LNC 10-Q Quarterly Report June 30, 2016 | Alphaminr
LINCOLN NATIONAL CORP

LNC 10-Q Quarter ended June 30, 2016

LINCOLN NATIONAL CORP
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10-Q 1 lnc-20160630x10q.htm 10-Q Q2 2016_newV 2016

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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 June 30, 2016

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:  1-6028

_________________

LINCOLN NATIONAL CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

_________________





Indiana

35-1140070

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)



150 N. Radnor Chester Road, Suite A305, Radnor, Pennsylvania

19087

(Address of principal executive offices)

(Zip Code)



(484) 583-1400

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Not Applicable

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report.)

_________________

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 and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted 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 and post such files).  Yes No

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



Large accelerated filer Accelerated filer Non-accelerated filer (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

Smaller reporting company



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 August 1, 2016, there were 232,795,337 shares of the registrant’s common stock outstanding.



_________________________________________________________________________________________________________


Lincoln National Corporation

Table of Contents





Item

Page

PART I

1.

Financial Statements

1



2.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

47

Forward-Looking Statements – Cautionary Language

47

Introduction

48

Executive Summary

48



Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

49

Results of Consolidated Operations

50

Results of Annuities

52



Results of Retirement Plan Services

57

Results of Life Insurance

63

Results of Group Protection

69



Results of Other Operations

72



Realized Gain (Loss) and Benefit Ratio Unlocking

74



Consolidated Investments

76

Review of Consolidated Financial Condition

89

Liquidity and Capital Resources

89



Other Matters

93



Other Factors Affecting Our Business

93



Recent Accounting Pronouncements

93



3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

93



4.

Controls and Procedures

95



PART II



1.

Legal Proceedings

96



2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

96



6.

Exhibits

96





Signatures

97



Exhibit Index for the Report on Form 10-Q

E-1










PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

LINCOLN NATIONAL CORPORATION

CO

NSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in millions, except share data)





As of

As of

June 30,

December 31,



2016

2015



(Unaudited)

ASSETS

Investments:

Available-for-sale securities, at fair value:

Fixed maturity securities (amortized cost:  2016 – $83,033; 2015 – $81,993)

$

91,461

$

84,964

Variable interest entities’ fixed maturity securities (amortized cost:  2016 – $598; 2015 – $596)

600

598

Equity securities (cost:  2016 – $259; 2015 – $226)

277

237

Trading securities

1,812

1,854

Mortgage loans on real estate

9,257

8,678

Real estate

21

17

Policy loans

2,507

2,545

Derivative investments

2,613

1,537

Other investments

2,039

1,778

Total investments

110,587

102,208

Cash and invested cash

4,113

3,146

Deferred acquisition costs and value of business acquired

8,280

9,510

Premiums and fees receivable

370

376

Accrued investment income

1,070

1,070

Reinsurance recoverables

5,540

5,623

Funds withheld reinsurance assets

628

629

Goodwill

2,273

2,273

Other assets

5,134

3,454

Separate account assets

125,033

123,619

Total assets

$

263,028

$

251,908



LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Liabilities

Future contract benefits

$

22,147

$

20,708

Other contract holder funds

77,458

77,362

Short-term debt

250

-

Long-term debt

5,460

5,553

Reinsurance related embedded derivatives

134

87

Funds withheld reinsurance liabilities

2,019

638

Deferred gain on business sold through reinsurance

61

98

Payables for collateral on investments

6,297

4,657

Variable interest entities’ liabilities

-

4

Other liabilities

8,249

5,565

Separate account liabilities

125,033

123,619

Total liabilities

247,108

238,291



Contingencies and Commitments (See Note 8)



Stockholders’ Equity

Preferred stock – 10,000,000 shares authorized

-

-

Common stock – 800,000,000 shares authorized; 232,784,691 and 243,835,893 shares

issued and outstanding as of June 30, 2016, and December 31, 2015, respectively

6,009

6,298

Retained earnings

6,716

6,474

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

3,195

845

Total stockholders’ equity

15,920

13,617

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

$

263,028

$

251,908



See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

1






LINCOLN NATIONAL CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

(Unaudited, in millions, except per share data)







For the Three

For the Six



Months Ended

Months Ended



June 30,

June 30,

2016

2015

2016

2015

Revenues

Insurance premiums

$

728

$

782

$

1,544

$

1,572

Fee income

1,288

1,239

2,523

2,460

Net investment income

1,199

1,187

2,371

2,374

Realized gain (loss):

Total other-than-temporary impairment losses on securities

(36

)

(14

)

(92

)

(35

)

Portion of loss recognized in other comprehensive income

8

7

28

15

Net other-than-temporary impairment losses on securities

recognized in earnings

(28

)

(7

)

(64

)

(20

)

Realized gain (loss), excluding other-than-temporary

impairment losses on securities

(17

)

17

(95

)

(18

)

Total realized gain (loss)

(45

)

10

(159

)

(38

)

Amortization of deferred gain on business sold through reinsurance

18

18

37

37

Other revenues

119

145

235

280

Total revenues

3,307

3,381

6,551

6,685

Expenses

Interest credited

639

629

1,272

1,254

Benefits

1,208

1,220

2,540

2,456

Commissions and other expenses

978

1,014

1,953

2,027

Interest and debt expense

68

69

136

137

Total expenses

2,893

2,932

5,901

5,874

Income (loss) before taxes

414

449

650

811

Federal income tax expense (benefit)

89

105

117

167

Net income (loss)

325

344

533

644

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax

1,264

(1,709

)

2,350

(1,152

)

Comprehensive income (loss)

$

1,589

$

(1,365

)

$

2,883

$

(508

)



Net Income (Loss) Per Common Share

Basic

$

1.37

$

1.37

$

2.23

$

2.54

Diluted

1.35

1.35

2.17

2.50



Cash Dividends Declared Per Common Share

$

0.25

$

0.20

$

0.50

$

0.40









See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

2


LINCOLN NATIONAL CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(Unaudited, in millions, except per share data)











For the Six



Months Ended



June 30,



2016

2015



Common Stock

Balance as of beginning-of-year

$

6,298

$

6,622

Stock compensation/issued for benefit plans

14

68

Retirement of common stock/cancellation of shares

(303

)

(221

)

Balance as of end-of-period

6,009

6,469



Retained Earnings

Balance as of beginning-of-year

6,474

6,022

Net income (loss)

533

644

Retirement of common stock

(172

)

(279

)

Common stock dividends declared

(119

)

(101

)

Balance as of end-of-period

6,716

6,286



Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Balance as of beginning-of-year

845

3,096

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax

2,350

(1,152

)

Balance as of end-of-period

3,195

1,944

Total stockholders’ equity as of end-of-period

$

15,920

$

14,699











See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

3


LINCOLN NATIONAL CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited, in millions)









For the Six



Months Ended



June 30,



2016

2015

Cash Flows from Operating Activities

Net income (loss)

$

533

$

644

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

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

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

(17

)

(176

)

Trading securities purchases, sales and maturities, net

113

86

Change in premiums and fees receivable

6

58

Change in accrued investment income

-

(15

)

Change in future contract benefits and other contract holder funds

5

17

Change in reinsurance related assets and liabilities

(347

)

(14

)

Change in accrued expenses

(180

)

(118

)

Change in federal income tax accruals

(3

)

(54

)

Realized (gain) loss

159

38

Amortization of deferred gain on business sold through reinsurance

(37

)

(37

)

Other

301

153

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

533

582



Cash Flows from Investing Activities

Purchases of available-for-sale securities

(5,727

)

(4,451

)

Sales of available-for-sale securities

2,068

414

Maturities of available-for-sale securities

2,579

2,085

Purchases of other investments

(9,956

)

(7,415

)

Sales or maturities of other investments

9,211

7,109

Increase (decrease) in payables for collateral on investments

1,640

176

Other

(55

)

(52

)

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

(240

)

(2,134

)



Cash Flows from Financing Activities

Payment of long-term debt, including current maturities

-

(250

)

Issuance of long-term debt, net of issuance costs

-

298

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

5,015

4,966

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

(2,769

)

(3,135

)

Transfers to and from separate accounts, net

(967

)

(1,361

)

Common stock issued for benefit plans and excess tax benefits

(8

)

44

Repurchase of common stock

(475

)

(500

)

Dividends paid to common stockholders

(122

)

(102

)

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

674

(40

)



Net increase (decrease) in cash and invested cash

967

(1,592

)

Cash and invested cash as of beginning-of-year

3,146

3,919

Cash and invested cash as of end-of-period

$

4,113

$

2,327



See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

4


LINCOLN NATIONAL CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

1 .  Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation



Nature of Operations



Lincoln National Corporation and its majority-owned subsidiaries (“LNC” or the “Company,” which also may be referred to as “we,” “our” or “us”) operate multiple insurance businesses through four business segments.  See Note 13 for additional details.  The collective group of businesses uses “Lincoln Financial Group” as its marketing identity.  Through our business segments, we sell a wide range of wealth protection, accumulation and retirement income products and solutions.  These products include fixed and indexed annuities, variable annuities, universal life insurance (“UL”), variable universal life insurance (“VUL”), linked-benefit UL , indexed universal life insurance (“IUL”), term life insurance, employer-sponsored retirement plans and services, and group life, disability and dental.



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.  Therefore, 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, 2015 (“ 2015 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 position, results of operations and cash flows, are summarized in our 2015 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 six month period ended June 30, 2016 , are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year ending December 3 1, 2016 .  All material inter - company accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.





5


2.  New Accounting Standards



Adoption of New Accounting Standards



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







Standard

Description

Date of Adoption

Effect on Financial Statements or Other Significant Matters

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

This standard clarifies that when considering the nature of the host contract in a hybrid financial instrument issued in the form of a share; an entity must consider all of the stated and implied substantive terms of the hybrid instrument, including the embedded derivative feature that is being considered for separate accounting from the host contract.

January 1, 2016

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

ASU 2015-02, Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis

This standard addresses consolidation accounting guidance related to limited partnerships, limited liability companies and securitization structures.  The new standard includes changes to existing consolidation models that eliminates the presumption that a general partner should consolidate a limited partnership, clarifies when fees paid to a decision maker should be a factor in the variable interest entities (“VIEs”) consolidation evaluation and reduces the VIE consolidation models from two to one by eliminating the indefinite deferral for certain investment funds.

January 1, 2016

The adoption of this ASU did not have an effect on our consolidated financial condition or results of operations.  We have provided additional financial statement disclosures related to our limited partnerships in Note 3.

ASU 2015-03,
Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs

Debt issuance costs were previously recognized as a deferred charge in the balance sheet.  This amendment requires the presentation of debt issuance costs in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt.  This standard does not change the recognition and measurement requirements related to debt issuance costs.  Retrospective application of the amendments in this ASU is required.

January 1, 2016

We have retrospectively reclassified approximately $29 million of our debt issuance costs from other assets to long-term debt on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2015.  See ASU 2015-15 for debt issuance costs associated with line-of-credit arrangements.

ASU 2015-05,
Customer’s Accounting for Fees Paid in a Cloud Computing Arrangement


This standard clarifies the accounting requirements for recognizing cloud computing arrangements.  Software licenses purchased through cloud computing arrangements should be accounted for in a manner consistent with the acquisition of other software licenses.  If a cloud computing arrangement does not include a software license, the arrangement should be accounted for as a service contract.

January 1, 2016

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

ASU 2015-07, Disclosures for Certain Investments That Calculate Net Asset Value per Share (or its Equivalent)

This standard removes the requirement to categorize within the fair value hierarchy all investments for which fair value is measured using the net asset value per share practical expedient.  In addition, the standard removes the requirement to make certain disclosures for all investments that are eligible to be measured at fair value using the net asset value per share practical expedient, and limits those disclosures only to those investments for which the practical expedient has been elected.

January 1, 2016

The adoption of this ASU did not result in a change to our financial statement disclosures.

6


Standard

Description

Date of Adoption

Effect on Financial Statements or Other Significant Matters

ASU 2015-15, Presentation and Subsequent Measurement of Debt Issuance Costs Associated with Line-of-Credit Arrangements

Given the absence of authoritative accounting guidance in ASU 2015-03 related to debt issuance costs for line-of-credit arrangements, this standard clarifies that the SEC Staff would not object to an entity deferring and presenting these debt issuance costs as an asset and subsequently amortizing the deferred debt issuance costs ratably over the term of the line-of-credit arrangement.

January 1, 2016

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



Future Adoption of New Accounting Standards



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







Standard

Description

Projected Date of Adoption

Effect on Financial Statements or Other Significant Matters

ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers & ASU 2015-14, Revenue from Contracts with Customers; Deferral of the Effective Date

This standard establishes the core principle of recognizing revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods and services.  The amendments define a five-step process that systematically identifies the various components of the revenue recognition process, culminating with the recognition of revenue upon satisfaction of an entity’s performance obligation.  Retrospective application is required.  After performing extensive outreach, the FASB decided to delay the effective date of ASU 2014-09 for one year.  Early application is permitted but only for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016.

January 1, 2018

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

ASU 2015-09, Disclosures about Short-Duration Contracts

This standard enhances the disclosure requirements related to short-duration insurance contracts.  The new disclosure requirements focus on providing users of financial statements with more transparent information about an insurance entity’s (1) initial claims estimates and subsequent adjustments to those estimates, (2) methodologies and judgments in estimating claims, and (3) timing, frequency and severity of claims.  Early application of this standard is permitted, and retrospective application is required for each comparative period presented, except for those requirements that apply only to the current period.

Annual periods beginning January 1, 2016; interim periods within annual periods beginning January 1, 2017

We are currently evaluating these disclosure changes and will provide the additional required disclosures if we determine the disclosures are material to our financial statements.

ASU 2016-01, Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities

These amendments require, among other things, the fair value measurement of investments in equity securities and certain other ownership interests that do not result in consolidation and are not accounted for under the equity method of accounting.  The change in fair value of the impacted investments in equity securities must be recognized in net income.  In addition, the amendments include certain enhancements to the presentation and disclosure requirements for financial assets and financial liabilities.  Early adoption of the ASU is generally not permitted, except as defined in the ASU.  The amendments should be adopted in the financial statements through a cumulative-effect adjustment to the beginning balance of retained earnings.

January 1, 2018

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

7


Standard

Description

Projected Date of Adoption

Effect on Financial Statements or Other Significant Matters

ASU 2016-02, Leases

This standard establishes a new accounting model for leases.  Lessees will recognize most leases on the balance as a right-of-use asset and a related lease liability.  The lease liability is measured as the present value of the lease payments over the lease term with the right-of-use asset measured at the lease liability amount and including adjustments for certain lease incentives and initial direct costs.  Lease expense recognition will continue to differentiate between finance leases and operating leases resulting in a similar pattern of lease expense recognition as under current GAAP.  This ASU permits a modified retrospective adoption approach which includes a number of optional practical expedients that entities may elect upon adoption.  Early adoption is permitted.

January 1, 2019

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

ASU 2016-05, Effect of Derivative Contract Novations on Existing Hedge Accounting Relationships

The amendments clarify that a change in the counterparty to a derivative instrument identified in a hedging relationship in and of itself does not require dedesignation of that hedging relationship provided that all other hedge accounting criteria continue to be met. The ASU may be adopted prospectively or through a modified retrospective approach.  Early adoption is permitted.

January 1, 2017

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

ASU 2016-06, Contingent Put and Call Options in Debt Instruments

The amendments clarify the requirements for assessing whether contingent call and put options that can accelerate the payment of principal on debt instruments are clearly and closely related to their debt hosts. Upon adoption of this ASU, entities will be required to assess embedded call and put options solely in accordance with the four-step decision sequence that was developed by the FASB Derivatives Implementation Group.  The ASU should be adopted based on a modified retrospective basis for existing debt instruments.  Early adoption is permitted.

January 1, 2017

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

ASU 2016-08, Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net)

These amendments clarify the implementation guidance on principal versus agent considerations in ASU 2014-09, including how an entity should identify the unit of accounting for the principal versus agent evaluation.  In addition, the amendments clarify how to apply the control principle to certain types of arrangements, such as service transactions, by explaining what a principal controls before the good or service is transferred to the customer.  Transition requirements are consistent with ASU 2014-09.

January 1, 2018

We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting this ASU, in coordination with ASU 2014-09, on our consolidated financial condition and results of operations.

ASU 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-based Payment Accounting

These amendments to current accounting guidance will require all income tax effects of awards to be recognized in the income statement when the awards vest or are settled rather than through additional paid in capital in the equity section of the balance sheet. The amendments also permit an employer to repurchase an employee’s shares at the maximum statutory tax rate in the employee’s applicable jurisdiction for tax withholding purposes without triggering liability accounting.  Finally, the amendments permit entities to make a one-time accounting policy election to account for forfeitures as they occur.  Specific adoption methods depend on the issue being adopted and range from prospective to retrospective adoption.  Early adoption is permitted, however all amendments must be adopted in the same period.

January 1, 2017

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

8


Standard

Description

Projected Date of Adoption

Effect on Financial Statements or Other Significant Matters

ASU 2016-10, Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing

These amendments clarify, among other things, the accounting guidance in ASU 2014-09 regarding how an entity will determine whether promised goods or services are separately identifiable, which is an important consideration in determining whether to account for goods or services as a separate performance obligation.   Transition requirements are consistent with ASU 2014-09.

January 1, 2018

We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting this ASU, in coordination with ASU 2014-09, on our consolidated financial condition and results of operations.

ASU 2016-12, Narrow Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients

The standard update amends the revenue recognition guidance in ASU 2014-09 related to transition, collectability, noncash consideration and the presentation of sales and other similar taxes. The amendments clarify that, for a contract to be considered completed at transition, substantially all of the revenue must have been recognized under current GAAP. The amendments also clarify how an entity should evaluate the collectability threshold and when an entity can recognize nonrefundable consideration received as revenue if an arrangement does not meet the standard’s contract criteria.  Transition requirements are consistent with ASU 2014-09.

January 1, 2018

We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting this ASU, in coordination with ASU 2014-09, on our consolidated financial condition and results of operations.

ASU 2016-13, Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments

These amendments adopt a new model to measure and recognize credit losses for most financial assets.  The method used to measure estimated credit losses for available-for-sale (“AFS”) debt securities will be unchanged from current GAAP; however, the amendments require credit losses to be recognized through an allowance rather than as a reduction to the amortized cost of those debt securities.  The amendments will permit entities to recognize improvements in credit loss estimates on AFS debt securities by reducing the allowance account immediately through earnings.  The amendments will be adopted through a cumulative effect adjustment to the beginning balance of retained earnings as of the first reporting period in which the amendments are effective. Early adoption is permitted for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods therein.

January 1, 2020

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





9


3.  Var iable Interest Entities



Consolidated VIEs



See Note 4 in our 201 5 Form 10-K for a detailed discussion of our consolidated VIEs, which information is incorporated herein by reference .



The following summarizes information regarding the credit-linked note (“CLN”) structures (dollars in millions) as of June 3 0 , 2016:









Amount and



Date of Issuance



$400

$200



December

April



2006

2007

Original attachment point (subordination)

5.50%

2.05%

Current attachment point (subordination)

4.21%

1.48%

Maturity

12/20/2016

3/20/2017

Current rating of tranche

A-

BB

Current rating of underlying reference obligations

AA - B

AAA - CCC

Number of defaults in underlying reference obligations

3

2

Number of entities

123

99

Number of countries

20

21



The following summarizes the exposure of the CLN structures’ underlying reference obligations by industry and rating as of June 3 0 , 2016:









AAA

AA

A

BBB

BB

B

CCC

Total

Industry

Financial intermediaries

0.0%

2.1%

5.4%

3.0%

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

10.5%

Telecommunications

0.0%

0.3%

1.8%

7.5%

0.9%

0.5%

0.0%

11.0%

Oil and gas

0.3%

1.0%

1.1%

4.4%

0.9%

0.3%

0.0%

8.0%

Utilities

0.0%

0.0%

1.6%

3.0%

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

4.6%

Chemicals and plastics

0.0%

0.0%

2.6%

0.9%

0.3%

0.0%

0.0%

3.8%

Drugs

0.3%

1.6%

1.8%

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

3.7%

Retailers (except food

and drug)

0.0%

0.0%

1.6%

1.4%

0.5%

0.0%

0.0%

3.5%

Industrial equipment

0.0%

0.0%

2.1%

0.7%

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

2.8%

Sovereign

0.0%

1.2%

1.0%

0.7%

0.3%

0.0%

0.0%

3.2%

Conglomerates

0.0%

2.3%

0.9%

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

3.2%

Forest products

0.0%

0.0%

0.5%

1.1%

1.5%

0.0%

0.0%

3.1%

Other

0.0%

4.1%

14.4%

17.6%

5.4%

0.7%

0.4%

42.6%

Total

0.6%

12.6%

34.8%

40.3%

9.8%

1.5%

0.4%

100.0%



10


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









As of June 30, 2016

As of December 31, 2015



Number

Number



of

Notional

Carrying

of

Notional

Carrying



Instruments

Amounts

Value

Instruments

Amounts

Value

Assets

Fixed maturity securities:

Asset-backed credit card loans (1)

N/A

$

-

$

600

N/A

$

-

$

598

Total return swap

1

494

-

1

479

-

Credit default swaps (2)

2

600

1

-

-

-

Total assets

3

$

1,094

$

601

1

$

479

$

598



Liabilities

Non-qualifying hedges:

Credit default swaps

-

$

-

$

-

2

$

600

$

4

Contingent forwards

2

-

-

2

-

-

Total liabilities (3)

2

$

-

$

-

4

$

600

$

4



(1)

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

(2)

Reported in other investments on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

(3)

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



For details related to the fixe d maturity AFS securities underlying these VIEs, see Note 4.



As described more fully in Note 1 of our 2015 Form 10-K, we regularly review our investment holdings for other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”).  Based upon this review, we believe that the AFS fixed maturity securities were not other-than-temporarily impaired as of June 30, 2016 .



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







For the Three

For the Six



Months Ended

Months Ended



June 30,

June 30,



2016

2015

2016

2015

Non-Qualifying Hedges

Credit default swaps

$

(1

)

$

2

$

5

$

10

Contingent forwards

-

-

-

-

Total non-qualifying hedges (1)

$

(1

)

$

2

$

5

$

10



(1)

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



Unconsolidated VIEs



See Note 4 in our 201 5 Form 10-K for a detailed discussion of our unconsolidated VIEs, which information is incorporated herein by reference.



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.  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 $1.3 billion and $1.2 billion as of June 30, 2016, and December 31, 2015, respectively.  Included in these carrying amounts are our investments in qualified affordable housing projects, which were $43 million and $47 million as of June 30, 2016, and December 31, 2015, respectively.  We do not have any contingent commitments to provide additional capital funding to these qualified affordable housing projects.  We receive returns from these qualified affordable housing projects in the form of income tax credits and other tax benefits, which are recognized in federal income tax expense (benefit) on our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) and were $2 million and less than $1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

11


Our exposure to loss is limited to the capital we invest in the LPs and LLCs, and there have been no indicators of impairment that would require us to recognize an impairment loss related to the LPs and LLCs as of June 30, 2016.



4 .  Investments



AFS Securities



See Note 1 in our 201 5 Form 10-K for information regarding our accounting policy relating to AFS securities, which also includes additional disclosures regarding our fair value measurements.



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









As of June 30, 2016



Amortized

Gross Unrealized

Fair



Cost

Gains

Losses

OTTI (1)

Value

Fixed maturity securities:

Corporate bonds

$

72,157

$

7,508

$

599

$

15

$

79,051

Asset-backed securities ("ABS")

1,041

46

17

(8

)

1,078

U.S. government bonds

386

78

-

-

464

Foreign government bonds

454

76

-

-

530

Residential mortgage-backed securities ("RMBS")

3,445

224

32

-

3,637

Commercial mortgage-backed securities ("CMBS")

319

16

-

(3

)

338

Collateralized loan obligations ("CLOs")

682

2

1

(4

)

687

State and municipal bonds

3,872

1,119

5

1

4,985

Hybrid and redeemable preferred securities

677

71

57

-

691

VIEs’ fixed maturity securities

598

2

-

-

600

Total fixed maturity securities

83,631

9,142

711

1

92,061

Equity securities

259

23

5

-

277

Total AFS securities

$

83,890

$

9,165

$

716

$

1

$

92,338









As of December 31, 2015



Amortized

Gross Unrealized

Fair



Cost

Gains

Losses

OTTI (1)

Value

Fixed maturity securities:

Corporate bonds

$

70,993

$

3,924

$

1,984

$

2

$

72,931

ABS

1,064

41

17

(13

)

1,101

U.S. government bonds

386

45

2

-

429

Foreign government bonds

464

61

1

-

524

RMBS

3,566

186

36

(12

)

3,728

CMBS

364

10

2

(4

)

376

CLOs

588

1

3

(3

)

589

State and municipal bonds

3,806

686

12

-

4,480

Hybrid and redeemable preferred securities

762

88

44

-

806

VIEs’ fixed maturity securities

596

2

-

-

598

Total fixed maturity securities

82,589

5,044

2,101

(30

)

85,562

Equity securities

226

17

6

-

237

Total AFS securities

$

82,815

$

5,061

$

2,107

$

(30

)

$

85,799



(1)

Includes unrealized gains and losses on impaired securities related to changes in the fair value of such securities subsequent to the impairment measurement date.



12


The amortized cost and fair value of fixed maturity AFS securities by contractual maturities (in millions) as of June 30 , 2016 , were as follows:









Amortized

Fair



Cost

Value

Due in one year or less

$

2,779

$

2,818

Due after one year through five years

18,683

19,932

Due after five years through ten years

18,391

19,381

Due after ten years

37,693

43,590

Subtotal

77,546

85,721

Structured securities (ABS, MBS, CLOs)

6,085

6,340

Total fixed maturity AFS securities

$

83,631

$

92,061



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



The fair value and gross unrealized losses, including the p ortion of OTTI recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) (“OCI”) , of AFS securities (dollars in millions), aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position, were as follows:









As of June 30, 2016

Less Than or Equal

Greater Than



to Twelve Months

Twelve Months

Total



Gross

Gross

Gross

Unrealized

Unrealized

Unrealized



Fair

Losses and

Fair

Losses and

Fair

Losses and



Value

OTTI

Value

OTTI

Value

OTTI

Fixed maturity securities:

Corporate bonds

$

1,605

$

67

$

4,922

$

548

$

6,527

$

615

ABS

144

3

295

34

439

37

RMBS

250

10

466

35

716

45

CMBS

11

1

10

1

21

2

CLOs

283

1

63

-

346

1

State and municipal bonds

1

-

50

6

51

6

Hybrid and redeemable

preferred securities

59

4

167

53

226

57

Total fixed maturity securities

2,353

86

5,973

677

8,326

763

Equity securities

23

3

28

2

51

5

Total AFS securities

$

2,376

$

89

$

6,001

$

679

$

8,377

$

768



Total number of AFS securities in an unrealized loss position

918



13










As of December 31, 2015

Less Than or Equal

Greater Than



to Twelve Months

Twelve Months

Total



Gross

Gross

Gross

Unrealized

Unrealized

Unrealized



Fair

Losses and

Fair

Losses and

Fair

Losses and



Value

OTTI

Value

OTTI

Value

OTTI

Fixed maturity securities:

Corporate bonds

$

20,380

$

1,364

$

2,383

$

623

$

22,763

$

1,987

ABS

213

4

274

29

487

33

U.S. government bonds

15

2

-

-

15

2

Foreign government bonds

37

1

-

-

37

1

RMBS

627

21

371

22

998

43

CMBS

116

2

11

2

127

4

CLOs

271

2

49

1

320

3

State and municipal bonds

129

8

27

4

156

12

Hybrid and redeemable

preferred securities

38

1

148

43

186

44

Total fixed maturity securities

21,826

1,405

3,263

724

25,089

2,129

Equity securities

47

6

-

-

47

6

Total AFS securities

$

21,873

$

1,411

$

3,263

$

724

$

25,136

$

2,135



Total number of AFS securities in an unrealized loss position

2,007



For information regarding our investments in VIEs, see Note 3 .



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











As of June 30, 2016



Number



Fair

Gross Unrealized

of



Value

Losses

OTTI

Securities (1)

Less than six months

$

73

$

23

$

2

23

Six months or greater, but less than nine months

127

45

-

20

Nine months or greater, but less than twelve months

163

64

5

19

Twelve months or greater

265

161

18

74

Total

$

628

$

293

$

25

136











As of December 31, 2015



Number



Fair

Gross Unrealized

of



Value

Losses

OTTI

Securities (1)

Less than six months

$

1,584

$

701

$

2

138

Six months or greater, but less than nine months

76

85

-

19

Nine months or greater, but less than twelve months

39

38

-

2

Twelve months or greater

153

83

15

60

Total

$

1,852

$

907

$

17

219



(1)

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



We regularly review our investment holdings for OTTI.  Our gross unrealized losses, including the portion of OTTI recognized in OCI, on AFS securities decreased by $ 1.4 billion for the six months ended June 30 , 2016.  As discussed further below, we believe the unrealized loss position as of June 30 , 2016, did not represent OTTI as (i) we did not intend to sell the fixed maturity AFS securities; (ii) it is not more likely than not that we will be required to sell the fixed maturity AFS sec urities before recovery of their amortized cost; (iii) the estimated future cash flows were equal to or greater than the amortized cost of the debt securities; and (iv) we had the ability and intent to hold the equity AFS securities for a period of time sufficient for recovery.



14


Based upon this evaluation as of June 30 , 2016, management believes we have the ability to generate adequate amounts of cash from our normal operations (e.g., insurance premiums and fees and investment income) to meet cash requirements with a prudent margin of safety without requiring the sale of our temporarily-impaired securities.



As of June 30 , 2016, the unrealized losses associated with our corporate bond securities were attributable primarily to widening credit spreads and rising interest rates since purchase.  We performed a detailed analysis of the financial performance of the underlying issuers and determined that we expected to recover the entire amortized cost for each temporarily-impaired security.



As of June 30, 2016 , the unrealized losses associated with our mortgage-backed securities (“ MBS ”) and ABS were attributable primarily to credit spreads. We assessed credit impairment using a cash flow model that incorporates key assumptions including default rates, s everities and prepayment rates. We estimated losses for a security by forecasting the underlying loans in each transaction. The forecasted loan performance was used to project cash flows to the various tranches in the structure, as applicable. Our forecasted cash flows also considered, as applicable, independent industry analyst reports and forecasts, sector credit ratings and other independent market data. Based upon our assessment of the expected credit losses of the security given the performance of the underlying collateral compared to our subordination or other credit enhancement, we expected to recover the entire amortized cost of each temporarily-impaired security.



As of June 30 , 2016, 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 temporarily-impaired security .



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











For the Three

For the Six



Months Ended

Months Ended



June 30,

June 30,



2016

2015

2016

2015

Balance as of beginning-of-period

$

413

$

382

$

382

$

380

Increases attributable to:

Credit losses on securities for which an

OTTI was not previously recognized

26

3

61

16

Credit losses on securities for which an

OTTI was previously recognized

2

4

7

6

Decreases attributable to:

Securities sold, paid down or matured

(10

)

(15

)

(19

)

(28

)

Balance as of end-of-period

$

431

$

374

$

431

$

374



During the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, we recorded credit losses on securities for which an OTTI was not previously recognized as we determined the cash flows expected to be collected would not be sufficient to recover the entire amortized cost of the debt security.  The credit losses we recorded on securities for which an OTTI was not previously recognized were attributable primarily to one or a combination of the following reasons:



·

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

·

Deterioration of creditworthiness of the issuer;

·

Deterioration of conditions specifically related to the security;

·

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

·

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



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



15


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









As of June 30, 2016



Net



Unrealized

OTTI in



Amortized

Gain/(Loss)

Fair

Credit



Cost

Position

Value

Losses

Corporate bonds

$

91

$

(15

)

$

76

$

85

ABS

198

8

206

109

RMBS

353

-

353

194

CMBS

32

3

35

37

CLOs

11

4

15

5

State and municipal bonds

4

(1

)

3

1

Total

$

689

$

(1

)

$

688

$

431













As of December 31, 2015



Net



Unrealized

OTTI in



Amortized

Gain/(Loss)

Fair

Credit



Cost

Position

Value

Losses

Corporate bonds

$

31

$

(2

)

$

29

$

28

ABS

199

13

212

108

RMBS

365

12

377

193

CMBS

34

4

38

48

CLOs

11

3

14

5

Total

$

640

$

30

$

670

$

382



Mortgage Loans on Real Estate



See Note 1 in our 2015 Form 10-K for information regarding our accounting policy relating to mortgage loans on real estate.



Mortgage loans on real estate principally involve commercial real estate .  The commercial loans are geographically diversified throughout the U.S. with the largest concentrations in California, which accounted for 21 % of mortgage loans on real estate as of June 30, 2016, and December 31, 2015 , and Texas, which accounted for 11 % and 10 %, respectively.



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









As of

As of



June 30,

December 31,



2016

2015

Current

$

9,255

$

8,677

60 to 90 days past due

-

-

Greater than 90 days past due

2

-

Valuation allowance associated with impaired mortgage loans on real estate

(2

)

(2

)

Unamortized premium (discount)

2

3

Total carrying value

$

9,257

$

8,678



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









As of

As of



June 30,

December 31,



2016

2015

Number of impaired mortgage loans on real estate

2

2



Principal balance of impaired mortgage loans on real estate

$

7

$

8

Valuation allowance associated with impaired mortgage loans on real estate

(2

)

(2

)

Carrying value of impaired mortgage loans on real estate

$

5

$

6



16


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











For the Three

For the Six



Months Ended

Months Ended



June 30,

June 30,



2016

2015

2016

2015

Balance as of beginning-of-period

$

2

$

3

$

2

$

3

Additions

-

-

-

-

Charge-offs, net of recoveries

-

-

-

-

Balance as of end-of-period

$

2

$

3

$

2

$

3



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









For the Three

For the Six



Months Ended

Months Ended



June 30,

June 30,



2016

2015

2016

2015

Average carrying value for impaired mortgage loans on real estate

$

6

$

23

$

6

$

23

Interest income recognized on impaired mortgage loans on real estate

-

-

-

1

Interest income collected on impaired mortgage loans on real estate

-

-

-

1



As described in Note 1 in our 2015 F orm 10-K, we use the loan-to-value and debt-service coverage ratios as credit quality indicators for our mortgage loans, which were as follows (dollars in millions):









As of June 30, 2016

As of December 31, 2015



Debt-

Debt-



Service

Service



Carrying

% of

Coverage

Carrying

% of

Coverage

Loan-to-Value Ratio

Value

Total

Ratio

Value

Total

Ratio

Less than 65%

$

8,182

88.4%

2.14

$

7,718

88.9%

2.06

65% to 74%

814

8.8%

1.82

653

7.5%

1.60

75% to 100%

253

2.7%

0.84

301

3.5%

0.83

Greater than 100%

8

0.1%

1.05

6

0.1%

1.05

Total mortgage loans on real estate

$

9,257

100.0%

$

8,678

100.0%



Alternative Investments



As of June 30, 2016 , and December 31 , 201 5 , alternative investments included investments in 197 and 1 90 different partnerships, respectively, and the portfolio represented approximately 1% of our overall invested assets.



Realized Gain (Loss) Related to Certain Investments



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









For the Three

For the Six



Months Ended

Months Ended



June 30,

June 30,



2016

2015

2016

2015

Fixed maturity AFS securities: (1)

Gross gains

$

7

$

21

$

61

$

23

Gross losses

(65

)

(13

)

(163

)

(29

)

Equity AFS securities:

Gross gains

2

1

2

1

Gross losses

(1

)

-

(1

)

-

Gain (loss) on other investments

(3

)

-

(63

)

(8

)

Associated amortization of DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL

and changes in other contract holder funds

(5

)

(10

)

(8

)

(15

)

Total realized gain (loss) related to certain investments, pre-tax

$

(65

)

$

(1

)

$

(172

)

$

(28

)



(1)

These amounts are represented net of related fair value hedging activity.  See Note 5 for more information.

17


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









For the Three

For the Six



Months Ended

Months Ended



June 30,

June 30,



2016

2015

2016

2015

OTTI Recognized in Net Income (Loss)

Fixed maturity securities:

Corporate bonds

$

(26

)

$

(4

)

$

(62

)

$

(15

)

ABS

(1

)

(3

)

(3

)

(5

)

RMBS

(1

)

-

(3

)

(2

)

Total fixed maturity securities

(28

)

(7

)

(68

)

(22

)

Equity securities

(1

)

-

(1

)

-

Gross OTTI recognized in net income (loss)

(29

)

(7

)

(69

)

(22

)

Associated amortization of DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL

1

-

5

2

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

$

(28

)

$

(7

)

$

(64

)

$

(20

)



Portion of OTTI Recognized in OCI

Gross OTTI recognized in OCI

$

10

$

9

$

36

$

18

Change in DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL

(2

)

(2

)

(8

)

(3

)

Net portion of OTTI recognized in OCI, pre-tax

$

8

$

7

$

28

$

15



Determination of Credit L osses on Corporate Bonds and ABS



As of June 30, 2016 , and December 31, 2015, we reviewed our corporate bond and ABS portfolios for potential shortfall in contractual principal and interest based on numerous subjective and objective inputs. The factors used to determine the amount of credit loss for each individual security, include, but are not limited to, near term risk, substantial discrepancy between book and market value, sector or company-specific volatility, negative operating trends and trading levels wider than peers.



Credit ratings express opinions about the credit quality of a security.  Securities rated investment grade, that is those rated BBB- or higher by Standard & Poor’s (“S&P”) Rating Services or Baa3 or higher by Moody’s Investors Service (“Moody’s”), are generally considered by the rating agencies and market participants to be low credit risk.  As of June 30, 2016, and December 31, 2015, 95% and 96% , respectively, of the fair value of our corporate bond portfolio was rated investment grade.  As of June 30, 2016, and December 31, 2015, the portion of our corporate bond portfolio rated below investment grade had an amortized cost of $ 4.0 billion and $3.6 billion, respectively, and a fair value of $ 3.7 billion and $ 3.3 billion, respectively.  As of June 30, 2016, and December 31, 2015 , 96% of the fair value of our ABS portfolio was rated investment grade.  As of June 30, 2016, and December 31, 2015, the portion of our ABS portfolio rated below investment grade had an amortized cost of $ 103 million and $ 107 million, respectively, and a fair value of $85 million and $ 92 million, respectively.  Based upon the analysis discussed above, we believe as of June 30, 2016, and December 31, 2015, that we would recover the amortized cost of each fixed maturity security.



Determination of Credit Losses on MBS



As of June 30, 2016 , and December 31, 2015, default rates were projected by considering underlying MBS loan performance and collateral type.  Projected default rates on existing delinquencies vary between approximately 10% to 100% depending on loan type and severity of delinquency status.  In addition, we estimate the potential contributions of currently performing loans that may become delinquent in the future based on the change in delinquencies and loan liquidations experienced in the recent history.  Finally, we develop a default rate timing curve by aggregating the defaults for all loans in the pool (delinquent loans, foreclosure and real estate owned and new delinquencies from currently performing loans) and the associated loan-level loss severities.



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



18


Payables for Collateral on Investments



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









As of June 30, 2016

As of December 31, 2015



Carrying

Fair

Carrying

Fair



Value

Value

Value

Value

Collateral payable for derivative investments (1)

$

3,004

$

3,004

$

1,387

$

1,387

Securities pledged under securities lending agreements (2)

249

240

242

231

Securities pledged under repurchase agreements (3)

689

748

673

739

Investments pledged for Federal Home Loan Bank of

Indianapolis (“FHLBI”) (4)

2,355

3,767

2,355

3,391

Total payables for collateral on investments

$

6,297

$

7,759

$

4,657

$

5,748



(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 securities under repurchase agreements are included in fixed maturity AFS securities on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.  We obtain collateral in an amount equal to 95 % of the fair value of the securities, and our agreements with third parties contain contractual provisions to allow for additional collateral to be obtained when necessary.  The cash received in our repurchase program is typically invested in fixed maturity AFS securities.

(4)

Our pledged 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 of mortgage loans on real estate.  The cash received in these transactions is primarily invested in cash and invested cash or fixed maturity AFS securities.



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









For the Six



Months Ended



June 30,



2016

2015

Collateral payable for derivative investments

$

1,617

$

(602

)

Securities pledged under securities lending agreements

7

28

Securities pledged under repurchase agreements

16

427

Investments pledged for FHLBI

-

325

Total increase (decrease) in payables for collateral on investments

$

1,640

$

178





19


We have elected not to offset our repurchase agreements and securities lending transactions in our financial statements. The remaining contractual maturities of repurchase agreements and securities lending transactions accounted for as secured borrowings were as follows:











As of June 30, 2016



Overnight and Continuous

Up to 30 Days

30 - 90 Days

Greater Than 90 Days

Total

Repurchase Agreements

Corporate bonds

$

-

$

-

$

290

$

149

$

439

RMBS

-

-

-

250

250

Total

-

-

290

399

689

Securities Lending

Corporate bonds

249

-

-

-

249

Total

249

-

-

-

249

Total gross secured borrowings

$

249

$

-

$

290

$

399

$

938











As of December 31, 2015



Overnight and Continuous

Up to 30 Days

30 - 90 Days

Greater Than 90 Days

Total

Repurchase Agreements

Corporate bonds

$

-

$

-

$

275

$

148

$

423

RMBS

-

-

-

250

250

Total

-

-

275

398

673

Securities Lending

Corporate bonds

242

-

-

-

242

Total

242

-

-

-

242

Total gross secured borrowings

$

242

$

-

$

275

$

398

$

915







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 record 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 June 30 , 2016, the fair value of all collateral received that we are permitted to sell or re- pledge was $ 176 million. As of June 30, 2016, w e have not sold or re-pledged this collateral.



Investment Commitments



As of June 30, 2016, our investment commitments were $ 1.4 billion, which included $ 752 million of LPs, $ 479 million of mortgage loans on real estate and $ 146 million of private placement securities.



Concentrations of Financial Instruments



As of June 30 , 2016, and December 31 , 2015, our most significant investments in one issuer were our investments in securities issued by the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation with a fair value of $ 1.7 billion and $ 1.8 billion, respectively , or 2 % of our invested assets portfolio, and our investments in securities issued by Fannie Mae with a fair value of $ 1.2 billion, or 1 % of our invested assets portfolio.



As of June 30, 2016, and December 31, 2015, our most significant investments in one industry were our investments in securities in the consumer non-cyclical industry with a fair value of $ 14.0 billion and $ 12.0 billion, respectively, or 13% and 12% , respectively, of our invested assets portfolio, and our investments in securities in the utilities industry with a fair value of $13.8 billion and $ 12.8 billion, respectively, or 13 % of our invested assets portfolio.  These concentrations include both AFS and trading 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, default risk, basis risk and credit risk.  See Note 1 in our 2015 Form 10-K for a detailed discussion of the accounting treatment for derivative instruments.  See Note 6 in our 2015 Form 10-K for a detailed discussion of our derivative instruments and use of them in our overall risk management strategy, which information is incorporated herein by reference.  See Note 12 for additional disclosures related to the fair value of our derivative instruments and Note 3 for derivative instruments related to our consolidated VIEs.



20


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 June 30, 2016

As of December 31, 2015



Notional

Fair Value

Notional

Fair Value



Amounts

Asset

Liability

Amounts

Asset

Liability

Qualifying Hedges

Cash flow hedges:

Interest rate contracts (1)

$

2,860

$

259

$

350

$

2,937

$

192

$

46

Foreign currency contracts (1)

1,007

144

6

910

84

2

Total cash flow hedges

3,867

403

356

3,847

276

48

Fair value hedges:

Interest rate contracts (1)

1,514

423

284

1,529

269

198

Non-Qualifying Hedges

Interest rate contracts (1)

69,248

2,436

317

71,898

1,088

330

Foreign currency contracts (1)

283

-

-

74

-

-

Equity market contracts (1)

30,450

661

475

27,882

680

269

Credit contracts (2)

103

-

16

103

-

9

Embedded derivatives:

GLB reserves (2)

-

-

2,458

-

-

953

Reinsurance related (3)

-

-

134

-

-

87

Indexed annuity and IUL contracts (4)

-

-

1,102

-

-

1,100

Total derivative instruments

$

105,465

$

3,923

$

5,142

$

105,333

$

2,313

$

2,994



(1)

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

(2)

Reported in other liabilities on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

(3)

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

(4)

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 June 30, 2016



Less Than

1 - 5

6 - 10

11 - 30

Over 30



1 Year

Years

Years

Years

Years

Total

Interest rate contracts (1)

$

5,230

$

33,709

$

19,936

$

13,109

$

1,638

$

73,622

Foreign currency contracts (2)

329

120

327

514

-

1,290

Equity market contracts

19,346

8,825

1,972

17

290

30,450

Credit contracts

103

-

-

-

-

103

Total derivative instruments

with notional amounts

$

25,008

$

42,654

$

22,235

$

13,640

$

1,928

$

105,465



(1)

As of June 30 , 2016, the latest maturity date for which we were hedging our exposure to the variability in future cash flows for these instruments was April 2067 .

(2)

As of June 30, 2016, the latest maturity date for which we were hedging our exposure to the variability in future cash flows for these instruments was December 2045 .



21


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









For the Six



Months Ended



June 30,



2016

2015

Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments

Balance as of beginning-of-year

$

132

$

139

Other comprehensive income (loss):

Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period:

Cash flow hedges:

Interest rate contracts

(240

)

(121

)

Foreign currency contracts

32

25

Change in foreign currency exchange rate adjustment

35

16

Change in DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL

(6

)

-

Income tax benefit (expense)

62

27

Less:

Reclassification adjustment for gains (losses)

included in net income (loss):

Cash flow hedges:

Interest rate contracts (1)

4

(194

)

Interest rate contracts (2)

(2

)

2

Foreign currency contracts (1)

3

3

Foreign currency contracts (3)

4

-

Associated amortization of DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL

(1

)

-

Income tax benefit (expense)

(3

)

66

Balance as of end-of-period

$

10

$

209



(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 interest and debt expense on our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss).

(3)

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





22


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









For the Three

For the Six



Months Ended

Months Ended



June 30,

June 30,



2016

2015

2016

2015

Qualifying Hedges

Cash flow hedges:

Interest rate contracts (1)

$

3

$

3

$

4

$

4

Interest rate contracts (2)

(2

)

(1

)

(2

)

(1

)

Foreign currency contracts (1)

1

1

3

3

Foreign currency contracts (3)

-

-

4

-

Total cash flow hedges

2

3

9

6

Fair value hedges:

Interest rate contracts (1)

(7

)

(7

)

(15

)

(15

)

Interest rate contracts (2)

8

8

16

16

Interest rate contracts (3)

(32

)

60

(86

)

(170

)

Total fair value hedges

(31

)

61

(85

)

(169

)

Non-Qualifying Hedges

Interest rate contracts (3)

614

(673

)

1,590

(231

)

Foreign currency contracts (3)

(7

)

(4

)

(3

)

(6

)

Equity market contracts (3)

(252

)

(53

)

(582

)

(283

)

Equity market contracts (4)

3

-

2

5

Credit contracts (3)

(4

)

1

(7

)

1

Embedded derivatives:

GLB reserves (3)

(542

)

704

(1,505

)

326

Reinsurance related (3)

(23

)

45

(47

)

30

Indexed annuity and IUL contracts (3)

(19

)

(9

)

(12

)

(47

)

Total derivative instruments

$

(259

)

$

75

$

(640

)

$

(368

)



(1)

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

(2)

Reported in interest and debt expense on our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss).

(3)

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

(4)

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



Gains (losses) recognized as a component of OCI (in millions) on derivative instruments designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges were as follows:









For the Three

For the Six



Months Ended

Months Ended



June 30,

June 30,



2016

2015

2016

2015

Offset to net investment income

$

4

$

4

$

7

$

7

Offset to realized gain (loss)

-

-

4

-

Offset to interest and debt expense

(2

)

1

(2

)

1



As of June 30, 2016, $ 1 million of the deferred net gains ( losses ) on derivative instruments in A OCI 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 six months ended June 30 , 2016 and 201 5 , 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.







23


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







As of June 30, 2016



Credit



Reason

Nature

Rating of

Number

Maximum



for

of

Underlying

of

Fair

Potential

Maturity

Entering

Recourse

Obligation (1)

Instruments

Value (2)

Payout

12/20/2016 (3)

(4)

(5)

BB

2

$

(1

)

$

45

3/20/2017 (3)

(4)

(5)

BB-

3

(15

)

58



5

$

(16

)

$

103







As of December 31, 2015



Credit



Reason

Nature

Rating of

Number

Maximum



for

of

Underlying

of

Fair

Potential

Maturity

Entering

Recourse

Obligation (1)

Instruments

Value (2)

Payout

12/20/2016 (3)

(4)

(5)

BBB-

2

$

(2

)

$

45

3/20/2017 (3)

(4)

(5)

BBB-

3

(7

)

58



5

$

(9

)

$

103



(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 these credit default swaps.

(3)

These credit default swaps were sold to a counterparty of the consolidated VIEs discussed in Note 4 in our 201 5 Form 10-K.

(4)

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

(5)

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



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









As of

As of



June 30,

December 31,



2016

2015

Maximum potential payout

$

103

$

103

Less:  Counterparty thresholds

-

-

Maximum collateral potentially required to post

$

103

$

103



Certain of our credit default swap agreements contain contractual provisions that allow for the netting of collateral with our counterparties related to all of our collateralized financing transactions that we have outstanding.  If these netting agreements were not in place, we would have been required to post $ 16 million as of June 30, 2016.



Credit Risk



We are exposed to credit loss in the event of non-performance by our counterparties on various derivative contracts and reflect assumptions regarding the credit or 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 June 30, 2016 , the NPR adjustment was less than $1 million .  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, our insurance subsidiaries have agreed to maintain certain financial strength or claims-paying ratings.  A downgrade below these levels could result in termination of derivative contracts, at which time any amounts payable by us would be dependent on the market value of the underlying derivative contracts.  In certain transactions, we and the counterparty have entered into a credit support annex requiring either party to post collateral when net exposures exceed pre-determined thresholds.  These thresholds vary by counterparty and credit rating.  The amount of such exposure is essentially the net replacement cost or market value less collateral held for such agreements with each counterparty if the net market value is in our favor.  As of June 30, 2016 , our exposure was $ 15 million .

24


The amounts recognized (in mi llions) 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 June 30, 2016

As of December 31, 2015



Collateral

Collateral

Collateral

Collateral



Posted by

Posted by

Posted by

Posted by

S&P

Counter-

LNC

Counter-

LNC

Credit

Party

(Held by

Party

(Held by

Rating of

(Held by

Counter-

(Held by

Counter-

Counterparty

LNC)

Party)

LNC)

Party)



AA-

$

289

$

-

$

92

$

-

A+

136

(2

)

67

-

A

1,871

(317

)

866

(143

)

A-

5

-

11

-

BBB+

703

(72

)

351

-



$

3,004

$

(391

)

$

1,387

$

(143

)



Balance Sheet Offsetting



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











As of June 30, 2016



Embedded



Derivative

Derivative



Instruments

Instruments

Total



Financial Assets

Gross amount of recognized assets

$

3,793

$

-

$

3,793

Gross amounts offset

(1,180

)

-

(1,180

)

Net amount of assets

2,613

-

2,613

Gross amounts not offset:

Cash collateral

(3,004

)

-

(3,004

)

Net amount

$

(391

)

$

-

$

(391

)



Financial Liabilities

Gross amount of recognized liabilities

$

268

$

3,694

$

3,962

Gross amounts offset

(130

)

-

(130

)

Net amount of liabilities

138

3,694

3,832

Gross amounts not offset:

Cash collateral

(391

)

-

(391

)

Net amount

$

(253

)

$

3,694

$

3,441



25












As of December 31, 2015



Embedded



Derivative

Derivative



Instruments

Instruments

Total



Financial Assets

Gross amount of recognized assets

$

2,250

$

-

$

2,250

Gross amounts offset

(713

)

-

(713

)

Net amount of assets

1,537

-

1,537

Gross amounts not offset:

Cash collateral

(1,387

)

-

(1,387

)

Net amount

$

150

$

-

$

150



Financial Liabilities

Gross amount of recognized liabilities

$

139

$

2,140

$

2,279

Gross amounts offset

(61

)

-

(61

)

Net amount of liabilities

78

2,140

2,218

Gross amounts not offset:

Cash collateral

(143

)

-

(143

)

Net amount

$

(65

)

$

2,140

$

2,075





6 .  Federal Income Taxes



The effective tax rate is the ratio of tax expense over pre-tax income (loss).  The effective tax rate was 21% and 18% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016, respectively. The effective tax rate was 23% and 21% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, respectively. The effective tax rate on pre-tax income from continuing operations was lower than the prevailing corporate federal income tax rate.  Differences in the effective rates and the U.S. statutory rate of 35 % were the result of certain tax preferred investment income, separate account dividends-received deductions, foreign tax credits and other tax preference items.





7.  Guaranteed Benefit Features



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









As of

As of



June 30,

December 31,



2016 (1)

2015 (1)

Return of Net Deposits

Total account value

$

86,056

$

85,345

Net amount at risk (2)

1,211

1,201

Average attained age of contract holders

63 years

63 years



Minimum Return

Total account value

$

105

$

111

Net amount at risk (2)

23

24

Average attained age of contract holders

75 years

75 years

Guaranteed minimum return

5%

5%



Anniversary Contract Value

Total account value

$

24,495

$

24,659

Net amount at risk (2)

1,104

1,345

Average attained age of contract holders

69 years

69 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.



26


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 Six



Months Ended



June 30,



2016

2015

Balance as of beginning-of-year

$

115

$

89

Changes in reserves

22

17

Benefits paid

(24

)

(11

)

Balance as of end-of-period

$

113

$

95



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



June 30,

December 31,



2016

2015

Asset Type

Domestic equity

$

49,570

$

48,362

International equity

18,552

18,382

Bonds

28,560

26,492

Money market

10,516

13,057

Total

$

107,198

$

106,293



Percent of total variable annuity

separate account values

99%

99%



Secondary Guarantee Products



Future contract benefits and other contract holder funds include reserves for our secondary guarantee products sold through our Life Insurance segment.  These UL and VUL products with secondary guarantees represented 35 % of total life insurance in-force reserves as of June 30, 2016 , and 31% of total sales for the six months ended June 30, 2016 .



8.  Contingencies and Commitments



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 advisors and unclaimed property laws.

LNC and its subsidiaries are involved in various pending or threatened legal or regulatory proceedings, including purported class actions, arising from the conduct of business both in the ordinary course and otherwise.  In some of the matters, very large and/or indeterminate amounts, including punitive and treble damages, are sought.  Modern pleading practice in the U.S. permits considerable variation in the assertion of monetary damages or other relief.  Jurisdictions may permit claimants not to specify the monetary damages sought or may permit claimants to state only that the amount sought is sufficient to invoke the jurisdiction of the trial court.  In addition, jurisdictions may permit plaintiffs to allege monetary damages in amounts well exceeding reasonably possible verdicts in the jurisdiction for similar matters.  This variability in pleadings, together with the actual experiences of LNC in litigating or resolving through settlement numerous claims over an extended period of time, demonstrates to management that the monetary relief which may be specified in a lawsuit or claim bears little relevance to its merits or disposition value.

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

We establish liabilities for litigation and regulatory loss contingencies when information related to the loss contingencies shows both that it is probable that a loss has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. It is possible that some matters could require us to pay damages or make other expenditures or establish accruals in amounts that could not be estimated as of June 30, 2016 .

27


While the potential future charges could be material in the particular quarterly or annual periods in which they are recorded, based on information currently known by management, management does not believe any such charges are likely to have a material adverse effect on LNC’s financial condition.



For some matters, the Company is able to estimate a reasonably possible range of loss.  For such matters in which a loss is probable, an accrual has been made.  For such matters where a loss is believed to be reasonably possible, but not probable, no accrual has been made.  Accordingly, the estimate contained in this paragraph reflects two types of matters.  For some matters included within this estimate, an accrual has been made, but there is a reasonable possibility that an exposure exists in excess of the amount accrued.  In these cases, the estimate reflects the reasonably possible range of loss in excess of the accrued amount.  For other matters included within this estimation, no accrual has been made because a loss, while potentially estimable, is believed to be reasonably possible but not probable.  In these cases, the estimate reflects the reasonably possible loss or range of loss.  As of June 30, 2016, 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 $ 50 million.



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



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. 3:16cv00827, is a putative class action that was served on The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company (“LNL”) on June 8, 2016.  Plaintiff is the owner of a universal life insurance policy who alleges that LNL charged more for cost of insurance than permitted by the policy.  Plaintiff seeks to represent all universal life and variable universal life policyholders who owned policies containing 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.



Se e Note 13 in our 2015 Form 10 -K and Note 8 in our Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2016, for additional discussion of comm itments and contingencies, which information is incorporated herein by reference.



9.  Shares and Stockholders’ Equity



Common Shares



The changes in our common stock (number of shares) were as follows:











For the Three

For the Six



Months Ended

Months Ended



June 30,

June 30,



2016

2015

2016

2015

Common Stock

Balance as of beginning-of-period

239,005,252

252,928,502

243,835,893

256,551,440

Stock issued for exercise of warrants

13,335

33,510

38,148

980,436

Stock compensation/issued for benefit plans

9,537

515,481

670,142

1,988,882

Retirement/cancellation of shares

(6,243,433

)

(2,558,600

)

(11,759,492

)

(8,601,865

)

Balance as of end-of-period

232,784,691

250,918,893

232,784,691

250,918,893



Common Stock as of End-of-Period

Basic basis

232,784,691

250,918,893

232,784,691

250,918,893

Diluted basis

236,268,119

254,126,732

236,268,119

254,126,732



Our common stock is without par value.



28


Average Shares



A reconciliation of the denominator (number of shares) in the calculations of basic and diluted earnings (loss) per common share was as follows:







For the Three

For the Six



Months Ended

Months Ended



June 30,

June 30,



2016

2015

2016

2015

Weighted-average shares, as used in basic calculation

236,463,183

251,849,316

239,069,774

253,662,410

Shares to cover exercise of outstanding warrants

1,098,405

1,356,262

1,100,176

1,604,192

Shares to cover non-vested stock

939,526

1,220,690

1,030,627

1,357,152

Average stock options outstanding during the period

2,110,327

3,676,185

1,958,486

3,759,166

Assumed acquisition of shares with assumed proceeds

from exercising outstanding warrants

(265,103

)

(240,814

)

(278,312

)

(295,871

)

Assumed acquisition of shares with assumed

proceeds and benefits from exercising stock

options (at average market price for the period)

(1,523,490

)

(2,655,466

)

(1,428,150

)

(2,701,424

)

Shares repurchasable from measured but

unrecognized stock option expense

(38,377

)

(65,873

)

(19,740

)

(63,196

)

Average deferred compensation shares

1,101,384

-

1,070,657

1,022,523

Weighted-average shares, as used in diluted calculation

239,885,855

255,140,300

242,503,518

258,344,952



In the event the average market price of LNC common stock exceeds the issue price of stock options and the options have a dilutive effect to our earnings per share (“EPS”), such options will be shown in the table above.



We have participants in our deferred compensation plans who selected LNC stock as the measure for the investment return attributable to all or a portion of their deferral amounts.  For the three and six months ended June 30, 2016, and the six months ended June 30, 2015, the effect of settling this obligation in LNC stock (“equity classification”) was more dilutive than the scenario of settling in cash (“liability classification”).  Therefore, for our EPS calculation for these periods, we added the shares to the denominator and adjusted the numerator to present net income as if the shares had been accounted for under equity classification by removing the mark-to-market adjustment included in net income attributable to these deferred units of LNC stock.  The amount of this adjustment was less than $1 million and $7 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016, respectively, and $( 1 ) million for the six months ended June 30, 2015.



29


AOCI



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









For the Six



Months Ended



June 30,



2016

2015

Unrealized Gain (Loss) on AFS Securities

Balance as of beginning-of-year

$

991

$

3,213

Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period

5,394

(2,492

)

Change in foreign currency exchange rate adjustment

(33

)

(16

)

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

(1,620

)

812

Income tax benefit (expense)

(1,321

)

582

Less:

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

(101

)

193

Associated amortization of DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL

(7

)

(15

)

Income tax benefit (expense)

38

(62

)

Balance as of end-of-period

$

3,481

$

1,983

Unrealized OTTI on AFS Securities

Balance as of beginning-of-year

$

26

$

26

(Increases) attributable to:

Gross OTTI recognized in OCI during the period

(36

)

(18

)

Change in DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL

8

3

Income tax benefit (expense)

10

6

Decreases attributable to:

Changes in fair value, sales, maturities or other settlements of AFS securities

5

31

Change in DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL

(1

)

(14

)

Income tax benefit (expense)

(2

)

(6

)

Balance as of end-of-period

$

10

$

28

Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments

Balance as of beginning-of-year

$

132

$

139

Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period

(208

)

(96

)

Change in foreign currency exchange rate adjustment

35

16

Change in DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL

(6

)

-

Income tax benefit (expense)

62

27

Less:

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

9

(189

)

Associated amortization of DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL

(1

)

-

Income tax benefit (expense)

(3

)

66

Balance as of end-of-period

$

10

$

209

Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment

Balance as of beginning-of-year

$

(5

)

$

(3

)

Foreign currency translation adjustment arising during the period

(13

)

6

Balance as of end-of-period

$

(18

)

$

3

Funded Status of Employee Benefit Plans

Balance as of beginning-of-year

$

(299

)

$

(279

)

Adjustment arising during the period

11

1

Income tax benefit (expense)

-

(1

)

Balance as of end-of-period

$

(288

)

$

(279

)



30


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 Six



Months Ended



June 30,



2016

2015

Unrealized Gain (Loss) on AFS Securities

Gross reclassification

$

(101

)

$

193

Total realized gain (loss)

Associated amortization of DAC,

VOBA, DSI and DFEL

(7

)

(15

)

Total realized gain (loss)

Reclassification before income

Income (loss) from continuing

tax benefit (expense)

(108

)

178

operations before taxes

Income tax benefit (expense)

38

(62

)

Federal income tax expense (benefit)

Reclassification, net of income tax

$

(70

)

$

116

Net income (loss)



Unrealized OTTI on AFS Securities

Gross reclassification

$

1

$

31

Total realized gain (loss)

Change in DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL

-

(14

)

Total realized gain (loss)

Reclassification before income

Income (loss) from continuing

tax benefit (expense)

1

17

operations before taxes

Income tax benefit (expense)

-

(6

)

Federal income tax expense (benefit)

Reclassification, net of income tax

$

1

$

11

Net income (loss)



Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments

Gross reclassifications:

Interest rate contracts

$

4

$

(194

)

Net investment income

Interest rate contracts

(2

)

2

Interest and debt expense

Foreign currency contracts

7

3

Net investment income

Total gross reclassifications

9

(189

)

Associated amortization of DAC,

VOBA, DSI and DFEL

(1

)

-

Commissions and other expenses

Reclassifications before income

Income (loss) from continuing

tax benefit (expense)

8

(189

)

operations before taxes

Income tax benefit (expense)

(3

)

66

Federal income tax expense (benefit)

Reclassification, net of income tax

$

5

$

(123

)

Net income (loss)







31


10.  Realized Gain (Loss)



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











For the Three

For the Six



Months Ended

Months Ended



June 30,

June 30,



2016

2015

2016

2015

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

$

(65

)

$

(1

)

$

(172

)

$

(28

)

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

(8

)

(21

)

-

(10

)

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

Gross gain (loss)

(9

)

(5

)

(33

)

(31

)

Associated amortization of DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL

4

1

6

6

Variable annuity net derivatives results: (4)

Gross gain (loss)

37

44

48

30

Associated amortization of DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL

(4

)

(7

)

(8

)

(3

)

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

-

(1

)

-

(2

)

Total realized gain (loss)

$

(45

)

$

10

$

(159

)

$

(38

)



(1)

See “Realized Gain (Loss) Related to Certain Investments” section in Note 4.

(2)

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

(3)

Represents the net difference between the change in the fair value of the S&P 500 Index ® call 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 call options we may purchase in the future to hedge contract holder index allocations applicable to future reset periods for our indexed annuity products.

(4)

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

(5)

See Note 3 in our 2015 Form 10-K for more information.



11 .  Stock-Based Compensation Plans



We sponsor stock-based compensation plans for our employees and directors and for the employees and agents of our subsidiaries that provide for the grant of stock options, performance shares (performance-vested shares as opposed to service-vested shares), stock a ppreciation rights (“SARs”), restricted stock units (“RSUs”) and deferred stock units (“DSUs”) .  We issue new shares to satisfy option exercises.



LNC stock-based awards granted were as follows:











For the

For the



Three

Six



Months

Months



Ended

Ended



June 30,

June 30,



2016

2016

10-year LNC stock options

-

776,895

Performance shares

-

291,298

RSUs

8,595

764,237

Non-employee:

SARs

-

63,807

Agent stock options

-

92,150

Director DSUs

11,065

21,591





32


12 . Fair Value of Financial Instruments



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











As of June 30, 2016

As of December 31, 2015



Carrying

Fair

Carrying

Fair



Value

Value

Value

Value

Assets

AFS securities:

Fixed maturity securities

$

91,461

$

91,461

$

84,964

$

84,964

VIEs’ fixed maturity securities

600

600

598

598

Equity securities

277

277

237

237

Trading securities

1,812

1,812

1,854

1,854

Mortgage loans on real estate

9,257

9,821

8,678

8,936

Derivative investments (1)

2,613

2,613

1,537

1,537

Other investments (2)

2,039

2,039

1,778

1,778

Cash and invested cash

4,113

4,113

3,146

3,146

Other assets – reinsurance recoverable

539

539

268

268

Separate account assets

125,033

125,033

123,619

123,619



Liabilities

Future contract benefits – indexed annuity

and IUL contracts embedded derivatives

(1,102

)

(1,102

)

(1,100

)

(1,100

)

Other contract holder funds:

Remaining guaranteed interest and similar contracts

(660

)

(660

)

(687

)

(687

)

Account values of certain investment contracts

(31,068

)

(37,486

)

(30,392

)

(34,618

)

Short-term debt (3)

(250

)

(249

)

-

-

Long-term debt

(5,460

)

(5,211

)

(5,553

)

(5,505

)

Reinsurance related embedded derivatives

(134

)

(134

)

(87

)

(87

)

VIEs’ liabilities – derivative instruments

-

-

(4

)

(4

)

Other liabilities:

Credit default swaps

(16

)

(16

)

(9

)

(9

)

Derivative liabilities (1)

(122

)

(122

)

(69

)

(69

)

GLB reserves embedded derivatives (4)

(2,458

)

(2,458

)

(953

)

(953

)



(1)

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

(2)

Includes credit default swaps in an asset position associated with consolidated VIEs.

(3)

The difference between the carrying value and fair value of short-term debt as of June 30, 2016, related to current maturities of long-term debt.

(4)

Portions of our GLB reserves embedded derivatives are ceded to third-party reinsurance counterparties.  Refer to Note 5 for additional detail.



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



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



Mortgage Loans on Real Estate



The fair value of mortgage loans on real estate is established using a discounted cash flow method based on credit rating, maturity and future income.  The ratings for mortgages in good standing are based on property type, location, market conditions, occupancy, debt-service coverage, loan-to-value, quality of tenancy, borrower and payment record.  The fair value for impaired mortgage loans is based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, the loan’s market price or the fair value of 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.



33


Other Investments



The carrying value of our assets classified as other investments approximates fair value. Other investments include s primarily LPs and other privately held investments that are accounted for using the equity method of accounting and the carrying value is based on our proportional share of the net assets of the LPs. The inputs used to measure the fair value of our LPs and other privately held investments are classified as Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy. Other investments also includes securities that are not LPs or other privately held investments and the inputs used to measure the fair value of these securities are classified as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy.



Other Contract Holder Funds



Other contract holder funds include remaining guaranteed interest and similar contracts and account values of certain investment contracts.  The fair value for the remaining guaranteed interest and similar contracts is estimated using discounted cash flow calculations as of the balance sheet date.  These calculations are based on interest rates currently offered on similar contracts with maturities that are consistent with those remaining for the contracts being valued.  As of June 30, 2016 , and December 31, 2015 , 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.



Financial Instruments Carried at Fair Value



We did not have any assets or liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis as of June 30, 2016 , or December 31, 2015 , and we noted no changes in our valuation met hodologies between these periods .

34


The following summarizes our financial instruments carried at fair value (in millions) on a recurring basis by the fair value hierarchy levels described in “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” in Note 1 of our 2015 Form 10-K:











As of June 30, 2016



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

$

-

76,626

$

2,425

$

79,051

ABS

-

1,016

62

1,078

U.S. government bonds

450

4

10

464

Foreign government bonds

-

418

112

530

RMBS

-

3,621

16

3,637

CMBS

-

330

8

338

CLOs

-

642

45

687

State and municipal bonds

-

4,985

-

4,985

Hybrid and redeemable preferred securities

50

552

89

691

VIEs’ fixed maturity securities

-

600

-

600

Equity AFS securities

7

100

170

277

Trading securities

103

1,644

65

1,812

Derivative investments (1)

-

3,026

899

3,925

Other investments (2)

149

-

1

150

Cash and invested cash

-

4,113

-

4,113

Other assets – reinsurance recoverable

-

-

539

539

Separate account assets

1,046

123,987

-

125,033

Total assets

$

1,805

$

221,664

$

4,441

$

227,910



Liabilities

Future contract benefits – indexed annuity

and IUL contracts embedded derivatives

$

-

$

-

$

(1,102

)

$

(1,102

)

Long-term debt

-

(1,203

)

-

(1,203

)

Reinsurance related embedded derivatives

-

(134

)

-

(134

)

Other liabilities:

Credit default swaps

-

-

(16

)

(16

)

Derivative liabilities (1)

-

(958

)

(476

)

(1,434

)

GLB reserves embedded derivatives

-

-

(2,458

)

(2,458

)

Total liabilities

$

-

$

(2,295

)

$

(4,052

)

$

(6,347

)



35












As of December 31, 2015



Quoted



Prices



in Active



Markets for

Significant

Significant



Identical

Observable

Unobservable

Total



Assets

Inputs

Inputs

Fair



(Level 1)

(Level 2)

(Level 3)

Value

Assets

Investments:

Fixed maturity AFS securities:

Corporate bonds

$

60

$

70,878

$

1,993

$

72,931

ABS

-

1,056

45

1,101

U.S. government bonds

412

17

-

429

Foreign government bonds

-

413

111

524

RMBS

-

3,727

1

3,728

CMBS

-

366

10

376

CLOs

-

38

551

589

State and municipal bonds

-

4,480

-

4,480

Hybrid and redeemable preferred securities

48

664

94

806

VIEs’ fixed maturity securities

-

598

-

598

Equity AFS securities

8

65

164

237

Trading securities

160

1,621

73

1,854

Other investments

148

-

-

148

Derivative investments (1)

-

1,459

853

2,312

Cash and invested cash

-

3,146

-

3,146

Other assets – reinsurance recoverable

-

-

268

268

Separate account assets

1,053

122,566

-

123,619

Total assets

$

1,889

$

211,094

$

4,163

$

217,146



Liabilities

Future contract benefits – indexed annuity

and IUL contracts embedded derivatives

$

-

$

-

$

(1,100

)

$

(1,100

)

Long-term debt

-

(1,203

)

-

(1,203

)

Reinsurance related embedded derivatives

-

(87

)

-

(87

)

VIEs’ liabilities – derivative instruments

-

-

(4

)

(4

)

Other liabilities:

Credit default swaps

-

-

(9

)

(9

)

Derivative liabilities (1)

-

(546

)

(298

)

(844

)

GLB reserves embedded derivatives

-

-

(953

)

(953

)

Total liabilities

$

-

$

(1,836

)

$

(2,364

)

$

(4,200

)



(1)

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

(2)

Includes credit default swaps in an asset position associated with consolidated VIEs.

36


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 def erred acquisition costs (“DAC”), value of business acquired (“VOBA”), deferred sales inducements (“DSI”) and deferred front-end loads (“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 June 30, 2016



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

$

2,185

$

(6

)

$

46

$

118

$

82

$

2,425

ABS

44

-

-

14

4

62

U.S. government bonds

-

-

-

10

-

10

Foreign government bonds

111

-

1

-

-

112

RMBS

1

-

-

15

-

16

CMBS

9

2

(1

)

(2

)

-

8

CLOs

591

-

-

40

(586

)

45

Hybrid and redeemable

preferred securities

92

-

(3

)

-

-

89

Equity AFS securities

167

-

3

-

-

170

Trading securities

74

1

(1

)

-

(9

)

65

Derivative investments

190

183

79

(29

)

-

423

Other investments (4)

2

(1

)

-

-

-

1

Other assets – reinsurance recoverable (5)

433

106

-

-

-

539

Future contract benefits – indexed annuity

and IUL contracts embedded

derivatives (5)

(1,088

)

(19

)

-

5

-

(1,102

)

Other liabilities:

Credit default swaps (4)

(12

)

(4

)

-

-

-

(16

)

GLB reserves embedded derivatives (5)

(1,916

)

(542

)

-

-

-

(2,458

)

Total, net

$

883

$

(280

)

$

124

$

171

$

(509

)

$

389

37
















For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2015



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

$

2,033

$

-

$

(58

)

$

61

$

3

$

2,039

ABS

33

-

-

-

-

33

Foreign government bonds

113

-

1

-

-

114

RMBS

1

-

-

-

-

1

CMBS

15

1

2

(6

)

-

12

CLOs

416

-

-

57

(12

)

461

Hybrid and redeemable

preferred securities

75

(1

)

(1

)

-

23

96

Equity AFS securities

135

1

(2

)

8

(1

)

141

Trading securities

75

-

(4

)

1

-

72

Derivative investments

849

122

(123

)

(108

)

-

740

Other assets: (5)

GLB reserves embedded derivatives

-

254

-

-

-

254

Reinsurance recoverable

204

(102

)

-

-

-

102

Future contract benefits – indexed annuity

and IUL contracts embedded

derivatives (5)

(1,180

)

(9

)

-

34

-

(1,155

)

VIEs’ liabilities – derivative instruments (4)

(5

)

2

-

-

-

(3

)

Other liabilities:

Credit default swaps (4)

(3

)

1

-

-

-

(2

)

GLB reserves embedded derivatives (5)

(552

)

450

-

-

-

(102

)

Total, net

$

2,209

$

719

$

(185

)

$

47

$

13

$

2,803



38








For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2016



Purchases,



Gains

Issuances,

Transfers



Items

(Losses)

Sales,

Into or



Included

in

Maturities,

Out



Beginning

in

OCI

Settlements,

of

Ending



Fair

Net

and

Calls,

Level 3,

Fair



Value

Income

Other (1)

Net

Net (2)

Value

Investments: (3)

Fixed maturity AFS securities:

Corporate bonds

$

1,993

$

-

$

64

$

146

$

222

$

2,425

ABS

45

-

(1

)

14

4

62

U.S. government bonds

-

-

-

10

-

10

Foreign government bonds

111

-

1

-

-

112

RMBS

1

-

-

15

-

16

CMBS

10

2

(1

)

(3

)

-

8

CLOs

551

-

2

78

(586

)

45

Hybrid and redeemable

preferred securities

94

-

(5

)

-

-

89

Equity AFS securities

164

-

2

4

-

170

Trading securities

73

2

1

(1

)

(10

)

65

Derivative investments

555

(258

)

171

(45

)

-

423

Other investments (4)

-

1

-

-

-

1

Other assets – reinsurance recoverable (5)

268

271

-

-

-

539

Future contract benefits – indexed annuity

and IUL contracts embedded

derivatives (5)

(1,100

)

(12

)

-

10

-

(1,102

)

VIEs’ liabilities – derivative instruments (4)

(4

)

4

-

-

-

-

Other liabilities:

Credit default swaps (4)

(9

)

(7

)

-

-

-

(16

)

GLB reserves embedded derivatives (5)

(953

)

(1,505

)

-

-

-

(2,458

)

Total, net

$

1,799

$

(1,502

)

$

234

$

228

$

(370

)

$

389



39








For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2015



Purchases,



Gains

Issuances,

Transfers



Items

(Losses)

Sales,

Into or



Included

in

Maturities,

Out



Beginning

in

OCI

Settlements,

of

Ending



Fair

Net

and

Calls,

Level 3,

Fair



Value

Income

Other (1)

Net

Net (2)

Value

Investments: (3)

Fixed maturity AFS securities:

Corporate bonds

$

1,953

$

3

$

(89

)

$

90

$

82

$

2,039

ABS

33

-

-

-

-

33

Foreign government bonds

109

-

5

-

-

114

RMBS

1

-

-

-

-

1

CMBS

15

2

4

(9

)

-

12

CLOs

368

-

3

102

(12

)

461

Hybrid and redeemable

preferred securities

55

(1

)

(1

)

-

43

96

Equity AFS securities

157

1

-

(16

)

(1

)

141

Trading securities

73

1

(2

)

-

-

72

Derivative investments

989

28

(76

)

(201

)

-

740

Other assets: (5)

GLB reserves embedded derivatives

-

254

-

-

-

254

Reinsurance recoverable

154

(52

)

-

-

-

102

Future contract benefits – indexed annuity

and IUL contracts embedded

derivatives (5)

(1,170

)

(47

)

-

62

-

(1,155

)

VIEs’ liabilities – derivative instruments (4)

(13

)

10

-

-

-

(3

)

Other liabilities:

Credit default swaps (4)

(3

)

1

-

-

-

(2

)

GLB reserves embedded derivatives (5)

(174

)

72

-

-

-

(102

)

Total, net

$

2,547

$

272

$

(156

)

$

28

$

112

$

2,803





(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 AFS and trading securities are displayed at amortized cost as of the beginning-of-period.  For AFS and trading securities, the difference between beginning-of-period amortized cost and beginning-of-period 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 OTTI are included in realized gain (loss) on our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss).

(4)

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

(5)

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



40


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 June 30, 2016



Issuances

Sales

Maturities

Settlements

Calls

Total

Investments:

Fixed maturity AFS securities:

Corporate bonds

$

172

$

(8

)

$

-

$

(46

)

$

-

$

118

ABS

15

-

-

(1

)

-

14

U.S. government bonds

-

-

-

10

-

10

RMBS

15

-

-

-

-

15

CMBS

-

(1

)

-

(1

)

-

(2

)

CLOs

40

-

-

-

-

40

Derivative investments

45

(43

)

(31

)

-

-

(29

)

Future contract benefits – indexed annuity

and IUL contracts embedded derivatives

(19

)

-

-

24

-

5

Total, net

$

268

$

(52

)

$

(31

)

$

(14

)

$

-

$

171









For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2015



Issuances

Sales

Maturities

Settlements

Calls

Total

Investments:

Fixed maturity AFS securities:

Corporate bonds

$

131

$

(19

)

$

(15

)

$

(25

)

$

(11

)

$

61

CMBS

-

-

-

(6

)

-

(6

)

CLOs

62

-

-

(5

)

-

57

Equity AFS securities

10

(2

)

-

-

-

8

Trading securities

1

-

-

-

-

1

Derivative investments

47

(49

)

(106

)

-

-

(108

)

Future contract benefits – indexed annuity

and IUL contracts embedded derivatives

(16

)

-

50

-

-

34

Total, net

$

235

$

(70

)

$

(71

)

$

(36

)

$

(11

)

$

47













For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2016



Issuances

Sales

Maturities

Settlements

Calls

Total

Investments:

Fixed maturity AFS securities:

Corporate bonds

$

289

$

-

$

(3

)

$

(83

)

$

(57

)

$

146

ABS

15

-

-

(1

)

-

14

U.S. government bonds

-

-

-

10

-

10

RMBS

15

-

-

-

-

15

CMBS

-

(1

)

-

(2

)

-

(3

)

CLOs

80

-

-

(2

)

-

78

Equity AFS securities

4

-

-

-

-

4

Trading securities

-

-

-

(1

)

-

(1

)

Derivative investments

85

(85

)

(45

)

-

-

(45

)

Future contract benefits – indexed annuity

and IUL contracts embedded derivatives

(45

)

-

-

55

-

10

Total, net

$

443

$

(86

)

$

(48

)

$

(24

)

$

(57

)

$

228







41










For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2015



Issuances

Sales

Maturities

Settlements

Calls

Total

Investments:

Fixed maturity AFS securities:

Corporate bonds

$

194

$

(20

)

$

(15

)

$

(51

)

$

(18

)

$

90

CMBS

-

-

-

(8

)

(1

)

(9

)

CLOs

109

-

-

(7

)

-

102

Equity AFS securities

10

(26

)

-

-

-

(16

)

Derivative investments

88

(193

)

(96

)

-

-

(201

)

Future contract benefits – indexed annuity

and IUL contracts embedded derivatives

(30

)

-

-

92

-

62

Total, net

$

371

$

(239

)

$

(111

)

$

26

$

(19

)

$

28



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

For the Six



Months Ended

Months Ended



June 30,

June 30,



2016

2015

2016

2015

Derivative investments

$

216

$

111

$

(177

)

$

16

Other investments

(1

)

-

1

-

Embedded derivatives:

Indexed annuity and IUL contracts

(1

)

(8

)

(24

)

(34

)

GLB reserves

(409

)

615

(1,233

)

454

VIEs’ liabilities – derivative instruments

-

2

4

10

Credit default swaps

(3

)

1

(7

)

1

Total, net (1)

$

(198

)

$

721

$

(1,436

)

$

447



(1)

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



T he following provides the components of the transfers in to and out of Level 3 (in millions) as reported above:









For the Three

For the Three



Months Ended

Months Ended



June 30, 2016

June 30, 2015



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

$

165

$

(83

)

$

82

$

79

$

(76

)

$

3

ABS

4

-

4

-

-

-

CLOs

-

(586

)

(586

)

4

(16

)

(12

)

Hybrid and redeemable preferred

securities

-

-

-

23

-

23

Equity AFS securities

-

-

-

-

(1

)

(1

)

Trading securities

1

(10

)

(9

)

-

-

-

Total, net

$

170

$

(679

)

$

(509

)

$

106

$

(93

)

$

13











42






For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2016

For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2015



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

$

329

$

(107

)

$

222

$

159

$

(77

)

$

82

ABS

4

-

4

-

-

-

CLOs

-

(586

)

(586

)

4

(16

)

(12

)

Hybrid and redeemable preferred

securities

-

-

-

48

(5

)

43

Equity AFS securities

-

-

-

-

(1

)

(1

)

Trading securities

1

(11

)

(10

)

-

-

-

Total, net

$

334

$

(704

)

$

(370

)

$

211

$

(99

)

$

112



Transfers in to 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 six months ended June 30, 201 6 and 201 5 , transfers in and out of Level 3 were attributable primarily to the securities’ observable market information no longer being available or becoming available.  Transfers in to and out of Levels 1 and 2 are generally the result of a change in the type of input used to measure the fair value of an asset or liability at the end of the reporting period.  When quoted prices in active markets become available, transfers from Level 2 to Level 1 will result.  When quoted prices in active markets become unavailable, but we are able to employ a valuation methodology using significant observable inputs, transfers from Level 1 to Level 2 will result.  For the six months ended June 30, 2016 , the transfers between Levels 1 and 2 of the fair value hierarchy were less than $1 million for our financial instruments carried at fair value. For the six months ended June 30, 2015 , the transfers between Levels 1 and 2 of the fair value hierarchy were $172 million for our financial instruments carried at fair value , which was attributable to quoted market prices being available .

43


T he following summarizes the fair value (in millions), valuation techniques and significant unobservable inputs of the Level 3 fair value measurements as of June 30, 2016 :











Fair

Valuation

Significant

Assumption or



Value

Technique

Unobservable Inputs

Input Ranges

Assets

Investments:

Fixed maturity AFS and trading

securities:

Corporate bonds

$

1,723

Discounted cash flow

Liquidity/duration adjustment (1)

0.7

%

12.0

%

ABS

25

Discounted cash flow

Liquidity/duration adjustment (1)

4.1

%

-

4.1

%

U.S. government bonds

10

Discounted cash flow

Liquidity/duration adjustment (1)

1.4

%

-

1.4

%

Foreign government bonds

78

Discounted cash flow

Liquidity/duration adjustment (1)

2.0

%

-

4.2

%

Hybrid and redeemable

preferred securities

20

Discounted cash flow

Liquidity/duration adjustment (1)

2.3

%

-

2.3

%

Equity AFS securities

27

Discounted cash flow

Liquidity/duration adjustment (1)

4.3

%

-

5.5

%

Other assets – reinsurance

recoverable

539

Discounted cash flow

Long-term lapse rate (2)

1

%

-

30

%



Utilization of guaranteed withdrawals (3)

90

%

-

100

%



Claims utilization factor (4)

60

%

-

100

%



Premiums utilization factor (4)

70

%

-

120

%



NPR (5)

0.05

%

-

0.53

%



Mortality rate (6)

(8)



Volatility (7)

1

%

-

29

%

Liabilities

Future contract benefits – indexed

annuity and IUL contracts

embedded derivatives

$

(1,102

)

Discounted cash flow

Lapse rate (2)

1

%

-

15

%



Mortality rate (6)

(8)

Other liabilities – GLB reserves

embedded derivatives

(2,458

)

Discounted cash flow

Long-term lapse rate (2)

1

%

-

30

%



Utilization of guaranteed withdrawals (3)

90

%

-

100

%



Claims utilization factor (4)

60

%

-

100

%



Premiums utilization factor (4)

70

%

-

120

%



NPR (5)

0.05

%

-

0.53

%



Mortality rate (6)

(8)



Volatility (7)

1

%

-

29

%



(1)

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

(2)

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

(3)

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

(4)

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

(5)

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

(6)

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

(7)

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

(8)

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



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

44


makers or broker-dealers obtained from third-party sources recognized as market participants.  The fair value of a broker-quoted asset or liability is based solely on the receipt of an updated quote from a single market maker or a broker-dealer recognized as a market participant as we do not adjust broker quotes when used as the fair value measurement for an asset or liability.  Significant increases or decreases in any of the quotes received from a third-party broker-dealer may result in a significantly higher or lower fair value measurement.



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



·

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

·

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

·

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



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



As part of our on going valuation process, we assess the reasonableness of our valuation techniques or models and make adjustments as necessary.  For more information, see “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” in Note 1 of our 2015 Form 10-K .



13 .  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.  See Note 2 1 of our 2015 Form 10-K for a brief description of these segments and Other Operations.



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



·

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

§

Sales or disposals and impairments of securities;

§

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

§

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

§

Changes in the fair value of the embedded derivatives of our GLB riders reflected within variable annuity net derivative results accounted for at fair value;

§

Changes in the fair value of the derivatives we own to hedge our GLB riders reflected within variable annuity net derivative results; and

§

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

·

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

·

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

·

Gains (losses) on early extinguishment of debt;

·

Losses from the impairment of intangible assets;

·

Income (loss) from discontinued operations; and

·

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



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



·

Excluded realized gain (loss);

·

Revenue adjustments from the initial adoption of new accounting standards;

·

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

·

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



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

45


Segment information (in millions) was as follows:











For the Three

For the Six



Months Ended

Months Ended



June 30,

June 30,



2016

2015

2016

2015

Revenues

Operating revenues:

Annuities

$

983

$

991

$

2,022

$

1,981

Retirement Plan Services

270

270

537

543

Life Insurance

1,538

1,443

3,016

2,874

Group Protection

525

617

1,059

1,222

Other Operations

79

96

161

191

Excluded realized gain (loss), pre-tax

(89

)

(37

)

(245

)

(127

)

Amortization of deferred gain arising

from reserve changes on business

sold through reinsurance, pre-tax

1

1

1

1

Total revenues

$

3,307

$

3,381

$

6,551

$

6,685













For the Three

For the Six



Months Ended

Months Ended



June 30,

June 30,



2016

2015

2016

2015

Net Income (Loss)

Income (loss) from operations:

Annuities

$

235

$

255

$

453

$

494

Retirement Plan Services

31

30

61

65

Life Insurance

120

105

195

215

Group Protection

15

19

20

13

Other Operations

(28

)

(38

)

(42

)

(63

)

Excluded realized gain (loss), after-tax

(57

)

(23

)

(159

)

(83

)

Income (loss) from reserve changes (net of related

amortization) on business sold through reinsurance, after-tax

-

-

1

1

Benefit ratio unlocking, after-tax

9

(4

)

4

2

Net income (loss)

$

325

$

344

$

533

$

644





46


Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations



The following Management’s Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”) is intended to help the reader understand the financial condition as of June 30, 2016 , compared with December 31, 2015 , and the results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 , compared with the corresponding period s in 2015 of Lincoln National Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries.  Unless otherwise stated or the context otherwise requires, “LNC,” “Company,” “we,” “our” or “us” refers to Lincoln National Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries.  The MD&A is provided as a supplement to, and 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, 2015 (“ 2015 Form 10-K”), including the sections entitled “Part I – Item 1A. Risk Factors,” “Part II – Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and “Part II – Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” ; our quarterly report on Form 10-Q filed in 2016; and our current reports on Form 8-K filed in 2016 .  For more detailed information on the risks and uncertainties associated with the Company’s business activities, see the risks described in “Part I – Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our 20 15 Form 10-K as updated by “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our first quarter 2016 Form 10-Q.



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.  Financial information that follows is presented in accordance with United States of America generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), unless otherwise indicated.  See Note 1 in our 2015 Form 10-K for a discussion of GAAP.



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 13 .  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 because the excluded items 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 investors with a more valuable measure of our performance because it better reveals trends in our business.



FOR WARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS CAUTIONARY LANGUAGE



Certain statements made in this report and in other written or oral statements made by us or on our behalf are “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, and may contain words like:  “believe,” “anticipate,” “expect,” “estimate,” “project,” “will,” “shall” 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 involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from the results contained in the forward-looking statements.  Risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to vary materially, some of which are described within the forward-looking statements, include, among others:



·

Deterioration in general economic and business conditions that may affect account values, investment results, guaranteed benefit liabilities, premium levels, claims experience and the level of pension benefit costs, funding and investment results;

·

Adverse global capital and credit market conditions could affect our ability to raise capital, if necessary, and may cause us to realize impairments on investments and certain intangible assets, including goodwill and the valuation allowance against deferred tax assets, which may reduce future earnings and/or affect our financial condition and ability to raise additional capital or refinance existing debt as it matures;

·

Because of our holding company structure, the inability of our subsidiaries to pay dividends to the holding company in sufficient amounts could harm the holding company’s ability to meet its obligations;

·

Legislative, regulatory or tax changes, both domestic and foreign, that affect: the cost of, or demand for, our subsidiaries’ products, the required amount of reserves and/or surplus, our ability to conduct business and our captive reinsurance arrangements as well as restrictions on revenue sharing and 12b ‑1 payments , the potential for U.S. federal tax reform and the effect of the Department of Labor’s (“DOL”) regulation defining fiduciary ;

·

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

·

Declines in or sustained low interest rates causing a reduction in investment income, the interest margins of our businesses, estimated gross profits (“EGPs”) 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;

·

Uncertainty about the effect of rules and regulations to be promulgated under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (“Dodd-Frank Act”) on us and the economy and financial services sector in particular;

·

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

47


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 in the equity markets causing a reduction in the sales of our subsidiaries’ products, a reduction of asset-based fees that our subsidiaries charge on various investment and insurance products, an acceleration of the net amortization of deferred acquisition costs (“DAC”), value of business acquired (“VOBA”), deferred sales inducements (“DSI”) and deferred front-end loads (“DFEL”) and an increase in liabilities related to guaranteed benefit features of our subsidiaries’ variable annuity products;

·

Ineffectiveness of our risk management policies and procedures, including various hedging strategies used to offset the effect of changes in the value of liabilities due to changes in the level and volatility of the equity markets and interest rates;

·

A deviation in actual experience regarding future persistency, mortality, morbidity, interest rates or equity market returns from the assumptions used in pricing our subsidiaries’ products, in establishing related insurance reserves and in the net amortization of DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL, which may reduce future earnings;

·

Changes in GAAP, including convergence with International Financ ial Reporting Standards , that may result in unanticipated changes to our net income;

·

Lowering of one or more of our debt ratings issued by nationally recognized statistical rating organizations and the adverse effect such action may have on our ability to raise capital and on our liquidity and financial condition;

·

Lowering of one or more of the insurer financial strength ratings of our insurance subsidiaries and the adverse effect such action may have on the premium writings, policy retention, profitability of our insurance subsidiaries and liquidity;

·

Significant credit, accounting, fraud, corporate governance or other issues that may adversely affect the value of certain investments in our portfolios, as well as counterparties to which we are exposed to credit risk, requiring that we realize losses on investments;

·

Inability to protect our intellectual property rights or claims of infringement of the intellectual property rights of others;

·

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

·

The effect of acquisitions and divestitures, restructurings, product withdrawals and other unusual items;

·

The adequacy and collectability of reinsurance that we have purchased;

·

Acts of terrorism, a pandemic, 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 our subsidiaries can charge for their products;

·

The unknown effect on our subsidiaries’ businesses resulting from changes in the demographics of their client base, as aging baby-boomers move from the asset-accumulation stage to the asset-distribution stage of life; and

·

Loss of key management, financial planners or wholesalers.



The risks included here are not exhaustive. Our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly report on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and other documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“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.



Further, it is not possible to assess the effect of all risk factors on our businesses or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements.  Given these risks and uncertainties, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements as a prediction of actual results.  In addition, we disclaim any obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that occur after the date of this report.



IN TRODUCTION



Ex ecutive Summary



We are a holding company that operates multiple insurance and retirement businesses through subsidiary companies.  Through our business segments, we sell a wide range of wealth protection, accumulation and retirement income products and solutions.  These products include fixed and indexed annuities, variable annuities, universal life insurance (“UL”), variable universal life insurance (“VUL”), linked-benefit UL, indexed universal life insurance (“IUL”), term life insurance, employer-sponsored retirement plans and services, and group life, disability and dental.



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.  These segments and Other Operations are described in “Part I – Item 1. Business” of our 2015 Form 10-K.



For information on how we derive our revenues, see the discussion in results of operations by segment below.



Our current market conditions, significant operational matters, industry trends, issues and outlook are described in “ Part II – Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Introduction – Executive Summary” of our 2015 Form 10-K.



48


For factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in this section, see “Forward-Looking Statements – Cautionary Language” above and “Part I – Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our 2015 Form 10-K as updated by “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our first quarter 2016 Form 10-Q.



C ritical Accounting Policies and Estimates



The MD&A included in our 2015 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 2015 Form 10-K and, accordingly, should be read in conjunction with the “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates” discussed in our 2015 Form 10-K.



DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL



Unlocking



As stated in “Part II – Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates – Unlocking” in our 2015 Form 10-K, we conduct our annual comprehensive review of the assumptions and projection models underlying the amortization of DAC, VOBA, DSI, DFEL, embedded derivatives and reserves for life insurance and annuity products in t he third quarter of each year. The profitability of our business depends, among other things, on assumptions regarding variable fund returns, investment margins, lapse rates and mortality.



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 2015 Form 10-K.



If we had unlocked our RTM assumption as of June 30, 2016 , we would have recorded a favorable unlocking of approximately $10 5 million, pre-tax, for Annuities, approximately $ 20 million, pre-tax, for Retirement Plan Services , and approximately $ 15 million, pre-tax, for Life Insurance.



Investments



Investment Valuation



The following summarizes our available-for-sale (“AFS”) and trading securities and derivative investments carried at fair value by pricing source and fair value hierarchy level (in millions) as of June 30, 2016 :









Quoted



Prices



in Active



Markets for

Significant

Significant



Identical

Observable

Unobservable



Assets

Inputs

Inputs

Total



(Level 1)

(Level 2)

(Level 3)

Fair Value

Priced by third-party pricing services

$

759

$

79,808

$

-

$

80,567

Priced by independent broker quotations

-

-

1,542

1,542

Priced by matrices

-

12,798

-

12,798

Priced by other methods (1)

-

-

1,884

1,884

Total

$

759

$

92,606

$

3,426

$

96,791



Percent of total

1%

96%

3%

100%



(1)

Represents primarily securities for which pricing models were used to compute fair value.





For more information about the valuation of our financial instruments carried at fair value, see “Part II – Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Introduction – Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates – Investments – Investment Valuation” in our 2015 Form 10-K and Note 12 herein.



As of June 30, 2016 , we evaluated the markets that our securities trade in and concluded that none were inactive.  We will continue to re-evaluate this conclusion, as needed, based on market conditions.  We use unobservable inputs to measure the fair value of securities trading in less liquid or illiquid markets with limited or no pricing information. We obtain broker quotes for securities such as synthetic convertibles, index-linked certificates of deposit and collateralized debt obligations (“CDOs”) when sufficient security structure or other market information is not available to produce an evaluation. For broker-quoted only securities, non-binding quotes from market makers or broker-dealers are obtained from sources recognized as market participants. Broker-quoted securities are based solely on receipt of updated quotes from a single market maker or a broker-dealer recognized as a market participant. Our broker-quoted only securities are

49


generally classified as Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.  As of June 30, 2016 , we used broker quotes for 30 securities as our final price source, representing less than 1% of total securities owned.



Derivatives



Our accounting policies for derivatives and the potential effect on interest spreads in a falling rate environment are discussed in Note 5 of this report and “Part II – Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” in our 2015 Form 10-K.



Guaranteed Living Benefits



Within our individual annuity business, approximately 66 % of our variable annuity account values contained guaranteed living benefits (“GLB”) features as of June 30, 2016 . Underperforming equity markets increase our exposure to potential benefits with the GLB features.  A contract with a GLB feature is “in the money” if the contract holder’s account balance falls below the present value of guaranteed withdrawal or income benefits, assuming no lapses.  As of June 30, 2016 and 2015 , 11 % and 4 %, respectively, of all in-force contracts with a GLB feature were “in the money,” and our exposure, after reinsurance, as of June 30, 2016 and 2015 , was $ 724 million and $ 287 million, respectively.  However, the only way the contract holder can realize the excess of the present value of benefits over the account value of the contract is through a series of withdrawals or income payments that do not exceed a maximum amount.  If, after the series of withdrawals or income payments, the account value is exhausted, the contract holder will continue to receive a series of annuity payments.  The account value can also fluctuate with equity market returns on a daily basis resulting in increases or decreases in the excess of the present value of benefits over account value.



For information on our variable annuity hedge program performance, see our discussion in “Realized Gain (Loss) and Benefit Ratio Unlocking – Variable Annuity Net Derivatives Results” below.



For information on our estimates of the potential instantaneous effect to net income, which could result from sudden changes that may occur in equity markets, interest rates and implied market volatilities, see our discussion in “Part II – Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Introduction – Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates – Derivatives – GLB” in our 2015 Form 10-K.



RESULTS OF CONSOLIDATED OPERATIONS



Details underlying the consolidated results, de posits, net flows and account values (in millions) were as follows:











For the Three

For the Six



Months Ended

Months Ended



June 30,

June 30,



2016

2015

Change

2016

2015

Change

Net Income (Loss)

Income (loss) from operations:

Annuities

$

235

$

255

-8%

$

453

$

494

-8%

Retirement Plan Services

31

30

3%

61

65

-6%

Life Insurance

120

105

14%

195

215

-9%

Group Protection

15

19

-21%

20

13

54%

Other Operations

(28

)

(38

)

26%

(42

)

(63

)

33%

Excluded realized gain (loss), after-tax

(57

)

(23

)

NM

(159

)

(83

)

-92%

Income (expense) from reserve changes

(net of related amortization) on business

sold through reinsurance, after-tax

-

-

NM

1

1

0%

Benefit ratio unlocking, after-tax

9

(4

)

NM

4

2

100%

Net income (loss)

$

325

$

344

-6%

$

533

$

644

-17%











50






For the Three

For the Six



Months Ended

Months Ended



June 30,

June 30,



2016

2015

Change

2016

2015

Change

Deposits

Annuities

$

2,113

$

3,380

-37%

$

4,466

$

6,370

-30%

Retirement Plan Services

1,660

1,862

-11%

3,452

3,567

-3%

Life Insurance

1,391

1,344

3%

2,630

2,655

-1%

Total deposits

$

5,164

$

6,586

-22%

$

10,548

$

12,592

-16%



Net Flows

Annuities

$

(452

)

$

397

NM

$

(486

)

$

593

NM

Retirement Plan Services

4

306

-99%

82

422

-81%

Life Insurance

978

929

5%

1,808

1,817

0%

Total net flows

$

530

$

1,632

-68%

$

1,404

$

2,832

-50%











As of June 30,



2016

2015

Change

Account Values

Annuities

$

122,851

$

124,535

-1%

Retirement Plan Services

55,430

54,989

1%

Life Insurance

44,402

43,059

3%

Total account values

$

222,683

$

222,583

0%





Compariso n of the Three Months Ended June 30, 2016 to 2015



Net income de creased due primarily to the following:



·

Realized losses driven by asset disposals a n d an increase in other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) attributable to individual credit risks within our corporate bond holdings .

·

Decline in average account values due to lower average equity markets.

·

L ess favorable investment income on alternative investments.

·

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:



·

Growth in business in force.

·

Legal accrual releases during 2016 as compared to legal expenses during 2015.

·

Favorable variable annuity net derivatives results.



Compariso n of the Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 to 2015



Net income de creased due primarily to the following:



·

Higher legal expenses related to certain investments.

·

L ess favorable investment income on alternative investments and l ower prepayment an d bond make-whole premiums .

·

Higher r ealized losses driven by asset disposals a n d an increase in OTTI attributable to individual credit risks within our corporate bond holdings .

·

Decline in average account values due to lower average equity markets.

·

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:



·

Growth in business in force.

·

Legal accrual releases during 2016 as compared to legal expenses during 2015.

·

More favorable total non-medical loss ratio experience in our Group Protection segment.



51


RESULTS OF ANNUITIES



Inc ome (Loss) from Operations



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









For the Three

For the Six



Months Ended

Months Ended



June 30,

June 30,



2016

2015

Change

2016

2015

Change

Operating Revenues

Insurance premiums (1)

$

68

$

55

24%

$

219

$

135

62%

Fee income

510

531

-4%

1,003

1,041

-4%

Net investment income

258

247

4%

509

494

3%

Operating realized gain (loss) (2)

44

45

-2%

87

87

0%

Other revenues (3)

103

113

-9%

204

224

-9%

Total operating revenues

983

991

-1%

2,022

1,981

2%

Operating Expenses

Interest credited

144

139

4%

283

283

0%

Benefits (1)

136

90

51%

353

218

62%

Commissions and other expenses

407

434

-6%

818

859

-5%

Total operating expenses

687

663

4%

1,454

1,360

7%

Income (loss) from operations before taxes

296

328

-10%

568

621

-9%

Federal income tax expense (benefit)

61

73

-16%

115

127

-9%

Income (loss) from operations

$

235

$

255

-8%

$

453

$

494

-8%



(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) and Benefit Ratio Unlocking” below.

(3)

Consists primarily of revenues attributable to broker-dealer services that are subject to market volatility.



Comparison of the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 to 2015



I ncome fro m operations for this segment de creased due primarily to the following:



·

Higher benefits attributable to an increase in the growth in benefit reserves due to lower average equity markets.

·

L ower fee income driven by lower average daily variable account values as a result of lower average equity markets .



The de crease in income from operations was partially offset primarily by l ower commissions and other expenses driven by a decrease in amortization expense as a result of lower actual gross profits and amortization rates and lower incentive compensation as a result of production performance.



We provide information about this segment’s operating revenue and operating expense line items, the period in which amounts are recognized, key drivers of changes and historical details underlying the line items and their associated drivers below.



See the Variable Account Value Information table within “Fee Income” below for drivers of changes in our variable account values and the Fixed Account Value Information table within “Net Investment Income and Interest Credited” below for drivers of changes in our fixed account values.



Additional Information



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 .  For the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 , 29% and 27% of our variable annuity deposits were on products without GLB riders , respectively, compared to 28 % for the corresponding period s in 201 5 .  As a result of the more volatile market environment, our variable annuity deposits for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016, were significantly lower than the corresponding periods in 2015 resulting in negative net flows.



The other component of net flows relates to the retention of the business.  An important measure of retention is the lapse rate, which compares the amount of withdrawals to the average account values.  The overall lapse rate for our annuity products was 6 % for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016, compared to 7% for the corresponding periods in 2015 .



52


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 accounts or other changes that may cause interest rate spreads to differ from our expectations. For information on interest rate spreads and interest rate risk, see “Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk – Interest Rate Risk” herein and “Part II – Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk – Interest Rate Risk – Interest Rate Risk on Fixed Insurance Businesses – Falling Rates” and “Part I – Item 1A. Risk Factors – Market Conditions – Changes in interest rates and sustained low interest rates may cause interest rate spreads to decrease and changes in interest rates may also result in increased contract withdrawals” in our 2015 Form 10-K .



On April 8, 2016, the DOL released the final fiduciary advice regulation that provides for a phased implementation, the first of which will be effective April 10, 2017, with full implementation by January 1, 2018. For information about regulatory risk including the potential impact of the DOL regulation, see “Department of Labor regulation defining fiduciary could cause changes to the manner in which we deliver products and services as well as changes in nature and amount of compensation and fees in “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our first quarter 2016 Form 10-Q.



For factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in this section, see “Forward-Looking Statements – Cautionary Language” above and “Part I – Item 1A. Risk Factors ” in our 2015 Form 10-K as updated by “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our first quarter 2016 Form 10-Q .



Fee Income



Details underlying fee income , account values and net flows (in millions) were as follows:











For the Three

For the Six



Months Ended

Months Ended



June 30,

June 30,



2016

2015

Change

2016

2015

Change

Fee Income

Mortality, expense and other assessments

$

506

$

524

-3%

$

994

$

1,026

-3%

Surrender charges

8

8

0%

16

15

7%

DFEL:

Deferrals

(10

)

(10

)

0%

(19

)

(18

)

-6%

Amortization, net of interest

6

9

-33%

12

18

-33%

Total fee income

$

510

$

531

-4%

$

1,003

$

1,041

-4%















As of or For the Three

As of or For the Six



Months Ended

Months Ended



June 30,

June 30,



2016

2015

Change

2016

2015

Change

Variable Account Value Information

Variable annuity deposits (1)

$

1,217

$

2,302

-47%

$

2,291

$

4,189

-45%

Increases (decreases) in variable annuity

account values:

Net flows (1)

(818

)

(75

)

NM

(1,658

)

(463

)

NM

Change in market value (1)

1,389

(283

)

NM

1,408

1,537

-8%

Transfers to the variable portion

of variable annuity products

from the fixed portion of

variable annuity products

594

788

-25%

1,312

1,507

-13%

Variable annuity account values (1)

100,968

103,408

-2%

100,968

103,408

-2%

Average daily variable annuity account

values (1)

100,468

104,794

-4%

98,454

103,389

-5%

Average daily S&P 500

2,074

2,102

-1%

2,013

2,083

-3%



(1)

Excludes the fixed portion of variable.



We charge contract holders mortality and expense assessments on variable annuity accounts to cover insurance and administrative expenses.  These assessments are a function of the rates priced into the product and the average daily variable account values.  Average daily account values are driven by net flows and variable fund returns.  Charges on GLB riders are assessed based on a contractual rate

53


that is applied either to the account value or the guaranteed amount.  In addition, for our fixed annuity contracts and for some variable contracts, we collect surrender charges when contract holders surrender their contracts during their surrender charge periods to protect us from premature withdrawals. Fee income include s charges on both our variable and fixed annuity products, but excludes the attributed fees on our GLB rider s; see “Part II – Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Realized Gain (Loss) and Benefit Ratio Unlocking – Operating Realized Gain (Loss)” in our 2 01 5 Form 10-K for discussion of these attribute d fee s.



Net Investment Income and Interest Credited



Details underlying net investment income, interest credited (in millions) and our interest rate spread were as follows:









For the Three

For the Six



Months Ended

Months Ended



June 30,

June 30,



2016

2015

Change

2016

2015

Change

Net Investment Income

Fixed maturity securities, mortgage loans

on real estate and other, net of

investment expenses

$

215

$

206

4%

$

429

$

412

4%

Commercial mortgage loan prepayment and

bond make-whole premiums (1)

4

3

33%

7

13

-46%

Surplus investments (2)

39

38

3%

73

69

6%

Total net investment income

$

258

$

247

4%

$

509

$

494

3%



Interest Credited

Amount provided to contract holders

$

142

$

138

3%

$

281

$

278

1%

DSI deferrals

(4

)

(7

)

43%

(11

)

(12

)

8%

Interest credited before DSI amortization

138

131

5%

270

266

2%

DSI amortization

6

8

-25%

13

17

-24%

Total interest credited

$

144

$

139

4%

$

283

$

283

0%



(1)

See “Consolidated Investments – Commercial Mortgage Loan Prepayment and Bond Make-Whole Premiums” below for additional information.

(2)

Represents net investment income on the required statutory surplus for this segment and includes the effect of investment income on alternative investments for such assets that are held in the portfolios supporting statutory surplus versus the portfolios supporting product liabilities.







For the Three

For the Six



Months Ended

Basis

Months Ended

Basis



June 30,

Point

June 30,

Point



2016

2015

Change

2016

2015

Change

Interest Rate Spread

Fixed maturity securities, mortgage loans

on real estate and other, net of

investment expenses

4.08%

4.20%

(12

)

4.10%

4.22%

(12

)

Commercial mortgage loan prepayment and

bond make-whole premiums

0.07%

0.06%

1

0.06%

0.13%

(7

)

Net investment income yield on reserves

4.15%

4.26%

(11

)

4.16%

4.35%

(19

)

Interest rate credited to contract holders

2.69%

2.61%

8

2.64%

2.63%

1

Interest rate spread

1.46%

1.65%

(19

)

1.52%

1.72%

(20

)







54




As of or For the Three

As of or For the Six



Months Ended

Months Ended



June 30,

June 30,



2016

2015

Change

2016

2015

Change

Fixed Account Value Information

Fixed annuity deposits (1)

$

896

$

1,078

-17%

$

2,175

$

2,181

0%

Increases (decreases) in fixed annuity

account values:

Net flows (1)

366

472

-22%

1,172

1,056

11%

Transfers from the fixed portion

of variable annuity products to

the variable portion of variable

annuity products

(594

)

(788

)

25%

(1,312

)

(1,507

)

13%

Reinvested interest credited (1)

168

146

15%

300

319

-6%

Fixed annuity account values (1)

21,883

21,127

4%

21,883

21,127

4%

Average fixed account values (1)

21,915

21,026

4%

21,832

21,114

3%

Average invested assets on reserves

21,126

19,654

7%

21,041

19,604

7%



(1)

Includes the fixed portion of variable.



A portion of our investment income earned is credited to the contract holders of our fixed annuity products, including the fixed portion of variable annuity contracts.  We expect to earn a spread between what we earn on the underlying general account investments supporting the fixed annuity product line, including the fixed portion of variable annuity contracts, and what we credit to our fixed annuity contract holders’ accounts, including the fixed portion of variable annuity contracts.  Changes in commercial mortgage loan prepayments and bond make-whole premiums, investment income on alternative investments and surplus investment income can vary significantly from period to period due to a number of factors and, therefore, may contribute to investment income results that are not indicative of the underlying trends.



Benefits



Benefits for this segment include changes in income annuity reserves driven by premiums, changes in benefit reserves and our expected costs associated with purchases of derivatives used to hedge our benefit ratio unlocking on benefit reserves associated with our guaranteed death benefit riders.  For a corresponding offset of changes in income annuity reserves, see footnote 1 of “Income (Loss) from Operations” above.



55


Commissions and Other Expenses



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









For the Three

For the Six



Months Ended

Months Ended



June 30,

June 30,



2016

2015

Change

2016

2015

Change

Commissions and Other Expenses

Commissions:

Deferrable

$

92

$

145

-37%

$

190

$

274

-31%

Non-deferrable

124

122

2%

244

242

1%

General and administrative expenses

102

111

-8%

206

214

-4%

Inter-segment reimbursement associated

with reserve financing and

LOC expenses (1)

-

1

-100%

1

3

-67%

Taxes, licenses and fees

6

6

0%

17

18

-6%

Total expenses incurred, excluding

broker-dealer

324

385

-16%

658

751

-12%

DAC deferrals

(105

)

(165

)

36%

(217

)

(311

)

30%

Total pre-broker-dealer expenses

incurred, excluding amortization,

net of interest

219

220

0%

441

440

0%

DAC and VOBA amortization,

net of interest

86

101

-15%

173

201

-14%

Broker-dealer expenses incurred

102

113

-10%

204

218

-6%

Total commissions and other

expenses

$

407

$

434

-6%

$

818

$

859

-5%



DAC Deferrals

As a percentage of sales/deposits

5.0%

4.9%

4.9%

4.9%



(1)

Includes reimbursements to Annuities from the Life Insurance segment for reserve financing, net of expenses incurred by Annuities for its use of letters of credit (“LOCs”).  The inter-segment amounts are not reported on our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss).



Commissions and other costs that result directly from and are essential to the successful acquisition of new or renewal business are deferred to the extent recoverable and are amortized over the lives of the contracts in relation to EGPs.  C ertain types of commissions, such as trail commissions that a re based on account values, are expensed as incurred rather than deferred and amortized.



Broker-dealer expenses that vary with and are related to sales are expensed as incurred and not deferred and amortized.  Fluctuations in these expenses correspond with fluctua tions in other revenues .



56


RESULTS OF RETIREMENT PLAN SERVICES



Inc ome (Loss) from Operations



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









For the Three

For the Six



Months Ended

Months Ended



June 30,

June 30,



2016

2015

Change

2016

2015

Change

Operating Revenues

Fee income

$

57

$

61

-7%

$

112

$

123

-9%

Net investment income

209

206

1%

417

414

1%

Other revenues (1)

4

3

33%

8

6

33%

Total operating revenues

270

270

0%

537

543

-1%

Operating Expenses

Interest credited

127

123

3%

251

245

2%

Benefits

-

1

-100%

1

1

0%

Commissions and other expenses

102

107

-5%

202

209

-3%

Total operating expenses

229

231

-1%

454

455

0%

Income (loss) from operations before taxes

41

39

5%

83

88

-6%

Federal income tax expense (benefit)

10

9

11%

22

23

-4%

Income (loss) from operations

$

31

$

30

3%

$

61

$

65

-6%



(1)

Consists primarily of mutual fund account program revenues f rom mid to large employers.



Comparison of the Three Months Ended June 30 , 201 6 to 201 5



Income from operations for this segment increased due primarily to lower commissions and other expenses driven by a decrease in amortization expense as a result of lower actual gross profits and amortization rates , partially offset by lower fee income driven by lower average daily variable account values as a result of lower average equity markets.



Comparison of the Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 to 2015



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



·

Lower fee income driven by lower average daily variable account values as a result of lower average equity markets.

·

Lower net investment income, net of interest credited, driven by lower prepayment and bond make-whole premiums and spread compression due to average new money rates trailing our current portfolio yields, partially offset by higher average fixed account values.



The decrease in income from operations was partially offset by lower commissions and other expenses driven by a decrease in amortization expense as a result of lower actual gross profits and amortization rates.



We provide information about this segment’s operating revenue and operating expense line items, the period in which amounts are recognized, key drivers of changes and historical details underlying the line items and their associated drivers below.



See the Variable Account Value Information table within “Fee Income” below for drivers of changes in our variable account values and the Fixed Account Value Information table within “Net Investment Income and Interest Credited” below for drivers of changes in our fixed account values.



See “Consolidated Investments – Commercial Mortgage Loan Prepayment and Bond Make-Whole Premiums” below for more information on prepayment and bond make-whole premiums.



Additional Information



Net flows in this business fluctuate based on the timing of larger plans being implemented on our platform 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 are an important indicator of future profitability. The other component of net flows relates to the retention of the business.  An important measure of retention is the lapse rate, which compares the amount of

57


withdrawals to the average account values.  The overall lapse rate for the business was 12% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016, compared to 1 1 % for the corresponding period s in 2015.



Our net flows are negatively affected by the continued net outflows from our oldest blocks of annuities business (as presented on our Account Value Roll Forward table below as “ Multi-Fund ® and Other ”), which are also our highest 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 29% and 30 % as of June 30, 2016 and 2015 , respectively.  Due to this expected overall shift in business mix toward products with lower returns, a significant increase in new deposit production continues to be necessary to maintain earnings at current levels.



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 interest rate risk, see “Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk – Interest Rate Risk” herein and “Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk – Interest Rate Risk – Interest Rate Risk on Fixed Insurance Businesses – Falling Rates” and “Part I – Item 1A. Risk Factors – Market Conditions – Changes in interest rates and sustained low interest rates may cause interest rate spreads to decrease and changes in interest rates may also result in increased c ontract withdrawals” in our 2015 Form 10-K.



On April 8, 2016, the DOL released the final fiduciary advice regulation that provides for a phased implementation, the first of which will be effective April 10, 2017, with full implementation by January 1, 2018. For information about regulatory risk including the potential impact of the DOL regulation, see “ Department of Labor regulation defining fiduciary could cause changes to the manner in which we deliver products and services as well as changes in nature and amount of compensation and fees in “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our first quarter 2016 Form 10-Q.



For factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in this section, see “Forward-Looking Statements – Cautionary Language” above and “Part I – Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our 2015 Form 10-K as updated by “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our first quarter 2016 Form 10-Q.



Fee Income



Details underlying fee income, account values and net flows (in millions) were as follows:

\









For the Three

For the Six



Months Ended

Months Ended



June 30,

June 30,



2016

2015

Change

2016

2015

Change

Fee Income

Annuity expense assessments

$

42

$

47

-11%

$

84

$

96

-13%

Mutual fund fees

14

14

0%

27

27

0%

Total expense assessments

56

61

-8%

111

123

-10%

Surrender charges

1

-

NM

1

-

NM

Total fee income

$

57

$

61

-7%

$

112

$

123

-9%

58










For the Three

For the Six



Months Ended

Months Ended



June 30,

June 30,



2016

2015

Change

2016

2015

Change

Account Value Roll Forward (1)

Small Market:

Balance as of beginning-of-period

$

8,755

$

8,676

1%

$

8,653

$

8,574

1%

Gross deposits

489

451

8%

946

904

5%

Withdrawals and deaths

(511

)

(449

)

-14%

(955

)

(921

)

-4%

Net flows

(22

)

2

NM

(9

)

(17

)

47%

Transfers between fixed and variable

accounts

3

(10

)

130%

9

(8

)

213%

Change in market value and reinvestment

154

(25

)

NM

237

94

152%

Balance as of end-of-period

$

8,890

$

8,643

3%

$

8,890

$

8,643

3%



Mid – Large Market:

Balance as of beginning-of-period

$

29,656

$

29,040

2%

$

29,279

$

28,067

4%

Gross deposits

1,031

1,279

-19%

2,208

2,396

-8%

Withdrawals and deaths

(840

)

(724

)

-16%

(1,802

)

(1,453

)

-24%

Net flows

191

555

-66%

406

943

-57%

Transfers between fixed and variable

accounts

19

13

46%

32

(2

)

NM

Change in market value and reinvestment

515

14

NM

664

614

8%

Balance as of end-of-period

$

30,381

$

29,622

3%

$

30,381

$

29,622

3%



Multi-Fund ® and Other:

Balance as of beginning-of-period

$

16,088

$

16,916

-5%

$

16,168

$

16,898

-4%

Gross deposits

140

132

6%

298

267

12%

Withdrawals and deaths

(305

)

(383

)

20%

(613

)

(771

)

20%

Net flows

(165

)

(251

)

34%

(315

)

(504

)

38%

Change in market value and reinvestment

236

59

300%

306

330

-7%

Balance as of end-of-period

$

16,159

$

16,724

-3%

$

16,159

$

16,724

-3%



Total:

Balance as of beginning-of-period

$

54,499

$

54,632

0%

$

54,100

$

53,539

1%

Gross deposits

1,660

1,862

-11%

3,452

3,567

-3%

Withdrawals and deaths

(1,656

)

(1,556

)

-6%

(3,370

)

(3,145

)

-7%

Net flows

4

306

-99%

82

422

-81%

Transfers between fixed and variable

accounts

22

3

NM

41

(10

)

NM

Change in market value and reinvestment

905

48

NM

1,207

1,038

16%

Balance as of end-of-period

$

55,430

$

54,989

1%

$

55,430

$

54,989

1%



(1)

Includes mutual fund account values and other third-party trustee-held assets.  These items are not included in the separate accounts reported on our Consolidated Balance Sheets as we do not have any ownership interest in them.

59










As of or For the Three

As of or For the Six



Months Ended

Months Ended



June 30,

June 30,



2016

2015

Change

2016

2015

Change

Variable Account Value Information

Variable annuity deposits (1)

$

364

$

351

4%

$

717

$

702

2%

Increases (decreases) in variable annuity

account values:

Net flows (1)

(183

)

(222

)

18%

(295

)

(413

)

29%

Change in market value (1)

276

(42

)

NM

329

249

32%

Transfers from the variable portion

of variable annuity products

to the fixed portion of

variable annuity products

(79

)

(51

)

-55%

(169

)

(112

)

-51%

Variable annuity account values (1)

13,959

15,001

-7%

13,959

15,001

-7%

Average daily variable annuity account

values (1)

13,923

15,391

-10%

13,655

15,333

-11%

Average daily S&P 500

2,074

2,102

-1%

2,013

2,083

-3%



(1)

Excludes the fixed portion of variable.



We charge expense assessments to cover insurance and administrative expenses.  Expense assessments are generally equal to a percentage of the daily variable account values.  Average daily account values are driven by net flows and the equity markets.  Our expense assessments include fees we earn for the services that we provide to our mutual fund programs.  In addition, for both our fixed and variable annuity contracts, we collect surrender charges when contract holders surrender their contracts during the surrender charge periods to protect us from premature withdrawals.



Net Investment Income and Interest Credited



Details underlying net investment income, interest credited (in millions) and our interest rate spread were as follows:









For the Three

For the Six



Months Ended

Months Ended



June 30,

June 30,



2016

2015

Change

2016

2015

Change

Net Investment Income

Fixed maturity securities, mortgage loans

on real estate and other, net of

investment expenses

$

189

$

189

0%

$

381

$

375

2%

Commercial mortgage loan prepayment and

bond make-whole premiums (1)

2

1

100%

4

9

-56%

Surplus investments (2)

18

16

13%

32

30

7%

Total net investment income

$

209

$

206

1%

$

417

$

414

1%



Interest Credited

$

127

$

123

3%

$

251

$

245

2%



(1)

See “Consolidated Investments – Commercial Mortgage Loan Prepayment and Bond Make-Whole Premiums” below for additional information.

(2)

Represents net investment income on the required statutory surplus for this segment and includes the effect of investment income on alternative investments for such assets that are held in the portfolios supporting statutory surplus versus the portfolios supporting product liabilities.

60










For the Three

For the Six



Months Ended

Basis

Months Ended

Basis



June 30,

Point

June 30,

Point



2016

2015

Change

2016

2015

Change

Interest Rate Spread

Fixed maturity securities, mortgage loans

on real estate and other, net of

investment expenses

4.52%

4.61%

(9

)

4.55%

4.63%

(8

)

Commercial mortgage loan prepayment and

bond make-whole premiums

0.06%

0.03%

3

0.05%

0.10%

(5

)

Net investment income yield on reserves

4.58%

4.64%

(6

)

4.60%

4.73%

(13

)

Interest rate credited to contract holders

3.01%

3.01%

-

3.00%

3.01%

(1

)

Interest rate spread

1.57%

1.63%

(6

)

1.60%

1.72%

(12

)













As of or For the Three

As of or For the Six



Months Ended

Months Ended



June 30,

June 30,



2016

2015

Change

2016

2015

Change

Fixed Account Value Information

Fixed annuity deposits (1)

$

448

$

452

-1%

$

869

$

870

0%

Increases (decreases) in fixed annuity

account values:

Net flows (1)

(35

)

(26

)

-35%

(187

)

(149

)

-26%

Transfers to the fixed portion of

variable annuity products from

the variable portion of variable

annuity products

79

51

55%

169

112

51%

Reinvested interest credited (1)

126

123

2%

250

244

2%

Fixed annuity account values (1)

16,996

16,469

3%

16,996

16,469

3%

Average fixed account values (1)

16,865

16,368

3%

16,717

16,305

3%

Average invested assets on reserves

16,754

16,280

3%

16,714

16,201

3%



(1)

Includes the fixed portion of variable.



A portion of our investment income earned is credited to the contract holders of our fixed annuity products, including the fixed portion of variable annuity contracts.  We expect to earn a spread between what we earn on the underlying general account investments supporting the fixed annuity product line, including the fixed portion of variable annuity contracts, and what we credit to our fixed annuity contract holders’ accounts, including the fixed portion of variable annuity contracts.  Commercial mortgage loan prepayments and bond make-whole premiums, investment income on alternative investments and surplus investment income can vary significantly from period to period due to a number of factors and, therefore, may contribute to investment income results that are not indicative of the underlying trends.



Benefits



Benefits for this segment include changes in benefit reserves and our expected costs associated with purchases of derivatives used to hedge our benefit ratio unlocking.

61


Commissions and Other Expenses



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









For the Three

For the Six



Months Ended

Months Ended



June 30,

June 30,



2016

2015

Change

2016

2015

Change

Commissions and Other Expenses

Commissions:

Deferrable

$

3

$

4

-25%

$

7

$

7

0%

Non-deferrable

16

16

0%

32

33

-3%

General and administrative expenses

80

81

-1%

155

155

0%

Taxes, licenses and fees

4

4

0%

10

10

0%

Total expenses incurred

103

105

-2%

204

205

0%

DAC deferrals

(6

)

(7

)

14%

(13

)

(14

)

7%

Total expenses recognized before

amortization

97

98

-1%

191

191

0%

DAC and VOBA amortization,

net of interest:

Amortization, net of interest,

excluding unlocking

6

9

-33%

12

18

-33%

Unlocking

(1

)

-

NM

(1

)

-

NM

Total commissions and other

expenses

$

102

$

107

-5%

$

202

$

209

-3%



DAC Deferrals

As a percentage of annuity sales/deposits

0.7%

0.9%

0.8%

0.9%



Commissions and other costs that result directly from and are essential to the successful acquisition of new or renewal business are deferred to the extent recoverable and are amortized over the lives of the contracts in relation to EGPs.  Certain types of commissions, such as trail commissions that are based on account values, are expensed as incurred rather than deferred and amortized.  Distribution expenses associated with the sale of mutual fund products are expensed as incurred.





62


RESULTS OF LIFE INSURANCE



Inc ome (Loss) from Operations



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









For the Three

For the Six



Months Ended

Months Ended



June 30,

June 30,



2016

2015

Change

2016

2015

Change

Operating Revenues

Insurance premiums (1)

$

177

$

160

11%

$

350

$

309

13%

Fee income

721

647

11%

1,408

1,297

9%

Net investment income

633

626

1%

1,244

1,251

-1%

Operating realized gain (loss) (2)

-

2

-100%

(1

)

2

NM

Other revenues

7

8

-13%

15

15

0%

Total operating revenues

1,538

1,443

7%

3,016

2,874

5%

Operating Expenses

Interest credited

349

345

1%

697

683

2%

Benefits

708

673

5%

1,448

1,323

9%

Commissions and other expenses

306

273

12%

593

560

6%

Total operating expenses

1,363

1,291

6%

2,738

2,566

7%

Income (loss) from operations before taxes

175

152

15%

278

308

-10%

Federal income tax expense (benefit)

55

47

17%

83

93

-11%

Income (loss) from operations

$

120

$

105

14%

$

195

$

215

-9%



(1)

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

(2)

See “Realized Gain (Loss) and Benefit Ratio Unlocking” below.



Comparison of the Three Months Ended June 30, 2016 to 2015



Income fro m operations for this segment in creased due primarily to higher fee income attributable to growth in business in force.



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



·

Higher commissions and other expenses driven by higher margins and amortization rates .

·

Higher benefits due to growth in business in force .



Comparison of the Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 to 2015



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



·

Higher benefits due to growth in business in force .

·

Higher commissions and other expenses driven by higher margins and amortization rates .

·

Lower net investment income, net of interest credited, driven by less favorable investment income on alternative investments and lower prepayment and bond make-whole premiums.



The decrease in income from operations was partially offset by higher fee income attributable to growth in business in force.



We provide information about this segment’s operating revenue and operating expense line items, the period in which amounts are recognized, key drivers of changes and historical details underlying the line items and their associated drivers below.



See “Consolidated Investments – Alternative Investments” below for more information on alternative investments .



See “Consolidated Investments – Commercial Mortgage Loan Prepayment and Bond Make-Whole Premiums” below for more information on prepayment and bond make-whole premiums.



Strategies to Address Statutory Reserve Strain



Our insurance subsidiaries have statutory surplus and risk-based capital (“ RBC ”) levels above current regulatory required levels.  Term products and UL products containing secondary guarantees require reserves calculated pursuant to the Valuation of Life Insurance Policies Model Regulation (“XXX”) and Actuarial Guideline 38 (“AG38”) , respectively.  For information on strategies we use to reduce

63


the statutory reserve strain caused by XXX and AG38, see “Review of Consolidated Financial Condition – Sources of Liquidity and Cash Flow – Insurance Subsidiaries’ Statutory Capital and Surplus” below.

Additional Information



After experiencing elevated mortality due primarily to claims seasonality and higher claims severity during the first quarter of 2016, mortality was in line with our expectations during the second quarter of 2016.



For information on interest rate spreads and interest rate risk, see “Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk – Interest Rate Risk” herein and “Part II – Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk – Interest Rate Risk – Interest Rate Risk on Fixed Insurance Businesses – Falling Rates” and “Part I – Item 1A. Risk Factors – Market Conditions – Changes in interest rates and sustained low interest rates may cause interest rate spreads to decrease and changes in interest rates may also result in increased contract withdrawals” in our 2015 Form 10-K.



For factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in this section, see “Forward-Looking Statements – Cautionary Language” above and “Part I – Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our 2015 Form 10- K as updated by “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our first quarter 2016 Form 10-Q.



Insurance Premiums



Insurance premiums relate to traditional products and are a function of the rates priced into the product and the level of business in force. Business in force, in turn, is driven by sales, persistency and mortality experience.



Fee Income



Details underlying fee income, sales, net flows, account values and in-force face amount (in millions) were as follows:









For the Three

For the Six



Months Ended

Months Ended



June 30,

June 30,



2016

2015

Change

2016

2015

Change

Fee Income

Cost of insurance assessments

$

445

$

406

10%

$

881

$

812

8%

Expense assessments

315

286

10%

609

562

8%

Surrender charges

14

10

40%

22

21

5%

DFEL:

Deferrals

(139

)

(119

)

-17%

(267

)

(230

)

-16%

Amortization, net of interest

86

64

34%

163

132

23%

Total fee income

$

721

$

647

11%

$

1,408

$

1,297

9%













For the Three

For the Six



Months Ended

Months Ended



June 30,

June 30,



2016

2015

Change

2016

2015

Change

Sales by Product

UL

$

24

$

22

9%

$

43

$

42

2%

Linked-benefit

51

46

11%

94

86

9%

IUL

18

23

-22%

36

38

-5%

VUL

41

43

-5%

70

88

-20%

Term

30

21

43%

54

40

35%

Total individual life sales

164

155

6%

297

294

1%

Executive Benefits

9

46

-80%

16

60

-73%

Total sales

$

173

$

201

-14%

$

313

$

354

-12%



Net Flows

Deposits

$

1,391

$

1,344

3%

$

2,630

$

2,655

-1%

Withdrawals and deaths

(413

)

(415

)

0%

(822

)

(838

)

2%

Net flows

$

978

$

929

5%

$

1,808

$

1,817

0%



Contract Holder Assessments

$

1,041

$

957

9%

$

2,045

$

1,902

8%











64




As of June 30,



2016

2015

Change

Account Values

UL

$

32,730

$

31,880

3%

VUL

9,387

8,902

5%

Interest-sensitive whole life

2,285

2,277

0%

Total account values

$

44,402

$

43,059

3%



In-Force Face Amount

UL and other

$

333,006

$

326,026

2%

Term insurance

342,366

322,848

6%

Total in-force face amount

$

675,372

$

648,874

4%



Fee income relates only to interest-sensitive products and include s cost of insurance assessments, expense assessments (net of deferrals and amortization related to DFEL) and surrender charges. Cost of insurance and expense assessments are deducted from our contract holders’ account values.  These amounts are a function of the rates priced into the product and premiums received, face amount in force and account values. Business in force, in turn, is driven by sales, persistency and mortality experience.



Sales are not recorded as a component of revenues (other than for traditional products) and do not have a significant effect on current quarter income from operations but are indicators of future profitability.  Generally, we have higher sales during the second half of the year with the fourth quarter being our strongest.



Sales in the table above and as discussed above were reported as follows:



·

Linked-benefit – 15% of total expected premium deposits;

·

UL, IUL and VUL – first year commissionable premiums plus 5% of excess premiums received, including an adjustment for internal replacements of approximately 50% of commissionable premiums;

·

Executive Benefits single premium bank-owned UL and VUL, 15% of single premium deposits, and corporate owned UL and VUL, first year commissionable premiums plus 5% of excess premium received, including an adjustment for internal replacements of approximately 50% of commissionable premiums; and

·

Term – 100% of annualized first year premiums.



We monitor the business environment, including but not limited to the regulatory and interest rate environments, and make changes to our product offerings and inforce products as needed, and as permitted under the policies, to sustain the future profitabil ity of our segment .  We continue to focus on maintaining our diversified balance of life sales across all products , with an emphasis on products without long-term guarantees.  Individual life sales without long-term guarante es were 66% and 67% for the three and six months ended June 30 , 201 6, compared to 66% and 62% for the corresponding periods in 2015.



65


Net Investment Income and Interest Credited



Details underlying net investment income, interest credited (in millions) and our interest rate spread were as follows:









For the Three

For the Six



Months Ended

Months Ended



June 30,

June 30,



2016

2015

Change

2016

2015

Change

Net Investment Income

Fixed maturity securities, mortgage loans

on real estate and other, net of

investment expenses

$

578

$

567

2%

$

1,159

$

1,137

2%

Commercial mortgage loan prepayment

and bond make-whole premiums (1)

6

4

50%

13

22

-41%

Alternative investments (2)

11

17

-35%

2

22

-91%

Surplus investments (3)

38

38

0%

70

70

0%

Total net investment income

$

633

$

626

1%

$

1,244

$

1,251

-1%



Interest Credited

$

349

$

345

1%

$

697

$

683

2%



(1)

See “Consolidated Investments – Commercial Mortgage Loan Prepayment and Bond Make-Whole Premiums” below for additional information.

(2)

See “Consolidated Investments – Alternative Investments” below for additional information.

(3)

Represents net investment income on the required statutory surplus for this segment and includes the effect of investment income on alternative investments for such assets that are held in the portfolios supporting statutory surplus versus the portfolios supporting product liabilities.









For the Three

For the Six



Months Ended

Basis

Months Ended

Basis



June 30,

Point

June 30,

Point



2016

2015

Change

2016

2015

Change

Interest Rate Yields and Spread

Attributable to interest-sensitive products:

Fixed maturity securities, mortgage loans

on real estate and other, net of

investment expenses

5.22%

5.33%

(11

)

5.25%

5.34%

(9

)

Commercial mortgage loan prepayment and

bond make-whole premiums

0.06%

0.03%

3

0.06%

0.11%

(5

)

Alternative investments

0.11%

0.18%

(7

)

0.01%

0.11%

(10

)

Net investment income yield on reserves

5.39%

5.54%

(15

)

5.32%

5.56%

(24

)

Interest rate credited to contract holders

3.92%

3.97%

(5

)

3.92%

3.93%

(1

)

Interest rate spread

1.47%

1.57%

(10

)

1.40%

1.63%

(23

)



Attributable to traditional products:

Fixed maturity securities, mortgage loans

on real estate and other, net of

investment expenses

5.14%

5.08%

6

5.18%

5.15%

3

Commercial mortgage loan prepayment and

bond make-whole premiums

0.00%

0.04%

(4

)

0.02%

0.10%

(8

)

Net investment income yield on reserves

5.14%

5.12%

2

5.20%

5.25%

(5

)







66






For the Three

For the Six



Months Ended

Months Ended



June 30,

June 30,



2016

2015

Change

2016

2015

Change

Averages

Attributable to interest-sensitive products:

Invested assets on reserves

$

40,195

$

38,372

5%

$

40,085

$

38,384

4%

Account values – universal and whole life

35,442

34,566

3%

35,388

34,477

3%



Attributable to traditional products:

Invested assets on reserves

4,219

4,385

-4%

4,180

4,352

-4%



A portion of the investment income earned for this segment is credited to contract holder accounts.  Statutory reserves will typically grow at a faster rate than account values because of the AG38 reserve requirements.  Invested assets are based upon the statutory reserve liabilities and are affected by various reserve adjustments, including financing transactions providing relief from AG38 reserve requirements. These financing transactions lead to a transfer of invested assets from this segment to Other Operations.  We expect to earn a spread between what we earn on the underlying general account investments and what we credit to our contract holders’ accounts.  We use our investment income to offset the earnings effect of the associated growth of our policy reserves for traditional products.  Commercial mortgage loan prepayments and bond make-whole premiums and investment income on alternative investments can vary significantly from period to period due to a number of factors, and, therefore, may contribute to investment income results that are not indicative of the underlying trends.



Benefits



Details underlying benefits (dollars in millions) were as follows:









For the Three

For the Six



Months Ended

Months Ended



June 30,

June 30,



2016

2015

Change

2016

2015

Change

Benefits

Death claims direct and assumed

$

1,049

$

1,050

0%

$

2,140

$

2,050

4%

Death claims ceded

(438

)

(464

)

6%

(888

)

(879

)

-1%

Reserves released on death

(171

)

(149

)

-15%

(318

)

(293

)

-9%

Net death benefits

440

437

1%

934

878

6%

Change in secondary guarantee life

insurance product reserves

150

142

6%

291

284

2%

Change in linked-benefit product reserves

51

31

65%

99

60

65%

Other benefits (1)

67

63

6%

124

101

23%

Total benefits

$

708

$

673

5%

$

1,448

$

1,323

9%



Death claims per $1,000 of in-force

2.62

2.70

-3%

2.80

2.73

3%



(1)

Includes primarily changes in reserves and dividends on traditional and other products.



Benefits for this segment include claims incurred during the period in excess of the associated reserves for its interest-sensitive and traditional products.  In addition, benefits include the change in secondary guarantee and linked-benefit life insurance product reserves .  The se reserve s are affected by changes in expected future trends of assessments and benefits caus ing unlocking adjustments to these liabilit ies similar to DAC, VOBA and DFEL. Generally, we have higher mortality in the first quarter of the year due to the seasonality of claims. See “Future Contract Benefits and Other Contract Holder Funds” in Note 1 of our 2015 Form 10-K for additional information.



67


Commissions and Other Expenses



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









For the Three

For the Six



Months Ended

Months Ended



June 30,

June 30,



2016

2015

Change

2016

2015

Change

Commissions and Other Expenses

Commissions

$

174

$

160

9%

$

321

$

322

0%

General and administrative expenses

130

130

0%

255

252

1%

Expenses associated with reserve financing

21

19

11%

41

39

5%

Taxes, licenses and fees

41

33

24%

80

75

7%

Total expenses incurred

366

342

7%

697

688

1%

DAC and VOBA deferrals

(198

)

(182

)

-9%

(363

)

(362

)

0%

Total expenses recognized before

amortization

168

160

5%

334

326

2%

DAC and VOBA amortization,

net of interest

137

112

22%

257

232

11%

Other intangible amortization

1

1

0%

2

2

0%

Total commissions and

other expenses

$

306

$

273

12%

$

593

$

560

6%



DAC and VOBA Deferrals

As a percentage of sales

114.5%

90.5%

116.0%

102.3%



Commissions and costs that result directly from and are essential to successful acquisition of new or renewal business are deferred to the extent recoverable and for our interest-sensitive products are generally amortized over the life of the contracts in relation to EGPs.  For our traditional products, DAC and VOBA are amortized on either a straight-line basis or as a level percent of premium of the related contracts, depen ding on the block of business. When comparing DAC and VOBA deferrals as a percentage of sales for the three and six months ended June 30, 201 6 , to the corresponding periods in 201 5, the in crease was primarily a result of changes in sales mix to products with high er commission rates.



68


RESULTS OF GROUP PROTECTION



In come (Loss) from Operations



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











For the Three

For the Six



Months Ended

Months Ended



June 30,

June 30,



2016

2015

Change

2016

2015

Change

Operating Revenues

Insurance premiums

$

478

$

567

-16%

$

967

$

1,128

-14%

Net investment income

43

47

-9%

86

90

-4%

Other revenues

4

3

33%

6

4

50%

Total operating revenues

525

617

-15%

1,059

1,222

-13%

Operating Expenses

Interest credited

1

1

0%

1

1

0%

Benefits

345

421

-18%

685

862

-21%

Commissions and other expenses

156

165

-5%

342

339

1%

Total operating expenses

502

587

-14%

1,028

1,202

-14%

Income (loss) from operations before taxes

23

30

-23%

31

20

55%

Federal income tax expense (benefit)

8

11

-27%

11

7

57%

Income (loss) from operations

$

15

$

19

-21%

$

20

$

13

54%













For the Three

For the Six



Months Ended

Months Ended



June 30,

June 30,



2016

2015

Change

2016

2015

Change

Income (Loss) from Operations by

Product Line

Life

$

8

$

9

-11%

$

5

$

6

-17%

Disability

7

9

-22%

15

5

200%

Dental

-

-

NM

(1

)

-

NM

Total non-medical

15

18

-17%

19

11

73%

Medical

-

1

-100%

1

2

-50%

Income (loss) from operations

$

15

$

19

-21%

$

20

$

13

54%



Comparison of the Three Months Ended June 30, 2016 to 2015



Income from operations for this segment decreased due primarily to lower insurance premiums driven by re-pricing actions on our

employer-pa id life and disability business, partially offset by l ower benefits due primarily to favorable mortality in our life business and higher disability claim recoveries in our long-term disability business.



Comparison of the Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 to 2015



Income from operations for this segment increased due primarily to lower benefits driven by favorable mortality in our life business and higher disability claim recoveries in our long-term disability business.



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



·

Lower insurance premiums driven by re-pricing actions on our employer-paid life and disability business.

·

Higher commissions and other expenses due to higher amortization of DAC driven by higher lapses and re-pricing actions .



We provide information about this segment’s operating revenue and operating expense line items, the period in which amounts are

recognized, key drivers of changes and historical details underlying the line items and their associated drivers below.



Additional Information



Management compares trends in actual loss ratios to pricing expectations as group-underwriting risks change over time.  We expect normal fluctuations in our total non-medical loss ratio , as claims experience is inherently uncertain . For every one percent increase in the total non-medical loss ratio, we would expect an approximate annual $12 million to $14 million de crease to income from operations.

69




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 2015 Form 10-K.



For factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in this section, see “Forward-Looking Statements –

Cautionary Language” above and “Part I – It em 1A. Risk Factors” in our 2015 Form 10-K as updated by “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our first quarter 2016 Form 10-Q .



Insurance Premiums



Details underlying insurance premiums (in millions) were as follows:













For the Three

For the Six



Months Ended

Months Ended



June 30,

June 30,



2016

2015

Change

2016

2015

Change

Insurance Premiums by Product Line

Life

$

201

$

231

-13%

$

412

$

460

-10%

Disability

220

246

-11%

442

494

-11%

Dental

57

58

-2%

113

116

-3%

Total non-medical

478

535

-11%

967

1,070

-10%

Medical

-

32

-100%

-

58

-100%

Total insurance premiums

$

478

$

567

-16%

$

967

$

1,128

-14%



Sales

$

71

$

62

15%

$

130

$

118

10%



Our cost of insurance and policy administration charges are embedded in the premiums charged to our customers.  The premiums are a function of the rates priced into the product and our business in force.  Business in force, in turn, is driven by sales and persistency experience.



Sales relate to new contract holders and new programs sold to existing contract holders.  We believe that the trend in sales is an important indicator of development of business in force over time.  Sales in the table above are the combined annualized premiums for our life, disability and dental products.



Net Investment Income



We use our investment income to offset the earnings effect of the associated build of our reserves, which are a function of our insurance premiums and the yields on our invested assets.



70


Benefits and Interest Credited



Details underlying benefits and interest credited (in millions) and loss ratios by product line were as follows:



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











For the Three

For the Six



Months Ended

Months Ended



June 30,

June 30,



2016

2015

Change

2016

2015

Change

Benefits and Interest Credited by

Product Line

Life

$

141

$

166

-15%

$

291

$

345

-16%

Disability

165

186

-11%

314

383

-18%

Dental

40

42

-5%

81

84

-4%

Total non-medical

346

394

-12%

686

812

-16%

Medical

-

28

-100%

-

51

-100%

Total benefits and interest credited

$

346

$

422

-18%

$

686

$

863

-21%



Loss Ratios by Product Line

Life

70.4%

72.0%

70.8%

74.8%

Disability

74.8%

75.4%

71.0%

77.5%

Dental

70.4%

72.3%

71.9%

72.6%

Total non-medical

72.5%

73.6%

71.0%

75.8%



Commissions and Other Expenses



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











For the Three

For the Six



Months Ended

Months Ended



June 30,

June 30,



2016

2015

Change

2016

2015

Change

Commissions and Other Expenses

Commissions

$

61

$

69

-12%

$

124

$

135

-8%

General and administrative expenses

83

80

4%

161

158

2%

Taxes, licenses and fees

14

13

8%

28

29

-3%

Total expenses incurred

158

162

-2%

313

322

-3%

DAC deferrals

(17

)

(12

)

-42%

(31

)

(30

)

-3%

Total expenses recognized before

amortization

141

150

-6%

282

292

-3%

DAC and VOBA amortization, net of

interest

15

15

0%

60

47

28%

Total commissions and

other expenses

$

156

$

165

-5%

$

342

$

339

1%



DAC Deferrals

As a percentage of insurance premiums

3.6%

2.1%

3.2%

2.7%



Commissions and other costs that result directly from and are essential to the successful acquisition of new or renewal business are deferred to the extent recoverable and are amortized in relation to the revenue s of the related contracts.  Certain broker commissions that vary with and are related to paid premiums are expensed as incurred.  The level of expenses is an important driver of profitability for this segment as group insurance contracts are offered within an environment that competes on the basis of price and service. Generally, we have higher amortization in the first quarter of the year due to a significant number of policies renewing in the quarter.



71


RESULTS OF OTHER OPERATIONS



In come (Loss) from Operations



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











For the Three

For the Six



Months Ended

Months Ended



June 30,

June 30,



2016

2015

Change

2016

2015

Change

Operating Revenues

Insurance premiums (1)

$

4

$

1

300%

$

9

$

1

NM

Net investment income

56

61

-8%

115

125

-8%

Amortization of deferred gain on

business sold through reinsurance

18

18

0%

35

35

0%

Media revenues (net)

-

16

-100%

-

31

-100%

Other revenues

1

-

NM

2

(1

)

300%

Total operating revenues

79

96

-18%

161

191

-16%

Operating Expenses

Interest credited

19

20

-5%

39

41

-5%

Benefits

32

30

7%

59

57

4%

Media expenses

-

14

-100%

-

28

-100%

Other expenses

6

22

-73%

(1

)

31

NM

Interest and debt expense

68

69

-1%

136

137

-1%

Total operating expenses

125

155

-19%

233

294

-21%

Income (loss) from operations before taxes

(46

)

(59

)

22%

(72

)

(103

)

30%

Federal income tax expense (benefit)

(18

)

(21

)

14%

(30

)

(40

)

25%

Income (loss) from operations

$

(28

)

$

(38

)

26%

$

(42

)

$

(63

)

33%



(1)

Includes our disability income business, which has a corresponding offset in benefits for changes in reserves.



Comparison of the Three Months Ended June 30 , 201 6 to 201 5



Loss from operations for Other Operations decreased due primarily to lower other expenses attributable to legal accrual releases in 2016 as compared to legal expenses in 2015.



Comparison of the Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 to 2015



Loss from operations for Other Operations decreased due primarily to lower other expenses attributable to the following:



·

Legal accrual releases in 2016 as compared to legal expenses in 2015.

·

T he effect of changes in our stock price on our deferred compensation plans, as our stock price decreased significantly during 2016 compared to a modest increase during 2015 (see “Other Expenses” below for more information).



We provide information about Other Operations’ operating revenue and operating expense line items, the period in which amounts are recognized, key drivers of changes and historical details underlying the line items and their associated drivers below.



Additional Information



For factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in this section, see “Forward-Looking Statements – Cautionary Language” above and “Part I – Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our 2015 Form 10- K as updated by “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our first quarter 2016 Form 10-Q.



Net Investment Income and Interest Credited



We utilize an internal formula to determine the amount of capital that is allocated to our business segments.  Investment income on capital in excess of the calculated amounts is reported in Other Operations. If our business segments require increases in statutory reserves, surplus or investments, the amount of excess capital that is retained by Other Operations would decrease and net investment income would be negatively affected.



Write-downs for OTTI decrease the recorded value of our invested assets owned by the business segments.  These write-downs are not included in the income from operations of our business segments.  When impairment occurs, assets are transferred to the business

72


segments’ portfolios and will reduce the future net investment income for Other Operations.  Statutory reserve adjustments for our business segments can also cause allocations of invested assets between the business segments and Other Operations.

The majority of our interest credited relates to our reinsurance operations sold to Swiss Re Life & Health America, Inc. (“ Swiss Re ”) in 2001.  A substantial amount of the business was sold through indemnity reinsurance transactions, which is still recorded in our consolidated financial statements.  The interest credited corresponds to investment income earnings on the assets we continue to hold for this business. There is no effect to income or loss in Other Operations or on a consolidated basis for these amounts because interest earned on the blocks that continue to be reinsured is passed through to Swiss Re in the form of interest credited.



Benefits



Benefits ar e recognized when incurred for institutional p ension products and disability income business.



Other Expenses





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











For the Three

For the Six



Months Ended

Months Ended



June 30,

June 30,



2016

2015

Change

2016

2015

Change

Other Expenses

General and administrative expenses:

Legal

$

(9

)

$

12

NM

$

(9

)

$

14

NM

Branding

11

7

57%

18

12

50%

Other (1)

8

8

0%

2

14

-86%

Total general and administrative

expenses

10

27

-63%

11

40

-73%

Taxes, licenses and fees

(1

)

(2

)

50%

(7

)

(4

)

-75%

Inter-segment reimbursement associated

with reserve financing and

LOC expenses (2)

(3

)

(3

)

0%

(5

)

(5

)

0%

Total other expenses

$

6

$

22

-73%

$

(1

)

$

31

NM



(1)

Includes expenses that are corporate in nature including charitable contributions, the portion of our deferred compensation plan expense attributable to participants’ selection of LNC stock as the measure for their investment return and other expenses not allocated to our business segments.

(2)

Consists of reimbursements to Other Operations from the Life Insurance segment for the use of proceeds from certain issuances of senior notes that were used as long-term structured solutions, net of expenses incurred by Other Operations for its use of LOCs.



Interest and Debt Expense



Our current level of interest expense may not be indicative of the future due to, among other things, the timing of the use of cash, the availability of funds from our inter-company cash management program and the future cost of capital.  For additional information on our financing activities, see “Review of Consolidated Financial Condition – Liquidity and Capital Resources – Sources of Liquidity and Cash Flow – Financing Activities” below.







73


REALIZED GAIN (LOSS) AND BENEFIT RATIO UNLOCKING



De tails underlying realized gain (loss), after-DAC (1) and benefit ratio unlocking (in millions) were as follows:











For the Three

For the Six



Months Ended

Months Ended



June 30,

June 30,



2016

2015

Change

2016

2015

Change

Components of Realized Gain (Loss), Pre-Tax

Total operating realized gain (loss)

$

44

$

47

-6%

$

86

$

89

-3%

Total excluded realized gain (loss)

(89

)

(37

)

NM

(245

)

(127

)

-93%

Total realized gain (loss), pre-tax

$

(45

)

$

10

NM

$

(159

)

$

(38

)

NM



Reconciliation of Excluded Realized Gain (Loss)

Net of Benefit Ratio Unlocking, After-Tax

Total excluded realized gain (loss)

$

(57

)

$

(23

)

NM

$

(159

)

$

(83

)

-92%

Benefit ratio unlocking

9

(4

)

NM

4

2

100%

Excluded realized gain (loss) net of benefit ratio

unlocking, after-tax

$

(48

)

$

(27

)

-78%

$

(155

)

$

(81

)

-91%



Components of Excluded Realized Gain (Loss)

Net of Benefit Ratio Unlocking, After-Tax

Realized gain (loss) related to certain investments

$

(42

)

$

(1

)

NM

$

(112

)

$

(18

)

NM

Gain (loss) on the mark-to-market on

certain instruments

(5

)

(13

)

62%

-

(6

)

100%

Variable annuity net derivatives results:

Hedge program performance, including unlocking

for GLB reserves hedged

(23

)

-

NM

(117

)

(35

)

NM

GLB NPR component

24

(8

)

NM

91

(1

)

NM

Total variable annuity net derivatives results

1

(8

)

113%

(26

)

(36

)

28%

Indexed annuity forward-starting option

(2

)

(4

)

50%

(17

)

(19

)

11%

Realized gain (loss) on sale of

subsidiaries/businesses (2)

-

(1

)

100%

-

(2

)

100%

Excluded realized gain (loss) net of benefit

ratio unlocking, after-tax

$

(48

)

$

(27

)

-78%

$

(155

)

$

(81

)

-91%



(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)

See Note 3 in our 2015 Form 10-K for more information .



For factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in this section, see “Forward-Looking Sta tements – Cautionary Language” below and “Part I – Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our 201 5 Form 10-K as updated by “Item 1A. Risk Factors” below .



For information on our counterparty exposure, see “Part I Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.”



Comparison of the Three Months Ended June 30, 2016 to 2015



We had realized losses during 2016 as compared to gains during 2015 due primarily to the following:



·

Higher realized losses on certain investments originating f rom asset sales to reposition the investment portfolio.

·

An increase in OTTI attributable to individual credit risks wit hin our corporate bond holdings.



The realized losses were partially offset by gains on variable annuity net derivatives results during 2016 as compared to losses during 2015 attributable to a more favorable GLB non-performance risk (“NPR”) component due to our associated reserves increasing , partially offset by more volatile capital markets resulting in unfavorable hedge program performance.

74


Comparison of the Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 to 2015



We had higher realized losses for 2016 as compared to 2015 due primarily to the following:



·

An increase in OTTI attributable to the impact of continued stress in the energy and other commodity sectors and other individual credit risks within our corporate bond holdings.

·

Higher legal expenses related to certain investments.



The higher realized losses were partially offset by lower losses on variable annuity net derivatives results during 2016 as compared to 2015 attributable to a more favorable GLB NPR component due to associated reserves increasing , partially offset by more volatile capital markets resulting in unfavorable hedge program performance.



The above components of excluded realized gain (loss) are described net of benefit ratio unlocking, after-tax.



Operating Realized Gain (Loss)



See “ Part II – Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Realized Gain (Loss) and Benefit Ratio Unlocking – Operating Realized Gain (Loss)” in our 2015 F orm 10-K for a discussion of our operating realized gain (loss).



Realized Gain (Loss) Related to Certain Investments



See “Consolidated Investments – Realized Gain (Loss) Related to Certain Investments” below.



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



See “ Part II – Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Realized Gain (Loss) and Benefit Ratio Unlocking – Gain (Loss) on the Mark-to-Market on Certain Instruments” in our 2015 Form 10-K for a discussion o f the mark-to-market on certain instruments and Note 3 for information about conso lidated variable interest entities (“VIE s ”) .



Variable Annuity Net Derivatives Results



See “ Part II – Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Realized Gain (Loss) and Benefit Ratio Unlocking – Variable Annuity Net Derivatives Results” in our 2015 Form 10-K for a discussion of our variable annuity net derivatives results and how our NPR adjustment is determined .



Details underlying our variable annuity hedging program (dollars in millions) were as follows:











As of

As of

As of

As of

As of



June 30,

March 31,

December 31,

September 30,

June 30,



2016

2016

2015

2015

2015

Variable annuity hedge program assets (liabilities)

$

4,123

$

3,565

$

2,631

$

3,030

$

1,626



Variable annuity reserves – asset (liability):

Embedded derivative reserves, pre-NPR (1)

$

(2,078

)

$

(1,599

)

$

(673

)

$

(1,062

)

$

326

NPR

159

116

(12

)

70

(72

)

Embedded derivative reserves

(1,919

)

(1,483

)

(685

)

(992

)

254

Insurance benefit reserves

(634

)

(609

)

(564

)

(558

)

(391

)

Total variable annuity reserves – asset (liability)

$

(2,553

)

$

(2,092

)

$

(1,249

)

$

(1,550

)

$

(137

)



10-year credit default swap ("CDS") spread

2.12%

2.15%

1.44%

1.85%

1.43%

NPR factor related to 10-year CDS spread

0.32%

0.31%

0.22%

0.31%

0.22%



(1)

E mbedded derivative reserves in an asset (liability) position indicate that we estimate the present value of future benefits to be less (greater) than the present value of future net valuation premiums.



75


The following shows the approximate hypothetical effect to net income, pre-DAC (1) , pre-tax (in millions) for changes in the NPR factor along all points on the spread curve as of June 30, 2016:











Hypothetical



Effect

NPR factor:

Down 32 basis points to zero

$

(375

)

Up 20 basis points

145



(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.



See “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates – Derivatives – GLB” above for additional information about our guaranteed benefits.



Indexed Annuity Forward-Starting Option



See “ Part II – Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Realized Gain (Loss) and Benefit Ratio Unlocking – Indexed Annuity Forward-Starting Option” in our 2015 Form 10-K for a discussion of our indexed annuity forward-starting option.



CONSOLIDATED INVESTMENTS



Det ails underlying our consolidated investment balances (in millions) were as follows:









Percentage of



Total Investments



As of

As of

As of

As of



June 30,

December 31,

June 30,

December 31,



2016

2015

2016

2015

Investments

AFS securities:

Fixed maturity

$

91,461

$

84,964

82.7%

83.2%

VIEs’ fixed maturity

600

598

0.5%

0.6%

Total fixed maturity

92,061

85,562

83.2%

83.8%

Equity

277

237

0.3%

0.2%

Trading securities

1,812

1,854

1.6%

1.8%

Mortgage loans on real estate

9,257

8,678

8.4%

8.5%

Real estate

21

17

0.0%

0.0%

Policy loans

2,507

2,545

2.3%

2.5%

Derivative investments

2,613

1,537

2.4%

1.5%

Alternative investments

1,234

1,233

1.1%

1.2%

Other investments

805

545

0.7%

0.5%

Total investments

$

110,587

$

102,208

100.0%

100.0%



Investment Objective



Invested assets are an integral part of our operations. We follow a balanced approach to investing for both current income and prudent risk management, with an emphasis on generating sufficient current income, net of income tax, to meet our obligations to customers, as well as other general liabilities.  This balanced approach requires the evaluation of expected return and risk of each asset class utilized, while still meeting our income objectives.  This approach is important to our asset-liability management because decisions can be made based upon both the economic and current investment income considerations affecting assets and liabilities. For a discussion o f our risk management process, see “Part II – Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” in our 2015 F orm 10-K.



Investment Portfolio Composition and Diversification



Fundamental to our investment policy is diversification across asset classes. Our investment portfolio, excluding cash and invested cash, is composed of fixed maturity securities, mortgage loans on real estate, real estate (either wholly-owned or in joint ventures) and other long-term investments.  We purchase investments for our segmented portfolios that have yield, duration and other characteristics that take into account the liabilities of the products being supported.



We have the ability to maintain our investment holdings throughout credit cycles because of our capital position, the long-term nature of our liabilities and the matching of our portfolios of investment assets with the liabilities of our various products.

76


Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Portfolios



Fixed maturity and equity securities consist of portfolios classified as AFS and trading. Details underlying our fixed maturity and equity securities portfolios by industry classification (in millions) are presented in the tables below. These tables agree in total with the presentation of AFS securities in Note 4 ; however, the categories below represent a more detailed breakout of the AFS portfolio.  Therefore, the investment classifications listed below do not agree to the investment categories provided in Note 4 .









As of June 30, 2016



Gross Unrealized

%



Amortized

Losses and

Fair

Fair



Cost

Gains

OTTI (2)

Value

Value

Fixed Maturity AFS Securities

Industry corporate bonds:

Financial services

$

10,728

$

1,039

$

60

$

11,707

12.7%

Basic industry

4,644

347

87

4,904

5.3%

Capital goods

5,481

664

9

6,136

6.7%

Communications

4,268

471

45

4,694

5.1%

Consumer cyclical

5,401

520

47

5,874

6.4%

Consumer non-cyclical

12,437

1,416

20

13,833

15.0%

Energy

7,634

487

301

7,820

8.5%

Technology

3,245

220

18

3,447

3.8%

Transportation

2,717

259

5

2,971

3.2%

Industrial other

834

71

2

903

1.0%

Utilities

12,048

1,689

7

13,730

14.9%

Government related entities

2,720

325

13

3,032

3.3%

Collateralized mortgage and other obligations ("CMOs"):

Agency backed

1,180

134

-

1,314

1.4%

Non-agency backed

1,143

11

32

1,122

1.2%

Mortgage pass through securities ("MPTS"):

Agency backed

1,122

79

-

1,201

1.3%

Commercial mortgage-backed securities ("CMBS"):

Agency backed

23

2

-

25

0.0%

Non-agency backed

296

14

(3

)

313

0.4%

Asset-backed securities ("ABS"):

Collateralized loan obligations ("CLOs")

666

2

1

667

0.7%

Commercial real estate ("CRE") CDOs

16

-

(4

)

20

0.0%

Credit card

688

28

-

716

0.8%

Equipment receivables

43

-

1

42

0.0%

Home equity

658

7

8

657

0.7%

Manufactured housing

30

2

-

32

0.0%

Stranded utility costs

12

-

-

12

0.0%

Other

208

11

-

219

0.3%

Municipals:

Taxable

3,800

1,110

6

4,904

5.3%

Tax-exempt

72

9

-

81

0.1%

Government:

United States

386

78

-

464

0.5%

Foreign

454

76

-

530

0.6%

Hybrid and redeemable preferred securities

677

71

57

691

0.8%

Total fixed maturity AFS securities

83,631

9,142

712

92,061

100.0%

Equity AFS Securities

259

23

5

277

Total AFS securities

83,890

9,165

717

92,338

Trading Securities (1)

1,557

269

14

1,812

Total AFS and trading securities

$

85,447

$

9,434

$

731

$

94,150



77










As of December 31, 2015



Gross Unrealized

%



Amortized

Losses and

Fair

Fair



Cost

Gains

OTTI (2)

Value

Value

Fixed Maturity AFS Securities

Industry corporate bonds:

Financial services

$

10,447

$

682

$

111

$

11,018

12.9%

Basic industry

5,011

139

413

4,737

5.5%

Capital goods

5,011

294

46

5,259

6.1%

Communications

4,225

259

122

4,362

5.1%

Consumer cyclical

5,146

262

108

5,300

6.2%

Consumer non-cyclical

11,546

715

142

12,119

14.3%

Energy

8,414

262

745

7,931

9.3%

Technology

3,215

99

67

3,247

3.8%

Transportation

2,571

118

42

2,647

3.1%

Industrial other

815

41

9

847

1.0%

Utilities

11,926

853

127

12,652

14.8%

Government related entities

2,666

200

54

2,812

3.3%

CMOs:

Agency backed

1,122

110

3

1,229

1.4%

Non-agency backed

1,216

13

15

1,214

1.4%

MPTS:

Agency backed

1,228

63

6

1,285

1.5%

CMBS:

Agency backed

24

-

-

24

0.0%

Non-agency backed

340

10

(2

)

352

0.4%

ABS:

CLOs

572

1

3

570

0.7%

CRE CDOs

16

-

(3

)

19

0.0%

Credit card

686

22

-

708

0.8%

Equipment receivables

59

-

1

58

0.1%

Home equity

655

7

2

660

0.8%

Manufactured housing

44

2

-

46

0.1%

Stranded utility costs

18

-

-

18

0.0%

Other

198

12

1

209

0.2%

Municipals:

Taxable

3,688

680

12

4,356

5.1%

Tax-exempt

118

6

-

124

0.1%

Government:

United States

386

45

2

429

0.5%

Foreign

464

61

1

524

0.6%

Hybrid and redeemable preferred securities

762

88

44

806

0.9%

Total fixed maturity AFS securities

82,589

5,044

2,071

85,562

100.0%

Equity AFS Securities

226

17

6

237

Total AFS securities

82,815

5,061

2,077

85,799

Trading Securities (1)

1,653

222

21

1,854

Total AFS and trading securities

$

84,468

$

5,283

$

2,098

$

87,653



(1)

Certain of our trading securities support our modified coinsurance arrangements (“Modco”), and the investment results are passed directly to the reinsurers.  Refer to “Part II – Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Consolidated Investments – Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Portfolios – Trading Securities” in our 2015 Form 10-K for further details.

(2)

I ncludes unrealized gains and (losses) on impaired securities related to changes in the fair value of such securities subsequent to the impairment measurement date.



78


AFS Securities



In accordance with the AFS accounting guidance, we reflect stockholders’ equity as if unrealized gains and losses were actually recognized, and consider all related accounting adjustments that would occur upon such a hypothetical recognition of unrealized gains and losses.  Such related balance sheet effects include adjustments to the balances of DAC, VOBA, DFEL, future contract benefits, other contract holder funds and deferred income taxes.  Adjustments to each of these balances are charged or credited to accumulated other com prehensive income (loss) .  For instance, DAC is adjusted upon the recognition of unrealized gains or losses because the

amortization of DAC is based upon an assumed emergence of gross profits on certain insurance business.  Deferred income tax balances are also adjusted because unrealized gains or losses do not affect actual taxes currently paid.



The quality of our AFS fixed maturity securities portfolio, as measured at estimated fair value and by the percentage of fixed maturity AFS securities invested in various ratings categories, relative to the entire fixed maturity AFS security portfolio (in millions) was as follows:









Rating Agency

As of June 30, 2016

As of December 31, 2015

NAIC

Equivalent

Amortized

Fair

% of

Amortized

Fair

% of

Designation (1)

Designation (1)

Cost

Value

Total

Cost

Value

Total



Investment Grade Securities

1

Aaa / Aa / A

$

45,199

$

51,358

55.8%

$

44,614

$

47,845

55.9%

2

Baa

34,026

36,603

39.7%

33,918

34,077

39.8%

Total investment grade securities

79,225

87,961

95.5%

78,532

81,922

95.7%



Below Investment Grade Securities

3

Ba

2,697

2,622

2.9%

2,707

2,486

2.9%

4

B

1,309

1,150

1.3%

1,140

988

1.2%

5

Caa and lower

243

191

0.2%

188

146

0.2%

6

In or near default

157

137

0.1%

22

20

0.0%

Total below investment grade securities

4,406

4,100

4.5%

4,057

3,640

4.3%

Total fixed maturity AFS securities

$

83,631

$

92,061

100.0%

$

82,589

$

85,562

100.0%



Total securities below investment

grade as a percentage of total

fixed maturity AFS securities

5.3%

4.5%

4.9%

4.3%



(1)

Based upon the rating designations determined and provided by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (“ NAIC ”) or the major credit rating agencies (Fitch Ratings (“Fitch”), Moody’s Investors Service (“Moody’s”) and Standard & Poor’s (“S&P”)). For securities where the ratings assigned by the major credit rating agencies are not equivalent, the second highest rating assigned is used. For those securities where ratings by the major credit rating agencies are not available, which does not represent a significant amount of our total fixed maturity AFS securities, we base the ratings d isclosed upon internal ratings. The average credit quality was A- as of June 30, 2016.



Comparisons between the NAIC ratings and rating agency designations are published by the NAIC.  The NAIC assigns securities quality ratings and uniform valuations, which are used by insurers when preparing their annual statements.  The NAIC ratings are similar to the rating agency designations of the Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organizations for marketable bonds.  NAIC ratings 1 and 2 include bonds generally considered investment grade (rat ed Baa3 or higher by Moody’s, or rated BBB- or higher by S&P and Fitch ) by such ratings organizations.  However, securities rated NAI C 1 and 2 could be deemed below investment grade by the rating agencies as a result of the current RBC rules for residential mortgage-backed securities (“RMBS”) and CMBS for statutory reporting.  NAIC ratings 3 through 6 include bonds generally considered below investment g rade (rated Ba or lower by Moody’s, or rated BB+ or lower by S&P and Fitch).



As of June 30, 2016, and December 31, 201 5 , 73.6% and 91 .8 %, respectively, of the total publicly traded and private securities in an unrealized loss status were rated as investment grade.  Our gross unrealized losses, including the portion of OTTI recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) (“OCI”), on AFS securities as of June 30, 2016 , de creased by $1.4 b illion since December 31, 2015 .  As more fully described in Note 1 in our 201 5 Form 10-K, we regularly review our investment holdings for OTTI.  We believe the unrealized loss position as of June 30, 2016 , does not represent OTTI as : (i) we do not intend to sell the debt securities; (ii) it is not more likely than not that we will be required to sell the debt securities bef ore recovery of their amortized cost; (iii) the estimated future cash flows are equal to or greater than the amortized cost of the debt securities ; and (iv) we have the ability and intent to hold the equity securities for a period of time sufficient for recovery.  For further information on our unrealized losses on AFS securities , see “Composition by Industry Categories of our Unrealized Losses on AFS Securities” below.



79


As the energy markets continue to experience distress and future uncertainty, we also consider our related exposure in the context of the following industry categories and associated credit quality:









As of June 30, 2016



%



%

Unrealized

Unrealized

%



Amortized

Amortized

Gain

Gain

Fair

Fair



Cost

Cost

(Loss)

(Loss)

Value

Value

Fixed Maturity AFS Securities

Industry corporate bonds:

Independent

$

2,438

31.9%

$

(5

)

-2.7%

$

2,433

31.1%

Integrated

1,322

17.3%

88

47.3%

1,410

18.0%

Midstream

2,413

31.6%

136

73.1%

2,549

32.6%

Oil field services

1,280

16.8%

(46

)

-24.7%

1,234

15.8%

Refining

181

2.4%

13

7.0%

194

2.5%

Total energy (1)

$

7,634

100.0%

$

186

100.0%

$

7,820

100.0%











As of June 30, 2016



%



Rating Agency

%

Unrealized

Unrealized

%

NAIC

Equivalent

Amortized

Amortized

Gain

Gain

Fair

Fair

Designation

Designation

Cost

Cost

(Loss)

(Loss)

Value

Value



Investment Grade Securities

1

Aaa / Aa / A

$

2,049

26.8%

$

237

127.4%

$

2,286

29.2%

2

Baa

4,493

58.9%

129

69.4%

4,622

59.1%

Total investment grade securities

6,542

85.7%

366

196.8%

6,908

88.3%



Below Investment Grade Securities

3

Ba

540

7.1%

(61

)

-32.8%

479

6.1%

4

B

370

4.8%

(90

)

-48.4%

280

3.7%

5

Caa and lower

86

1.1%

(20

)

-10.8%

66

0.8%

6

In or near default

96

1.3%

(9

)

-4.8%

87

1.1%

Total below investment grade securities

1,092

14.3%

(180

)

-96.8%

912

11.7%

Total energy (1)

$

7,634

100.0%

$

186

100.0%

$

7,820

100.0%



(1)

Does not include the amortized cost, unrealized gain (loss) and fair value of trading securities totaling $124 million, $15 million and $139 million, respectively.







As of December 31, 2015



%



%

Unrealized

Unrealized

%



Amortized

Amortized

Gain

Gain

Fair

Fair



Cost

Cost

(Loss)

(Loss)

Value

Value

Fixed Maturity AFS Securities

Industry corporate bonds:

Independent

$

2,558

30.4%

$

(253

)

52.5%

$

2,305

29.0%

Integrated

1,521

18.1%

10

-2.1%

1,531

19.3%

Midstream

2,567

30.5%

(86

)

17.8%

2,481

31.3%

Oil field services

1,571

18.7%

(163

)

33.7%

1,408

17.8%

Refining

197

2.3%

9

-1.9%

206

2.6%

Total energy (2)

$

8,414

100.0%

$

(483

)

100.0%

$

7,931

100.0%



80










As of December 31, 2015



%



Rating Agency

%

Unrealized

Unrealized

%

NAIC

Equivalent

Amortized

Amortized

Gain

Gain

Fair

Fair

Designation

Designation

Cost

Cost

(Loss)

(Loss)

Value

Value



Investment Grade Securities

1

Aaa / Aa / A

$

2,667

31.7%

$

111

-23.0%

$

2,778

35.0%

2

Baa

5,104

60.7%

(435

)

90.1%

4,669

58.9%

Total investment grade securities

7,771

92.4%

(324

)

67.1%

7,447

93.9%



Below Investment Grade Securities

3

Ba

483

5.7%

(100

)

20.7%

383

4.8%

4

B

137

1.6%

(52

)

10.8%

85

1.0%

5

Caa and lower

18

0.2%

(6

)

1.2%

12

0.2%

6

In or near default

5

0.1%

(1

)

0.2%

4

0.1%

Total below investment grade securities

643

7.6%

(159

)

32.9%

484

6.1%

Total energy (2)

$

8,414

100.0%

$

(483

)

100.0%

$

7,931

100.0%



(2)

Does not include the amortized cost, unrealized gain (loss) and fair value of trading securities totaling $137 million, $6 million and $143 million, respectively .



We concluded : (i) that it is not more likely than not that we will be required to sell the fixed maturity AFS securities before recover y of their amortized cost; (ii) that the estimated future cash flows are equal to or greater than the amortized cost of the debt securities; and (iii) that we have the ability to hold the equity AFS securities for a period of time sufficient for recovery.  This conclusion is consistent with our asset-liability management process.  Management considers the following as part of the evaluation:



·

The current economic environment and market conditions;

·

Our business strategy and current business plans;

·

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

·

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

·

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

·

The capital risk limits approved by management; and

·

Our current financial condition and liquidity demands.



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



·

Historical and implied volatility of the security;

·

Length of time and extent to which the fair value has been less than amortized cost;

·

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

·

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

·

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



As reported on our Consolidated Balance Sheets, we had $114.7 billion of investments and cash, which exceeded the liabilities for our future obligations under insurance policies and contracts, net of amounts recoverable from reinsurers, which totaled $94.1 billion as of June 30 , 2016.  If it were necessary to liquidate investments prior to maturity or call to meet cash flow needs, we would first look to AFS securities that are in an unrealized gain position, which had a fair value of $ 83.4 billion, excluding consolidated VIEs in the amount of $600 million, as of June 30 , 2016, rather than selling securities in an unrealized loss position.  The amount of cash that we have on hand takes into account our liquidity needs in the future, other sources of cash, such as the maturities of investments, interest and dividends we earn on our investments and the ongoing cash flows from new and existing business.



See “AFS Securities – Evaluation for Recovery of Amortized Cost” in Note 1 in our 2015 Form 10-K and Note 4 herein for additional discussion.



As of June 30, 2016 , and December 31, 2015, the estimated fair value for all private placement securities was $14.5 billion and $14.0 billion, respectively, representing 14% of total invested assets.



For information regarding our VIEs’ fixed maturity securities, see Note 4 in our 2015 Form 10-K and Note 3 herein .



81


Mortgage-Backed Securities (Included in AFS and Trading Securities)



See “ Part II – Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Consolidated Investments – Mortgage-Backed Securities” in our 2015 Form 10-K for a discussion of our mortgage-backed securities (“ MBS ”) .



Our ABS home equity and RMBS had a market value of $4.4 billion and an unrealized gain of $199 million, or 5%, as of June 30, 2016 .



The market value of AFS securities and trading securities backed by subprime l oans was $541 million and represented approximately 1% of our total investment portfolio as of June 30, 2016.  AFS securities represented $532 million, or 98%, and trading securities represented $9 million, or 2%, of the subprime exposure as of June 30, 2016.  The table below summarizes our investments in AFS securities backed by pools of residential mortgages (in millions) as of June 30, 2016 :







Subprime/



Agency

Prime

Alt-A

Option ARM (1)

Total





Fair

Amortized

Fair

Amortized

Fair

Amortized

Fair

Amortized

Fair

Amortized



Value

Cost

Value

Cost

Value

Cost

Value

Cost

Value

Cost

Type

RMBS

$

2,516

$

2,302

$

396

$

388

$

367

$

376

$

358

$

379

$

3,637

$

3,445

ABS home equity

2

2

-

-

167

171

488

485

657

658

Total by type (2)(3)

$

2,518

$

2,304

$

396

$

388

$

534

$

547

$

846

$

864

$

4,294

$

4,103



Rating

AAA

$

2,467

$

2,255

$

1

$

1

$

-

$

-

$

14

$

14

$

2,482

$

2,270

AA

33

32

3

3

1

1

2

2

39

38

A

18

17

-

-

8

8

46

45

72

70

BBB

-

-

32

31

29

28

59

59

120

118

BB and below

-

-

360

353

496

510

725

744

1,581

1,607

Total by rating (2)(3)(4)

$

2,518

$

2,304

$

396

$

388

$

534

$

547

$

846

$

864

$

4,294

$

4,103



Origination Year

2006 and prior

$

659

$

587

$

245

$

242

$

449

$

459

$

676

$

689

$

2,029

$

1,977

2007

235

206

151

146

85

88

168

174

639

614

2008

45

40

-

-

-

-

-

-

45

40

2009

329

299

-

-

-

-

2

1

331

300

2010

368

335

-

-

-

-

-

-

368

335

2011

179

167

-

-

-

-

-

-

179

167

2012

72

71

-

-

-

-

-

-

72

71

2013

304

290

-

-

-

-

-

-

304

290

2014

54

48

-

-

-

-

-

-

54

48

2015

126

119

-

-

-

-

-

-

126

119

2016

147

142

-

-

-

-

-

-

147

142

Total by origination

year (2)(3)

$

2,518

$

2,304

$

396

$

388

$

534

$

547

$

846

$

864

$

4,294

$

4,103



Total AFS RMBS as a percentage of total AFS Securities

4.7%

4.9%



Total prime, Alt-A and subprime/option ARM as a percentage of total AFS securities

1.9%

2.1%



(1)

Includes the fair value and amortized cost of option adjustable rate mortgages (“ARM”) within RMBS, totaling $314 million and $333 million, respectively.

(2)

Does not include the fair value of trading securities totaling $ 107 million, which support our Modco reinsurance agreements because investment results for these agreements are passed directly to the reinsurers.  The $1 07 million in trading securities consisted of $9 3 million prime, $ 5 million Alt-A and $9 million subprime.

(3)

Does not include the amortized cost of trading securities totaling $10 0 million, which support our Modco reinsurance agreements because investment results for these agreements are passed directly to the reinsurers.  The $10 0 million in trading securities consisted of $ 86 million prime, $ 5 million Alt-A and $9 million subprime.

(4)

Based upon the rating designations determined and provided by the major credit rating agencies (Fitch, Moody’s and S&P).  For securities where the ratings assigned by the major credit rating agencies are not equivalent, the second highest rating assigned is used.  For those securities where ratings by the major credit rating agencies are not available, which does not represent a significant amount of our total fixed maturity AFS securities, we base the ratings disclosed upon internal ratings.



None of these investments included any direct investments in subprime lenders or mortgages.  We are not aware of material exposure to subprime loans in our alternative asset portfolio.



82


The following summarizes our investments in AFS securities backed by pools of commercial mortgages (in millions) as of June 30, 2016 :









Multiple Property

Single Property

CRE CDOs

Total



Fair

Amortized

Fair

Amortized

Fair

Amortized

Fair

Amortized



Value

Cost

Value

Cost

Value

Cost

Value

Cost

Type

CMBS

$

322

$

307

$

16

$

12

$

-

$

-

$

338

$

319

CRE CDOs

-

-

-

-

20

16

20

16

Total by type (1)(2)

$

322

$

307

$

16

$

12

$

20

$

16

$

358

$

335



Rating

AAA

$

163

$

156

$

-

$

-

$

-

$

-

$

163

$

156

AA

19

19

-

-

-

-

19

19

A

73

68

16

12

-

-

89

80

BBB

22

22

-

-

4

4

26

26

BB and below

45

42

-

-

16

12

61

54

Total by rating (1)(2)(3)

$

322

$

307

$

16

$

12

$

20

$

16

$

358

$

335



Origination Year

2006 and prior

$

99

$

98

$

16

$

12

$

20

$

16

$

135

$

126

2007

49

43

-

-

-

-

49

43

2010

50

46

-

-

-

-

50

46

2012

5

5

-

-

-

-

5

5

2013

119

115

-

-

-

-

119

115

Total by origination

year (1)(2)

$

322

$

307

$

16

$

12

$

20

$

16

$

358

$

335



Total AFS securities backed by pools of commercial mortgages as a percentage of total AFS securities

0.4%

0.4%



(1)

Does not include the fair value of trading securities totaling $3 million, which support our Modco reinsurance agreements because investment results for these agreements are passed directly to the reinsurers.  The $3 million in trading securities consisted entirely of CMBS.

(2)

Does not include the amortized cost of trading securities totaling $3 million, which support our Modco reinsurance agreements because investment results for these agreements are passed directly to the reinsurers. The $3 million in trading securities consisted entirely of CMBS.

(3)

Based upon the rating designations determined and provided by the major credit rating agencies (Fitch, Moody’s and S&P).  For securities where the ratings assigned by the major credit agencies are not equivalent, the second highest rating assigned is used.  For those securities where ratings by the major credit rating agencies are not available, which does not represent a significant amount of our total fixed maturity AFS securities, we base the ratings disclosed upon internal ratings.



As of June 30, 2016, the fair value and amortized cost of our AFS exposure to Monoline insurers was $516 million and $468 million, respectively.



Composition by Industry Categories of our Unrealized Losses on AFS Securities



When considering unrealized gain and loss information, it is important to recognize that the information relates to the status of securities at a particular point in time and may not be indicative of the status of our investment portfolios subsequent to the balance sheet date.  Further, because the timing of the recognition of realized investment gains and losses through the selection of which securities are sold is largely at management’s discretion, it is important to consider the information provided below within the context of the overall unrealized gain or loss position of our investment portfolios.  These are important considerations that should be included in any evaluation of the potential effect of securities in an unrealized loss position on our future earnings.



83


The composition by industry categories of all secu rities in an unrealized loss position (in millions) as of June 30, 2016 , was as follows:









%



Gross

Gross



%

%

Unrealized

Unrealized



Fair

Fair

Amortized

Amortized

Losses

Losses



Value

Value

Cost

Cost

and OTTI

and OTTI

Oil field services

$

487

5.8%

$

617

6.7%

$

130

16.9%

Independent

1,031

12.3%

1,148

12.6%

117

15.2%

Banking

412

4.9%

492

5.4%

80

10.4%

Metals and mining

589

7.0%

662

7.3%

73

9.5%

CMOs

696

8.3%

740

8.1%

44

5.7%

ABS

801

9.6%

841

9.2%

40

5.2%

Midstream

570

6.8%

602

6.6%

32

4.2%

Retailers

61

0.7%

84

0.9%

23

3.0%

Property and casualty

116

1.4%

138

1.5%

22

2.9%

Integrated

157

1.9%

178

1.9%

21

2.7%

Technology

340

4.1%

356

3.9%

16

2.1%

Media – entertainment

257

3.0%

272

3.0%

15

2.0%

Cable – satellite

154

1.9%

168

1.8%

14

1.8%

Wirelines

48

0.6%

59

0.6%

11

1.4%

Chemicals

310

3.7%

320

3.5%

10

1.3%

Government owned, no guarantee

102

1.2%

112

1.2%

10

1.3%

Industries with unrealized losses

less than $10 million

2,246

26.8%

2,356

25.8%

110

14.4%

Total by industry

$

8,377

100.0%

$

9,145

100.0%

$

768

100.0%



Total by industry as a percentage

of total AFS securities

9.1%

10.9%

100.0%



As of June 30, 2016, the fair value and amortized cost of securities subject to enhanced analysis and monitoring for potential changes in unrealized loss position was $441 million and $521 million, respectively.



Mortgage Loans on Real Estate



The following tables summarize key information on mortgage loans on real estate (in millions):









As of June 30, 2016

As of December 31, 2015



Carrying

Carrying



Value

%

Value

%

Credit Quality Indicator

Current

$

9,253

100.0%

$

8,678

100.0%

Delinquent and/or in foreclosure (1)

4

0.0%

-

0.0%

Total mortgage loans on real estate

$

9,257

100.0%

$

8,678

100.0%



(1)

As of June 30, 2016 , and December 31, 2015, there were two and zero mortgage loans on real estate that were delinquent and in foreclosure , respectively .



84


As of June 30, 2016 , and December 31, 2015, there were two impaired mortgage loans on real estate, or less than 1% of the total dollar amount of mortgage loans on real estate.  The total principal and interest past due on the mortgage loans on real estate that were two or more payments delinquent as of June 30, 2016 , and December 31, 2015, was $2 million and $0 , respectively . See Note 1 in our 2015 Form 10-K for more information regarding our accounting policy relating to the impairment of mortgage loans on real estate.











As of

As of



June 30,

December 31,



2016

2015

By Segment

Annuities

$

2,375

$

2,027

Retirement Plan Services

2,343

2,082

Life Insurance

3,862

3,944

Group Protection

307

294

Other Operations

370

331

Total mortgage loans on real estate

$

9,257

$

8,678













As of June 30, 2016

As of June 30, 2016



Carrying

Carrying



Value

%

Value

%

Property Type

State Exposure

Apartment

$

3,024

32.7%

CA

$

1,894

20.5%

Office building

2,196

23.7%

TX

1,043

11.3%

Industrial

1,747

18.9%

MD

528

5.7%

Retail

1,727

18.7%

NY

447

4.8%

Mixed use

282

3.0%

GA

425

4.6%

Other commercial

236

2.5%

OH

438

4.7%

Hotel/motel

45

0.5%

VA

418

4.5%

Total

$

9,257

100.0%

FL

332

3.6%

Geographic Region

NC

322

3.5%

Pacific

$

2,468

26.6%

TN

351

3.8%

South Atlantic

2,289

24.7%

WA

390

4.2%

East North Central

1,017

11.0%

OR

230

2.5%

West South Central

1,081

11.7%

PA

251

2.7%

Middle Atlantic

719

7.8%

AZ

258

2.8%

Mountain

657

7.1%

WI

199

2.1%

East South Central

484

5.2%

MN

249

2.7%

West North Central

377

4.1%

Other states under 2%

1,482

16.0%

New England

165

1.8%

Total

$

9,257

100.0%

Total

$

9,257

100.0%

















As of June 30, 2016

As of June 30, 2016



Principal

Principal



Amount

%

Amount

%

Origination Year

Future Principal Payments

2011 and prior

$

3,325

35.9%

2016

$

204

2.2%

2012

804

8.7%

2017

487

5.3%

2013

1,014

11.0%

2018

633

6.8%

2014

1,267

13.7%

2019

250

2.7%

2015

1,915

20.7%

2020

168

1.8%

2016

932

10.0%

2021 and thereafter

7,515

81.2%

Total

$

9,257

100.0%

Total

$

9,257

100.0%



See Note 4 for information regarding our loan-to-value a nd debt-service coverage ratios and our allowance for loan losses.



85


Alternative Investments



Investment income (loss) on alternative investments by business segment (in millions) was as follows:









For the Three

For the Six



Months Ended

Months Ended



June 30,

June 30,



2016

2015

Change

2016

2015

Change

Annuities

$

3

$

4

-25%

$

1

$

5

-80%

Retirement Plan Services

1

2

-50%

-

3

-100%

Life Insurance

13

20

-35%

3

26

-88%

Group Protection

1

1

0%

-

1

-100%

Other Operations

-

1

-100%

-

1

-100%

Total (1)

$

18

$

28

-36%

$

4

$

36

-89%



(1)

Includes net investment income on the alternative investments supporting the required statutory surplus of our insurance businesses.



As of June 30, 2016 , and December 31, 2015, alternative investments included investments in 197 and 190 different partnerships, respectively, and the portfolio represented approximately 1% of our overall invested assets. The partnerships do not represent off-balance sheet financing and generally involve several third-party partners.  Some of our partnerships contain capital calls, which require us to contribute capital upon notification by the general partner.  These capital calls are contemplated during the initial investment decision and are planned for well in advance of the call date.  The capital calls are not material in size and are not material to our liquidity.  Alternative investments are accounted for using the equity method of accounting and are included in other investments on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.



Non-Income Producing Investments



As of June 30, 2016 , and December 31, 2015, the carrying amount of fixed maturity securities, mortgage loans on real estate and real estate that wer e non-income producing was $13 million .



Net Investment Income



Details underlying net investment income (in millions) and our investment yield were as follows:









For the Three

For the Six



Months Ended

Months Ended



June 30,

June 30,



2016

2015

Change

2016

2015

Change

Fixed maturity AFS securities

$

1,035

$

1,005

3%

$

2,084

$

2,018

3%

Equity AFS securities

4

4

0%

6

4

50%

Trading securities

25

27

-7%

51

55

-7%

Mortgage loans on real estate

105

98

7%

197

193

2%

Real estate

-

-

NM

1

1

0%

Policy loans

35

38

-8%

70

75

-7%

Invested cash

3

1

200%

6

2

200%

Commercial mortgage loan prepayment

and bond make-whole premiums (1)

13

11

18%

25

48

-48%

Alternative investments (2)

18

28

-36%

4

36

-89%

Consent fees

1

1

0%

4

1

300%

Other investments

1

3

-67%

-

4

-100%

Investment income

1,240

1,216

2%

2,448

2,437

0%

Investment expense

(41

)

(29

)

-41%

(77

)

(63

)

-22%

Net investment income

$

1,199

$

1,187

1%

$

2,371

$

2,374

0%



(1)

See “Commercial Mortgage Loan Prepayment and Bond Make-Whole Premiums” below for additional information.

(2)

See “Alternative Investments” above for additional information.

86










For the Three

For the Six



Months Ended

Basis

Months Ended

Basis



June 30,

Point

June 30,

Point



2016

2015

Change

2016

2015

Change

Interest Rate Yield

Fixed maturity securities, mortgage loans on

real estate and other, net of investment

expenses

4.72%

4.80%

(8

)

4.74%

4.82%

(8

)

Commercial mortgage loan prepayment and

bond make-whole premiums

0.05%

0.05%

-

0.05%

0.10%

(5

)

Alternative investments

0.07%

0.12%

(5

)

0.01%

0.08%

(7

)

Net investment income yield on invested

assets

4.84%

4.97%

(13

)

4.80%

5.00%

(20

)












For the Three

For the Six



Months Ended

Months Ended



June 30,

June 30,



2016

2015

Change

2016

2015

Change

Average invested assets at amortized cost

$

99,177

$

95,496

4%

$

98,718

$

94,938

4%



We earn investment income on our general account assets supporting fixed annuity, term life, whole life, UL, interest-sensitive whole life and the fixed portion of retirement plan and VUL products.  The profitability of our fixed annuity and life insurance products is affected by our ability to achieve target spreads, or margins, between the interest income earned on the general account assets and the interest credited to the contract holder on our average fixed account values, including the fixed portion of variable.  Net investment income and the interest rate yield table each include commercial mortgage loan prepayments and bond make-whole premiums, alternative investments and contingent interest and standby real estate equity commitments.  These items can vary significantly from period to period due to a number of factors and, therefore, can provide results that are not indicative of the underlying trends.



Commercial Mortgage Loan Prepayment and Bond Make-Whole Premiums



Prepayment and make-whole premiums are collected when borrowers elect to call or prepay their debt prior to the stated maturity.  A prepayment or make-whole premium allows investors to attain the same yield as if the borrower made all scheduled interest payments until maturity.  These premiums are designed to make investors indifferent to prepayment.



Realized Gain (Loss) Related to Certain Investments



D etail s of the realized gain (loss) related to certa in investments (in millions) were as follows:









For the Three

For the Six



Months Ended

Months Ended



June 30,

June 30,



2016

2015

Change

2016

2015

Change

Fixed maturity AFS securities: (1)

Gross gains

$

7

$

21

-67%

$

61

$

23

165%

Gross losses

(65

)

(13

)

NM

(163

)

(29

)

NM

Equity AFS securities:

Gross gains

2

1

100%

2

1

100%

Gross losses

(1

)

-

NM

(1

)

-

NM

Gain (loss) on other investments

(3

)

-

NM

(63

)

(8

)

NM

Associated amortization of DAC, VOBA,

DSI and DFEL and changes in

other contract holder funds

(5

)

(10

)

50%

(8

)

(15

)

47%

Total realized gain (loss) related to

certain investments, pre-tax

$

(65

)

$

(1

)

NM

$

(172

)

$

(28

)

NM



(1)

These amounts are represented net of related fair value hedging activity.  See Note 5 for more information.



Amortization of DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL and changes in other contract holder funds reflect an assumption for an expected level of credit-related investment losses. When actual credit-related investment losses are realized, we recognize a true-up to our DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL amortization and changes in other contract holder funds within realized losses reflecting the incremental effect of actual

87


versus expected credit-related investment losses.  These actual to expected amortization adjustments could create volatility in net realized gains and losses .  The write-down for impairments includes both credit-related and interest rate - related impairments.

Realized gains and losses generally originate from asset sales to reposition the portfolio or to respond to product experience.  During the first six months of 2016 and 2015, we sold securities for gains and losses. In the process of evaluating whether a security with an unrealized loss reflects declines that are other-than-temporary, we consider our ability and intent to sell the securit y prior to a recovery of value. However, subsequent decisions on securities sales are made within the context of overall risk monitoring, assessing value relative to other comparable securities and overall portfolio maintenance. Although our portfolio managers may, at a given point in time, believe that the preferred course of action is to hold securities with unrealized losses that are considered temporary until such losses are recovered, the dynamic nature of portfolio management may result in a subsequent decision to sell.  These subsequent decisions are consistent with the classification of our investment portfolio as AFS.  We expect to continue to manage all non-trading invested assets within our portfolios in a manner that is consistent with the AFS classification.



We consider economic factors and circumstances within countries and industries where recent write-downs have occurred in our assessment of the status of securities we own of similarly situated issuers.  While it is possible for realized or unrealized losses on a particular investment to affect other investments, our risk management strategy has been designed to identify correlation risks and other risks inherent in managing an investment portfolio.  Once identified, strategies and procedures are developed to effectively monitor and manage these risks.  The areas of risk correlation that we pay particular attention to are risks that may be correlated within specific financial and business markets, risks within specific industries and risks associated with related parties.



When the detailed analysis by our external asset managers and investment portfolio managers leads us to the conclusion that a security’s decline in fair value is other-than-temporary, the security is written down to estimated recovery value.  In instances where declines are considered temporary, the security will continue to be carefully monitored.  See “ Part II – Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Introduction – Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates – Investments – Write-downs for OTTI and Allowance for Losses ” in our 2015 Form 10-K for additional information on our portfolio management strategy.



Details underlying write-downs taken as a result of OTTI (in millions) were as follows:









For the Three

For the Six



Months Ended

Months Ended



June 30,

June 30,



2016

2015

Change

2016

2015

Change

OTTI Recognized in Net Income (Loss)

Fixed maturity securities:

Corporate bonds

$

(26

)

$

(4

)

NM

$

(62

)

$

(15

)

NM

ABS

(1

)

(3

)

67%

(3

)

(5

)

40%

RMBS

(1

)

-

NM

(3

)

(2

)

-50%

Total fixed maturity securities

(28

)

(7

)

NM

(68

)

(22

)

NM

Equity securities

(1

)

-

NM

(1

)

-

NM

Gross OTTI recognized in net income (loss)

(29

)

(7

)

NM

(69

)

(22

)

NM

Associated amortization of DAC,

VOBA, DSI and DFEL

1

-

NM

5

2

150%

Net OTTI recognized in net income

(loss), pre-tax

$

(28

)

$

(7

)

NM

$

(64

)

$

(20

)

NM



Portion of OTTI Recognized in OCI

Gross OTTI recognized in OCI

$

10

$

9

11%

$

36

$

18

100%

Change in DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL

(2

)

(2

)

0%

(8

)

(3

)

NM

Net portion of OTTI recognized in OCI,

pre-tax

$

8

$

7

14%

$

28

$

15

87%



The $10 5 million of impairments taken during the first six months of 2016 were split between $6 8 million of credit-related impairments and $3 7 million of noncredit-related impairments. The increase in write-downs for OTTI when comparing the first six months of 2016 to the corresponding period in 2015 was primarily attributable to certain corporate bond holdings within the energy and other commodity sectors that experienced deteriorating fundamentals. The noncredit-related impairments were due to declines in values of securities for which we do not have an intent to sell or it is not more likely than not that we will be required to sell the securities before recovery.





88


RE VIEW OF CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL CONDITION



Liquidi ty 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 wi th 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 flows from investing activities result from maturities and sales of invested assets. Our oper ating activities provided cash of $ 533 million an d $582 million for the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. When considering our liquidity and cash flow, it is important to distinguish between 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.



The sources of liquidity of the holding company are principally comprised of dividends and interest payments from subsidiaries, augmented by holding company short-term investments, bank lines of credit and the ongoing availability of long-term public financing under an SEC-filed shelf registration statement.  These sources of liquidity and cash flow support the general corporate needs of the holding company, including its common stock dividends, interest and debt service, funding of callable securities, securities repurchases, acquisitions and investment in core businesses.



Details underlying the primary sources of our holding company cash flows (in millions) were as follows:









For the Three

For the Six



Months Ended

Months Ended



June 30,

June 30,



2016

2015

Change

2016

2015

Change

Dividends from Subsidiaries

The Lincoln National Life Insurance

Company

$

325

$

225

44%

$

525

$

625

-16%



Loan Repayments and Interest from

Subsidiaries

Interest on inter-company notes

28

26

8%

58

56

4%



$

353

$

251

41%

$

583

$

681

-14%

Other Cash Flow and Liquidity Items

Net capital received from (paid for taxes on)

stock option exercises and restricted stock

$

-

$

16

-100%

$

(11

)

$

25

NM



The table above focuses on significant and recurring cash flow items and excludes the effects of certain financing activities, namely the periodic issuance and retirement of debt and cash flows related to our inter-company cash management program (discussed below).  Taxes have been eliminated from the analysis due to a tax sharing agreement among our primary subsidiaries resulting in a modest effect on net cash flows at the holding company.  Also excluded from this analysis is the modest amount of investment income on short-term investments of the holding company. For information regarding limits on the dividends that our insurance subsidiaries may pay, see “Part II – Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Review of Consolidated Financial Condition – Liquidity and Capital Resources – Restrictions on Dividends from Subsidiaries” in our 2015 Form 10-K.



Insurance 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.  During the third quarter of 2013, the New York State Department of Financial Services announced that it would not recognize the NAIC revisions to AG38 in applying the New York law governing the reserves to be held for UL and VUL products containing secondary guarantees.  The change, which was effective as of December 31, 2013, impacted the Lincoln Life & Annuity Company of New York (“ LLANY ”) .  Although LLANY discontinued the sale of these products in early 2013, the change affected those policies previously sold.  We began phasing in the increase in reserves in 2013 at $90 million per year over five years .  As of June 30, 2016 , we have increased reserves by $270 million .  In April 2016, LLANY entered into a third-party reinsurance arrangement primarily covering UL policies containing secondary guarantees issued between 2002 through 2014 that mitigates the financial impact of the increase of the aforementioned reserves.



As discussed in “Part I – Item 1. 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,” our insurance subsidiaries employ strategies to reduce the strain caused by XXX and AG38 by reinsuring the business to insurance captives.  Our captive reinsurance and reinsurance subsidiaries provide a mechanism for financing a portion of the excess reserve

89


amounts in a more efficient manner.  We use long-dated LOCs and debt financing as well as other financing strategies to finance those reserves.  Included in the LOCs issued as of June 30, 2016 , was approximately $ 3. 4 billion of long-dated LOCs issued to support inter-company reinsurance arrangements.  Approximately $2.3 billion of such LOCs were issued to support reinsurance for UL products containing secondary guarantees ( $ 350 million will expire in 2019 , $ 1 million will expire in 2021 and $ 1.9 billion will expire in 2031), and $ 1.1 billion of such LOCs that will expire in 2023 were issued to support reinsurance for term business.  We have also used the proceeds from senior note issuances of $ 875 million to execute long-term structured solutions supporting reinsurance of UL products containing secondary guarantees.  Additionally, our captive reinsurance and reinsurance subsidiaries have issued long-term notes of $1.7 billion as of June 30, 2016 , to finance a portion of the excess reserves.  For information on these long-term notes issued by our captive reinsurance and reinsurance subsidiaries, see Note 4 in our 2015 Form 10-K .  LOCs and related capital market solutions lower the capital effect of term products and UL products containing secondary guarantees. An inability to obtain appropriate capital market solutions could affect our returns on our in-force term products and UL products containing secondary guarantees.  However, we believe that we have sufficient capital to support the increase in statutory reserves, based on our current reserve projections, if such structures were no longer available.



Our captive reinsurance subsidiaries free up capital the insurance subsidiaries can use for any number of purposes, including paying dividends to the holding company.  Once transferred to the holding company, it can deploy this capital for a variety of corporate purposes, including potential stock repurchases.  Actuarial Guideline 48 (“AG48”) regulates the terms of captive reinsurance arrangements that are entered into or amended in certain ways after December 31, 2014.  AG48 imposes restrictions on the types of assets that can be used to support these arrangements.  We have implemented and plan to continue to implement these arrangements in compliance with AG48.



Statutory reserves established for variable annuity contracts and riders are sensitive to changes in the equity markets and are affected by the level of account values relative to the level of any guarantees, product design and reinsurance arrangements.  As a result, the relationship between reserve changes and equity market performance is non-linear during any given reporting period.  Market conditions greatly influence the ultimate capital required due to its effect on the valuation of reserves and derivative assets hedging these reserves.  We also utilize inter-company reinsurance arrangements to manage our hedge program for variable annuity guarantees.  The NAIC through its various committees, task forces and working groups has been studying the use of captives and special purpose vehicles to transfer insurance risk and has been evaluating the adequacy of existing NAIC model laws and regulations applicable to annuity captives.



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 our life insurance subsidiaries.



Financing Activities



Although our subsidiaries currently generate adequate cash flow to meet the needs of our normal operations, periodically we may issue debt or equity securities to maintain ratings and increase liquidity, as well as to fund internal growth, acquisitions and the retirement of our debt and equity securities.



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



Details underlying debt and financing activities (in millions) for the six months ended June 30, 2016, were as follows:









Maturities,

Change



Repayments

in Fair



Beginning

and

Value

Other

Ending



Balance

Issuance

Refinancing

Hedges

Changes (1)

Balance

Short-Term Debt

Current maturities of long-term debt (2)

$

-

$

-

$

-

$

-

$

250

$

250



Long-Term Debt

Senior notes

$

3,846

$

-

$

-

$

154

$

3

$

4,003

Bank borrowing

250

-

-

-

-

250

Federal Home Loan Bank of

Indianapolis note

250

-

-

-

(250

)

-

Capital securities

1,207

-

-

-

-

1,207

Total long-term debt

$

5,553

$

-

$

-

$

154

$

(247

)

$

5,460



(1)

Includes the net increase (decrease) in commercial paper, non-cash reclassification of long-term debt to current maturities of long-term debt, accretion (amortization) of discounts and premiums and amortization of debt issuance costs, as applicable.

(2)

As of June 30, 2016, our primary insurance subsidiary, The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company, had short-term debt that consisted of a $250 million floating rate note maturing on June 20, 2017.



90


As of June 30, 2016 , the holding company had available liquidity of $ 523 million .  Available liquidity consists of cash and invested cash, excluding cash held as collateral, and certain short-term investments that can be readily converted into cash, net of commercial paper outstanding.



Effective as of June 30, 2016, we entered into a credit agreement with a syndicate of banks.  This agreement (the “credit facility”) allows for the issuance of LOCs of up to $2.5 billion and borrowing of up to $2.5 billion, $1.75 billion of which is available only to reimburse the banks for drawn LOCs.  The credit facility is unsecured and has a commitment termination date of June 30, 2021.  LOCs under the facility are used primarily to satisfy reserve credit requirements of (i) our domestic insurance companies for which reserve credit is provided by our affiliated reinsurance companies and (ii) certain ceding companies of our legacy reinsurance business.



The credit facility contains or includes:



·

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

·

Financial covenants including maintenance of a minimum consolidated net worth (as defined in the facility) equal to the sum of $10.5 billion plus 50% of the aggregate net proceeds of equity issuances received by us in accordance with the terms of the credit facility; and a debt-to-capital ratio as defined in accordance with the credit facility not to exceed 0.35 to 1.00; and

·

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



Upon an event of default, the credit facility provides that, among other things, the commitments may be terminated and the loans then outstanding may be declared due and payable.  As of June 30, 2016, we were in compliance with all such covenants.



For more information about our short-term and long-term debt and our credit facilities and LOCs, see Note 12 in our 2015 Form 10-K.



We have not accounted for repurchase agreements, securities lending transactions, or other transactions involving the transfer of financial assets with an obligation to repurchase the transferred assets as sales.  For information about our collateralized financing transactions on our investments, see “Payables for Collateral on Investments” in Note 4 .



If current credit ratings and 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 counterparties, there is a termination event should the long-term senior debt ratings of LNC drop below BBB-/Baa3 (S&P/Moody’s). Our long-term senior debt held a rating of A-/Baa1 (S&P/Moody’s) as of June 30, 2016 .  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 the capital and surplus of our insurance subsidiaries may result in a downgrade to our credit and insurer financial strength ratings ” and “Part I – Item 1A. Risk Factors – Coven ants and Ratings – A downgrade in our financial strength or credit 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 201 5 Form 10-K for more information.  See “

Part I – Item 1 . Business – Financial Strength Ratings” in our 201 5 Form 10-K for additional information on our current financial strength ratings.



See “Part II – Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Review of Consolidated Financial Condition – Liquidity and Capital Resources – Financing Activities” in our 201 5 Form 10-K for information on our credit ratings.



Alternative Sources of Liquidity



In order to manage our capital more efficiently, we have an inter-company cash management program where certain subsidiaries 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 reduce s overall borrowing costs by allowing LNC and its subsidiaries to access internal resources instead of incurring third-party transaction costs.  As of June 30, 2016 , the holding company had a net outstanding payable of $ 286 million to certain subsidiaries resulting from loans made by subsidiaries in excess of amounts borrowed by subsidiaries in the inter-company cash management account .  Any change in holding company cash management program balances is offset by the immediate and equal change in holding company cash and invested cash.  Loans under the cash management program are permitted under applicable insurance laws subject to certain restrictions.  For our Indiana-domiciled insurance subsidiaries, the borrowing and lending limit is 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 the last year end but may not lend any amounts to LNC.



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 June 30, 2016 , our insurance subsidiaries had investments with a carrying value of $ 3.3 billion out on loan or subject to repurchase agreements.  The cash received in our securities lending programs and repurchase agreements is typically invested in cash equivalents, short-term investments or fixed maturity securities.  For additional details, see “Payables for Collateral on Investments” in Note 4 .



91


Cash Flows from Collateral on Derivatives



Our cash flows associated with collateral received from and posted with counterparties change as the market value of the underlying derivative contract changes.  As the value of a derivative asset decreases (or increases), the collateral required to be posted by our counterparties would also decrease (or increase).  Likewise, when the value of a derivative liability decreases (or increases), the collateral we are required to post to our counterparties would als o decrease (or increase). During the si x months ended June 30 , 2016 , our payables for collateral on derivative investments increased by $ 1.6 billion due primarily to decreasing interest rates that increased the fair values of our associated derivative investments . In the event of adverse changes in fair value of our derivative instruments, we may need to post collateral with a counterparty if our net derivative liability position reaches certain contractual levels.  If we do not have sufficient high quality securities or cash and invested cash to provide as collateral, we have multiple liquidity sources to leverage that would be eligible for collateral posting. For additional information, see “Credit Risk” in Note 5 .



Divestitures



For a discussion of our divestitures, see Note 3 in our 2015 Form 10- K .



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 our stockholders , to repurchase our stock and to repay debt.



Return of Capital to Common Stockholders



One of the Company’s primary goals is to provide a return to our common stockholders through share price accretion, dividends and stock repurchases.  In determining dividends, the Board of Directors takes into consideration items such as current and expected earnings, capital needs, rating agency considerations and requirements for financial flexibility.  The amount and timing of share repurchase depends on key capital ratios, rating agency expectations, the generation of free cash flow and an evaluation of the costs and benefits associated with alternative uses of capital.  Free cash flow for the holding company generally represents the amount of dividends and interest received from subsidiaries less interest paid on debt.



Details underlying this activity (in millions, except per share data), were as follows:









For the Three

For the Six



Months Ended

Months Ended



June 30,

June 30,



2016

2015

Change

2016

2015

Change

Common dividends to stockholders

$

60

$

51

18%

$

121

$

102

19%

Repurchase of common stock

275

150

83%

475

500

-5%

Total cash returned to stockholders

$

335

$

201

67%

$

596

$

602

-1%



Number of shares repurchased

6.243

2.559

144%

11.759

8.602

37%

Average price per share

$

44.07

$

58.64

-25%

$

40.41

$

58.15

-31%



On October 2 8, 2015 , our Board of Directors approved an increase of the quarterly dividend on our common stock from $0. 20 to $ 0.2 5 per share.  Additionally, we expect to repurchase additional shares of common stock during 2016 depending on market conditions and alternative uses of capital.  For more information regarding share repurchases, see “Part II – Item 2(c)” below.



Other Uses of Capital



In addition to the amounts in the table above in “Return of Capital to Common Stockholders,” other uses of holding company cash flow (in millions) were as follows:









For the Three

For the Six



Months Ended

Months Ended



June 30,

June 30,



2016

2015

Change

2016

2015

Change

Debt service (interest paid)

$

74

$

77

-4%

$

139

$

136

2%

Capital contribution to subsidiaries

-

-

NM

-

75

-100%

Total

$

74

$

77

-4%

$

139

$

211

-34%



The above table focuses on significant and recurring cash flow items and excludes the effects of certain financing activities, namely the periodic retirement of debt and cash flows related to our inter-company cash management account.  Taxes have been eliminated from the

92


analysis due to a tax sharing agreement among our primary subsidiaries resulting in a modest effect on net cash flows at the holding company.



Significant Trends in Sources and Uses of Cash Flow



As stated above, LNC’s cash flow, as a holding company, is largely dependent upon the dividend capacity of its insurance company subsidiaries as well as their ability to advance funds to it through inter-company borrowing arrangements, which may be affected by factors influencing the insurance subsidiaries’ RBC and statutory earnings performance.  We currently expect to be able to meet the holding company’s ongoing cash needs and to have sufficient capital to offer downside protection in the event that the capital and credit markets experience another period of extreme volatility and disruption.  A decline in capital market conditions, which reduces our insurance subsidiaries’ statutory surplus and RBC, may require them to retain more capital and may pressure our subsidiaries’ dividends to the holding company, which may lead us to take steps to preserve or raise additional capital.  For factors that could affect our expectations for liquidity and capital, see “Part I – Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our 201 5 Form 10-K as updated by “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our first quarter 2016 Form 10-Q .



For factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in this section, see “Forward-Looking Statements – Cautionary Language” above and “Part I – Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our 201 5 Form 10-K as updated by “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our first quarter 2016 Form 10-Q .



OTHE R MATTERS



Other Factors Affecting Our Business

In general, our businesses are subject to a changing social, economic, legal, legislative and regulatory environment.  Some of the changes include initiatives to require more reserves to be carried by our insurance subsidiaries.  Although the eventual effect on us of the changing environment in which we operate remains uncertain, these factors and others could have a material effect on our results of operations, liquidity and capital resources.  For factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in this section, see “Part I – Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our 2015 Form 10-K as updated by “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our first quarter 2016 Form 10-Q and “Forward-Looking Statements – Cautionary Language” above.



Recent Accounting Pronouncements



See Note 2 for a discussion of recent accounting pronouncements that have been implemented during the periods presented or that have been issued and are to be implemented in the future.



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-lia bility management process that considers diversification.  By aggregating the potential effect of market and other risks on the entire enterprise, we estimate, review and in some cases manage the risk to our earnings and shareholder value.  We have exposures to several market risks including interest rate risk, equity market risk, default risk, credit risk and, to a lesser extent, foreign currency exchange risk.  The exposures of financial instruments to market risks, and the related risk management processes, are most important to our business where most of the invested assets support accumulation and investment-oriented insurance products.  As an important element of our integrated asset-liability management processes, we use derivatives to minimize the effects of changes in interest levels, the shape of the yield curve, currency movements and volatility.  In this context, derivatives serve to minimize interest rate risk by mitigating the effect of significant increases in interest rates on our earnings.  Additional market exposures exist in our other general account insurance products and in our debt structure and derivatives positions.  Our pri mary sources of market risk are substantial, relatively rapid and sustained increases or decreases in interest rates or a sharp drop in equity market values.  These market risks are discussed in detail in the following pages and should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements presented in “Item 1. Financial Statements,” as well as “Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”



Interest Rate Risk



Effect of Interest Rate Sensitivity



For information about the effect of interest rate sensitivity on our income (loss) from operations , see “Part II – Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk – Interest Rate Risk Effect of Interest Rate Sensitivity in our 2015 Form 10-K.



Interest Rate Risk on Fixed Insu rance Businesses



In periods of low interest rates, we have to reinvest the cash we receive as interest or return of principal on our investments in lower yielding instruments.  Moreo ver, borrowers may prepay fixed- income securities, commercial mortgages and mortgage-backed securities in our general accounts in order to borrow at lower market rates, which exacerbates this risk.  Because we are entitled to reset the interest rates on our fixed- rate annuities only at limited, pre-established intervals, and because many of our contracts have guaranteed minimum interest or crediting rates, our spreads could decrease and potentially become negative.

93




Prolonged historically low rates are not healthy for our business fundamentals.  However , we have recognized this risk and have been proactive in our investment strategies, product designs, crediting rate strategies and overall asset-liability practices to mitigate the risk of unfavorable consequences in this type of environment.  For some time now, new products have been sold with low minimum crediting floors, and we apply disciplined asset-liability management standards, such as locking in spreads on these products at the time of issue. 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 and changes in interest rates may also result in increased contract withdrawals” in our 2015 Form 10-K for addition al information on interest rate risks .



The following provides detail on the percentage differences between the June 30, 2016 , interest rates being credited to cont ract holders based on the second quarter of 2016 declared rates and the respective minimum guaranteed policy rate (in millions), broken out by contract holder account values reported within our segments:











Account Values



Retirement

%



Plan

Life

Account



Annuities

Services

Insurance (1)

Total

Values

Excess of Crediting Rates over Contract Minimums

Discretionary rate setting products: (2)

Occurring within the next twelve months: (3)

No difference

$

8,502

$

11,258

$

32,384

$

52,144

71.0%

Up to 0.50%

1,658

693

454

2,805

3.8%

0.51% to 1.00%

3,226

642

-

3,868

5.3%

1.01% to 1.50%

2,507

-

122

2,629

3.6%

1.51% to 2.00%

428

-

868

1,296

1.8%

2.01% to 2.50%

132

-

-

132

0.2%

2.51% to 3.00%

137

-

-

137

0.2%

3.01% or greater

43

-

-

43

0.1%

Occurring after the next twelve months (4)

3,562

-

-

3,562

4.9%

Total discretionary rate setting products

20,195

12,593

33,828

66,616

90.9%

Other contracts (5)

2,296

4,403

-

6,699

9.1%

Total account values

$

22,491

$

16,996

$

33,828

$

73,315

100.0%



Percentage of discretionary rate setting product account

values at minimum guaranteed rates

42.1%

89.4%

95.7%

78.3%



(1)

Excludes policy loans.

(2)

Contracts currently within new money rate bands are grouped according to the corresponding portfolio rate band in which they will fall upon their first anniversary.

(3)

The average crediting rates wer e 46 basis po ints , 5 basis p oints a nd 6 basis p oints in excess of average minimum guaranteed rates for our Annuities, Retirement Plan Services and Life Insurance segments, respectively.

(4)

The average cred iting rates were 103 basis points in excess of average minimum guaranteed rates.  Of our account values for these products: 27 % are scheduled to reset in more than one year but not more than two years; 22 % are scheduled to reset in more than two years but not more than three years; and 51 % are scheduled t o reset in more than three years.

(5)

For Annuities, this amount relates primarily to income annuity and short-term dollar cost averaging business.  For Retirement Plan Services, this amount relates primarily to indexed-based rate setting products in which the average crediting rates w er e 15 basis points in excess of average minimum guaranteed rates and 75 % o f acco unt values were already at their minimum guaranteed rates.



The maturity structure and call provisions of the related portfolios are structured to afford protection against erosion of investment portfolio yields during periods of declining interest rates.  We devote extensive effort to evaluating the risks associated with falling interest rates by simulating asset and liability cash flows for a wide range of interest rate scenarios.  We seek to manage these exposures by maintaining a suitable maturity structure and by limiting our exposure to call risk in each respective investment portfolio.



Derivatives



See Note 5 for information on our derivatives used to hedge our exposure to changes in interest rates.



Equity Market Risk



Our revenues, ass ets and liabilities are exposed to equity market risk that we often hedge with derivatives .  Due to the use of our RTM process and our hedging strategies, we expect that, in general, short-term fluctuations in the equity markets should not have a significant effect on our quarterly earnings from unlocking of assumptions for DAC, VOBA, DSI, and DFEL .  However, earnings are affected by equity market movements on account values and assets under management and the related fees we earn on those assets.  Refer to “

Part II

94


Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Introduction – Critical Accounting Policies and Estima tes – DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL” in our 2015 For m 10-K for further discussion of the effects of equity markets on our RTM.



Effect of Equity Market Sensitivity



For information about the effect of equity market sensitivity on our income (loss) from operations , see “Part II – Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk – Equity Market Risk Effect of Equity Market Sensitivity in our 2015 Form 10-K.



Credit Risk



We may use credit-related derivatives to minimize our exposure to credit-related events , and we also sell credit default swaps to offer credit protection to our contract holders and investors.



In addition to the information provided about our counterparty exposure in Note 5 , the fair value of our exposure by rating (in millions) was as follows:









As of

As of



June 30,

December 31,



2016

2015

A

$

5

$

5

BBB

10

10

Total

$

15

$

15



See Note 5 for additional information on our credit risk .



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 Chief 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 Chief Executive Officer 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 Chief Executive Officer 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 June 30, 2016 , 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.





95


PART II – OTHER INFORMATION



Item 1 . Legal Proceedings



Information regarding reportable legal proceedings is contained in Note 8 in “Part I – Item 1.”



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



(c) The following table summarizes purchases of equity securities by the issuer during the quarter ended June 30, 2016 (dollars in millions, except per share data):









(a) Total

(c) Total Number

(d) Approximate Dollar



Number

(b) Average

of Shares (or Units)

Value of Shares (or



of Shares

Price Paid

Purchased as Part of

Units) that May Yet Be



(or Units)

per Share

Publicly Announced

Purchased Under the

Period

Purchased (1)

(or Unit)

Plans or Programs (2)

Plans or Programs (2)(3)

4/1/16 – 4/30/16

-

$

-

-

$

368



5/1/16 – 5/31/16

4,310,651

43.43

4,310,651

979



6/1/16 – 6/30/16

1,932,782

45.49

1,932,782

891



(1)

Of the total number of shares purchased, no shares were received in connection with the exercise of stock options and related taxes.  For the quarter ended June 30, 2016, there were 6,234,433 shares purchased as part of publicly announced plans or programs.

(2)

On May 26 , 201 6 , our Board of Directors authorized an increase in our securities repurchase authorization, bringing the total aggregate repurchase authorization to $1.0 billion.  As of June 30, 2016, our remaining security repurchase authorization was $891 million.  The security repurchase authorization does not have an expiration date.  The amount and timing of share repurchase depends on key capital ratios, rating agency expectations, the generation of free cash flow and an evaluation of the costs and benefits associated with alternative uses of capital.

(3)

As of the last day of the applicable month.



Item 6 . Exhibits



The Exhibits included in this report are listed in the Exhibit Index beginning on page E-1, which is incorporated herein by refer ence.

96


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.





LINCOLN NATIONAL CORPORATION





By:

/s/  RANDAL J. FREITAG



Randal J. Freitag

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer





By:

/s/  CHRISTINE A . JANOFSKY



Christine A. Janofsky

Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer

Dated:  August 4 , 2016









97


LINCOLN NATIONAL CORPORATION

Exhibit Index for the Report on Form 10-Q

For the Quarter Ended June 30, 2016







10.1

Credit Agreement, dated as of June 30, 2016, among Lincoln National Corporation, as an Account Party and Guarantor, the Subsidiary Account Parties, as additional Account Parties, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as administrative agent, and the other lenders named therein, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to LNC’s Form 8-K (File No. 1-6028) filed with the SEC on July 6, 2016.

12

Historical Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.

31.1

Certification of the Chief Executive Officer 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 Chief Executive Officer 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.

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.















E-1


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