 31, 2021, our allowance for credit losses for reinsurance-related assets was $191 million. There have been no material changes to the allowance for credit losses for the three months ended March 31, 2021. 

Modco Agreements

Some portions of our annuity business have been reinsured on a Modco basis with other companies. In a Modco agreement, we as the ceding company retain the reserves, as well as the assets backing those reserves, and the reinsurer shares proportionally in all financial terms of the reinsured policies based on their respective percentage of the risk. Effective October 1, 2018, we entered into one such Modco agreement with Athene Holding Ltd. (“Athene”) to reinsure fixed and fixed indexed annuity products, which resulted in a deposit asset of $5.6 billion and $5.8 billion as of March 31, 2021, and December 31, 2020, respectively, within other assets on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

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We held assets in support of reserves associated with the transaction in a Modco investment portfolio, which consisted of the following (in millions):

	As of			As of
	March 31,			December 31,
	2021			2020
Fixed maturity AFS securities		$	1,357		$	1,531
Trading securities			3,293			3,357
Equity securities			20			17
Mortgage loans on real estate			875			832
Derivative investments			106			103
Other investments			212			167
Cash and invested cash			81			92
Accrued investment income			39			42
Other assets			6			3
Total		$	5,989		$	6,144

In addition, the portfolio was supported by $175 million of over-collateralization and a $163 million letter of credit as of March 31, 2021.

8. Guaranteed Benefit Features

Information on the guaranteed death benefit (“GDB”) features outstanding (dollars in millions) was as follows:

	As of		As of
	March 31,		December 31,
	2021 (1)			2020 (1)
Return of Net Deposits
Total account value	$	111,818		$	109,856
Net amount at risk (2)		77			72
Average attained age of contract holders		66 years			66 years
Minimum Return
Total account value	$	99		$	100
Net amount at risk (2)		12			12
Average attained age of contract holders		78 years			78 years
Guaranteed minimum return		5%			5%
Anniversary Contract Value
Total account value	$	27,903		$	27,650
Net amount at risk (2)		410			390
Average attained age of contract holders		72 years			72 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 fluctuations.

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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. 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 Three
	Months Ended
	March 31,
	2021			2020
Balance as of beginning-of-year	$	121		$	117
Changes in reserves		8			106
Benefits paid		(5	)		(8	)
Balance as of end-of-period	$	124		$	215

Variable Annuity Contracts

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

	As of			As of
	March 31,		December 31,
	2021			2020
Asset Type
Domestic equity	$	71,993		$	70,362
International equity		20,813			20,855
Fixed income		43,920			43,521
Total	$	136,726		$	134,738
Percent of total variable annuity separate account values		98%			98%

Secondary Guarantee Products

Future contract benefits and other contract holder funds include reserves for our secondary guarantee products sold through our Life Insurance segment. Reserves on UL and VUL products with secondary guarantees represented 37% of total life insurance in-force reserves as of March 31, 2021, and December 31, 2020. UL and VUL products with secondary guarantees represented 14% and 29% of total life insurance sales for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

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9. Liability for Unpaid Claims

The liability for unpaid claims consists primarily of long-term disability claims and is reported in future contract benefits on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Changes in the liability for unpaid claims (in millions) were as follows:

	For the Three
	Months Ended
	March 31,
	2021			2020
Balance as of beginning-of-year	$	5,934		$	5,552
Reinsurance recoverable		151			152
Net balance as of beginning-of-year		5,783			5,400
Incurred related to:
Current year		1,025			885
Prior years:
Interest		42			43
All other incurred (1)		(101	)		(65	)
Total incurred		966			863
Paid related to:
Current year		(302	)		(240	)
Prior years		(601	)		(518	)
Total paid		(903	)		(758	)
Net balance as of end-of-period		5,846			5,505
Reinsurance recoverable		151			150
Balance as of end-of-period	$	5,997		$	5,655

⁽¹⁾All other incurred is primarily impacted by the level of claim resolutions in the period compared to that which is expected by the reserve assumption. A negative number implies a favorable result where claim resolutions were more favorable than assumed. Our claim resolution rate assumption used in determining reserves is our expectation of the resolution rate we will experience over the long-term life of the block of claims. It will vary from actual experience in any one period, both favorably and unfavorably.

The interest rate assumption used for discounting long-term claim reserves is an important part of the reserving process due to the long benefit period for these claims. Interest accrued on prior years’ reserves has been calculated on the opening reserve balance less one-half of the prior years’ incurred claim payments at our average reserve discount rate.

Long-term disability benefits may extend for many years, and claim development schedules do not reflect these longer benefit periods. As a result, we use longer term retrospective runoff studies, experience studies and prospective studies to develop our liability estimates.

10.  Contingencies and Commitments

Contingencies

Regulatory and Litigation Matters

Regulatory bodies, such as state insurance departments, the SEC, 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 advisers and unclaimed property laws.

LNL and its affiliates 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 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 verdicts obtained 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

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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 March 31, 2021.

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 March 31, 2021, we estimate the aggregate range of reasonably possible losses, including amounts in excess of amounts accrued for these matters as of such date, to be up to approximately $120 million, after-tax. Any estimate is not an indication of expected loss, if any, or of the Company’s maximum possible loss exposure on such matters.

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.

Among other matters, we are presently engaged in litigation, including relating to cost of insurance rates (“Cost of Insurance and Other Litigation”), as described below. No accrual has been made for several of these matters. Although a loss is believed to be reasonably possible for these matters, we are not able to estimate a reasonably possible amount or range of potential liability. An adverse outcome in one or more of these matters may have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements, but, based on information currently known, management does not believe those cases are likely to have such an impact.

Reinsurance Disputes

Certain reinsurers have sought rate increases on certain yearly renewable term agreements. We are disputing the requested rate increases under these agreements. We will initiate arbitration proceedings, as necessary, under these agreements in order to protect our contractual rights. Additionally, reinsurers have initiated, and may in the future initiate, arbitration proceedings against us. We believe it is unlikely the outcome of these disputes would have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. For more information about reinsurance, see Note 7.

Cost of Insurance and Other Litigation

Cost of Insurance Litigation

Glover v. Connecticut General Life Insurance Company and The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company, filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut, No. 3:16-cv-00827, is a putative class action that was served on LNL on June 8, 2016. Plaintiff is the owner of a universal life insurance policy who alleges that LNL charged more for non-guaranteed cost of insurance than permitted by the policy. Plaintiff seeks to represent all universal life and variable universal life policyholders who owned policies containing non-guaranteed cost of insurance provisions that are similar to those of Plaintiff’s policy and seeks damages on behalf of all such policyholders. On January 11, 2019, the court dismissed Plaintiff’s complaint in its entirety. In response, Plaintiff filed a motion for leave to amend the complaint, which we have opposed.

Hanks v. Lincoln Life & Annuity Company of New York (“LLANY”) and Voya Retirement Insurance and Annuity Company (“Voya”), filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, No. 1:16-cv-6399, is a putative class action that was served on LLANY on August 12, 2016. Plaintiff owns a universal life policy originally issued by Aetna (now Voya) and alleges that (i) Voya breached the terms of the policy when it increased non-guaranteed cost of insurance rates on Plaintiff’s policy; and (ii) LLANY, as reinsurer and administrator of Plaintiff’s policy, engaged in wrongful conduct related to the cost of insurance increase and was unjustly enriched as a result. Plaintiff seeks to represent all owners of Aetna life insurance policies that were subject to non-guaranteed cost of insurance rate increases in 2016 and seeks damages on their behalf. On March 13, 2019, the court issued an order granting plaintiff’s motion for class certification for the breach of contract claim and denying such motion with respect to the unjust enrichment claim against LLANY, and, on September 12, 2019, the court issued an order approving the parties’ joint stipulation of dismissal with respect to the unjust enrichment claim and dismissed LLANY as a defendant in the case. In light of LLANY’s role as reinsurer and administrator under the 1998 coinsurance agreement with Aetna (now Voya), and of the parties’ rights and obligations thereunder, LLANY continues to be actively engaged in the defense of this case. On September 30, 2020, the court denied plaintiff’s motion for summary judgment and

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granted in part Voya’s motion for summary judgment. The court has not yet set a trial date, and we continue to vigorously defend this action.

EFG Bank AG, Cayman Branch, et al. v. The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company, pending in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, No. 2:17-cv-02592, is a civil action filed on February 1, 2017. Plaintiffs own Legend Series universal life insurance policies originally issued by Jefferson-Pilot (now LNL). Plaintiffs allege that LNL breached the terms of policyholders’ contracts when it increased non-guaranteed cost of insurance rates beginning in 2016. We are vigorously defending this matter.

In re: Lincoln National COI Litigation, pending in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, Master File No. 2:16-cv-06605-GJP, is a consolidated litigation matter related to multiple putative class action filings that were consolidated by an order dated March 20, 2017. In addition to consolidating a number of existing matters, the order also covers any future cases filed in the same district related to the same subject matter. Plaintiffs own universal life insurance policies originally issued by Jefferson-Pilot (now LNL). Plaintiffs allege that LNL and LNC breached the terms of policyholders’ contracts by increasing non-guaranteed cost of insurance rates beginning in 2016. Plaintiffs seek to represent classes of policyowners and seek damages on their behalf. We are vigorously defending this matter.

In re: Lincoln National 2017 COI Rate Litigation, Master File No. 2:17-cv-04150 is a consolidated litigation matter related to multiple putative class action filings that were consolidated by an order of the court in March 2018. Plaintiffs own universal life insurance policies originally issued by former Jefferson-Pilot (now LNL). Plaintiffs allege that LNL and LNC breached the terms of policyholders’ contracts by increasing non-guaranteed cost of insurance rates beginning in 2017. Plaintiffs seek to represent classes of policyholders and seek damages on their behalf. We are vigorously defending this matter.

TVPX ARS INC., as Securities Intermediary for Consolidated Wealth Management, LTD. v. The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, No. 2:18-cv-02989, is a putative class action that was filed on July 17, 2018. Plaintiff alleges that LNL charged more for non-guaranteed cost of insurance than permitted by the policy. Plaintiff seeks to represent all universal life and variable universal life policyholders who own policies issued by LNL or its predecessors containing non-guaranteed cost of insurance provisions that are similar to those of Plaintiff’s policy and seeks damages on behalf of all such policyholders. We are vigorously defending this matter.

LSH Co. and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as securities intermediary for LSH Co. v. Lincoln National Corporation and The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company, pending in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, No. 2:18-cv-05529, is a civil action filed on December 21, 2018. Plaintiffs own universal life insurance policies originally issued by Jefferson-Pilot (now LNL). Plaintiffs allege that LNL breached the terms of policyholders’ contracts when it increased non-guaranteed cost of insurance rates in 2016 and 2017. We are vigorously defending this matter.

Vida Longevity Fund, LP v. Lincoln Life & Annuity Company of New York, pending in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, No. 1:19-cv-06004, is a putative class action that was filed on June 27, 2019. Plaintiff alleges that LLANY charged more for non-guaranteed cost of insurance than was permitted by the policies. Plaintiff seeks to represent all current and former owners of universal life (including variable universal life) policies who own or owned policies issued by LLANY and its predecessors in interest that were in force at any time on or after June 27, 2013, and which contain non-guaranteed cost of insurance provisions that are similar to those of Plaintiff’s policies. Plaintiff also seeks to represent a sub-class of such policyholders who own or owned “life insurance policies issued in the State of New York.” Plaintiff seeks damages on behalf of the policyholder class and sub-class. We are vigorously defending this matter.

Other Litigation

Andrew Nitkewicz v. Lincoln Life & Annuity Company of New York, pending in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, No. 1:20-cv-06805, is a putative class action that was filed on August 24, 2020. Plaintiff Andrew Nitkewicz, as trustee of the Joan C. Lupe Trust, seeks to represent all current and former owners of universal life (including variable universal life) policies who own or owned policies issued by LLANY and its predecessors in interest that were in force at any time on or after June 27, 2013, and for which planned annual, semi-annual, or quarterly premiums were paid for any period beyond the end of the policy month of the insured’s death. Plaintiff alleges LLANY failed to refund unearned premium in violation of New York Insurance Law Section 3203(a)(2) in connection with the payment of death benefit claims for certain insurance policies. Plaintiff seeks compensatory damages and pre-judgment interest on behalf of the various classes and sub-class. We are vigorously defending this matter.

‎

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11. 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 Three
	Months Ended
	March 31,
	2021			2020
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Fixed Maturity AFS Securities
Balance as of beginning-of-year	$	8,993		$	5,637
Cumulative effect from adoption of new accounting standard		-			40
Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period		(7,077	)		(4,357	)
Change in foreign currency exchange rate adjustment		(41	)		(150	)
Change in DAC, VOBA, DSI, future contract benefits and other contract holder funds		3,287			1,263
Income tax benefit (expense)		817			691
Less:
Reclassification adjustment for gains (losses) included in net income (loss)		1			(3	)
Associated amortization of DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL		(4	)		27
Income tax benefit (expense)		1			(5	)
Balance as of end-of-period	$	5,981		$	3,105
Unrealized Other-Than-Temporary-Impairment on Fixed Maturity AFS Securities
Balance as of beginning-of-year	$	-		$	40
Cumulative effect from adoption of new accounting standard		-			(40	)
Balance as of end-of-period	$	-		$	-
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments
Balance as of beginning-of-year	$	42		$	181
Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period		(266	)		553
Change in foreign currency exchange rate adjustment		47			153
Change in DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL		14			(48	)
Income tax benefit (expense)		43			(140	)
Less:
Reclassification adjustment for gains (losses) included in net income (loss)		9			12
Associated amortization of DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL		(1	)		(1	)
Income tax benefit (expense)		(2	)		(2	)
Balance as of end-of-period	$	(126	)	$	690
Funded Status of Employee Benefit Plans
Balance as of beginning-of-year	$	(14	)	$	(22	)
Adjustment arising during the period		(1	)		-
Balance as of end-of-period	$	(15	)	$	(22	)

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31

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 Three
	Months Ended
	March 31,
	2021			2020
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Fixed Maturity AFS Securities
Gross reclassification	$	1		$	(3	)	Realized gain (loss)
Associated amortization of DAC,
VOBA, DSI and DFEL		(4	)		27		Realized gain (loss)
Reclassification before income							Income (loss) from continuing
tax benefit (expense)		(3	)		24		operations before taxes
Income tax benefit (expense)		1			(5	)	Federal income tax expense (benefit)
Reclassification, net of income tax	$	(2	)	$	19		Net income (loss)
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments
Gross reclassifications:
Interest rate contracts	$	1		$	-		Net investment income
Foreign currency contracts		10			11		Net investment income
Foreign currency contracts		(2	)		1		Realized gain (loss)
Total gross reclassifications		9			12
Associated amortization of DAC,
VOBA, DSI and DFEL		(1	)		(1	)	Commissions and other expenses
Reclassifications before income							Income (loss) from continuing
tax benefit (expense)		8			11		operations before taxes
Income tax benefit (expense)		(2	)		(2	)	Federal income tax expense (benefit)
Reclassifications, net of income tax	$	6		$	9		Net income (loss)

32

12. 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 impairments of investments and changes in the allowance for credit losses for financial assets, changes in fair value for mortgage loans on real estate accounted for under the fair value option, changes in fair value of equity securities, certain derivative and embedded derivative gains and losses, gains and losses on the sale of subsidiaries and businesses and net gains and losses on reinsurance 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. Details underlying realized gain (loss) (in millions) were as follows:

	For the Three
	Months Ended
	March 31,
	2021			2020
Fixed maturity AFS securities:
Gross gains	$	10		$	5
Gross losses		(9	)		(8	)
Credit loss benefit (expense) (1)		(2	)		(18	)
Realized gain (loss) on equity securities (2)		10			(19	)
Credit loss benefit (expense) on mortgage loans on real estate		24			(70	)
Other gain (loss) on investments		3			(1	)
Associated amortization of DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL
and changes in other contract holder funds		(5	)		26
Total realized gain (loss) related to certain financial assets		32			(85	)
Realized gain (loss) on the mark-to-market on certain instruments (3)(4)		218			184
Indexed annuity and IUL contracts net derivatives results: (5)
Gross gain (loss)		32			(49	)
Associated amortization of DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL		(13	)		15
GLB fees ceded to LNBAR and attributed fees:
Gross gain (loss)		(50	)		(59	)
Associated amortization of DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL		(8	)		(8	)
Total realized gain (loss)	$	211		$	(2	)

⁽¹⁾Includes changes in the allowance for credit losses as well as direct write-downs to amortized cost as a result of negative credit events.

⁽²⁾Includes market adjustments on equity securities still held of $10 million and $(18) million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

⁽³⁾Represents changes in the fair values of certain derivative investments (not including those associated with our variable and indexed annuity and IUL contracts net derivative results), reinsurance related embedded derivatives, mortgage loans on real estate accounted for under the fair value option and trading securities. See Note 7 for information regarding Modco.

⁽⁴⁾Includes gains and losses from fair value changes on mortgage loans on real estate accounted for under the fair value option of $1 million and $7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

⁽⁵⁾Represents the net difference between the change in fair value of the index options that we hold and the change in the fair value of the embedded derivative liabilities of our indexed annuity and IUL contracts along with changes in the fair value of embedded derivative liabilities related to index options we may purchase or sell in the future to hedge contract holder index allocations applicable to future reset periods for our indexed annuity products.

33

13. Fair Value of Financial Instruments

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

	As of March 31, 2021						As of December 31, 2020
	Carrying			Fair			Carrying			Fair
	Value			Value			Value			Value
Assets
Fixed maturity AFS securities	$	115,695		$	115,695		$	121,111		$	121,111
Trading securities		4,308			4,308			4,442			4,442
Equity securities		121			121			127			127
Mortgage loans on real estate		17,159			17,978			16,681			18,129
Derivative investments (1)		3,453			3,453			3,109			3,109
Other investments		3,014			3,014			3,015			3,015
Cash and invested cash		1,086			1,086			1,462			1,462
Other assets:
GLB direct embedded derivatives		1,831			1,831			450			450
GLB ceded embedded derivatives		42			42			82			82
Indexed annuity ceded embedded derivatives		527			527			550			550
LPR ceded derivative		268			268			-			-
Separate account assets		171,339			171,339			167,965			167,965
Liabilities
Future contract benefits – indexed annuity
and IUL contracts embedded derivatives		(4,170	)		(4,170	)		(3,594	)		(3,594	)
Other contract holder funds:
Remaining guaranteed interest and similar contracts		(1,860	)		(1,860	)		(1,854	)		(1,854	)
Account values of certain investment contracts		(40,650	)		(41,689	)		(40,917	)		(49,709	)
Short-term debt		(568	)		(568	)		(497	)		(497	)
Long-term debt		(2,332	)		(2,635	)		(2,412	)		(2,834	)
Reinsurance related embedded derivatives		(516	)		(516	)		(540	)		(540	)
Other liabilities:
Derivative liabilities (1)		(228	)		(228	)		(353	)		(353	)
GLB ceded embedded derivatives		(1,869	)		(1,869	)		(531	)		(531	)

⁽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.

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, excluding mortgage loans accounted for using the fair value option, 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 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.

‎

34

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. Other investments also includes Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) stock carried at cost and periodically evaluated for impairment based on ultimate recovery of par value. The inputs used to measure the fair value of our LPs, other privately held investments and FHLB stock are classified as Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy. The remaining assets in other investments include cash collateral receivables and securities that are not LPs or other privately held investments. The inputs used to measure the fair value of these assets are classified as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

Separate Account Assets

Separate account assets are primarily carried at fair value.  A portion of our separate account assets includes LPs, which are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. The carrying value is based on our proportional share of the net assets of the LPs and approximates fair value. The inputs used to measure the fair value of the separate account asset LPs are classified as Level 3 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 March 31, 2021, and December 31, 2020, 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 short-term and long-term debt is based on quoted market prices. The inputs used to measure the fair value of our short-term and long-term debt are classified as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

Fair Value Option

Mortgage loans on real estate, net of allowance for credit losses, as reported on our Consolidated Balance Sheets, includes mortgage loans on real estate for which the fair value option was elected. The fair value option allows us to elect fair value as an alternative measurement for mortgage loans not otherwise reported at fair value. We have made these elections for certain mortgage loans associated with Modco agreements to help mitigate the inconsistency in earnings that would otherwise result from the use of embedded derivatives included with these loans. Changes in fair value are reflected in realized gain (loss) on our Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss). Changes in fair value due to instrument-specific credit risk are estimated using changes in credit spreads and quality ratings for the period reported. Mortgage loans on real estate for which the fair value option was elected are valued using third-party pricing services. We have procedures in place to review the valuations each quarter to ensure they are reasonable, including utilizing a separate third party to reperform the valuation for a selection of mortgage loans on an annual basis. Due to lack of observable inputs as a result of a change to a third-party pricing source, mortgage loans electing the fair value option were categorized as Level 3 as of March 31, 2021, and December 31, 2020.

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

	As of		As of
	March 31,		December 31,
	2021		2020
Fair value	$	874	$	832
Aggregate contractual principal		882		839

As of March 31, 2021, and December 31, 2020, no loans for which the fair value option was elected were in non-accrual status, and none were more than 90 days past due and still accruing interest.

Financial Instruments Carried at Fair Value

We did not have any assets or liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis as of March 31, 2021, or December 31, 2020.

35

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

		As of March 31, 2021
		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		$	-		$	87,732			$	7,772		$	95,504
U.S. government bonds			400			6				5			411
State and municipal bonds			-			6,374				-			6,374
Foreign government bonds			-			415				66			481
RMBS			-			2,842				1			2,843
CMBS			-			1,506				1			1,507
ABS			-			7,302				688			7,990
Hybrid and redeemable preferred securities			53			448				84			585
Trading securities			-			3,593				715			4,308
Equity securities			12			50				59			121
Mortgage loans on real estate			-			-				874			874
Derivative investments (1)			-			1,061				4,243			5,304
Cash and invested cash			-			1,086				-			1,086
Other assets:
GLB direct embedded derivatives			-			-				1,831			1,831
GLB ceded embedded derivatives			-			-				42			42
Indexed annuity ceded embedded derivatives			-			-				527			527
LPR ceded derivative			-			-				268			268
Separate account assets			595			170,736				-			171,331
Total assets		$	1,060		$	283,151			$	17,176		$	301,387
Liabilities
Future contract benefits – indexed annuity
and IUL contracts embedded derivatives		$	-		$	-			$	(4,170	)	$	(4,170	)
Reinsurance related embedded derivatives			-			(516	)			-			(516	)
Other liabilities:
Derivative liabilities (1)			-			(497	)			(1,582	)		(2,079	)
GLB ceded embedded derivatives			-			-				(1,869	)		(1,869	)
Total liabilities		$	-		$	(1,013	)		$	(7,621	)	$	(8,634	)

‎

36

		As of December 31, 2020
		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		$	-		$	93,663			$	7,761		$	101,424
U.S. government bonds			438			6				5			449
State and municipal bonds			-			6,662				-			6,662
Foreign government bonds			-			391				74			465
RMBS			-			2,836				2			2,838
CMBS			-			1,494				1			1,495
ABS			-			6,608				570			7,178
Hybrid and redeemable preferred securities			53			444				103			600
Trading securities			5			3,794				643			4,442
Equity securities			22			48				57			127
Mortgage loans on real estate			-			-				832			832
Derivative investments (1)			-			1,733				3,575			5,308
Cash and invested cash			-			1,462				-			1,462
Other assets:
GLB direct embedded derivatives			-			-				450			450
GLB ceded embedded derivatives			-			-				82			82
Indexed annuity ceded embedded derivatives			-			-				550			550
Separate account assets			606			167,351				-			167,957
Total assets		$	1,124		$	286,492			$	14,705		$	302,321
Liabilities
Future contract benefits – indexed annuity
and IUL contracts embedded derivatives		$	-		$	-			$	(3,594	)	$	(3,594	)
Reinsurance related embedded derivatives			-			(540	)			-			(540	)
Other liabilities:
Derivative liabilities (1)			-			(519	)			(2,033	)		(2,552	)
GLB ceded embedded derivatives			-			-				(531	)		(531	)
Total liabilities		$	-		$	(1,059	)		$	(6,158	)	$	(7,217	)

⁽¹⁾Derivative investment assets and liabilities are presented within the fair value hierarchy on a gross basis by derivative type and not on a master netting basis by counterparty.

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37

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 Three Months Ended March 31, 2021
							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: (3)
Fixed maturity AFS securities:
Corporate bonds	$	7,761		$	1		$	(121	)	$	158		$	(27	)	$	7,772
U.S. government bonds		5			-			-			-			-			5
Foreign government bonds		74			-			(8	)		-			-			66
RMBS		2			-			-			-			(1	)		1
CMBS		1			-			-			-			-			1
ABS		570			-			(7	)		183			(58	)		688
Hybrid and redeemable
preferred securities		103			-			1			(20	)		-			84
Trading securities		643			(3	)		-			66			9			715
Equity securities		57			7			-			(5	)		-			59
Mortgage loans on real estate		832			2			3			37			-			874
Derivative investments		1,542			1,251			-			(132	)		-			2,661
Other assets:
GLB direct embedded derivatives (4)		450			1,381			-			-			-			1,831
GLB ceded embedded derivatives (4)		82			(40	)		-			-			-			42
Indexed annuity ceded embedded derivatives (4)		550			32			-			(55	)		-			527
LPR ceded derivative (5)		-			(50	)		-			-			318			268
Future contract benefits – indexed annuity
and IUL contracts embedded derivatives (4)		(3,594	)		(626	)		-			50			-			(4,170	)
Other liabilities – GLB ceded embedded
derivatives (4)		(531	)		(1,338	)		-			-			-			(1,869	)
Total, net	$	8,547		$	617		$	(132	)	$	282		$	241		$	9,555

‎

38

	For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2020
							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: (3)
Fixed maturity AFS securities:
Corporate bonds	$	6,978		$	-		$	(367	)	$	102		$	42		$	6,755
U.S. government bonds		5			-			-			-			-			5
Foreign government bonds		90			-			(3	)		-			-			87
RMBS		11			-			-			-			(10	)		1
CMBS		1			-			-			-			-			1
ABS		268			-			(4	)		21			(89	)		196
Hybrid and redeemable
preferred securities		78			-			(6	)		-			-			72
Trading securities		666			(32	)		-			(6	)		23			651
Equity securities		30			-			-			-			-			30
Derivative investments		868			997			279			(117	)		-			2,027
Other assets: (4)
GLB direct embedded derivatives		450			(450	)		-			-			-			-
GLB ceded embedded derivatives		60			4,529			-			-			-			4,589
Indexed annuity ceded embedded derivatives		927			(115	)		-			(13	)		-			799
Future contract benefits – indexed annuity
and IUL contracts embedded derivatives (4)		(2,585	)		1,143			-			62			-			(1,380	)
Other liabilities: (4)
GLB direct embedded derivatives		-			(4,596	)		-			-			-			(4,596	)
GLB ceded embedded derivatives		(510	)		510			-			-			-			-
Total, net	$	7,337		$	1,986		$	(101	)	$	49		$	(34	)	$	9,237

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

⁽²⁾Transfers into or out of Level 3 for fixed maturity AFS and trading securities are reported at amortized cost as of the beginning-of-year. For fixed maturity 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 the prior period.

⁽³⁾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 credit loss expense are included in realized gain (loss) on our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss).

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

⁽⁵⁾Gains (losses) from the changes in fair value are included in benefits on our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss).

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39

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 Three Months Ended March 31, 2021
	Issuances			Sales			Maturities		Settlements				Calls			Total
Investments:
Fixed maturity AFS securities:
Corporate bonds	$	304		$	(28	)	$	(15	)	$	(86	)	$	(17	)	$	158
ABS		200			-			-			(17	)		-			183
Hybrid and redeemable
preferred securities		-			(20	)		-			-			-			(20	)
Trading securities		88			(3	)		-			(19	)		-			66
Equity securities		3			(8	)		-			-			-			(5	)
Mortgage loans on real estate		72			(35	)		-			-			-			37
Derivative investments		174			(124	)		(182	)		-			-			(132	)
Other assets – indexed annuity ceded
embedded derivatives		3			-			-			(58	)		-			(55	)
Future contract benefits – indexed annuity
and IUL contracts embedded derivatives		(108	)		-			-			158			-			50
Total, net	$	736		$	(218	)	$	(197	)	$	(22	)	$	(17	)	$	282

	For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2020
	Issuances		Sales			Maturities		Settlements				Calls			Total
Investments:
Fixed maturity AFS securities:
Corporate bonds	$	292	$	(92	)	$	2		$	(51	)	$	(49	)	$	102
ABS		36		-			-			(15	)		-			21
Trading securities		37		(25	)		-			(18	)		-			(6	)
Derivative investments		118		(123	)		(112	)		-			-			(117	)
Other assets – indexed annuity ceded
embedded derivatives		9		-			-			(22	)		-			(13	)
Future contract benefits – indexed annuity
and IUL contracts embedded derivatives		11		-			-			51			-			62
Total, net	$	503	$	(240	)	$	(110	)	$	(55	)	$	(49	)	$	49

40

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 Three
	Months Ended
	March 31,
	2021			2020
Trading securities (1)	$	(2	)	$	-
Equity securities (1)		6			-
Mortgage loans on real estate (1)		4			-
Derivative investments (1)		1,053			895
Embedded derivatives –
Indexed annuity and IUL contracts (1)		43			(61	)
Other assets:
GLB direct and ceded (1)		1,545			(4,867	)
LPR ceded derivative (2)		(50	)		-
Other liabilities – GLB direct and ceded (1)		(1,542	)		4,867
Total, net	$	1,057		$	834

⁽¹⁾Included in realized gain (loss) on our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss).

⁽²⁾Included in benefits on our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss).

The following summarizes changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in OCI, net of tax, 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 Three
	Months Ended
	March 31,
	2021			2020
Fixed maturity AFS securities:
Corporate bonds	$	(122	)	$	(311	)
Foreign government bonds		(8	)		(2	)
ABS		(8	)		(3	)
Hybrid and redeemable
preferred securities		2			(5	)
Mortgage loans on real estate		3			-
Total, net	$	(133	)	$	(321	)

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

	For the Three								For the Three
	Months Ended								Months Ended
	March 31, 2021								March 31, 2020
	Transfers		Transfers						Transfers		Transfers
	Into		Out of						Into		Out of
	Level 3		Level 3			Total			Level 3		Level 3			Total
Investments:
Fixed maturity AFS securities:
Corporate bonds	$	11	$	(38	)	$	(27	)	$	119	$	(77	)	$	42
RMBS		-		(1	)		(1	)		-		(10	)		(10	)
ABS		-		(58	)		(58	)		5		(94	)		(89	)
Trading securities		12		(3	)		9			23		-			23
Other assets – LPR ceded derivative		318		-			318			-		-			-
Total, net	$	341	$	(100	)	$	241		$	147	$	(181	)	$	(34	)

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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 three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, transfers in and out of Level 3 were attributable primarily to the securities’ observable market information no longer being available or becoming available.

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42

The following summarizes the fair value (in millions), valuation techniques and significant unobservable inputs of the Level 3 fair value measurements as of March 31, 2021:

											Weighted
											Average
	Fair			Valuation	Significant	Assumption or					Input
	Value			Technique	Unobservable Inputs	Input Ranges					Range (1)
Assets
Investments:
Fixed maturity AFS and
trading securities:
Corporate bonds	$	3,367		Discounted cash flow	Liquidity/duration adjustment (2)	0.3	%	-	7.9	%	1.5	%
Foreign government
bonds		29		Discounted cash flow	Liquidity/duration adjustment (2)	5.7	%	-	5.7	%	5.7	%
ABS		20		Discounted cash flow	Liquidity/duration adjustment (2)	3.0	%	-	3.0	%	3.0	%
Equity securities		20		Discounted cash flow	Liquidity/duration adjustment (2)	4.5	%	-	6.2	%	5.8	%
Other assets:
GLB direct and ceded
embedded derivatives		1,873		Discounted cash flow	Long-term lapse rate (3)	1	%	-	30	%	(10)
					Utilization of guaranteed withdrawals (4)	85	%	-	100	%	94	%
					Claims utilization factor (5)	60	%	-	100	%	(10)
					Premiums utilization factor (5)	80	%	-	115	%	(10)
					NPR (6)	0.07	%	-	1.43	%	0.95	%
					Mortality rate (7)				(9)		(10)
					Volatility (8)	1	%	-	28	%	14.71	%
Indexed annuity ceded
embedded derivatives		527		Discounted cash flow	Lapse rate (3)	0	%	-	9	%	(10)
					Mortality rate (7)				(9)		(10)
LPR ceded derivative		268		Discounted cash flow	Long-term lapse rate (3)	0	%	-	1.65	%	(10)
					NPR (6)	0.07	%	-	1.43	%	0.93	%
					Mortality rate (7)				(9)		(10)
Liabilities
Future contract benefits –
indexed annuity contract
embedded derivatives	$	(4,107	)	Discounted cash flow	Lapse rate (3)	0	%	-	9	%	(10)
					Mortality rate (7)				(9)		(10)
Other liabilities –
GLB ceded embedded
derivatives		(1,869	)	Discounted cash flow	Long-term lapse rate (3)	1	%	-	30	%	(10)
					Utilization of guaranteed withdrawals (4)	85	%	-	100	%	94	%
					Claims utilization factor (5)	60	%	-	100	%	(10)
					Premiums utilization factor (5)	80	%	-	115	%	(10)
					NPR (6)	0.07	%	-	1.43	%	0.95	%
					Mortality rate (7)				(9)		(10)
					Volatility (8)	1	%	-	28	%	14.71	%

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

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

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

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⁽⁴⁾The utilization of guaranteed withdrawals input represents the estimated percentage of contract holders that utilize the guaranteed withdrawal feature.

⁽⁵⁾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.

⁽⁶⁾The NPR input represents the estimated additional credit spread that market participants would apply to the market observable discount rate when pricing a contract. The NPR input for direct and ceded embedded derivatives was weighted by the absolute value of the sensitivity of the reserve to the NPR assumption. The NPR input for LPR ceded derivative was weighted using a simple average.

⁽⁷⁾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.

⁽⁸⁾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. Volatility assumptions vary by fund due to the benchmarking of different indices. The volatility input was weighted by the relative account value assigned to each index.

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

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

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

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

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

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

LPR ceded derivative – Assuming our LPR ceded derivative is in an asset position: an increase in our lapse rate, NPR, or mortality rate inputs would have resulted in an increase in the fair value measurement.

GLB embedded derivatives – Assuming our GLB direct embedded derivatives are in a liability position: an increase in our lapse rate, NPR or mortality rate inputs would have resulted in a decrease in the fair value measurement; and an increase in the utilization of guaranteed withdrawal or volatility inputs would have resulted in an increase in the fair value measurement.

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

As part of our ongoing valuation process, we assess the reasonableness of our valuation techniques or models and make adjustments as necessary.

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14. 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. A discussion of these segments and Other Operations is found in Note 22 to the consolidated financial statements in our 2020 Form 10-K.

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 financial assets;

Changes in the fair value of equity securities;

Changes in the fair value of derivatives, embedded derivatives within certain reinsurance arrangements and trading securities (“gain (loss) on the mark-to-market on certain instruments”);

GLB rider fees ceded to LNBAR;

The net valuation premium of the GLB attributed rider fees; and

Changes in the fair value of the embedded derivative liabilities related to index options we may purchase or sell in the future to hedge contract holder index allocations applicable to future reset periods for our indexed annuity products accounted for at fair value (“indexed annuity forward-starting option”);

Changes in reserves resulting from benefit ratio unlocking on our GLB riders (“benefit ratio unlocking”);

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

Gains (losses) on early extinguishment of debt;

Losses from the impairment of intangible assets;

Income (loss) from discontinued operations;

Acquisition and integration costs related to mergers and acquisitions; and

Income (loss) from the initial adoption of new accounting standards, regulations, and policy changes including the net impact from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.

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 GLB benefit ratio unlocking; and

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

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The tables below reconcile our segment measures of performance to the GAAP measures presented in our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (in millions):

	For the Three
	Months Ended
	March 31,
	2021		2020
Revenues
Operating revenues:
Annuities	$	1,097	$	1,021
Retirement Plan Services		323		293
Life Insurance		1,819		1,723
Group Protection		1,253		1,224
Other Operations		35		35
Excluded realized gain (loss), pre-tax		162		(55	)
Total revenues	$	4,689	$	4,241

	For the Three
	Months Ended
	March 31,
	2021			2020
Net Income (Loss)
Income (loss) from operations:
Annuities	$	297		$	322
Retirement Plan Services		54			37
Life Insurance		42			190
Group Protection		(26	)		40
Other Operations		(41	)		(33	)
Excluded realized gain (loss), after-tax		127			(44	)
Benefit ratio unlocking, after-tax		11			(5	)
Acquisition and integration costs related to
mergers and acquisitions, after-tax		-			(5	)
Net income (loss)	$	464		$	502

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Item 2. Management’s Narrative Analysis of the Results of Operations

Management’s narrative analysis (“MNA”) of the results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2021, compared with the corresponding period in 2020 of The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company (“LNL”) and its consolidated subsidiaries should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements (“Notes”) presented in “Part I – Item 1. Financial Statements,” our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 (“2020 Form 10-K”) and other reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Unless otherwise stated or the context otherwise requires, “LNL,” “Company,” “we,” “our” or “us” refers to The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company and its consolidated subsidiaries. LNL is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lincoln National Corporation (“LNC”).

See “Part I – Item 1. Business” and Note 1 in our 2020 Form 10-K for a description of the business.

In this report, in addition to providing consolidated revenues and net income (loss), we also provide segment operating revenues and income (loss) from operations because we believe they are meaningful measures of revenues and the profitability of our operating segments. Operating revenues and income (loss) from operations are the financial performance measures we use to evaluate and assess the results of our segments. Accordingly, we define and report operating revenues and income (loss) from operations by segment in Note 14. Our management believes that operating revenues and income (loss) from operations explain the results of our ongoing businesses in a manner that allows for a better understanding of the underlying trends in our current businesses. Certain items are excluded from operating revenue and income (loss) from operations because they are unpredictable and not necessarily indicative of current operating fundamentals or future performance of the business segments, and, in many instances, decisions regarding these items do not necessarily relate to the operations of the individual segments. In addition, we believe that our definitions of operating revenues and income (loss) from operations will provide readers with a more valuable measure of our performance because it better reveals trends in our business.

Management’s narrative analysis is presented pursuant to General Instructions H(2)(a) of Form 10-Q in lieu of Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS – CAUTIONARY LANGUAGE

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, including “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Narrative Analysis of the Results of Operations,” contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (“PSLRA”). A forward-looking statement is a statement that is not a historical fact and, without limitation, includes any statement that may predict, forecast, indicate or imply future results, performance or achievements. Forward-looking statements may contain words like: “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project,” “shall,” “will” and other words or phrases with similar meaning in connection with a discussion of future operating or financial performance. In particular, these include statements relating to future actions, trends in our businesses, prospective services or products, future performance or financial results and the outcome of contingencies, such as legal proceedings. We claim the protection afforded by the safe harbor for forward-looking statements provided by the PSLRA.

Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those expressed in or implied by such forward-looking statements due to a variety of factors, including:

The continuation of the COVID-19 pandemic, or future outbreaks of COVID-19, and uncertainty surrounding the length and severity of future impacts on the global economy and on our business, results of operations and financial condition;

Further deterioration in general economic and business conditions that may affect account values, investment results and claims experience;

Adverse global capital and credit market conditions that may affect our ability to raise capital, if necessary, and may cause us to realize impairments on investments;

Legislative, regulatory or tax changes that affect: the cost of, or demand for, our products; our ability to conduct business;

The impact of U.S. federal tax reform legislation on our business, earnings and capital;

The impact of Regulation Best Interest or other regulations adopted by the SEC, the Department of Labor or other federal or state regulators or self-regulatory organizations relating to the standard of care owed by investment advisers and/or broker-dealers that could affect our distribution model;

 Actions taken by reinsurers to raise rates on in-force business;

Further declines in or sustained low interest rates causing a reduction in investment income, the interest margins of our businesses, and demand for our products;

Rapidly increasing interest rates causing contract holders to surrender life insurance and annuity policies, thereby causing realized investment losses, and reduced hedge performance related to variable annuities;

The initiation of legal or regulatory proceedings against us, and the outcome of any legal or regulatory proceedings, such as: adverse actions related to present or past business practices common in businesses in which we compete; adverse decisions in significant actions including, but not limited to, actions brought by federal and state authorities and class action cases; new decisions that result in changes in law; and unexpected trial court rulings;

A decline or continued volatility in the equity markets causing a reduction in the sales of our products; a reduction of asset-based fees that we charge on various investment and insurance products; and an increase in liabilities related to guaranteed benefit features of our variable annuity products;

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Changes in our assumptions related to deferred acquisition costs (“DAC”) or value of business acquired (“VOBA”);   

Ineffectiveness of our risk management policies and procedures;

A deviation in actual experience regarding future persistency, mortality, morbidity, interest rates or equity market returns from the assumptions used in pricing our products;

Changes in accounting principles that may affect our business, results of operations and financial condition;

Lowering of one or more of our financial strength ratings;

Interruption in telecommunication, information technology or other operational systems or failure to safeguard the confidentiality or privacy of sensitive data on such systems, including from cyberattacks or other breaches of our data security systems;

The adequacy and collectability of reinsurance that we have purchased;

Future pandemics, acts of terrorism, war or other man-made and natural catastrophes that may adversely affect our businesses and the cost and availability of reinsurance;

Competitive conditions, including pricing pressures, new product offerings and the emergence of new competitors, that may affect the level of premiums and fees that we can charge for our products;

The unknown effect on our businesses resulting from evolving market preferences and the changing demographics of our client base; and

The unanticipated loss of key management, financial planners or wholesalers.

The risks and uncertainties included here are not exhaustive.  Our most recent Form 10-K as well as other reports that we file with the SEC include additional factors that could affect our businesses and financial performance.  Moreover, we operate in a rapidly changing and competitive environment.  New risk factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for management to predict all such risk factors.

We do not intend, and are under no obligation, to update any particular forward-looking statement included in this document. See “Risk Factors” included in “Part I – Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our 2020 Form 10-K for a discussion of certain risks relating to our business.

INTRODUCTION

COVID-19 Pandemic

The health, economic and business conditions precipitated by the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic that emerged in 2020 continue to adversely affect our earnings, as well as our business, results of operations and financial condition. The COVID-19 pandemic led to an extreme downturn in and volatility of the capital markets in the early part of 2020, record-low interest rates and wide-ranging changes in consumer behavior, including as a result of quarantines, shelter-in-place orders and limitations on business activity. Although vaccinations are under way, states have eased restrictions and the capital markets have recovered, it is unclear when the economy will operate under normal conditions. Because the economic and regulatory environment continues to react and evolve, we cannot predict the full impact of the pandemic and ensuing conditions on our business and financial condition. For expected impacts to the second quarter 2021 results as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, see “Additional Information” within our segments’ results of operations sections below.

Because the profitability of some of our business depends in part on interest rates, changes in interest rates may impact both our margins and our return on invested capital. In response to the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Federal Reserve cut interest rates to near zero in March 2020 and announced in March 2021 its intention to keep interest rates near zero for the foreseeable future. We expect the continuation of the low interest rate environment to continue to adversely affect the interest margins of our businesses.

We continue to be proactive in our investment strategies, product designs, crediting rate strategies and overall asset-liability practices to mitigate the risk of unfavorable consequences in this low interest rate environment. For risks related to sustained low interest rates, see “Part I – Item 1A. Risk Factors – Market Conditions – Changes in interest rates and sustained low interest rates may cause interest rate spreads to decrease, impacting our profitability, and make it more challenging to meet certain statutory requirements, and changes in interest rates may also result in increased contract withdrawals” in our 2020 Form 10-K.

The economic environment has continued to improve from the early part of 2020, but there could be continued weakness in the current environment as a result of restrictions on economic activity and the increased level of unemployment in the United States. This could impact select corporate industries and parts of the commercial mortgage loan market. The current environment could lead to increased credit defaults and/or negative ratings migrations within our broader investment portfolio. We continue to closely monitor developments relating to the COVID-19 pandemic.

For more information on the risks related to the COVID-19 pandemic, see “Part I – Item 1A. Risk Factors – Market Conditions – The impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic have adversely affected and are expected to continue to adversely affect our business and results of operations, and the future impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the company’s business, results of operations and financial condition remain uncertain” in our 2020 Form 10-K.

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Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The MNA included in our 2020 Form 10-K contains a detailed discussion of our critical accounting policies and estimates. The following information updates the “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates” provided in our 2020 Form 10-K, and therefore, should be read in conjunction with that disclosure.

DAC, VOBA, Deferred sales inducements (“DSI”) and deferred front-end loads (“DFEL”)

Reversion to the Mean

As variable fund returns do not move in a systematic manner, we reset the baseline of account values from which EGPs are projected, which we refer to as our reversion to the mean (“RTM”) process, as discussed in our 2020 Form 10-K.

If we had unlocked our RTM assumption as of March 31, 2021, we would have recorded favorable unlocking of approximately $385 million, pre-tax, primarily within our Annuities segment.

Investments

Investment Valuation

For more information about the valuation of our financial instruments carried at fair value, see “Part II – Item 7. Management’s Narrative Analysis of the Results of Operations – Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates – Investments – Investment Valuation” in our 2020 Form 10-K and Note 13 herein.

Derivatives

Our accounting policies for derivatives and the potential effect on interest spreads in a falling rate environment are discussed in “Part II – Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” in our 2020 Form 10-K and Note 5 herein.

Acquisitions and Dispositions

For information about acquisitions and dispositions, see Note 3 in our 2020 Form 10-K.

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RESULTS OF CONSOLIDATED OPERATIONS

Details underlying the consolidated results (in millions) were as follows:

	For the Three
	Months Ended
	March 31,
	2021			2020
Net Income (Loss)
Income (loss) from operations:
Annuities	$	297		$	322
Retirement Plan Services		54			37
Life Insurance		42			190
Group Protection		(26	)		40
Other Operations		(41	)		(33	)
Excluded realized gain (loss), after-tax		127			(44	)
Benefit ratio unlocking, after-tax		11			(5	)
Acquisition and integration costs related to
mergers and acquisitions, after-tax		-			(5	)
Net income (loss)	$	464		$	502

Comparison of the Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 to 2020

Net income decreased due primarily to the following:

Higher benefits in our Life Insurance and Group Protection segments driven by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Higher expenses associated with amortization, deferred compensation plans as a result of changes in LNC’s stock price and incentive compensation resulting from production performance, partially offset by continued focus on expense management.

Spread compression due to average new money rates trailing our current portfolio yields, partially offset by actions implemented to reduce interest crediting rates.

The decrease in net income was partially offset by the following:

Realized gains in 2021 as compared to realized losses in 2020.

Higher investment income on alternative investments and prepayment and bond make-whole premiums.

Growth in average account values, business in force and group earned premiums.

For a discussion of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, see “Introduction” above. We provide information about our segments’ and Other Operations’ operating revenue and expense line items and realized gain (loss), key drivers of changes and historical details underlying the line items below. For factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth, see “Forward-Looking Statements – Cautionary Language” above and “Part I – Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our 2020 Form 10-K.

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RESULTS OF ANNUITIES

Details underlying the results for Annuities (in millions) were as follows:

	For the Three
	Months Ended
	March 31,
	2021		2020
Operating Revenues
Insurance premiums (1)	$	32	$	53
Fee income		599		539
Net investment income		306		308
Operating realized gain (loss) (2)		50		54
Amortization of deferred gain on
business sold through reinsurance		6		8
Other revenues (3)		104		59
Total operating revenues		1,097		1,021
Operating Expenses
Interest credited		199		190
Benefits (1)		60		89
Commissions and other expenses		478		363
Total operating expenses		737		642
Income (loss) from operations before taxes		360		379
Federal income tax expense (benefit)		63		57
Income (loss) from operations	$	297	$	322

⁽¹⁾Insurance premiums include primarily our income annuities that have a corresponding offset in benefits. Benefits include changes in income annuity reserves driven by premiums.

⁽²⁾See “Realized Gain (Loss)” below.

⁽³⁾Consists primarily of revenues attributable to broker-dealer services that are subject to market volatility and the net settlement related to certain reinsurance transactions that has a corresponding offset in net investment income and interest credited.

Comparison of the Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 to 2020

Income from operations for this segment decreased due primarily to the following:

Higher commissions and other expenses due to amortization expense and trail commissions based on average account values.

Higher federal income tax expense due to unfavorable tax return true-ups driven by the separate account dividends-received deduction (“DRD”).

Higher interest credited due to higher average fixed account values.

The decrease in income from operations was partially offset by higher fee income driven by higher average daily variable account values.

Additional Information

Strategic near-term actions to re-price certain products and to shift sales from fixed annuity products to respond to the low interest rate environment continued to contribute to lower deposits and negative net flows in the first quarter of 2021. We expect the trend of negative net flows to persist in the second quarter of 2021.  For a discussion of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, see “Introduction” above.

New deposits are an important component of net flows and key to our efforts to grow our business. Although deposits do not significantly affect current period income from operations, they can significantly impact future income from operations.

The other component of net flows relates to the retention of the business. An important measure of retention is the reduction in account values caused by full surrenders, deaths and other contract benefits. These outflows as a percentage of average gross account values were 8% for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020.

Our fixed annuity business includes products with discretionary crediting rates that are reset on an annual basis and are not subject to surrender charges. Our ability to retain annual reset annuities will be subject to current competitive conditions at the time interest rates for these products reset. We expect to manage the effects of spreads on near-term income from operations through portfolio management and, to a lesser extent, crediting rate actions, which assumes no significant changes in net flows into or out of our fixed

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accounts or other changes that may cause interest rate spreads to differ from our expectations. For information on interest rate spreads and the interest rate risk due to falling interest rates, see “Part I – Item 1A. Risk Factors – Market Conditions – Changes in interest rates and sustained low interest rates may cause interest rate spreads to decrease, impacting our profitability, and make it more challenging to meet certain statutory requirements, and changes in interest rates may also result in increased contract withdrawals” and “Effect of Interest Rate Sensitivity” and “Interest Rate Risk on Fixed Insurance Businesses – Falling Rates” in “Part II – Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk – Interest Rate Risk” in our 2020 Form 10-K.

RESULTS OF RETIREMENT PLAN SERVICES

Details underlying the results for Retirement Plan Services (in millions) were as follows:

	For the Three
	Months Ended
	March 31,
	2021		2020
Operating Revenues
Insurance premiums and fee income (1)	$	69	$	60
Net investment income		246		226
Other revenues (2)		8		7
Total operating revenues		323		293
Operating Expenses
Interest credited		155		150
Benefits		1		-
Commissions and other expenses		101		102
Total operating expenses		257		252
Income (loss) from operations before taxes		66		41
Federal income tax expense (benefit)		12		4
Income (loss) from operations	$	54	$	37

⁽¹⁾Includes amounts ceded to Lincoln National Reinsurance Company (Barbados) Limited (“LNBAR”).

⁽²⁾Consists primarily of mutual fund account program revenues from mid to large employers.

Comparison of the Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 to 2020

Income from operations for this segment increased due primarily to the following:

Higher net investment income, net of interest credited, driven by investment income on alternative investments within our surplus portfolio and prepayment and bond make-whole premiums, partially offset by spread compression due to average new money rates trailing our current portfolio yields.

Higher insurance premiums and fee income driven primarily by higher average variable account values.

Lower commissions and other expenses driven by expense management.

The increase in income from operations was partially offset by higher federal income tax expense due to unfavorable tax return true-ups driven by the separate account DRD.

Additional Information

For a discussion of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, see “Introduction” above.

Net flows in this business fluctuate based on the timing of larger plans being implemented and terminating over the course of the year.

New deposits are an important component of net flows and key to our efforts to grow our business. Although deposits do not significantly affect current period income from operations, they can significantly impact future income from operations. The other component of net flows relates to the retention of the business.  An important measure of retention is the reduction in account values caused by plan sponsor terminations and participant withdrawals. These outflows as a percentage of average account values were 10% and 11% for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

Our net flows are negatively affected by the continued net outflows from our oldest blocks of annuities business, which are among our higher margin product lines in this segment, due to the fact that they are mature blocks with low distribution and servicing costs. The proportion of these products to our total account values was 19% and 21% as of March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Due to this overall shift in business mix toward products with lower returns, new deposit production continues to be necessary to maintain earnings at current levels.

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Our fixed annuity business includes products with discretionary and index-based crediting rates that are reset on either a quarterly or semi-annual basis. Our ability to retain quarterly or semi-annual reset annuities will be subject to current competitive conditions at the time interest rates for these products reset. We expect to manage the effects of spreads on near-term income from operations through portfolio management and, to a lesser extent, crediting rate actions, which assumes no significant changes in net flows into or out of our fixed accounts or other changes that may cause interest rate spreads to differ from our expectations. For information on interest rate spreads and the interest rate risk due to falling interest rates, see “Part I – Item 1A. Risk Factors – Market Conditions – Changes in interest rates and sustained low interest rates may cause interest rate spreads to decrease, impacting our profitability, and make it more challenging to meet certain statutory requirements, and changes in interest rates may also result in increased contract withdrawals” and “Effect of Interest Rate Sensitivity” and “Interest Rate Risk on Fixed Insurance Businesses – Falling Rates” in “Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk – Interest Rate Risk” in our 2020 Form 10-K.

RESULTS OF LIFE INSURANCE

Details underlying the results for Life Insurance (in millions) were as follows:

	For the Three
	Months Ended
	March 31,
	2021			2020
Operating Revenues
Insurance premiums (1)	$	179		$	171
Fee income		856			879
Net investment income		776			666
Operating realized gain (loss) (2)		(1	)		(1	)
Amortization of deferred gain (loss) on
business sold through reinsurance		1			1
Other revenues		8			7
Total operating revenues		1,819			1,723
Operating Expenses
Interest credited		364			365
Benefits		1,150			848
Commissions and other expenses		257			277
Total operating expenses		1,771			1,490
Income (loss) from operations before taxes		48			233
Federal income tax expense (benefit)		6			43
Income (loss) from operations	$	42		$	190

⁽¹⁾Includes term insurance premiums, which have a corresponding partial offset in benefits for changes in reserves.

⁽²⁾See “Realized Gain (Loss)” below.

Comparison of the Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 to 2020

Income from operations for this segment decreased due primarily to the following:

Higher benefits due to unfavorable mortality as a result of impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and growth in business in force.

Lower fee income due to lower amortization rates as a result of impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, partially offset by growth in business in force.

The decrease in income from operations was partially offset by the following:

Higher net investment income, net of interest credited, driven by investment income on alternative investments, partially offset by spread compression due to average new money rates trailing our current portfolio yields.

Lower commissions and other expenses due to lower amortization rates as a result of impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and expense management.

Strategies to Address Statutory Reserve Strain

We and our insurance subsidiaries have statutory surplus and risk-based capital (“RBC”) levels above current regulatory required levels. Term products and other products containing secondary guarantees require reserves calculated pursuant to the Valuation of Life Insurance Policies Model Regulation (“XXX”), Actuarial Guideline 38 (“AG38”) and the principles-based reserving framework. For

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information on strategies we use to reduce the statutory reserve strain, see “Review of Consolidated Financial Condition – Liquidity and Capital Resources – Sources of Liquidity and Cash Flow – Statutory Capital and Surplus” below.

Additional Information

Strategic repricing actions to respond to the low interest rate environment continued to contribute to lower sales for the three months ended March 31, 2021. We continue to expect elevated mortality to persist in the second quarter of 2021 as a result of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. For a discussion of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, see “Introduction” above.

Generally, we have higher mortality in the first quarter of the year due to the seasonality of claims.

Generally, we have higher sales during the second half of the year with the fourth quarter being our strongest.

For information on interest rate spreads and the interest rate risk due to falling interest rates, see “Part I – Item 1A. Risk Factors – Market Conditions – Changes in interest rates and sustained low interest rates may cause interest rate spreads to decrease, impacting our profitability, and make it more challenging to meet certain statutory requirements, and changes in interest rates may also result in increased contract withdrawals” and “Effect of Interest Rate Sensitivity” and “Interest Rate Risk on Fixed Insurance Businesses – Falling Rates” in “Part II – Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk – Interest Rate Risk” in our 2020 Form 10-K.

RESULTS OF GROUP PROTECTION

Details underlying the results for Group Protection (in millions) were as follows:

	For the Three
	Months Ended
	March 31,
	2021			2020
Operating Revenues
Insurance premiums	$	1,119		$	1,094
Net investment income		90			81
Other revenues (1)		44			49
Total operating revenues		1,253			1,224
Operating Expenses
Interest credited		1			2
Benefits		970			862
Commissions and other expenses		316			310
Total operating expenses		1,287			1,174
Income (loss) from operations before taxes		(34	)		50
Federal income tax expense (benefit)		(8	)		10
Income (loss) from operations	$	(26	)	$	40

⁽¹⁾Consists of revenue from third parties for administrative services performed, which has a corresponding partial offset in commissions and other expenses.

Comparison of the Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 to 2020

Income from operations for this segment decreased due primarily to higher benefits driven by unfavorable experience in our life business as a result of impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The decrease in income from operations was partially offset by the following:

Higher insurance premiums due to favorable persistency and growth in the business.

Higher net investment income, net of interest credited, driven by investment income on alternative investments within our surplus portfolio.

Additional Information

Our total loss ratio for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, was 86.8% and 78.5%, respectively. The total loss ratio for the three months ended March 31, 2021, was driven primarily by unfavorable mortality in our life business due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. We continue to expect unfavorable mortality in our life business in the second quarter of 2021 as a result of the impacts of

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the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, we believe there is an on-going risk of morbidity headwinds in our disability business related to the economic environment and continued delays in social security approvals in the second quarter of 2021.

Generally, we experience higher mortality in the first quarter of the year and higher disability claims in the fourth quarter of the year due to the seasonality of claims.

For information about the effect of the loss ratio sensitivity on our income (loss) from operations, see “Part II – Item 7. Management’s Narrative Analysis of the Results of Operations – Results of Group Protection – Additional Information” in our 2020 Form 10-K. For information on the effects of current interest rates on our long-term disability claim reserves, see “Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk – Interest Rate Risk – Effect of Interest Rate Sensitivity” in our 2020 Form 10-K.

RESULTS OF OTHER OPERATIONS

Details underlying the results for Other Operations (in millions) were as follows:

	For the Three
	Months Ended
	March 31,
	2021			2020
Operating Revenues
Net investment income	$	29		$	37
Other revenues		6			(2	)
Total operating revenues		35			35
Operating Expenses
Interest credited		12			12
Benefits		15			18
Other expenses		19			(6	)
Interest and debt expense		29			34
Strategic digitization expense		13			12
Total operating expenses		88			70
Income (loss) from operations before taxes		(53	)		(35	)
Federal income tax expense (benefit)		(12	)		(2	)
Income (loss) from operations	$	(41	)	$	(33	)

Comparison of the Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 to 2020

Loss from operations for Other Operations increased due primarily to the following:

Higher other expenses attributable to the effect of changes in LNC’s stock price on our deferred compensation plans, as LNC’s stock price increased significantly during the first quarter of 2021, compared to a significant decrease during the first quarter of 2020.

Lower net investment income, net of interest credited, related to lower allocated investments driven by a decrease in excess capital retained by Other Operations.

The increase in loss from operations was partially offset by the following:

More favorable income tax benefits driven by favorable market impacts on tax preferred investment income.

Higher other revenues due to the effect of market fluctuations on certain assets held as part of compensation arrangements, which increased during the first quarter of 2021, compared to a decrease during the first quarter of 2020.

Lower interest and debt expense driven by a decline in average interest rates.

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REALIZED GAIN (LOSS)

Details underlying realized gain (loss), after-DAC ⁽¹⁾ (in millions) were as follows:

	For the Three
	Months Ended
	March 31,
	2021			2020
Components of Realized Gain (Loss), Pre-Tax
Total operating realized gain (loss)	$	49		$	53
Total excluded realized gain (loss)		162			(55	)
Total realized gain (loss), pre-tax	$	211		$	(2	)
Components of Excluded Realized Gain (Loss),
After-Tax
Realized gain (loss) related to certain financial assets	$	25		$	(67	)
Realized gain (loss) on the mark-to-market on		172			145
certain instruments (2)
GLB fees ceded to LNBAR and attributed fees		(86	)		(92	)
Indexed annuity forward-starting option		16			(30	)
Excluded realized gain (loss), after-tax	$	127		$	(44	)

⁽¹⁾DAC refers to the associated amortization of DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL and changes in other contract holder funds and funds withheld reinsurance assets and liabilities.

⁽²⁾Includes activity with LNBAR. The modified coinsurance (“Modco”) investment portfolio includes fixed maturity securities classified as available-for-sale (“AFS”) with changes in fair value recorded in other comprehensive income (loss). Since the corresponding and offsetting changes in fair value of the embedded derivatives related to the Modco investment portfolio are recorded in realized gain (loss), volatility can occur within net income (loss). See Note 7 for more information.

Comparison of the Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 to 2020

We had higher realized gains due primarily to lower credit loss expense related to certain financial assets and gains related to our indexed annuity forward-starting option driven by an increase in discount rates.

Operating Realized Gain (Loss)

See “Part II – Item 7. Management’s Narrative Analysis of the Results of Operations – Realized Gain (Loss) – Operating Realized Gain (Loss)” in our 2020 Form 10-K for a discussion of our operating realized gain (loss).

Realized Gain (Loss) Related to Certain Financial Assets

For information on realized gain (loss) related to certain financial assets, see Note 12.

Realized Gain (Loss) on the Mark-to-Market on Certain Instruments

See “Part II – Item 7. Management’s Narrative Analysis of the Results of Operations – Realized Gain (Loss) – Gain (Loss) on the Mark-to-Market on Certain Instruments” in our 2020 Form 10-K for a discussion of the mark-to-market on certain instruments. We also recognize the mark-to-market on certain commercial mortgage loans on real estate for which we have elected the fair value option. See Note 13 for additional information.

Guaranteed Living Benefit Fees Ceded to LNBAR and Attributed Fees

See “Part II – Item 7. Management’s Narrative Analysis of the Results of Operations – Realized Gain (Loss) – GLB Fees Ceded to LNBAR and Attributed Fees” in our 2020 Form 10-K for a discussion of our guaranteed living benefit (“GLB”) fees ceded to LNBAR and attributed fees.

Indexed Annuity Forward-Starting Option

See “Part II – Item 7. Management’s Narrative Analysis of the Results of Operations – Realized Gain (Loss) – Indexed Annuity Forward-Starting Option” in our 2020 Form 10-K for a discussion of our indexed annuity forward-starting option.

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REVIEW OF CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL CONDITION

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Sources of Liquidity and Cash Flow

Liquidity refers to the ability of an enterprise to generate adequate amounts of cash from its normal operations to meet cash requirements with a prudent margin of safety. Our principal sources of cash flow from operating activities are insurance premiums and fees and investment income, while sources of cash flow from investing activities result from maturities and sales of investments. Our operating activities provided (used) cash of $(413) million and $(917) million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. In addition, during the first quarter of 2021, we received a capital contribution from LNC in the amount of $65 million. When considering our liquidity and cash flow, it is important to distinguish between our needs, the needs of our insurance subsidiaries and the needs of the holding company, LNC. As a holding company with no operations of its own, LNC derives its cash primarily from its operating subsidiaries.

Statutory Capital and Surplus

Our regulatory capital levels are also affected by statutory accounting rules, which are subject to change by each applicable insurance regulator. Our term products and UL products containing secondary guarantees require reserves calculated pursuant to XXX and AG38, respectively. As discussed in “Part I – Item 1A. Risk Factors – Legislative, Regulatory, and Tax – Attempts to mitigate the impact of Regulation XXX and Actuarial Guideline 38 may fail in whole or in part resulting in an adverse effect on our financial condition and result of operations” in our 2020 Form 10-K, we employ strategies to reduce the strain caused by XXX and AG38 by reinsuring the business to reinsurance captives.  Our captive reinsurance subsidiaries and LNBAR provide a mechanism for financing a portion of the excess reserve amounts in a more efficient manner.  We use long-dated letters of credit (“LOCs”) and debt financing as well as other financing strategies to finance those reserves.  LOCs and related capital market solutions lower the capital effect of term products and UL products containing secondary guarantees. For information on the LOCs, see the credit facilities table in Note 13 in our 2020 Form 10-K. Our captive reinsurance subsidiaries and LNBAR have also issued long-term notes to finance a portion of the excess reserves. For information on long-term notes issued by our captive reinsurance subsidiaries, see Note 4 in our 2020 Form 10-K.  We have also used the proceeds from certain senior note issuances to execute long-term structured solutions primarily supporting reinsurance of UL products containing secondary guarantees. 

We continue to analyze the use of our existing captive reinsurance structures, as well as additional third-party reinsurance arrangements, and our current hedging strategies relative to managing the effects of equity markets and interest rates on the statutory reserves, statutory capital and the dividend capacity of LNL and Lincoln Life & Annuity Company of New York (“LLANY”).

Financing Activities

For information about our short-term and long-term debt and our credit facilities, see Note 13 in our 2020 Form 10-K.

If current claims-paying ratings were downgraded in the future, terms in our derivative agreements may be triggered, which could negatively affect overall liquidity. For the majority of our derivative counterparties, there is a termination event if our financial strength ratings drop below BBB-/Baa3 (S&P Global Ratings/Moody’s). In addition, contractual selling agreements with intermediaries could be negatively affected, which could have an adverse effect on overall sales of annuities, life insurance and investment products. See “Part I – Item 1A. Risk Factors – Liquidity and Capital Position – A decrease in our capital and surplus may result in a downgrade to our insurer financial strength ratings” and “Part I – Item 1A. Risk Factors – Covenants and Ratings – A downgrade in our financial strength ratings could limit our ability to market products, increase the number or value of policies being surrendered and/or hurt our relationships with creditors” in our 2020 Form 10-K for more information. See “Part I – Item 1. Business – Financial Strength Ratings” in our 2020 Form 10-K for additional information on our financial strength ratings.

Alternative Sources of Liquidity

Inter-company Cash Management Program

In order to manage our capital more efficiently, we participate in an inter-company cash management program where LNL, certain of our subsidiaries and certain affiliates, can lend to or borrow from the holding company to meet short-term borrowing needs. The cash management program is essentially a series of demand loans between LNC and participating subsidiaries that reduces overall borrowing costs by allowing LNC and its subsidiaries to access internal resources instead of incurring third-party transaction costs. As of March 31, 2021, we had a net outstanding receivable (payable) of $2.2 billion from (to) certain subsidiaries and affiliates in the inter-company cash management program. Loans under the cash management program are permitted under applicable insurance laws subject to certain restrictions. LNL, domiciled in Indiana, and our New Hampshire-domiciled insurance subsidiary are subject to a borrowing and lending limit of, currently, 3% of the insurance company’s admitted assets as of its most recent year end. For our New York-domiciled insurance subsidiary, it may borrow from LNC less than 2% of its admitted assets as of its most recent year end but may not lend any amounts to LNC.

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Federal Home Loan Bank

LNL is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) of Indianapolis (“FHLBI”). Membership allows LNL access to the FHLBI’s financial services, including the ability to obtain loans and to issue funding agreements as an alternative source of liquidity that are collateralized by qualifying mortgage-related assets, agency securities or U.S. Treasury securities. Borrowings under this facility are subject to the FHLBI’s discretion and require the availability of qualifying assets at LNL. As of March 31, 2021, LNL had an estimated maximum borrowing capacity of $7.0 billion under the FHLBI facility and maximum available borrowing based on qualifying assets of $4.4 billion. As of March 31, 2021, LNL had outstanding borrowings of $4.2 billion under this facility reported within payables for collateral on investments on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. LLANY is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York (“FHLBNY”) with an estimated maximum borrowing capacity of $750 million. Borrowings under this facility are subject to the FHLBNY’s discretion and require the availability of qualifying assets at LLANY. As of March 31, 2021, LLANY had no outstanding borrowings under this facility. For additional information, see “Payables for Collateral on Investments” in Note 4.

Securities Lending Programs and Repurchase Agreements

LNL and our insurance subsidiaries, by virtue of their general account fixed-income investment holdings, can access liquidity through securities lending programs and repurchase agreements. As of March 31, 2021, we had securities pledged under securities lending agreements with a carrying value of $145 million. In addition, LNL and our insurance subsidiaries had access to $750 million through a committed repurchase agreement. The cash received in our securities lending programs and repurchase agreements is typically invested in cash and invested cash or fixed maturity AFS securities. For additional information, see “Payables for Collateral on Investments” in Note 4.

Collateral on Derivative Contracts

Our cash flows associated with collateral received from counterparties (when we are in a net collateral payable position) and posted with counterparties (when we are in a net collateral receivable position) change as the market value of the underlying derivative contract changes. The net collateral position depends on changes in interest rates and equity markets related to the amount of the exposures hedged. As of March 31, 2021, we were in a net collateral payable position of $3.1 billion compared to $2.8 billion as of December 31, 2020. In the event of adverse changes in fair value of our derivative instruments, we may need to post collateral with a counterparty. If we do not have sufficient high quality securities or cash and invested cash to provide as collateral, we have committed liquidity sources through facilities that can provide up to $1.25 billion of additional liquidity to help meet collateral needs. Access to such facilities is contingent upon interest rates having achieved certain threshold levels. In addition to these facilities, we have the FHLB facilities and the repurchase agreements discussed above as well as the five-year revolving credit facility discussed in Note 13 in our 2020 Form 10-K to leverage that would be eligible for collateral posting. For additional information, see “Credit Risk” in Note 5.

Uses of Capital

Our principal uses of cash are to pay policy claims and benefits, operating expenses, commissions and taxes, to purchase new investments, to purchase reinsurance, to fund policy surrenders and withdrawals, to pay dividends to LNC and to repay debt.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

We analyze and manage the risks arising from market exposures of financial instruments, as well as other risks, in an integrated asset-liability management process that considers diversification. We have exposures to several market risks including interest rate risk, equity market risk, credit risk and, to a lesser extent, foreign currency exchange risk. For information on these market risks, see “Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” in our 2020 Form 10-K. See also “Part I – Item 2. Management’s Narrative Analysis of the Results of Operations – Introduction” above.

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Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Conclusions Regarding Disclosure Controls and Procedures

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures, which are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including our President (the principal executive officer) and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. As of the end of the period required by this report, we, under the supervision and with the participation of our President and Chief Financial Officer, conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) of the Exchange Act). Based on that evaluation, our President and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective in timely alerting them to material information relating to us and our consolidated subsidiaries required to be disclosed in our periodic reports under the Exchange Act.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There was no change in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that occurred during the quarter ended March 31, 2021, that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

A control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance that the control system’s objectives will be met. Further, because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that misstatements due to error or fraud will not occur or that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the Company have been detected. Projections of any evaluation of controls effectiveness to future periods are subject to risks. Over time, controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions or deterioration in the degree of compliance with policies or procedures.

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PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

Information regarding reportable legal proceedings is contained in Note 10 in “Part I – Item 1.”

Item 1A. Risk Factors

In addition to the factors set forth in “Part I – Item 2. Management’s Narrative Analysis of the Results of Operations – Forward-Looking Statements – Cautionary Language,” you should carefully consider the risks described under “Part I – Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020. Such risks and uncertainties are not the only ones facing our Company. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also impair our business operations. If any of these risks actually occur, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially affected. In that case, the value of our securities could decline substantially.

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

None.

Item 6. Exhibits

The Exhibits included in this report are listed in the Exhibit Index beginning on page 61, which is incorporated herein by reference.

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60

THE LINCOLN NATIONAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

Exhibit Index for the Report on Form 10-Q

For the Quarter Ended March 31, 2021

31.1	Certification of the President pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2	Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1	Certification of the President pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2	Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
101.INS	XBRL Instance Document – the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document.
101.SCH	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
101.CAL	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.
101.LAB	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.
101.PRE	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.
101.DEF	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.
104	Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101).

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

		THE LINCOLN NATIONAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
Dated: May 10, 2021	By:	/s/ Christine A. Janofsky
		Christine A. Janofsky
		Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer
		(Authorized Signatory and Principal Accounting Officer)

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