UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

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

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2008.March 31, 2009
OR


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

For the transition period fromto.

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.)
 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

150 N. Radnor Chester Road, 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)

report.)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: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 x    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- acceleratednon-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  (Check one):


Large accelerated filer x  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  x

As of November 3, 2008,May 4, 2009, there were 255,881,396256,087,959 shares of the registrant’s common stock outstanding.






1


PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1

Item 1.Financial Statements

.  Financial Statements

LINCOLN NATIONAL CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in millions, except share data)

   As of
September 30,
2008
  As of
December 31,
2007
   (Unaudited)   

ASSETS

   

Investments:

   

Available-for-sale securities, at fair value:

   

Fixed maturity (amortized cost: 2008 – $56,211; 2007 – $56,069)

  $51,931  $56,276

Equity (cost: 2008 – $612; 2007 – $548)

   493   518

Trading securities

   2,393   2,730

Mortgage loans on real estate

   7,688   7,423

Real estate

   127   258

Policy loans

   2,870   2,885

Derivative investments

   1,262   807

Other investments

   1,193   1,075
        

Total investments

   67,957   71,972

Cash and invested cash

   2,160   1,665

Deferred acquisition costs and value of business acquired

   11,652   9,580

Premiums and fees receivable

   463   401

Accrued investment income

   921   843

Reinsurance recoverables

   8,222   8,187

Goodwill

   4,041   4,144

Other assets

   2,884   3,530

Separate account assets

   74,971   91,113
        

Total assets

  $173,271  $191,435
        

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

   

Liabilities

   

Future contract benefits

  $16,281  $16,007

Other contract holder funds

   60,678   59,640

Short-term debt

   635   550

Long-term debt

   4,569   4,618

Reinsurance related derivative liability

   (9)  220

Funds withheld reinsurance liabilities

   2,062   2,117

Deferred gain on indemnity reinsurance

   639   696

Payables for collateral under securities loaned and derivatives

   1,668   1,135

Other liabilities

   2,277   3,621

Separate account liabilities

   74,971   91,113
        

Total liabilities

   163,771   179,717
        

Contingencies and Commitments (See Note 10)

   

Stockholders’ Equity

   

Series A preferred stock – 10,000,000 shares authorized

   —     —  

Common stock – 800,000,000 shares authorized; 255,841,633 and 264,233,303 shares issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2008, and December 31, 2007, respectively

   7,006   7,200

Retained earnings

   4,304   4,293

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

   (1,810)  225
        

Total stockholders’ equity

   9,500   11,718
        

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

  $173,271  $191,435
        

  As of  As of 
  March 31,  December 31, 
  2009  2008 
  (Unaudited)    
ASSETS      
Investments:      
Available-for-sale securities, at fair value:      
Fixed maturity (amortized cost: 2009 - $55,876; 2008 - $55,194) $49,349  $48,935 
Equity (cost: 2009 - $464; 2008 - $466)  205   288 
Trading securities  2,246   2,333 
Mortgage loans on real estate  7,616   7,715 
Real estate  129   125 
Policy loans  2,908   2,924 
Derivative investments  2,226   3,397 
Other investments  1,476   1,624 
Total investments  66,155   67,341 
Cash and invested cash  5,613   5,926 
Deferred acquisition costs and value of business acquired  11,922   11,936 
Premiums and fees receivable  489   481 
Accrued investment income  881   832 
Reinsurance recoverables  8,033   8,450 
Reinsurance related derivative assets  107   31 
Goodwill  3,344   3,944 
Other assets  3,396   3,562 
Separate account assets  57,487   60,633 
Total assets $157,427  $163,136 
         
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY        
Liabilities        
Future contract benefits $18,836  $19,260 
Other contract holder funds  61,525   60,847 
Short-term debt  1,436   815 
Long-term debt  4,345   4,731 
Funds withheld reinsurance liabilities  1,215   2,042 
Deferred gain on business sold through reinsurance  548   619 
Payables for collateral under securities loaned and derivatives  2,386   3,706 
Other liabilities  2,326   2,506 
Separate account liabilities  57,487   60,633 
Total liabilities  150,104   155,159 
         
Contingencies and Commitments (See Note 11)        
         
Stockholders' Equity        
Series A preferred stock - 10,000,000 shares authorized  -   - 
Common stock - 800,000,000 shares authorized; 256,046,103 and 255,869,859 shares        
 issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2009, and December 31, 2008, respectively  7,033   7,035 
Retained earnings  3,265   3,745 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss  (2,975)  (2,803)
Total stockholders' equity  7,323   7,977 
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $157,427  $163,136 

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

1


2


LINCOLN NATIONAL CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(in millions, except per share data)

   For the Three
Months Ended
September 30,
  For the Nine
Months Ended
September 30,
 
   2008  2007  2008  2007 
   (Unaudited) 

Revenues

     

Insurance premiums

  $533  $491  $1,572  $1,439 

Insurance fees

   791   836   2,446   2,342 

Investment advisory fees

   68   89   220   272 

Net investment income

   1,089   1,062   3,231   3,285 

Realized loss

   (204)  (65)  (347)  (24)

Amortization of deferred gain on business sold through reinsurance

   19   19   57   65 

Other revenues and fees

   140   169   431   514 
                 

Total revenues

   2,436   2,601   7,610   7,893 
                 

Benefits and Expenses

     

Interest credited

   625   611   1,849   1,817 

Benefits

   836   623   2,199   1,866 

Underwriting, acquisition, insurance and other expenses

   754   850   2,408   2,475 

Interest and debt expense

   69   69   209   204 

Impairment of intangibles

   —     —     175   —   
                 

Total benefits and expenses

   2,284   2,153   6,840   6,362 
                 

Income from continuing operations before taxes

   152   448   770   1,531 

Federal income taxes

   3   125   203   450 
                 

Income from continuing operations

   149   323   567   1,081 

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of federal incomes taxes

   (1)  7   (5)  21 
                 

Net income

  $148  $330  $562  $1,102 
                 

Earnings Per Common Share – Basic

     

Income from continuing operations

  $0.58  $1.20  $2.20  $3.98 

Income (loss) from discontinued operations

   —     0.02   (0.02)  0.08 
                 

Net income

  $0.58  $1.22  $2.18  $4.06 
                 

Earnings Per Common Share – Diluted

     

Income from continuing operations

  $0.58  $1.19  $2.18  $3.93 

Income (loss) from discontinued operations

   —     0.02   (0.02)  0.07 
                 

Net income

  $0.58  $1.21  $2.16  $4.00 
                 

  For the Three 
  Months Ended 
  March 31, 
  2009  2008 
  (Unaudited) 
Revenues      
Insurance premiums $518  $509 
Insurance fees  728   814 
Investment advisory fees  44   76 
Net investment income  1,027   1,065 
Realized loss:        
Total other-than-temporary impairment losses on securities  (214)  (57)
Portion of loss recognized in other comprehensive income  89   - 
Net other-than-temporary impairment losses on securities recognized in earnings  (125)  (57)
Realized gain (loss), excluding other-than-temporary impairment losses on securities  (68)  22 
Total realized loss  (193)  (35)
Amortization of deferred gain on business sold through reinsurance  19   19 
Other revenues and fees  102   146 
Total revenues  2,245   2,594 
Benefits and Expenses        
Interest credited  627   612 
Benefits  939   679 
Underwriting, acquisition, insurance and other expenses  725   809 
Interest and debt expense  -   76 
Impairment of intangibles  603   - 
Total benefits and expenses  2,894   2,176 
Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes  (649)  418 
Federal income tax expense (benefit)  (70)  125 
Income (loss) from continuing operations  (579)  293 
Loss from discontinued operations, net of federal incomes taxes  -   (4)
Net income (loss) $(579) $289 
         
Earnings Per Common Share - Basic        
Income (loss) from continuing operations $(2.27) $1.13 
Loss from discontinued operations  -   (0.02)
Net income (loss) $(2.27) $1.11 
         
Earnings Per Common Share - Diluted        
Income (loss) from continuing operations $(2.27) $1.12 
Loss from discontinued operations  -   (0.02)
Net income (loss) $(2.27) $1.10 

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

2


3


LINCOLN NATIONAL CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(in millions, except per share data)

   For the Nine
Months Ended
September 30,
 
   2008  2007 
   (Unaudited) 

Series A Preferred Stock

   

Balance at beginning-of-year

  $—    $1 
         

Balance at end-of-period

   —     1 
         

Common Stock

   

Balance at beginning-of-year

   7,200   7,449 

Issued for acquisition

   —     20 

Stock compensation

   51   113 

Deferred compensation payable in stock

   4   5 

Retirement of common stock/cancellation of shares

   (249)  (278)
         

Balance at end-of-period

   7,006   7,309 
         

Retained Earnings

   

Balance at beginning-of-year

   4,293   4,138 

Cumulative effect of adoption of SOP 05-1

   —     (41)

Cumulative effect of adoption of FIN 48

   —     (15)

Cumulative effect of adoption of EITF 06-10

   (4)  —   

Comprehensive income (loss)

   (1,473)  686 

Less other comprehensive loss, net of tax

   (2,035)  (416)
         

Net income

   562   1,102 

Retirement of common stock

   (227)  (408)

Dividends declared: Common (2008 – $1.245; 2007 – $1.185)

   (320)  (320)
         

Balance at end-of-period

   4,304   4,456 
         

Net Unrealized Gain on Available-for-Sale Securities

   

Balance at beginning-of-year

   86   493 

Change during the period

   (1,990)  (437)
         

Balance at end-of-period

   (1,904)  56 
         

Net Unrealized Gain on Derivative Instruments

   

Balance at beginning-of-year

   53   39 

Change during the period

   1   (7)
         

Balance at end-of-period

   54   32 
         

Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment

   

Balance at beginning-of-year

   175   165 

Change during the period

   (54)  29 
         

Balance at end-of-period

   121   194 
         

Funded Status of Employee Benefit Plans

   

Balance at beginning-of-year

   (89)  (84)

Change during the period

   8   (1)
         

Balance at end-of-period

   (81)  (85)
         

Total stockholders’ equity at end-of-period

  $9,500  $11,963 
         

  For the Three 
  Months Ended 
  March 31, 
  2009  2008 
  (Unaudited) 
Common Stock      
Balance at beginning-of-year $7,035  $7,200 
Stock compensation/issued for benefit plans  (5)  21 
Deferred compensation payable in stock  3   3 
Retirement of common stock/cancellation of shares  -   (149)
Balance at end-of-period  7,033   7,075 
         
Retained Earnings        
Balance at beginning-of-year  3,745   4,293 
Cumulative effect of adoption of EITF 06-10  -   (4)
Cumulative effect of adoption of FSP 115-2  102   - 
Comprehensive loss  (649)  (258)
Less other comprehensive loss, net of tax  (70)  (547)
Net income (loss)  (579)  289 
Retirement of common stock  -   (137)
Dividends declared: Common (2009 - $0.010; 2008 - $0.415)  (3)  (108)
Balance at end-of-period  3,265   4,333 
Net Unrealized Loss on Available-for-Sale Securities        
Balance at beginning-of-year  (2,654)  86 
Cumulative effect of adoption of FSP 115-2  (84)    
Change during the period  39   (538)
Balance at end-of-period  (2,699)  (452)
Unrealized Other-Than-Temporary Impairment on Available-for-Sale Securities
        
Balance at beginning-of-year  -   - 
Cumulative effect of adoption of FSP 115-2  (18)  - 
Change during the period  (58)  - 
Balance at end-of-period  (76)  - 
Net Unrealized Gain on Derivative Instruments        
Balance at beginning-of-year  127   53 
Change during the period  (69)  (9)
Balance at end-of-period  58   44 
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment        
Balance at beginning-of-year  6   175 
Change during the period  17   (1)
Balance at end-of-period  23   174 
Funded Status of Employee Benefit Plans        
Balance at beginning-of-year  (282)  (89)
Change during the period  1   1 
Balance at end-of-period  (281)  (88)
Total stockholders' equity at end-of-period $7,323  $11,086 

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

3


4


LINCOLN NATIONAL CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in millions)

   For the Nine
Months Ended
September 30,
 
   2008  2007 
   (Unaudited) 

Cash Flows from Operating Activities

   

Net income

  $562  $1,102 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

   

Deferred acquisition costs, value of business acquired, deferred sales inducements and deferred front end loads deferrals and interest, net of amortization

   (838)  (907)

Trading securities purchases, sales and maturities, net

   141   319 

Change in premiums and fees receivable

   47   1 

Change in accrued investment income

   (78)  (50)

Change in future contract benefits

   159   113 

Change in other contract holder funds

   548   1,033 

Change in funds withheld reinsurance liability and reinsurance recoverables

   (57)  (125)

Change in federal income tax accruals

   (228)  358 

Realized loss

   347   24 

Loss on disposal of discontinued operations

   13   —   

Impairment of intangibles

   175   —   

Amortization of deferred gain on business sold through reinsurance

   (57)  (65)

Stock-based compensation expense

   23   39 

Other

   54   288 
         

Net adjustments

   249   1,028 
         

Net cash provided by operating activities

   811   2,130 
         

Cash Flows from Investing Activities

   

Purchases of available-for-sale securities

   (5,578)  (10,740)

Sales of available-for-sale securities

   1,803   6,456 

Maturities of available-for-sale securities

   2,978   3,162 

Purchases of other investments

   (1,848)  (1,849)

Sales or maturities of other investments

   1,383   1,617 

Increase (decrease) in payables for collateral under securities loaned and derivatives

   533   (184)

Proceeds from sale of subsidiaries/businesses and disposal of discontinued operations

   645   —   

Other

   (90)  (75)
         

Net cash used in investing activities

   (174)  (1,613)
         

Cash Flows from Financing Activities

   

Payment of long-term debt, including current maturities

   (285)  (653)

Issuance of long-term debt

   450   1,050 

Issuance (decrease) in commercial paper

   (145)  226 

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

   7,366   7,030 

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

   (4,373)  (5,805)

Transfers to and from separate accounts, net

   (1,838)  (1,732)

Payment of funding agreements

   (550)  —   

Common stock issued for benefit plans and excess tax benefits

   32   81 

Repurchase of common stock

   (476)  (686)

Dividends paid to stockholders

   (323)  (323)
         

Net cash used in financing activities

   (142)  (812)
         

Net increase (decrease) in cash and invested cash

   495   (295)

Cash and invested cash at beginning-of-year

   1,665   1,621 
         

Cash and invested cash at end-of-period

  $2,160  $1,326 
         

  For the Three 
  Months Ended 
  March 31, 
  2009  2008 
Cash Flows from Operating Activities (Unaudited) 
Net income (loss) $(579) $289 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:        
Deferred acquisition costs, value of business acquired, deferred sales inducements        
and deferred front end loads deferrals and interest, net of amortization  (100)  (169)
Trading securities purchases, sales and maturities, net  37   12 
Change in premiums and fees receivable  37   (34)
Change in accrued investment income  (49)  (74)
Change in future contract benefits  (233)  299 
Change in other contract holder funds  (2)  24 
Change in funds withheld reinsurance liability and reinsurance recoverables  (170)  (170)
Change in federal income tax accruals  36   (74)
Realized loss  193   35 
Loss on disposal of discontinued operations  -   12 
Impairment of intangibles  603   - 
Amortization of deferred gain on business sold through reinsurance  (19)  (19)
Stock-based compensation expense  6   12 
Other  (39)  (45)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities  (279)  98 
         
Cash Flows from Investing Activities        
Purchases of available-for-sale securities  (2,719)  (1,599)
Sales of available-for-sale securities  1,242   300 
Maturities of available-for-sale securities  731   888 
Purchases of other investments  (1,201)  (713)
Sales or maturities of other investments  2,411   596 
Increase (decrease) in payables for collateral under securities loaned and derivatives  (1,320)  661 
Proceeds from sale of subsidiaries/businesses and disposal of discontinued operations  2   642 
Other  (16)  (13)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities  (870)  762 
         
Cash Flows from Financing Activities        
Payment of long-term debt, including current maturities  (87)  (100)
Increase (decrease) in commercial paper, net  371   (54)
Deposits of fixed account values, including the fixed portion of variable  2,612   2,403 
Withdrawals of fixed account values, including the fixed portion of variable  (1,590)  (1,434)
Transfers to and from separate accounts, net  (408)  (509)
Common stock issued for benefit plans and excess tax benefits  (8)  12 
Repurchase of common stock  -   (286)
Dividends paid to stockholders  (54)  (110)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities  836   (78)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and invested cash  (313)  782 
Cash and invested cash at beginning-of-year  5,926   1,665 
Cash and invested cash at end-of-period $5,613  $2,447 

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

4


5


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 and investment management businesses through six business segments, see Note 17.16.  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.  These products include institutional and/or retail fixed and indexed annuities, variable annuities, universal life (“UL”) insurance, variable universal life (“VUL”) insurance, term life insurance, mutual funds and managed accounts.


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, 20072008 (“20072008 Form 10-K”), should be read in connection with the reading of these interim unaudited consolidated financial statements.


In the opinion of management, these statements include all normal recurring adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the Company’s results.  Operating results for the three and nine month periodsperiod ended September 30, 2008,March 31, 2009, are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year ending December 31, 2008.2009.  All material intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.


Certain amounts reported in prior periods’ consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the presentation adopted in the current year.  These reclassifications have no effect on net income or stockholders’ equity of the prior periods.


We have reclassified the results of certain derivatives and embedded derivatives to realized loss, which were previously reported within insurance fees, net investment income, interest credited or benefits.  The associated amortization expense of deferred acquisition costs (“DAC”) and value of business acquired (“VOBA”) (previously reported within underwriting, acquisition, insurance and other expenses), deferred sales inducements (“DSI”) (previously reported within interest credited), deferred front-end loads (“DFEL”) (previously reported within insurance fees) and changes in future contract benefitsholder funds (previously reported within benefits) have also been reclassified to realized loss.

The detail of the reclassifications from what was previously reported in prior periodMarch 31, 2008, financial statements (in millions) was as follows:

   For the
Three Months
Ended
September 30,

2007
  For the
Nine Months

Ended
September 30,
2007
 

Realized loss, as previously reported

  $(37) $(15)

Effect of reclassifications to:

   

Insurance fees

   16   47 

Net investment income

   5   41 

Interest credited

   (15)  (44)

Benefits

   (55)  (57)

Underwriting, acquisition, insurance and other expenses

   21   4 
         

Realized loss, as adjusted

  $(65) $(24)
         

5

  For the Three 
  Months Ended 
  March 31, 
  2008 
Realized loss, as previously reported $(38)
Effect of reclassifications to:    
Insurance fees  32 
Net investment income  (97)
Interest credited  102 
Benefits  (13)
Underwriting, acquisition, insurance and other expenses  (21)
Realized loss, as adjusted $(35)



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2.   New Accounting Standards


Adoption of New Accounting Standards


Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157141(R)Fair Value Measurements

Business Combinations


In September 2006,December 2007, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (“SFAS 157”), which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value under current accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurement and enhances disclosures about fair value instruments. SFAS 157 retains the exchange price notion, but clarifies that exchange price is the price in an orderly transaction between market participants to sell the asset or transfer the liability (exit price) in the principal market, or the most advantageous market in the absence of a principal market, for that asset or liability, as opposed to the price that would be paid to acquire the asset or receive a liability (entry price). Fair value measurement is based on assumptions used by market participants in pricing the asset or liability, which may include inherent risk, restrictions on the sale or use of an asset or non-performance risk, which would include the reporting entity’s own credit risk. SFAS 157 establishes a three-level fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The three-level hierarchy for fair value measurement is defined as follows:

Level 1 – inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices available in active markets for identical investments as of the reporting date. “Blockage discounts” for large holdings of unrestricted financial instruments where quoted prices are readily and regularly available for an identical asset or liability in an active market are prohibited;

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

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

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

We have certain guaranteed benefit features within our annuity products that, prior to January 1, 2008, were recorded using fair value pricing. These benefits will continue to be measured on a fair value basis with the adoption of SFAS 157, utilizing Level 3 inputs and some Level 2 inputs, which are reflective of the hypothetical market participant perspective for fair value measurement, including liquidity assumptions and assumptions regarding the Company’s own credit or non-performance risk. In addition, SFAS 157 expands the disclosure requirements for annual and interim reporting to focus on the inputs used to measure fair value, including those measurements using significant unobservable inputs and the effects of the measurements on earnings. See Note 16 for additional information.

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We adopted SFAS 157 effective January 1, 2008, by recording increases (decreases) to the following categories (in millions) on our consolidated financial statements:

Assets

  

DAC

  $13 

VOBA

   (8)

Other assets – DSI

   2 
     

Total assets

  $7 
     

Liabilities

  

Future Contract Benefits:

  

Remaining guaranteed interest and similar contracts

  $(20)

Embedded derivative instruments – living benefits liabilities

   48 

DFEL

   3 

Other liabilities – income tax liabilities

   (8)
     

Total liabilities

  $23 
     

Revenues

  

Realized loss

  $(24)

Federal income tax benefit

   (8)
     

Loss from continuing operations

  $(16)
     

The impact for the first quarter adoption of SFAS 157 to basic and diluted per share amounts was a decrease of $0.06.

FASB Staff Position No. FAS 157-2– Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157

In February 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position (“FSP”) No. FAS 157-2, “Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157” (“FSP 157-2”). FSP 157-2 delays the effective date of SFAS 157 for nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities to fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008, except for items that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis (at least annually). Accordingly, we did not apply the provisions of SFAS 157 to nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities within the scope of FSP 157-2. Examples of items to which the deferral is applicable include, but are not limited to:

Nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities initially measured at fair value in a business combination or other new basis event, but not measured at fair value in subsequent periods;

Reporting units measured at fair value in the goodwill impairment test under SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” (“SFAS 142”), and indefinite-lived intangible assets measured at fair value for impairment assessment under SFAS 142;

Nonfinancial long-lived assets measured at fair value for an impairment assessment under SFAS No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets”;

Asset retirement obligations initially measured at fair value under SFAS No. 143, “Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations”; and

Nonfinancial liabilities for exit or disposal activities initially measured at fair value under SFAS No. 146, “Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities.”

FASB Staff Position No. FAS 157-3 – Determining the Fair Value of a Financial Asset When the Market for That Asset is Not Active

In October 2008, the FASB issued FSP FAS 157-3, “Determining the Fair Value of a Financial Asset When the Market for That Asset is Not Active” (“FSP 157-3”). FSP 157-3 clarifies the application of SFAS 157 in a market that is not active and provides an illustrative example of key considerations to analyze in determining fair value of a financial asset when the market for the asset is not active. During times when there is little market activity for a financial asset, the objective of fair value measurement remains the same, that is, to value the asset at the price that would be received by the holder of the financial asset in an orderly transaction (exit price) that is not a forced liquidation or distressed sale at the measurement date. Determining fair value of a financial asset during a period of market inactivity may require the use of significant judgment and an evaluation of the facts and circumstances to determine if transactions for a financial asset represent a forced liquidation or distressed sale. An entity’s own assumptions regarding future cash flows and risk-adjusted discount rates for financial assets are acceptable when relevant observable inputs are not available. FSP 157-3 was effective on October 10, 2008, and for all prior periods for which financial statements have not been issued. Any changes in valuation techniques resulting from the adoption of FSP 157-3 shall be accounted for as a change in accounting estimated in accordance with SFAS No. 154, “Accounting Changes and Error Corrections.” We adopted the guidance

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in FSP 157-3 in our financial statements for the reporting period ending September 30, 2008. The adoption did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial condition or results of operations.

SFAS No. 159 – The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” (“SFAS 159”), which allows an entity to make an irrevocable election, on specific election dates, to measure eligible items at fair value. The election to measure an item at fair value may be determined on an instrument by instrument basis, with certain exceptions. If the fair value option is elected, unrealized gains and losses will be recognized in earnings at each subsequent reporting date, and any upfront costs and fees related to the item will be recognized in earnings as incurred. In addition, the presentation and disclosure requirements of SFAS 159 are designed to assist in the comparison between entities that select different measurement attributes for similar types of assets and liabilities. SFAS 159 applies to fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, with early adoption permitted for an entity that has also elected to apply the provisions of SFAS 157. At the effective date, the fair value option may be elected for eligible items that exist on that date. Effective January 1, 2008, we elected not to adopt the fair value option for any financial assets or liabilities that existed as of that date.

Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 06-10 – Accounting for Collateral Assignment Split-Dollar Life Insurance Arrangements

In March 2007, the FASB Board ratified the consensus reached by the Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) in EITF Issue No. 06-10, “Accounting for Collateral Assignment Split-Dollar Life Insurance Arrangements” (“EITF 06-10”). EITF 06-10 requires an employer to recognize a liability related to a collateral assignment split-dollar life insurance arrangement in accordance with SFAS No. 106, “Employers’ Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions,” if the employer has agreed to maintain a life insurance policy during the employee’s retirement. In addition, based on the split-dollar arrangement, an asset should be recognized by the employer for the estimated future cash flows to which the employer is entitled. The adoption of EITF 06-10 can be recognized either as a change in accounting principle through a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings or through retrospective application to all prior periods. The consensus is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2007, including interim periods within those fiscal years.

We maintain collateral assignment split-dollar life insurance arrangements related to frozen policies that are within the scope of EITF 06-10. Effective January 1, 2008, we adopted EITF 06-10 by recording a $4 million cumulative effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings, offset by an increase to our liability for postretirement benefits. We also recorded notes receivable for the amounts due to us from participants under the split-dollar arrangements. The recording of the notes receivable did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial condition or results of operations.

Derivative Implementation Group Statement 133 Implementation Issue No. E23 – Issues Involving the Application of the Shortcut Method Under Paragraph 68

In December 2007, the FASB issued Derivative Implementation Group (“DIG”) Statement 133 Implementation Issue No. E23, “Issues Involving the Application of the Shortcut Method under Paragraph 68” (“DIG E23”), which gives clarification to the application of the shortcut method of accounting for qualifying fair value hedging relationships involving an interest-bearing financial instrument and/or an interest rate swap, originally outlined in paragraph 68 in SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” (“SFAS 133”). We adopted DIG E23 effective January 1, 2008, for hedging relationships designated on or after that date. The adoption did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial condition or results of operations.

Future Adoption of New Accounting Standards

SFAS No. 141(R) – Business Combinations

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141(revised 2007), “Business Combinations” (“SFAS 141(R)”), which is a revision of SFAS No. 141 “Business Combinations” (“SFAS 141”).  SFAS 141(R) retains the fundamental requirements of SFAS 141, but establishes principles and requirements for the acquirer in a business combination to recognize and measure the identifiable assets acquired, liabilities assumed and any noncontrolling interests in the acquiree and the goodwill acquired or the gain from a bargain purchase.  The revised statement requires, among other things, that assets acquired, liabilities assumed and any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree shall be measured at their acquisition-date fair values. For business combinations completed upon adoptiona more detailed description of SFAS 141(R), goodwill will be measured as the excesssee Note 2 of the consideration transferred, plus the fair value of any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree, in excess of the fair values of the identifiable net assets acquired. Any contingent consideration shall be recognized at the acquisition-date fair value, which improves the accuracy of the goodwill measurement. Under SFAS 141(R), contractual pre-acquisition contingencies will be recognized at their acquisition-date fair values and non-contractual pre-acquisition contingencies will be recognized at their acquisition date fair values if it is more likely than not that the contingency gives rise to an asset or liability. Deferred recognition of pre-acquisition contingencies will no longer be permitted. Acquisition costs will be expensed in the period the costs are incurred, rather than included in the cost of the acquiree, and disclosure requirements will be

8


enhanced to provide users with information to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination. SFAS 141(R) applies prospectively to business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period on or after December 15,our 2008 with earlier adoption prohibited.Form 10-K.  We will adoptadopted SFAS 141(R) for acquisitions occurring after January 1, 2009.

  The adoption did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial condition or results of operations.


In April 2009, the FASB amended the guidance in SFAS 141(R) related to the recognition and measurement of contingencies acquired in a business combination by issuing FASB Staff Position (“FSP”) No. FAS 141(R)-1, “Accounting for Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed in a Business Combination That Arise From Contingencies” (“FSP 141(R)-1”).  FSP 141(R)-1 clarifies that contingent assets acquired and liabilities assumed (jointly referred to as “pre-acquisition contingencies”) in a business combination are measured at the acquisition-date fair value only if fair value can be determined during the measurement period.  If the fair value cannot be determined during the measurement period, but information is available at the end of the measurement period indicating the pre-acquisition contingency is both probable and can be reasonably estimated, then the pre-acquisition contingency is recognized at the acquisition date based on the estimated amount.  Subsequent to the acquisition date, the measurement of pre-acquisition contingencies is dependent on the nature of the contingency.  We adopted FSP 141(R)-1 for acquisitions occurring after January 1, 2009.  The adoption did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial condition or results of operations.

SFAS No. 160 – Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements an Amendment of Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51


In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements - an amendment of Accounting Research Bulletin (“ARB”) No. 51” (“SFAS 160”), which aims to improve the relevance, comparability and transparency of the financial information that a reporting entity provides in its consolidated financial statements by establishingestablishes accounting and reporting standards surrounding noncontrolling interests, or minority interests, which are the portions of equity in a subsidiary not attributable, directly or indirectly, to a parent.  The ownership interests in subsidiaries held by parties other than the parent shall be clearly identified, labeled and presented in the consolidated statementFor a more detailed description of financial position within equity, but separate from the parent’s equity. The amount of consolidated net income attributable to the parent and to the noncontrolling interest must be clearly identified and presented on the face of the Consolidated Statements of Income. Changes in a parent’s ownership interest while the parent retains its controlling financial interest in its subsidiary must be accounted for consistently as equity transactions. A parent’s ownership interest in a subsidiary changes if the parent purchases additional ownership interests in its subsidiary, sells some of its ownership interests in its subsidiary, the subsidiary reacquires some of its ownership interests or the subsidiary issues additional ownership interests. When a subsidiary is deconsolidated, any retained noncontrolling equity investment in the former subsidiary must be initially measured at fair value. The gain or loss on the deconsolidation of the subsidiary is measured using the fair value of any noncontrolling equity investment rather than the carrying amount of that retained investment. Entities must provide sufficient disclosures that clearly identify and distinguish between the interests of the parent and the interests of the noncontrolling owners. SFAS 160, is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning on or after December 15, 2008.see Note 2 of our 2008 Form 10-K. We will adoptadopted SFAS 160 effective January 1, 2009, and do2009.  The adoption did not expect the adoption will have a material impact on our consolidated financial condition and results of operations.


FSP No. FAS No. 140-3 – Accounting for Transfers of Financial Assets and Repurchase Financing Transactions


In February 2008, the FASB issued FSP No. FAS No. 140-3, “Accounting for Transfers of Financial Assets and Repurchase Financing Transactions” (“FSP 140-3”), regarding the criteria for a repurchase financing to be considered a linked transaction under SFAS No. 140, “Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and ExtinguishmentExtinguishments of Liabilities.Liabilities – a replacement of FASB Statement No. 125.”  A repurchase financing isFor a transaction where the buyer (“transferee”)more detailed description of a financial asset obtains financing from the seller (“transferor”) and transfers the financial asset back to the seller as collateral until the financing is repaid. Under FSP 140-3, the transferor and the transferee shall not separately account for the transfersee Note 2 of a financial asset and a related repurchase financing unless the two transactions have a valid and distinct business or economic purpose for being entered into separately and the repurchase financing does not result in the initial transferor regaining control over the financial asset. In addition, an initial transfer of a financial asset and a repurchase financing entered into contemporaneously with, or in contemplation of, one another, must meet the criteria identified inour 2008 Form 10-K.  We adopted FSP 140-3 in order to receive separate accounting treatment. FSP 140-3 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008,January 1, 2009, and interim periods within those fiscal years. FSP 140-3 will be applied the guidance prospectively to initial transfers and repurchase financings executed on or after the beginning of the fiscal year in which FSP 140-3 is initially applied. Early application isthat date.  The adoption did not permitted. We will adopt FSP 140-3 effective January 1, 2009, and do not expect the adoption will have a material impact on our consolidated financial condition and results of operations.


FSP No. FAS 157-2 – Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157

In February 2008, the FASB issued FSP No. FAS 157-2, “Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157” (“FSP 157-2”).  FSP 157-2 delayed the effective date of SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (“SFAS 157”), for nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities to fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008, except for items that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis (at least annually).

We applied the provisions of SFAS 157 to nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities beginning on January 1, 2009.  The application did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial condition and results of operations.
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SFAS No. 161 – Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities – an Amendment of FASB Statement No. 133


In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities – an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133” (“SFAS 161”), which amends and expands currentthe qualitative and quantitative disclosure requirements for derivative instruments and hedging activities.  Enhanced disclosures will include: how and why we use derivative instruments; how derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for under SFAS 133; and how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect our financial position, financial performance and cash flows. Quantitative disclosures will be enhanced by requiringFor a tabular format by primary underlying risk and accounting designation for the fair value amount and location of derivative instruments in the financial statements and the amount and location of gains and losses in the financial statements for derivative instruments and related hedged items. The tabular disclosures should improve transparency of derivative positions existing at the endmore detailed description of the reporting period and the effectnew disclosure requirements, see Note 2 of using derivatives during the reporting period. SFAS 161 also requires the disclosure of credit-risk-related contingent features in derivative instruments and cross-referencing within the notes to the consolidated financial statements to assist users in locating information about derivative instruments.our 2008 Form 10-K.  The amended and expanded disclosure requirements apply to all derivative instruments within the scope of SFAS 133, non-derivativenonderivative hedging instruments and all hedged items designated and qualifying as hedges under SFAS 133. No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” (“SFAS 161 is effective prospectively for financial statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008.133”).  We will adoptadopted SFAS 161 effective January 1, 2009, at which time we will include these requiredand have prospectively included the enhanced disclosures related to derivative instruments and hedging activities in our financial statements.

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statements, primarily in Note 6.


FSP No. FAS No. 142-3 – Determination of the Useful Life of Intangible Assets


In April 2008, the FASB issued FSP No. FAS No. 142-3, “Determination of the Useful Life of Intangible Assets” (“FSP 142-3”), which applies to recognized intangible assets accounted for under the guidance in SFAS 142.  When developing renewal or extension assumptions in determiningFor a more detailed description of FSP 142-3, see Note 2 of our 2008 Form 10-K.  We adopted FSP 142-3 effective January 1, 2009, and applied the useful life ofguidance prospectively to recognized intangible assets FSP 142-3 requires an entity to consider its own historical experience in renewing or extending similar arrangements. Absent the historical experience, an entity should use the assumptions a market participant would make when renewing and extending the intangible asset consistent with the highest and best use of the asset by market participants. In addition, FSP 142-3 requires financial statement disclosure regarding the extent to which expected future cash flows associated with the asset are affected by an entity’s intent and/or ability to renew or extend an arrangement. FSP 142-3 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2008, with early adoption prohibited. FSP 142-3 should be applied prospectively to determine the useful life of a recognized intangible asset acquired after the effective date. In addition, FSP 142-3 requires prospective application ofdate and applied the disclosure requirements to all intangible assets recognized as of, and subsequent to, the effective date.  We will adopt FSP 142-3 on January 1, 2009, and doThe adoption did not expect the adoption will have a material impact on our consolidated financial condition and results of operations.


SFAS No. 163 – Accounting for Financial Guarantee Insurance Contracts – an Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 60


In May 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 163, “Accounting for Financial Guarantee Insurance Contracts – an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 60” (“SFAS 163”), which applies to financial guarantee insurance and reinsurance contracts not accounted for as derivative instruments, and issued by entities within the scope of SFAS No. 60, “Accounting and Reporting by Insurance Enterprises.”  For a more detailed description of SFAS 163, changes current accounting practice related to the recognition and measurementsee Note 2 of premium revenue and claim liabilities such that premium revenue recognition is linked to the amount of insurance protection and the period in which it is provided, and a claim liability is recognized when it is expected that a claim loss will exceed the unearned premium revenue. In addition, SFAS 163 expands disclosure requirements to include information related to the premium revenue and claim liabilities, as well as information related to the risk-management activities used to evaluate credit deterioration in insured financial obligations. SFAS 163 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15,our 2008 and all interim periods within those fiscal years; early application is not permitted. However, the disclosure requirements related to risk-management activities are effective in the first period (including interim periods) beginning after May 2008. Since weForm 10-K.  We do not hold a significant amount of financial guarantee insurance and reinsurance contracts, no additional disclosures have been made and we expectas such, the adoption of SFAS 163 willon January 1, 2009 did not behave a material toimpact on our consolidated financial condition orand results of operations.

EITF


Emerging Issues Task Force No. 07-5 – Determining Whether an Instrument (or Embedded Feature) is Indexed to an Entity’s Own Stock


In June 2008, the FASB issued EITFEmerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) No. 07-5, “Determining Whether an Instrument (or Embedded Feature) is Indexed to an Entity’s Own Stock” (“EITF 07-5”).  EITF 07-5 provides guidance to determine whether an instrument (or an embedded feature) is indexed to an entity’s own stock when evaluating the instrument as a derivative under SFAS 133. An instrument that is both indexed to an entity’s own stock and classified in stockholders’ equity in the entity’s statement of financial position is not considered a derivative for the purposes of applying the guidance in SFAS 133. EITF 07-5 provides a two-step process to determine whether an equity-linked instrument (or embedded feature) is indexed to itsan entity’s own stock first by evaluating the instrument’s contingent exercise provisions, if any, and second, by evaluating the instrument’s settlement provisions.  EITF 07-5 is applicable to outstanding instruments as of the beginning of the fiscal year in which the issue isWe adopted and is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008, and interim periods within those fiscal years. We will adopt EITF 07-5 on January 1, 2009, and dofor all outstanding instruments as of that date.  The adoption did not expect the adoption will behave a material toimpact on our consolidated financial condition and results of operations.


EITF No. 08-6 – Equity Method Investment Accounting Considerations

In November 2008, the FASB issued EITF No. 08-6, “Equity Method Investment Accounting Considerations” (“EITF 08-6”), which addresses the effect of SFAS 141(R) and SFAS 160 on equity-method accounting under Accounting Principles Board Opinion 18, “The Equity Method of Accounting for Investments in Common Stock.”  For a more detailed description of EITF 08-6, see Note 2 of our 2008 form 10-K.  We adopted EITF 08-6 on January 1, 2009, prospectively for all investments accounted for under the equity method.  The adoption did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial condition and results of operations.

FSP No. FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2 – Recognition and Presentation of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments

In April 2009, the FASB issued FSP No. 133-1FAS 115-2 and FIN 45-4FAS 124-2, “Recognition and Presentation of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments” (“FSP 115-2”), which replaces the requirement in FSP No. FAS 115-1 and FAS 124-1, “The Meaning of Other-Than-Temporary Impairment and Its Application to Certain Investments” for management to assert that it has the intent and ability to hold an impaired debt security until recovery with the requirement that management assert if it either has the intent to sell the debt security or if it is more likely than not the entity will be required to sell the debt security before recovery of its amortized cost basis.  If management intends to sell the debt security or it is more likely than not the entity will be required to sell the debt security before recovery of its amortized cost basis, an other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) shall be recognized in earnings equal to the entire difference between the debt security’s amortized cost basis and its fair value at the balance sheet date.  After the recognition of an OTTI, the debt security is accounted for as if it had been purchased on the measurement date of the OTTI, with an amortized cost basis equal to the previous amortized cost basis less the OTTI recognized in earnings.
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If management does not intend to sell the debt security and it is not more likely than not the entity will be required to sell the debt security before recovery of its amortized cost basis, but the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected is less than the amortized cost basis of the debt security (referred to as the credit loss), an OTTI is considered to have occurred.  In this instance, FSP 115-2 requires the bifurcation of the total OTTI into the amount related to the credit loss, which is recognized in earnings, with the remaining amount of the total OTTI attributed to other factors (referred to as the noncredit portion) and recognized as a separate component in other comprehensive income (“OCI”).  After the recognition of an OTTI, the debt security is accounted for as if it had been purchased on the measurement date of the OTTI, with an amortized cost basis equal to the previous amortized cost basis less the OTTI recognized in earnings.  In addition, FSP 115-2 expands and increases the frequency of existing disclosures about OTTIs for debt and equity securities regarding expected cash flows, credit losses and an aging of securities with unrealized losses.

As permitted by the transition guidance, we elected to early adopt FSP 115-2 effective January 1, 2009, by recording an increase of $102 million to the opening balance of retained earnings with a corresponding decrease to accumulated OCI on our Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity to reclassify the noncredit portion of previously other-than-temporarily impaired debt securities held as of January 1, 2009.  The following summarizes the components (in millions) for this cumulative effect adjustment:
  Unrealized  Net    
  OTTI  Unrealized    
  on  Loss    
  AFS  on AFS    
  Securities  Securities  Total 
Increase in amortized cost of fixed maturity         
available-for-sale ("AFS") securities $34  $165  $199 
Change in DAC, VOBA, DSI, and DFEL  (7)  (35)  (42)
Income tax  (9)  (46)  (55)
Net cumulative effect adjustment $18  $84  $102 

The cumulative effect adjustment was calculated for all debt securities held as of January 1, 2009, for which an OTTI was previously recognized, but as of January 1, 2009, we did not intend to sell the security and it was not more likely than not that we would be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost, by comparing the present value of cash flows expected to be received as of January 1, 2009, to the amortized cost basis of the debt securities.  The discount rate used to calculate the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected was the rate for each respective debt security in effect before recognizing any OTTI.  In addition, because the carrying amounts of DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL are adjusted for the effects of realized and unrealized gains and losses on fixed maturity AFS securities, we recognized a true-up to our DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL balances for this cumulative effect adjustment.

The following summarizes the increase to the amortized cost of our fixed maturity AFS securities (in millions) as of January 1, 2009, resulting from the recognition of the cumulative effect adjustment:

Corporate bonds $131 
Residential collateralized mortgage obligations ("CMOs")  65 
Collateralized debt obligations ("CDOs")  3 
Total fixed maturity AFS securities $199 
The impact for the first quarter adoption of FSP 115-2 to basic and diluted per share amounts was an increase of $0.35 per share.

In addition, we have enhanced our financial statement presentation as required under FSP 115-2, to separately present the OTTI recognized in accumulated OCI on the face of our Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity and present the total OTTI recognized in realized loss, with an offset for the amount of noncredit impairments recognized in accumulated OCI, on the face of our Consolidated Statements of Income.  The enhanced financial statement disclosures required under FSP 115-2 are included in Note 5.
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FSP No. FAS 157-4 Determining Fair Value When the Volume and Level of Activity for the Asset or Liability Have Significantly Decreased and Identifying Transactions That Are Not Orderly

In April 2009, the FASB issued FSP No. FAS 157-4, “Determining Fair Value When the Volume and Level of Activity for the Asset or Liability Have Significantly Decreased and Identifying Transactions That Are Not Orderly” (“FSP 157-4”), which amends SFAS 157 to provide additional guidance on estimating fair value when the volume and level of activity for an asset or liability have significantly decreased in relation to normal market activity for the asset or liability and additional guidance on circumstances that may indicate that a transaction is not orderly.  FSP 157-4 provides an illustrative example of key considerations when applying the principles in SFAS 157 in estimating fair value in nonactive markets when there has been a significant decrease in the volume and level of activity for the asset.  FSP 157-4 also requires additional disclosures about fair value measurements in annual and interim reporting periods.  Any changes in valuation techniques resulting from the adoption of FSP 157-4 are accounted for as a change in accounting estimate in accordance with SFAS No. 154, “Accounting Changes and Error Corrections.”  As permitted under the transition guidance, we elected to early adopt FSP 157-4 effective January 1, 2009.  The adoption did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial condition or results of operations.

Future Adoption of New Accounting Standards

FSP No. FAS 132(R)-1 – Employers’ Disclosures about Credit Derivatives and Certain Guarantees: An Amendment of FASB Statement No. 133 and FASB Interpretation No. 45; and Clarification of the Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 161

Postretirement Benefit Plan Assets


In SeptemberDecember 2008, the FASB issued FSP No. FAS No. 133-1 and FIN 45-4, “Disclosures132(R)-1, “Employers’ Disclosures about Credit Derivatives and Certain Guarantees: An Amendment of FASB Statement No. 133 and FASB Interpretation No. 45; and ClarificationPostretirement Benefit Plan Assets” (“FSP 132(R)-1”), which requires enhanced disclosures of the Effective Dateplan assets of an employer’s defined benefit pension or other postretirement benefit plans.  The disclosures required under FSP 132(R)-1 will include information regarding the investment allocation decisions made for plan assets, the fair value of each major category of plan assets disclosed separately for pension plans and other postretirement benefit plans and the inputs and valuation techniques used to measure the fair value of plan assets, including the level within the fair value hierarchy as defined by SFAS 157.  FSP 132(R)-1 requires the additional disclosure in SFAS 157 for Level 3 fair value measurements must also be provided for the fair value measurements of plan assets using Level 3 inputs.  The disclosures in FSP 132(R)-1 are effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2009, and are not required for earlier periods presented for comparative purposes.  We will include the disclosures required in FSP 132(R)-1 in the notes to our consolidated financial statements for the year ending December 31, 2009.

FSP No. FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1 – Interim Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments

In April 2009, the FASB Statementissued FSP No. 161”FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1, “Interim Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments” (“FSP 133-1”107-1”). FSP 133-1 amends, which extends the disclosure requirements of SFAS 133No. 107, “Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments,” to requireinterim financial statements.  FSP 107-1 also requires entities to disclose the sellermethod(s) and significant assumptions used to estimate the fair value of credit derivatives, including hybrid financial instruments with embedded credit derivatives,in the financial statements on an interim basis and to disclose additional information regarding, among other things, the naturehighlight any changes of the credit derivative, information regarding the factsmethod(s) and circumstances that may require performance or payment under the credit derivative, and the nature of any recourse provisions the seller can use for recovery of payments made under the credit derivative. In addition,significant assumptions from prior periods.  The disclosures in FSP 133-1 amends the disclosure requirements in FASB Interpretation No. 45, “Guarantor’s Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others” (“FIN 45”) to require additional disclosure about the payment/performance risk of a guarantee. Finally, FSP 133-1 clarifies the intent of the FASB regarding the effective date of SFAS 161. The provisions of FSP 133-1 related to SFAS 133 and FIN 45107-1 are effective for annual and interim reporting periods ending after NovemberJune 15, 2008, with2009, and are not required for earlier periods that are presented for comparative purposes at initial adoption.  In periods after initial adoption, FSP 107-1 requires comparative disclosures required only for those periods ending subsequent toafter initial adoption.  The clarification of the effective date of SFAS 161 was effective upon the issuance of FSP 133-1, and will not impact the effective date of SFAS 161 in our financial statements.

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We will adoptinclude the disclosures required in FSP 133-1 on December 31, 2008, at which time we will include these required enhanced disclosures related to credit derivatives and guarantees107-1 in the notes to theour consolidated financial statements.

statements beginning with the interim period ending June 30, 2009.


3.  Acquisitions and Dispositions


Acquisitions

Newton County Loan & Savings, FSB (“NCLS”)

On January 8, 2009, the Office of Thrift Supervision approved our application to become a savings and loan holding company and our acquisition of NCLS, a federally regulated savings bank, located in Indiana.  We agreed to contribute $10 million to the capital of NCLS.  We closed on our purchase of NCLS on January 15, 2009, which did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial condition or results of operations.

Dispositions

Discontinued Media Operations


During the fourth quarter of 2007, we entered into definitive agreements to sell our television broadcasting, Charlotte radio and sports programming businesses.  These businesses were acquired as part of the Jefferson-Pilot merger on April 3, 2006.  The sports programming sale closed on November 30, 2007, the Charlotte radio broadcasting sale closed on January 31, 2008, and the television broadcasting sale closed on March 31, 2008. Accordingly, in the periods prior to the closings, the assets and liabilities of these businesses were reclassified as held-for-sale and were reported within other assets and other liabilities on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. The major classes of assets and liabilities held-for-sale (in millions) were as follows:

   As of
September 30,
2008
  As of
December 31,
2007

Goodwill

  $—    $340

Specifically identifiable intangible assets

   —     266

Other

   —     146
        

Total assets held-for-sale

  $—    $752
        

Liabilities held-for-sale

  $—    $354
        



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The results of operations of these businesses were reclassified into income (loss) from discontinued operations on our Consolidated Statements of Income, and the amounts (in millions) were as follows:

   For the Three
Months Ended
September 30,
  For the Nine
Months Ended
September 30,
   2008  2007  2008  2007

Discontinued Operations Before Disposal

      

Media revenues, net of agency commissions

  $—    $33  $22  $104
                

Income from discontinued operations before disposal, before federal income taxes

  $—    $10  $8  $32

Federal income taxes

   —     3   3   11
                

Income from discontinued operations before disposal

   —     7   5   21
                

Disposal

      

Loss on disposal, before federal income taxes

   —     —     (13)  —  

Federal income tax expense (benefit)

   1   —     (3)  —  
                

Loss on disposal

   (1)  —     (10)  —  
                

Income (loss) from discontinued operations

  $(1) $7  $(5) $21
                

Fixed Income Investment Management Business

During

  For the Three 
  Months Ended 
  March 31, 
  2008 
Discontinued Operations Before Disposal   
Media revenues, net of agency commissions $22 
     
Income from discontinued operations before disposal, before federal income taxes $8 
Federal income taxes  3 
Income from discontinued operations before disposal  5 
     
Disposal    
Loss on disposal, before federal income taxes  (12)
Federal income tax benefit  (3)
Loss on disposal  (9)
Loss from discontinued operations $(4)

4.  Variable Interest Entities

Our involvement with variable interest entities (“VIEs”) is primarily to obtain financing and to invest in assets that allow us to gain exposure to a broadly diversified portfolio of asset classes.  We have carefully analyzed each VIE to determine whether we are the fourth quarter of 2007, we sold certain institutional taxable fixed income business to an unaffiliated investment management company. Investment Management transferred $12.3 billion of assets under management as part of this transaction.primary beneficiary.  Based upon the assets transferred as of October 31, 2007, the purchase price is expected to be no more than $49 million.

During the fourth quarter of 2007, we received $25 millionon our analysis of the purchase price, with additional scheduled payments overexpected losses and residual returns of the next three years. During 2007,VIEs in which we recorded an after-tax losshave a variable interest, we have concluded that there are no VIEs for which we are the primary beneficiary, and, as such, we have not consolidated the VIEs in our consolidated financial statements.  However, for those VIEs in which we are not the primary beneficiary, but hold a variable interest, we recognize the fair value of $2 millionour variable interest in our consolidated financial statements.


Information (in millions) included on our Consolidated StatementsBalance Sheets for those VIEs where we had significant variable interest and where we were a sponsor that held a variable interest was as follows:
  As of March 31, 2009  As of December 31, 2008 
        Maximum        Maximum 
  Total  Total  Loss  Total  Total  Loss 
  Assets  Liabilities  Exposure  Assets  Liabilities  Exposure 
Affiliated trust $5  $-  $-  $5  $-  $- 
Credit-linked notes  82   -   600   50   -   600 
Affiliated Trust

We are the sponsor of Income asan affiliated trust, Lincoln National Capital Trust VI, which was formed solely for the purpose of issuing trust preferred securities and lending the proceeds to us.  We own the common securities of this trust, approximately a result3% ownership, and the only assets of the goodwill we attributed totrust are the junior subordinated debentures issued by us.  Our common stock investment in this business. Duringtrust was financed by the threetrust and nine months ended September 30, 2008, we recorded an after-tax gain of $1 million and $4 million, respectively,is reported in other investments on our Consolidated StatementsBalance Sheets.  Distributions are paid by the trust to the preferred security holders on a quarterly basis and the principal obligations of Incomethe trust are irrevocably guaranteed by us.  Upon liquidation of the trust, the holders of the preferred securities are entitled to a fixed amount per share plus accumulated and unpaid distributions.  We reserve the right to redeem the preferred securities at a fixed price plus accumulated and unpaid distributions and defer the interest payments due on the subordinated debentures for up to 20 consecutive quarters, but not beyond the maturity date of the subordinated debenture.

Our common stock investment does not represent a significant variable interest in realizedthe trust, as we do not receive any distributions or absorb any losses from the trust.  In addition, our guarantee of the principal obligations of the trust does not represent a variable interest, as we are guaranteeing our own performance.  Therefore, we are not the primary beneficiary and do not consolidate the trust.  Since our investment in the common stock of the trust was financed directly by the trust, we do not have any equity investment at risk, and, therefore, do not have exposure to loss relatedfrom the trust.


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Credit-Linked Notes

We invested in two CLNs where the note holders do not have voting rights or decision-making capabilities.  The entities that issued the CLNs are financed by the note holders, and as such, the note holders participate in the expected losses and residual returns of the entities.  Because the note holders’ investment does not permit them to this transaction.

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4.make decisions about the entities’ activities that would have a significant effect on the success of the entities, we have determined that these entities are VIEs.  We are not the primary beneficiary of the VIEs as the multi-tiered class structure of the CLNs requires the subordinated classes of the investment pool to absorb credit losses prior to our class of notes.  As a result, we will not absorb the majority of the expected losses and the coupon we receive on the CLNs limits our participation in the residual returns.  For information regarding our exposure to loss in our CLNs, see “Credit-Linked Notes” in Note 5.


5.  Investments

Available-for-Sale


AFS Securities


Pursuant to SFAS 157, we have categorized these securities into a three-level hierarchy, based on the priority of the inputs to the respective valuation technique.  The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3), as described in Note 15, which also includes additional disclosures regarding our fair value measurements required by SFAS 157.

The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains, losses and lossesOTTI and fair value of available-for-sale securities (in millions) were as follows:

   As of September 30, 2008
   Amortized
Cost
  Gross Unrealized  Fair
Value
    Gains  Losses  

Corporate bonds

  $43,461  $425  $3,866  $40,020

U.S. Government bonds

   200   17   —     217

Foreign government bonds

   784   30   28   786

Mortgage-backed securities:

        

Mortgage pass-through securities

   2,021   25   27   2,019

Collateralized mortgage obligations

   6,896   46   618   6,324

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

   2,588   10   279   2,319

State and municipal bonds

   130   2   2   130

Redeemable preferred stocks

   131   1   16   116
                

Total fixed maturity securities

   56,211   556   4,836   51,931

Equity securities

   612   9   128   493
                

Total available-for-sale securities

  $56,823  $565  $4,964  $52,424
                
   As of December 31, 2007
   Amortized
Cost
  Gross Unrealized  Fair
Value
     Gains  Losses  

Corporate bonds

  $43,973  $1,120  $945  $44,148

U.S. Government bonds

   205   17   —     222

Foreign government bonds

   979   67   9   1,037

Mortgage-backed securities:

        

Mortgage pass-through securities

   1,226   24   4   1,246

Collateralized mortgage obligations

   6,721   78   130   6,669

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

   2,711   49   70   2,690

State and municipal bonds

   151   2   —     153

Redeemable preferred stocks

   103   9   1   111
                

Total fixed maturity securities

   56,069   1,366   1,159   56,276

Equity securities

   548   13   43   518
                

Total available-for-sale securities

  $56,617  $1,379  $1,202  $56,794
                

  As of March 31, 2009 
  Amortized  Gross Unrealized  Fair 
  Cost  Gains  Losses  
OTTI (1)
  Value 
Fixed Maturity Securities               
Corporate bonds $41,533  $553  $4,547  $34  $37,505 
U.S. Government bonds  205   29   1   -   233 
Foreign government bonds  779   40   54   -   765 
Mortgage-backed securities ("MBS"):                    
CMOs  6,684   281   666   109   6,190 
Residential mortgage pass-through securities ("MPTS")
  1,616   73   32   -   1,657 
Commercial MBS ("CMBS")  2,517   11   621   -   1,907 
Asset-backed securities ("ABS"):                    
CDOs  253   4   135   3   119 
Credit-linked notes ("CLNs")  600   -   518   -   82 
State and municipal bonds  125   3   2   -   126 
Hybrid and redeemable preferred stocks  1,564   3   802   -   765 
Total fixed maturity securities  55,876   997   7,378   146   49,349 
Equity Securities                    
Banking securities  280   -   213   -   67 
Insurance securities  71   1   24   -   48 
Other financial services securities  55   1   12   -   44 
Other securities  58   2   14   -   46 
Total equity securities  464   4   263   -   205 
Total AFS securities $56,340  $1,001  $7,641  $146  $49,554 
(1)This amount is comprised of the gross unrealized OTTI cumulative effect adjustment as discussed in Note 2 and the amount reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Income in the first three months of 2009.

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  As of December 31, 2008 
  Amortized  Gross Unrealized  Fair 
  Cost  Gains  Losses  OTTI  Value 
Fixed Maturity Securities               
Corporate bonds $40,363  $660  $4,521  $-  $36,502 
U.S. Government bonds  204   42   -   -   246 
Foreign government bonds  755   56   51   -   760 
MBS:                    
CMOs  6,918   174   780   -   6,312 
MPTS  1,875   62   38   -   1,899 
CMBS  2,535   9   625   -   1,919 
ABS:                    
CDOs  256   7   103   -   160 
CLNs  600   -   550   -   50 
State and municipal bonds  125   2   2   -   125 
Hybrid and redeemable preferred stocks  1,563   6   607   -   962 
Total fixed maturity securities  55,194   1,018   7,277   -   48,935 
Equity Securities                    
Banking securities  280   -   147   -   133 
Insurance securities  71   1   19   -   53 
Other financial services securities  61   4   10   -   55 
Other securities  54   4   11   -   47 
Total equity securities  466   9   187   -   288 
Total AFS securities $55,660  $1,027  $7,464  $-  $49,223 
                   c 

The amortized cost and fair value of fixed maturity available-for-saleAFS securities by contractual maturities (in millions) were as follows:

   As of September 30, 2008
   Amortized
Cost
  Fair
Value

Due in one year or less

  $1,992  $1,984

Due after one year through five years

   12,940   12,632

Due after five years through ten years

   15,018   13,593

Due after ten years

   14,756   13,060
        

Subtotal

   44,706   41,269

Mortgage-backed securities

   11,505   10,662
        

Total fixed maturity available-for-sale securities

  $56,211  $51,931
        

  As of March 31, 2009 
  Amortized  Fair 
  Cost  Value 
Due in one year or less $1,817  $1,793 
Due after one year through five years  13,230   12,656 
Due after five years through ten years  14,383   13,122 
Due after ten years  14,776   11,823 
Subtotal  44,206   39,394 
MBS  10,817   9,754 
CDOs  253   119 
CLNs  600   82 
Total fixed maturity AFS securities $55,876  $49,349 
Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because issuers may have the right to call or pre-pay obligations.

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13


The fair value and gross unrealized losses, including the portion of available-for-saleOTTI recognized in OCI, of AFS securities (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 September 30, 2008
   Less Than Or Equal
to Twelve Months
  Greater Than
Twelve Months
  Total
   Fair
Value
  Gross
Unrealized
Losses
  Fair
Value
  Gross
Unrealized
Losses
  Fair
Value
  Gross
Unrealized
Losses

Corporate bonds

  $22,046  $1,943  $6,384  $1,923  $28,430  $3,866

U.S. Government bonds

   12   —     —     —     12   —  

Foreign government bonds

   236   11   95   17   331   28

Mortgage-backed securities:

            

Mortgage pass-through securities

   521   16   62   11   583   27

Collateralized mortgage obligations

   2,425   231   930   387   3,355   618

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

   1,222   81   652   198   1,874   279

State and municipal bonds

   43   2   4   —     47   2

Redeemable preferred stocks

   78   16   —     —     78   16
                        

Total fixed maturity securities

   26,583   2,300   8,127   2,536   34,710   4,836

Equity securities

   420   126   12   2   432   128
                        

Total available-for-sale securities

  $27,003  $2,426  $8,139  $2,538  $35,142  $4,964
                        

Total number of securities in an unrealized loss position

   3,911
              
   As of December 31, 2007
   Less Than Or Equal
to Twelve Months
  Greater Than
Twelve Months
  Total
   Fair
Value
  Gross
Unrealized
Losses
  Fair
Value
  Gross
Unrealized
Losses
  Fair
Value
  Gross
Unrealized
Losses

Corporate bonds

  $11,540  $679  $4,467  $266  $16,007  $945

U.S. Government bonds

   —     —     3   —     3   —  

Foreign government bonds

   95   4   51   4   146   8

Mortgage-backed securities:

            

Mortgage pass-through securities

   32   1   193   4   225   5

Collateralized mortgage obligations

   1,742   101   1,116   29   2,858   130

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

   520   47   562   23   1,082   70

State and municipal bonds

   29   —     17   —     46   —  

Redeemable preferred stocks

   13   1   —     —     13   1
                        

Total fixed maturity securities

   13,971   833   6,409   326   20,380   1,159

Equity securities

   402   42   8   1   410   43
                        

Total available-for-sale securities

  $14,373  $875  $6,417  $327  $20,790  $1,202
                        

Total number of securities in an unrealized loss position

   2,441
              

We had perpetual preferred securities in unrealized loss positions as of September 30, 2008, and December 31, 2007, which are included in the corporate bonds and redeemable preferred stock line items above. As of September 30, 2008, and December 31, 2007, our amortized cost of perpetual preferred securities reported in corporate bonds was $1.3 billion and $1.4 billion, respectively, and the fair value was $1.1 billion and $1.3 billion, respectively.

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  As of March 31, 2009 
  Less Than Or Equal  Greater Than       
  to Twelve Months  Twelve Months  Total 
     Gross     Gross     Gross 
     Unrealized     Unrealized     Unrealized 
  Fair  Losses and  Fair  Losses and  Fair  Losses and 
  Value  OTTI  Value  OTTI  Value  OTTI 
Fixed Maturity Securities                  
Corporate bonds $16,651  $2,011  $7,320  $2,570  $23,971  $4,581 
U.S. Government bonds  16   1   -   -   16   1 
Foreign government bonds  202   19   65   35   267   54 
MBS:                        
CMOs  676   397   645   378   1,321   775 
MPTS  40   11   75   21   115   32 
CMBS  692   121   877   500   1,569   621 
ABS:                        
CDOs  52   30   54   108   106   138 
CLNs  -   -   82   518   82   518 
State and municipal bonds  30   2   2   -   32   2 
Hybrid and redeemable                        
preferred stocks  385   357   328   445   713   802 
Total fixed maturity securities  18,744   2,949   9,448   4,575   28,192   7,524 
Equity Securities                        
Banking securities  65   209   2   4   67   213 
Insurance securities  27   24   -   -   27   24 
Other financial services securities  12   8   19   4   31   12 
Other securities  1   3   22   11   23   14 
Total equity securities  105   244   43   19   148   263 
Total AFS securities $18,849  $3,193  $9,491  $4,594  $28,340  $7,787 
                         
Total number of securities in an unrealized loss position               3,467 


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  As of December 31, 2008 
  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 $19,047  $2,378  $5,980  $2,143  $25,027  $4,521 
U.S. Government bonds  3   -   -   -   3   - 
Foreign government bonds  159   17   64   34   223   51 
MBS:                        
CMOs  853   299   720   481   1,573   780 
MPTS  96   26   52   12   148   38 
CMBS  1,133   175   499   450   1,632   625 
ABS:                        
CDOs  76   20   68   83   144   103 
CLNs  -   -   50   550   50   550 
State and municipal bonds  29   2   2   -   31   2 
Hybrid and redeemable                        
preferred stocks  461   267   418   340   879   607 
Total fixed maturity securities  21,857   3,184   7,853   4,093   29,710   7,277 
Equity Securities                        
Banking securities  131   146   2   1   133   147 
Insurance securities  30   19   -   -   30   19 
Other financial services securities  32   9   5   1   37   10 
Other securities  22   10   2   1   24   11 
Total equity securities  215   184   9   3   224   187 
Total AFS securities $22,072  $3,368  $7,862  $4,096  $29,934  $7,464 
                         
Total number of securities in an unrealized loss position               3,682 
15


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

   As of September 30, 2008
   Fair
Value
  Gross
Unrealized
Losses
  Number
of
Securities

Less than six months

  $640  $302  131

Six months or greater, but less than nine months

   711   299  108

Nine months or greater, but less than twelve months

   667   300  73

Twelve months or greater

   2,733   1,827  490
           

Total available-for-sale securities

  $4,751  $2,728  802
           
   As of December 31, 2007
   Fair
Value
  Gross
Unrealized
Losses
  Number
of
Securities

Less than six months

  $136  $49  22

Six months or greater, but less than nine months

   427   138  32

Nine months or greater, but less than twelve months

   364   110  17

Twelve months or greater

   183   81  60
           

Total available-for-sale securities

  $1,110  $378  131
           


  As of March 31, 2009 
           Number 
  Fair  Gross Unrealized  of 
  Value  Losses  OTTI  Securities 
Less than six months $5,306  $2,818  $144   840 
Six months or greater, but less than nine months  1,370   1,095   -   253 
Nine months or greater, but less than twelve months  628   856   -   148 
Twelve months or greater  344   1,147   -   145 
Total AFS securities $7,648  $5,916  $144   1,386 
  As of December 31, 2008 
           Number 
  Fair  Gross Unrealized  of 
  Value  Losses  OTTI  
Securities (1)
 
Less than six months $6,794  $3,536  $-   1,017 
Six months or greater, but less than nine months  500   506   -   104 
Nine months or greater, but less than twelve months  491   651   -   152 
Twelve months or greater  173   869   -   91 
Total AFS securities $7,958  $5,562  $-   1,364 

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

As described more fully in Note 1 of our 2007 Form 10-K,below, we regularly review our investment holdings for other-than-temporary impairments.OTTIs.  Based upon this review, the cause of the $3.8 billion$177 million increase in our gross available-for-saleAFS securities unrealized losses for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2008,March 31, 2009, was attributablerelated primarily to the combinationcumulative adjustment of reduced liquiditythe recognition of OTTI.  See the $165 million increase in all market segments and deteriorationamortized cost in credit fundamentals.AFS securities as disclosed in Note 2.  We believe that the securities in an unrealized loss position as of September 30, 2008,March 31, 2009, were not other-than-temporarily impaired dueas we do not intend to oursell these debt securities or it is not more likely than not that we will be required to sell the debt securities before recovery of their amortized cost basis, and we have the ability and intent to hold the equity securities for a period of time sufficient for recovery.

14


Trading Securities

Trading securities at fair value retained


Changes in connection with modified coinsurance and coinsurance with funds withheld reinsurance arrangements (in millions) consistedthe amount of credit loss of OTTIs recognized in earnings where the following:

   As of
September 30,
2008
  As of
December 31,
2007

Corporate bonds

  $1,690  $1,999

U.S. Government bonds

   383   367

Foreign government bonds

   39   46

Mortgage-backed securities:

    

Mortgage pass-through securities

   32   22

Collateralized mortgage obligations

   129   160

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

   92   107

State and municipal bonds

   17   19

Redeemable preferred stocks

   9   8
        

Total fixed maturity securities

   2,391   2,728

Equity securities

   2   2
        

Total trading securities

  $2,393  $2,730
        

The portion of trading losses that relaterelated to trading securities still held as of September 30, 2008,other factors was $187 million for the third quarter of 2008.

Mortgage Loans on Real Estate

Mortgage loans on real estate principally involve commercial real estate. The commercial loans are geographically diversified throughout the United States with the largest concentrationsrecognized in California and Texas, which accounted for approximately 29% of mortgage loans as of September 30, 2008.

Net Investment Income

The major categories of net investment incomeOCI (in millions) were as follows:

   For the Three
Months Ended
September 30,
  For the Nine
Months Ended
September 30,
 
   2008  2007  2008  2007 

Fixed maturity available-for-sale securities

  $856  $856  $2,569  $2,543 

Equity available-for-sale securities

   7   10   24   31 

Trading securities

   41   44   126   134 

Mortgage loans on real estate

   121   123   371   385 

Real estate

   6   16   20   43 

Policy loans

   46   43   134   130 

Invested cash

   12   14   46   52 

Alternative investments

   27   —     36   90 

Other investments

   2   5   (1)  17 
                 

Investment income

   1,118   1,111   3,325   3,425 

Investment expense

   (29)  (49)  (94)  (140)
                 

Net investment income

  $1,089  $1,062  $3,231  $3,285 
                 

15

  For the 
  Three 
  Months 
  Ended 
  March 31, 
  2009 
Balance at beginning-of-period $31 
Increases attributable to credit losses on securities for which an OTTI was not previously recognized  72 
Balance at end-of-period $103 


16


Realized Loss Related to Investments


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

   For the Three
Months Ended
September 30,
  For the Nine
Months Ended
September 30,
 
   2008  2007  2008  2007 

Fixed maturity available-for-sale securities:

     

Gross gains

  $27  $26  $58  $108 

Gross losses

   (380)  (44)  (618)  (97)

Equity available-for-sale securities:

     

Gross gains

   1   1   4   7 

Gross losses

   (26)  —     (33)  —   

Gain (loss) on other investments

   (1)  6   27   7 

Associated amortization expense of DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL and changes in other contract holder funds and funds withheld reinsurance liabilities

   95   (14)  144   (36)
                 

Total realized loss on investments, excluding trading securities

   (284)  (25)  (418)  (11)

Loss on certain derivative instruments

   (30)  (11)  (62)  (7)

Associated amortization expense of DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL and changes in other contract holder funds

   —     1   —     —   
                 

Total realized loss on investments and certain derivative instruments, excluding trading securities

  $(314) $(35) $(480) $(18)
                 

Write-downs for other-than-temporary impairments included in realized loss on available-for-sale securities above

  $(312) $(34) $(523) $(68)
                 

See Note 12


  For the Three    
  Months Ended    
  March 31,    
  2009  2008  Change 
Fixed maturity AFS securities:         
Gross gains $55  $9  NM 
Gross losses  (244)  (100) NM 
Equity AFS securities:           
Gross gains  3   3   0%
Gross losses  (3)  -  NM 
Gain on other investments  (2)  25  NM 
Associated amortization expense of DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL and
changes in other contract holder funds and funds withheld
reinsurance liabilities  55   25   120%
Total realized loss on investments, excluding trading securities  (136)  (38) NM 
Loss on certain derivative instruments  (17)  (3) NM 
Total realized loss on investments and certain derivative instruments,
 excluding trading securities $(153) $(41) NM 
             
Write-downs for OTTI included in realized loss            
 on AFS securities above $(170) $(92)  -85%

Details underlying write-downs taken as a result of OTTIs (in millions) that were recognized in earnings and included in realized loss on AFS securities above were as follows:
  For the Three 
  Months Ended 
  March 31, 
  2009  2008 
Fixed Maturity Securities      
Corporate bonds $85  $90 
MBS:        
CMOs  81   1 
ABS:        
CDOs  -   1 
Hybrid and redeemable preferred stock  1   - 
Total fixed maturity securities  167   92 
Equity Securities        
Other financial services securities  3   - 
Total equity securities  3   - 
Total OTTI losses on AFS $170  $92 



17


The components of OTTI (in millions) reflected on our Consolidated Statements of Income were as follows:

  For the Three Months  For the Three Months 
  Ended March 31, 2009  Ended March 31, 2008 
  Total  Portion  Net OTTI  Total  Portion  Net OTTI 
  OTTI  of Loss  Losses  OTTI  of Loss  Losses 
  Losses on  Recognized  Recognized  Losses on  Recognized  Recognized 
  Securities  in OCI  in Earnings  Securities  in OCI  in Earnings 
Gross $282  $(112) $170  $92  $-  $92 
DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL                        
amortization  (68)  23   (45)  (35)  -   (35)
Net $214  $(89) $125  $57  $-  $57 

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

For a debt security, if we intend to sell a security or it is more likely than not we will be required to sell a debt security before recovery of its amortized cost basis and the fair value of the debt security is below amortized cost, we conclude than an OTTI has occurred and the amortized cost is written down to current fair value, with a corresponding charge to realized gain (loss) on our Consolidated Statements of Income.  If we do not intend to sell a debt security or it is not more likely than not we will be required to sell a debt security before recovery of its amortized cost basis but the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected is less than the amortized cost of the debt security (referred to as the credit loss), we conclude that an OTTI has occurred and the amortized cost is written down to the estimated recovery value with a corresponding charge to realized gain (loss) on our Consolidated Statements of Income, as this is also deemed the credit portion of the OTTI.  The remainder of the decline to fair value is recorded to OCI to unrealized OTTI loss on AFS securities on our Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity, as this is considered a noncredit (i.e., recoverable) impairment.

When assessing our intent to sell a debt security or if it is more likely than not we will be required to sell a debt security before recovery of its cost basis, we evaluate facts and circumstances such as, but not limited to, decisions to reposition our security portfolio, sale of securities to meet cash flow needs and sales of securities to capitalize on favorable pricing.  In order to determine the amount of the credit loss for a debt security, we calculate the recovery value by performing a discounted cash flow analysis based on the current cash flows and future cash flows we expect to recover.  The discount rate is the effective interest rate implicit in the underlying debt security.  The effective interest rate is the original yield or the coupon if the debt security was previously impaired.  If an OTTI exists and we do not have sufficient cash flow or other information to determine a recovery value for the security, we conclude that the entire OTTI is credit-related and the amortized cost for the security is written down to current fair value with a corresponding charge to realized gain (loss) on our Consolidated Statements of Income.  See the discussion below for additional information on the methodology and significant inputs, by security type, which we use to determine the amount of a credit loss.


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

·  Historic and implied volatility of the security;
·  Length of time and extent to which the fair value has been less than amortized cost;
·  Adverse conditions specifically related to the security or to specific conditions in an industry or geographic area;
·  Failure, if any, of the issuer of the security to make scheduled payments; and
·  Recoveries or additional declines in fair value subsequent to the balance sheet date.

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

18


Determination of Credit Losses on Corporate Bonds

To determine recovery value of a corporate bond, we perform analysis related to the underlying issuer including, but not limited to, the following:
·Fundamentals of the issuer to determine what we would recover if they were to file bankruptcy versus the price at which the market is trading;
·Fundamentals of the industry in which the issuer operates;
·Earnings multiples for the given industry or sector of an industry that the underlying issuer operates within, divided by the outstanding debt to determine an expected recovery value of the security in the case of a liquidation;
·Expected cash flows of the issuer (e.g., whether the issuer has cash flows in excess of what is required to fund its operations);
·Expectations regarding defaults and recovery rates;
·Changes to the rating of the security by a rating agency; and
·Additional market information (e.g., if there has been a replacement of the corporate debt security).
Determination of Credit Losses on MBS

To determine recovery value of a MBS, we perform analysis related to the underlying issuer including, but not limited to, the following:
·Discounted cash flow analysis based on the current cash flows and future cash flows we expect to recover;
·Level of creditworthiness of the home equity loans that back a CMO, residential mortgages that back a MPTS or commercial mortgages that back a CMBS;
·Susceptibility to fair value fluctuations for changes in the interest rate environment;
·Susceptibility to reinvestment risks, in cases where market yields are lower than the securities’ book yield earned;
·Susceptibility to reinvestment risks, in cases where market yields are higher than the book yields earned on a security and our expectations of sale of such a security; and
·Susceptibility to variability of prepayments.
Securities Lending


The carrying values of securities pledged under securities lending agreements were $463$311 million and $655$427 million as of September 30, 2008,March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2007,2008, respectively.  The fair values of these securities were $435$300 million and $634$410 million as of September 30, 2008,March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2007,2008, respectively.

  The carrying value and fair value of the collateral payable held for derivatives is $1.6 billion and $2.8 billion as of March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively.


Reverse Repurchase Agreements


The carrying values of securities pledged under reverse repurchase agreements were $280$460 million and $480$470 million as of September 30, 2008,March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2007,2008, respectively.  The fair values of these securities were $293$485 million and $502$496 million as of September 30, 2008,March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2007,2008, respectively.


Investment Commitments


As of September 30, 2008,March 31, 2009, our investment commitments for fixed maturity securities (primarily private placements), limited partnerships, real estate and mortgage loans on real estate were $1.1 billion,$782 million, which includes $314included $411 million of limited partnerships and $263 million of standby commitments to purchase real estate upon completion and leasing.

Concentrations of Financial Instruments


Credit-Linked Notes

As of September 30, 2008,March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2007, we did not have a significant concentration of financial instruments in a single investee, industry or geographic region of the U.S.

16


Credit-Linked Notes

As of September 30, 2008, and December 31, 2007, other contract holder funds on our Consolidated Balance Sheets included $600 million and $1.2 billion outstanding in funding agreements of the Lincoln National Life Insurance Company (“LNL”), respectively.  LNL invested the proceeds of $850$600 million received for issuing threetwo funding agreements in 2006 and 2007 into threetwo separate credit-linked notesCLNs originated by third party companies.  One of the credit linked notes totaling $250 million was paid off at parThe CLNs are included in September and as a result, the related structure, including the $250 million funding agreement, was terminated. The two remaining credit-linked notes are asset-backed securities, classified as corporate bonds in the tables above and are reported as fixed maturity AFS securities on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. An additional $300 million funding agreement was assumed as a result of the merger of Jefferson-Pilot, but was not invested into credit-linked notes. This $300 million funding agreement matured on June 2, 2008.


We earn a spread between the coupon received on the credit-linked notesCLNs and the interest credited on the funding agreement.  Our credit-linked notesCLNs were created using a special purpose trust that combines highly rated assets with credit default swaps to produce a multi-class structured security.  The high quality asset in these transactions is a AAA-rated ABS secured by a pool of credit card receivables.  Our affiliate, Delaware Investments, actively manages the credit default swaps in the underlying portfolios.  The high quality assetAs permitted in these transactions is a AAA-rated asset-backed security secured by athe CLN agreements, Delaware Investments acts as the investment manager for the pool of underlying issuers in each of the transactions.

19


Delaware Investments, from time to time, has directed substitutions of corporate names in the reference portfolio.  When substituting corporate names, the issuing special purpose trust transacts with a third party to sell credit card receivables.

protection on a new issuer, selected by Delaware Investments.  The cost to substitute the corporate names is based on market conditions and the liquidity of the corporate names.  This new issuer will replace the issuer Delaware Investments has identified to remove from the pool of issuers.  The substitution of corporate issuers does not revise the CLN agreement.  The subordination and the participation in credit losses may change as a result of the substitution.  The amount of the change is dependant upon the relative risk of the issuers removed and replaced in the pool of issuers. 


Consistent with other debt market instruments, we are exposed to credit losses within the structure of the credit-linked notes,CLNs, which could result in principal losses to our investments.  However, we have attempted to protect our investments from credit losses through the multi-tiered class structure of the credit-linked note,CLN, which requires the subordinated classes of the investment pool to absorb all of the initial credit losses.  LNL owns the mezzanine tranche of these investments.  Each tranche represents a 1% slice of the capital structure and each issuer is equally weighted in the underlying collateral pool.

Our evaluation of the CLNs for OTTI involves projecting defaults in the underlying collateral pool, making assumptions regarding severity and then comparing losses on the underlying collateral pool to the amount of subordination.  We apply current published industry data of projected default rates to the underlying collateral pool to estimate the expected future losses.   If expected losses were to exceed the attachment point, we may recognize an OTTI on the CLN.  To date, there has been one default in the underlying collateral pool of the $400 million credit-linked noteCLN and two defaults in the underlying collateral pool of the $200 million credit-linked note.CLN.  There has been no event of default on the credit-linked notes themselves, and we feelCLNs themselves.  Based upon our analysis the remaining subordination isas represented by the attachment point should be sufficient to absorb future initial credit losses.losses, subject to changing market conditions.  We do not anticipate any future payments under the CLNs, and as such, there are no recourse provisions or assets held as collateral for the recovery of any future payments.  Similar to other debt market instruments, our maximum principal loss is limited to our original investment of $600 million as of September 30, 2008.

March 31, 2009.


As in the general markets, spreads on these transactions have widened, causing unrealized losses.  We had unrealized losses of $421$518 million on the $600 million in credit-linked notesCLNs as of September 30, 2008March 31, 2009 and $190$550 million on the $850$600 million in credit-linked notesCLNs as of December 31, 2007.2008.  As described more fully in Note 1 of our 2007 Form 10-K,the realized loss related to investments section above, we regularly review our investment holdings for other-than-temporary impairments.OTTIs.  Based upon this review, we believe that these securities were not other-than-temporarily impaired as of September 30, 2008,March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2007.

2008.  The following summarizes the fair value to amortized cost ratio (dollars in millions) of the CLNs:


  As of  As of  As of 
  April 30,  March 31,  December 31, 
  2009  2009  2008 
Fair value to amortized cost ratio  22%  14%  8%
The following summarizes information regarding our investments in these securities (dollars in millions):

   Amount and Date of Issuance
   $400
December 2006
  $200
April 2007

Amount of subordination (1)

  $1,944  $296

Maturity

   12/20/16   3/20/17

Current rating of tranche (1)

   A+   Baa2

Number of entities (1)

   124   98

Number of countries (1)

   20   21

as of March 31, 2009:


  Amount and Date of Issuance 
   $400   $200 
  December 2006  April 2007 
Amortized cost $400  $200 
Fair value  52   30 
Original attachment point (subordination)  5.50%  2.05%
Current attachment point (subordination)  4.77%  1.48%
Maturity 12/20/2016  3/20/2017 
Current rating of tranche BBB-  Ba3 
Current rating of underlying collateral pool Aaa-B3  Aaa-B1 
Number of entities  124   98 
Number of countries  19   23 


20


The following summarizes the exposure of the CLNs’ underlying collateral by industry and rating as of March 31, 2009:

Industry AAA  AA   A  BBB  BB  CCC  Total 
Financial intermediaries  0%  3%  8%  1%  0%  0%  12%
Telecommunications  0%  0%  5%  5%  1%  0%  11%
Oil and gas  0%  1%  2%  4%  0%  0%  7%
Insurance  0%  0%  3%  2%  0%  1%  6%
Utilities  0%  0%  2%  2%  0%  0%  4%
Chemicals and plastics  0%  0%  2%  2%  0%  0%  4%
Retailers, except food and drug  0%  0%  1%  2%  1%  0%  4%
Industrial equipment  0%  0%  3%  0%  0%  0%  3%
Sovereigns  0%  0%  2%  1%  0%  0%  3%
Drugs  0%  2%  1%  0%  0%  0%  3%
Forest products  0%  0%  0%  2%  1%  0%  3%
Other industry < 3% (28 industries)  1%  3%  15%  16%  5%  0%  40%
Total by industry  1%  9%  44%  37%  8%  1%  100%

6.  Derivative Instruments
Types of Derivative Instruments and Derivative Strategies
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 and credit risk.  We assess these risks by continually identifying and monitoring changes in interest rate exposure, foreign currency exposure, equity market exposure and credit exposure that may adversely impact expected future cash flows and by evaluating hedging opportunities.  Derivative instruments that are currently used as part of our interest rate risk management strategy include interest rate swaps, interest rate futures, interest rate caps and treasury locks.  Derivative instruments that are used as part of our foreign currency risk management strategy include foreign currency swaps and foreign currency forwards.  Call options on our stock, call options on the Standard & Poor’s (“S&P”) 500 Index® (“S&P 500”), total return swaps, variance swaps, equity collars, put options and equity futures are used as part of our equity market risk management strategy.  We also use credit default swaps as part of our credit risk management strategy.
As of March 31, 2009, we had derivative instruments that were designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges and fair value hedges.  In addition, we had embedded derivatives that qualified under SFAS 133 and embedded derivatives that did not qualify under SFAS 133.  We also had derivative instruments that were economic hedges, but were not designated as hedging instruments under SFAS 133.  See Note 1 of our 2008 Form 10-K for a detailed discussion of the accounting treatment for derivative instruments.

Our derivative instruments are monitored by our Asset Liability Management Committee and our Equity Risk Management Committee as part of those committees’ oversight of our derivative activities.  Our committees are responsible for implementing various hedging strategies that are developed through their analysis of financial simulation models and other internal and industry sources.  The resulting hedging strategies are incorporated into our overall risk management strategies.

We use a hedging strategy designed to mitigate the risk and income statement volatility caused by changes in the equity markets, interest rates and volatility associated with living benefit guarantees offered in our variable annuity products, including the Lincoln SmartSecurity® Advantage guaranteed withdrawal benefit (“GWB”) feature, the 4LATER® Advantage GIB feature and the i4LIFE® Advantage GIB feature.  See “GLBs Accounted for Under SFAS 157/SFAS 133” below for further details.

See Note 15 for disclosures regarding our fair value measurement required by SFAS 157.


21


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

  As of March 31, 2009 
  Number     Asset Carrying  (Liability) Carrying 
  of  Notional  or Fair Value  or Fair Value 
  Instruments  Amounts  Gain  Loss  Gain  Loss 
Derivative Instruments                  
Designated and Qualifying                  
as Hedging Instruments                  
Cash flow hedges:                  
Interest rate swap agreements (1)
  103  $749  $53  $(100) $-  $- 
Foreign currency swaps (1)
  14   367   66   (3)  -   - 
Total cash flow hedges  117   1,116   119   (103)  -   - 
Fair value hedges:                        
Interest rate swap agreements (1)
  1   375   146   -   -   - 
Equity collars (1)
  1   49   166   -   -   - 
Total fair value hedges  2   424   312   -   -   - 
Embedded derivatives:                        
Deferred compensation plans (4)
  7   -   -   -   -   (329)
Remaining guaranteed interest                        
and similar contracts (2)
  84,576   -   -   -   -   (253)
GLBs accounted for under                        
SFAS 157/SFAS 133 (2)
  225,448   -   -   -   714   (3,319)
Reinsurance related                        
derivative assets (3)
  -   -   107   -   -   - 
Total embedded derivatives  310,031   -   107   -   714   (3,901)
Total derivative instruments                        
designated and qualifying as                        
hedging instruments  310,150   1,540   538   (103)  714   (3,901)
Derivative Instruments Not                        
Designated and Not Qualifying                        
as Hedging Instruments                        
Interest rate cap agreements (1)
  43   2,150   -   -   -   - 
Interest rate futures (1)
  26,203   3,599   -   -   -   - 
Equity futures (1)
  54,903   3,480   -   -   -   - 
Interest rate swap agreements (1)
  107   7,111   403   (455)  -   - 
Foreign currency forward contracts (1)
  12   1,342   6   (2)  -   - 
Credit default swaps (4)
  12   164   -   -   -   (67)
Total return swaps (1)
  1   126   -   -   -   - 
Put options (1)
  137   4,675   1,764   -   -   - 
Call options (based on LNC stock) (1)
  1   9   -   -   -   - 
Call options (based on S&P 500) (1)
  554   2,986   37   -   -   - 
Variance swaps (1)
  36   26   142   (13)  -   - 
AFS securities embedded derivatives (1)
  3   -   16   -   -   - 
Total derivative instruments not                        
designated and not qualifying as                        
hedging instruments  82,012   25,668   2,368   (470)  -   (67)
Total derivative instruments  392,162  $27,208  $2,906  $(573) $714  $(3,968)

(1)

As of September 30, 2008

Reported in derivative investments on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

17

(2)Reported in future contract benefits on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
(3)Reported in reinsurance related derivative assets on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
(4)Reported in other liabilities on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
22

5. DAC, VOBA, DSI


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

  Remaining Life as of March 31, 2009 
  Less Than   1 - 5   5 - 10   10 - 30    
  1 Year  Years  Years  Years  Total 
Derivative Instruments Designated and                  
 Qualifying as Hedging Instruments                  
Cash flow hedges:                  
Interest rate swap agreements $140  $103  $240  $266  $749 
Foreign currency swaps  -   52   180   135   367 
Total cash flow hedges  140   155   420   401   1,116 
Fair value hedges:                    
Interest rate swap agreements  -   -   -   375   375 
   Equity collars  -   49   -   -   49 
Total fair value hedges  -   49   -   375   424 
Total derivative instruments designated                    
and qualifying as hedging instruments  140   204   420   776   1,540 
Derivative Instruments Not Designated and                    
Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments                    
Interest rate cap agreements  1,400   750   -   -   2,150 
Interest rate futures  3,599   -   -   -   3,599 
Equity futures  3,480   -   -   -   3,480 
Interest rate swap agreements  -   1,900   1,706   3,505   7,111 
Foreign currency forward contracts  1,342   -   -   -   1,342 
Credit default swaps  10   50   104   -   164 
Total return swaps  126   -   -   -   126 
Put options  -   1,800   2,700   175   4,675 
Call options (based on LNC stock)  9   -   -   -   9 
Call options (based on S&P 500)  2,250   736   -   -   2,986 
Variance swaps  -   3   23   -   26 
Total derivative instruments not designated                    
and not qualifying as hedging instruments  12,216   5,239   4,533   3,680   25,668 
Total derivative instruments                    
with notional amounts $12,356  $5,443  $4,953  $4,456  $27,208 


23


The change in our unrealized gain on derivative instruments in accumulated OCI (in millions) was as follows:
  For the Three 
  Months Ended 
  March 31, 
  2009 
Unrealized Gain on Derivative Instruments   
Balance at beginning-of-year $127 
Other comprehensive income (loss):    
Unrealized holding losses arising during the period:    
Cash flow hedges:    
Interest rate swap agreements  3 
Foreign currency swaps  2 
Fair values hedges:    
Interest rate swap agreements  (1)
Net investment in foreign subsidiary  (74)
Change in DAC, VOBA, DSI and other contract holder funds  7 
Income tax benefit  (4)
Less:    
Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income:    
Cash flow hedges:    
Interest rate swap agreements (1)
  1 
Foreign currency swaps (1)
  1 
Fair values hedges:    
Interest rate swap agreements (2)
  1 
Income tax expense  (1)
Balance at end-of-period $58 
(1)The OCI offset is reported within net investment income on our Consolidated Statements of Income.
(2)The OCI offset is reported within interest and debt expense on our Consolidated Statements of Income.

24


The settlement payments and DFEL

Onmark-to-market adjustments on derivative instruments (in millions) recorded on our Consolidated Statements of Income were as follows:

  For the Three 
  Months Ended 
  March 31, 
  2009 
Derivative Instruments Designated and Qualifying as Hedging Instruments   
Cash flow hedges:   
Interest rate swap agreements (1)
 $1 
Foreign currency swaps (1)
  1 
Total cash flow hedges  2 
Fair value hedges:    
Interest rate swap agreements (2)
  4 
Embedded derivatives:    
Deferred compensation plans (4)
  7 
Remaining guaranteed interest and similar contracts (3)
  11 
GLBs accounted for under SFAS 157/SFAS 133 (3)
  178 
Reinsurance related derivative assets (3)
  76 
Total embedded derivatives  272 
Total derivative instruments designated and qualifying as hedging instruments  278 
Derivative Instruments Not Designated and Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments    
Interest rate futures (3)
  (328)
Equity futures (3)
  249 
Interest rate swap agreements (3)
  (311)
Foreign currency forward contracts (1)
  5 
Total return swaps (4)
  (9)
Put options (3)
  45 
Call options (based on S&P 500) (3)
  (18)
Variance swaps (3)
  (31)
AFS securities embedded derivatives (1)
  1 
Total derivative instruments not designated and not qualifying as hedging instruments  (397)
Total derivative instruments $(119)
(1)Reported in net investment income on our Consolidated Statements of Income.
(2)Reported in interest and debt expense on our Consolidated Statements of Income.
(3)Reported in net realized loss on our Consolidated Statements of Income.
(4)Reported in underwriting, acquisition, insurance and other expenses on our Consolidated Statements of Income.

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Derivative Instruments Designated and Qualifying as Cash Flow Hedges

There were no ineffective portions of cash flow hedges for the three months ended March 31, 2009.

As of March 31, 2009, $5 million of the deferred net gains on derivative instruments in accumulated OCI were expected to be reclassified to earnings during 2009.  This reclassification is due primarily to the receipt of interest payments associated with variable rate securities and forecasted purchases, payment of interest on our senior debt, the receipt of interest payments associated with foreign currency securities and the periodic vesting of stock appreciation rights (“SARs”).

For the three months ended March 31, 2009, there were no 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.

Interest Rate Swap Agreements

We use a quarterly basis,portion of our interest rate swap agreements to hedge the interest rate risk to our exposure to floating rate bond coupon payments, replicating a fixed rate bond.  An interest rate swap is a contractual agreement to exchange payments at one or more times based on the actual or expected price level, performance or value of one or more underlying interest rates.  We are required to pay the counterparty the stream of variable interest payments based on the coupon payments from the hedged bonds, and in turn, receive a fixed payment from the counterparty, at a predetermined interest rate.  The net receipts/payments from these interest rate swaps are recorded in net investment income on our Consolidated Statements of Income.  Gains or losses on interest rate swaps hedging our interest rate exposure on floating rate bond coupon payments are reclassified from accumulated OCI to net income as the related bond interest is accrued.

In addition, we may recorduse interest rate swap agreements to hedge our exposure to fixed rate bond coupon payments and the change in underlying asset values as interest rates fluctuate.  The net receipts/payments from these interest rate swaps are recorded in net income on our Consolidated Statements of Income.

As of March 31, 2009, June 2037 was the latest maturity date for which we were hedging our exposure to the variability in future cash flows for these instruments.

Foreign Currency Swaps

We use foreign currency swaps, which are traded over-the-counter, to hedge some of the foreign exchange risk of investments in fixed maturity securities denominated in foreign currencies.  A foreign currency swap is a contractual agreement to exchange the currencies of two different countries at a specified rate of exchange in the future.  Gains or losses on foreign currency swaps hedging foreign exchange risk exposure on foreign currency bond coupon payments are reclassified from accumulated OCI to net income as the related bond interest is accrued.

As of March 31, 2009, July 2022 was the latest maturity date for which we were hedging our exposure to the variability in future cash flows for these instruments.

Derivative Instruments Designated and Qualifying as Fair Value Hedges

There were no ineffective portions of fair value hedges for the three months ended March 31, 2009.  We recognized $(1) million as a component of realized investment loss for our equity collars for the three months ended March 31, 2009.

Interest Rate Swap Agreements

We use a portion of our interest rate swap agreements to hedge the risk of paying a higher fixed rate of interest on junior subordinated debentures issued to affiliated trusts and on senior debt than would be paid on long-term debt based on current interest rates in the marketplace.  We are required to pay the counterparty a stream of variable interest payments based on the referenced index, and in turn, we receive a fixed payment from the counterparty at a predetermined interest rate.  The net receipts/payments from these interest rate swaps are recorded as an adjustment to the interest expense for the debt being hedged.  The changes in fair value of the interest rate swap are reported in net income on our Consolidated Statements of Income in the period of change along with the offsetting changes in fair value of the debt being hedged.


26


Equity Collars

We used an equity collar on four million shares of our Bank of America (“BOA”) stock holdings.  The equity collar is structured such that we purchased a put option on the BOA stock and simultaneously sold a call option with the identical maturity date as the put option.  This effectively protects us from a price decline in the stock while allowing us to participate in some of the upside if the BOA stock appreciates over the time of the transaction.  With the equity collar in place, we are able to pledge the BOA stock as collateral, which then allows us to advance a substantial portion of the stock’s value, effectively monetizing the stock for liquidity purposes.  This variable forward contract is scheduled to settle in September 2010, at which time we will be required to deliver shares or cash.  If we chose to settle in shares, the number of shares to be delivered will be determined based on the volume-weighted average price of BOA common stock over a period of ten trading days prior to settlement.  The change in fair value of the equity collar is reported in net income on our Consolidated Statements of Income in the period of change along with the offsetting changes (when applicable) in fair value of the stock being hedged.

Derivative Instruments Designated and Qualifying as a Net Investment in Foreign Subsidiary

We use foreign currency forward contracts to hedge a portion of our net investment in our foreign subsidiary, Lincoln UK.  The foreign currency forward contracts obligate us to deliver a specified amount of currency at a future date at a specified exchange rate.  The foreign currency forward contracts outstanding as of December 31, 2008, were terminated on February 5, 2009.  The gain on the termination of the foreign currency forward contract of $38 million was recorded in OCI.  We currently do not hold any foreign currency forward contracts as of March 31, 2009.

Embedded Derivative Instruments Designated and Qualifying as Hedging Instruments

Deferred Compensation Plans

We have certain deferred compensation plans that have embedded derivative instruments.  The liability related to these plans varies based on the investment options selected by the participants.  The liability related to certain investment options selected by the participants is marked-to-market through net income on our Consolidated Statements of Income.

Remaining Guaranteed Interest and Similar Contracts

We distribute indexed annuity contracts which permit the holder to elect an interest rate return or an equity market component, where interest credited to the contracts is linked to the performance of the S&P 500.  This feature represents an embedded derivative under SFAS 133.  Contract holders may elect to re-balance index options at renewal dates, either annually or biannually.  At each renewal date, we have the opportunity to re-price the indexed component by establishing participation rates, subject to minimum guarantees.  We purchase S&P 500 call options that are highly correlated to the portfolio allocation decisions of our contract holders, such that we are economically hedged with respect to equity returns for the current reset period.  The mark-to-market of the options held generally offsets the change in value of the embedded derivative within the indexed annuity, both of which are recorded as a component of net income on our Consolidated Statements of Income.

GLBs Accounted for Under SFAS 157/SFAS 133
We have certain variable annuity products with GWB and GIB features that are embedded derivatives.  Certain features of these guarantees, notably our GIB and 4LATER® features, have elements of both insurance benefits accounted for under Statement of Position 03-1, “Accounting and Reporting by Insurance Enterprises for Certain Nontraditional Long-Duration Contracts and for Separate Accounts” (“SOP 03-1”) and embedded derivatives accounted for under SFAS 133 and SFAS 157.  We weight these features and their associated reserves accordingly based on their hybrid nature.  The change in estimated fair value of the embedded derivatives flows through net income on our Consolidated Statements of Income.  As of March 31, 2009, we had approximately $11.8 billion of account values that were attributable to variable annuities with a GWB feature.  As of March 31, 2009, we had approximately $4.8 billion of account values that were attributable to variable annuities with a GIB feature.

We use a hedging strategy designed to mitigate the risk and income statement volatility caused by changes in the equity markets, interest rates, and volatility associated with GWB and GIB features.  The hedging strategy is designed such that changes in the value of the hedge contracts due to changes in equity markets, interest rates and implied volatilities move in the opposite direction of changes in the value of the embedded derivative of the GWB and GIB caused by those same factors.  As part of our current hedging program, equity markets, interest rates and volatility in market conditions are monitored on a daily basis. We re-balance our hedge positions based upon changes in these factors as needed.  While we actively manage our hedge positions, these hedge positions may not be totally effective in offsetting changes in the embedded derivative due to, among other things, differences in timing between when a market exposure changes and corresponding changes to the hedge positions, extreme swings in the equity markets and interest rates, market volatility, contract holder behavior, divergence between the performance of the underlying funds and the hedging indices, divergence between the actual and expected performance of the hedge instruments and our ability to purchase hedging instruments at prices consistent with our desired risk and return trade-off.

27


Reinsurance Related Derivative Assets (Liabilities)

We have certain modified coinsurance (“Modco”) and coinsurance with funds withheld (“CFW”) reinsurance arrangements with embedded derivatives related to the withheld assets of the related funds.  These derivatives are considered total return swaps with contractual returns that are attributable to various assets and liabilities associated with these reinsurance arrangements.  Changes in the estimated fair value of these derivatives are recorded in net income on our Consolidated Statements of Income as they occur.  Offsetting these amounts includedare corresponding changes in the estimated fair value of trading securities in portfolios that support these arrangements.  During the first three months of 2009, the portion of the embedded derivative liability related to the funds withheld nature of our disability income business was released due to the rescission of the underlying reinsurance agreement.  See Note 11 for additional details.

Derivative Instruments Not Designated and Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments
We use various other derivative instruments for risk management and income generation purposes that either do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment or have not currently been designated by us for hedge accounting treatment.

Interest Rate Cap Agreements

The interest rate cap agreements entitle us to receive quarterly payments from the counterparties on specified future reset dates, contingent on future interest rates.  For each cap, the amount of such quarterly payments, if any, is determined by the excess of a market interest rate over a specified cap rate, multiplied by the notional amount divided by four.  The purpose of our interest rate cap agreement program is to provide a level of protection from the effect of rising interest rates for our annuity business, within our Retirement Solutions – Annuities and Retirement Solutions – Defined Contribution segments.  The interest rate cap agreements provide an economic hedge of the annuity line of business.  However, the interest rate cap agreements do not qualify for hedge accounting under SFAS 133.

Interest Rate Futures and Equity Futures

We use interest rate futures and equity futures contracts to hedge the liability exposure on certain options in variable annuity products.  These futures contracts require payment between our counterparty and us on a daily basis for changes in the futures index price.  Cash settlements on the change in market value of financial futures contracts, along with the resulting gains or losses, are recorded daily in net income on our Consolidated Balance SheetsStatements of Income.

Interest Rate Swap Agreements

We use interest rate swap agreements to hedge the liability exposure on certain options in variable annuity products.  The change in market value and periodic cash settlements are recorded in net income on our Consolidated Statements of Income.

Foreign Currency Forward Contracts

We use foreign currency forward contracts to hedge dividends received from our U.K.-based subsidiary, Lincoln UK.  The foreign currency forward contracts obligate us to deliver a specified amount of currency at a future date and a specified exchange rate.  The contract does not qualify for DAC, VOBA, DSIhedge accounting under SFAS 133;  therefore, all gains or losses on the foreign currency forward contracts are recorded in net income on our Consolidated Statements of Income.

Credit Default Swaps

We buy credit default swaps to hedge against a drop in bond prices due to credit concerns of certain bond issuers.  A credit default swap allows us to put the bond back to the counterparty at par upon a default event by the bond issuer.  A default event is defined as bankruptcy, failure to pay, obligation acceleration or restructuring.  Our credit default swaps are not currently qualified for hedge accounting under SFAS 133, as amounts are insignificant.
We also sell credit default swaps to offer credit protection to investors.  The credit default swaps hedge the investor against a drop in bond prices due to credit concerns of certain bond issuers.  A credit default swap allows the investor to put the bond back to us at par upon a default event by the bond issuer.  A default event is defined as bankruptcy, failure to pay, obligation acceleration or restructuring.

28


Information related to our open credit default swaps for which we are the seller (in millions) as of March 31, 2009, was as follows:

  Reason  Nature  Credit     Maximum 
  for  of  Rating of  Fair  Potential 
Maturity Entering  Recourse  Counterparty  
Value (1)
  Payout 
3/20/2010  (2)   (4)   A2/A  $-  $10 
6/20/2010  (2)   (4)   A1/A   -   10 
12/20/2012  (3)   (4)  Aa2/A+   -   10 
12/20/2012  (3)   (4)  Aa2/A+   (1)  10 
12/20/2012  (3)   (4)   A1/A   -   10 
12/20/2012  (3)   (4)   A1/A   (1)  10 
12/20/2016  (3)   (4)   A2/A(5)  (10)  15 
3/20/2017  (3)   (4)   A2/A(5)  (13)  22 
3/20/2017  (3)   (4)   A2/A(5)  (11)  14 
3/20/2017  (3)   (4)   A2/A(5)  (10)  18 
3/20/2017  (3)   (4)   A2/A(5)  (13)  18 
3/20/2017  (3)   (4)   A2/A(5)  (8)  17 
              $(67) $164 
(1)Broker quotes are used to determine the market value of credit default swaps.
(2)Credit default swap was entered into in order to generate income by providing protection on a highly rated basket of securities in return for a quarterly payment.
(3)Credit default swap was entered into in order to generate income by providing default protection in return for a quarterly payment.
(4)Seller does not have the right to demand indemnification/compensation from third parties in case of a loss (payment) on the contract.
(5)These credit default swaps were sold to a counter party of the issuing special purpose trust as discussed in the “Credit-Linked Notes” section in Note 5.

Details underlying the associated collateral of our open credit default swaps for which we are the seller as of March 31, 2009, if credit risk related contingent features were triggered (in millions) were as follows:

Maximum potential payout $164 
Less:    
Collateral posted to date  47 
Counterparty thresholds  30 
Maximum collateral potentially required to post $87 
Total Return Swaps

We use total return swaps to hedge a portion of the liability related to our deferred compensation plans.  We receive the total return on a portfolio of indexes and DFELpay a floating rate of interest.  Cash settlements on the change in market value of the total return swaps along with the resulting gains or losses are recorded in net income on our Consolidated Statements of Income.
Put Options

We use put options to hedge the liability exposure on certain options in variable annuity products.  Put options are contracts that require counterparties to pay us at a specified future date the amount, if any, by which a specified equity index is less than the strike rate stated in the agreement, applied to a notional amount.  The change in market value of the put options along with the resulting gains or losses on terminations and expirations are recorded in net income on our Consolidated Statements of Income.

Call Options (Based on LNC Stock)

We use call options on our stock to hedge the expected increase in liabilities arising from SARs granted on our stock.  Call options hedging vested SARs are not eligible for hedge accounting treatment under SFAS 133.  Mark-to-market changes are recorded in net income on our Consolidated Statements of Income.

29


Call Options (Based on S&P 500)

We use indexed annuity contracts to permit the holder to elect an offsetting benefitinterest rate return or chargean equity market component, where interest credited to revenuethe contracts is linked to the performance of the S&P 500.  Contract holders may elect to re-balance index options at renewal dates, either annually or expensebiannually.  At each renewal date, we have the opportunity to re-price the indexed component by establishing participation rates, subject to minimum guarantees.  We purchase call options that are highly correlated to the portfolio allocation decisions of our contract holders, such that we are economically hedged with respect to equity returns for the current reset period.  The mark-to-market of the options held generally offsets the change in value of the embedded derivative within the indexed annuity, both of which are recorded in net income on our Consolidated Statements of Income.

Variance Swaps

We use variance swaps to hedge the liability exposure on certain options in variable annuity products.  Variance swaps are contracts entered into at no cost and whose payoff is the difference between the realized variance of an underlying index and the fixed variance rate determined at inception.  The change in market value and resulting gains and losses on terminations and expirations are recorded in net income on our Consolidated Statements of Income.

AFS Securities Embedded Derivatives

We own various debt securities that either contain call options to exchange the debt security for other specified securities of the borrower, usually common stock, or contain call options to receive the return on equity-like indexes.  These embedded derivatives have not been qualified for hedge accounting treatment under SFAS 133; therefore, the change in fair value of the embedded derivatives flows through net income on our Consolidated Statements of Income.

Credit Risk
We are exposed to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by our counterparties on various derivative contracts and reflect assumptions regarding the credit or nonperformance risk.  The nonperformance risk is based upon assumptions for each counterparty’s credit spread over the estimated weighted average life of the counterparty exposure less collateral held.  As of March 31, 2009, the nonperformance risk adjustment was $32 million.  The credit risk associated with such agreements is minimized by purchasing such agreements from financial institutions with long-standing, superior performance records.  Additionally, we maintain a policy of requiring all derivative contracts to be governed by an International Swaps and Derivatives Association (“ISDA”) Master Agreement.  We and our insurance subsidiaries 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 the derivatives contract, at which time any amounts payable by us would be dependent on the market value of the underlying derivative contract.  In certain transactions, we and the counterparty have entered into a collateral support agreement requiring either party to post collateral when net exposures exceed pre-determined thresholds.  These thresholds vary by counterparty and credit rating.  We do not believe the inclusion of termination or collateralization events pose any material threat to the liquidity position of any insurance subsidiary of the Company.  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 March 31, 2009, the exposure was $448 million.

The amounts recognized (in millions) by S&P credit rating of counterparty as of March 31, 2009, for which we had the right to reclaim cash collateral or were obligated to return cash collateral were as follows:
   Collateral  Collateral 
   Posted by  Posted by 
Credit  Counterparty  LNC 
Rating of  (Held by  (Held by 
Counterparty  LNC)  Counterparty) 
AAA  $14  $- 
AA+   64   - 
AA   238   - 
AA-   553   - 
 A+   270   (10)
 A   772   (45)
    $1,911  $(55)



30


7.  Federal Income Taxes
The effective tax rate was 11% and 30% for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.  Differences in the effective rates and the U.S. statutory rate of 35% during the first quarter of 2009 were the result of certain tax preferred investment income, separate account dividends-received deduction (“DRD”), foreign tax credits, other tax preference items and the impact of the difference betweengoodwill impairment related to our Retirement Solutions – Annuities reporting unit, which did not have a corresponding tax effect.
Federal income tax benefit for the estimatesfirst three months of future gross profits used2009 included an increase of $56 million related to favorable adjustments from the 2008 tax return, filed in the priorfirst quarter of 2009, primarily relating to the separate account DRD, foreign tax credits and other tax preference items.
The application of GAAP requires us to evaluate the recoverability of our deferred tax assets and establish a valuation allowance if necessary, to reduce our deferred tax asset to an amount that is more likely than not to be realizable.  Considerable judgment and the emergenceuse of actualestimates are required in determining whether a valuation allowance is necessary, and updated estimatesif so, the amount of future gross profitssuch valuation allowance.  In evaluating the need for a valuation allowance, we consider many factors, including 1) the nature and character of the deferred tax assets and liabilities; 2) taxable income in prior carryback years; 3) projected taxable earnings, including capital gains exclusive of reversing temporary differences and carryforwards; 4) the length of time carryovers can be utilized; 5) any tax planning strategies we would employ to avoid a tax benefit from expiring unused.  Although realization is not assured, management believes it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets, including our capital loss deferred tax asset, will be realized.
As of March 31, 2009, there have been no material changes to the balance of unrecognized tax benefits reported at December 31, 2008.  We anticipate a change to our unrecognized tax benefits within the next 12 months in the current quarter (“retrospective unlocking”). range of none to $53 million.
We recognize interest and penalties, if any, accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of tax expense.
In addition, in the third quarternormal course of each year,business we conduct our annual comprehensive review ofare subject to examination by taxing authorities throughout the assumptionsUnited States and the projection models used for our estimates of future gross profits underlying the amortization of DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL and the calculations of the embedded derivatives and reserves for annuity and life insurance products with living benefit and death benefit guarantees. These assumptions include investment margins, mortality, retention and rider utilization. Based on our review, the cumulative balances of DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL, included on our Consolidated Balance Sheets, are adjusted with an offsetting benefitUnited Kingdom.  At any given time, we may be under examination by state, local or charge to revenue or amortization expense to reflect such change (“prospective unlocking – assumption changes”). We may also identify and implement actuarial modeling refinements (“prospective unlocking – model refinements”) that result in increases or decreases to the carrying values of DAC, VOBA, DSI, DFEL, embedded derivatives and reserves for annuity and life insurance products with living benefit and death benefit guarantees. The primary distinction between retrospective and prospective unlocking is that retrospective unlocking is driven by the emerging experience period-over-period, while prospective unlocking is driven by changes in assumptions or projection models related to estimated future gross profits.

Changes in DAC (in millions) were as follows:

   For the Nine
Months Ended
September 30,
 
   2008  2007 

Balance at beginning-of-year

  $6,510  $5,116 

Cumulative effect of adoption of Statement of Position (“SOP”) 05-1 (“SOP 05-1”)

   —     (31)

Deferrals

   1,354   1,469 

DAC and VOBA amortization, net of interest:

   

Prospective unlocking – assumption changes

   24   35 

Prospective unlocking – model refinements

   44   (56)

Retrospective unlocking

   (69)  46 

Other amortization, net of interest

   (585)  (600)

Adjustment related to realized gains on available-for-sale securities and derivatives

   (16)  (10)

Adjustment related to unrealized losses on available-for-sale securities and derivatives

   715   184 

Foreign currency translation adjustment

   (51)  23 
         

Balance at end-of-period

  $7,926  $6,176 
         

18


Changes in VOBA (in millions) were as follows:

   For the Nine
Months Ended
September 30,
 
   2008  2007 

Balance at beginning-of-year

  $3,070  $3,304 

Cumulative effect of adoption of SOP 05-1

   —     (35)

Business acquired

   —     14 

Deferrals

   32   35 

DAC and VOBA amortization, net of interest:

   

Prospective unlocking – assumption changes

   26   14 

Prospective unlocking – model refinements

   (15)  (7)

Retrospective unlocking

   (21)  16 

Other amortization, net of interest

   (288)  (348)

Accretion of interest

   100   108 

Adjustment related to realized (gains) losses on available-for-sale securities and derivatives

   53   (6)

Adjustment related to unrealized losses on available-for-sale securities and derivatives

   796   53 

Foreign currency translation adjustment

   (27)  13 
         

Balance at end-of-period

  $3,726  $3,161 
         

Changes in DSI (in millions) were as follows:

   For the Nine
Months Ended
September 30,
 
   2008  2007 

Balance at beginning-of-year

  $279  $194 

Cumulative effect of adoption of SOP 05-1

   —     (3)

Deferrals

   77   81 

DAC and VOBA amortization, net of interest:

   

Prospective unlocking – assumption changes

   —     2 

Prospective unlocking – model refinements

   —     (1)

Retrospective unlocking

   (2)  2 

Other amortization, net of interest

   (21)  (25)

Adjustment related to realized gains on available-for-sale securities and derivatives

   (5)  (1)
         

Balance at end-of-period

  $328  $249 
         

19


Changes in DFEL (in millions) were as follows:

   For the Nine
Months Ended
September 30,
 
   2008  2007 

Balance at beginning-of-year

  $1,183  $977 

Cumulative effect of adoption of SOP 05-1

   —     (2)

Deferrals

   316   300 

DAC and VOBA amortization, net of interest:

   

Prospective unlocking – assumption changes

   5   4 

Prospective unlocking – model refinements

   25   (34)

Retrospective unlocking

   (29)  10 

Other amortization, net of interest

   (135)  (144)

Adjustment related to realized (gains) losses on available-for-sale securities and derivatives

   (2)  —   

Foreign currency translation adjustment

   (38)  17 
         

Balance at end-of-period

  $1,325  $1,128 
         

non-U.S. income tax authorities.


8.  Goodwill

6. Goodwill and Specifically Identifiable Intangibles

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

   For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2008
   Balance At
Beginning-
of-Year
  Purchase
Accounting
Adjustments
  Impairment  Foreign
Currency
Translation
Adjustment
  Balance
At End-
of-Period

Retirement Solutions:

       

Annuities

  $1,046  $(6) $—    $—    $1,040

Defined Contribution

   20   —     —     —     20

Insurance Solutions:

       

Life Insurance

   2,201   (11)  —     —     2,190

Group Protection

   274   —     —     —     274

Investment Management

   247   1   —     —     248

Lincoln UK

   17   —     —     (2)  15

Other Operations

   339   (2)  (83)  —     254
                    

Total goodwill

  $4,144  $(18) $(83) $(2) $4,041
                    

The purchase accounting adjustments above relate to income tax deductions recognized when stock options attributable to mergers were exercised or the release of unrecognized tax benefits acquired through mergers.

As


  For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2009 
  Balance At  Purchase     Balance 
  Beginning-  Accounting     At End- 
  of-Year  Adjustments  Impairment  of-Period 
Retirement Solutions:            
Annuities $1,040  $-  $(600) $440 
Defined Contribution  20   -   -   20 
Insurance Solutions:                
Life Insurance  2,188   -   -   2,188 
Group Protection  274   -   -   274 
Investment Management  248   -   -   248 
Lincoln UK  -   -   -   - 
Other Operations  174   3   (3)  174 
Total goodwill $3,944  $3  $(603) $3,344 


We performed a result of declines in current and forecasted advertising revenue for the entire radio market, we updated our intangibleStep 1 goodwill impairment review in the second quarter of 2008, which was outsideanalysis on all of our annual process normally completedreporting units as of OctoberMarch 31, 2009.  The Step 1 each year. This impairment test showedanalysis for Insurance Solutions – Life and Retirement Solutions – Annuities reporting units utilized primarily a discounted cash flow valuation technique.  In determining the estimated fair value of these reporting units, we incorporated consideration of discounted cash flow calculations, the level of our own share price and assumptions that market participants would make in valuing these reporting units.  Our fair value estimations were based primarily on an in-depth analysis of projected future cash flows and relevant discount rates, which considered market participant inputs (“income approach”).  The discounted cash flow analysis required us to make judgments about revenues, earnings projections, capital market assumptions and discount rates.  For our other reporting units, we used other available information including market data obtained through strategic reviews and other analysis to support our Step 1 conclusions.


31


All of our reporting units passed the Step 1 analysis, except for our Retirement Solutions – Annuities reporting unit, which required a Step 2 analysis to be completed.  In our Step 2 analysis, we estimated the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill as determined by allocating the reporting unit’s fair value determined in Step 1 to all of its net assets (recognized and unrecognized) as if the reporting unit had been acquired in a business combination at the date of the impairment test.

Based upon our remaining radio properties were lower than their carrying amounts, thereforeStep 2 analysis, we recorded non-cash impairments of goodwill (set forth above) and specifically identifiable intangible (set forth below), based upon the guidance of SFAS 142. The impairment of goodwill did not have any offsetting tax benefit; therefore, our effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2008,Retirement Solutions – Annuities reporting unit, which was elevated overattributable primarily to higher discount rates driven by higher debt costs and equity market volatility, deterioration in sales and declines in equity markets.

For our acquisition of NCLS, we are in the corresponding period in 2007.

20


The gross carrying amountsprocess of finalizing the fair value of the assets acquired and accumulated amortization (in millions) for each major specifically identifiable intangible asset class by reportable segment wereliabilities assumed as follows:

   As of
September 30, 2008
  As of
December 31, 2007
   Gross
Carrying
Amount
  Accumulated
Amortization
  Gross
Carrying
Amount
  Accumulated
Amortization

Insurance Solutions – Life Insurance:

        

Sales force

  $100  $10  $100  $7

Retirement Solutions – Defined Contribution:

        

Mutual fund contract rights(1)

   3   —     3   —  

Investment Management:

        

Client lists

   92   92   92   90

Other(1)

   5   —     3   —  

Other Operations:

        

FCC licenses(1) (2)

   292   —     384   —  

Other

   4   3   4   3
                

Total

  $496  $105  $586  $100
                

(1)

No amortization recorded as the intangible asset has indefinite life.

(2)

We recorded FCC licenses impairment of $90 million during the second quarter of 2008, as discussed above.

See Note 3 forof the acquisition date.  As such, these values are subject to change.  During the first quarter of 2009, we impaired the estimated goodwill that arose from the acquisition after giving consideration to the expected financial performance and specifically identifiable intangibles included within discontinued operations.

7.other relevant factors of this business.


9.  Guaranteed Benefit Features


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

These


Certain features of these guarantees are considered embedded derivatives and are recorded in future contract benefits on our Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value under SFAS 133 and SFAS 157. Effective January 1, 2008, we adopted SFAS 157 which affected(see Note 15 for details).  Other guarantees that are not considered embedded derivatives meet the criteria as insurance benefits and are accounted for under the valuation techniques included in SOP 03-1.  Still other guarantees contain characteristics of ourboth an embedded derivatives. See Note 2 of this reportderivative and an insurance benefit and are accounted for detailsunder an approach that weights these features and their associated reserves accordingly based on the adoption of SFAS 157.their hybrid nature.  We use derivative instruments to hedge our exposure to the risks and earnings volatility that result from the embedded derivatives for living benefits in certain of our variable annuity products.  The change in fair value of these instruments tends to move in the opposite direction of the change in fair value of the embedded derivatives.  The net impact of these changes is reported as guaranteed living benefitbenefits (“GLB”), which is reported as a component of realized loss discussed in Note 12.

21

on our Consolidated Statements of Income.



32


Information on the GDB features outstanding (dollars in millions) was as follows (our variable contracts with guarantees may offer more than one type of guarantee in each contract; therefore, the amounts listed are not mutually exclusive):

   As of
September 30,
2008
  As of
December 31,
2007
 

Return of Net Deposits

   

Variable annuity account value

  $39,646  $44,833 

Net amount at risk(1)

   2,503   93 

Average attained age of contract holders

   56 years   55 years 

Minimum Return

   

Variable annuity account value

  $256  $355 

Net amount at risk(1)

   72   25 

Average attained age of contract holders

   68 years   68 years 

Guaranteed minimum return

   5%  5%

Anniversary Contract Value

   

Variable annuity account value

  $20,794  $25,537 

Net amount at risk(1)

   4,821   359 

Average attained age of contract holders

   65 years   64 years 

  As of  As of 
  March 31,  December 31, 
  2009  2008 
Return of Net Deposits      
Total account value $32,736  $33,907 
Net amount at risk (1)
  7,524   6,337 
Average attained age of contract holders 56 years  56 years 
Minimum Return        
Total account value $182  $191 
Net amount at risk (1)
  116   109 
Average attained age of contract holders 69 years  68 years 
Guaranteed minimum return  5%  5%
Anniversary Contract Value        
Total account value $16,008  $16,950 
Net amount at risk (1)
  9,156   8,402 
Average attained age of contract holders 65 years  65 years 

(1)

Represents the amount of death benefit in excess of the current account balance at the end-of-period.balance.  The increase in net amount ofat risk when comparing September 30, 2008,March 31, 2009, to December 31, 2007,2008, was attributedattributable primarily to the decline in equity markets and associated reduction in the account values.


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 GDB (in millions), which were recorded in future contract benefits on our Consolidated Balance Sheets:

   For the Nine
Months Ended
September 30,
 
   2008  2007 

Balance at beginning-of-year

  $38  $23 

Cumulative effect of adoption of SOP 05-1

   —     (4)

Changes in reserves

   87   17 

Benefits paid

   (22)  (4)
         

Balance at end-of-period

  $103  $32 
         

The changes to the benefit reserves amounts above are reflected in benefits on our Consolidated Statements of Income.



  For the Three 
  Months Ended 
  March 31, 
  2009  2008 
Balance at beginning-of-year $277  $38 
Changes in reserves  132   14 
Benefits paid  (65)  (7)
Balance at end-of-period $344  $45 
Account balances of variable annuity contracts with guarantees (in millions) were invested in separate account investment options as follows:

   As of
September 30,
2008
  As of
December 31,
2007
 

Asset Type

   

Domestic equity

  $32,578  $44,982 

International equity

   9,974   8,076 

Bonds

   9,559   8,034 

Money market

   4,849   6,545 
         

Total

  $56,960  $67,637 
         

Percent of total variable annuity separate account values

   98%  97%

22


  As of  As of 
  March 31,  December 31, 
  2009  2008 
Asset Type      
Domestic equity $22,876  $24,878 
International equity  8,431   9,204 
Bonds  6,959   6,701 
Money market  5,756   5,802 
Total $44,022  $46,585 
         
Percent of total variable annuity separate account values  98%  99%


33

8. Other Contract Holder Funds

Details


Future contract benefits also include reserves for our products with secondary guarantees for our products sold through our Insurance Solutions – Life Insurance segment.  These UL and VUL products with secondary guarantees represented approximately 37% of other contract holder fundspermanent life insurance in force as of March 31, 2009 and approximately 73% of sales for these products in 2009.

10.  Long-Term Debt

Changes in long-term debt, excluding current portion (in millions) were as follows:

   As of
September 30,
2008
  As of
December 31,
2007

Account values and other contract holder funds

  $58,632  $57,698

Deferred front-end loads

   1,325   1,183

Contract holder dividends payable

   499   524

Premium deposit funds

   129   140

Undistributed earnings on participating business

   93   95
        

Total other contract holder funds

  $60,678  $59,640
        



  For the Three 
  Months Ended 
  March 31, 
  2009 
Balance at beginning-of-period $4,731 
Early extinguishment of the following capital securities:    
Portion of 7%, due 2066 (1)
  (78)
Portion of 6.05%, due 2067 (2)
  (9)
Reclassification to short-term debt  (250)
Change in fair value hedge  (50)
Accretion (amortization) of discounts (premiums), net  1 
Balance at end-of-period $4,345 

(1)The results of the extinguishment of debt were favorable by a ratio of 25 cents to one dollar.
(2)The results of the extinguishment of debt were favorable by a ratio of 23 cents to one dollar.

9. Federal Income Taxes

The effective tax rate was 2% and 28% forDetails underlying the three months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 was 26% and 29%, respectively. Differences in the effective rates and the U.S. statutory raterecognition of 35% in 2008 were the result of certain tax preferred investment income, separate account dividends-received deduction (“DRD”), foreign tax credits and other tax preference items. For information about the unfavorable impact to our effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2008, due from impairment of goodwill, see Note 6.

Federal income tax expense for the third quarter and first nine months of 2008 included a reduction of $34 million related to favorable adjustments from the 2007 tax return, filed in the third quarter of 2008, primarily relating to the separate account DRD, foreign tax credits and other tax preference items. Federal income tax expense for the third quarter and first nine months of 2007 included a reduction of $13 million related to favorable adjustments from the 2006 tax return, filed in the third quarter of 2007, relating to the separate account DRD, foreign tax credits and other tax preference items.

Changes to the Internal Revenue Code, administrative rulings or court decisions could increase our effective tax rate. In this regard, on August 16, 2007, the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) issued a revenue ruling that purports, among other things, to modify the calculation of the separate account DRD received by life insurance companies. Subsequently, the IRS issued another revenue ruling that suspended the August 16, 2007, ruling and announced a new regulation projectgain on the issue. The current separate account DRD lowered the effective tax rate by approximately 15% and 5% for the three months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively, and 9% and 4% for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The separate account deduction for dividends was relatively flat compared to prior quarters; however, its impact to the effective tax rate was the resultextinguishment (in millions) reported within interest expense on our Consolidated Statements of lower pre-tax income for the three months ended September 30, 2008.

We are required to establish a valuation allowance for any gross deferred tax assets that are unlikely to reduce taxes payable in future years’ tax returns. As of September 30, 2008, we believed that it was more likely than not that all gross deferred tax assets will reduce taxes payable in future years.

As of September 30, 2008, there have been no material changes to the balance of unrecognized tax benefits reported at December 31, 2007. We anticipate a change to our unrecognized tax benefits within the next 12 months in the range of none to $12 million.

We recognize interest and penalties, if any, accrued related to unrecognized tax benefitsIncome were as a component of tax expense.

In the normal course of business, we are subject to examination by taxing authorities throughout the U.S. and the U.K. At any given time, we may be under examination by state, local or non-U.S. income tax authorities. During the third quarter of 2008, the IRS completed its examination for the tax years 2003 and 2004 resulting in a proposed assessment. We believe a portion of the assessment is inconsistent with existing law and are protesting it through the established IRS appeals process. We do not anticipate that any adjustments that might result from such appeals would be material to our consolidated results of operations or financial condition.

23


10.follows:


Principal balance outstanding prior to payoff $87 
Unamortized debt issuance costs and    
discounts prior to payoff  (1)
Amount paid to retire  (22)
Gain on extinguishment, pre-tax $64 
11.  Contingencies and Commitments

See “Contingencies and Commitments” in Note 13 to the consolidated financial statements in our 2007 Form 10-K for a discussion of commitments and contingencies, which information is incorporated herein by reference.


Regulatory and Litigation Matters


Federal and state regulators continue to focus on issues relating to fixed and variable insurance products, including, but not limited to, suitability, replacements and sales to seniors.  Like others in the industry, we have received inquiries including requests for information regarding sales to seniors from the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, and we have responded to these inquiries. We continue to cooperate fully with such authority.

regulatory authorities as they review these issues.


In the ordinary course of its business, LNC and its subsidiaries are involved in various pending or threatened legal proceedings, including purported class actions, arising from the conduct of business.  In some instances, these proceedings include claims for unspecified or substantial punitive damages and similar types of relief in addition to amounts for alleged contractual liability or requests for equitable relief.  After consultation with legal counsel and a review of available facts, it is management’s opinion that these proceedings, after consideration of any reserves and rights to indemnification, ultimately will be resolved without materially affecting the consolidated financial position of LNC.  However, given the large and indeterminate amounts sought in certain of these proceedings and the inherent difficulty in predicting the outcome of such legal proceedings, including the proceeding described below, it is possible that an adverse outcome in certain matters could be material to our operating results for any particular reporting period.


34

Transamerica Investment Management, LLC and Transamerica Investments Services, Inc. v. Delaware Management Holdings, Inc. (dba Delaware Investments), Delaware Investment Advisers and certain individuals, was filed in the San Francisco County Superior Court on April 28, 2005.  The plaintiffs are seeking substantial compensatory and punitive damages.  The complaint alleges breach of fiduciary duty, breach of duty of loyalty, breach of contract, breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, unfair competition, interference with prospective economic advantage, conversion, unjust enrichment and conspiracy, in connection with Delaware Investment Advisers’ hiring of a portfolio management team from the plaintiffs.  We and the individual defendants dispute the allegations and are vigorously defending these actions.

11. Stockholders’ Equity


Contingencies

Rescission of Indemnity Reinsurance for Disability Income Business

Included in the business sold to Swiss Re through indemnity reinsurance in 2001 was disability income business.  In response to the rescission award of a panel of arbitrators on January 24, 2009, of the underlying reinsurance agreement with Swiss Re, we wrote down our reinsurance recoverable and the corresponding funds withheld liability and released the embedded derivative liability related to the funds withheld nature of the reinsurance agreement.  The rescission resulted in our being responsible for paying claims on the business and establishing sufficient reserves to support the liabilities.  In addition, we would expect to carry out a review of the adequacy of the reserves supporting the liabilities.  The rescission did not have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, liquidity or capital resources.  We are evaluating our options in light of the ruling by a panel of arbitrators.

For the three months ended March 31, 2009, an unfavorable adjustment of $64 million, after-tax, was reflected in segment income from operations within Other Operations, comprised of increases of $78 million to benefits, $15 million to interest credited and $5 million to underwriting, acquisition, insurance and other expenses, partially offset by a tax benefit of $34 million.  In addition, during the first three months of 2009, the embedded derivative liability release discussed above increased net income by approximately $31 million.  The combined adjustments reduced net income by approximately $33 million, after-tax.  In addition, as a result of the rescission we reduced our reinsurance recoverables by approximately $900 million related to the reserves for the disability income business and a reduction of approximately $840 million in the funds withheld liability.

35


12.  Shares

Stockholders’ Equity


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

   For the Three
Months Ended
September 30,
  For the Nine
Months Ended
September 30,
 
   2008  2007  2008  2007 

Series A Preferred Stock

     

Balance at beginning-of-period

  11,662  12,361  11,960  12,706 

Conversion into common stock

  (100) (155) (398) (500)
             

Balance at end-of-period

  11,562  12,206  11,562  12,206 
             

Common Stock

     

Balance at beginning-of-period

  256,801,622  271,441,613  264,233,303  275,752,668 

Conversion of Series A preferred stock

  1,600  2,480  6,368  8,000 

Stock compensation(1)

  96,454  774,931  775,676  3,610,276 

Deferred compensation payable in stock

  18,465  35,149  85,544  104,310 

Retirement of common stock by repurchase/cancellation of shares

  (1,076,508) (3,096,069) (9,259,258) (10,317,150)
             

Balance at end-of-period

  255,841,633  269,158,104  255,841,633  269,158,104 
             

Common stock at end-of-period:

     

Assuming conversion of preferred stock

  256,026,625  269,353,400  256,026,625  269,353,400 

Diluted basis

  256,908,832  271,722,491  256,908,832  271,722,491 

(1)

Amount includes non stock option awards issued, including issuances for benefit plans and stock options exercised.

24


Earnings Per Share

The income used in the calculation of our diluted earnings per share (“EPS”) is our income from continuing operations


  For the Three 
  Months Ended 
  March 31, 
  2009  2008 
Series A Preferred Stock      
Balance at beginning-of-year  11,565   11,960 
Conversion into common stock  -   (298)
Balance at end-of-period  11,565   11,662 
         
Common Stock        
Balance at beginning-of-year  255,869,859   264,233,303 
Conversion of Series A preferred stock  -   4,768 
Stock compensation/issued for benefit plans  196,159   417,962 
Retirement of common stock/cancellation of shares  (19,915)  (5,450,000)
Balance at end-of-period  256,046,103   259,206,033 
         
Common stock at end-of-period:        
Assuming conversion of preferred stock  256,231,143   259,392,625 
Diluted basis  258,058,158   260,490,490 

Our common and net income, reduced by minority interest adjustments related to outstanding stock options under the Delaware Investments U.S., Inc. (“DIUS”) stock option incentive plan of $1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 and less than $1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007. Series A preferred stocks are without par value.

A reconciliation of the denominator (number of shares) in the calculations of basic and diluted net income and income from discontinued operations per share was as follows:

   For the Three
Months Ended
September 30,
  For the Nine
Months Ended
September 30,
 
   2008  2007  2008  2007 

Weighted-average shares, as used in basic calculation

  255,865,067  269,395,799  258,192,178  271,597,197 

Shares to cover conversion of preferred stock

  185,672  196,509  187,101  198,811 

Shares to cover non-vested stock

  315,939  361,084  276,132  621,802 

Average stock options outstanding during the period

  6,241,386  12,182,185  8,478,357  13,270,967 

Assumed acquisition of shares with assumed proceeds and benefits from exercising stock options (at average market price for the year)

  (6,240,810) (10,811,052) (8,392,562) (11,352,163)

Shares repurchasable from measured but unrecognized stock option expense

  (2,279) (168,157) (57,531) (227,169)

Average deferred compensation shares

  1,280,279  1,331,319  1,278,454  1,328,341 
             

Weighted-average shares, as used in diluted calculation

  257,645,254  272,487,687  259,962,129  275,437,786 
             


  For the Three 
  Months Ended 
  March 31, 
  2009  2008 
Weighted-average shares, as used in basic calculation  255,558,961   260,951,566 
Shares to cover conversion of preferred stock  185,040   189,056 
Shares to cover non-vested stock  505,610   239,923 
Average stock options outstanding during the period  14,853   9,994,302 
Assumed acquisition of shares with assumed proceeds        
and benefits from exercising stock options (at average        
market price for the year)  (11,612)  (9,824,263)
Shares repurchaseable from measured but unrecognized        
stock option expense  (2,466)  (69,606)
Average deferred compensation shares  1,538,997   1,283,671 
Weighted-average shares, as used in diluted calculation(1)
  257,789,383   262,764,649 

(1)As a result of the net loss in the first quarter of 2009, shares used in the earnings (loss) per share calculation represent basic shares, since using diluted shares would have been anti-dilutive to the calculation.

In the event the average market price of LNC common stock exceeds the issue price of stock options, such options would be dilutive to our EPSearnings per share (“EPS”) and will be shown in the table above.  Participants in our deferred compensation plans that select LNC stock for measuring the investment return attributable to their deferral amounts will be paid out in LNC stock.  The obligation to satisfy these deferred compensation plan liabilities is dilutive and is shown in the table above.

25


The income used in the calculation of our diluted EPS is our income before cumulative effect of accounting change and net income, reduced by minority interest adjustments related to outstanding stock options under the Delaware Investments U.S., Inc. (“DIUS”) stock option incentive plan of less than $1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008.

36

12.


13.  Realized Loss


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

   For the Three
Months Ended
September 30,
  For the Nine
Months Ended
September 30,
 
   2008  2007  2008  2007 

Total realized loss on investments and certain derivative instruments, excluding trading securities(1)

  $(314) $(35) $(480) $(18)

Gain (loss) on certain reinsurance derivative/trading securities(2)

   (2)  (1)  —     3 

Indexed annuity net derivative results(3):

     

Gross

   8   (13)  19   (2)

Associated amortization expense of DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL

   (5)  7   (10)  1 

Guaranteed living benefits(4):

     

Gross

   159   (37)  196   (6)

Associated amortization expense of DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL

   (59)  15   (85)  —   

Guaranteed death benefits(5):

     

Gross

   8   (2)  10   (3)

Associated amortization expense of DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL

   (1)  1   (3)  1 

Gain on sale of subsidiaries/businesses

   2   —     6   —   
                 

Total realized loss

  $(204) $(65) $(347) $(24)
                 



  For the Three 
  Months Ended 
  March 31, 
  2009  2008 
Total realized loss on investments and certain      
derivative instruments, excluding trading securities (1)
 $(153) $(41)
Gain on certain reinsurance derivative/        
trading securities (2)
  22   - 
Indexed annuity net derivative results (3):
        
Gross gain  1   7 
Associated amortization expense of DAC, VOBA, DSI        
and DFEL  -   (4)
Guaranteed living benefits (4):
        
Gross gain (loss)  (94)  17 
Associated amortization expense of DAC, VOBA, DSI        
and DFEL  (20)  (18)
Guaranteed death benefits (5):
        
Gross gain  57   1 
Associated amortization expense of DAC, VOBA, DSI        
and DFEL  (8)  - 
Gain on sale of subsidiaries/businesses  2   3 
Total realized loss $(193) $(35)


(1)

See Note 4 “Realized Loss Related to Investments” for detail.

section in Note 5.

(2)

Represents changes in the fair value of total return swaps (embedded derivatives) related to various modified coinsurance and coinsurance with funds withheld reinsurance arrangements that have contractual returns related to various assets and liabilities associated with these arrangements.  Changes in the fair value of these derivatives are offset by the change in fair value of trading securities in the portfolios that support these arrangements.

(3)

Represents the net difference between the change in the fair value of the Standard & Poor’s (“S&P”)&P 500 Index® call options that we hold and the change in the fair value of the embedded derivative liabilities of our indexed annuity products along with changes in the fair value of embedded derivative liabilities related to index call options we may purchase in the future to hedge contract holder index allocations applicable to future reset periods for our indexed annuity products as required under SFAS 133, amended by SFAS 161 and 157.  The ninethree months ended September 30,March 31, 2008, includes a $10 million gain from the initial impact of adopting SFAS 157.

(4)

Represents the net difference in the change in fair value of the embedded derivative liabilities of our GLB products and the change in the fair value of the derivative instruments we own to hedge, including the cost of purchasing the hedging instruments.  The ninethree months ended September 30,March 31, 2008, includes a $34$33 million loss from the initial impact of adopting SFAS 157.

(5)

Represents the change in the fair value of the derivatives used to hedge our GDB riders.

26



37

13. Underwriting, Acquisition, Insurance and Other Expenses

Details underlying underwriting, acquisition, insurance and other expenses (in millions) were as follows:

   For the Three
Months Ended
September 30,
  For the Nine
Months Ended
September 30,
 
   2008  2007  2008  2007 

Commissions

  $495  $542  $1,486  $1,592 

General and administrative expenses

   416   438   1,260   1,300 

DAC and VOBA deferrals and interest, net of amortization

   (245)  (228)  (602)  (712)

Other intangibles amortization

   1   3   5   8 

Media expenses

   14   13   45   43 

Taxes, licenses and fees

   60   52   170   169 

Merger-related expenses

   13   30   44   75 
                 

Total

  $754  $850  $2,408  $2,475 
                 

27



14.  Employee Benefit Plans

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans

The components of net defined benefit pension plan and other postretirement benefit plan expense (in millions) were as follows:

   For the Three Months Ended September 30, 
   Pension Benefits  Other
Postretirement Benefits
 
   2008  2007  2008  2007 

U.S. Plans

     

Service cost

  $—    $9  $1  $—   

Interest cost

   15   14   2   2 

Expected return on plan assets

   (19)  (19)  —     (1)

Amortization of prior service cost

   —     1   —     —   

Recognized net actuarial gain

   1   —     —     —   
                 

Net periodic benefit expense (recovery)

  $(3) $5  $3  $1 
                 

Non-U.S. Plans

     

Service cost

  $—    $—     

Interest cost

   5   5   

Expected return on plan assets

   (5)  (5)  

Recognized net actuarial loss

   1   1   
           

Net periodic benefit expense

  $1  $1   
           
   For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 
   Pension Benefits  Other
Postretirement Benefits
 
   2008  2007  2008  2007 

U.S. Plans

     

Service cost

  $1  $25  $2  $2 

Interest cost

   46   44   6   6 

Expected return on plan assets

   (58)  (59)  (1)  (2)

Amortization of prior service cost

   —     —     —     —   

Recognized net actuarial gain

   3   —     (1)  (1)
                 

Net periodic benefit expense (recovery)

  $(8) $10  $6  $5 
                 

Non-U.S. Plans

     

Service cost

  $2  $1   

Interest cost

   15   14   

Expected return on plan assets

   (16)  (15)  

Recognized net actuarial loss

   2   3   
           

Net periodic benefit expense

  $3  $3   
           

On May 1, 2007, simultaneous with our announcement of the freeze of our primary defined benefit pension plans, we announced a number of enhancements to our employees’ 401(k) plan effective January 1, 2008. Consequently, we are no longer accruing service costs in our U.S. pension plans.

For any additional disclosures and other general information regarding our benefit plans, see Note 16 in our 2007 Form 10-K.

28



  Three Months Ended March 31, 
  Pension Benefits  
Other
Postretirement Benefits
 
  2009  2008  2009  2008 
U.S. Plans            
Service cost $1  $-  $1  $1 
Interest cost  16   15   2   2 
Expected return on plan assets  (14)  (20)  (1)  (1)
Recognized net actuarial (gain) loss  7   -   -   - 
Net periodic benefit expense (recovery) $10  $(5) $2  $2 
                 
Non-U.S. Plans                
Interest cost $4  $5         
Expected return on plan assets  (3)  (5)        
Recognized net actuarial loss  -   1         
Net periodic benefit expense $1  $1         


15. Stock-Based Incentive Compensation Plans

We sponsor various incentive plans for our employees, agents and directors and our subsidiaries that provide for the issuance of stock options, stock incentive awards, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock awards, restricted stock units (“performance shares”), and deferred stock units. Delaware Investments U.S., Inc. (“DIUS”) has a separate stock-based incentive compensation plan, which has DIUS stock underlying the awards.

In the first quarter of 2008, a performance period from 2008-2010 was approved for our executive officers by the Compensation Committee. Executive officers participating in this performance period received one-half of their award in 10-year LNC or DIUS restricted stock units, with the remainder of the award in a combination of either: 100% performance shares or 75% performance shares and 25% cash. LNC stock options granted for this performance period vest ratably over the three-year period, based solely on a service condition. DIUS restricted stock units granted for this performance period vest ratably over a four-year period, based solely on a service condition and were granted only to employees of DIUS. Depending on the performance, the actual amount of performance shares could range from zero to 200% of the granted amount. Under the 2008-2010 plan, a total of 1,564,800 LNC stock options were granted; 2,726 DIUS restricted stock units were granted; and 218,308 LNC performance shares were granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2008.

In addition to the stock-based grants noted above, various other LNC stock-based awards were granted in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, and were as follows:

   For the Three
Months Ended
September 30, 2008
  For the Nine
Months Ended
September 30, 2008

Awards

    

10-year LNC stock options

  —    14,326

Non-employee director stock options

  —    60,489

Non-employee agent stock options

  210  197,323

Restricted stock

  1,732  165,129

Stock appreciation rights

  —    234,800

29


16.  Financial Instruments Carried at Fair Value

See “Fair Value


Our measurement of Financial Instruments”fair value is based on assumptions used by market participants in Note 19pricing the asset or liability, which may include inherent risk, restrictions on the sale or use of an asset or non-performance risk, which would include our own credit risk.  Our estimate of an exchange price is the price in an orderly transaction between market participants to sell the asset or transfer the liability (“exit price”) in the principal market, or the most advantageous market in the absence of a principal market, for that asset or liability, as opposed to the consolidatedprice that would be paid to acquire the asset or receive a liability (“entry price”).  Pursuant to SFAS 157, we categorize our financial statements in our 2007 Form 10-K andSFAS No. 157 – Fair Value Measurements in Note 2 aboveinstruments carried at fair value into a three-level fair value hierarchy, based on the priority of inputs to the respective valuation technique.  The three-level hierarchy for discussionsfair value measurement is defined as follows:
·Level 1 – inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices available in active markets for identical investments as of the reporting date as “blockage discounts” for large holdings of unrestricted financial instruments where quoted prices are readily and regularly available for an identical asset or liability in an active market are prohibited;
·Level 2 – inputs to the valuation methodology are other than quoted prices in active markets, which are either directly or indirectly observable as of the reporting date, and fair value can be determined through the use of models or other valuation methodologies; and
·Level 3 – inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable inputs in situations where there is little or no market activity for the asset or liability and the reporting entity makes estimates and assumptions related to the pricing of the asset or liability, including assumptions regarding risk.

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

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

We did not have any assets or liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis as of March 31, 2009 or December 31, 2008, and we noted no changes in our financial instruments.

valuation methodologies between these periods.



38


The following table summarizes our financial instruments carried at fair value (in millions) on a recurring basis by the SFAS 157 fair value hierarchy levels described in Note 2. We did not have any assets or liabilities measuredabove:

  As of March 31, 2009 
  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 $51  $35,353  $2,101  $37,505 
U.S. Government bonds  198   32   3   233 
Foreign government bonds  -   707   58   765 
MBS:                
CMOs  -   6,057   133   6,190 
MPTS  -   1,649   8   1,657 
CMBS  -   1,661   246   1,907 
ABS:                
CDOs  -   6   113   119 
CLNs  -   -   82   82 
State and municipal bonds  -   -   126   126 
Hybrid and redeemable preferred stocks  5   672   88   765 
Equity AFS securities:                
Banking securities  9   58   -   67 
Insurance securities  2   -   46   48 
Other financial services securities  -   32   12   44 
Other securities  23   -   23   46 
Trading securities  2   2,166   78   2,246 
Derivative investments  -   81   2,145   2,226 
Cash and invested cash  -   5,613   -   5,613 
Reinsurance related derivative assets  -   107   -   107 
Separate account assets  -   57,487   -   57,487 
Total assets $290  $111,681  $5,262  $117,233 
                 
Liabilities                
Future contract benefits:                
Remaining guaranteed interest and similar                
contracts $-  $-  $(253) $(253)
GLBs accounted for under SFAS 157/SFAS 133  -   -   (2,605)  (2,605)
Total liabilities $-  $-  $(2,858) $(2,858)



39


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 impact of amortization on DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL.  The gains and losses below may include changes in fair value due in part to observable inputs that are a component of the valuation methodology.

  For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2009 
           Sales,  Transfers    
     Items     Issuances,  In or    
     Included  Gains  Maturities,  Out    
  Beginning  in  (Losses)  Settlements,  of  Ending 
  Fair  Net  in  Calls,  Level 3,  Fair 
  Value  Income  OCI  Net  
Net (1)
  Value 
Investments:                  
Fixed maturity AFS securities:                  
Corporate bonds $2,356  $(17) $(40) $81  $(279) $2,101 
U.S. Government bonds  3   -   -   -   -   3 
Foreign government bonds  60   -   (1)  (1)  -   58 
MBS:                        
CMOs  161   (3)  (4)  -   (21)  133 
MPTS  18   -   -   -   (10)  8 
CMBS  244   -   4   (2)  -   246 
ABS:                        
CDOs  152   1   (39)  (1)  -   113 
CLNs  50   -   32   -   -   82 
State and municipal bonds  126   -   -   -   -   126 
Hybrid and redeemable                        
preferred stocks  96   -   (16)  3   5   88 
Equity AFS securities:                        
Insurance securities  50   -   (4)  -   -   46 
Other financial services securities  21   (3)  (3)  (3)  -   12 
Other securities  23   3   (2)  (1)  -   23 
Trading securities  81   (4)  -   -   1   78 
Derivative investments  2,148   24   -   (27)  -   2,145 
Future contract benefits:                        
Remaining guaranteed interest                        
and similar contracts  (252)  11   -   (12)  -   (253)
GLBs accounted for under                        
SFAS 157/SFAS 133  (2,904)  336   -   (37)  -   (2,605)
Total, net $2,433  $348  $(73) $-  $(304) $2,404 
(1)Transfers in or out of Level 3 for AFS and trading securities are displayed at amortized cost at the beginning of the 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 prior periods.
40


The following provides the components of the items included in net income, excluding any impact of amortization on DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL and changes in future contract benefits, (in millions) as reported above:

  For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2009 
        Gains       
        (Losses)       
        from       
        Sales,  Unrealized    
  (Amortization)     Maturities,  Holding    
  Accretion,     Settlements,  Gains    
  Net  OTTI  Calls  
(Losses) (3)
  Total 
Investments:               
Fixed maturity AFS securities:               
Corporate bonds $1  $(15) $(3) $-  $(17)
MBS:                    
CMOs  -   (3)  -   -   (3)
ABS:                    
CDOs  -   -   1   -   1 
Equity AFS securities:                    
Other financial services securities  -   (3)  -   -   (3)
Other securities  -   -   3   -   3 
Trading securities (1)
  1   -   -   (5)  (4)
Derivative investments (2)
  -   -   (28)  52   24 
                     
Future contract benefits:                    
Remaining guaranteed interest and similar                    
contracts (2)
  -   -   10   1   11 
GLBs accounted for under                    
SFAS 157/SFAS 133(2)
  -   -   16   320   336 
Total, net $2  $(21) $(1) $368  $348 
(1)Amortization and accretion, net and unrealized holding losses are included in net investment income on our Consolidated Statements of Income.  All other amounts are included in realized loss on our Consolidated Statements of Income.
(2)All amounts are included in realized loss on our Consolidated Statements of Income.
(3)This change in unrealized gains or losses relates to assets and liabilities that we still held as of March 31, 2009.

41


Valuation Methodologies and Associated Inputs

Investments

We measure our investments that are required to be carried at fair value based on assumptions used by market participants in pricing the security.  The most appropriate valuation methodology is selected based on the specific characteristics of the fixed maturity or equity security, and we consistently apply the valuation methodology to measure the security’s fair value.  Our fair value measurement is based on a non-recurring basis duringmarket approach, which utilizes prices and other relevant information generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable securities.  Sources of inputs to the third quarter of 2008market approach include third-party pricing services, independent broker quotations or as of September 30, 2008.

   As of September 30, 2008 
   Quoted
Prices

in Active
Markets for
Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
  Significant
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
  Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

(Level 3)
  Total
Fair
Value
 

Assets

       

Investments:

       

Available-for-sale securities:

       

Fixed maturities

  $238  $47,877  $3,816  $51,931 

Equity

   52   337   104   493 

Trading securities

   3   2,293   97   2,393 

Derivative instruments

   —     161   1,101   1,262 

Cash and invested cash

   —     2,160   —     2,160 

Separate account assets

   —     74,971   —     74,971 
                 

Total assets

  $293  $127,799  $5,118  $133,210 
                 

Liabilities

       

Future Contract Benefits:

       

Remaining guaranteed interest and similar contracts

  $—    $—    $(265) $(265)

Embedded derivative instruments – living benefits liabilities

   —     —     (564)  (564)

Reinsurance related derivative liability

   —     9   —     9 
                 

Total liabilities

  $—    $9  $(829) $(820)
                 

Our investment securities are valued using marketpricing matrices.  We use observable and unobservable inputs includingto our valuation methodologies.  Observable inputs include benchmark yields, reported trades, broker-dealer quotes, issuer spreads, two-sided markets, benchmark securities, bids, offers and reference data.  In addition, market indicators, industry and economic events are monitored and further market data is acquired if certain triggers are met.  For certain security types, additional inputs may be used, or some of the inputs described above may not be applicable.  For broker-quoted only securities, quotes from market makers or broker-dealers are obtained from sources recognized to be market participants.  In order to validate the pricing information and broker-dealer quotes, we employ, where possible, procedures that include comparisons with similar observable positions, comparisons with subsequent sales, discussions with senior business leaders and brokers as well asand observations of general market movements for those assetsecurity classes.

30


The following tables summarize 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 impact of amortization on DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL. When a determination is made to classify an asset or liability within level 3 of the fair value hierarchy, the determination is based upon the significance of the unobservable inputs to the overall fair value measurement. Certain  For those securities tradetrading in less liquid or illiquid markets with limited or no pricing information, andwe use unobservable inputs in order to measure the determination of fair value of these securities.  In cases where this information is not available, such as for theseprivately placed securities, is inherently more difficult. However, level 3 fair value investmentsis estimated using an internal pricing matrix.  This matrix relies on management’s judgment concerning the discount rate used in calculating expected future cash flows, credit quality, industry sector performance and expected maturity.


We do not adjust prices received from third parties; however, we do analyze the third-party pricing services’ valuation methodologies and related inputs and perform additional evaluation to determine the appropriate level within the fair value hierarchy.

The observable and unobservable inputs to our valuation methodologies are based on a set of standard inputs that we generally use to evaluate all of our AFS securities.  The standard inputs used in order of priority are benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, issuer spreads, two-sided markets, benchmark securities, bids, offers and reference data.  Depending on the type of security or the daily market activity, standard inputs may include, inbe prioritized differently or may not be available for all AFS securities on any given day.  In addition to the unobservable or level 3defined standard inputs observable components (that is, components thatto our valuation methodologies, we also use Trade Reporting and Compliance EngineTM reported tables for our corporate bonds and vendor trading platform data for our U.S. Government bonds.  MBS and ABS utilize additional inputs which include new issues data, monthly payment information and monthly collateral performance, including prepayments, severity, delinquencies, step down features and over collateralization features.  The valuation methodologies for our state and municipal bonds use additional inputs which include information from the Municipal Securities Rule Making Board, as well as material event notices, new issue data, issuer financial statements and Municipal Market Data benchmark yields. Our hybrid and redeemable preferred stocks and equity AFS securities utilize additional inputs of exchange prices (underlying and common stock of the same issuer).

Trading securities consist of fixed maturity and equity securities in designated portfolios, which support Modco and CFW reinsurance arrangements.  The valuation methodologies and inputs for our trading securities are actively quoted or can be validated to market-based sources). The gains and lossesdetermined in the table below may include changes insame manner as our securities classified as AFS discussed above.  For discussion of the significant inputs of our embedded derivatives for Level 2 and Level 3, see the discussion of derivative investments below.

Derivative Investments

We employ several different methods for determining the fair value due in part to observable inputs that are a component of the valuation methodology.

   For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2008 
   Beginning
Fair
Value
  Items
Included
in

Net
Income
  Gains
(Losses)
in

OCI
  Sales,
Issuances,
Maturities,
Settlements,
Calls,

Net
  Transfers
In or

Out
of
Level 3,
Net(1)
  Ending
Fair
Value
 

Investments:

       

Available-for-sale securities:

       

Fixed maturities

  $4,231  $(25) $(206) $(90) $(94) $3,816 

Equity

   146   (23)  (38)  19   —     104 

Trading securities

   101   (2)  —     (5)  3   97 

Derivative instruments

   866   127   6   102   —     1,101 

Future Contract Benefits:

       

Remaining guaranteed interest and similar contracts

   (298)  23   —     10   —     (265)

Embedded derivative instruments – living benefits liabilities

   (335)  (190)  —     (39)  —     (564)
                         

Total, net

  $4,711  $(90) $(238) $(3) $(91) $4,289 
                         
   For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2008 
   Beginning
Fair
Value
  Items
Included
in

Net
Income
  Gains
(Losses)
in

OCI
  Sales,
Issuances,
Maturities,
Settlements,
Calls,

Net
  Transfers
In or

Out
of
Level 3,
Net(1)
  Ending
Fair
Value
 

Investments:

       

Available-for-sale securities:

       

Fixed maturities

  $4,420  $(44) $(646) $(55) $141  $3,816 

Equity

   54   (30)  (6)  86   —     104 

Trading securities

   112   (11)   (12)  8   97 

Derivative instruments

   767   118   13   203   —     1,101 

Future Contract Benefits:

       

Remaining guaranteed interest and similar contracts

   (389)  34   —     90   —     (265)

Embedded derivative instruments – living benefits liabilities

   (279)  (177)  —     (108)  —     (564)
                         

Total, net

  $4,685  $(110) $(639) $204  $149  $4,289 
                         

(1)

Transfers in or out of level 3 for available-for-sale and trading securities are displayed at amortized cost at the beginning of the period. For available-for-sale and trading securities, the difference between beginning of period amortized cost and beginning of period fair value was included in other comprehensive income (“OCI”) and earnings, respectively, in prior periods.

31


The following tables provide the components of the items included in net income, excluding any impact of amortization on DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL and changes in future contract benefits, (in millions) as reported in the table above:

   For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2008 
   (Amortization)
Accretion,

Net
  Other-
Than-
Temporary
Impairment
  Gains
(Losses)
from

Sales,
Maturities,
Settlements,
Calls
  Unrealized
Holding
Gains
(Losses)(3)
  Total 

Investments:

       

Available-for-sale securities:

       

Fixed maturities(1)

  $1  $(29) $3  $—    $(25)

Equity

   —     (24)  1   —     (23)

Trading securities(1)

   1   (2)  —     (1)  (2)

Derivative instruments(2)

   —     —     (15)  142   127 

Future Contract Benefits:

       

Remaining guaranteed interest and similar contracts (2)

   —     —     5   18   23 

Embedded derivative instruments – living benefits liabilities(2)

   —     —     1   (191)  (190)
                     

Total, net

  $2  $(55) $(5) $(32) $(90)
                     
   For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2008 
   (Amortization)
Accretion,

Net
  Other-
Than-
Temporary
Impairment
  Gains
(Losses)
from

Sales,
Maturities,
Settlements,
Calls
  Unrealized
Holding
Gains
(Losses)(3)
  Total 

Investments:

       

Available-for-sale securities:

       

Fixed maturities(1)

  $2  $(52) $6  $—    $(44)

Equity

   —     (31)  1   —     (30)

Trading securities(1)

   2   (8)  —     (5)  (11)

Derivative instruments(2)

   —     —     (61)  179   118 

Future Contract Benefits:

       

Remaining guaranteed interest and similar contracts (2)

   —     —     14   20   34 

Embedded derivative instruments – living benefits liabilities(2)

   —     —     5   (182)  (177)
                     

Total, net

  $4  $(91) $(35) $12  $(110)
                     

(1)

Amortization and accretion, net and unrealized holding losses are included in net investment income on our Consolidated Statements of Income. All other amounts are included in realized loss on our Consolidated Statements of Income.

(2)

All amounts are included in realized loss on our Consolidated Statements of Income.

(3)

This change in unrealized gains or losses relates to assets and liabilities that we still held as of September 30, 2008.

32


our derivative instruments.  The fair value of available-for-sale fixed maturity securities (in millions) classified within level 3our derivative instruments are measured based on current settlement values, which are based on quoted market prices, industry standard models that are commercially available and broker quotes.  These techniques project cash flows of the derivatives using current and implied future market conditions.  We calculate the present value of the cash flows to measure the current fair market value of the derivative.


Cash and Invested Cash

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

Reinsurance Related Derivative Assets

The fair value hierarchy was as follows:

   As of September 30, 2008 
   Fair
Value
  % of Total
Fair Value
 

Corporate bonds

  $2,330  61.1%

Asset-backed securities

   483  12.7%

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

   356  9.3%

Collateralized mortgage obligations

   182  4.8%

Mortgage pass-through securities

   25  0.7%

Municipals

   118  3.1%

Government and government agencies

   272  7.1%

Redeemable preferred stock

   50  1.3%
        

Total available-for-sale fixed maturity securities

  $3,816  100.0%
        
   As of December 31, 2007 
   Fair
Value
  % of Total
Fair Value
 

Corporate bonds

  $2,143  48.5%

Asset-backed securities

   1,113  25.2%

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

   395  8.9%

Collateralized mortgage obligations

   296  6.7%

Mortgage pass-through securities

   31  0.7%

Municipals

   139  3.1%

Government and government agencies

   272  6.2%

Redeemable preferred stock

   31  0.7%
        

Total available-for-sale fixed maturity securities

  $4,420  100.0%
        

17. Segment Information

On July 21, 2008, we announced the realignment of our segments underreinsurance related derivative assets are estimated using the same methodologies and associated inputs as our former Employer Marketsinvestments as discussed above.


42


Separate Account Assets

The fair value of our separate account assets are estimated using the same methodologies and Individual Markets operating businesses into two new operating businesses – Retirement Solutions and Insurance Solutions. We believeassociated inputs as our investments, as discussed above.  The related separate account liabilities are reported at an amount equivalent to the new structure more closely alignsseparate account assets.  Investment risks associated with consumer needs and should lead to more coordinated product development and greater effectiveness across the enterprise. The segmentmarket value changes are in accordanceborne by the contract holders, except to the extent of minimum guarantees made by the Company with respect to certain accounts.  See Note 9 for additional information regarding arrangements with contractual guarantees.

Future Contract Benefits

The fair value of our remaining guaranteed interest and similar contracts are estimated using discounted cash flow calculations.  These calculations are based on interest rates currently offered on similar contracts with maturities that are consistent with those remaining for the provisions of SFAS No. 131, “Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information,” and reflect the manner in which we are organized for purposes of making operating decisions and assessing performance. Accordingly, we have restated results from prior periods in a consistent manner with our realigned segments.

Under our newly realigned segments, we will report the resultscontracts being valued.


The fair value of the Executive Benefits business, which as of June 30, 2008, was part of the Retirement Products segment, in the Life Insurance segment. We do not view these changes toGLBs accounted for under SFAS 157/ SFAS 133 are based on their approximate surrender values, including an estimate for our segment reporting as material to our consolidated financial statements.

non-performance risk.


16.  Segment Information

We provide products and services in four operating businessesbusinesses:  Retirement Solutions; Insurance Solutions; Investment Management; and Lincoln UK, and report results through six segments as follows:

Business

Corresponding Segments

Retirement SolutionsAnnuities
Defined Contribution (formerly Retirement Products)
Insurance SolutionsLife Insurance (including Executive Benefits business)
Group Protection
Investment ManagementInvestment Management
Lincoln UKLincoln UK

33


business segments.  We also have Other Operations, which includes the financial data for operations that are not directly related to the business segments.  Our reporting segments reflect the manner by which our chief operating decision makers view and manage the business.  The following is a brief description of these segments and Other Operations.


Retirement Solutions

The Retirement Solutions business provides its products through two segments:  Annuities and Defined Contribution.  The Retirement Solutions – Annuities segment provides tax-deferred investment growth and lifetime income opportunities for its clients by offering individual fixed annuities, including indexed annuities and variable annuities.  The Retirement Solutions – Defined Contribution segment provides employer-sponsored variable and fixed annuities and mutual-fund based programs in the 401(k), 403(b) and 457 marketplaces.

Insurance Solutions

The Insurance Solutions business provides its products through two segments:  Life Insurance and Group Protection.  The Insurance Solutions – Life Insurance segment offers wealth protection and transfer opportunities through term insurance, a linked-benefit product (which is a UL policy linked with riders that provide for long-term care costs) and both single and survivorship versions of UL and VUL, including corporate-owned UL and VUL insurance and bank-owned UL and VUL insurance products.  The Insurance Solutions – Group Protection segment offers group life, disability and dental insurance to employers, and its products are marketed primarily through a national distribution system of regional group offices.  These offices develop business through employee benefit brokers, third-party administrators and other employee benefit firms.

Investment Management

The Investment Management segment, through Delaware Investments, provides a broad range of managed account portfolios, mutual funds, sub-advised funds and other investment products to individual investors and to institutional investors such as private and public pension funds, foundations and endowment funds.  Delaware Investments is the marketing name for Delaware Management Holdings, Inc. and its affiliates.

Lincoln UK

Lincoln UK is headquartered in Barnwood, Gloucester, England, and is licensed to do business throughout the United Kingdom.  Lincoln UK focuses primarily on protecting and enhancing the value of its existing customer base.  The segment accepts new deposits from existing relationships and markets a limited range of life and retirement income products.  Lincoln UK’s product portfolio principally consists of unit-linked life and pension products, which are similar to U.S. produced variable life and annuity products, where the risk associated with the underlying investments is borne by the contract holders.  The segment is sensitive to changes in the foreign currency exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and the British pound sterling.


43


Other Operations

Other Operations includes investments related to the excess capital in our insurance subsidiaries, investments in media properties and other corporate investments, benefit plan net assets, the unamortized deferred gain on indemnity reinsurance related to the sale of reinsurance to Swiss Re in 2001 and external debt.  We are actively managing our remaining radio station clusters to maximize performance and future value.  Other Operations also includes our run-offthe Institutional Pension business, which is a closed-block of pension business, the majority of which was previously reportedsold on a group annuity basis, and is currently in Employer Markets – Retirement Products and the results of our remaining media businesses.

Beginning with the quarter ended June 30, 2008, we changed our definitions of segment operating revenues and income from operations to better reflect: the underlying economics of our variable and indexed annuities that employ derivative instruments to hedge policy benefits and the manner in which management evaluates that business. Our change in the definition of income from operations is primarily the result of our adoption of SFAS 157 during the first quarter of 2008. See Note 2. Under SFAS 157, we are required to measure the fair value of these annuities from an “exit value” perspective, (i.e., what a market participant or willing buyer would charge to assume the liability). We, therefore, must include margins that a market participant buyer would require as well as a factor for non-performance risk related to our credit risk. We do not believe that these factors relate to the economics of the underlying business and do not reflect the manner in which management evaluates the business. The items that are now excluded from our operating results that were previously included are as follows: GLB net derivatives results; indexed annuity forward-starting option; and GDB derivatives results. See Note 12 for more information about these items.

We continue to exclude the effects of any realized gain (loss) on investments from segment operating revenues and income from operations as we believe that such items are 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.

We believe that our new 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.

run-off.


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)”):

Sale or disposal of securities;

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

Impairments of securities;

§Sale or disposal of securities;

Change in the fair value of embedded derivatives within certain reinsurance arrangements and the change in the fair value of related trading securities;

§Impairments of securities;

Change in the fair value of the embedded derivatives of our GLBs within our variable annuities net of the change in the fair value of the derivatives we own to hedge the changes in the embedded derivative;

§Change in the fair value of embedded derivatives within certain reinsurance arrangements and the change in the fair value of related trading securities;

Net difference between the benefit ratio unlocking of SOP No. 03-1, “Accounting and Reporting by Insurance Enterprises for Certain Nontraditional Long-Duration Contracts and for Separate Accounts” reserves on our GDB riders within our variable annuities and the change in the fair value of the derivatives excluding our expected cost of purchasing the hedging instruments; and

§Change in the fair value of the embedded derivatives of our GLBs within our variable annuities net of the change in the fair value of the derivatives we own to hedge the changes in the embedded derivative;

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 as required under SFAS 133 and 157.

§Net difference between the benefit ratio unlocking of SOP 03-1 reserves on our GDB riders within our variable annuities and the change in the fair value of the derivatives excluding our expected cost of purchasing the hedging instruments; and

Income (loss) from the initial adoption of changes in accounting principles;

§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 as required under SFAS 133 and 157.

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

·Income (loss) from the initial adoption of changes in accounting principles;

Losses on early retirement of debt, including subordinated debt;

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

Losses from the impairment of intangible assets; and

·Gains (losses) on early retirement of debt, including subordinated debt;

Income (loss) from discontinued operations.

·Losses from the impairment of intangible assets; and

·Income (loss) from discontinued operations.

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

Excluded realized gain (loss);


Amortization of deferred gains arising from the reserve changes on business sold through reinsurance; and

·Excluded realized loss;

Revenue adjustments from the initial impact of the adoption of changes in accounting principles.

·Amortization of deferred gains arising from the reserve changes on business sold through reinsurance; and

·Revenue adjustments from the initial impact of the adoption of changes in accounting principles.

Operating revenues and income (loss) from operations do not replace revenues and net income as the GAAP measures of our consolidated results of operations.

34

44


Segment information (in millions) was as follows:

   For the Three
Months Ended
September 30,
  For the Nine
Months Ended
September 30,
 
   2008  2007  2008  2007 

Revenues

     

Operating revenues:

     

Retirement Solutions:

     

Annuities

  $675  $647  $1,916  $1,861 

Defined Contribution

   241   243   718   742 
                 

Total Retirement Solutions

   916   890   2,634   2,603 
                 

Insurance Solutions:

     

Life Insurance

   1,072   1,056   3,210   3,121 

Group Protection

   403   368   1,227   1,119 
                 

Total Insurance Solutions

   1,475   1,424   4,437   4,240 
                 

Investment Management(1)

   110   150   354   451 

Lincoln UK(2)

   80   89   263   272 

Other Operations

   111   113   341   345 

Excluded realized loss, pre-tax

   (256)  (66)  (421)  (27)

Amortization of deferred gain arising from reserve changes on business sold through reinsurance, pre-tax

   —     1   2   9 
                 

Total revenues

  $2,436  $2,601  $7,610  $7,893 
                 



  For the Three 
  Months Ended 
  March 31, 
  2009  2008 
Revenues      
Operating revenues:      
Retirement Solutions:      
Annuities $599  $623 
Defined Contribution  225   238 
Total Retirement Solutions  824   861 
Insurance Solutions:        
Life Insurance  1,076   1,055 
Group Protection  422   399 
Total Insurance Solutions  1,498   1,454 
Investment Management (1)
  82   120 
Lincoln UK (2)
  47   86 
Other Operations  83   117 
Excluded realized loss, pre-tax  (290)  (45)
Amortization of deferred gain arising from        
reserve changes on business sold through        
reinsurance, pre-tax  1   1 
Total revenues $2,245  $2,594 

(1)

Revenues for the Investment Management segment included inter-segment revenues for asset management services provided to our other segments.  These inter-segment revenues totaled $21$20 million and $23 million for both the three months ended September 30, 2008March 31, 2009 and 2007, respectively, and $61 million and $67 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

2008.

(2)

Revenues from our Lincoln UK segment represent our revenues from a foreign country.

35

45

   For the Three
Months Ended
September 30,
  For the Nine
Months Ended
September 30,
 
   2008  2007  2008  2007 

Net Income

     

Income (loss) from operations:

     

Retirement Solutions:

     

Annuities

  $131  $126  $365  $366 

Defined Contribution

   42   41   124   138 
                 

Total Retirement Solutions

   173   167   489   504 
                 

Insurance Solutions:

     

Life Insurance

   137   182   458   548 

Group Protection

   27   33   86   85 
                 

Total Insurance Solutions

   164   215   544   633 
                 

Investment Management

   5   22   32   49 

Lincoln UK

   12   10   41   33 

Other Operations

   (39)  (49)  (127)  (115)

Excluded realized loss, after-tax

   (166)  (42)  (274)  (16)

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

   —     —     1   (7)

Impairment of intangibles, after-tax

   —     —     (139)  —   
                 

Income from continuing operations, after-tax

   149   323   567   1,081 

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, after-tax

   (1)  7   (5)  21 
                 

Net income

  $148  $330  $562  $1,102 
                 

18.



  For the Three 
  Months Ended 
  March 31, 
  2009  2008 
Net Income (Loss)      
Income (loss) from operations:
Retirement Solutions:
Annuities $74  $118 
Defined Contribution  30   40 
Total Retirement Solutions  104   158 
Insurance Solutions:
Life Insurance  142   157 
Group Protection  26   26 
Total Insurance Solutions  168   183 
Investment Management  1   12 
Lincoln UK  6   11 
Other Operations  (109)  (42)
Excluded realized loss, after-tax  (188)  (29)
Early extinguishment of debt  42   - 
Impairment of intangibles, after-tax  (603)  - 
Income (loss) from continuing operations, after-tax  (579)  293 
Loss from discontinued operations, after-tax
       (4) 
Net income (loss) $(579) $289 


17.  Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow and Fair Value of Financial Instruments Information


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

   For the Nine
Months Ended
September 30,
 
   2008  2007 

Significant non-cash investing and financing transactions:

   

Business combinations:

   

Fair value of assets acquired (includes cash and invested cash)

  $—    $86 

Fair value of common stock issued and stock options recognized

   —     (20)

Cash paid for common shares

   —     (1)
         

Liabilities assumed

   —     65 

Business dispositions:

   

Assets disposed (includes cash and invested cash)

   (732)  —   

Liabilities disposed

   126   —   

Cash received

   647   —   
         

Realized gain on disposal

   41   —   

Estimated gain on net assets held-for-sale in prior periods

   (54) 
         

Loss on discontinued operations in current period

  $(13) $—   
         

Sale of subsidiaries/businesses:

   

Proceeds from sale of subsidiaries/businesses, reported as gain on sale of subsidiaries/businesses

  $6  $—   
         

36

  For the Three 
  Months Ended 
  March 31, 
  2009  2008 
Significant non-cash investing and financing transactions:      
Business dispositions:      
Assets disposed (includes cash and invested cash) $(2) $(732)
Liabilities disposed  2   127 
Cash received  -   647 
Realized gain on disposal  -   42 
Estimated gain on net assets held-for-sale in prior periods  -   (54)
Loss on dispositions $-  $(12)
Sale of subsidiaries/businesses:        
Proceeds from sale of subsidiaries/businesses,        
reported as gain on sale of subsidiaries/businesses $2  $3 



46

The carrying values


Item 2.Management’s Discussion and estimated fair valuesAnalysis of our debt financial instruments (in millions) were as follows:

   As of
September 30, 2008
  As of
December 31, 2007
 
   Carrying
Value
  Fair
Value
  Carrying
Value
  Fair
Value
 

Short-term debt

  $(635) $(600) $(550) $(550)

Long-term debt

   (4,569)  (3,930)  (4,618)  (4,511)

37


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

Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The following Management’s Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”) is intended to help the reader understand the results of operations and financial condition of Lincoln National Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries (“LNC,” “Lincoln” or the “Company,”“Company” which also may be referred to as “we,” “our” or “us”) as of September 30, 2008,March 31, 2009, compared with December 31, 2007,2008, and the results of operations of LNC for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008,March 31, 2009, as compared with the corresponding periodsperiod in 2007.2008.  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 “Item 1. Financial Statements” and our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 20072008 (“20072008 Form 10-K”), including the sections entitled “Part I – Item 1A. Risk Factors,” as updated in “Part II – Item 1A. Risk Factors” below, “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”, as well as “Part II – Item 1A. Risk Factors” below.

Data.”

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.  Income (loss) from operations is net income recorded in accordance with United States of America generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) excluding the after-tax effects of the following items, as applicable:

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


Sale or disposal of securities;

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

Impairments of securities;

§Sale or disposal of securities;

Change in the fair value of embedded derivatives within certain reinsurance arrangements and the change in the fair value of related trading securities;

§Impairments of securities;

Change in the fair value of the embedded derivatives of our guaranteed living benefits (“GLB”) within our variable annuities net of the change in the fair value of the derivatives we own to hedge the changes in the embedded derivative;

§Change in the fair value of embedded derivatives within certain reinsurance arrangements and the change in the fair value of related trading securities;

Net difference between the benefit ratio unlocking of Statement of Position (“SOP”) No. 03-1, “Accounting and Reporting by Insurance Enterprises for Certain Nontraditional Long-Duration Contracts and for Separate Accounts” (“SOP 03-1”) reserves on our guaranteed death benefit (“GDB”) riders within our variable annuities and the change in the fair value of the derivatives excluding our expected cost of purchasing the hedging instruments; and

§Change in the fair value of the embedded derivatives of our guaranteed living benefits (“GLB”) within our variable annuities net of the change in the fair value of the derivatives we own to hedge the changes in the embedded derivative (“GLB net derivative results”);

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 as required under Statements of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” (“SFAS 133”) and SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (“SFAS 157”).

§Net difference between the benefit ratio unlocking of Statement of Position (“SOP”) No. 03-1, “Accounting and Reporting by Insurance Enterprises for Certain Nontraditional Long-Duration Contracts and for Separate Accounts” (“SOP 03-1”) reserves on our guaranteed death benefit (“GDB”) riders within our variable annuities and the change in the fair value of the derivatives excluding our expected cost of purchasing the hedging instruments (“GDB derivatives results”); and

Income (loss) from the initial adoption of changes in accounting principles;

§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 as required under Statements of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” (“SFAS 133”) and SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (“SFAS 157”) (“Indexed annuity forward-starting option”).

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

·Income (loss) from the initial adoption of changes in accounting principles;

Losses on early retirement of debt, including subordinated debt;

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

Losses from the impairment of intangible assets; and

·Gain (loss) on early retirement of debt, including subordinated debt;

Income (loss) from discontinued operations.

·Losses from the impairment of intangible assets; and

·Income (loss) from discontinued operations.

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

Excluded realized gain (loss);


Amortization of deferred gains arising from the reserve changes on business sold through reinsurance; and

·Excluded realized loss;

Revenue adjustments from the initial impact of the adoption of changes in accounting principles.

·Amortization of deferred gains arising from the reserve changes on business sold through reinsurance; and

·Revenue adjustments from the initial impact of the adoption of changes in accounting principles.

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 report operating revenues and income (loss) from operations by segment in Note 17.16.  Our management and Board of Directors believe 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.  Operating revenues and income (loss) from operations do not replace revenues and net income as the GAAP measures of our consolidated results of operations.


47


Beginning with the quarter ended June 30, 2008, we changed our definitions of segment operating revenues and income from operations to better reflect:  the underlying economics of our variable and indexed annuities that employ derivative instruments to hedge policy benefits; and the manner in which management evaluates that business.  Our change in the definition of income from operations is primarily the result of our adoption of SFAS 157 during the first quarter of 2008.  See Note 2. Under SFAS 157’sthe fair value calculation,measurement provisions of SFAS 157, we are required to measure the fair value of these annuities from an “exit value”price” perspective, (i.e., what athe exchange price between market participant or willing buyer would chargeparticipants to assumetransfer the liability).  We, therefore, must include margins that a market participant buyer would require as well as a factor for non-performance risk (“NPR”) related to our credit quality.  We do not believe that these factors relate to the

38


economics of the underlying business and do not reflect the manner in which management evaluates the business.  The items that are now excluded from our operating results that were previously included are as follows:  GLB net derivatives results; indexed annuity forward-starting option; and GDB derivatives results.  For more information regarding this change, see our current report on Form 8-K dated July 16, 2008.


We continue to exclude the effects of any realized gain (loss) on investments from segment operating revenues and income from operations as we believe that such items are 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.


We believe that our new 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.  See “Realized Loss” below for more information about these items.


Certain reclassifications have been made to prior periods’ financial information.  Included in these reclassifications is the change in our definition of segment operating revenues and income (loss) from operations as discussed above.  In addition,To that end, we have reclassified the results of certain derivatives and embedded derivatives to realized gain (loss),loss, which were previously reported within insurance fees, net investment income, interest credited or benefits.  The associated amortization expense of deferred acquisition costs (“DAC”) and value of business acquired (“VOBA”) (previously reported within underwriting, acquisition, insurance and other expenses), deferred sales inducements (“DSI”) (previously reported within interest credited), deferred front-end loads (“DFEL”) (previously reported within insurance fees) and changes in contract holder funds (previously reported within benefits) have also been reclassified to realized gain (loss).loss.  See “Basis of Presentation” in Note 1 for additional information.

details.


FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTSCAUTIONARY LANGUAGE


Certain statements made in this report and in other written or oral statements made by LNC or on LNC’s 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.  LNC claims 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:

Continued deterioration in general economic and business conditions, both domestic and foreign, that may affect foreign exchange rates, premium levels, claims experience, the level of pension benefit costs and funding and investment results;


Continued economic declines and credit market illiquidity could cause us to realize additional impairments on investments and certain intangible assets including a 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;

·Continued deterioration in general economic and business conditions, both domestic and foreign, that may affect foreign exchange rates, premium levels, claims experience, the level of pension benefit costs and funding and investment results;

Uncertainty about the effectiveness of the U.S. government’s plan to purchase large amounts of illiquid, mortgage-backed and other securities from financial institutions;

·Continued economic declines and credit market illiquidity could cause us to realize additional impairments on investments and certain intangible assets, including goodwill and a 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;

Legislative, regulatory or tax changes, both domestic and foreign, that affect the cost of, or demand for, LNC’s products, the required amount of reserves and/or surplus, or otherwise affect our ability to conduct business, including changes to statutory reserves and/or risk-based capital (“RBC”) requirements related to secondary guarantees under universal life and variable annuity products such as Actuarial Guideline VACARVM (“VACARVM”); restrictions on revenue sharing and 12b-1 payments; and the potential for U.S. Federal tax reform;

·Uncertainty about the impact of the U.S. Treasury’s Troubled Asset Relief Program (“TARP”) on the economy, and LNC’s ability to participate in the program;

The initiation of legal or regulatory proceedings against LNC or its subsidiaries, 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 LNC and its subsidiaries compete; adverse decisions in significant actions including, but not limited to, actions brought by federal and state authorities and extra-contractual and class action damage cases; new decisions that result in changes in law; and unexpected trial court rulings;

·Legislative, regulatory or tax changes, both domestic and foreign, that affect the cost of, or demand for, LNC’s products, the required amount of reserves and/or surplus, or otherwise affect our ability to conduct business, including changes to statutory reserves and/or risk-based capital (“RBC”) requirements related to secondary guarantees under universal life and variable annuity products such as Actuarial Guideline (“AG”) 43 (“AG43,” also known as Commissioners Annuity Reserve Valuation Method for Variable Annuities or “VACARVM”); restrictions on revenue sharing and 12b-1 payments; and the potential for U.S. Federal tax reform;

Changes in interest rates causing a reduction of investment income, the margins of LNC’s fixed annuity and life insurance businesses and demand for LNC’s products;

 ·
The initiation of legal or regulatory proceedings against LNC or its subsidiaries, 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 LNC and its subsidiaries compete; adverse decisions in significant actions including, but not limited to, actions brought by federal and state authorities and extra-contractual and class action damage 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 LNC’s products, a reduction of asset-based fees that LNC charges on various investment and insurance products, an acceleration of amortization of DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL and an increase in liabilities related to guaranteed benefit features of LNC’s variable annuity products;

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48

Ineffectiveness of LNC’s various hedging strategies used to offset the impact 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 LNC’s assumptions used in pricing its products, in establishing related insurance reserves and in the amortization of intangibles that may result in an increase in reserves and a decrease in net income, including as a result of stranger-originated life insurance business;

·Changes in interest rates causing a reduction of investment income, the margins of LNC’s fixed annuity and life insurance businesses and demand for LNC’s products;

Changes in GAAP that may result in unanticipated changes to LNC’s net income, including the impact of SFAS 157 and SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities”;

·A decline in the equity markets causing a reduction in the sales of LNC’s products, a reduction of asset-based fees that LNC charges on various investment and insurance products, an acceleration of amortization of DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL and an increase in liabilities related to guaranteed benefit features of LNC’s variable annuity products;

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

·Ineffectiveness of LNC’s various hedging strategies used to offset the impact of changes in the value of liabilities due to changes in the level and volatility of the equity markets and interest rates;

Lowering of one or more of the insurer financial strength ratings of LNC’s insurance subsidiaries and the adverse impact such action may have on the premium writings, policy retention and profitability of its insurance subsidiaries;

·A deviation in actual experience regarding future persistency, mortality, morbidity, interest rates or equity market returns from LNC’s assumptions used in pricing its products, in establishing related insurance reserves and in the amortization of intangibles that may result in an increase in reserves and a decrease in net income, including as a result of stranger-originated life insurance business;

Significant credit, accounting, fraud or corporate governance issues that may adversely affect the value of certain investments in the portfolios of LNC’s companies requiring that LNC realize losses on such investments;

·Changes in GAAP that may result in unanticipated changes to LNC’s net income;

The impact of acquisitions and divestitures, restructurings, product withdrawals and other unusual items, including LNC’s ability to integrate acquisitions and to obtain the anticipated results and synergies from acquisitions, including LNC’s ability to successfully integrate Jefferson-Pilot Corporation (“Jefferson-Pilot”) businesses acquired on April 3, 2006, to achieve the expected synergies from the merger or to achieve such synergies within our expected timeframe;

·Lowering of one or more of LNC’s debt ratings issued by nationally recognized statistical rating organizations and the adverse impact such action may have on LNC’s ability to raise capital and on its liquidity and financial condition;

The adequacy and collectibility of reinsurance that LNC has purchased;

·Lowering of one or more of the insurer financial strength ratings of LNC’s insurance subsidiaries and the adverse impact such action may have on the premium writings, policy retention, profitability of its insurance subsidiaries and liquidity;

Acts of terrorism, war or other man-made and natural catastrophes that may adversely affect LNC’s businesses and the cost and availability of reinsurance;

·Significant credit, accounting, fraud or corporate governance issues that may adversely affect the value of certain investments in the portfolios of LNC’s companies requiring that LNC realize losses on such investments;

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

·The impact of acquisitions and divestitures, restructurings, product withdrawals and other unusual items, including LNC’s ability to integrate acquisitions and to obtain the anticipated results and synergies from acquisitions;

The unknown impact on LNC’s business resulting from changes in the demographics of LNC’s client base, as aging baby-boomers move from the asset-accumulation stage to the asset-distribution stage of life; and

·The adequacy and collectibility of reinsurance that LNC has purchased;

Loss of key management, portfolio managers in the Investment Management segment, financial planners or wholesalers.

·Acts of terrorism, a pandemic, war or other man-made and natural catastrophes that may adversely affect LNC’s 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 LNC can charge for its products;
·The unknown impact on LNC’s business resulting from changes in the demographics of LNC’s client base, as aging baby-boomers move from the asset-accumulation stage to the asset-distribution stage of life; and
·Loss of key management, portfolio managers in the Investment Management segment, financial planners or wholesalers.

The risks included here are not exhaustive.  Other sections of this report, our 20072008 Form 10-K, current reports on Form 8-K and other documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) include additional factors that could impact LNC’s business and financial performance, including “Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” and the risk discussions included in this section under “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates,” “Consolidated Investments” and “Reinsurance,” which are incorporated herein by reference.  Moreover, LNC operates 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 impact of all risk factors on LNC’s business 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, LNC disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that occur after the date of this report.


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INTRODUCTION


Executive Summary


We are a holding company that operates multiple insurance and investment management 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 institutional and/or retail fixed and indexed annuities, variable annuities, universal life insurance (“UL”), variable universal life insurance (“VUL”), linked-benefit UL, term life insurance, mutual funds and managed accounts.

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On July 21, 2008, we announced the realignment of our segments under our former Employer Markets and Individual Markets businesses into two new businesses – Retirement Solutions and Insurance Solutions.  We believe the new structure more closely aligns with consumer needs and should lead to more coordinated product development and greater effectiveness across the enterprise.  The only change to our segment reporting is reporting the results of the Executive Benefits business, which as of June 30, 2008, was part of the Retirement Products segment, in the Life Insurance segment.  Accordingly, beginning in the third quarter of 2008, we provide products and services in four operating business and report results through six segments as follows:



Business

 

Corresponding Segments

Retirement Solutions Annuities
 Defined Contribution (formerly Retirement Products)
 
Insurance Solutions Life Insurance (including Executive Benefits business)
 Group Protection
 
Investment Management Investment Management
 Investment Management
Lincoln UK Lincoln UK



These changes to the Retirement Products and the Life Insurance segments are in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 131, “Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information,” and reflect the manner in which we are organized for purposes of making operating decisions and assessing performance.  Our segment results are reported under this new structure beginning in the third quarter of 2008, and we have restated results from prior periods in a consistent manner.  We view the changes to the existing segments as immaterial.

  These operating businesses and their segments are described in “Part I Item 1. Business” of our 2008 Form 10-K.


We also have Other Operations, which includes the financial data for operations that are not directly related to the business segments.  Other Operations also includes our run-off Institutional Pension business which was previously reported in Employer Markets – Retirement Products and the results of our remaining media businesses.


Current Market Conditions


During the first nine monthsquarter of the year,2009, the capital markets continued to experience high volatility that affected both equity market returns and interest rates.  In addition, credit spreads widened across asset classes and reduced liquidity in the credit markets.  The price of our common stock declined during the first quarter of 2009 to close at $6.69 on March 31, 2009, as compared to $18.84 on December 31, 2008, and during that time it traded at a low of $4.90.  During the first quarter of 2009, analysts and economists noted that the US economy lost more jobs in 2008 than in any year subsequent to World War II and projected that the economic recovery might take longer than previously expected.  We also experienced a series of ratings downgrades as depressed capital markets continued to strain our liquidity as we prepared to fund debt maturities in the second quarter of 2009.

Earnings for the remainder of 2008in 2009 will continue to be unfavorably impacted by the significant decline in the equity markets during the first nine months of 2008.markets.  Due to these challenges, the capital markets had a significant effect on our segment operating income (loss) from operations and consolidated net income forduring the threefirst quarter of 2009.  In the face of these capital market challenges, we continue to focus on building our businesses through these difficult markets and nine months ended September 30, 2008. Furthermore, although the fourth quarter is normally the strongestbeyond by developing and introducing high quality products, expanding distribution in terms of sales fornew and existing key accounts and channels and targeting market segments that have high growth potential while maintaining a disciplined approach to managing our Life Insurance segment, we expect that those results will be muted in the fourth quarter.expenses.  The markets impactimpacted primarily the following areas:



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Adequacy of Our Liquidity and Capital Positions

We are committed to managing our capital effectively, particularly during this difficult environment.  The continued adequacy of our liquidity resources to meet requirements of our businesses and our holding company depends upon such factors as market conditions and our ability to access sources of liquidity.  In addition, market volatility has impacted the level of capital required to support our businesses.

Given this dynamic and challenging environment, we are taking measures to prudently and actively manage our liquidity and capital positions, such as reducing the dividend on our common stock, suspending stock repurchase activity, restructuring the company to reduce overall expenses and entering into a recent reinsurance transaction to provide statutory capital for our primary insurance subsidiary.  We are exploring other options, such as additional reinsurance transactions, securitizations and possible asset sales, that will help strengthen the capital positions of our insurance businesses.

Currently, we expect to meet the ongoing cash needs of the holding company with a combination of commercial paper as available, our inter-company cash management program and available lines of credit.  We believe that these borrowing sources in combination with savings from the measures mentioned above will satisfy reduced holding company cash requirements for the foreseeable future.  See “Part II – Item 1A. Risk Factors” in this report for more information.

For more information on our liquidity and capital positions, see “Review of Consolidated Financial Condition” below.

Ratings

Since the filing of our 2008 Form 10-K, Moody’s and Fitch both downgraded certain of our financial strength ratings and debt ratings.  On April 15, 2009, Moody’s downgraded our long-term credit rating to Baa2 (9th of 21) and also downgraded the financial strength ratings of The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company (“LNL”), Lincoln Life and Annuity Company of New York (“LLANY”) and First Penn-Pacific Life Insurance Company (“FPP”) to A2/A2/A2 (6th of 21), respectively.  All ratings are currently under review for possible downgrade, which indicates that our ratings could be affirmed or lowered in the near term based on developments in financial market conditions and/or our business performance or financial measures.  On April 16, 2009, Fitch downgraded our short-term debt ratings to F-2 (3rd of 7) and our long-term debt ratings to BBB (9th of 21) and also downgraded the financial strength ratings of LNL, LLANY and FPP to A+/A+/A+ (5th of 21), respectively.  Fitch’s outlook on all of our ratings remained negative.  In addition, on May 6, 2009, Standard & Poor’s (“S&P”) revised its outlook for the holding company and insurance subsidiaries to negative from stable and affirmed all ratings.

Earnings from Assets Under Management


Our asset-gathering segments:segments – Retirement Solutions – Annuities;Annuities, Retirement Solutions – Defined Contribution;Contribution and Investment Management;Management – are the most sensitive to the equity markets.  We discuss the earnings impact of the equity markets on account values, assets under management and the related asset-based fees below in “Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk – Equity Market Risk – Impact of Equity Market Sensitivity.”  From the end of 2007December 31, 2008, to September 30, 2008,March 31, 2009, the daily average value of the Standard & Poor’sS&P 500 Index® (“S&P”&P 500”) 500 Index® decreased 10%.  Solely as a result of the equity markets, our assets under management as of September 30, 2008,March 31, 2009, were down $30.1$5.8 billion from the end of the prior year.December 31, 2008.  Strong deposits overin the last yearfirst quarter of 2009 have only helped to partially offset this impact, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, compared to the same periodsperiod in 2007.

We have continued to experience unfavorable2008.  The effect of the negative equity markets as the October 2008 daily average of the S&P 500 Index® declined 17% from its value as of September 30, 2008, resulting in an approximate $18 billion decline inon our assets under management. We expectmanagement that we experienced in 2008 and the first quarter of 2009 will continue to dampen our income from operationsearnings throughout 2009 even if the equity market returns become consistent with our long-term assumptions.  Accordingly, we may continue to be negatively impacted in our asset-gathering businesses fromreport lower asset-based earningsfees, higher DAC and expectVOBA amortization and higher reserves related to our net flows in these businessesGDB guarantees relative to continue to be pressured from these unfavorable equity market conditions.

expectations or prior periods.


Investment Income on Alternative Investments


We believe that overall market conditions in both the equity and credit markets caused our alternative investments portfolio, which consists mostly of hedge funds and various limited partnership investments, to perform in lineunder-perform relative to our long-term return expectations, butand we expect these assets to continue to under-perform going forward,at least in the short term.  ThisThese investments impact was primarily in our Insurance Solutions – Life Insurance, Retirement Solutions – Annuities and Retirement Solutions – Defined Contribution segments.  See “Consolidated Investments – Alternative Investments” for additional information on our investment portfolio.

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51


Variable Annuity Living Benefit Hedge Program Results


We offer variable annuity products with living benefit guarantees. These guarantees are considered embedded derivatives and are recorded on our Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value under SFAS 133 and SFAS 157. Effective January 1, 2008, we adopted SFAS 157, which affected the valuation of our embedded derivatives. See Note 2 of this report for details on the adoption of SFAS 157.  As described below in “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates – Derivatives – Guaranteed Living Benefits,” we use derivative instruments to hedge our exposure to the risks and earnings volatility that result from the embedded derivatives for living benefits in certain of our variable annuity products.  The change in fair value of these instruments tends to move in the opposite direction of the change in fair value of the embedded derivatives.  For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008,first quarter of 2009, the market conditions noted above negatively affected the net result of the change in the fair value of the living benefit embedded derivative, excluding the effect of a change in our non-performance riskNPR factor, and the change in fair value of the hedging derivatives.  The change in our non-performance riskNPR factor used in the calculation of the embedded derivative liability relates to the change in the spreads of our credit default swaps and the associated volume related to volatilities and interest rates adjusted for factors such as liquidity and the priority of our claims-paying rating and had a favorablean unfavorable effect resulting in anon the overall positive outcome.result during the first three months of 2009.  These results are excluded from operating revenues and income from operations.

We also offer variable products with death benefit guarantees.  As described below in “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates – Future Contract Benefits and Other Contract Holder Obligations – Guaranteed Death Benefits,” we use derivative instruments to attempt to hedge in the opposite direction of the impact to our associated reserves for movements in equity markets.  These results are excluded from income (loss) from operations.


Variable Annuity Business Model

In order to address the realities of the current market conditions in the variable annuity marketplace, in late January, we introduced changes to our GLB riders including increased rider fees, reduced roll-up periods and tighter investment restrictions on new business and a large percentage of in-force account value.  Increased equity market implied volatility and falling interest rates have increased the cost of providing GLBs.  The January product changes reduce our exposure to equity market volatility and interest rate movements while compensating us for increasing costs to provide the benefits.

Credit Losses, Impairments and Unrealized Losses


Related to our investments in fixed income and equity securities, we experienced net realized losses of $314 million and $480which reduced net income by $87 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, whichMarch 31, 2009, and included grosscredit related write-downs of securities for other-than-temporary impairments (“OTTI”) of $312 million and $523 million, respectively.$139 million.  Widening spreads was the primary cause of ana $247 million increase in gross unrealized losses of $3.7 billion on investmentsthe available-for-sale (“AFS”) fixed maturity securities in our general account for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2008, for our available-for-sale fixed maturity securities.March 31, 2009.  These unrealized losses were concentrated in the investment grade category of investments and demonstrate how reduced liquidity in the credit markets have resulted in a decline in asset values as investors shift their investments to saferless volatile government securities, such as U.S. Treasuries.

The effect of the negative equity markets on our assets under management in the first nine months of 2008 will continue to dampen our earnings throughout 2008 even if, for the remainder of the year, the equity market returns are consistent with our long-term assumptions. Accordingly, we may continue to report lower asset-based fees relative to expectations or prior periods. The volatility and uncertainty in the capital markets will also likely result in lower than expected returns in the short term on alternative investments.  In addition, continued weakness in the economic environment could lead to increased credit defaults, resulting in additional write-downs of securities for other-than-temporary impairments.

In the face of these capital market challenges, we continue to focus on building our businesses through these difficult markets and beyond by developing and introducing high quality products, expanding distribution in new and existing key accounts and channels and targeting market segments that have high growth potential while maintaining a disciplined approach to managing our expenses.

Capital Preservation

On October 10, 2008, the Board of Directors approved a decrease in the quarterly dividend to stockholders from $0.415 per share to $0.21 per share effective in 2009, which is expected to add approximately $50 million to capital each quarter. Additionally, we have suspended further stock repurchase activity. Both of these changes will favorably impact our capital position prospectively.

Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008

OTTI.


Stimulus Legislation

In reaction to the recession, credit market illiquidity and global financial crisis experienced during Septemberthe latter part of 2008 and October of 2008,into 2009, Congress enacted the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (“EESA”) on October 3, 2008, and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (“ARRA”) which was signed into law on February 17, 2009, in an effort to restore liquidity to the U.S. credit markets.markets and stimulate the U.S. economy.  The EESA defines financial institutions to include insurance companies. The EESAcompanies and contains the Troubled Assets Relief Program (“TARP”).TARP.  The ARRA and TARP authorized the U.S. Treasury to purchase of “troubled assets” (as defined in the TARP) from financial institutions, including insurance companies.  Pursuant to the authority granted under the TARP, the U.S. Treasury also adopted the Capital Purchase Program (“CPP”), the Generally Available Capital Access Program and the Exceptional Financial Recovery Assistance Program.  Under the Capital Purchase Program,CPP, as currently adopted, bank and thrift holding companies may apply to the U.S. Treasury for the direct sale of preferred stock and warrants to the U.S. Treasury.  It remains unclear at this point, if and when the EESA and ARRA will restore sustained liquidity and confidence in the markets and its affect on the fair value of our invested assets.

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Strategic


On January 8, 2009, the Office of Thrift Supervision approved our application to become a savings and Operational Review

Product developmentloan holding company and strong distribution are importantour acquisition of Newton County Loan & Savings, FSB, a federally regulated savings bank, located in Indiana.  We contributed $10 million to our abilitythe capital of Newton County Loan & Savings, FSB, and closed on the purchase on January 15, 2009.  We also previously filed an application to meetparticipate in the challengesCPP.  Our application to participate in the CPP is subject to approval from the U.S. Treasury.  Accordingly, there can be no assurance that we will be able to participate in the CPP or any of the competitive marketplace. In the third quarter of 2008, our Insurance Solutions – Life Insurance segment launchedLincoln AssetEdgeSM VUL, a variable life insurance product offering clients the ability to align their portfolio to match investment goals, while retaining the flexibility to change allocations as needs change. In February 2008, our Retirement Solutions – Annuities segment launched a new guaranteed withdrawal benefit (“GWB”),Lincoln Lifetime IncomeSMAdvantage, which includes features such as: a reduced minimum age for lifetime income eligibility; a 5% benefit enhancement in each year an owner does not take a withdrawal; a health care benefit; and a guaranteed minimum accumulation benefit. Within the mid-sized market of our Retirement Solutions – Defined Contribution segment, in the first quarterother programs or that we launched ourLincoln SmartFutureSM retirement program to fill the gap between our Alliance program and our group variable annuities.

In the third quarter we launched our new LINCOLN DIRECTORSM product that offers more than 80 investment options and will be positioned as our primary product in the micro-to small 401(k) plan marketplace. This product includes fiduciary support for plan sponsors, accumulation strategies and tools for plan participants and will also offer our patented distribution option,i4LIFE® Advantage.

In terms of increasing our distribution breadth, we launched variable annuity products into three large banks during the first nine months of 2008. In support of these and other activities, Lincoln Financial Distributors (“LFD”) increased the number of wholesalers by 13% since the end of 2007.

participate if available.



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Challenges and Outlook


For the remainder of 2008,2009, we expect major challenges to include:

Continuation of volatility in the equity markets and hedge breakage, as the October 2008 daily average of the S&P 500 Index® declined 17% from its value as of September 30, 2008, causing continued variable account value erosion;


Continuation of illiquid credit markets and impact on spreads and on other-than-temporary impairments;

·Continuation of volatility in the equity markets, resulting in hedge breakage and possible additional erosion in variable account values;

Continuation of the low interest rate environment, which creates a challenge for our products that generate investment margin profits, such as fixed annuities and UL;

·Continuation of illiquid credit markets and impact on spreads and on other-than-temporary securities impairments;

Continuation of challenges in the economy, including the potential for a recession;

·Continuation of the current credit and capital market conditions, restricting our ability to access capital;

Achieving success in our portfolio of products, marketplace acceptance of new variable annuity features and maintaining management and wholesalers that will help maintain our competitive position; and

·Continuation of the low interest rate environment, which creates a challenge for our products that generate investment margin profits, such as fixed annuities and UL;

Continuation of focus by the government on tax reform including potential changes in company dividends-received deduction (“DRD”) calculations, which may impact our products and overall earnings.

·Possible additional intangible asset impairments, such as goodwill, if the financial performance of our reporting units does not improve, our market capitalization remains below book value for a prolonged period of time or business valuation assumptions (such as discount rates and equity market volatility) deteriorate further;

·Continuation of the recession and other challenges in the economy;
·Achieving success in our portfolio of products, marketplace acceptance of new variable annuity features and maintaining management and wholesalers that will help maintain our competitive position; and
·Continuation of focus by the government on tax reform including potential changes in company dividends-received deduction (“DRD”) calculations, which may impact our products and overall earnings.

In the face of these challenges, we expect to focus on the following throughout the remainder of 2008:

2009:


·Continue near term product development in our manufacturing units and future product development initiatives, with particular focus on further reducing risk related to guaranteed benefit riders offered with certain variable annuities;
·Evaluate and potentially pursue the sale of non-core businesses and other options to raise additional capital;
·Manage our expenses aggressively and utilize cost reduction initiatives and continue embedding financial and execution discipline throughout our operations; and
·Substantially complete the remaining platform and system consolidations necessary to achieve the final portion of integration cost saves as well as prepare us for more effective customer interaction in the future.

For additional 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 manufacturing units2008 Form 10-K, as updated in “Part II – Item 1A. Risk Factors” below, and future product development initiatives“Forward-Looking Statements – Cautionary Language” in our Retirement Income Security Venture unit related to the evolving retirement income security marketplace;

this report.

Engage in cost reduction initiatives and further embed financial and execution discipline throughout our operations by using technology and making other investments to improve operating effectiveness and lower unit costs; and


Substantially complete the remaining platform and system consolidations necessary to achieve the final portion of integration cost saves as well as prepare us for more effective customer interaction in the future.

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Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates


The MD&A included in our 20072008 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 20072008 Form 10-K and, accordingly, should be read in conjunction with the critical accounting policies and estimates discussed in our 20072008 Form 10-K.

Adoption of SFAS No. 157 – Fair Value Measurements

We adopted SFAS 157 for all our financial instruments effective January 1, 2008. For detailed discussions of the methodologies and assumptions used to determine the fair value of our financial instruments and a summary of our financial instruments carried at fair value as of September 30, 2008, see Notes 2 and 16 of this report and Notes 1 and 19 to the consolidated financial statements in our 2007 Form 10-K.

The adoption of SFAS 157 decreased income from continuing operations by $16 million. The impact to revenue is reported in realized gain (loss) and such amount along with the associated federal income taxes is excluded from income from operations of our segments. For a detailed description of the impact of adoption on our consolidated financial statements, see Note 2.

We did not make any material changes to valuation techniques or models used to determine the fair value of our assets and liabilities carried at fair value during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, subsequent to the adoption of SFAS 157. As part of our on-going valuation process, we assess the reasonableness of all our valuation techniques or models and make adjustments as necessary.

Our investment securities are valued using market inputs, including benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, issuer spreads, two-sided markets, benchmark securities, bids, offers and reference data. In addition, market indicators and industry and economic events are monitored, and further market data is acquired if certain triggers are met. Credit risk is also incorporated and considered in the valuation of our investment securities as we incorporate the issuer’s credit rating and a risk premium, if warranted, due to the issuer’s industry and the security’s time to maturity. The credit rating is based upon internal and external analysis of the issuer’s financial strength. For certain security types, additional inputs may be used, or some of the inputs described above may not be applicable. For broker-quoted only securities, quotes from market makers or broker-dealers are obtained from sources recognized to be market participants. In order to validate the pricing information and broker/dealer quotes, we employ, where possible, procedures that include comparisons with similar observable positions, comparisons with subsequent sales, discussions with senior business leaders and brokers as well as observations of general market movements for those asset classes. The broker/dealer quotes are non-binding. Our broker-quoted only securities are generally classified as Level 3 in the SFAS 157 hierarchy.

It is possible that different valuation techniques and models, other than those described above, could produce materially different estimates of fair values.

The following summarizes our financial instruments carried at fair value by pricing source and SFAS 157 hierarchy level (in millions):

   As of September 30, 2008 
   Level 1  Level 2  Level 3  Total 

Priced by third party pricing services

  $293  $43,861  $—    $44,154 

Priced by independent broker quotations

   —     —     2,528   2,528 

Priced by matrices

   —     6,807   —     6,807 

Priced by other methods (1)

   —     —     2,590   2,590 

Cash and invested cash(2)

   —     2,160   —     2,160 
                 

Total

  $293  $52,828  $5,118  $58,239 
                 

Percent of total

   1%  90%  9%  100%

(1)

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

(2)

Valued primarily at amortized cost, which approximates fair value.

Our insurance liabilities that contain embedded derivatives are valued based on a stochastic projection of scenarios of the embedded derivative fees, benefits and expenses. The scenario assumptions, at each valuation date, are those we view to be appropriate for a hypothetical market participant and include assumptions for capital markets, actuarial lapse, benefit utilization, mortality, risk margin, administrative expenses and a margin for profit. In addition, a non-performance risk component is determined each valuation date that reflects our risk of not fulfilling the obligations of the underlying liability. The spread for the non-performance risk is added to the discount rates used in determining the fair value from the net cash flows. We believe these

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assumptions are consistent with those that would be used by a market participant; however, as the related markets develop we will continue to reassess our assumptions. It is possible that different valuation techniques and assumptions could produce a materially different estimate of fair value.

The adoption of SFAS 157 increased our exposure to earnings volatility from period to period due primarily to the inclusion of the non-performance risk into the calculation of the GLB embedded derivative liability. For additional information, see our discussion in “Realized Loss” below and “Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.”

The following summarizes the percentages of our financial instruments carried at fair value on a recurring basis by the SFAS 157 hierarchy levels:

   As of September 30, 2008 
   Level 1  Level 2  Level 3  Total
Fair
Value
 

Assets

  1% 90% 9% 100%

Liabilities

  0% 0% 100% 100%

Note: The percentages above are calculated excluding separate account assets.

Changes of our financial instruments carried at fair value and classified within level 3 of the fair value hierarchy result from changes in market conditions, as well as changes in our portfolio mix and increases and decreases in fair values as a result of those classifications. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, there were no material changes in financial instruments classified as level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. For further detail, see Note 16.

See “Consolidated Investments” below for a summary of our investments in available-for-sale securities backed by pools of residential mortgages.

DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL

On a quarterly basis, we may record an adjustment to the amounts included within our Consolidated Balance Sheets for DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL with an offsetting benefit or charge to revenue or expense for the impact of the difference between the estimates of future gross profits used in the prior quarter and the emergence of actual and updated estimates of future gross profits in the current quarter (“retrospective unlocking”). In addition, in the third quarter of each year, we conduct our annual comprehensive review of the assumptions and the projection models used for our estimates of future gross profits underlying the amortization of DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL and the calculations of the embedded derivatives and reserves for annuity and life insurance products with living benefit and death benefit guarantees. These assumptions include investment margins, mortality, retention and rider utilization. Based on our review, the cumulative balances of DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL, included on our Consolidated Balance Sheets, are adjusted with an offsetting benefit or charge to revenue or amortization expense to reflect such change (“prospective unlocking – assumption changes”). We may also identify and implement actuarial modeling refinements (“prospective unlocking – model refinements”) that result in increases or decreases to the carrying values of DAC, VOBA, DSI, DFEL, embedded derivatives and reserves for annuity and life insurance products with living benefit and death benefit guarantees. The primary distinction between retrospective and prospective unlocking is that retrospective unlocking is driven by the emerging experience period-over-period, while prospective unlocking is driven by changes in assumptions or projection models related to estimated future gross profits.

In discussing our results of operations below in this MD&A, we refer to favorable and unfavorable unlocking. With respect to DAC, VOBA and DSI, favorable unlocking refers to a decrease in the amortization expense in the period, whereas unfavorable unlocking refers to an increase in the amortization expense in the period. With respect to DFEL, favorable unlocking refers to an increase in the amortization expense in the period, whereas unfavorable unlocking refers to a decrease in the amortization expense in the period. With respect to the calculations of the embedded derivatives and reserves for annuity and life insurance products with living benefit and death benefit guarantees, favorable unlocking refers to a decrease in the change in reserves in the period, whereas unfavorable unlocking refers to an increase in the change in reserves in the period.

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Details underlying the increase to income from continuing operations from our prospective unlocking (in millions) were as follows:

   For the Three
Months Ended
September 30,
 
   2008  2007 

Insurance fees:

   

Retirement Solutions – Annuities

  $(1) $(1)

Insurance Solutions – Life Insurance

   (28)  26 

Lincoln UK

   (1)  5 
         

Total insurance fees

   (30)  30 
         

Realized gain (loss):

   

Indexed annuity forward-starting option

   —     1 

GLB

   48   2 
         

Total realized gain (loss)

   48   3 
         

Total revenues

   18   33 
         

Interest credited:

   

Retirement Solutions – Annuities

   —     (1)
         

Total interest credited

   —     (1)
         

Benefits:

   

Retirement Solutions – Annuities

   —     2 

Insurance Solutions – Life Insurance

   85   —   
         

Total benefits

   85   2 
         

Underwriting, acquisition, insurance and other expenses:

   

Retirement Solutions – Annuities

   (2)  (12)

Retirement Solutions – Defined Contribution

   —     3 

Insurance Solutions – Life Insurance

   (81)  21 

Lincoln UK

   4   2 
         

Total underwriting, acquisition, insurance and other expenses

   (79)  14 
         

Total benefits and expenses

   6   15 
         

Income from continuing operations before taxes

   12   18 

Federal income taxes

   4   6 
         

Income from continuing operations

  $8  $12 
         

As equity markets do not move in a systematic manner, we use a “reversion to the mean” (“RTM”) process to compute our best estimate long-term gross growth rate assumption. Under our current RTM process, on each valuation date, future estimated gross profits (“EGPs”) are projected using stochastic modeling of a large number of future equity market scenarios in conjunction with best estimates of lapse rates, interest rate spreads and mortality to develop a statistical distribution of the present value of future EGPs for our variable annuity, annuity-based 401(k) and unit-linked product blocks of business. This process is not applied to our life insurance and fixed annuity businesses, as equity market performance does not have as significant of an impact on these products. Because future equity market returns are unpredictable, the underlying premise of this process is that best estimate projections of future EGPs, as required by SFAS No. 97, “Accounting and Reporting by Insurance Enterprises for Certain Long-Duration Contracts and for Realized Gains and Losses from the Sale of Investments” (“SFAS 97”), need not be affected by random short-term and insignificant deviations from expectations in equity market returns. However, long-term or significant deviations from expected equity market returns require a change to best estimate projections of EGPs and prospective unlocking of DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL. The statistical distribution is designed to identify when the equity market return deviations from expected returns have become significant enough to warrant a change of the future equity return EGP assumption.

The stochastic modeling performed for our variable annuity blocks of business as described above is used to develop a range of reasonably possible future EGPs. We compare the range of the present value of the future EGPs from the stochastic modeling to that used in our amortization model. A set of intervals around the mean of these scenarios is utilized to calculate two separate statistical ranges of reasonably possible EGPs. These intervals are then compared again to the present value of the EGPs used in the amortization model. If the present value of EGP assumptions utilized for amortization were to exceed the margin of the

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reasonable range of statistically calculated EGPs, a revision of the EGPs used to calculate amortization would occur. If a revision is deemed necessary, future EGPs would be re-projected using the current account values at the end of the period during which the revision occurred along with a revised long-term annual equity market gross return assumption such that the reprojected EGPs would be our best estimate of EGPs.

Notwithstanding these intervals, if a severe decline or advance in equity markets were to occur or should other circumstances, including contract holder behavior, suggest that the present value of future EGPs no longer represents our best estimate, we could determine that a revision of the EGPs is necessary.

Our practice is not necessarily to unlock immediately after exceeding the first of the two statistical ranges, but, rather, if we stay between the first and second statistical range for several quarters, we would likely unlock. Additionally, if we exceed the ranges as a result of a short-term market reaction, we would not necessarily unlock. However, if the second statistical range is exceeded for more than one quarter, it is likely that we would unlock. While this approach reduces adjustments to DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL due to short-term equity market fluctuations, significant changes in the equity markets that extend beyond one or two quarters could result in a significant favorable or unfavorable unlocking.

The October 2008 daily average of the S&P 500 Index® declined 17% from its value as of September 30, 2008, negatively impacting our variable account values. If equity markets do not materially improve over the remainder of the fourth quarter, we may unlock our model assumption for equity market returns for DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL and the calculations of the embedded derivatives and reserves for annuity products with living and death benefit guarantees, resulting in a significant unfavorable impact to net income. We estimate that if the variable account values were to decline approximately 20% at December 31, 2008 from the levels at September 30, 2008, an unlocking during the fourth quarter could reduce net income by approximately $250 million, after-tax.


Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets


Under SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,” (“SFAS 142”) goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives are not amortized, but are subject to impairment tests conducted at least annually.  Intangibles that do not have indefinite lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives.  SFAS 142 requires that we perform a two-step test in our evaluation of the carrying value of goodwill.  In Step 1 of the evaluation, the fair value of each reporting unit is determined and compared to the carrying value of the reporting unit.  If the fair value is greater than the carrying value, then the carrying value is deemed to be sufficient and Step 2 is not required.  If the fair value estimate is less than the carrying value, it is an indicator that impairment may exist and Step 2 is required to be performed.  In Step 2, the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill is determined by allocating the reporting unit’s fair value as determined in Step 1 to all of its net assets (recognized and unrecognized) as if the reporting unit had been acquired in a business combination at the date of the impairment test.  If the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill is lower than its carrying amount, goodwill is impaired and written down to its fair value.  Refer to Note 8 of our consolidated financial statements for goodwill by reporting unit.

We use October 1 as the annual review date for goodwill and other intangible assets impairment testing.

  However, when factors indicate that an impairment could be present, we reassess our conclusions related to goodwill recoverability through completion of an interim test.  Subsequent reviews of goodwill could result in impairment of goodwill during 2009.  Due to volatile capital markets and their unfavorable impact to our liquidity, earnings and discount rate assumptions and the execution of a reinsurance transaction on our life business, we completed an interim test of goodwill impairment as of March 31, 2009.


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We performed a Step 1 goodwill impairment analysis on all of our reporting units as of March 31, 2009.  The Step 1 analysis for Insurance Solutions – Life and Retirement Solutions – Annuities reporting units utilized primarily a discounted cash flow valuation techniquestechnique.  In determining the estimated fair value of these reporting units, we useincorporated consideration of discounted cash flow calculations, the level of our own share price and assumptions that market participants would make in valuing these reporting units.  Our fair value estimations were based primarily on an in-depth analysis of projected future cash flows and relevant discount rates, which considered market participant inputs (“income approach”).  The discounted cash flow analysis required us to estimatemake judgments about revenues, earnings projections, capital market assumptions and discount rates.  The key assumptions used in the analysis to determine the fair value of the group of assets comprising the differentthese reporting units variesincluded:

·New business for 10 years and run off of cash flows on in-force and new business for the life of the reporting unit;
·Adjustments of several assumptions in our projections to reflect conservatism in the near-term as a result of the current volatility in the capital markets, including:
§Lower equity market returns for 2 years;
§Lower alternative investment income returns for 2 years;
§Higher line of credit costs related to reserve securitizations;
·Discount rates ranging from 11.0% to 16.0%, which were based on the weighted average cost of capital for each of our reporting units adjusted for the risks associated with the operations.  We used 11.0% for our Insurance Solutions – Life reporting unit and 16.0% for our Retirement Solutions – Annuities reporting unit.

For our other reporting units, we used other available information including market data obtained through strategic reviews and other analysis to support our Step 1 conclusions.

All of our reporting units passed the characteristicsStep 1 analysis, except for our Retirement Solutions – Annuities reporting unit, which required a Step 2 analysis to be completed.  In our Step 2 analysis, we estimated the implied fair value of eachthe reporting unit’s goodwill as determined by allocating the reporting unit’s fair value determined in Step 1 to all of its net assets (recognized and unrecognized) as if the reporting unit had been acquired in a business and operations. A market-based valuation technique that focuses on price-to-earnings multiplier andcombination at the segment-level operating income is useddate of the impairment test.

Based upon our Step 2 analysis, we recorded a goodwill impairment of $600 million for the Retirement Solutions – Annuities reporting unit, which was attributable primarily to higher discount rates related to higher debt costs and Insurance Solutions segmentsequity market volatility, deterioration in equity markets and lower annuity sales.

Adoption of FSP FAS No. 115-2 and 124-2 – Recognition and Presentation of Other-Than-Temporary-Impairments

We adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board Staff Position (“FSP”) FAS No. 115-2 and 124-2, “Recognition and Presentation of Other-Than-Temporary-Impairments” (“FSP FAS 115-2”) for our debt securities effective January 1, 2009.  The adoption of FSP FAS 115-2 required that an OTTI loss be separated into the amount representing the decrease in cash flows expected to be collected (“credit loss”), which is recognized in earnings, and the remaining media businessamount related to all other factors (“noncredit loss”), which is recognized in other comprehensive income (“OCI”).  In addition, FSP FAS 115-2 replaces the requirement for management to assert that it has the intent and ability to hold an impaired security until recovery with the requirement that management assert that it does not have the intent to sell the security and that it is now reportedmore likely than not that it will not have to sell the security before recovery of its cost basis.

We regularly review our AFS securities for declines in Other Operations. Forfair value that we determine to be other-than-temporary.  In accordance with FSP FAS 115-2, if we intend to sell a security and the Lincoln UK segment,market value of the security is below amortized cost, the amortized cost is written down to current fair value with a discountedcorresponding charge to realized loss on our Consolidated Statements of Income, as this is deemed a credit-related event.  If we do not intend to sell a security but believe we will not recover a security’s amortized cost, the amortized cost is written down to the estimated recovery value with a corresponding charge to realized loss on our Consolidated Statements of Income, as this is also deemed a credit-related event, and the remainder of the decline to fair value is recorded to unrealized OTTI loss on AFS securities on our Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity, as this is considered a noncredit (i.e., recoverable) event.  The determination of our intent to sell a security is based upon whether we can assert that we do not have the intent to sell the security and if it is more likely than not that we will not have to sell the security before recovery of the securities cost basis.  In making this determination, we evaluate facts and circumstances such as, but not limited to, decisions to reposition our security portfolio, sale of securities to meet cash flow modelneeds and sales of securities to capitalize on favorable pricing.  The credit loss on a security is utilizedbased upon our estimate of the decrease in expected cash flows or our best estimate of credit deterioration.  If an OTTI exists and we do not have sufficient cash flow or other information to determine a recovery value for the security, we would conclude that the entire OTTI is credit-related and the amortized cost for the security is written down to current fair value with a corresponding charge to realized loss on our Consolidated Statements of Income.


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As a result of the adoption, we recorded a cumulative effect adjustment, resulting in an increase of $102 million to our opening balance of retained earnings with a corresponding decrease to accumulated OCI, to reclassify the noncredit portion of previously other-than-temporarily impaired debt securities.  In addition, the amortized cost basis of debt securities for which a noncredit OTTI loss was previously recognized was increased by $199 million, or the amount of the cumulative effect adjustment, pre-DAC, VOBA, DSI, DFEL and tax.  The fair value of our debt securities did not change as a result of the adoption.

We recognized an OTTI loss of $139 million for the three months ended March 31, 2009, of which $81 million was recognized in net income on our Consolidated Statements of Income related to credit losses and $58 million was recognized in OCI on our Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity related to noncredit losses.  For additional details, see “Investments” below and Notes 2 and 5.

Adoption of FSP FAS No. 157-4 – Determining Fair Value When the Volume and Level of Activity for the Asset or Liability Have Significantly Decreased and Identifying Transactions That Are Not Orderly

We adopted FSP FAS No. 157-4, “Determining Fair Value When the Volume and Level of Activity for the Asset or Liability Have Significantly Decreased and Identifying Transactions That Are Not Orderly” (“FSP FAS 157-4”), effective January 1, 2009.  FSP FAS 157-4 provides additional guidance on estimating fair value when the volume and level of activity for an asset or liability have significantly decreased in relation to normal market activity for the asset or liability and additional guidance on circumstances that may indicate that a transaction is not orderly.

FSP FAS 157-4 does not change the objective of a fair value measurement.  That is, even when there has been a significant decrease in market activity for a security, the fair value. Avalue objective remains the same.  Fair value is the price that would be received to sell the security in an orderly transaction (i.e., not a forced liquidation or distressed sale), between market participants at the measurement date in the current inactive market (i.e., an “exit price” notion).

FSP FAS 157-4 provides additional guidance on estimating fair value when the volume and level of activity for an asset or liability have significantly decreased in relation to normal market activity for the asset or liability.  The FSP also provides additional guidance on circumstances that may indicate that a transaction is not orderly.  Specifically, the FSP provides factors that indicate that a market is not active, including:

·Few recent transactions based on volume and level of activity in the market, therefore there is not sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis;
·Price quotations are not based on current information;
·Price quotations vary substantially either over time or among market makers;
·Indexes that previously were highly correlated with the fair values of the asset are demonstrably uncorrelated with recent fair values;
·Abnormal, or significant increases in, liquidity risk premiums or implied yields for quoted prices when compared with reasonable estimates using realistic assumptions of credit and other nonperformance risk for the asset class;
·Abnormally wide bid-ask spread or significant increases in the bid-ask spread; and
·Little information is released publicly.

After evaluating all factors and considering the significance and relevance of each factor, the reporting entity shall use its judgment in determining whether there has been a significant decrease in the volume and level of activity for the asset when the market for that asset is not active.  The factors should be considered in relation to the normal market activity for the asset.

When the market for an asset or liability has exhibited a significant decrease in transaction volume when compared to normal market activity for the asset or liability (or similar assets and liabilities), additional analysis is required to ascertain whether or not observed transactions or quoted prices are reflective of fair values.  When there has been a significant decline in activity and a market is no longer active, the use of multiple valuation technique combining multiplestechniques (or a change in valuation technique) may be appropriate.  The circumstances that may indicate a transaction is not orderly could include:

·The seller is in or near bankruptcy or receivership or the seller was required to sell the asset to meet regulatory requirements;
·There was a usual and customary marketing period, but the seller marketed the asset to a single market participant; and
·The transaction price is significantly different relative to other similar transactions.

Transactions that are deemed not orderly would not be determinative of revenues, earnings before interest, taxes, depreciationfair value or of market participant risk premiums.  In estimating fair value, an entity should place more weight on transactions that it concludes are orderly.  Less weight should be placed on transactions that the reporting entity does not have sufficient information to conclude whether the transaction is orderly.

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As of March 31, 2009, we evaluated the markets that our securities trade in and amortization and assets under management is usedconcluded that none were inactive.  We will continue to assess the goodwill in our Investment Management segment.

re-evaluate this conclusion, as needed, based on market conditions.

Derivatives

Derivatives

To protect us from a variety of equity market and interest rate risks that are inherent in many of our life insurance and annuity products, we use various derivative instruments.  Assessing the effectiveness of these hedging programs and evaluating the carrying values of the related derivatives often involve a variety of assumptions and estimates.  We use derivatives to hedge equity market risks, interest rate risk and foreign currency exposures that are embedded in our annuity and life insurance product liabilities or investment portfolios.  Derivatives held as of September 30, 2008,March 31, 2009, contain industry standard terms and are entered into with financial institutions with long-standing, superior performance records.terms.  Our accounting policies for derivatives and the potential impact on interest spreads in a falling rate environment are discussed in “Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” and Note 6 of this report and “Part II Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” and Note 56 to the consolidated financial statements in our 20072008 Form 10-K.


Guaranteed Living Benefits


We have a dynamic hedging strategy designed to mitigate selected risk and income statement volatility caused by changes in the equity markets, interest rates and market implied volatilities associated with theLincoln SmartSecurity® Advantage GWBguaranteed withdrawal benefit (“GWB”) feature and ouri4LIFE® Advantage and 4LATER® Advantage guaranteed income benefit (“GIB”) featurefeatures that isare available in our variable annuity products.  In the second quarter of 2007, we also began hedging our 4LATER® Advantage GIB feature available in our variable annuity products. These living benefit features are collectively referred to as GLBs. During 2007, we made adjustments to our hedging program to purchase longer dated volatility protection and increased our hedges related to volatility to better match liability sensitivities under SFAS 157. In addition, in early January 2008, we added the GLB features that are available in our variable annuity businessproducts in our New York insurance subsidiary, with total account values of approximately $1.1 billion as of September 30, 2008,LLANY, to our hedge program.  In February 2008, we also added our new GWBLincoln Lifetime IncomeSMAdvantage to our hedging program.  Our GIB and 4LATER® features have elements of both insurance benefits accounted for under SOP 03-1 and embedded derivatives accounted for under SFAS 133 and SFAS 157.  We weight these features and their associated reserves accordingly based on their hybrid nature.  In addition to mitigating selected risk and

47


income statement volatility, the hedge program is also focused on a long-term performancegoal of the hedge programaccumulating assets that could be used to pay claims under these benefits, recognizing that any material potentialsuch claims under the GLBs are likely to begin no earlier than approximately a decade in the future.


The hedging strategy is designed such that changes in the value of the hedge contracts move in the opposite direction of changes in the value of the embedded derivative portion of the GWB and GIBGLB features.  This dynamic hedging strategy utilizes options on U.S.-based equity indices, futures on U.S.-based and international equity indices and variance swaps on U.S.-based equity indices, as well as interest rate futures and swaps.  The notional amounts of the underlying hedge instruments are such that the magnitude of the change in the value of the hedge instruments due to changes in equity markets, interest rates and implied volatilities is designed to offset the magnitude of the change in the fair value of the GWB and GIBGLB guarantees caused by those same factors.  As of September 30, 2008,March 31, 2009, the fair value of the embedded derivativesderivative liability, before adjustment for the NPR factor required by SFAS 157, for GWB, thei4LIFE® Advantage GIB and the 4LATER® Advantage GIB were liabilities valued at $249 million, $200$2.3 billion, $709 million and $115$201 million, netrespectively.  See “Realized Loss – Operating Realized Gain – GLB” for information on how we determine our NPR.

As part of our current hedging program, equity market, interest rate and market implied volatility conditions are monitored on a daily basis.  We rebalance our hedge positions based upon changes in these factors as needed.  While we actively manage our hedge positions, our hedge positions may not be totally effective to offset changes in the fair value embedded derivative liability caused by movements in these factors due to, among other things, differences in timing between when a market exposure changes and corresponding changes to the hedge positions, extreme swings in the equity markets, interest rates and market implied volatilities, realized market volatility, contract holder behavior, divergence between the performance of the non-performanceunderlying funds and the hedging indices, divergence between the actual and expected performance of the hedge instruments or our ability to purchase hedging instruments at prices consistent with our desired risk factor (“NPR”) required by SFAS 157, respectively.

and return trade-off.  This hedging strategy is managed on a combined basis with the hedge for our GDB features.


For additionalmore information on our GDB hedging strategy, see the discussion in “Future Contract Benefits and Other Contract Holder Obligations” below.

As of March 31, 2009, the fair value of our derivative assets, which hedge both our GLB and GDB features, and including margins generated by futures contracts, was $3.7 billion.  As of March 31, 2009, the sum of all GLB liabilities at fair value and GDB reserves was $3.5 billion, comprised of $3.2 billion for GLB liabilities and $0.3 billion for the GDB reserves.  The fair value of the hedge assets exceeded the liabilities by $0.2 billion, which we believe indicates that the hedge strategy has performed well by providing funding for our best estimate of the present value of the liabilities related to our GLB and GDB features.  However, the relationship of hedge assets to the liabilities for the guarantees may vary in any given reporting period due to market conditions, hedge performance and/or changes to the hedging strategy.


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Approximately 35% of our variable annuity account values contain a GWB rider.  Declines in the equity markets increase our exposure to potential benefits under the GWB contracts, leading to an increase in our existing liability for those benefits.  For example, a GWB contract is “in the money” if the contract holder’s account balance falls below the guaranteed amount.  As of March 31, 2009, and March 31, 2008, 68% and 44%, respectively, of all GWB in-force contracts were “in the money,” and our exposure to the guaranteed amounts, after reinsurance, as of March 31, 2009, and March 31, 2008, was $5.7 billion and $705 million respectively.  Our exposure before reinsurance for these same periods was $6.4 billion and $816 million, respectively.  However, the only way the GWB contract holder can monetize the excess of the guaranteed amount over the account value of the contract is upon death or through a series of withdrawals that do not exceed a specific percentage per year of the guaranteed amount.  If, after the series of withdrawals, the account value is exhausted, the contract holder will receive a series of annuity payments equal to the remaining guaranteed amount, and, for our lifetime GWB products, the annuity payments can continue beyond the guaranteed amount.  The account value can also fluctuate with equity market returns on a daily basis resulting in increases or decreases in the excess of the guaranteed amount over account value.

As a result of these factors, the ultimate amount to be paid by us related to GWB guarantees is uncertain and could be significantly more or less than $5.7 billion, net of reinsurance.  Our fair value estimates of the GWB liabilities, which are based on detailed models of future cash flows under a wide range of market-consistent scenarios, reflect a more comprehensive view of the related factors and represent our best estimate of the present value of these potential liabilities.

For information on our GLB hedging results, see our discussion in “Realized Loss” below.

Acquisitions


Income Taxes

The application of GAAP requires us to evaluate the recoverability of our deferred tax assets and Dispositions

Dispositions

Media Business

On June 7, 2007,establish a valuation allowance, if necessary, to reduce our deferred tax asset to an amount that is more likely than not to be realizable.  Considerable judgment and the use of estimates are required in determining whether a valuation allowance is necessary, and if so, the amount of such valuation allowance.  In evaluating the need for a valuation allowance, we announced plans to explore strategic options for our former business segment, Lincoln Financial Media. Duringconsider many factors, including:  the fourth quarter of 2007, we decided to divest our televisionnature and Charlotte radio broadcasting and sports programming businesses, and, on November 12, 2007, we signed agreements to sell them. The divestiturecharacter of the sports programming business closed on November 30, 2007, the Charlotte radio broadcasting business closed on January 31, 2008, and the television broadcasting business closed on March 31, 2008. Accordingly, we have reported the results of these businesses as discontinued operations on our Consolidated Statements of Income and thedeferred tax assets and liabilities as held for sale onliabilities; taxable income in prior carryback years; projected taxable earnings, including capital gains exclusive of reversing temporary differences and carryforwards; the length of time carryovers can be utilized; and any tax planning strategies we would employ to avoid a tax benefit from expiring unused.  Although realization is not assured, management believes it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets, including our Consolidated Balance Sheets for all periods presented. We continue to actively manage our investment in our remaining radio clusters, which are now being reported within Other Operations, to maximize station performance and future valuation.capital loss deferred tax asset, will be realized.  For additional information on our income taxes, see Note 3.

The proceeds from7 in this report and Note 7 to the sales of the above media properties were used for repurchase of shares, repayment of debtconsolidated financial statements in our 2008 Form 10-K.


Acquisitions and other strategic initiatives.

The results of operations of these businesses have been reclassified into income from discontinued operations for all periods presented on the Consolidated Statements of Income. The amounts (in millions) related to operations of these businesses, included in income from discontinued operations, were as follows:

   For the Three
Months Ended
September 30,
     For the Nine
Months Ended
September 30,
    
   2008  2007  Change  2008  2007  Change 

Discontinued Operations Before Disposal

         

Media revenues, net of agency commissions

  $—    $33  -100% $22  $104  -79%
                   

Income from discontinued operations before disposal, before federal income taxes

  $—    $10  -100% $8  $32  -75%

Federal income taxes

   —     3  -100%  3   11  -73%
                   

Income from discontinued operations before disposal

   —     7  -100%  5   21  -76%
                   

Disposal

         

Loss on disposal, before federal income taxes

   —     —    NM   (13)  —    NM 

Federal income tax benefit

   1   —    NM   (3)  —    NM 
                   

Loss on disposal

   (1)  —    NM   (10)  —    NM 
                   

Income (loss) from discontinued operations

  $(1) $7  NM  $(5) $21  NM 
                   

During the first quarter of 2008, we adjusted our loss on disposal of discontinued media properties due primarily to changes in the net assets disposed of for the television broadcasting business.

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Fixed Income Investment Management Business

During the fourth quarter of 2007, we sold certain institutional taxable fixed income business to an unaffiliated investment management company. Investment Management transferred $12.3 billion of assets under management as part of this transaction. Based upon the assets transferred as of October 31, 2007, the purchase price is expected to be no more than $49 million. The impact of this transaction is discussed further below in results of Investment Management.

During the fourth quarter of 2007, we received $25 million of the purchase price, with additional scheduled payments over the next three years. During 2007, we recorded an after-tax realized loss of $2 million on our Consolidated Statements of Income as a result of goodwill we attributed to this business. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, we recorded an after-tax gain of $1 million and $4 million, respectively, on our Consolidated Statements of Income related to this transaction.

Dispositions


For additional information about acquisitions and dispositions,divestitures, see Note 3 in this report and “Part III – Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations1. BusinessIntroduction – AcquisitionAcquisitions and Dispositions” and Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements in our 20072008 Form 10-K.

RESULTS OF CONSOLIDATED OPERATIONS



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RESULTS OF CONSOLIDATED OPERATIONS

Net Income

(Loss)


Details underlying the consolidated results and assets under management (in millions) were as follows:

   For the Three
Months Ended
September 30,
     For the Nine
Months Ended
September 30,
    
  ��2008  2007  Change  2008  2007  Change 

Revenues

       

Insurance premiums

  $533  $491  9% $1,572  $1,439  9%

Insurance fees

   791   836  -5%  2,446   2,342  4%

Investment advisory fees

   68   89  -24%  220   272  -19%

Net investment income

   1,089   1,062  3%  3,231   3,285  -2%

Realized loss

   (204)  (65) NM   (347)  (24) NM 

Amortization of deferred gain on business sold through reinsurance

   19   19  0%  57   65  -12%

Other revenues and fees

   140   169  -17%  431   514  -16%
                   

Total revenues

   2,436   2,601  -6%  7,610   7,893  -4%
                   

Benefits and Expenses

       

Interest credited

   625   611  2%  1,849   1,817  2%

Benefits

   836   623  34%  2,199   1,866  18%

Underwriting, acquisition, insurance and other expenses

   754   850  -11%  2,408   2,475  -3%

Interest and debt expense

   69   69  0%  209   204  2%

Impairment of intangibles

   —     —    NM   175   —    NM 
                   

Total benefits and expenses

   2,284   2,153  6%  6,840   6,362  8%
                   

Income from continuing operations before taxes

   152   448  -66%  770   1,531  -50%

Federal income taxes

   3   125  -98%  203   450  -55%
                   

Income from continuing operations

   149   323  -54%  567   1,081  -48%

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of federal incomes taxes

   (1)  7  NM   (5)  21  NM 
                   

Net income

  $148  $330  -55% $562  $1,102  -49%
                   

49

  For the Three    
  Months Ended    
  March 31,    
  2009  2008  Change 
Revenues         
Insurance premiums $518  $509   2%
Insurance fees  728   814   -11%
Investment advisory fees  44   76   -42%
Net investment income  1,027   1,065   -4%
Realized loss:            
Total other-than-temporary impairment            
losses on securities  (214)  (57) NM 
Portion of loss recognized in other            
comprehensive income  89   -  NM 
Net other-than-temporary impairment losses            
on securities recognized in earnings  (125)  (57) NM 
Realized gain, excluding other-than-temporary            
impairment losses on securities  (68)  22  NM 
Total realized loss  (193)  (35) NM 
Amortization of deferred gain on business sold            
through reinsurance  19   19   0%
Other revenues and fees  102   146   -30%
Total revenues  2,245   2,594   -13%
Benefits and Expenses            
Interest credited  627   612   2%
Benefits  939   679   38%
Underwriting, acquisition, insurance and            
other expenses  725   809   -10%
Interest and debt expense  -   76   -100%
Impairment of intangibles  603   -  NM 
Total benefits and expenses  2,894   2,176   33%
Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes  (649)  418  NM 
Federal income tax expense (benefit)  (70)  125  NM 
Income (loss) from continuing operations  (579)  293  NM 
Loss from discontinued operations,            
net of federal incomes taxes  -   (4)  100%
Net income (loss) $(579) $289  NM 




58

   For the Three
Months Ended
September 30,
     For the Nine
Months Ended
September 30,
    
   2008  2007  Change  2008  2007  Change 

Revenues

       

Operating revenues:

       

Retirement Solutions:

       

Annuities

  $675  $647  4% $1,916  $1,861  3%

Defined Contribution

   241   243  -1%  718   742  -3%
                   

Total Retirement Solutions

   916   890  3%  2,634   2,603  1%
                   

Insurance Solutions:

       

Life Insurance

   1,072   1,056  2%  3,210   3,121  3%

Group Protection

   403   368  10%  1,227   1,119  10%
                   

Total Insurance Solutions

   1,475   1,424  4%  4,437   4,240  5%
                   

Investment Management

   110   150  -27%  354   451  -22%

Lincoln UK

   80   89  -10%  263   272  -3%

Other Operations

   111   113  -2%  341   345  -1%

Excluded realized loss, pre-tax

   (256)  (66) NM   (421)  (27) NM 

Amortization of deferred gain arising from reserve changes on business sold through reinsurance, pre-tax

   —     1  -100%  2   9  -78%
                   

Total revenues

  $2,436  $2,601  -6% $7,610  $7,893  -4%
                   

   For the Three
Months Ended
September 30,
     For the Nine
Months Ended
September 30,
    
   2008  2007  Change  2008  2007  Change 

Net Income

       

Income (loss) from operations:

       

Retirement Solutions:

       

Annuities

  $131  $126  4% $365  $366  0%

Defined Contribution

   42   41  2%  124   138  -10%
                   

Total Retirement Solutions

   173   167  4%  489   504  -3%
                   

Insurance Solutions:

       

Life Insurance

   137   182  -25%  458   548  -16%

Group Protection

   27   33  -18%  86   85  1%
                   

Total Insurance Solutions

   164   215  -24%  544   633  -14%
                   

Investment Management

   5   22  -77%  32   49  -35%

Lincoln UK

   12   10  20%  41   33  24%

Other Operations

   (39)  (49) 20%  (127)  (115) -10%

Excluded realized loss, after-tax

   (166)  (42) NM   (274)  (16) NM 

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

   —     —    NM   1   (7) 114%

Impairment of intangibles, after-tax

   —     —    NM   (139)  —    NM 
                   

Income from continuing operations

   149   323  -54%  567   1,081  -48%

Income (loss) from discontinued operations

   (1)  7  NM   (5)  21  NM 
                   

Net income

  $148  $330  -55% $562  $1,102  -49%
                   

50



  For the Three    
  Months Ended    
  March 31,    
  2009  2008  Change 
Revenues         
Operating revenues:         
Retirement Solutions:         
Annuities $599  $623   -4%
Defined Contribution  225   238   -5%
Total Retirement Solutions  824   861   -4%
Insurance Solutions:            
Life Insurance  1,076   1,055   2%
Group Protection  422   399   6%
Total Insurance Solutions  1,498   1,454   3%
Investment Management  82   120   -32%
Lincoln UK  47   86   -45%
Other Operations  83   117   -29%
Excluded realized loss, pre-tax  (290)  (45) NM 
Amortization of deferred gain arising from            
reserve changes on business sold through            
reinsurance, pre-tax  1   1   0%
Total revenues $2,245  $2,594   -13%
  For the Three    
  Months Ended    
  March 31,    
  2009  2008  Change 
Net Income (Loss)         
Income (loss) from operations:         
Retirement Solutions:         
Annuities $74  $118   -37%
Defined Contribution  30   40   -25%
Total Retirement Solutions  104   158   -34%
Insurance Solutions:            
Life Insurance  142   157   -10%
Group Protection  26   26   0%
Total Insurance Solutions  168   183   -8%
Investment Management  1   12   -92%
Lincoln UK  6   11   -45%
Other Operations  (109)  (42) NM 
Excluded realized loss, after-tax  (188)  (29) NM 
Early extinguishment of debt  42   -  NM 
Impairment of intangibles, after-tax  (603)  -  NM 
Income (loss) from continuing operations, after-tax  (579)  293  NM 
Loss from discontinued            
 operations, after-tax  -   (4)  100%
Net income (loss) $(579) $289  NM 



59

   For the Three
Months Ended
September 30,
     For the Nine
Months Ended
September 30,
    
   2008  2007  Change  2008  2007  Change 

Deposits

       

Retirement Solutions:

       

Annuities

  $2,948  $3,478  -15% $9,410  $9,577  -2%

Defined Contribution

   1,334   1,525  -13%  4,306   4,285  0%

Insurance Solutions – Life Insurance

   1,082   1,032  5%  3,276   3,219  2%

Investment Management

   3,988   5,745  -31%  12,217   17,929  -32%

Consolidating adjustments (1)

   (1,118)  (907) -23%  (3,514)  (2,896) -21%
                   

Total deposits

  $8,234  $10,873  -24% $25,695  $32,114  -20%
                   

Net Flows

       

Retirement Solutions:

       

Annuities

  $944  $1,291  -27% $3,714  $3,185  17%

Defined Contribution

   93   133  -30%  610   428  43%

Insurance Solutions – Life Insurance

   690   629  10%  2,018   1,863  8%

Investment Management

   (3,332)  90  NM   (5,970)  (423) NM 

Consolidating adjustments (1)

   169   200  -16%  79   547  -86%
                   

Total net flows

  $(1,436) $2,343  NM  $451  $5,600  -92%
                   

  For the Three    
  Months Ended    
  March 31,    
  2009  2008  Change 
Deposits         
Retirement Solutions: ��       
Annuities $2,197  $3,025   -27%
Defined Contribution  1,575   1,552   1%
Insurance Solutions - Life Insurance  1,058   1,132   -7%
Investment Management  5,130   4,724   9%
Consolidating adjustments (1)
  (842)  (1,587)  47%
Total deposits $9,118  $8,846   3%
             
Net Flows            
Retirement Solutions:            
Annuities $430  $1,181   -64%
Defined Contribution  659   281   135%
Insurance Solutions - Life Insurance  557   651   -14%
Investment Management  211   (1,165)  118%
Consolidating adjustments (1)
  57   (70)  181%
Total net flows $1,914  $878   118%

(1)

Consolidating adjustments represents the elimination of deposits and net flows on products affecting more than one segment.

   As of
September 30,
    
   2008  2007  Change 

Assets Under Management by Advisor

      

Investment Management:

      

External assets

  $57,662  $89,540  -36%

Inter-segment assets

   72,468   77,500  -6%

Lincoln UK

   6,585   9,192  -28%

Policy loans

   2,870   2,841  1%

Assets administered through unaffiliated third parties

   59,922   72,406  -17%
          

Total assets under management

  $199,507  $251,479  -21%
          

          
  As of March 31,    
  2009  2008  Change 
Assets Under Management by Advisor         
Investment Management:         
External assets $44,305  $69,346   -36%
Inter-segment assets  72,329   76,531   -5%
Lincoln UK (excluding policy loans)  5,497   9,442   -42%
Policy loans  2,908   2,855   2%
Assets administered through unaffiliated            
third parties  46,169   66,602   -31%
Total assets under management $171,208  $224,776   -24%


Comparison of the Three Months Ended September 30,March 31, 2009 to 2008 to 2007


Net income decreased due primarily to the following:

Higher write-downs for other-than-temporary impairments on our available-for-sale securities attributable primarily to unfavorable changes in credit quality and increases in credit spreads;

A $72 million unfavorable retrospective unlocking of DAC, VOBA, DSI, DFEL and the reserves for annuity and life insurance products with living benefit and death benefit guarantees in the third quarter of 2008 compared to a $9 million favorable retrospective unlocking in the third quarter of 2007;

·Impairment of goodwill of $600 million for Retirement Solutions – Individual Annuities due to continued market volatility, the corresponding increase in discount rates and lower annuity sales (see “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates – Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” above for additional information on our goodwill impairment); however, this non-cash impairment did not impact our liquidity and will not impact our future liquidity;

Higher benefits due to growth in business in force and higher death claims;

·  A $128 million unfavorable retrospective unlocking of DAC, VOBA, DSI, DFEL and the reserves for annuity and life insurance products with living benefit and death benefit guarantees in the first quarter of 2009 due primarily to the overall performance of our GLB derivative program (see “Realized Loss” below for more information on our GLB derivative performance) and the impact of lower equity market performance and higher lapses than our model projections assumed, partially offset by the favorable change in the fair value of GDB derivatives compared to a $5 million unfavorable retrospective unlocking in the first quarter of 2008 due primarily to lower investment income on alternative investments and prepayment and bond makewhole premiums, higher death claims and lapses than our model projections assumed and model adjustments on certain life insurance policies;


Unfavorable GDB derivative results driven by lower account values from unfavorable equity markets; and

Lower earnings from our variable annuity and mutual fund products as a result of declines in assets under management caused by decreases in the level of the equity markets.



·  Higher benefits due primarily to an increase in the change in GDB reserves from an increase in our expected GDB benefit payments attributable primarily to the decline in account values from the unfavorable equity markets and the increase in reserves for products with secondary guarantees from continued growth of business in force and higher mortality due to an increase in the average attained age of the in-force block;
·  The $64 million unfavorable impact of the rescission of the reinsurance agreement on certain disability income business sold to Swiss Re in the first quarter of 2009, as discussed in “Reinsurance” below;
·  The $43 million increase in write-downs for OTTI on our AFS securities attributable primarily to unfavorable changes in credit quality and increases in credit spreads;
·  Lower earnings from our variable annuity and mutual fund products as a result of declines in assets under management caused by decreases in the equity markets;
·  Unfavorable GLB net derivatives results, excluding unlocking, due primarily to intermittent market conditions that resulted in non-linear changes in reserves that our derivatives are not specifically designed to mitigate and losses from the strengthening of the dollar as compared to the euro, pound and yen, partially offset by favorable underlying fund performance relative to the hedge instruments used (see “Realized Loss” below for more information on our GLB derivative performance);
·  Unfavorable GDB net derivatives results, excluding unlocking, due primarily to intermittent market conditions that resulted in non-linear changes in reserves that our derivatives are not specifically designed to mitigate and losses from the strengthening of the dollar as compared to the euro, pound and yen; and
·  Lower net investment income attributable primarily to higher cash balances related to our short-term liquidity strategy during the recent volatile markets that has reduced our portfolio yield.
The causes of decreasesdecrease in net income were partially offset by:

Favorable GLB net derivatives results as gains attributable to the SFAS 157 non-performance risk adjustment attributable primarily to widening credit spreads more than offset the GLB hedge program ineffectiveness and unfavorable GDB results, both excluding the impact of unlocking, due to extreme market conditions;

51


Lower DAC and VOBA amortization, net of interest and excluding unlocking, due primarily to declines in variable account values from unfavorable equity markets during 2008;

A reduction in income tax expense related to favorable tax return true-ups and other items driven primarily by the separate account DRD in 2008, compared to unfavorable tax return true-ups and other items in 2007;

Higher net investment income driven by more favorable results from our surplus and alternative investments; and

Lower broker-dealer expenses driven by lower sales and lower merger-related expenses.

Comparison of the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2008 to 2007

In addition to the items discussed above, excluding the unfavorable retrospective unlocking, lower earnings on variable annuity and mutual fund products and higher net investment income items, net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2008, compared to the same period in 2007 was also affected by:

Impairment of goodwill and our FCC license intangible assets on our remaining radio clusters during the second quarter of 2008 attributable primarily to declines in advertising revenues for the entire radio market; however, these non-cash impairments will not impact our future liquidity;

A $73 million unfavorable retrospective unlocking of DAC, VOBA, DSI, DFEL and the reserves for annuity and life insurance products with living benefit and death benefit guarantees in 2008 compared to a $34 million favorable retrospective unlocking in 2007;

Growth in insurance fees driven by increases in life insurance in force as a result of new sales since September 30, 2007, and favorable persistency along with increases in variable account values from positive net flows and transfers from fixed account values, including the fixed portion of variable, partially offset by unfavorable equity markets and adjustments during the second quarter of 2007 resulting from adjusting account values for certain of our life insurance policies and modifying the accounting for certain of our life insurance policies;

following:


Lower net investment income driven by less favorable results from our alternative investments and prepayment and bond makewhole premiums;

·Lower DAC and VOBA amortization, net of interest and excluding unlocking, and lower asset-based expenses due primarily to declines in variable account values from unfavorable equity markets during the first quarter of 2009;

Lower incentive compensation accruals as a result of lower earnings and production performance relative to planned goals;

·A $42 million gain associated with the early extinguishment of long-term debt;

The first quarter of 2008 adjustment to our loss on disposition of our discontinued operations;

·A reduction in federal income tax expense due primarily to favorable tax return true-ups driven by the separate account DRD, foreign tax credit adjustments and other items;

A $16 million effect of the initial adoption of SFAS 157 on January 1, 2008; and

·Lower broker-dealer expenses due primarily to lower sales of non-proprietary products, lower merger expenses as many of our integration efforts related to our acquisition of Jefferson-Pilot have been completed, lower incentive compensation accruals as a result of lower earnings and production performance relative to planned goals and the implementation of several expense management controls and practices that are focused on expense reduction initiatives; and

A reduction in benefits in the first quarter of 2007 related to a purchase accounting adjustment to the opening balance sheet of Jefferson-Pilot.

·The $16 million impact of the initial adoption of SFAS 157 on January 1, 2008.


The foregoing items are discussed in further detail in results of operations by segment discussions and “Realized Loss” below.  In addition, for a discussion of the earnings impact of the equity markets, see “Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk – Equity Market Risk – Impact of Equity Market Sensitivity.”

52



61


RESULTS OF RETIREMENT SOLUTIONS


The Retirement Solutions business provides its products through two segments:  Annuities and Defined Contribution.  The Retirement Solutions – Annuities segment provides tax-deferred investment growth and lifetime income opportunities for its clients by offering individual fixed annuities, including indexed annuities, and variable annuities.  The Retirement Solutions – Defined Contribution segment provides employer-sponsored variable and fixed annuities and mutual-fund based programs in the 401(k), 403(b) and 457 marketplaces.

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

   For the Three
Months Ended
September 30,
     For the Nine
Months Ended
September 30,
    
   2008  2007  Change  2008  2007  Change 

Operating Revenues

           

Insurance premiums

  $52  $43  21% $103  $72  43%

Insurance fees

   302   324  -7%  927   916  1%

Net investment income

   424   422  0%  1,263   1,315  -4%

Operating realized gain

   52   1  NM   74   3  NM 

Other revenues and fees

   86   100  -14%  267   297  -10%
                   

Total operating revenues

   916   890  3%  2,634   2,603  1%
                   

Operating Expenses

           

Interest credited

   277   269  3%  816   806  1%

Benefits

   112   56  100%  199   108  84%

Underwriting, acquisition, insurance and other expenses

   331   341  -3%  1,003   1,009  -1%
                   

Total operating expenses

   720   666  8%  2,018   1,923  5%
                   

Income from operations before taxes

   196   224  -13%  616   680  -9%

Federal income taxes

   23   57  -60%  127   176  -28%
                   

Income from operations

  $173  $167  4% $489  $504  -3%
                   

53


Details underlying account values for Retirement Solutions (in millions) were as follows:

   As of September 30,    
   2008  2007  Change 

Account Values

    

Variable portion of variable annuities

  $63,462  $76,873  -17%

Fixed portion of variable annuities

   9,661   9,418  3%
          

Total variable annuities

   73,123   86,291  -15%
          

Fixed annuities, including indexed

   19,446   19,286  1%

Fixed annuities ceded to reinsurers

   (1,196)  (1,430) 16%
          

Total fixed annuities

   18,250   17,856  2%
          

Total annuities

   91,373   104,147  -12%

Mutual funds

   7,675   7,165  7%
          

Total annuities and mutual funds

  $99,048  $111,312  -11%
          

   For the Three
Months Ended
September 30,
     For the Nine
Months Ended
September 30,
    
   2008  2007  Change  2008  2007  Change 

Average daily variable account values

  $70,299  $73,989  -5% $72,298  $70,965  2%

Average fixed account values, including the fixed portion of variable

   28,495   28,263  1%  28,524   28,534  0%

The discussion of Retirement Solutions is provided in “Retirement Solutions – Annuities” and “Retirement Solutions – Defined Contribution” below.

54



Retirement Solutions – Annuities


Income from Operations


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

   For the Three
Months Ended
September 30,
  Change  For the Nine
Months Ended
September 30,
  Change 
   2008  2007   2008  2007  

Operating Revenues

           

Insurance premiums

  $52  $43  21% $103  $72  43%

Insurance fees

   246   259  -5%  749   724  3%

Net investment income

   243   249  -2%  736   780  -6%

Operating realized gain

   52   1  NM   74   3  NM 

Other revenues and fees(1)

   82   95  -14%  254   282  -10%
                   

Total operating revenues

   675   647  4%  1,916   1,861  3%
                   

Operating Expenses

           

Interest credited

   170   165  3%  496   492  1%

Benefits

   112   56  100%  199   108  84%

Underwriting, acquisition, insurance and other expenses

   254   256  -1%  774   772  0%
                   

Total operating expenses

   536   477  12%  1,469   1,372  7%
                   

Income from operations before taxes

   139   170  -18%  447   489  -9%

Federal income taxes

   8   44  -82%  82   123  -33%
                   

Income from operations

  $131  $126  4% $365  $366  0%
                   

  For the Three    
  Months Ended    
  March 31,    
  2009  2008  Change 
Operating Revenues         
Insurance premiums $27  $32   -16%
Insurance fees  181   246   -26%
Net investment income  240   248   -3%
Operating realized gain  90   10  NM 
Other revenues and fees (1)
  61   87   -30%
Total operating revenues  599   623   -4%
Operating Expenses            
Interest credited  161   163   -1%
Benefits  169   51   231%
Underwriting, acquisition, insurance and other            
 expenses  206   252   -18%
Total operating expenses  536   466   15%
Income from operations before taxes  63   157   -60%
Federal income tax expense (benefit)  (11)  39  NM 
Income from operations $74  $118   -37%


(1)

Other revenues and fees consists primarily of broker-dealer earnings that are subject to market volatility.


Comparison of the Three Months Ended September 30,March 31, 2009 to 2008 to 2007

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

Lower DAC and VOBA amortization, net of interest and excluding unlocking, due primarily to declines in variable account values from unfavorable equity markets during 2008 and lower incentive compensation accruals as a result of production performance relative to planned goals; and

A reduction in income tax expense related to favorable tax return true-ups and other items driven primarily by the separate account DRD in 2008, compared to unfavorable tax return true-ups and other items in 2007.

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

A $9 million unfavorable retrospective unlocking of DAC, VOBA, DSI, DFEL and reserves for annuity products with living benefit and death benefit guarantees in 2008 compared to a $4 million favorable retrospective unlocking in 2007;

A $7 million favorable prospective unlocking of DAC, VOBA, DSI, DFEL and reserves for annuity products with living benefit and death benefit guarantees (an $18 million favorable unlocking from assumption changes net of a $11 million unfavorable unlocking from model refinements) in 2007;

Lower insurance fees driven by lower average daily variable account values due to unfavorable equity markets, partially offset by an increase in surrender charges; and

A decline in surplus investment income, which was attributable to a decision to hold more cash, thereby lowering earnings, and declines in investment income on alternative investments and commercial mortgage loan prepayment and bond makewhole premiums.

55


Comparison of the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2008 to 2007

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

Lower investment income from fixed maturity securities, mortgage loans on real estate and other net investment income primarily attributable to the decline in the average fixed account values, including the fixed portion of variable, driven primarily by transfers to variable account values in excess of net flows;


A $6 million unfavorable retrospective unlocking of DAC, VOBA, DSI, DFEL and reserves for annuity products with living benefit and death benefit guarantees in 2008 compared to a $14 million favorable retrospective unlocking in 2007;

·Lower insurance fees driven primarily by lower average daily variable account values due to unfavorable equity markets, partially offset by increased higher average expense assessment rates due to continued growth in rider elections that have incremental charges associated with them;

The impact of prospective unlocking discussed above; and

·Higher benefits from an increase in the change in GDB reserves due to an increase in our expected GDB benefit payments attributable primarily to the decline in account values below guaranteed levels due to the unfavorable equity markets;

A less favorable net broker-dealer margin attributable to lower earnings from unfavorable equity markets.

·A $7 million unfavorable retrospective unlocking of DAC, VOBA, DSI, DFEL and reserves for our guarantee riders in the first quarter of 2009 due primarily to higher lapses, higher death benefit costs and the impact of lower equity market performance than our model projections assumed;

·Lower net investment income attributable primarily to higher cash balances related to our short-term liquidity strategy during the recent volatile markets that has reduced our portfolio yield by 54 basis points; and
·A less favorable net broker-dealer margin attributable primarily to lower sales of non-proprietary products and lower earnings due to the unfavorable equity markets.


62


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


·A reduction in federal income tax expense due primarily to favorable tax return true-ups driven by the separate account DRD, foreign tax credit adjustments and other items; and
·Lower underwriting, acquisition, insurance and other expenses, excluding unlocking, due primarily to lower DAC and VOBA amortization, net of interest, and lower asset-based expenses driven by the declines in our variable account values from unfavorable equity markets, lower incentive compensation accruals as a result of lower earnings and production performance relative to planned goals and the implementation of several expense management controls and practices that are focused on expense reduction initiatives.

Future Expectations

We expect lower earnings for this segment over the remainder of 2009 than we experienced in 2008, when excluding the impact of unlocking.  The expected decline is attributable to the following:

·Lower expense assessments and higher changes in reserves related to our GDB features, partially offset by lower asset-based expenses, due to the variable account value erosion from unfavorable equity market returns experienced during the fourth quarter of 2008 and continuing in the first quarter of 2009 resulting in lower account values;
·Lower investment income on the segment’s alternative investments due to the market conditions in both the equity and credit markets (see “Consolidated Investments – Alternative Investments” below for additional information on our alternative investments) and lower yields from the impact of holding higher levels of cash, which we plan to reduce as we progress through 2009, during the recent volatile markets as part of our short-term liquidity strategy; and
·Higher expenses attributable to our U.S. pension plans (see “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates – Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans” in our 2008 Form 10-K for additional information).

Although the segment’s results in the first quarter of 2009 were unfavorably impacted by declining account values and VOBA amortization,the economic environment, its overall net flows were relatively strong in a challenging economic environment.  New deposits are an important component of interestnet flows and excluding unlocking,key to our efforts to grow our business.  Although deposits do not significantly impact 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 withdrawals to the average account values.  The overall lapse rate for our annuity products was 10% for the first quarter of 2009 compared to 8% for the corresponding period in 2008.  Although lapse rates have risen due primarily to a decline in the emergence of gross profitschallenging economic environment, the overall increase is relatively moderate and lower incentive compensation accruals as a result of lower earnings and production performance relativestill falls within pricing parameters.

See Note 9 above for information on contractual guarantees to planned goals;

A reduction in income tax expensecontract holders related to favorable tax return true-upsGDB features.


We expect to manage the effect of changing market investment returns by managing interest rate spreads for near-term income from operations through a combination of crediting rate actions and other items driven primarily byportfolio management.  Our expectation includes the separate account DRDassumption that there are no significant changes in 2008, compared to unfavorable tax return true-ups and other items in 2007; and

An increase in insurance fees driven by higher average daily variable account values attributable to positive net flows in or out of our fixed accounts or other changes that may cause interest rate spreads to differ from our expectation.


Our fixed annuity business includes products with crediting rates that are reset on an annual basis and transfers from fixed accountare not subject to surrender charges.  Account values for these products, including the fixed portion of variable, partially offset by unfavorable equity markets.

The foregoing items are discussed further below following “Impact of Current Market Conditions.” For detail on the operating realized gain, see “Realized Loss” below.

Impact of Current Market Conditions

The October 2008 daily average of the S&P 500 Index® declined 17% from its valuewere $7.2 billion as of September 30, 2008, negatively impacting our variable account values. Consequently, we expect lower earningsMarch 31, 2009, with 63% already at their minimum guaranteed rates.  The average crediting rates for these products were approximately 35 basis points in excess of average minimum guaranteed rates.  Our ability to retain annual reset annuities will be subject to current competitive conditions at the fourth quarter as a result of October’s results, includingtime interest rates for these products reset.  For information on interest rate spreads and the following:

Lower variable account values, which will reduce expense assessment revenue, partially offset by lower asset-based expenses;

Higher unfavorable retrospective unlockinginterest rate risk due to lower equity market performance thanfalling interest rates, see “Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk – Interest Rate Risk on Fixed Insurance Business – Falling Rates” in our model projections assumed; and

2008 Form 10-K.

If equity markets do not materially improve over the remainder of the fourth quarter, we may unlock our amortization model assumption for equity market returns for DAC, VOBA, DSI, DFEL and reserves for annuity products with living and death benefit guarantees, resulting in a significant decrease to income from operations in the period. For more information, see “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates – DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL” above.


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 20072008 Form 10-K, as updated by “Partin Part II – Item 1A. Risk Factors” below, and “Forward-Looking Statements – Cautionary Language” in this report.

56


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.  For detail on the operating realized gain, see “Realized Gain (Loss)” below.

63


Insurance Fees


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

   For the Three
Months Ended
September 30,
  Change  For the Nine
Months Ended
September 30,
  Change 
   2008  2007   2008  2007  

Insurance Fees

       

Mortality, expense and other assessments

  $245  $258  -5% $748  $717  4%

Surrender charges

   13   10  30%  32   30  7%

DFEL:

       

Deferrals

   (13)  (12) -8%  (38)  (33) -15%

Amortization, net of interest:

       

Prospective unlocking – assumption changes

   (1)  (1) 0%  (1)  (1) 0%

Retrospective unlocking

   3   —    NM   3   (1) NM 

Other amortization, net of interest

   (1)  4  NM   5   12  -58%
                   

Total insurance fees

  $246  $259  -5% $749  $724  3%
                   

   As of September 30,  Change 
   2008  2007  

Account Values

    

Variable portion of variable annuities

  $49,982  $58,293  -14%

Fixed portion of variable annuities

   3,547   3,470  2%
          

Total variable annuities

   53,529   61,763  -13%
          

Fixed annuities, including indexed

   14,142   14,343  -1%

Fixed annuities ceded to reinsurers

   (1,196)  (1,430) 16%
          

Total fixed annuities

   12,946   12,913  0%
          

Total account values

  $66,475  $74,676  -11%
          

   For the Three
Months Ended
September 30,
  Change  For the Nine
Months Ended
September 30,
  Change 
   2008  2007   2008  2007  

Averages

           

Daily variable account values

  $54,717  $55,827  -2% $55,929  $52,922  6%
                   

Daily S&P 500 Index®

   1,255.42   1,489.60  -16%  1,325.03   1,470.65  -10%
                   

57



  For the Three    
  Months Ended    
  March 31,    
  2009  2008  Change 
Insurance Fees         
Mortality, expense and other assessments $181  $246   -26%
Surrender charges  9   10   -10%
DFEL:            
Deferrals  (11)  (12)  8%
Retrospective unlocking  7   (1) NM 
Amortization, net of interest, excluding            
unlocking  (5)  3  NM 
Total insurance fees $181  $246   -26%



  As of March 31,    
  2009  2008  Change 
Account Values         
Variable portion of variable annuities $39,301  $54,966   -28%
Fixed portion of variable annuities  3,699   3,469   7%
Total variable annuities  43,000   58,435   -26%
Fixed annuities, including indexed  14,154   14,232   -1%
Fixed annuities ceded to reinsurers  (1,094)  (1,306)  16%
Total fixed annuities  13,060   12,926   1%
Total account values $56,060  $71,361   -21%



  For the Three    
  Months Ended    
  March 31,    
  2009  2008  Change 
Averages         
Daily variable account values, excluding the fixed         
 portion of variable $39,035  $55,318   -29%
             
Daily S&P 500  810.65   1,349.16   -40%

64

   For the Three
Months Ended
September 30,
  Change  For the Nine
Months Ended
September 30,
  Change 
   2008  2007   2008  2007  

Net Flows

       

Variable portion of variable annuity deposits

  $1,672  $2,247  -26% $5,602  $6,543  -14%

Variable portion of variable annuity withdrawals

   (1,216)  (1,296) 6%  (3,704)  (3,722) 0%
                   

Variable portion of variable annuity net flows

   456   951  -52%  1,898   2,821  -33%
                   

Fixed portion of variable annuity deposits

   896   746  20%  2,631   1,943  35%

Fixed portion of variable annuity withdrawals

   (124)  (181) 31%  (358)  (486) 26%
                   

Fixed portion of variable annuity net flows

   772   565  37%  2,273   1,457  56%
                   

Total variable annuity deposits

   2,568   2,993  -14%  8,233   8,486  -3%

Total variable annuity withdrawals

   (1,340)  (1,477) 9%  (4,062)  (4,208) 3%
                   

Total variable annuity net flows

   1,228   1,516  -19%  4,171   4,278  -3%
                   

Fixed indexed annuity deposits

   215   199  8%  789   550  43%

Fixed indexed annuity withdrawals

   (114)  (59) -93%  (299)  (182) -64%
                   

Fixed indexed annuity net flows

   101   140  -28%  490   368  33%
                   

Other fixed annuity deposits

   165   286  -42%  388   541  -28%

Other fixed annuity withdrawals

   (550)  (651) 16%  (1,335)  (2,002) 33%
                   

Other fixed annuity net flows

   (385)  (365) -5%  (947)  (1,461) 35%
                   

Total annuity deposits

   2,948   3,478  -15%  9,410   9,577  -2%

Total annuity withdrawals

   (2,004)  (2,187) 8%  (5,696)  (6,392) 11%
                   

Total annuity net flows

  $944  $1,291  -27% $3,714  $3,185  17%
                   



          
  For the Three    
  Months Ended    
  March 31,    
  2009  2008  Change 
Net Flows on Account Values         
Variable portion of variable annuity deposits $834  $1,865   -55%
Variable portion of variable annuity withdrawals  (1,000)  (1,259)  21%
   Variable portion of variable annuity net flows  (166)  606  NM 
Fixed portion of variable annuity deposits  760   856   -11%
Fixed portion of variable annuity withdrawals  (156)  (124)  -26%
Fixed portion of variable annuity net flows  604   732   -17%
Total variable annuity deposits  1,594   2,721   -41%
Total variable annuity withdrawals  (1,156)  (1,383)  16%
Total variable annuity net flows  438   1,338   -67%
Fixed indexed annuity deposits  367   218   68%
Fixed indexed annuity withdrawals  (214)  (83) NM 
Fixed indexed annuity net flows  153   135   13%
Other fixed annuity deposits  236   86   174%
Other fixed annuity withdrawals  (397)  (378)  -5%
Other fixed annuity net flows  (161)  (292)  45%
Total annuity deposits  2,197   3,025   -27%
Total annuity withdrawals  (1,767)  (1,844)  4%
Total annuity net flows $430  $1,181   -64%



  For the Three    
  Months Ended    
  March 31,    
  2009  2008  Change 
Other Changes to Account Values         
Interest credited and change in market value on         
variable, excluding the fixed portion of variable $(2,016) $(4,758)  58%
Transfers from the fixed portion of variable            
annuity products to the variable portion of            
variable annuity products  558   680   -18%


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 the equity markets.  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.  Insurance fees include charges on both our variable and fixed annuity products, but exclude the attributed fees on our GLB products. Theproducts; see “Realized Gain (Loss) – Operating Realized Gain – GLB” below for discussion of these attributed fees are the portion of rider charges used in the calculation of the embedded derivative and represent net valuation premium plus a margin that a theoretical market participant would include for risk/profit, including a non-performance risk factor required by SFAS 157. Net valuation premium represents a level portion of rider fees required to fund potential claims for the living benefit. Operating realized gain is the attributed fees less the net valuation premium, net of the associated amortization expense of DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL.

New deposits are an important component of our effort to grow the annuity business. Although deposits do not significantly impact 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. One of the key assumptions in pricing a product is the account persistency, which we refer to as the lapse rate. The lapse rate compares the amount of withdrawals to the average account values.

Comparison of the Three Months Ended September 30, 2008 to 2007

The decrease in insurance fees was due primarily to lower expense assessments attributable to a decrease in average daily variable annuity account values partially offset by expense assessments based on guaranteed amounts, which, in some cases, are above actual account values. Additionally, an increase in surrender charges and continued growth in rider elections partially offset the overall decline in insurance fees.

Overall lapse rates for the three months ended September 30, 2008, were 9% compared to 10% for the same period in 2007.

The decrease in DFEL amortization, net of interest and excluding unlocking, was attributable primarily to declines in variable account values from unfavorable equity markets during 2008.

The three months ended September 30, 2008, had favorable retrospective unlocking due primarily to actual gross profits being lower than EGPs driven by lower maintenance and expense charges and lower equity market performance than our model projections assumed.

58



65

Comparison of the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2008 to 2007

The increase in insurance fees was due primarily to growth in average daily variable annuity account values. The increase in account values reflects cumulative positive net flows, which offset the reduction in variable account values from unfavorable equity markets during the first nine months of 2008. Additionally, an increase in surrender charges, continued growth in rider elections and an increase in the average expense assessment rates contributed to the overall increase in insurance fees.

Overall lapse rates for the nine months ended September 30, 2008, were 8% compared to 10% for the same period in 2007.

The nine months ended September 30, 2008, had favorable retrospective unlocking due primarily to lower maintenance and expense charges and lower equity market performance than our model projections assumed. The nine months ended September 30, 2007, had unfavorable retrospective unlocking due primarily to lower lapses and higher equity market performance than our model projections assumed.


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
Months Ended
September 30,
  Change  For the Nine
Months Ended
September 30,
  Change 
   2008  2007   2008  2007  

Net Investment Income

       

Fixed maturity securities, mortgage loans on real estate and other, net of investment expenses

  $222  $224  -1% $675  $691  -2%

Commercial mortgage loan prepayment and bond makewhole premiums (1)

   1   2  -50%  2   7  -71%

Alternative investments (2)

   —     (1) 100%  (1)  1  NM 

Surplus investments(3)

   19   24  -21%  57   78  -27%

Broker-dealer

   1   —    NM   3   3  0%
                   

Total net investment income

  $243  $249  -2% $736  $780  -6%
                   

Interest Credited

       

Amount provided to contract holders

  $187  $186  1% $550  $555  -1%

Opening balance sheet adjustment(4)

   —     —    NM   —     (4) 100%

DSI deferrals

   (25)  (30) 17%  (76)  (81) 6%
                   

Interest credited before DSI amortization

   162   156  4%  474   470  1%

DSI amortization:

       

Prospective unlocking – assumption changes

   —     (2) 100%  —     (2) 100%

Prospective unlocking – model refinements

   —     1  -100%  —     1  -100%

Retrospective unlocking

   3   —    NM   2   (2) 200%

Other amortization

   5   10  -50%  20   25  -20%
                   

Total interest credited

  $170  $165  3% $496  $492  1%
                   



  For the Three    
  Months Ended    
  March 31,    
  2009  2008  Change 
Net Investment Income         
Fixed maturity securities, mortgage loans on real         
estate and other, net of investment expenses $224  $228   -2%
Commercial mortgage loan prepayment and bond
makewhole premiums (1)
  -   1   -100%
Alternative investments (2)
  (1)  -  NM 
Surplus investments (3)
  17   18   -6%
Broker-dealer  -   1   -100%
Total net investment income $240  $248   -3%
             
Interest Credited            
Amount provided to contract holders $172  $183   -6%
DSI deferrals  (16)  (26)  38%
Interest credited before DSI amortization  156   157   -1%
DSI amortization:            
Retrospective unlocking  6   (1) NM 
Amortization, excluding unlocking  (1)  7  NM 
Total interest credited $161  $163   -1%

(1)

See “Consolidated Investments – Commercial Mortgage Loan Prepayment and Bond Makewhole 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.

(4)

Net adjustment to the opening balance sheet of Jefferson-Pilot finalized in 2007.

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   For the Three
Months Ended
September 30,
  Basis
Point
Change
  For the Nine
Months Ended
September 30,
  Basis
Point
Change
 
   2008  2007   2008  2007  

Interest Rate Spread

       

Fixed maturity securities, mortgage loans on real estate and other, net of investment expenses

  5.82% 5.82% —    5.85% 5.83% 2 

Commercial mortgage loan prepayment and bond make whole premiums

  0.02% 0.05% (3) 0.02% 0.06% (4)

Alternative investments

  0.00% -0.03% 3  -0.01% 0.01% (2)
               

Net investment income yield on reserves

  5.84% 5.84% —    5.86% 5.90% (4)

Interest rate credited to contract holders

  3.95% 3.77% 18  3.83% 3.71% 12 
               

Interest rate spread

  1.89% 2.07% (18) 2.03% 2.19% (16)
      ��        



  For the Three    
  Months Ended  Basis 
  March 31,  Point 
  2009  2008  Change 
Interest Rate Spread         
Fixed maturity securities, mortgage loans on real         
estate and other, net of investment expenses  5.28%  5.85%  (57)
Commercial mortgage loan prepayment and            
bond make whole premiums  0.00%  0.03%  (3)
Alternative investments  -0.01%  -0.01%  - 
Net investment income yield on reserves  5.27%  5.87%  (60)
Interest rate credited to contract holders  3.84%  3.81%  3 
Interest rate spread  1.43%  2.06%  (63)

Note:  The yields, rates and spreads above are calculated using whole dollars instead of dollars rounded to millions.

   For the Three
Months Ended
September 30,
  Change  For the Nine
Months Ended
September 30,
  Change 
   2008  2007   2008  2007  

Average invested assets on reserves

  $15,615  $15,749  -1% $15,691  $16,109  -3%

Average fixed account values, including the fixed portion of variable

   17,174   17,358  -1%  17,291   17,590  -2%

Net flows for fixed annuities, including the fixed portion of variable

   488   340  44%  1,816   364  NM 


66



  For the Three    
  Months Ended    
  March 31,    
  2009  2008  Change 
Other Information         
Average invested assets on reserves $16,915  $15,715   8%
Average fixed account values, including the            
fixed portion of variable  17,152   17,315   -1%
Transfers from the fixed portion of variable            
annuity products to the variable portion of            
variable annuity products  (558)  (680)  18%
Net flows for fixed annuities, including the            
fixed portion of variable  596   575   4%

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.  The interest rate spread for this segment represents the excess of the yield on invested assets on reserves over the average crediting rate.  The yield on invested assets on reserves is calculated as net investment income, excluding the amounts attributable to our surplus investments, reverse repurchase agreement interest expense, inter-segment cash management accountprogram interest expense and interest on collateral divided by average invested assets on reserves.  The average invested assets on reserves is calculated based upon total invested assets, excluding hedge derivatives and collateral.  The average crediting rate is calculated as interest credited before DSI amortization, plus the immediate annuity reserve change (included within benefits) divided by the average fixed account values, including the fixed portion of variable annuity contracts, net of coinsured account values.  Fixed account values reinsured under modified coinsurance agreements are included in account values for this calculation.  Changes in commercial mortgage loan prepayments and bond makewhole 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 reserves on immediate annuity account values driven by premiums, death benefits paid and changes in reserves on GDBs.

The changes in reserves attributable to the segment’s benefit ratio unlocking of its SOP 03-1 reserves for GDB riders is offset in operating realized gain.  See “Realized Gain (Loss) – Operating Realized Gain – GDB” below for additional information.

67


Underwriting, Acquisition, Insurance and Other Expenses

Details underlying underwriting, acquisition, insurance and other expenses (in millions) were as follows:

  For the Three    
  Months Ended    
  March 31,    
  2009  2008  Change 
Underwriting, Acquisition, Insurance and         
Other Expenses         
Total expenses incurred, excluding         
broker-dealer $202  $254   -20%
DAC and VOBA deferrals  (128)  (173)  26%
Total pre-broker-dealer expenses incurred,            
excluding amortization, net of interest  74   81   -9%
DAC and VOBA amortization, net of interest:            
Retrospective unlocking  63   1  NM 
Amortization, net of interest, excluding            
unlocking  4   79   -95%
Broker-dealer expenses incurred  65   91   -29%
Total underwriting, acquisition, insurance            
and other expenses $206  $252   -18%
             
DAC and VOBA Deferrals            
As a percentage of sales/deposits  5.8%  5.7%    

Commissions and other costs that vary with and are related primarily to the production of new business are deferred to the extent recoverable and are amortized over the lives of the contracts in relation to estimated gross profits (“EGPs”).  We have certain trail commissions that are based upon account values that 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 fluctuations in other revenues and fees.


68


Retirement Solutions Defined Contribution

Income from Operations
Details underlying the results for Retirement Solutions – Defined Contribution (in millions) were as follows:
  For the Three    
  Months Ended    
  March 31,    
  2009  2008  Change 
Operating Revenues         
Insurance fees $41  $61   -33%
Net investment income  175   172   2%
Operating realized gain  7   -  NM 
Other revenues and fees  2   5   -60%
Total operating revenues  225   238   -5%
Operating Expenses            
Interest credited  111   106   5%
Benefits  6   -  NM 
Underwriting, acquisition, insurance and other            
expenses  71   77   -8%
Total operating expenses  188   183   3%
Income from operations before taxes  37   55   -33%
Federal income tax expense  7   15   -53%
Income from operations $30  $40   -25%

Comparison of the Three Months Ended March 31, 2009 to 2008
Income from operations for this segment decreased due primarily to the following:

·Lower insurance fees driven primarily by lower average daily variable account values resulting from the unfavorable equity markets and an overall shift in business mix toward products with lower expense assessment rates;
·Higher benefits from an increase in the change in GDB reserves due to an increase in our expected GDB benefit payments attributable primarily to the decline in account values due to the unfavorable equity markets; and
·Higher interest credited driven primarily by higher average fixed account values, including the fixed portion of variable annuity contracts, driven by transfers from variable to fixed.

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

·A reduction in federal income tax expense due primarily to favorable tax return true-ups driven by the separate account DRD, foreign tax credit adjustments and other items;
·Lower underwriting, acquisition, insurance and other expenses, excluding unlocking, due primarily to lower DAC and VOBA amortization, net of interest, driven by the declines in our variable account values from unfavorable equity markets, and the implementation of several expense management controls and practices that are focused on expense reduction initiatives; and
·Higher net investment income driven primarily by higher average fixed account values, including the fixed portion of variable annuity contracts, driven by transfers from variable to fixed, partially offset by our liquidity strategy of maintaining higher cash balances during the recent volatile markets that has reduced our portfolio yield by 16 basis points.


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Future Expectations

We expect lower earnings for this segment in 2009 than we experienced in 2008, when excluding the impacts of unlocking.  The expected decline is attributable to the following:

·Lower expense assessments and higher changes in reserves related to our GDB features, partially offset by lower asset-based expenses, due to the variable account value erosion from unfavorable equity market returns experienced during the fourth quarter of 2008 and continuing in the first quarter of 2009 resulting in lower account values;
·Lower investment income on the segment’s alternative investments due to the market conditions in both the equity and credit markets (see “Consolidated Investments – Alternative Investments” below for additional information on our alternative investments) and lower yields from the impact of holding higher levels of cash, which we plan to reduce as we progress through 2009, during the recent volatile markets as part of our short-term liquidity strategy;
·Lower insurance fees driven by a continuing overall shift in business mix toward products with lower expense assessments and lower margins; and
·Higher expenses attributable to our U.S. pension plans (see “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates – Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans” in our 2008 Form 10-K for additional information).

Although the segment’s results in the first quarter of 2009 were unfavorably impacted by declining account values and the economic environment, its overall net flows were strong in a challenging economic environment.

New deposits are an important component of net flows and key to our efforts to grow our business.  Although deposits do not significantly impact 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 withdrawals to the average account values.  The overall lapse rate for our annuity products was 12% for the first quarter of 2009 compared to 16% for the corresponding period in 2008.

Due to an expected overall shift in business mix towards products with lower expense assessment rates, a substantial increase in new deposit production will be necessary to maintain earnings at current levels.

See Note 9 above for information on contractual guarantees to contract holders related to GDB features.

We expect to manage the effect of changing market investment returns by managing interest rate spreads for near-term income from operations through a combination of crediting rate actions and portfolio management.  Our expectation includes the assumption that there are no significant changes in net flows in or out of our fixed accounts or other changes that may cause interest rate spreads to differ from our expectation.  For information on interest rate spreads and the interest rate risk due to falling interest rates, see “Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.”

Comparison of the Three Months Ended September 30, 2008 to 2007

The decrease in net investment income related primarily to declines in surplus investment income, which was attributable to a decision to hold more cash, thereby lowering earnings, and declines in investment income on alternative investments and commercial mortgage loan prepayment and bond makewhole premiums.

The three months ended September 30, 2008, had unfavorable retrospective unlocking due primarily to lower maintenance and expense charges and lower equity market performance than our model projections assumed.

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Comparison of the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2008 to 2007

The decrease in investment income from fixed maturity securities, mortgage loans on real estate and other net investment income was primarily attributable to the decline in the average fixed account values, including the fixed portion of variable, driven primarily by transfers to variable account values in excess of net flows. The decrease in investment income on surplus and alternative investments was primarily attributable to less favorable results from our limited partnership investments.

The nine months ended September 30, 2008, had unfavorable retrospective unlocking due primarily to lower maintenance and expense charges and lower equity market performance than our model projections assumed. The nine months ended September 30, 2007, had favorable retrospective unlocking due primarily to lower lapses and higher equity market performance than our model projections assumed.

Our fixed annuity business includes products with crediting rates that are reset on an annual basis and are not subject to surrender charges. Account values for these products were $5.0 billion as of September 30, 2008, with 41% already at their minimum guaranteed rates. The average crediting rates for these products were approximately 47 basis points in excess of average minimum guaranteed rates. Our ability to retain annual reset annuities will be subject to current competitive conditions at the time interest rates for these products reset. In addition to the separate items identified in the interest rate spread table above, the other component of the interest rate credited to contract holders decreased due primarily to a roll-off of multi-year guarantee and annual reset annuities with higher interest rates.

Benefits

Benefits for this segment include changes in reserves on immediate annuity account values driven by premiums, death benefits paid and changes in reserves on guaranteed death benefits.

Comparison of the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2008 to 2007

The increase in benefits was attributable to an increase in reserves for single premium immediate annuities, which resulted in a corresponding increase in insurance premiums. Additionally, benefits increased due to an unfavorable variance in the SOP 03-1 benefit ratio unlocking, which was offset by changes in the value of the derivative included in operating realized gain.

On August 15, 2007, we entered into a reinsurance arrangement with Swiss Re coveringLincoln SmartSecurity® Advantage, our GWB rider related to our variable annuity products. For additional information about this agreement, refer to “Reinsurance” in this report.

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Underwriting, Acquisition, Insurance and Other Expenses

Details underlying underwriting, acquisition, insurance and other expenses (in millions) were as follows:

   For the Three
Months Ended
September 30,
  Change  For the Nine
Months Ended
September 30,
  Change 
   2008  2007   2008  2007  

Underwriting, Acquisition, Insurance and Other Expenses

       

Commissions

  $161  $188  -14% $513  $520  -1%

General and administrative expenses

   83   82  1%  243   231  5%

Taxes, licenses and fees

   5   5  0%  21   17  24%
                   

Total expenses incurred, excluding broker-dealer

   249   275  -9%  777   768  1%

DAC and VOBA deferrals

   (170)  (196) 13%  (534)  (543) 2%
                   

Total pre-broker-dealer expenses incurred, excluding amortization, net of interest

   79   79  0%  243   225  8%

DAC and VOBA amortization, net of interest:

       

Prospective unlocking – assumption changes

   (2)  (28) 93%  (2)  (28) 93%

Prospective unlocking – model refinements

   —     16  -100%  —     16  -100%

Retrospective unlocking

   35   (7) NM   35   (21) 267%

Other amortization, net of interest

   63   103  -39%  241   304  -21%

Broker-dealer expenses incurred:

       

Commissions

   60   72  -17%  191   212  -10%

General and administrative expenses

   18   20  -10%  62   60  3%

Taxes, licenses and fees

   1   1  0%  4   4  0%
                   

Total underwriting, acquisition, insurance and other expenses

  $254  $256  -1% $774  $772  0%
                   

DAC and VOBA deferrals

       

As a percentage of sales/deposits

   5.8%  5.6%   5.7%  5.7% 

Commissions and other costs that vary with and are related primarily to the production of new business are deferred to the extent recoverable and are amortized over the lives of the contracts in relation to EGPs. We have certain trail commissions that are based upon account values that are expensed as incurred rather than being deferred and amortized.

Broker-dealer expenses that vary with and are related to sales are expensed as incurred and not deferred and amortized. These expenses are more than offset by increases to other income.

Comparison of the Three Months Ended September 30, 2008 to 2007

The decrease in expenses incurred, excluding broker-dealer, was attributable primarily to the decrease in commissions from lower sales and lower incentive compensation accruals as a result of production performance relative to planned goals.

The decrease in DAC and VOBA amortization, net of interest and excluding unlocking, was attributable primarily to lower emergence of gross profits.

The decrease in broker-dealer commissions was due to lower sales of non-proprietary products.

The third quarter of 2008 had favorable prospective unlocking – assumption changes related primarily to maintenance expenses and fee margins partially offset by lapses. The third quarter of 2007 had favorable prospective unlocking – assumption changes related primarily to favorable interest rates, maintenance expense and account retention assumptions partially offset by unfavorable asset-based commission assumptions.

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The third quarter of 2008 had unfavorable retrospective unlocking due primarily to lower maintenance and expense charges and lower equity market performance than our model projections assumed. The third quarter of 2007 had favorable retrospective unlocking due primarily to lower lapses and higher equity market performance than our model projections assumed.

Comparison of the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2008 to 2007

The increase in expenses incurred, excluding broker-dealer, was attributable primarily to increased distribution expenses and Federal Insurance Contributions Act taxes associated with the expansion of the wholesaling force in LFD, partially offset by lower incentive compensation accruals as a result of lower earnings and production performance relative to planned goals.

The decrease in DAC and VOBA amortization, net of interest and excluding unlocking, was attributable primarily to declines in variable account values from unfavorable equity markets during 2008.

The decrease in broker-dealer commissions was due to lower sales of non-proprietary products.

See the discussion above regarding prospective unlocking in 2008 and 2007.

The first nine months of 2008 had unfavorable retrospective unlocking due primarily to lower maintenance and expense charges and lower equity market performance than our model projections assumed. The first nine months of 2007 had favorable retrospective unlocking due primarily to lower lapses and higher equity market performance than our model projections assumed.

Federal Income Taxes

Comparison of the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2008 to 2007

The effective federal income tax rate decreased to 6% and 18% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, from 26% and 25% for the same periods in 2007. Federal income tax expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, included a reduction of $21 million related to favorable tax return true-ups and other items driven primarily by the separate account DRD in 2008, compared to a $2 million unfavorable tax return true-up and other items for the same periods in 2007. For additional information on our effective tax rates, see Note 4 to our consolidated financial statements.

63


Retirement SolutionsDefined Contribution

Income from Operations

Details underlying the results for Retirement Solutions – Defined Contribution (in millions) were as follows:

   For the Three
Months Ended
September 30,
  Change  For the Nine
Months Ended
September 30,
  Change 
   2008  2007   2008  2007  

Operating Revenues

           

Insurance fees

  $56  $65  -14% $178  $192  -7%

Net investment income

   181   173  5%  527   535  -1%

Other revenues and fees

   4   5  -20%  13   15  -13%
                   

Total operating revenues

   241   243  -1%  718   742  -3%
                   

Operating Expenses

           

Interest credited

   107   104  3%  320   314  2%

Underwriting, acquisition, insurance and other expenses

   77   85  -9%  229   237  -3%
                   

Total operating expenses

   184   189  -3%  549   551  0%
                   

Income from operations before taxes

   57   54  6%  169   191  -12%

Federal income taxes

   15   13  15%  45   53  -15%
                   

Income from operations

  $42  $41  2% $124  $138  -10%
                   

Comparison of the Three Months Ended September 30, 2008 to 2007

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

Higher net investment income attributable primarily to the growth in the average fixed account values, including the fixed portion of variable, driven by transfers from variable to fixed, and more favorable results from commercial mortgage loan prepayments and bond makewhole premiums and investment income on alternative investments;


Lower underwriting, acquisition, insurance and other expenses due in part to the implementation of several expense management controls and practices that are focused on aggressively managing expenses and lower incentive compensation accruals as a result of production performance relative to planned goals; and

A $2 million unfavorable prospective unlocking from assumption changes of DAC and VOBA in 2007.

The increase in income from operations was partially offset by lower insurance fees driven by lower average daily account values due to unfavorable equity markets. In addition, the third quarters of 2008 and 2007 had $2 million unfavorable retrospective unlocking of DAC, VOBA and DSI.

Comparison of the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2008 to 2007

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

Lower insurance fees driven by lower average daily account values due to unfavorable equity markets; and

Lower net investment income attributable to less favorable investment income on surplus and alternative investments.

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

Lower underwriting, acquisition, insurance and other expenses due in part to the implementation of several expense management controls and practices that are focused on aggressively managing expenses and lower incentive compensation accruals as a result of lower earnings and production performance relative to planned goals; and

The impact of prospective unlocking discussed above.

In addition, the first nine months of 2008 and 2007 had $3 million unfavorable retrospective unlocking of DAC, VOBA and DSI.

The foregoing items are discussed further below following “Impact of Current Market Conditions.”

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Impact of Current Market Conditions

The October 2008 daily average of the S&P 500 Index® declined 17% from its value as of September 30, 2008, negatively impacting our variable account values. Consequently, we expect lower earnings in the fourth quarter as a result of October’s results, including the following:

Lower variable account values, which will reduce expense assessment revenue, partially offset by lower asset-based expenses;

Higher unfavorable retrospective unlocking due to lower equity market performance than our model projections assumed; and

If equity markets do not materially improve over the remainder of the fourth quarter, we may unlock our amortization model assumption for equity market returns for DAC, VOBA and DSI, resulting in a significant increase to amortization in the period. For more information, see “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates – DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL” above.

Due to a change in business mix, a substantial increase in new deposit production in other products is necessary to maintain earnings at current levels.

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 20072008 Form 10-K, as updated byin “Part II – Item 1A. Risk Factors” below, and “Forward-Looking Statements – Cautionary Language” in this report.


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.  For detail on the operating realized gain, see “Realized Gain (Loss)” below.


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Insurance Fees


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

   For the Three
Months Ended
September 30,
  Change  For the Nine
Months Ended
September 30,
  Change 
   2008  2007   2008  2007  

Insurance Fees

           

Annuity expense assessments

  $50  $59  -15% $159  $174  -9%

Mutual fund fees

   5   4  25%  14   12  17%
                   

Total expense assessments

   55   63  -13%  173   186  -7%

Surrender charges

   1   2  -50%  5   6  -17%
                   

Total insurance fees

  $56  $65  -14% $178  $192  -7%
                   

Average Daily Variable Account Values

  $15,582  $18,162  -14% $16,369  $18,043  -9%
                   

Average Daily S&P 500 Index®

   1,255.42   1,489.60  -16%  1,325.03   1,470.65  -10%
                   

   As of September 30,  Change 
   2008  2007  

Account Values

      

Variable portion of variable annuities

  $13,480  $18,580  -27%

Fixed portion of variable annuities

   6,114   5,948  3%
          

Total variable annuities

   19,594   24,528  -20%
          

Fixed annuities

   5,304   4,943  7%
          

Total annuities

   24,898   29,471  -16%

Mutual funds

   7,675   7,165  7%
          

Total annuities and mutual funds

  $32,573  $36,636  -11%
          

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   For the Three
Months Ended
September 30,
  Change  For the Nine
Months Ended
September 30,
  Change 
   2008  2007   2008  2007  

Account Value Roll Forward – By Product

       

Total Micro – Small Segment:

       

Balance at beginning-of-period

  $7,286  $8,012  -9% $7,798  $7,535  3%

Gross deposits

   389   391  -1%  1,276   1,229  4%

Withdrawals and deaths

   (465)  (481) 3%  (1,429)  (1,366) -5%
                   

Net flows

   (76)  (90) 16%  (153)  (137) -12%

Transfers between fixed and variable accounts

   —     —    NM   (12)  (5) NM 

Inter-product transfer(1)

   (653)  —    NM   (653)  —    NM 

Investment increase and change in market value

   (767)  155  NM   (1,190)  684  NM 
                   

Balance at end-of-period

  $5,790  $8,077  -28% $5,790  $8,077  -28%
                   

Total Mid – Large Segment:

       

Balance at beginning-of-period

  $9,985  $8,555  17% $9,463  $6,975  36%

Gross deposits

   687   861  -20%  2,203   2,162  2%

Withdrawals and deaths

   (222)  (263) 16%  (679)  (512) -33%
                   

Net flows

   465   598  -22%  1,524   1,650  -8%

Transfers between fixed and variable accounts

   (4)  (51) 92%  (44)  (14) NM 

Inter-product transfer(1)

   653   —    NM   653   —    NM 

Investment increase and change in market value

   (789)  130  NM   (1,286)  621  NM 
                   

Balance at end-of-period

  $10,310  $9,232  12% $10,310  $9,232  12%
                   

TotalMulti-Fund® and Other Variable Annuities:

       

Balance at beginning-of-period

  $17,771  $19,396  -8% $18,797  $19,146  -2%

Gross deposits

   258   273  -5%  827   894  -7%

Withdrawals and deaths

   (554)  (648) 15%  (1,588)  (1,979) 20%
                   

Net flows

   (296)  (375) 21%  (761)  (1,085) 30%

Transfers between fixed and variable accounts

   (1)  (1) —     (1)  (5) 80%

Inter-segment transfer

   —     —    NM   295   —    NM 

Investment increase and change in market value

   (1,001)  307  NM   (1,857)  1,271  NM 
                   

Balance at end-of-period

  $16,473  $19,327  -15% $16,473  $19,327  -15%
                   

Total Annuities and Mutual Funds:

       

Balance at beginning-of-period

  $35,042  $35,963  -3% $36,058  $33,656  7%

Gross deposits

   1,334   1,525  -13%  4,306   4,285  0%

Withdrawals and deaths

   (1,241)  (1,392) 11%  (3,696)  (3,857) 4%
                   

Net flows

   93   133  -30%  610   428  43%

Transfers between fixed and variable accounts

   (5)  (52) 90%  (57)  (24) NM 

Inter-segment transfer

   —     —    NM   295   —    NM 

Investment increase and change in market value

   (2,557)  592  NM   (4,333)  2,576  NM 
                   

Balance at end-of-period(2)

  $32,573  $36,636  -11% $32,573  $36,636  -11%
                   


  For the Three    
  Months Ended    
  March 31,    
  2009  2008  Change 
Insurance Fees         
Annuity expense assessments $35  $55   -36%
Mutual fund fees  5   4   25%
Total expense assessments  40   59   -32%
Surrender charges  1   2   -50%
Total insurance fees $41  $61   -33%



  For the Three    
  Months Ended    
  March 31,    
  2009  2008  Change 
Averages         
Daily variable account values, excluding the fixed         
 portion of variable $9,846  $16,640   -41%
             
Daily S&P 500  810.65   1,349.16   -40%



  As of March 31,    
  2009  2008  Change 
Account Values         
Variable portion of variable annuities $9,721  $16,292   -40%
Fixed portion of variable annuities  6,150   6,051   2%
Total variable annuities  15,871   22,343   -29%
Fixed annuities  5,774   5,166   12%
Total annuities  21,645   27,509   -21%
Mutual funds  6,848   7,254   -6%
Total annuities and mutual funds $28,493  $34,763   -18%




  For the Three    
  Months Ended    
  March 31,    
  2009  2008  Change 
Account Value Roll Forward – By Product         
Total Micro – Small Segment (1):
         
Balance at beginning-of-period $4,888  $7,798   -37%
Gross deposits  306   499   -39%
Withdrawals and deaths  (266)  (570)  53%
Net flows  40   (71)  156%
Transfers between fixed and variable accounts  (4)  (12)  67%
Investment increase and change in market value  (214)  (497)  57%
Balance at end-of-period $4,710  $7,218   -35%
             
Total Mid – Large Segment (1):
            
Balance at beginning-of-period $9,540  $9,463   1%
Gross deposits  1,026   769   33%
Withdrawals and deaths  (233)  (159)  -47%
Net flows  793   610   30%
Transfers between fixed and variable accounts  (13)  (29)  55%
Investment increase and change in market value  (400)  (423)  5%
Balance at end-of-period $9,920  $9,621   3%
             
Total Multi-Fund® and Other Variable Annuities:
Balance at beginning-of-period $14,450  $18,797   -23%
Gross deposits  243   284   -14%
Withdrawals and deaths  (417)  (542)  23%
Net flows  (174)  (258)  33%
Transfers between fixed and variable accounts  (1)  (1)  - 
Inter-segment transfer  -   294   -100%
Investment increase and change in market value  (412)  (908)  55%
Balance at end-of-period $13,863  $17,924   -23%
             
Total Annuities and Mutual Funds:            
Balance at beginning-of-period $28,878  $36,058   -20%
Gross deposits  1,575   1,552   1%
Withdrawals and deaths  (916)  (1,271)  28%
Net flows  659   281   135%
Transfers between fixed and variable accounts  (18)  (42)  57%
Inter-segment transfer  -   294   -100%
Investment increase and change in market value  (1,026)  (1,828)  44%
Balance at end-of-period (2)
 $28,493  $34,763   -18%

(1)

TheOn September 30, 2008, $653 million relating to the Lincoln Employee 401(k) Plan transferred from LINCOLN DIRECTORSM toLincoln Alliance® effective September 30, 2008.to LINCOLN ALLIANCE

®.

(2)

Includes mutual fund account values.  Mutual funds are not included in the separate accounts reported on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Sheets as we do not have any ownership interest in them.

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71

   For the Three
Months Ended
September 30,
  Change  For the Nine
Months Ended
September 30,
  Change 
   2008  2007   2008  2007  

Net Flows

       

Variable portion of variable annuity deposits

  $532  $564  -6% $1,767  $1,795  -2%

Variable portion of variable annuity withdrawals

   (723)  (810) 11%  (2,202)  (2,370) 7%
                   

Variable portion of variable annuity net flows

   (191)  (246) 22%  (435)  (575) 24%
                   

Fixed portion of variable annuity deposits

   94   84  12%  279   272  3%

Fixed portion of variable annuity withdrawals

   (228)  (235) 3%  (620)  (704) 12%
                   

Fixed portion of variable annuity net flows

   (134)  (151) 11%  (341)  (432) 21%
                   

Total variable annuity deposits

   626   648  -3%  2,046   2,067  -1%

Total variable annuity withdrawals

   (951)  (1,045) 9%  (2,822)  (3,074) 8%
                   

Total variable annuity net flows

   (325)  (397) 18%  (776)  (1,007) 23%
                   

Fixed annuity deposits

   196   221  -11%  623   565  10%

Fixed annuity withdrawals

   (183)  (215) 15%  (541)  (520) -4%
                   

Fixed annuity net flows

   13   6  117%  82   45  82%
                   

Total annuity deposits

   822   869  -5%  2,669   2,632  1%

Total annuity withdrawals

   (1,134)  (1,260) 10%  (3,363)  (3,594) 6%
                   

Total annuity net flows

   (312)  (391) 20%  (694)  (962) 28%
                   

Mutual fund deposits

   512   656  -22%  1,637   1,653  -1%

Mutual fund withdrawals

   (107)  (132) 19%  (333)  (263) -27%
                   

Mutual fund net flows

   405   524  -23%  1,304   1,390  -6%
                   

Total annuity and mutual fund deposits

   1,334   1,525  -13%  4,306   4,285  0%

Total annuity and mutual fund withdrawals

   (1,241)  (1,392) 11%  (3,696)  (3,857) 4%
                   

Total annuity and mutual fund net flows

  $93  $133  -30% $610  $428  43%
                   


  For the Three    
  Months Ended    
  March 31,    
  2009  2008  Change 
Net Flows on Account Values         
Variable portion of variable annuity deposits $425  $674   -37%
Variable portion of variable annuity withdrawals  (419)  (833)  50%
Variable portion of variable annuity net flows  6   (159)  104%
Fixed portion of variable annuity deposits  99   93   6%
Fixed portion of variable annuity withdrawals  (202)  (210)  4%
Fixed portion of variable annuity net flows  (103)  (117)  12%
Total variable annuity deposits  524   767   -32%
Total variable annuity withdrawals  (621)  (1,043)  40%
Total variable annuity net flows  (97)  (276)  65%
Fixed annuity deposits  317   240   32%
Fixed annuity withdrawals  (186)  (160)  -16%
Fixed annuity net flows  131   80   64%
Total annuity deposits  841   1,007   -16%
Total annuity withdrawals  (807)  (1,203)  33%
Total annuity net flows  34   (196)  117%
Mutual fund deposits  734   545   35%
Mutual fund withdrawals  (109)  (68)  -60%
Mutual fund net flows  625   477   31%
Total annuity and mutual fund deposits  1,575   1,552   1%
Total annuity and mutual fund withdrawals  (916)  (1,271)  28%
Total annuity and mutual fund net flows $659  $281   135%

  For the Three    
  Months Ended    
  March 31,    
  2009  2008  Change 
Other Changes to Account Values         
Interest credited and change in market value on         
variable, excluding the fixed portion of variable $(706) $(1,488)  53%
Transfers from the fixed portion of variable            
annuity products to the variable portion of            
variable annuity products  (166)  (143)  -16%
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.

New deposits are an important component of our effort to grow our business. Although deposits do not significantly impact 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. One of the key assumptions in pricing a product is the account persistency, which we refer to as the lapse rate. The lapse rate compares the amount of withdrawals to the average account values.

We serve the mid-large case 401(k) and 403(b) markets with our mutual fund programs. Our programs bundle our fixed annuity products with mutual funds, along with record keeping and employee education components. The amounts associated with the mutual fund programs are not included in the assets or liabilities reported on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

The distribution model for the micro-small case 401(k) market is focused on driving growth through financial intermediaries. As of September 30, 2008, we had approximately 70 wholesalers in place to support this business and plan for additional growth during the remainder of 2008. We are beginning to experience an increase in new business activity as a result of building our own wholesaling force for this market.

Comparison of the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2008 to 2007

The decrease in expense assessments was driven by lower average daily variable annuity account values due to unfavorable equity markets, customer transfers out of variable and into fixed account values and an overall shift in business mix toward products with lower expense assessment rates.

Overall lapse rates for our annuity products for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, were 14% and 15%, respectively, compared to 16% and 15%, respectively, for the same periods in 2007. The return on assets, calculated as income

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divided by average assets under management, forMulti-Fund® and Other Variable Annuities, our oldest block of annuity business, is more than two times that of new deposits. Therefore, a substantial increase in new deposit production in other products is necessary to maintain earnings at current levels.

As of September 30, 2008, $12.1 billion, or 62%, of variable annuity contract account values contained a return of premium death benefit feature, and the net amount at risk related to these contracts was $115 million. The remaining variable annuity contract account values contain no GDB feature.

Additionally, deposits in our mid-large segment (including mutual fund program fixed annuity deposits) increased for the nine months ended September 30, 2008, compared to the same period in 2007 due to an increase in the number of mutual fund program accounts, which resulted in both an increase in initial deposits and an increase in ongoing periodic deposits.


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
Months Ended
September 30,
  Change  For the Nine
Months Ended
September 30,
  Change 
   2008  2007   2008  2007  

Net Investment Income

         

Fixed maturity securities, mortgage loans on real estate and other, net of investment expenses

  $165  $161  2% $489  $485  1%

Commercial mortgage loan prepayment and bond makewhole premiums(1)

   5   2  150%  7   5  40%

Alternative investments(2)

   —     (3) 100%  (2)  2  NM 

Surplus investments(3)

   11   13  -15%  33   43  -23%
                   

Total net investment income

  $181  $173  5% $527  $535  -1%
                   

Interest Credited

  $107  $104  3% $320  $314  2%
                   


  For the Three    
  Months Ended    
  March 31,    
  2009  2008  Change 
Net Investment Income         
Fixed maturity securities, mortgage loans on real         
estate and other, net of investment expenses $165  $162   2%
Alternative investments (1)
  -   (1)  100%
Surplus investments (2)
  10   11   -9%
Total net investment income $175  $172   2%
             
Interest Credited $111  $106   5%

(1)

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

(2)

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

(3)

(2)

Represents net investment income on the required statutory surplus for this segment.

   For the Three
Months Ended
September 30,
  Basis
Point
Change
  For the Nine
Months Ended
September 30,
  Basis
Point
Change
 
   2008  2007   2008  2007  

Interest Rate Spread

       

Fixed maturity securities, mortgage loans on real estate and other, net of investment expenses

  5.94% 6.04% (10) 5.91% 6.04% (13)

Commercial mortgage loan prepayment and bond makewhole premiums

  0.17% 0.07% 10  0.08% 0.06% 2 

Alternative investments

  -0.01% -0.10% 9  -0.02% 0.02% (4)
               

Net investment income yield on reserves

  6.10% 6.01% 9  5.97% 6.12% (15)

Interest rate credited to contract holders

  3.77% 3.84% (7) 3.79% 3.82% (3)
               

Interest rate spread

  2.33% 2.17% 16  2.18% 2.30% (12)
               



  For the Three    
  Months Ended  Basis 
  March 31,  Point 
  2009  2008  Change 
Interest Rate Spread         
Fixed maturity securities, mortgage loans on real         
estate and other, net of investment expenses  5.70%  5.93%  (23)
Commercial mortgage loan prepayment and            
bond makewhole premiums  0.00%  0.02%  (2)
Alternative investments  -0.01%  -0.03%  2 
Net investment income yield on reserves  5.69%  5.92%  (23)
Interest rate credited to contract holders  3.78%  3.81%  (3)
Interest rate spread  1.91%  2.11%  (20)

Note:  The yields, rates and spreads above are calculated using whole dollars instead of dollars rounded to millions.

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  For the Three    
  Months Ended    
  March 31,    
  2009  2008  Change 
Other Information         
Average invested assets on reserves $11,603  $10,888   7%
Average fixed account values, including the            
fixed portion of variable  11,783   11,123   6%
Transfers from the fixed portion of variable            
annuity products to the variable portion of            
variable annuity products  166   143   16%
Net flows for fixed annuities, including the            
fixed portion of variable  28   (37)  176%

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   For the Three
Months Ended
September 30,
  Change  For the Nine
Months Ended
September 30,
  Change 
   2008  2007   2008  2007  

Average invested assets on reserves

  $11,146  $10,666  5% $11,034  $10,721  3%

Average fixed account values, including the fixed portion of variable

   11,321   10,905  4%  11,233   10,944  3%

Net flows for fixed annuities, including the fixed portion of variable

   (121)  (145) 17%  (259)  (387) 33%


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.  The interest rate spread for this segment represents the excess of the yield on invested assets on reserves over the average crediting rate.  The yield on invested assets on reserves is calculated as net investment income, excluding the amounts attributable to our surplus investments, reverse repurchase agreement interest expense, inter-segment cash management accountprogram interest expense and interest on collateral, divided by average invested assets on reserves.  The average invested assets on reserves are calculated based upon total invested assets, excluding hedge derivatives.  The average crediting rate is calculated as interest credited before DSI amortization, plus the immediate annuity reserve change (included within benefits), divided by the average fixed account values, including the fixed portion of variable annuities.annuity contracts.  Commercial mortgage loan prepayments and bond makewhole 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.

Comparison of the Three Months Ended September 30, 2008 to 2007

The increase in fixed maturity securities, mortgage loans on real estate and other net investment income was attributable primarily to the growth in the average fixed account values, including the fixed portion of variable, driven by transfers from variable to fixed, partially offset by the yield decline due to lower reinvestment rates. Towards the end of the third quarter of 2008,


Benefits

Benefits for this segment held less cash thaninclude changes in previous periodsreserves on GDBs and death benefits paid.

The changes in an effort to be more invested in higher yielding assets.

The increase in investment income on alternative investments was driven primarily by more favorable results from our limited partnership investments. Earnings on investments supporting statutory surplus were negatively impacted by unfavorable equity markets.

The increase in interest credited was primarilyreserves attributable to the growthsegment’s benefit ratio unlocking of its SOP 03-1 reserves for GDB riders is offset in the average fixed account values, including the fixed portion of variable, driven by transfers from variable to fixed. In response to the competitive environment, during the third quarter of 2008, we reduced crediting rates by 10 basis pointsoperating realized gain.  See “Realized Gain (Loss) – Operating Realized Gain – GDB” below forMulti-Fund® products andLincoln Alliance® program fixed annuity products and increased new money rates by 25 basis points forMulti-Fund® products. For information on interest rate spreads and the interest rate risk due to falling interest rates, see “Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.”

Comparison of the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2008 to 2007

The decrease in investment income on surplus and alternative investments was driven by less favorable results from our limited partnership investments.

The modest increase in fixed maturity securities, mortgage loans on real estate and other net investment income was attributable primarily to the growth in the average fixed account values, including the fixed portion of variable, driven by transfers from variable to fixed, partially offset by the yield decline due to lower reinvestment rates.

The increase in interest credited was attributable primarily to the growth in the average fixed account values, including the fixed portion of variable, driven by transfers from variable account values. The 10 basis point crediting rate reduction discussed above was the first such rate change in 2008, while the 25 basis point increase in new money rates followed a reduction in the previous quarter. We plan to take further crediting rate action in the fourth quarter of 2008, with the expectation of maintaining stable spreads over the near term, excluding the effects of prepayment and makewhole premiums.

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additional information.


Underwriting, Acquisition, Insurance and Other Expenses


Details underlying underwriting, acquisition, insurance and other expenses (in millions) were as follows:

   For the Three
Months Ended
September 30,
  Change  For the Nine
Months Ended
September 30,
  Change 
   2008  2007   2008  2007  

Underwriting, Acquisition, Insurance and Other Expenses

       

Commissions

  $17  $20  -15% $56  $60  -7%

General and administrative expenses

   53   60  -12%  158   164  -4%

Taxes, licenses and fees

   3   2  50%  10   12  -17%
                   

Total expenses incurred

   73   82  -11%  224   236  -5%

DAC deferrals

   (20)  (24) 17%  (66)  (68) 3%
                   

Total expenses recognized before amortization

   53   58  -9%  158   168  -6%

DAC and VOBA amortization, net of interest:

       

Prospective unlocking – assumption changes

   —     3  -100%  —     3  -100%

Retrospective unlocking

   3   2  50%  5   5  0%

Other amortization, net of interest

   21   22  -5%  66   61  8%
                   

Total underwriting, acquisition, insurance and other expenses

  $77  $85  -9% $229  $237  -3%
                   

DAC deferrals

       

As a percentage of sales/deposits

   1.5%  1.6%   1.5%  1.6% 

  For the Three    
  Months Ended    
  March 31,    
  2009  2008  Change 
Underwriting, Acquisition, Insurance and         
Other Expenses         
Total expenses incurred $72  $76   -5%
DAC deferrals  (18)  (24)  25%
Total expenses recognized before amortization  54   52   4%
DAC and VOBA amortization, net of interest:            
Retrospective unlocking  4   3   33%
Amortization, net of interest, excluding            
unlocking  13   22   -41%
Total underwriting, acquisition, insurance            
and other expenses $71  $77   -8%
             
DAC Deferrals            
As a percentage of annuity sales/deposits  2.1%  2.4%    
Commissions and other costs, that vary with and are related primarily to the productionsale of new business, excluding those associated with our mutual fund products,annuity contracts, are deferred to the extent recoverable and are amortized over the lives of the contracts in relation to EGPs.  For certain annuity contracts, trail commissions that are based upon account values are expensed as incurred rather than deferred and amortized.  We do not pay commissions on sales of our mutual fund products, and distribution expenses associated with the sale of these mutual fund products are not deferred and amortized, as is the case for our insurance products.

Comparison of the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2008 to 2007

The decrease in expenses incurred was due in part to the implementation of several expense management controls and practices that are focused on aggressively managing expenses and lower incentive compensation accruals as a result of production performance relative to planned goals. Additionally, lower earnings for the nine months ended September 30, 2008, contributed to the decrease in incentive compensation accruals. The decrease in commissions was primarily a result of lower sales.

The third quarter and first nine months of 2007 had unfavorable prospective unlocking due to assumption changes primarily reflecting higher lapse rates and separate account fees partially offset by lower expenses.

The third quarter and first nine months of 2008 and 2007 had unfavorable retrospective unlocking due primarily to higher lapses and lower equity market performance than our model projections assumed.

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amortized.



74


RESULTS OF INSURANCE SOLUTIONS


The Insurance Solutions business provides its products through two segments:  Life Insurance and Group Protection.  The Insurance Solutions – Life Insurance segment offers wealth protection and transfer opportunities through term insurance, a linked-benefit product (which is a UL policy linked with riders that provide for long-term care costs) and both single and survivorship versions of UL and VUL, including our Executive Benefits business’s corporate-owned UL and VUL (“COLI”) and bank-owned UL and VUL (“BOLI”) products.  The Insurance Solutions – Group Protection segment offers group life, disability and dental insurance to employers and its products are marketed primarily through a national distribution system of regional group offices. These offices develop business through employee benefit brokers, third-party administrators and other employee benefit firms.

employers.


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 20072008 Form 10-K, as updated byin “Part II – Item 1A. Risk Factors” below, and “Forward-Looking Statements – Cautionary Language” in this report.


Insurance Solutions – Life Insurance


Income from Operations


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

   For the Three
Months Ended
September 30,
  Change  For the Nine
Months Ended
September 30,
  Change 
   2008  2007   2008  2007  

Operating Revenues

           

Insurance premiums

  $91  $85  7% $267  $261  2%

Insurance fees

   449   469  -4%  1,380   1,283  8%

Net investment income

   522   496  5%  1,541   1,553  -1%

Other revenues and fees

   10   6  67%  22   24  -8%
                   

Total operating revenues

   1,072   1,056  2%  3,210   3,121  3%
                   

Operating Expenses

           

Interest credited

   305   293  4%  902   875  3%

Benefits

   398   266  50%  1,000   780  28%

Underwriting, acquisition, insurance and other expenses

   167   227  -26%  621   639  -3%
                   

Total operating expenses

   870   786  11%  2,523   2,294  10%
                   

Income from operations before taxes

   202   270  -25%  687   827  -17%

Federal income taxes

   65   88  -26%  229   279  -18%
                   

Income from operations

  $137  $182  -25% $458  $548  -16%
                   

  For the Three    
  Months Ended    
  March 31,    
  2009  2008  Change 
Operating Revenues         
Insurance premiums $91  $87   5%
Insurance fees  482   460   5%
Net investment income  498   499   0%
Other revenues and fees  5   9   -44%
Total operating revenues  1,076   1,055   2%
Operating Expenses            
Interest credited  303   297   2%
Benefits  356   300   19%
Underwriting, acquisition, insurance and other            
 expenses  224   219   2%
Total operating expenses  883   816   8%
Income from operations before taxes  193   239   -19%
Federal income tax expense  51   82   -38%
Income from operations $142  $157   -10%

Comparison of the Three Months Ended September 30,March 31, 2009 to 2008 to 2007


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

A $9 million unfavorable retrospective unlocking of DAC, VOBA, DFEL, andan increase in benefits attributable primarily to an increase in reserves for life insurance products with secondary guarantees from continued growth of business in 2008 comparedforce and higher mortality due to an $11 million favorable retrospective unlockingincrease in 2007; and

A $21 million unfavorable prospective unlocking (a $34 million unfavorable unlocking from model refinements netthe average attained age of a $13 million favorable unlocking from assumption changes) of DAC, VOBA, DFEL and reserves for life insurance products with secondary guaranteesthe in-force block (discussed in 2008 compared to a $4 million favorable prospective unlocking (a $12 million favorable unlocking from assumption changes net of an $8 million unfavorable unlocking from model refinements) in 2007.

“Future Expectations” below).

The $9 million unfavorable retrospective unlocking and the $21 million unfavorable prospective unlocking to DAC, VOBA, DFEL and reserves for life insurance products with secondary guarantees discussed above resulted in an additional unfavorable earnings impact for the current period of $7 million that will recur in future periods.


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

·
Growth in insurance fees driven by an increase in business in force as a result of new sales and favorable persistency and an increase in the average attained age of the in-force block (discussed in “Future Expectations” below); and
·A reduction in federal income tax expense due primarily to favorable tax return true-ups.


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Future Expectations

The coinsurance agreement that we entered into on March 31, 2009, resulted in a pre-tax deferred loss of $53 million, and approximately $2 million annually will be amortized into income from operations prospectively over 20 years.  As a result of this agreement, we expect this segment’s income from operations will be reduced by approximately $7 million per quarter and will result in reductions in insurance fees, net investment income, interest credited and benefits.  We expect this impact to income from growthoperations will be partially offset by a $2 million increase in fixed product account values driven by positiveOther Operations as it will have higher net flows andinvestment income due to the transfer of assets from the reduction in capital as a result of this coinsurance agreement; therefore, the net impact from this transaction to our consolidated income from operations will be a reduction of $5 million per quarter.  See “Reinsurance” below for more favorable results frominformation.

As of December 31, 2008, we released approximately $240 million of capital that had previously supported our alternative investments.

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ComparisonUL products with secondary guarantees as a result of executing on a reinsurance transaction to release statutory reserves related to the Application of the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2008Valuation of Life Insurance Policies Model Regulation (“AG38”).  This reduction in capital lowered the level of assets supporting this business, as assets were transferred to 2007

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

A $17Other Operations, which reduced net investment income by approximately $4 million unfavorable retrospective unlocking of DAC, VOBA, and DFEL in 2008 compared to a $23 million favorable retrospective unlocking in 2007;

The impact of prospective unlocking discussed above;

Higher death claims in 2008 and lower benefits in the first quarter of 2007 partially related2009 that will also recur in future quarters.


A portion of the retrospective and prospective unlocking of DAC, VOBA, DFEL and secondary guarantee life insurance product reserves in 2008 resulted in an unfavorable recurring earnings impact of $7 million per quarter that began in the third quarter of 2008.

On June 1, 2008, we implemented a 10 basis point decrease in crediting rates on most interest-sensitive products not already at contractual guarantees, which has increased spreads by approximately 5 basis points.  On March 1, 2009, we implemented a 15 basis point decrease in crediting rates on most interest-sensitive products not already at contractual guarantees, which is expected to a reduction in benefits relatedincrease future spreads by approximately 5 basis points.
During the recent volatile markets, we maintained higher cash balances as part of our short-term liquidity strategy that has reduced our portfolio yield by 11 basis points.  We expect lower yields from the impact of holding higher levels of cash, which we plan to a purchase accounting adjustmentreduce as we progress through 2009.  As of March 31, 2009, 72% of interest-sensitive account values had crediting rates at contract guaranteed levels, and 15% had crediting rates within 50 basis points of contractual guarantees.  Going forward, we expect to be able to manage the opening balance sheeteffects of Jefferson-Pilot; and

Lower net investmentspreads on near-term income from operations through a reductioncombination of rate actions and portfolio management, which assumes no significant changes in statutory reservesnet flows into or out of our fixed accounts or other changes that may cause interest rate spreads to differ from our expectations.  For information on interest rate spreads and the interest rate risk due to falling interest rates, see “Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.”


Despite the challenging economic environment, we believe that our new business products, as represented by sales, deposits and in-force face amount, were relatively strong.

Sales are not recorded as a component of revenues (other than for traditional products) and do not have a significant impact 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; however, results for 2008 were muted given the economic conditions.  The average issue age on new policies has increased in recent years as a result of targeting higher net worth individuals, which has increased the mergeraverage attained age of several of our insurance subsidiaries and certain assumption changes in the fourth quarter of 2007, capital transactions providing relief from AG38 reserve requirements in the fourth quarter of 2007 and less favorable results from our investment income on alternative investments and prepayment and bond makewhole premiums.

The decrease in income from operations was partially offset by growth in insurance fees driven by an increase in business in force as a result of newin-force block.  We have screening procedures to identify sales since September 30, 2007, and favorable persistency partially offset by the impact on insurance fees from lower sales in 2008 compared to 2007 and adjustments during the second quarter of 2007 resulting from adjusting account values for certain of ourthat we believe have characteristics associated with stranger-originated life insurance, which typically involve the use of premium financing, face amount in excess of $2 million and older aged individuals, in order to prevent policies with these characteristics from being issued.  With stranger-originated arrangements, a third-party investor with no relationship to an individual initiates the purchase of a policy by paying the premiums and modifyinglater buying the accounting for certainpolicy, thereby profiting upon the death of the insured.  However, accurate identification of these policies can be difficult, and we continue to modify our screening procedures.  We believe that our sales of UL products include some sales with stranger-originated life insurance policies.

The foregoingcharacteristics.  We expect no significant impact to our profitability; however, returns on UL business sold as part of stranger-originated designs are believed to be lower than traditional estate planning UL sales due in part to no expected lapses.


We expect higher expenses attributable to our U.S. pension plans (see “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates – Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans” in our 2008 Form 10-K) during 2009.

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



76


Insurance Premiums


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

Comparison of the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2008 to 2007

Traditional in-force face amount, and thus premiums, remained relatively flat.


Insurance Fees


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

   For the Three
Months Ended
September 30,
  Change  For the Nine
Months Ended
September 30,
  Change 
   2008  2007   2008  2007  

Insurance Fees

       

Mortality assessments

  $332  $312  6% $982  $903  9%

Expense assessments

   178   160  11%  520   472  10%

Surrender charges

   16   14  14%  46   45  2%

DFEL:

       

Deferrals

   (97)  (85) -14%  (276)  (265) -4%

Amortization, net of interest:

       

Prospective unlocking – assumption changes

   (4)  —    NM   (4)  —    NM 

Prospective unlocking – model refinements

   (25)  26  NM   (25)  26  NM 

Retrospective unlocking

   12   1  NM   27   (8) NM 

Other amortization, net of interest

   37   41  -10%  110   110  0%
                   

Total insurance fees

  $449  $469  -4% $1,380  $1,283  8%
                   

72



          
  For the Three    
  Months Ended    
  March 31,    
  2009  2008  Change 
Insurance Fees         
Mortality assessments $344  $322   7%
Expense assessments  178   170   5%
Surrender charges  22   17   29%
DFEL:            
Deferrals  (97)  (89)  -9%
Amortization, net of interest:            
Retrospective unlocking  3   4   -25%
Amortization, net of interest, excluding            
unlocking  32   36   -11%
Total insurance fees $482  $460   5%

  For the Three    
  Months Ended    
  March 31,    
  2009  2008  Change 
Sales by Product         
UL:         
Excluding MoneyGuard®
 $103  $114   -10%
MoneyGuard®
  11   11   0%
Total UL  114   125   -9%
VUL  9   16   -44%
COLI and BOLI  12   28   -57%
Term/whole life  10   5   100%
Total sales $145  $174   -17%
             
Net Flows            
Deposits $1,058  $1,132   -7%
Withdrawals and deaths  (501)  (481)  -4%
Net flows $557  $651   -14%
             
Contract holder assessments $725  $663   9%


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   For the Three
Months Ended
September 30,
  Change  For the Nine
Months Ended
September 30,
  Change 
   2008  2007   2008  2007  

Sales by Product

       

UL:

       

ExcludingMoneyGuard®

  $144  $144  0% $382  $455  -16%

MoneyGuard®

   14   11  27%  37   28  32%
                   

Total UL

   158   155  2%  419   483  -13%

VUL

   12   18  -33%  39   55  -29%

COLI and BOLI

   13   18  -28%  54   52  4%

Term/whole life

   7   7  0%  18   25  -28%
                   

Total sales

  $190  $198  -4% $530  $615  -14%
                   

Net Flows

       

Deposits

  $1,082  $1,032  5% $3,276  $3,219  2%

Withdrawals and deaths

   (392)  (403) 3%  (1,258)  (1,356) 7%
                   

Net flows

  $690  $629  10% $2,018  $1,863  8%
                   

Contract holder assessments

  $705  $623  13% $2,060  $1,845  12%
                   

   As of September 30,  Change 
   2008  2007  

Account Values

      

UL

  $24,951  $23,896  4%

VUL

   5,056   6,104  -17%

Interest-sensitive whole life

   2,276   2,266  0%
          

Total account values

  $32,283  $32,266  0%
          

In-Force Face Amount

      

UL and other

  $306,293  $294,833  4%

Term insurance

   233,671   236,414  -1%
          

Total in-force face amount

  $539,964  $531,247  2%
          


  As of March 31,    
  2009  2008  Change 
Account Values         
UL (1)
 $24,388  $24,450   0%
VUL (1)
  3,352   5,615   -40%
Interest-sensitive whole life  2,291   2,276   1%
Total account values $30,031  $32,341   -7%
             
In-Force Face Amount            
UL and other (1)
 $288,826  $302,013   -4%
Term insurance  236,408   234,860   1%
Total in-force face amount $525,234  $536,873   -2%
(1)Effective March 31, 2009, UL and VUL account values were reduced by $938 million and $640 million, respectively, and UL and other face amount in force was reduced by $20.9 billion as a result of the coinsurance agreement with Commonwealth.

Insurance fees relate only to interest-sensitive products and include mortality assessments, expense assessments (net of deferrals and amortization related to DFEL) and surrender charges.  Mortality 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.  Insurance in force, in turn, is driven by sales, persistency and mortality experience.  In-force growth should be considered independently with respect to term products versus UL and other products, as term products have a lower profitability relative to face amount compared to whole life and interest-sensitive products.


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

UL (excluding linked-benefit products) and VUL (including COLI and BOLI) – first year commissionable premiums plus 5% of excess premiums received, including an adjustment for internal replacements at approximately 50% of target;


 

·

UL (excluding linked-benefit products) and VUL (including COLI and BOLI) – first year commissionable premiums plus 5% of excess premiums received, including an adjustment for internal replacements of approximately 50% of commissionable premiums;
·
MoneyGuard® (our linked-benefit product) – 15% of premium deposits; and

Whole life and term – 100% of first year paid premiums.

·Whole life and term – 100% of first year paid premiums.

Sales are not recorded as a component of revenues (other than for traditional products) and do not have a significant impact on current quarter income from operations but are indicators of future profitability. Generally, we have higher sales during the last half of the year with the fourth quarter being our strongest; however, expectations for this year are muted given the current economic conditions.

We have screening procedures to identify sales that we believe have characteristics associated with stranger-originated life insurance in order to prevent policies with these characteristics from being issued. However, accurate identification of these policies can be difficult, and we continue to modify our screening procedures. We believe that our sales of UL products include some sales with stranger-originated life insurance characteristics. We expect no significant impact to our profitability; however, returns on UL business sold as part of stranger-originated designs are believed to be lower than traditional estate planning UL sales due in part to no expected lapses.

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UL and VUL products with secondary guarantees represented approximately 33%37% of interest-sensitive life insurance in force as of September 30, 2008,March 31, 2009, and approximately 74% and 69%73% of sales for the first three and nine months ended September 30, 2008.of 2009.  AG38 imposes additional statutory reserve requirements for these products. See “Review of Consolidated Financial Condition – Liquidity and Capital Resources – Sources of Liquidity and Cash Flow” for further information on the manner in which we reinsure our AG38 reserves.

Comparison of the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2008 to 2007

The growth in mortality and expense assessments was attributable primarily to increased business in force. Life insurance in force and account values grew from new sales since September 30, 2007, an increase in the average attained age of the in-force block (which also led to increases in benefits as discussed below) and favorable persistency.

The third quarter of 2008 had unfavorable prospective unlocking – assumption changes, which reflected primarily improved investment spreads, lower death claims, improved lapse and expense rates and adjustments to the reserves for products with secondary guarantees.

The third quarter of 2008 had favorable retrospective unlocking due primarily to lower premiums received and higher death claims, partially offset by higher investment income on alternative investments and prepayment and bond makewhole premiums and lower maintenance expenses than our model projections assumed.

The first nine months of 2008 had favorable retrospective unlocking due primarily to lower premiums received and higher death claims than our model projections assumed and model adjustments on certain life insurance policies, partially offset by lower maintenance expenses than our model projections assumed. The first nine months of 2007 had unfavorable retrospective unlocking due primarily to higher persistency, higher investment income on alternative investments and prepayment and bond makewhole premiums and lower maintenance expenses than our model projections assumed, partially offset by the impact of the correction to account values in the second quarter of 2007 mentioned above.



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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
Months Ended
September 30,
  Change  For the Nine
Months Ended
September 30,
  Change 
   2008  2007   2008  2007  

Net Investment Income

          

Fixed maturity securities, mortgage loans on real estate and other, net of investment expenses

  $478  $468  2% $1,425  $1,399  2%

Commercial mortgage loan prepayment and bond makewhole premiums (1)

   1   6  -83%  14   27  -48%

Alternative investments(2)

   21   (2) NM   35   48  -27%

Surplus investments(3)

   22   24  -8%  67   79  -15%
                   

Total net investment income

  $522  $496  5% $1,541  $1,553  -1%
                   

Interest Credited

  $305  $293  4% $902  $875  3%
                   



  For the Three    
  Months Ended    
  March 31,    
  2009  2008  Change 
Net Investment Income         
Fixed maturity securities, mortgage loans on real         
estate and other, net of investment expenses $481  $474   1%
Commercial mortgage loan prepayment and            
bond makewhole premiums (1)
  -   3   -100%
Alternative investments (2)
  (4)  -  NM 
Surplus investments (3)
  21   22   -5%
Total net investment income $498  $499   0%
             
Interest Credited $303  $297   2%

(1)

See “Consolidated Investments – Commercial Mortgage Loan Prepayment and Bond Makewhole 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 impact of investment income on alternative investments for such assets that are held in the surplus portfolios versus the product portfolios.

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  For the Three    
  Months Ended  Basis 
  March 31,  Point 
  2009  2008  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  5.83%  6.00%  (17)
Commercial mortgage loan prepayment and            
bond makewhole premiums  0.00%  0.04%  (4)
Alternative investments  -0.06%  0.00%  (6)
Net investment income yield on reserves  5.77%  6.04%  (27)
Interest rate credited to contract holders  4.25%  4.37%  (12)
Interest rate spread  1.52%  1.67%  (15)
             
Attributable to traditional products:            
Fixed maturity securities, mortgage loans on real            
estate and other, net of investment expenses  6.00%  6.12%  (12)
Commercial mortgage loan prepayment            
   and bond makewhole premiums  0.01%  0.11%  (10)
Alternative investments  -0.01%  -0.02%  1 
Net investment income yield on reserves  6.00%  6.21%  (21)


79

   For the Three
Months Ended
September 30,
  Basis
Point
Change
  For the Nine
Months Ended
September 30,
  Basis
Point
Change
 
   2008  2007   2008  2007  

Interest Rate Yields and Spread

       

Attributable to interest sensitive products:

       

Fixed maturity securities, mortgage loans on real estate and other, net of investment expenses

  5.92% 6.01% (9) 5.94% 6.07% (13)

Commercial mortgage loan prepayment and bond makewhole premiums

  0.02% 0.08% (6) 0.06% 0.13% (7)

Alternative investments

  0.31% -0.01% 32  0.18% 0.25% (7)
               

Net investment income yield on reserves

  6.25% 6.08% 17  6.18% 6.45% (27)

Interest rate credited to contract holders

  4.35% 4.43% (8) 4.36% 4.45% (9)
               

Interest rate spread

  1.90% 1.65% 25  1.82% 2.00% (18)
               

Attributable to traditional products:

       

Fixed maturity securities, mortgage loans on real estate and other, net of investment expenses

  6.06% 6.15% (9) 6.13% 6.27% (14)

Commercial mortgage loan prepayment and bond makewhole premiums

  0.00% 0.09% (9) 0.04% 0.08% (4)

Alternative investments

  -0.01% -0.06% 5  -0.01% 0.01% (2)
               

Net investment income yield on reserves

  6.05% 6.18% (13) 6.16% 6.36% (20)
               

Note: The yields, rates



  For the Three    
  Months Ended    
  March 31,    
  2009  2008  Change 
Averages         
Attributable to interest-sensitive products:         
Invested assets on reserves (1)
 $27,998  $26,292   6%
Account values - universal and whole life (1)
  28,156   26,622   6%
             
Attributable to traditional products:            
Invested assets on reserves  4,841   5,304   -9%

We expect declines in our average calculations for invested assets on reserves and spreads above are calculated using whole dollars insteadaccount values attributable to interest-sensitive products during the second quarter of dollars rounded to millions.

   For the Three
Months Ended
September 30,
  Change  For the Nine
Months Ended
September 30,
  Change 
   2008  2007   2008  2007  

Averages

           

Attributable to interest-sensitive products:

           

Invested assets on reserves

  $27,398  $26,071  5% $26,773  $25,636  4%

Account values – universal and whole life

   27,713   26,013  7%  27,063   25,753  5%

Attributable to traditional products:

           

Invested assets on reserves

   4,814   5,040  -4%  5,137   5,023  2%

2009 as a result of the coinsurance agreement with Commonwealth, which reduced these balances by $927 million and $938 million, respectively, on March 31, 2009.

A portion of the investment income earned for this segment is credited to contract holder accounts.  Invested assets will typically grow at a faster rate than account values because of the AG38 reserve requirements, which cause statutory reserves to grow at an accelerated rate.  Invested assets are based upon the statutory reserve liabilities and are therefore affected by various reserve adjustments, primarily the result of the merger of several of our insurance subsidiaries, the modification of accounting for certain of our life insurance policies, and by capital transactions providing relief from AG38 reserve requirements, which leads to a transfer of invested assets from this segment to Other Operations for use in other corporate purposes.  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.  The interest rate spread for this segment represents the excess of the yield on invested assets on reserves over the average crediting rate on interest sensitiveinterest-sensitive products.  The yield on invested assets on reserves is calculated as net investment income, excluding amounts attributable to our surplus investments and reverse repurchase agreement interest expense, divided by average invested assets on reserves.  In addition, we exclude the impact of earnings from affordable housing tax credit securities, which is reflected as a reduction to federal income tax expense, from our spread calculations.  Traditional products use interest income to build the policy reserves.  Commercial mortgage loan prepayments and bond makewhole 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

Comparison of the Three Months Ended September 30, 2008 to 2007

The increase in fixed maturity securities, mortgage loans on real estate and other net investment income was due to continued growth of business in force partially offset by the impact of reductions in statutory reserves. The increase in investment income on alternative investments was driven primarily by favorable results from limited partnership investments. Higher AG38 statutory

75


reserve liabilities on UL policies with secondary guarantees contributed to invested asset growth. At June 30, 2007, we reduced statutory reserves related to our secondary guarantee UL products by approximately $150 million, which has reduced the amount of net investment income allocated to this segment by $2 million per quarter. This statutory reserve reduction related to modifying the accounting for certain of our life insurance policies. In October 2007, we released approximately $300 million of capital that had previously supported our UL products with secondary guarantees as a result of executing on a capital transaction to provide AG38 relief. This release of capital lowered the level of assets supporting this business and has reduced net investment income by approximately $5 million per quarter. As of December 31, 2007, we reduced statutory reserves related primarily to legal entity consolidation by $344 million, which has reduced the amount of net investment income allocated to this segment by approximately $5 million in the first quarter of 2008. This reduction in statutory reserves was primarily a result of the merger of several of our insurance subsidiaries.

The increase in interest credited was attributable primarily to growth in UL account values. On June 1, 2007, we implemented a 10 basis point decrease in crediting rates on most interest-sensitive products not already at contractual guarantees, which has increased spreads approximately 5 basis points. On June 1, 2008, we implemented a 10 basis point decrease in crediting rates on most interest-sensitive products not already at contractual guarantees, which has increased spreads approximately 5 basis points.

At the end of the third quarter of 2008, new money rates exceeded the portfolio rate by roughly 24 basis points. At the end of the third quarter of 2007, new money rates exceeded the portfolio rate by roughly 17 basis points. As of September 30, 2008, 45% of interest-sensitive account values have crediting rates at contract guaranteed levels, and 39% have crediting rates within 50 basis points of contractual guarantees. Going forward, we expect to be able to manage the effects of spreads on near-term income from operations through a combination of rate actions and portfolio management, which assumes no significant changes in net flows into or out of our fixed accounts or other changes that may cause interest rate spreads to differ from our expectations. For information on interest rate spreads and the interest rate risk due to falling interest rates, see “Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.”

Comparison of the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2008 to 2007

The increase in fixed maturity securities, mortgage loans on real estate and other net investment income was due to continued growth of business in force partially offset by the impact of reductions in statutory reserves. The decrease in investment income on alternative investments was driven primarily by less favorable results from limited partnership investments.

Benefits

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

   For the Three
Months Ended
September 30,
  Change  For the Nine
Months Ended
September 30,
  Change 
   2008  2007   2008  2007  

Benefits

       

Death claims direct and assumed

  $536  $430  25% $1,612  $1,270  27%

Death claims ceded

   (249)  (172) -45%  (722)  (532) -36%

Reserves released on death

   (80)  (69) -16%  (271)  (160) -69%
                   

Net death benefits

   207   189  10%  619   578  7%

Change in reserves for products with secondary guarantees:

       

Prospective unlocking – assumption changes

   8   (3) NM   8   (3) NM 

Prospective unlocking – model refinements

   76   3  NM   76   3  NM 

Other

   38   19  100%  92   37  149%

Other benefits(1)

   69   58  19%  205   165  24%
                   

Total benefits

  $398  $266  50% $1,000  $780  28%
                   

Death claims per $1,000 of inforce

   1.47   1.33  11%  1.46   1.36  7%



  For the Three    
  Months Ended    
  March 31,    
  2009  2008  Change 
Benefits         
Death claims direct and assumed $565  $555   2%
Death claims ceded  (242)  (239)  -1%
Reserves released on death  (103)  (104)  1%
Net death benefits  220   212   4%
Change in reserves for products with            
secondary guarantees  53   26   104%
Change in reserves for products with            
secondary guarantees - reinsurance  20   -  NM 
Other benefits (1)
  63   62   2%
Total benefits $356  $300   19%
             
Death claims per $1,000 of inforce  1.66   1.59   4%

(1)

Other benefits includes primarily traditional product changes in reserves and dividends.


80


Benefits for this segment include death 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 reserves for our products with secondary guarantees.  The reserve for secondary guarantees is impacted by changes in expected future trends of claims andexpense assessments causing unlocking adjustments to this liability similar to DAC, VOBA and DFEL.

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Comparison  Additionally, we establish a reserve for reinsurance margin (reinsurance premiums paid less death benefit recoveries) and amortize this margin over the life of the Three Months Ended September 30, 2008expected insurance assessments for certain blocks of secondary guarantee UL business.  When we experience unfavorable mortality, particularly on higher face amount claims, our reinsurance recoveries can increase significantly and are deferred, which reduces the amount by which the expense for the direct claims are offset by reinsurance.  The reinsurance on our secondary guarantee UL business is excess of loss reinsurance, and this block has a large range of face amounts, both of which contribute to 2007

The increasevolatility in benefits, excluding unlocking, was due primarilyour actual experience of reinsurance recoveries as compared to an increase in reserves for products with secondary guarantees from continued growth of business in force and the effects of model refinements and higher mortality due to an increase in the average attained age of the in-force block (which also led to increases in insurance fees as discussed above).

The third quarter of 2008 had unfavorable prospective unlocking – assumption changes, which reflected primarily improved lapse rates and improved investment spreads.

Comparison of the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2008 to 2007

The increase in benefits, excluding unlocking, was due primarily to an increase in reserves for products with secondary guarantees from continued growth of business in force and the effects of model refinements and higher mortality due to an increase in the average attained age of the in-force block (which also led to increases in insurance fees as discussed above) and by a decrease to benefits in the first quarter of 2007 related to a purchase accounting adjustment to the opening balance sheet of Jefferson-Pilot.

The nine months ended September 30, 2008, had unfavorable prospective unlocking – assumption changes, discussed above.

our expectations.


Underwriting, Acquisition, Insurance and Other Expenses

Details underlying underwriting, acquisition, insurance and other expenses (in millions) were as follows:

   For the Three
Months Ended
September 30,
  Change  For the Nine
Months Ended
September 30,
  Change 
   2008  2007   2008  2007  

Underwriting, Acquisition, Insurance and Other Expenses

       

Commissions

  $209  $220  -5% $584  $672  -13%

General and administrative expenses

   102   107  -5%  308   335  -8%

Taxes, licenses and fees

   36   27  33%  95   90  6%
                   

Total expenses incurred

   347   354  -2%  987   1,097  -10%

DAC and VOBA deferrals

   (261)  (277) 6%  (744)  (852) 13%
                   

Total expenses recognized before amortization

   86   77  12%  243   245  -1%

DAC and VOBA amortization, net of interest:

       

Prospective unlocking – assumption changes

   (31)  (15) NM   (31)  (15) NM 

Prospective unlocking – model refinements

   (49)  36  NM   (49)  36  NM 

Retrospective unlocking

   26   (16) 263%  53   (43) 223%

Other amortization, net of interest

   134   144  -7%  402   413  -3%

Other intangible amortization

   1   1  0%  3   3  0%
                   

Total underwriting, acquisition, insurance and other expenses

  $167  $227  -26% $621  $639  -3%
                   

DAC and VOBA deferrals

       

As a percentage of sales

   137.4%  139.9%   140.4%  138.5% 


Commissions and other general and administrative expenses that vary with and are related primarily to the production of new business are deferred to the extent recoverable and for our interest-sensitive products are generally amortized over the lives 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, depending on the block of business.

77



Comparison of the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2008 to 2007

The decrease in expenses incurred was primarily a result of lower sales and lower incentive compensation accruals based upon lower earnings and production performance relative to planned goals. The decrease was partially offset by an increase in taxes, licenses and fees due primarily to premium tax true-ups.

The decrease in DAC and VOBA amortization, net of interest and excluding unlocking, was primarily attributable to model refinements and decreased business in force on traditional products.

The third quarter of 2008 had favorable prospective unlocking – assumption changes, which reflected primarily improved investment spreads, lower death claims, improved lapse and expense rates and adjustments to the reserves for products with secondary guarantees.

The third quarter of 2007 had favorable prospective unlocking – assumption changes, which reflected primarily improved lapse, expense and interest rates.

The third quarter of 2008 had unfavorable retrospective unlocking due primarily to lower premiums received and higher death claims, partially offset by higher investment income on alternative investments and prepayment and bond makewhole premiums and lower maintenance expenses than our model projections assumed.

The third quarter of 2007 had favorable retrospective unlocking due primarily to higher persistency and lower maintenance expenses than our model projections assumed.

The first nine months of 2008 had unfavorable retrospective unlocking due primarily to lower premiums received and higher death claims than our model projections assumed and model adjustments on certain life insurance policies, partially offset by lower maintenance expenses than our model projections assumed.

The first nine months of 2007 had favorable retrospective unlocking due primarily to higher persistency, higher investment income on alternative investments and prepayment and bond makewhole premiums and lower maintenance expenses than our model projections assumed, partially offset by the impact of the correction to account values in the second quarter of 2007 discussed above.

78


Insurance SolutionsGroup Protection


Income from Operations

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

   For the Three
Months Ended
September 30,
  Change  For the Nine
Months Ended
September 30,
  Change 
   2008  2007   2008  2007  

Operating Revenues

           

Insurance premiums

  $371  $337  10% $1,134  $1,029  10%

Net investment income

   31   30  3%  89   86  3%

Other revenues and fees

   1   1  0%  4   4  0%
                   

Total operating revenues

   403   368  10%  1,227   1,119  10%
                   

Operating Expenses

           

Interest credited

   1   —    NM   1   —    NM 

Benefits

   268   236  14%  823   748  10%

Underwriting, acquisition, insurance and other expenses

   92   81  14%  271   240  13%
                   

Total operating expenses

   361   317  14%  1,095   988  11%
                   

Income from operations before taxes

   42   51  -18%  132   131  1%

Federal income taxes

   15   18  -17%  46   46  0%
                   

Income from operations

  $27  $33  -18% $86  $85  1%
                   

   For the Three
Months Ended
September 30,
  Change  For the Nine
Months Ended
September 30,
  Change 
   2008  2007   2008  2007  

Income from Operations by Product Line

           

Life

  $9  $11  -18% $30  $30  0%

Disability

   16   19  -16%  51   50  2%

Dental

   1   1  0%  1   1  0%
                   

Total non-medical

   26   31  -16%  82   81  1%

Medical

   1   2  -50%  4   4  0%
                   

Total income from operations

  $27  $33  -18% $86  $85  1%
                   


  For the Three    
  Months Ended    
  March 31,    
  2009  2008  Change 
Operating Revenues         
Insurance premiums $390  $370   5%
Net investment income  30   28   7%
Other revenues and fees  2   1   100%
Total operating revenues  422   399   6%
Operating Expenses            
Interest credited  1   -  NM 
Benefits  282   269   5%
Underwriting, acquisition, insurance and other            
expenses  99   90   10%
Total operating expenses  382   359   6%
Income from operations before taxes  40   40   0%
Federal income tax expense  14   14   0%
Income from operations $26  $26   0%



  For the Three    
  Months Ended    
  March 31,    
  2009  2008  Change 
Income from Operations by Product Line         
Life $1  $10   -90%
Disability  25   15   67%
Dental  (1)  -  NM 
Total non-medical  25   25   0%
Medical  1   1   0%
Total income from operations $26  $26   0%


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Comparison of the Three Months Ended September 30,March 31, 2009 to 2008 to 2007


Income from operations for this segment decreasedremained flat.  Insurance premiums increased due primarily to less favorable total non-medical loss ratio experience, although still on the low end of our expected range.

The decrease in income from operations was partially offset by a growth in insurance premiums driven by normal, organic business growth in our non-medical products and favorable persistency.

Comparison of the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2008 to 2007

Income from operations for this segment modestly increased due primarily to growthproducts.  The increase in insurance premiums driven by normal, organic business growth inand more favorable total non-medical loss ratio experience, slightly outside the low end of our non-medical products and favorable persistency.

The increase in income from operations was partiallyexpected range, entirely offset by an increase to underwriting, acquisition, insurance and other expenses.  The increase in underwriting, acquisition and other expenses duewas in line with the increase in insurance premiums and included higher expenses attributable to growthour U.S. pension plans (see “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates – Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans” in our business2008 Form 10-K for additional information).


In the first quarter of 2009, we experienced exceptional short- and long-term disability loss ratios due primarily to favorable claims incidence and termination experience, which we do not believe are sustainable in force, higher 401(k) expenses, elevated costs associated with investments in strategic initiatives and an increasefuture quarters.  In addition, we experienced significantly unfavorable life loss ratios in the allocationfirst quarter of expenses2009 due primarily to this segment.

The foregoing items are discussed further below.

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Insurance Premiums

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

   For the Three
Months Ended
September 30,
  Change  For the Nine
Months Ended
September 30,
  Change 
   2008  2007   2008  2007  

Insurance Premiums by Product Line

           

Life

  $136  $124  10% $402  $367  10%

Disability

   168   151  11%  499   446  12%

Dental

   38   34  12%  112   101  11%
                   

Total non-medical

   342   309  11%  1,013   914  11%

Medical

   29   28  4%  121   115  5%
                   

Total insurance premiums

  $371  $337  10% $1,134  $1,029  10%
                   

Sales

  $68  $61  11% $187  $183  2%
                   

Our costadverse mortality experience, the one-time adjustment noted below and the downward effects of insurance and policy administration charges are embeddedwhole-case pricing on premium rates, which we do not expect to recur in future quarters.

Benefits included a one-time adjustment of $3 million in the premiums chargedfirst quarter of 2009 relating to unfavorable waiver claim reserves.

We expect higher expenses attributable to our customers. The premiums are a function of the rates priced into the productU.S. pension plans during 2009.  See “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates – Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans” in our business in force. Business in force, in turn, is driven by sales and persistency experience.

Sales in the table above and as discussed below are the combined annualized premiums2008 Form 10-K for our life, disability and dental products. additional information.


Sales relate to long-duration contracts sold to new contract holders and new programs sold to existing contract holders.  TheWe believe that the trend in sales is an important indicator of development of business in force over time.

Comparison of the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2008 to 2007

The increase in insurance premiums in our non-medical business reflects normal business growth and favorable persistency experience.

Net Investment Income

We use our interest income to build the associated policy reserves, which is a function of our insurance premiums and the yields on our invested assets.

Comparison of the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2008 to 2007

Net investment income remained relatively flat as continued growth of business in force was offset by lower yields on investments supporting statutory surplus due to weaker results from our alternative investments.

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Benefits and Interest Credited

Details underlying benefits and interest credited (in millions) were as follows:

   For the Three
Months Ended
September 30,
  Change  For the Nine
Months Ended
September 30,
  Change 
   2008  2007   2008  2007  

Benefits and Interest Credited by Product Line

       

Life

  $100  $88  14% $293  $269  9%

Disability

   116   99  17%  337   300  12%

Dental

   29   26  12%  89   78  14%
                   

Total non-medical

   245   213  15%  719   647  11%

Medical

   24   23  4%  105   101  4%
                   

Total benefits and interest credited

  $269  $236  14% $824  $748  10%
                   

Loss Ratios by Product Line

       

Life

   74.0%  71.2%   72.7%  73.3% 

Disability

   68.6%  65.0%   67.6%  66.9% 

Dental

   75.9%  74.9%   79.2%  77.8% 

Total non-medical

   71.6%  68.6%   70.9%  70.7% 

Medical

   86.2%  82.8%   87.7%  87.5% 

Note: Loss ratios presented above are calculated using whole dollars instead of dollars rounded to millions.


Management focuses on trends in loss ratios to compare actual experience with pricing expectations because group-underwriting risks change over time.  We believe that loss ratios in the 71-74% range are more representative of longer-term expectations for the composite non-medical portion of this segment.  We expect normal fluctuations in this range, as claim experience is inherently uncertain, and there can be no assurance that experience will fall inside this expected range.


Insurance Premiums

ComparisonDetails underlying insurance premiums (in millions) were as follows:
  For the Three    
  Months Ended    
  March 31,    
  2009  2008  Change 
Insurance Premiums by Product Line         
Life $142  $133   7%
Disability  174   162   7%
Dental  38   37   3%
Total non-medical  354   332   7%
Medical  36   38   -5%
Total insurance premiums $390  $370   5%
             
Sales $54  $54   0%


Our cost of insurance and policy administration charges are embedded in the premiums charged to our customers.  The premiums are a function of the Three Months Ended September 30, 2008rates priced into the product and our business in force.  Business in force, in turn, is driven by sales and persistency experience.  Sales in the table above are the combined annualized premiums for our life, disability and dental products.

The business represented as “medical” consists primarily of our non-core EXEC-U-CARE® product.  This product provides an insured medical expense reimbursement vehicle to 2007

executives for non-covered health plan costs.  This product produces significant revenues and benefits expenses for this segment but only a limited amount of income.  Discontinuance of this product would significantly impact segment revenues, but not income from operations.



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Net Investment Income

We experienced exceptional claim experienceuse our interest income to build the associated policy reserves, which is a function of our insurance premiums and the yields on our total non-medical products during 2007 that we did not believe was sustainable. The experience during 2008 was less favorable, but still on the low endinvested assets.

Benefits and Interest Credited

Details underlying benefits and interest credited (in millions) were as follows:

  For the Three    
  Months Ended    
  March 31,    
  2009  2008  Change 
Benefits and Interest Credited by Product Line 
Life $116  $95   22%
Disability  103   111   -7%
Dental  32   30   7%
Total non-medical  251   236   6%
Medical  32   33   -3%
Total benefits and interest credited $283  $269   5%
             
Loss Ratios by Product Line            
Life  81.6%  71.9%    
Disability  59.1%  68.1%    
Dental  84.2%  80.8%    
Total non-medical  70.8%  71.0%    
Medical  88.9%  87.6%    
Note:  Loss ratios presented above are calculated using whole dollars instead of our expected range.

Comparison of the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2008dollars rounded to 2007

Our total non-medical loss ratio remained relatively flat and was within our expected range. Our life loss ratio benefited from favorable waiver claims experience. Our disability loss ratio was affected by unfavorable termination and incidence experience, but was still well below our expected range.

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millions.


Underwriting, Acquisition, Insurance and Other Expenses


Details underlying underwriting, acquisition, insurance and other expenses (in millions) were as follows:

   For the Three
Months Ended
September 30,
  Change  For the Nine
Months Ended
September 30,
  Change 
   2008  2007   2008  2007  

Underwriting, Acquisition, Insurance and Other Expenses

       

Commissions

  $44  $40  10% $132  $121  9%

General and administrative expenses

   43   38  13%  125   108  16%

Taxes, licenses and fees

   9   8  13%  28   27  4%
                   

Total expenses incurred

   96   86  12%  285   256  11%

DAC and VOBA deferrals

   (13)  (13) 0%  (40)  (38) -5%
                   

Total expenses recognized before amortization

   83   73  14%  245   218  12%

DAC and VOBA amortization, net of interest

   9   8  13%  26   22  18%
                   

Total underwriting, acquisition, insurance and other expenses

  $92  $81  14% $271  $240  13%
                   

DAC and VOBA Deferrals

       

As a percentage of insurance premiums

   3.5%  3.9%   3.5%  3.7% 



  For the Three    
  Months Ended    
  March 31,    
  2009  2008  Change 
Underwriting, Acquisition, Insurance         
and Other Expenses         
Total expenses incurred $102  $96   6%
DAC and VOBA deferrals  (13)  (14)  7%
Total expenses recognized before amortization  89   82   9%
DAC and VOBA amortization, net of interest  10   8   25%
Total underwriting, acquisition, insurance            
and other expenses $99  $90   10%
             
DAC and VOBA Deferrals            
As a percentage of insurance premiums  3.3%  3.8%    

Expenses, excluding broker commissions, that vary with and are related primarily to the production of new business are deferred to the extent recoverable and are amortized on either a straight-line basis or as a level percent of premium of the related contracts depending on the block of business.  Broker commissions, which 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.

Comparison of the Three Months Ended September 30, 2008 to 2007

The increase in underwriting, acquisition, insurance and other expenses was in line with the increase in insurance premiums.

Comparison of the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2008 to 2007

The increase in underwriting, acquisition, insurance and other expenses was in line with the increase in insurance premiums and was attributable to growth in our business in force, higher 401(k) expenses, elevated costs associated with investments in strategic initiatives and an increase in the allocation of expenses to this segment. Partially offsetting the increase in expenses were higher deferrals, driven by strategic sales expenses.

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83


RESULTS OF INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT


The Investment Management segment, through Delaware Investments, provides a broad range of managed account portfolios, mutual funds, sub-advised funds and other investment products to individual investors and to institutional investors such as private and public pension funds, foundations and endowment funds.  Delaware Investments is the marketing name for Delaware Management Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiaries.

affiliates.


Income from Operations


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

   For the Three
Months Ended
September 30,
  Change  For the Nine
Months Ended
September 30,
  Change 
   2008  2007   2008  2007  

Operating Revenues

       

Investment advisory fees – external

  $68  $89  -24% $220  $272  -19%

Investment advisory fees – inter-segment

   21   23  -9%  61   67  -9%

Other revenues and fees

   21   38  -45%  73   112  -35%
                   

Total operating revenues

   110   150  -27%  354   451  -22%

Operating Expenses

       

Underwriting, acquisition, insurance and other expenses

   102   116  -12%  303   374  -19%
                   

Income from operations before taxes

   8   34  -76%  51   77  -34%

Federal income taxes

   3   12  -75%  19   28  -32%
                   

Income from operations

  $5  $22  -77% $32  $49  -35%
                   

Pre-tax operating margin(1)

   7%  23%   14%  17% 
                   



  For the Three    
  Months Ended    
  March 31,    
  2009  2008  Change 
Operating Revenues         
Investment advisory fees – external $44  $76   -42%
Investment advisory fees – inter-segment  20   20   0%
Other revenues and fees  18   24   -25%
Total operating revenues  82   120   -32%
Operating Expenses            
Underwriting, acquisition, insurance and other            
 expenses  79   101   -22%
Income from operations before taxes  3   19   -84%
Federal income tax expense  2   7   -71%
Income from operations $1  $12   -92%
             
Pre-tax operating margin (1)
  4%  16%    

(1)

The pre-tax operating margin is determined by dividing pre-tax income from operations by operating revenues.


Comparison of the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30,March 31, 2009 to 2008 to 2007


Income from operations decreased due primarily to the following:

A reduction in investment advisory fees and other revenue and fees due to lower assets under management resulting from equity market declines, negative net flows and the sale of certain institutional fixed income business; and


Negative returns on seed capital driven by equity market declines.

·A reduction in investment advisory fees due to lower assets under management resulting primarily from continuing significant unfavorable equity markets and the impact of negative net flows in 2008; and

·A reduction in other revenues and fees due primarily to negative returns on seed capital driven by continuing significant unfavorable equity markets.

The decrease in income from operations was partially offset by lower expenses due to exiting certain businesses, lower asset-based expenses and lower incentive compensation accruals as a resultthe implementation of lower earningsseveral expense management controls and production performance relative to planned goals.

The foregoing itemspractices that are discussed further below following “Impact of Current Market Conditions.”

Impact of Current Market Conditions

The October 2008 daily average of the S&P 500 Index® declined 17% from its value as of September 30, 2008, negatively impacting our assets under management and seed capital investments. Consequently, wefocused on expense reduction initiatives.


Future Expectations

We expect lower earnings for this segment in the fourth quarter as a result of2009 than we experienced in 2008 due primarily to lower investment advisory fees, and negative returns on seed capital, partially offset by lower asset-based expenses.

expenses, due to the assets under management erosion from unfavorable equity market returns and negative net flows experienced during 2008.


The level of net flows may vary considerably from period to period, and, therefore, results in one period are not indicative of net flows in subsequent periods.

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 20072008 Form 10-K, as updated byin “Part II – Item 1A. Risk Factors” below, and “Forward-Looking Statements – Cautionary Language” in this report.

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84


We provide information about certain of 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.

Investment Advisory Fees


Details underlying assets under management and net flows (in millions) were as follows:

   As of September 30,  Change 
   2008  2007  

Assets Under Management

      

Retail – equity

  $21,256  $33,131  -36%

Retail – fixed

   11,306   10,403  9%
          

Total retail

   32,562   43,534  -25%
          

Institutional – equity

   14,945   22,108  -32%

Institutional – fixed

   10,155   23,898  -58%
          

Total institutional

   25,100   46,006  -45%
          

Inter-segment assets – retail and institutional

   8,937   10,176  -12%

Inter-segment assets – general account

   63,531   67,324  -6%
          

Total inter-segment assets

   72,468   77,500  -6%
          

Total assets under management

  $130,130  $167,040  -22%
          

Total Sub-Advised Assets, Included Above

      

Retail

  $11,168  $16,380  -32%

Institutional

   3,035   4,734  -36%
          

Total sub-advised assets

  $14,203  $21,114  -33%
          

   For the Three
Months Ended
September 30,
  Change  For the Nine
Months Ended
September 30,
  Change 
   2008  2007   2008  2007  

Net Flows – External(1) (2)

       

Retail equity sales

  $800  $1,268  -37% $3,335  $5,026  -34%

Retail equity redemptions and transfers

   (2,437)  (1,894) -29%  (7,233)  (6,225) -16%
                   

Retail equity net flows

   (1,637)  (626) NM   (3,898)  (1,199) NM 
                   

Retail fixed income sales

   1,137   1,029  10%  3,725   3,237  15%

Retail fixed income redemptions and transfers

   (863)  (656) -32%  (2,735)  (2,065) -32%
                   

Retail fixed income net flows

   274   373  -27%  990   1,172  -16%
                   

Total retail sales

   1,937   2,297  -16%  7,060   8,263  -15%

Total retail redemptions and transfers

   (3,300)  (2,550) -29%  (9,968)  (8,290) -20%
                   

Total retail net flows

   (1,363)  (253) NM   (2,908)  (27) NM 
                   

Institutional equity inflows

   688   689  0%  2,222   2,725  -18%

Institutional equity withdrawals and transfers

   (1,924)  (1,132) -70%  (3,815)  (4,914) 22%
                   

Institutional equity net flows

   (1,236)  (443) NM   (1,593)  (2,189) 27%
                   

Institutional fixed income inflows

   551   2,215  -75%  1,030   5,188  -80%

Institutional fixed income withdrawals and transfers

   (1,068)  (1,219) 12%  (2,154)  (2,894) 26%
                   

Institutional fixed income net flows

   (517)  996  NM   (1,124)  2,294  NM 
                   

Total institutional inflows

   1,239   2,904  -57%  3,252   7,913  -59%

Total institutional redemptions and transfers

   (2,992)  (2,351) -27%  (5,969)  (7,808) 24%
                   

Total institutional net flows

   (1,753)  553  NM   (2,717)  105  NM 
                   

Total sales/inflows

   3,176   5,201  -39%  10,312   16,176  -36%

Total redemptions and transfers

   (6,292)  (4,901) -28%  (15,937)  (16,098) 1%
                   

Total net flows

  $(3,116) $300  NM  $(5,625) $78  NM 
                   



  As of March 31,    
  2009  2008  Change 
Assets Under Management         
Retail – equity $12,287  $27,409   -55%
Retail – fixed  10,935   11,238   -3%
Total retail  23,222   38,647   -40%
             
Institutional – equity  9,941   19,512   -49%
Institutional – fixed  11,142   11,187   0%
Total institutional  21,083   30,699   -31%
             
Inter-segment assets – retail and institutional  7,505   9,191   -18%
Inter-segment assets – general account  64,824   67,340   -4%
Total inter-segment assets  72,329   76,531   -5%
Total assets under management $116,634  $145,877   -20%
             
Total Sub-Advised Assets, Included Above            
Retail $6,076  $14,212   -57%
Institutional  1,919   4,071   -53%
Total sub-advised assets $7,995  $18,283   -56%



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  For the Three 
  Months Ended 
  March 31, 
  2009  2008 
Net Flows – External (1)
      
Retail equity sales $593  $1,493 
Retail equity redemptions and transfers  (1,527)  (2,615)
Retail equity net flows  (934)  (1,122)
Retail fixed income sales  1,379   1,376 
Retail fixed income redemptions and transfers  (1,082)  (978)
Retail fixed income net flows  297   398 
Total retail sales  1,972   2,869 
Total retail redemptions and transfers  (2,609)  (3,593)
Total retail net flows  (637)  (724)
Institutional equity inflows  375   968 
Institutional equity withdrawals and transfers  (1,042)  (1,043)
Institutional equity net flows  (667)  (75)
Institutional fixed income inflows  2,247   168 
Institutional fixed income withdrawals and transfers  (592)  (574)
Institutional fixed income net flows  1,655   (406)
Total institutional inflows  2,622   1,136 
Total institutional redemptions and transfers  (1,634)  (1,617)
Total institutional net flows  988   (481)
Total sales/inflows  4,594   4,005 
Total redemptions and transfers  (4,243)  (5,210)
Total net flows $351  $(1,205)

(1)

Includes Delaware Variable Insurance Product (“VIP”) funds.  Lincoln FinancialOur insurance subsidiaries, as well as unaffiliated insurers, participate in these funds.  In addition, sales/inflows includes contributions, dividend reinvestments and transfers in kind, and redemptions/transfers includes dividends and capital gain distributions.

  For the Three 
  Months Ended 
  March 31, 
  2009  2008 
Net Flows – Inter-Segment (1)
      
Total sales/inflows (2)
 $536  $719 
Total redemptions and transfers (3)
  (676)  (679)
Total net flows $(140) $40 

(2)

(1)

Includes net flows from retail and institutional.  Excludes $12.3 billion in institutional fixed income business sold to an unaffiliated investment management company in the fourth quarter of 2007general account inflows and $154 million of 529 Plan assets transferred to an unaffiliated 529 Plan provider in the second quarter of 2007transfers because we do not consider these to be net flows.

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   For the Three
Months Ended
September 30,
  Change  For the Nine
Months Ended
September 30,
  Change 
   2008  2007   2008  2007  

Net Flows – Inter-Segment(1)

       

Total sales/inflows (2)

  $812  $544  49% $1,905  $1,753  9%

Total redemptions and transfers(3)

   (1,028)  (754) -36%  (2,250)  (2,254) 0%
                   

Total net flows

  $(216) $(210) -3% $(345) $(501) 31%
                   

(1)

(2)

Includes net flows from retail and institutional and excludes net flows from the general account. Also, it excludes the transfer of $3.0 billion in assets to another internal advisor, $780 million in assets to Other Operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, and the transfer in of $709 million in assets primarily from another internal advisor in the third quarter of 2008, because we do not consider these to be net flows.

(2)

Includes contributions, dividend reinvestments and transfers in kind.

(3)

Includes dividends and capital gains distributions.

   For the Three
Months Ended
September 30,
  Change  For the Nine
Months Ended
September 30,
  Change 
   2008  2007   2008  2007  

Average daily S&P 500 Index®

  1,255.42  1,489.60  -16% 1,325.03  1,470.65  -10%
               


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  For the Three    
  Months Ended    
  March 31,    
  2009  2008  Change 
Other Information         
Average daily S&P 500  810.65   1,349.16   -40%
Impact of dividends and interest and change in            
market value on assets under management $(2,943) $(5,654)  48%


Investment advisory fees are generally a function of the rates priced into the product and our average assets under management, which isare driven by net flows and capital markets.  Investment advisory fees – external include amounts that are ultimately paid to sub-advisors for managing the sub-advised assets.  The amounts paid to sub-advisors are generally included in the segment’s expenses.


Investment advisory fees – inter-segment consists of fees for asset management services this segment provides to Retirement Solutions and Insurance Solutions for managing general account assets supporting fixed income products, surplus and separate account assets.  These inter-segment amounts are not reported on our Consolidated Statements of Income as they are eliminated along with the associated expenses incurred by Retirement Solutions and Insurance Solutions.  Retirement Solutions and Insurance Solutions report the cost as a reduction to net investment income, which is the same methodology that would be used if these services were provided by an external party.

The level of net flows may vary considerably from period to period, and therefore results in one period are not indicative of net flows in subsequent periods.

Comparison of the Three Months Ended September 30, 2008 to 2007

Investment advisory fees – external decreased due primarily to lower third-party average assets under management as a result of equity market declines, negative net flows and the impact of the fixed income transaction, as discussed below. Market value changes on assets under management in the third quarter of 2008 were $(3.4) billion in retail and $(2.6) billion in institutional compared to $520 million in retail and $1.2 billion in institutional for the same period in 2007.

On October 31, 2007, we sold certain institutional taxable fixed income business to an unaffiliated investment management company. As a result of this transaction, assets under management decreased by $12.3 billion, which resulted in a $5 million decrease to investment advisory fees – external in the third quarter of 2008. We expect a similar impact in the fourth quarter of 2008.

Investment advisory fees – inter-segment decreased due to lower average inter-segment assets under management as a result of market declines and negative net flows.

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Comparison of the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2008 to 2007

Investment advisory fees – external decreased due primarily to lower third-party average assets under management as a result of equity market declines, negative net flows and lower advisory revenues of $14 million as a result of the 2007 fixed income transaction, as discussed above. Market value changes on assets under management in the first nine months of 2008 were $(6.9) billion in retail and $(5.5) billion in institutional compared to $3.2 billion in retail and $2.8 billion in institutional for the same period in 2007.

Investment advisory fees – inter-segment decreased due to lower average inter-segment assets under management as a result of market declines, negative net flows and as a result of the transition of the investment advisory role for the Lincoln Variable Insurance Trust product effective May 1, 2007, to Retirement Solutions. In the role of investment advisor, Investment Management provided investment performance and compliance oversight on third-party investment managers in exchange for a fee. Investment Management will continue to manage certain of the assets as a sub-advisor. As a result of this change, Investment Management’s assets under management decreased by $3.0 billion; however, there was no impact to our consolidated assets under management or consolidated net income.


Other Revenues and Fees

Comparison of the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2008 to 2007


Other revenues and fees decreased forconsists primarily of revenues generated from shareholder and administrative services, 12b-1 fees and the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, partly due to a $7 million and $16 million decrease, respectively, in the return onresults from seed capital due to unfavorable equity markets.investments.  Seed capital investments are important to establishing a track record for products that will later be sold to investors.  These investments are valued at market value each reporting period and the change in market value impacts other revenues. Other revenues and fees were also negatively impacted by the loss of fees from the movement of the investment accounting function to a third party and by lower 12b-1 revenue related to lower average assets under management.

Operating Expenses

Comparison of the Three Months Ended September 30, 2008 to 2007

Operating expenses decreased due primarily to selling certain fixed income business to an unaffiliated investment management company and transitioning the investment accounting function to a third party. Also, accruals for variable compensation based on revenue and results decreased. These reductions were partially offset by an accrual for legal expenses.

Comparison of the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2008 to 2007

Operating expenses decreased due primarily to the elimination of certain expenses as a result of transferring the investment advisory role of Lincoln Variable Insurance Trust to another internal advisor, selling certain fixed income business to an unaffiliated investment management company and transitioning the investment accounting function to a third party. Also, accruals for variable compensation based on revenue and results have decreased. In addition, in 2007, a new closed-end fund was launched. Costs associated with the launch of this fund were $5 million.

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87


RESULTS OF LINCOLN UK


Lincoln UK is headquartered in Barnwood, Gloucester, England, and is licensed to do business throughout the United Kingdom.  Lincoln UK focuses primarily focuses on protecting and enhancing the value of its existing customer base.  The segment accepts new deposits from existing relationships and markets a limited range of new products includinglife and retirement income products.  Lincoln UK’s product portfolio principally consists of unit-linked life and pension products, which are similar to U.S. produced variable life and annuity products, where the risk associated with the underlying investments is borne by the contract holders.  The segment is sensitive to changes in the foreign currency exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and the British pound sterling.  A significant increase in the value of the U.S. dollar relative to the British pound would have a significant adverse effect on the segment’s operating results.


Income from Operations

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

  For the Three    
  Months Ended    
  March 31,    
  2009  2008  Change 
Operating Revenues         
Insurance premiums $10  $19   -47%
Insurance fees  24   46   -48%
Net investment income  13   21   -38%
Total operating revenues  47   86   -45%
Operating Expenses            
Benefits  19   31   -39%
Underwriting, acquisition, insurance and other            
 expenses  19   38   -50%
Total operating expenses  38   69   -45%
Income from operations before taxes  9   17   -47%
Federal income tax expense  3   6   -50%
Income from operations $6  $11   -45%
             
Exchange Rate Ratio-U.S. Dollars to Pounds            
Sterling            
Average for the period  1.443   1.987   -27%
End-of-period  1.435   1.985   -28%

Comparison of the Three Months Ended March 31, 2009 to 2008

Excluding the effect of the exchange rate, income from operations for this segment decreased 25% due primarily to the following:

·A decline in insurance fees driven by lower average unit-linked account values resulting primarily from unfavorable markets as the average value of the Financial Time Stock Exchange (“FTSE”) 100 index was 31% lower than the first quarter of 2008; and
·A reduction in net investment income due to lower yields.

The decrease in income from operations was partially offset by lower volume and asset-based expenses, favorable claim experience and the implementation of several expense management controls and practices that are focused on expense reduction initiatives.


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Future Expectations

We expect lower earnings for this segment in 2009 than we experienced in 2008, when excluding the impacts of unlocking.  The expected decline is attributable to the following:

·  Continued deterioration in general economic and business conditions that we believe will result in lower investment fee income and less favorable foreign exchange rates;
·  Lower net investment income on the segment’s fixed deposits from the continuation of the low interest rate environment; and
·  Lower net flows on unit-linked assets due to the current economic challenges, including the current expectation by analysts that a meaningful economic recovery, including reductions in unemployment, will not occur until 2010.

If there were an immediate decline in the FTSE of approximately 18% from its level as of March 31, 2009, and/or sustained under performance over a number of months, we believe it would result in approximately $50 million, after-tax, unfavorable prospective unlocking of DAC, VOBA and DFEL related to reversion to the mean.

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 20072008 Form 10-K, as updated byin “Part II – Item 1A. Risk Factors” below, and “Forward-Looking Statements – Cautionary Language” in this report.

Income from Operations

Details


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 results for Lincoln UK (in millions) were as follows:

   For the Three
Months Ended
September 30,
  Change  For the Nine
Months Ended
September 30,
  Change 
   2008  2007   2008  2007  

Operating Revenues

           

Insurance premiums

  $19  $26  -27% $64  $74  -14%

Insurance fees

   40   42  -5%  138   138  0%

Net investment income

   21   21  0%  61   60  2%
                   

Total operating revenues

   80   89  -10%  263   272  -3%
                   

Operating Expenses

           

Benefits

   27   30  -10%  87   100  -13%

Underwriting, acquisition, insurance and other expenses

   34   43  -21%  113   121  -7%
                   

Total operating expenses

   61   73  -16%  200   221  -10%
                   

Income from operations before taxes

   19   16  19%  63   51  24%

Federal income taxes

   7   6  17%  22   18  22%
                   

Income from operations

  $12  $10  20% $41  $33  24%
                   
   For the Three
Months Ended
September 30,
  Change  For the Nine
Months Ended
September 30,
  Change 
   2008  2007   2008  2007  

Exchange Rate Ratio-U.S. Dollars to Pounds Sterling

           

Average for the period

   1.897   2.025  -6%  1.957   1.993  -2%

End-of-period

   1.778   2.046  -13%  1.778   2.046  -13%

Comparison of the Three Months Ended September 30, 2008 to 2007

line items and their associated drivers below.


Insurance Premiums

Excluding the effect of the exchange rate, income from operations for this segment increased 28% due primarily to the following:

An unfavorable adjustment in 2007 to our mis-selling reserves; and

The recording of a Value Added Tax (“VAT”) refund in 2008.

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

A reduction in premiums due to declines in the annuitization of vesting pension policies and the face amount of our insurance in force attributable to the maturity of the block of business; and

A $3 million unfavorable prospective unlocking (a $13 million unfavorable unlocking from model refinements net of a $10 million favorable unlocking from assumption changes) of DAC, VOBA and DFEL in 2008 compared to a $2 million favorable prospective unlocking (a $4 million favorable unlocking from assumption changes net of a $2 million unfavorable unlocking from model refinements) in 2007.

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Comparison of the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2008 to 2007

Excluding the effect of the exchange rate, income from operations for this segment increased 27% due primarily to the following:

A favorable adjustment in 2008 to our mis-selling reserves;

An unfavorable adjustment in 2007 to our mis-selling reserves; and

The recording of a VAT refund in 2008.

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

A reduction in premiums due to declines in the annuitization of vesting pension policies and the face amount of our insurance in force attributable to the maturity of the block of business; and

The impact of prospective unlocking discussed above.

The foregoing items are discussed further below.

Insurance Premiums

Insurance premiums are primarily a function of the rates priced into the product and face amount of our insurance in force.

Comparison of the Three Months Ended September 30, 2008 to 2007

Excluding the effect of the exchange rate, insurance premiums decreased 22%, primarily reflecting a decrease in the annuitization of vesting pension policies, partially offset by a decrease in benefits.

Comparison of the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2008 to 2007

Excluding the effect of the exchange rate, insurance premiums decreased 12%, primarily reflecting a decrease in the annuitization of vesting pension policies, partially offset by a decrease in benefits.


Our annualized policy lapse rate as ofwas 6.2% for the thirdfirst quarter of 2008 was 6.3% as2009 compared to 6.5%6.3% for the corresponding period in 2007,2008, as measured by the number of policies in force.


Insurance Fees


Details underlying insurance fees, business in force and unit-linked assets (in millions) were as follows:

   For the Three
Months Ended
September 30,
  Change  For the Nine
Months Ended
September 30,
  Change 
   2008  2007   2008  2007  

Insurance Fees

       

Mortality assessments

  $9  $9  0% $27  $28  -4%

Expense assessments

   27   21  29%  94   86  9%

DFEL:

       

Deferrals

   (1)  (1) 0%  (2)  (2) 0%

Amortization, net of interest:

       

Prospective unlocking – assumption changes

   (1)  (3) 67%  (1)  (3) 67%

Prospective unlocking – model refinements

   —     8  -100%  —     8  -100%

Retrospective unlocking

   —     —    NM   —     (1) 100%

Other amortization, net of interest

   6   8  -25%  20   22  -9%
                   

Total insurance fees

  $40  $42  -5% $138  $138  0%
                   

   As of September 30,    
   2008  2007  Change 

Individual life insurance in force

  $15,605  $19,757  -21%

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  For the Three    
  Months Ended    
  March 31,    
  2009  2008  Change 
Insurance Fees         
Mortality assessments $7  $9   -22%
Expense assessments  16   30   -47%
DFEL:            
Deferrals  (1)  (1)  0%
Amortization, net of interest:            
Retrospective unlocking  (2)  1  NM 
Amortization, net of interest, excluding            
unlocking  4   7   -43%
Total insurance fees $24  $46   -48%
             
             
  As of March 31,     
   2009   2008  Change 
Individual life insurance in force $11,674  $18,283   -36%

Excluding the effect of the exchange rate, individual life insurance in force decreased 12% in the first quarter of 2009 compared to the corresponding period in 2008.


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   For the Three
Months Ended
September 30,
  Change  For the Nine
Months Ended
September 30,
  Change 
   2008  2007   2008  2007  

Unit-Linked Assets

       

Balance at beginning-of-period

  $7,833  $9,168  -15% $8,850  $8,757  1%

Deposits

   81   79  3%  242   247  -2%

Withdrawals and deaths

   (189)  (251) 25%  (629)  (742) 15%
                   

Net flows

   (108)  (172) 37%  (387)  (495) 22%

Investment income and change in market value

   (304)  25  NM   (1,062)  531  NM 

Foreign currency adjustment

   (836)  171  NM   (816)  399  NM 
                   

Balance at end-of-period

  $6,585  $9,192  -28% $6,585  $9,192  -28%
                   



  For the Three    
  Months Ended    
  March 31,    
  2009  2008  Change 
          
Unit-Linked Assets         
Balance at beginning-of-period $4,978  $8,850   -44%
Deposits  39   60   -35%
Withdrawals and deaths  (108)  (213)  49%
Net flows  (69)  (153)  55%
Investment income and change in market value  (279)  (608)  54%
Foreign currency adjustment  (79)  (10) NM 
Balance at end-of-period $4,551  $8,079   -44%
Excluding the effect of the exchange rate, unit-linked assets decreased 22% in the first quarter of 2009 compared to the corresponding period in 2008.

The insurance fees reflect mortality and expense assessments on unit-linked account values to cover insurance and administrative charges.  These assessments, excluding the effect of the exchange rate, are primarily a function of the rates priced into the product, the face amount of insurance in force and the average unit-linked assets, which is driven by net flows on the account values and the financial markets.  Although the use of the reversion to the mean process has lessened the impact of short-term volatility in equity markets, theThe segment’s fee income remains subject to volatility in the equity markets as it affects the level of the underlying assets that drive the fee income.

Comparison of the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2008 to 2007

Excluding the effects of the exchange rate and unlocking, insurance fees increased 18% and 6% in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, respectively, as compared to the corresponding periods in 2007 due primarily to a $9 million correction in the third quarter of 2007 that reduced expense assessments in 2007 and higher U.K. Department of Work and Pensions premiums, partially offset by lower dividend income, lower equity gains and decreasing bond values resulting in a reduced linked tax deduction from the unit-linked account. Excluding the effect of the exchange rate, individual life insurance in force decreased 9%, and unit linked assets decreased 18%, which also contributed to a reduction in linked fees.

The three and nine months ended September 30, 2007, had unfavorable prospective unlocking – assumption changes related primarily to refinements to the methodology regarding future expectations of investment income and expenses offset by the expected mortality experience in the future.


Net Investment Income


We use our interest income to build the associated policy reserves, which is a function of our insurance premiums and the yields on our invested assets.

Comparison of the Three Months Ended September 30, 2008 to 2007

Excluding the effect of the exchange rate, net investment income increased by 7%, due primarily to increased investments in short-term bonds and interest due on the VAT refund.

Comparison of the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2008 to 2007

Excluding the effect of the exchange rate, net investment income increased by 4%, due primarily to increased investments in short-term bonds and interest due on the VAT refund.


Benefits


Benefits for this segment are recognized when incurred and include claims incurred during the period in excess of the associated account balance for its unit-linked products. Benefits are recognized when incurred.

Comparison of the Three Months Ended September 30, 2008 to 2007

Excluding the effects of the exchange rate, benefits decreased 4% due primarily to an increase in 2007 in mis-selling reserves and a decrease in reserves due to lower levels of vested annuity premiums, partially offset by an increase from unfavorable claim experience and lower reinsurance recoveries.

89


Comparison of the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2008 to 2007

Excluding the effects of the exchange rate, benefits decreased 11% due primarily to a reduction in the liability for mis-selling practices following a favorable finding in the second quarter of 2008 by the U.K. Financial Ombudsman Service regarding Lincoln UK’s time barring of claims compared to an increase in the liability for mis-selling practices in 2007, a one-time reduction in the death claim reserve following a reconciliation of previously paid claims and a decrease in reserves due to lower levels of vested annuity premiums. These decreases were partially offset by an unfavorable tax reserve adjustment and lower reinsurance recoveries.


Underwriting, Acquisition, Insurance and Other Expenses


Details underlying underwriting, acquisition, insurance and other expenses (in millions) were as follows:

   For the Three
Months Ended
September 30,
  Change  For the Nine
Months Ended
September 30,
  Change 
   2008  2007   2008  2007  

Underwriting, Acquisition, Insurance and Other Expenses

       

Commissions

  $1  $1  0% $3  $3  0%

General and administrative expenses

   23   27  -15%  74   80  -8%
                   

Total expenses incurred

   24   28  -14%  77   83  -7%

DAC and VOBA deferrals

   (1)  (1) 0%  (2)  (3) 33%
                   

Total expenses recognized before amortization

   23   27  -15%  75   80  -6%

DAC and VOBA amortization, net of interest:

       

Prospective unlocking – assumption changes

   (16)  (9) -78%  (16)  (9) -78%

Prospective unlocking – model refinements

   20   11  82%  20��  11  82%

Retrospective unlocking

   (2)  (1) -100%  (3)  (2) -50%

Other amortization, net of interest

   9   15  -40%  37   41  -10%
                   

Total underwriting, acquisition, insurance and other expenses

  $34  $43  -21% $113  $121  -7%
                   



  For the Three    
  Months Ended    
  March 31,    
  2009  2008  Change 
Underwriting, Acquisition, Insurance and         
Other Expenses         
Total expenses incurred $18  $28   -36%
DAC and VOBA deferrals  (1)  (1)  0%
Total expenses recognized before amortization  17   27   -37%
DAC and VOBA amortization, net of interest:            
Retrospective unlocking  (5)  (1) NM 
Amortization, net of interest, excluding            
unlocking  7   12   -42%
Total underwriting, acquisition, insurance            
and other expenses $19  $38   -50%



90


Commissions and other costs, which vary with and are related primarily to the production of new business, are deferred to the extent recoverable.  DAC and VOBA related to unit-linked business are amortized over the lives 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 depending on the block of business.

Comparison of the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2008 to 2007

Excluding the effect of the exchange rate, general and administrative expenses decreased 9% and 6% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, as compared to the corresponding periods in 2007, respectively, due primarily to a refund of VAT based on approval of our claim by Customs and Excise.

The three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, had favorable prospective unlocking – assumption changes related primarily to lower maintenance costs and higher persistency than our model projections assumed. The three and nine months ended September 30, 2007, had favorable prospective unlocking – assumption changes related primarily to changes in investment income, expense and mortality expectations.

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RESULTS OF OTHER OPERATIONS


Other Operations includes investments related to the excess capital in our insurance subsidiaries, investments in media properties and other corporate investments, benefit plan net assets, the unamortized deferred gain on indemnity reinsurance, which was sold to Swiss Re in 2001, corporateexternal debt and corporatebusiness sold through reinsurance.  We are actively managing our remaining radio station clusters to maximize performance and future value.  Other Operations also includes the Institutional Pension business, which was previously reported in Employer Markets – Retirement Products prior to our segment realignment discussed in “Introduction – Executive Summary.” The Institutional Pension business is a closed-blockclosed block of pension business, the majority of which was sold on a group annuity basis, and is currently in run-off.


Loss from Operations


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

   For the Three
Months Ended
September 30,
  Change  For the Nine
Months Ended
September 30,
  Change 
   2008  2007   2008  2007  

Operating Revenues

       

Insurance premiums

  $1  $1  0% $4  $3  33%

Net investment income

   90   93  -3%  277   271  2%

Amortization of deferred gain on business sold through reinsurance

   19   19  0%  55   56  -2%

Media revenues (net)

   21   27  -22%  66   80  -18%

Other revenues and fees

   1   (4) 125%  —     2  -100%

Inter-segment elimination of investment advisory fees

   (21)  (23) 9%  (61)  (67) 9%
                   

Total operating revenues

   111   113  -2%  341   345  -1%
                   

Operating Expenses

       

Interest credited

   43   48  -10%  131   137  -4%

Benefits

   31   36  -14%  88   110  -20%

Media expenses

   14   13  8%  45   43  5%

Other expenses

   33   52  -37%  120   116  3%

Interest and debt expenses

   69   68  1%  209   204  2%

Inter-segment elimination of investment advisory fees

   (21)  (23) 9%  (61)  (67) 9%
                   

Total operating expenses

   169   194  -13%  532   543  -2%
                   

Loss from operations before taxes

   (58)  (81) 28%  (191)  (198) 4%

Federal income taxes

   (19)  (32) 41%  (64)  (83) 23%
                   

Loss from operations

  $(39) $(49) 20% $(127) $(115) -10%
                   



  For the Three    
  Months Ended    
  March 31,    
  2009  2008  Change 
Operating Revenues         
Insurance premiums $1  $1   0%
Net investment income  70   99   -29%
Amortization of deferred gain on business            
 sold through reinsurance  18   18   0%
Media revenues (net)  15   22   -32%
Other revenues and fees  (1)  (3)  67%
Inter-segment elimination of investment            
 advisory fees  (20)  (20)  0%
Total operating revenues  83   117   -29%
Operating Expenses            
Interest credited  51   45   13%
Benefits  107   28   282%
Media expenses  13   16   -19%
Other expenses  34   35   -3%
Interest and debt expenses  65   76   -14%
Inter-segment elimination of investment            
advisory fees  (20)  (20)  0%
Total operating expenses  250   180   39%
Loss from operations before taxes  (167)  (63) NM 
Federal income tax benefit  (58)  (21) NM 
Loss from operations $(109) $(42) NM 




91

Comparison of the Three Months Ended September 30,March 31, 2009 to 2008 to 2007

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


Lower other expenses due primarily to higher merger-related expenses in 2007 and a separation benefit recorded in the third quarter of 2007, partially offset by increases in litigation expense; and

Unfavorable mortality in our Institutional Pension business in the third quarter of 2007.

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

Lower media earnings related primarily to lower advertising revenues caused by market conditions; and

Less favorable tax items that impacted the effective tax rate.

91


Comparison of the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2008 to 2007

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

Lower media earnings related primarily to lower advertising revenues caused by market conditions;


Higher other expenses attributable primarily to the impact of the one-time curtailment gain recorded in the second quarter of 2007 related to our employee pension plan and the relocation costs associated with the move of our corporate office, partially offset by a separation benefit recorded in the third quarter of 2007 and lower merger-related expenses in 2008;

·  The $64 million unfavorable impact in the first quarter of 2009 of the rescission of the reinsurance agreement on certain disability income business sold to Swiss Re as discussed in “Reinsurance” below, which resulted in pre-tax increases in benefits of $78 million, interest credited of $15 million and other expenses of $5 million, partially offset by a $34 million tax benefit;

Higher interest and debt expenses from increased debt; and

·  Lower net investment income from a reduction in invested assets driven by transfers to other segments for other-than-temporary impairments and dividends paid to stockholders as these items exceeded the distributable earnings received from our insurance segments, dividends received from our other segments and issuances of debt, and lower dividend income from our holdings of Bank of America common stock due to dividend rate cuts; and

Less favorable tax items that impacted the effective tax rate.

·  Lower media earnings related primarily to declines in discretionary business spending, such as advertising, caused by the general weakening of the U.S economy causing substantial declines in revenues throughout the radio market.

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

Higher net

·Lower interest and debt expenses as a result of a decline in interest rates that affect our variable rate borrowings partially offset by higher average balances of outstanding debt in the current period; and
·Lower other expenses due primarily to higher merger-related expenses in the first quarter of 2008 as a result of higher system integration work related to our administrative systems and relocation costs in the first quarter of 2008 associated with the move of our corporate office, partially offset by restructuring charges for expense initiatives in the first quarter of 2009.

Future Expectations

We expect lower earnings for Other Operations in 2009 than was experienced in 2008.  The expected decline is attributable primarily to the following:

·Higher expected expenses attributable to restructuring charges of approximately $15 million to $20 million in the second quarter of 2009 related to recently announced expense reduction initiatives that are discussed further below;
·Lower investment income due to lower dividend income from our holdings of Bank of America common stock as it announced dividend rate cuts during the latter part of 2008 and early 2009, partially offset by higher investment income of $2 million per quarter prospectively related to the coinsurance agreement that we entered into on March 31, 2009 (see “Results of Insurance Solutions – Insurance Solutions – Life Insurance” and “Reinsurance” for more information);
·Lower investment income from a reduction in the distributable earnings that will be received from our insurance segments and lower dividends received from our other segments due to the current economic challenges, including the current expectation by analysts that a meaningful economic recovery, including reductions in unemployment, will not occur until 2010;
·Lower investment income on alternative investment income due to the market conditions in both the equity and credit markets (see “Consolidated Investments – Alternative Investments” below for additional information on our alternative investments);
·Lower investment income on fixed maturity securities and mortgage loans on real estate from the continuation of the low interest rate environment;
·Lower media earnings as we believe customers will continue to reduce their advertising expenses in response to the credit markets; and
·Higher expenses attributable to our U.S. pension plans (see “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates – Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans” in our 2008 Form 10-K for additional information).

In addition, the inclusion of run-off disability income from an increase in invested assets driven by distributable earnings received from our insurance segments, dividends received from our other segments and issuances of debt as these items exceeded share repurchases and dividends paidbusiness results within Other Operations due to stockholders; and

Unfavorable mortality in our Institutional Pension business in 2007.

Certainthe rescission of the foregoing items are discussed further below following “Impact of Current Market Conditions.”

Impact of Current Market Conditions

Swiss Re reinsurance agreement mentioned above may create volatility in earnings going forward.

Media earnings

Sustained market volatility and the challenging economic environment continue to experience deterioration as customers reduce their advertising expensesput pressure on many industries and companies, including our own.  After reviewing the impact of this difficult economy on our anticipated sales and business activities, we initiated actions in response to the credit markets. Due to seasonality, the fourth quarter is generally our strongest quarter; however, expectations for this year areto streamline operations, reduce expenses and ensure that fourth quarter will bestaffing levels were aligned with expected business activity.  We focused on reducing the lowest quarter in 2008 given the current economic conditions;

workforce, reducing capital spending and addressing corporate-wide discretionary spending.

Investment income is expected to be lower as

As a result of lower dividend income fromshrinking revenues due to the impact of unfavorable equity markets on our holdings of Bank of America common stock, following its announcementasset management businesses and a reduction in early Octobersales volumes caused by the unfavorable economic environment, we have launched further initiatives to reduce its dividend rate by half;expenses, including a 12% workforce reduction that was completed in April of 2009, that we believe will improve our capital position and

preserve profits.  The restructuring costs associated with these layoffs are included in other expenses within Other Operations.

Additional other-than-temporary impairments that will further reduce investment income for this segment. See below for further detail on this impact.


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 20072008 Form 10-K, as updated byin “Part II – Item 1A. Risk Factors” below, and “Forward-Looking Statements – Cautionary Language” in this report.


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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 regulations require increases in our insurance segments’ statutory reserves and surplus, the amount of capital allocated to Other Operations would decrease and net investment income would be negatively impacted.  In addition, as discussed below in “Review of Consolidated Financial Condition –
Alternative Sources of Liquidity,” the holding company maintainswe maintain an inter-segment cash management accountprogram where other segmentscertain subsidiaries can borrow from or lend money to the holding company.company to meet short-term borrowing needs.  The inter-segment cash management accountprogram affects net investment income for Other Operations, as all inter-segment eliminations are reported within Other Operations.


Write-downs for other-than-temporary impairments decrease the recorded value of our invested assets owned by our business segments.  These write-downs are not included in the income from operations of our operating segments.  When impairment occurs, assets are transferred to the business segments’ portfolios and will reduce the future net investment income for Other Operations, but should not have an impact on a consolidated basis unless the impairments are related to defaulted securities.  Statutory reserve adjustments for our business segments can also cause allocations of invested assets between the affected segments and Other Operations.


The majority of our interest credited relates to our reinsurance operations sold to Swiss Re in 2001.  A substantial amount of the business was sold through indemnity reinsurance transactions resulting in some of the business still flowing through 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 impact to income or loss in Other Operations or on a consolidated basis for these amounts.

Comparison of the Three Months Ended September 30, 2008 to 2007

The decrease in net investment income was attributable to a decrease in invested assets that was driven by share repurchases, dividends paid to stockholders and transfers to other segments for other-than-temporary impairments. The decrease in invested assets from these items exceeded distributable earnings received from our insurance segments, dividends received from our other segments and issuances of debt. In addition, decreases in income on standby real estate equity commitments unfavorably impacted net investment income, partially offset by the favorable impact from decreases in collateral under securities loaned.

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Comparison of the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2008 to 2007

The increase in net investment income was attributable to an increase in invested assets that was driven by distributable earnings received from our insurance segments, dividends received from our other segments and issuances of debt. These items exceeded the amount of share repurchases, dividends paid to stockholders and transfers to other segments for other-than-temporary impairments. In addition, increases in our inter-segment cash management account payable and decreases in income on standby real estate commitments unfavorably impacted net investment income, partially offset by the favorable impact from decreases in collateral under securities loaned.


Benefits


Benefits are recognized when incurred for Institutional Pension products.

Comparison of the Threeproducts and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2008 to 2007

The decrease in benefits was a result of unfavorable mortality in our Institutional Pension business in the second and third quarters of 2007.

disability income business.


Other Expenses


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

   For the Three
Months Ended
September 30,
  Change  For the Nine
Months Ended
September 30,
  Change 
   2008  2007   2008  2007  

Other Expenses

           

Merger-related expenses

  $13  $30  -57% $44  $75  -41%

Branding

   8   8  0%  27   24  13%

Retirement Income Security Ventures

   4   3  33%  9   6  50%

Taxes, licenses and fees

   2   4  -50%  5   8  -38%

Other

   6   7  -14%  35   3  NM 
                   

Total other expenses

  $33  $52  -37% $120  $116  3%
                   



  For the Three    
  Months Ended    
  March 31,    
  2009  2008  Change 
Other Expenses         
Merger-related expenses $7  $15   -53%
Restructuring charges for expense initiatives  5   -  NM 
Branding  5   8   -38%
Retirement Income Security Ventures  2   2   0%
Taxes, licenses and fees  2   2   0%
Other  13   8   63%
Total other expenses $34  $35   -3%

Other expenses for Other Operationsin the table above includes expenses that are corporate in nature such as merger-related expenses, restructuring costs, branding,including charitable contributions, certain litigation reserves, amortization of media intangible assets with a definite life, other expenses not allocated to our business segments and inter-segment expense eliminations, excluding those associated with our inter-segment investment advisory fees.

Comparison of the Three Months Ended September 30, 2008 to 2007

The decrease in other expenses was attributable primarily to the effect of decreased merger-related expenses because of higher system integration work related to our administrative systems in 2007, as well as a separation benefit related to the retirement of certain key executives in 2007. These decreases were partially offset by increases in litigation and facilities expense.

Comparison of the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2008 to 2007

The increase in other expenses was attributable primarily to the impact of the one-time curtailment gain recorded in the second quarter of 2007 related to our employee pension plan and relocation costs associated with the move of our corporate office and an increase in incentive compensation expense, strategic costs and facilities expense. These increases in other expenses were partially offset by a decrease in merger-related expenses as a result of higher system integration work related to our administrative systems in 2007 and a separation benefit related to the retirement of certain key executives recorded in the third quarter of 2007.


Merger-related expenses were the result of actions undertaken by us to eliminate duplicate operations and functions as a result of the Jefferson-Pilot merger along with costs related to the implementation of our new unified product portfolio and other initiatives.  These actions will be ongoing and are expected to be substantially complete byin the first half of 2009.  Our current estimate of the cumulative integration expenses is approximately $215 million to $225 million, pre-tax, and excludes amounts capitalized or recorded as goodwill.


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Starting in December 2008, we implemented a restructuring plan in response to goodwill.

93


the current economic downturn and sustained market volatility, which focused on reducing expenses.  The expenses associated with this initiative are reported in restructuring charges for expense initiatives above.  During the fourth quarter of 2008, we recorded a pre-tax charge of $8 million and expect our cumulative pre-tax charges to amount to approximately $40 million for severance, benefits and related costs associated with the plan for workforce reduction and other restructuring actions.


Interest and Debt Expense

TheExpenses


Our current level of interest expense may not be indicative of the future due to, among other things, the timing and/or discretionary nature of usesthe use of cash, for the repurchase of stock, incentive compensation and the availability of funds from our inter-company cash management account may result in changes in external financingprogram and volatility in interest expense.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.

Comparison of the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2008 to 2007

The increase in interest and debt expense was due primarily to an increase in our average outstanding debt balance in 2008 as compared to 2007, partially offset by decrease in interest rates on our variable rate borrowings. The increased debt was primarily the result of: $450 million issued in the third quarter of 2008 to repay maturing debt, to fund reductions in our outstanding commercial paper balances and for general corporate purposes; and $375 million issued in the fourth quarter of 2007 to fund a captive reinsurance company (calculated under AG38), which was created for the purpose of reinsuring liabilities of our existing insurance affiliates, related primarily to statutory reserves on UL products with secondary guarantees.

Federal Income Tax Benefit

Comparison of the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2008 to 2007

The decrease in the federal income tax benefit was due to less favorable tax items that impacted the effective tax rate related primarily to changes in tax preferred investments.



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REALIZED LOSS


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

   For the Three
Months Ended
September 30,
  Change  For the Nine
Months Ended
September 30,
  Change 
Pre-Tax  2008  2007   2008  2007  

Operating realized gain:

       

Indexed annuity net derivatives results

  $2  $—    NM  $—    $2  -100%

GLB

   11   2  NM   27   4  NM 

GDB hedge cost

   39   (1) NM   47   (3) NM 
                   

Total operating realized gain

   52   1  NM   74   3  NM 
                   

Realized loss related to certain investments

   (314)  (35) NM   (480)  (18) NM 

Gain (loss) on certain reinsurance derivative/trading securities

   (2)  (1) -100%  —     3  -100%

GLB net derivatives results

   89   (24) NM   85   (10) NM 

GDB derivatives results

   (33)  —    NM   (41)  1  NM 

Indexed annuity forward-starting option

   2   (6) 133%  9   (3) NM 

Gain on sale of subsidiaries/businesses

   2   —    NM   6   —    NM 
                   

Total excluded realized loss

   (256)  (66) NM   (421)  (27) NM 
                   

Total realized loss

  $(204) $(65) NM  $(347) $(24) NM 
                   
   For the Three
Months Ended
September 30,
  Change  For the Nine
Months Ended
September 30,
  Change 
After-Tax  2008  2007   2008  2007  

Operating realized gain:

       

Indexed annuity net derivatives results

  $1  $—    NM  $—    $1  -100%

GLB

   7   1  NM   18   3  NM 

GDB hedge cost

   25   (1) NM   31   (2) NM 
                   

Total operating realized gain

   33   —    NM   49   2  NM 
                   

Realized loss related to certain investments

   (203)  (23) NM   (311)  (11) NM 

Gain (loss) on certain reinsurance derivative/trading securities

   (1)  —    NM   —     2  -100%

GLB net derivatives results

   58   (15) NM   54   (6) NM 

GDB derivative results

   (22)  —    NM   (27)  1  NM 

Indexed annuity forward-starting option

   1   (4) 125%  6   (2) NM 

Gain on sale of subsidiaries/businesses

   1   —    NM   4   —    NM 
                   

Total excluded realized loss

   (166)  (42) NM   (274)  (16) NM 
                   

Total realized loss

  $(133) $(42) NM  $(225) $(14) NM 
                   


  For the Three    
  Months Ended    
  March 31,    
Pre-Tax 2009  2008  Change 
Operating realized gain:         
Indexed annuity net derivatives results $-  $(2)  100%
GLB  16   6   167%
GDB  81   6  NM 
Total operating realized gain  97   10  NM 
Realized loss related to certain investments  (153)  (41) NM 
Gain on certain reinsurance derivative/            
trading securities  22   -  NM 
GLB net derivatives results  (130)  (7) NM 
GDB derivatives results  (32)  (5) NM 
Indexed annuity forward-starting option  1   5   -80%
Gain on sale of subsidiaries/businesses  2   3   -33%
Total excluded realized loss  (290)  (45) NM 
Total realized loss $(193) $(35) NM 


  For the Three    
  Months Ended    
  March 31,    
After-Tax 2009  2008  Change 
Operating realized gain:         
Indexed annuity net derivatives results $-  $(1)  100%
GLB  10   4   150%
GDB  53   4  NM 
Total operating realized gain  63   7  NM 
Realized loss related to certain investments  (99)  (27) NM 
Gain on certain reinsurance derivative/            
trading securities  14   1  NM 
GLB net derivatives results  (84)  (4) NM 
GDB derivative results  (20)  (4) NM 
Indexed annuity forward-starting option  -   3   -100%
Gain on sale of subsidiaries/businesses  1   2   -50%
Total excluded realized loss  (188)  (29) NM 
Total realized loss $(125) $(22) NM 

(1)

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


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 2008 Form 10-K, as updated in “Part II – Item 1A. Risk Factors” below, and “Forward-Looking Statements – Cautionary Language” in this report.

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

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Comparison of the Three Months ended March 31, 2009 to 2008

For the first quarter of 2009, the GLB net derivative results were unfavorable as the decline in the fair value of our derivative assets exceeded the decline in the fair value of our liabilities.  These decreases were a result of increases in interest rates.  The unfavorable result was attributable primarily to the fact that we were in an over hedged position for a period of time relative to the liability during the quarter.  In addition, the adjustment to the liability for NPR, as required under SFAS 157, had an unfavorable effect on net income in the period.  Although the NPR factor applied to the liability increased during the quarter, it was applied to a lower liability as of March 31, 2009, when compared to December 31, 2008; therefore, the net results were unfavorable in the first quarter of 2009.

For the first quarter of 2008, the GLB net derivative results were slightly unfavorable as the difference between the change in fair value of our liabilities relative to the change in derivative assets was offset by a favorable NPR adjustment as the factor increased and was applied to an increasing liability.  See “GLB Net Derivative Results” below for a discussion of how our NPR adjustment is determined.

The favorable net GDB results were due primarily to intermittent market conditions that resulted in non-linear changes in reserves that our derivatives are not specifically designed to mitigate and losses from the strengthening of the dollar as compared to the euro, pound and yen.

The gain on reinsurance derivative/trading securities for 2009 was due primarily to the rescission of the Swiss Re indemnity reinsurance agreement covering certain disability income business, whereby we released the embedded derivative liability related to the funds withheld nature of the reinsurance agreement.  This release of the embedded derivative liability increased net income by approximately $31 million.  For more information, see “Reinsurance” below and Note 11.

For a discussion of the increase in realized losses on certain investments see “Consolidated Investments – Realized Loss Related to Investments” below.


96


Operating Realized Gain


Details underlying operating realized gain (dollars in millions) were as follows:

   For the Three
Months Ended
September 30,
  Change  For the Nine
Months Ended
September 30,
  Change 
   2008  2007    2008  2007  

Indexed Annuity Net Derivatives Results

        

Change in fair value of S&P 500 Index® call options

  $42  $(4) NM  $167  $(37) NM 

Change in fair value of embedded derivatives

   (37)  4  NM   (167)  42  NM 

Associated amortization expense of DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL

   (3)  —    NM   —     (3) 100%
                    

Total indexed annuity net derivatives results

   2   —    NM   —     2  -100%
                    

GLB

        

Attributed fee in excess of the net valuation premium

   18   4  NM   51   10  NM 

Associated amortization expense of DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL:

        

Retrospective unlocking(2)

   4   —    NM   7   —    NM 

Other amortization

   (11)  (2) NM   (31)  (6) NM 
                    

Total GLB

   11   2  NM   27   4  NM 
                    

GDB hedge cost

        

Pre-DAC(1) amount

   51   (2) NM   66   (5) NM 

Associated amortization expense of DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL:

        

Retrospective unlocking(2)

   18   —    NM   19   —    NM 

Other amortization

   (30)  1  NM   (38)  2  NM 
                    

Total GDB hedge cost

   39   (1) NM   47   (3) NM 
                    

Total Operating Realized Gain

  $52  $1  NM  $74  $3  NM 
                    



  For the Three    
  Months Ended    
  March 31,    
  2009  2008  Change 
Indexed Annuity Net Derivatives Results         
Change in fair value of S&P 500 call options $18  $94   81%
Change in fair value of embedded derivatives  (18)  (97)  -81%
Associated amortization expense of DAC,            
VOBA, DSI and DFEL  -   1   -100%
Total indexed annuity net derivatives results  -   (2)  100%
GLB            
Pre-DAC (1) amount
  23   16   44%
Associated amortization expense of DAC,            
VOBA, DSI and DFEL:            
Retrospective unlocking (2)
  9   -  NM 
Amortization, excluding unlocking  (16)  (10)  -60%
Total GLB  16   6   167%
GDB            
Pre-DAC (1) amount
  96   12  NM 
Associated amortization expense of DAC,            
VOBA, DSI and DFEL:            
Retrospective unlocking (2)
  43   -  NM 
Amortization, excluding unlocking  (58)  (6) NM 
Total GDB hedge cost  81   6  NM 
Total Operating Realized Gain $97  $10  NM 

(1)

DAC refers to the associated amortization of expense of DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL.

(2)

Related primarily to the emergence of gross profits.


Operating realized gain includes the following:


Indexed Annuity Net Derivative Results

Indexed annuity net derivatives results represent the net difference between the change in the fair value of the S&P 500 call options that we hold and the change in the fair value of the embedded derivative liabilities of our indexed annuity net derivative results – 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 annuities products.  The change in the fair value of the liability for the embedded derivative represents the amount that is credited to the indexed annuity contract.

GLB

Our GWB, GIB and 4LATER® features have elements of both insurance benefits accounted for under SOP 03-1 and embedded derivatives accounted for under SFAS 133 and SFAS 157.  We weight these features and their associated reserves accordingly based on their hybrid nature.  For our GLBs that meet the definition of an embedded derivative under SFAS 133, we record them at fair value with changes in fair value recorded in realized gain (loss) on our Consolidated Statements of Income.  In bifurcating the embedded derivative, we attribute to the embedded derivative the portion of total fees collected from the contract holder that relates to the indexed annuity contract.

GLB – Representsriders (the “attributed fees”).  These attributed fees represent the present value of future claims expected to be paid for the GLB at the inception of the contract (the “net valuation premium”) plus a margin that a theoretical market participant would include for risk/profit (the “risk/profit margin”).



97


In order to determine our NPR, we utilize a model based on our holding company’s credit default swap spreads adjusted for objective factors, such as the liquidity of our holding company.  Because the guaranteed benefit liabilities are contained within our insurance subsidiaries, we must apply subjective factors, such as the impact of our insurance subsidiaries’ claims-paying ratings, in order to determine a factor that is representative of a theoretical market participant’s view of the non-performance risk of the specific liability within our insurance subsidiaries, which requires management’s judgment.  We continually evaluate our model and the objective and subjective assumptions used.

We include the risk/profit margin portion of the GLB attributed rider fees calculated as the attributed fees in excess ofoperating realized gain and include the net valuation premium. Net valuation premium represents a level portion of the GLB attributed rider fees required to fund potential claims for living benefits. Thein excluded realized gain (loss).  For our Retirement Solutions – Annuities and Retirement Solutions – Defined Contribution segments, the excess of total fees collected from the contract holders over the GLB attributed rider fees areis reported in insurance fees.

We also include the fees usedchange in the calculationfair value of the embedded derivative.

derivatives that offsets the benefit ratio unlocking of our SOP 03-1 reserves on our GLB riders.  These changes in reserves attributable to Retirement Solutions’ benefit ratio unlocking of its SOP 03-1 reserves for GLB riders and associated amortization of DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL is offset in benefits within income from operations.  This approach excludes the benefit ratio unlocking from income from operations according to our definition of income from operations and instead reflects it within GLB net derivatives results, a component of excluded realized gain (loss).  On our Consolidated Statements of Income, the benefit ratio unlocking is reported within benefits.


GDB

GDB hedge cost – Representsrepresents the change in the fair value of the derivatives that offsets the benefit ratio unlocking of our SOP 03-1 reserves on our GDB riders, including our expected cost of the hedging instruments.

  These changes in reserves attributable to Retirement Solutions’ benefit ratio unlocking of its SOP 03-1 reserves for GDB riders and associated amortization of DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL is offset in benefits within income from operations.  This approach excludes the benefit ratio unlocking from income from operations according to our definition of income from operations and instead reflects it within GDB derivatives results, a component of excluded realized gain (loss).  On our Consolidated Statements of Income, the benefit ratio unlocking is reported within benefits.

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Realized Gain (Loss)Loss Related to Certain Investments


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


Gain (Loss) on Certain Reinsurance Derivative/Trading Securities


Gain (loss) on certain reinsurance derivative/trading securities represents changes in the fair values of total return swaps (embedded derivatives) theoretically included in our various modified coinsurance and coinsurance with funds withheld reinsurance arrangements that have contractual returns related to various assets and liabilities associated with these arrangements. Changes in the fair value of these derivatives are offset by the change in fair value of trading securities in the portfolios that support these arrangements.



98


GLB Net Derivatives Results and GDB Derivatives Results


Details underlying GLB net derivatives results and GDB derivative results (dollars in(in millions) were as follows:

   For the Three
Months Ended
September 30,
  Change  For the Nine
Months Ended
September 30,
  Change 
   2008  2007   2008  2007  

GLB Net Derivatives Results

       

Net valuation premium, net of reinsurance

  $21  $13  62% $58  $36  61%
                   

Change in reserves hedged :

       

Prospective unlocking – assumption changes

   80   (6) NM   80   (6) NM 

Prospective unlocking – model refinements

   —     8  -100%  —     8  -100%

Other

   (651)  (123) NM   (812)  (49) NM 

Change in market value of derivative assets

   319   67  NM   388   (6) NM 
                   

Hedge program ineffectiveness

   (252)  (54) NM   (344)  (53) NM 
                   

Change in reserves not hedged (NPR Component)

   372   —    NM   481   —    NM 

Associated amortization expense of DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL:

       

Prospective unlocking – assumption changes

   (31)  —    NM   (31)  —    NM 

Retrospective unlocking(2)

   (69)  (7) NM   (59)  (1) NM 

Other amortization

   48   24  100%  14   8  75%

Loss from the initial impact of adopting SFAS 157, after-DAC(1)

   —     —    NM   (34)  —    NM 
                   

Total GLB net derivatives results

  $89  $(24) NM  $85  $(10) NM 
                   

GDB Derivatives Results

       

Benefit ratio unlocking of SOP 03-1 reserves

  $(51) $2  NM  $(67) $5  NM 

Change in fair value of derivatives, excluding expected cost of hedging instruments

   8   (2) NM   10   (3) NM 

Associated amortization expense of DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL:

       

Retrospective unlocking(2)

   (16)  —    NM   (17)  —    NM 

Other amortization

   26   —    NM   33   (1) NM 
                   

Total GDB derivatives results

  $(33) $—    NM  $(41) $1  NM 
                   


  For the Three    
  Months Ended    
  March 31,    
  2009  2008  Change 
GLB Net Derivatives Results         
Net valuation premium, net of reinsurance $22  $17   29%
Change in reserves hedged  233   (375)  162%
Change in market value of derivative assets  (310)  315  NM 
Hedge program ineffectiveness  (77)  (60)  -28%
Change in reserves not hedged (NPR component)  (55)  92  NM 
Change in SOP 03-1 reserve not hedged  (6)  -  NM 
Associated amortization expense of DAC,            
VOBA, DSI and DFEL:            
Retrospective unlocking (1)
  (61)  10  NM 
Amortization, excluding unlocking  47   (33)  242%
Loss from the initial impact of adopting            
SFAS 157, after-DAC (2)
  -   (33)  100%
Total GLB net derivatives results $(130) $(7) NM 
             
GDB Derivatives Results            
Benefit ratio unlocking of SOP 03-1 reserves $(96) $(12) NM 
Change in fair value of derivatives, excluding            
expected cost of hedging instruments  57   1  NM 
Associated amortization expense of DAC,            
VOBA, DSI and DFEL:            
Retrospective unlocking (1)
  (17)  -  NM 
Amortization, excluding unlocking  24   6   300%
Total GDB derivatives results $(32) $(5) NM 
             

(1)

DAC refers to the associated amortization of expense of DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL.

(2)

(1)

Related primarily to the emergence of gross profits.

(2)DAC refers to the associated amortization of DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL

GLB Net Derivatives Results

Our GLB net derivatives results represents the net valuation premium, the change in the fair value of the embedded derivative liabilities of our GLB products and the change in the fair value of the derivative instruments we own to hedge.  This includes the cost of purchasing the hedging instruments.



99


Our GDB derivatives results represents the net difference between the benefit ratio unlockingGWB, GIB and 4LATER® features have elements of both insurance benefits accounted for under SOP 03-1 and embedded derivatives accounted for under SFAS 133 and SFAS 157.  The SOP 03-1 component is calculated in a manner consistent with our GDB.  We weight these features and their associated reserves accordingly based on our GDB riders andtheir hybrid nature.  For the change in the fair value of the derivatives excluding our expected cost of the hedging instruments.

97


The GLB guarantees in our variable annuity products that are considered embedded derivatives, and are recordedwe record them on our Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value under SFAS 133 and SFAS 157.  We use derivative instruments to hedge our exposure to the risks and earnings volatility that result from the embedded derivatives for GLBs.  The change in fair value of these derivative instruments tendsis designed to move in the opposite direction ofgenerally offset the change in fair value of the embedded derivatives.  In the table above, we have presented the components of our GLB results, which can be volatile especially when sudden and significant changes in equity markets and/or interest rates occur.  When we assess the effectiveness of our hedge program, we exclude the impact of the change in the liability not hedged. This reserve represents the portion of our GLB liabilities related to the NPR required byunder SFAS 157.  ThisWe do not attempt to hedge the change in the NPR component of the liability is not included in our hedging program.liability.  The impact of the change in NPR has had the effect of reducing our GLB liabilities on our balance sheet by $481$585 million since the adoption of SFAS 157 on January 1, 2008.  See above for information regarding the effect of the NPR on the GLB net derivative results for first three months of 2009 and 2008.  For additional information on our guaranteed benefits, see “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates – Derivatives – Guaranteed Living Benefits” above.  For additional information on our hedge program see “Reinsurance” below.


ComparisonOur GLB net derivatives results also include the benefit ratio unlocking of the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2008 to 2007

The GLB hedge program ineffectiveness, excluding the impact of unlocking, in 2008 was attributable primarily to current period unfavorable fund performance of our hedges designed to mitigate our basis risk over the long-term, unfavorable and volatile capital market conditions that resulted in non-linear changes inSOP 03-1 reserves that our derivatives are not specifically designed to mitigate, and losses from the strengthening of the dollar as compared to the euro, pound and yen. A large portion of our third quarter hedge ineffectiveness was attributable to four days in September including the first market day after the Lehman bankruptcy and the day the House originally failed to pass the original EESA legislation. The ineffectiveness in the quarter can be attributed to a combination of basis risk, currency movements and the impact of extreme intra-day volatility. These same conditions have continued into the month of October. We are focused on managing the long-term performance of the hedge program recognizing that any material potential claims under the GLBs are approximately a decade in the future.

The increased GLB hedge program ineffectiveness in 2008 was more than offset by the gains attributable to the SFAS 157 NPR adjustments attributable primarily to our widening credit spreads.

The third quarter of 2008 had favorable GLB change in reserves hedged on our prospectiveGLB riders.  The benefit ratio unlocking due to assumption changes reflecting primarily updates to implied ultimate volatility. The third quarter of 2007 had unfavorableSOP 03-1 reserves for GLB changeriders is offset in GLB.  See “GLB” above for additional information.


GDB Derivatives Results

Our GDB derivatives results represent the net difference between the benefit ratio unlocking of SOP 03-1 reserves hedged prospective unlocking due to assumption changes reflecting improved persistency experience.

The third quarter of 2008 had unfavorable GLB DAC, VOBA, DSIon our GDB riders and DFEL prospective unlocking reflecting the impact of incorporating the related GLB gross profits due to the change in reserves hedged prospectivethe fair value of the derivative instruments we own to hedge the benefit ratio unlocking, discussed above intoexcluding our expected cost of the DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL models.

hedging instruments.  The unfavorable GDB derivatives results, excluding the retrospectivebenefit ratio unlocking of DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL were driven primarily by current period unfavorable fund performance of our hedges designed to mitigate our basis risk over the long-term, losses from the strengthening of the dollar as compared to the euro, pound and yen, and unfavorable and volatile capital market conditions that resultedSOP 03-1 reserves for GDB riders is offset in non-linear changes in reserves that our derivatives are not specifically designed to mitigate.

GDB.  See “Market Risk – Credit Risk”“GDB” above for information on our counterparty exposure.

98


additional information.


Indexed Annuity Forward-Starting Option

A detail


Details underlying indexed annuity forward-starting option (dollars in millions) waswere as follows:

   For the Three
Months Ended
September 30,
  Change  For the Nine
Months Ended
September 30,
  Change 
   2008  2007   2008  2007  

Indexed Annuity Forward-Starting Option

       

Pre-DAC(1) amounts:

       

Prospective unlocking – assumption changes

  $—    $1  -100% $—    $1  -100%

Other

   4   (14) 129%  (2)  (8) 75%

Associated amortization expense of DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL

   (2)  7  NM   1   4  -75%

Gain from the initial impact of adopting SFAS 157, after-DAC(1)

   —     —    NM   10   —    NM 
                   

Total

  $2  $(6) 133% $9  $(3) NM 
                   



  For the Three    
  Months Ended    
  March 31,    
  2009  2008  Change 
Indexed Annuity Forward-Starting Option         
Pre-DAC (1) amounts
 $1  $(10)  110%
Associated amortization expense of DAC,            
VOBA, DSI and DFEL  -   5   -100%
Gain from the initial impact of adopting            
SFAS 157, after-DAC (1)
  -   10   -100%
Total $1  $5   -80%

(1)

DAC refers to the associated amortization of expense of DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL.


The liability for the forward-starting option reflects 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 as required under SFAS 133 and SFAS 157.  These fair values represent an estimate of the cost of the options we will purchase in the future, discounted back to the date of the balance sheet, using current market indications of volatility and interest rates, which 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.


Gain on Sale of Subsidiaries/Businesses


See “Acquisitions and Dispositions – Fixed“Fixed Income Investment Management Business” in Note 3 of our 2008 Form 10-K for details.

99



100


CONSOLIDATED INVESTMENTS


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

         Percentage of
Total Investments
 
   As of
September 30,
2008
  As of
December 31,
2007
  As of
September 30,
2008
  As of
December 31,
2007
 

Investments

       

Available-for-sale securities:

       

Fixed maturity

  $51,931  $56,276  76.5% 78.2%

Equity

   493   518  0.7% 0.7%

Trading securities

   2,393   2,730  3.5% 3.8%

Mortgage loans on real estate

   7,688   7,423  11.3% 10.3%

Real estate

   127   258  0.2% 0.4%

Policy loans

   2,870   2,885  4.2% 4.0%

Derivative instruments

   1,262   807  1.9% 1.1%

Alternative investments

   826   799  1.2% 1.1%

Other investments

   367   276  0.5% 0.4%
               

Total investments

  $67,957  $71,972  100.0% 100.0%
               



     Percentage of 
        Total Investments 
  As of  As of  As of  As of 
  March 31,  December 31,  March 31,  December 31, 
  2009  2008  2009  2008 
Investments            
AFS securities:            
Fixed maturity $49,349  $48,935   74.5%  72.6%
Equity  205   288   0.3%  0.4%
Trading securities  2,246   2,333   3.4%  3.5%
Mortgage loans on real estate  7,616   7,715   11.5%  11.5%
Real estate  129   125   0.2%  0.2%
Policy loans  2,908   2,924   4.4%  4.3%
Derivative instruments  2,226   3,397   3.4%  5.0%
Alternative investments  771   776   1.2%  1.2%
Other investments  705   848   1.1%  1.3%
Total investments $66,155  $67,341   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 sincebecause decisions can be made based upon both the economic and current investment income considerations affecting assets and liabilities.  For a discussion on our risk management process, see “Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.”


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.

Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Portfolios


Fixed maturity securities and equity securities consist of portfolios classified as available-for-saleAFS and trading.  Mortgage-backed and private securities are included in both available-for-saleAFS and trading portfolios.



101


Details underlying our fixed maturity and equity securities portfolios by industry classification (in millions) are presented in the below tables.  These tables agree in total with the presentation of available-for-saleAFS securities in Note 4;5; however, the categories below represent a more detailed breakout of the available-for-saleAFS portfolio; therefore, the investment classifications listed below do not agree to the investment categories provided in Note 4.

100

5.


  As of March 31, 2009 
        Unrealized       
  Amortized  Unrealized  Losses  Fair  % Fair 
  Cost  Gains  and OTTI  Value  Value 
Fixed Maturity AFS Securities               
Corporate bonds:               
Financial services $8,512  $38  $1,484  $7,066   14.2%
Basic industry  2,205   11   348   1,868   3.8%
Capital goods  2,707   35   220   2,522   5.1%
Communications  2,662   41   208   2,495   5.1%
Consumer cyclical  2,867   26   360   2,533   5.1%
Consumer non-cyclical  4,879   88   166   4,801   9.7%
Energy  3,108   41   247   2,902   5.9%
Technology  1,038   13   65   986   2.0%
Transportation  1,231   15   120   1,126   2.3%
Industrial other  707   9   33   683   1.4%
Utilities  8,361   96   545   7,912   16.0%
Asset-backed securities ("ABS"):                    
Collateralized debt obligations ("CDOs") and                    
credit-linked notes ("CLNs")  796   4   625   175   0.4%
Commercial real estate ("CRE") CDOs  57   -   31   26   0.1%
Credit card  160   -   34   126   0.3%
Home equity  1,193   1   588   606   1.2%
Manufactured housing  145   -   35   110   0.2%
Other  192   9   15   186   0.4%
Commercial mortgage-backed securities ("CMBS"):                 
Non-agency backed  2,517   11   621   1,907   3.9%
Collateralized mortgage obligations ("CMOs"):                    
Agency backed  4,866   286   24   5,128   10.4%
Non-agency backed  1,954   2   756   1,200   2.4%
Mortgage pass-throughs ("MPTS"):                    
Agency backed  1,374   65   -   1,439   2.9%
Non-agency backed  139   -   41   98   0.2%
Municipals:                    
Taxable  110   5   1   114   0.2%
Tax-exempt  3   -   -   3   0.0%
Government and government agencies:                    
United States  1,047   131   29   1,149   2.3%
Foreign  1,482   67   126   1,423   2.9%
Hybrid and redeemable preferred stock  1,564   3   802   765   1.6%
    Total fixed maturity AFS securities  55,876   997   7,524   49,349   100.0%
Equity AFS Securities  464   4   263   205     
Total AFS securities  56,340   1,001   7,787   49,554     
Trading Securities (1)
  2,279   222   255   2,246     
Total AFS and trading securities $58,619  $1,223  $8,042  $51,800     


102

   As of September 30, 2008 
   Amortized
Cost
  Unrealized
Gains
  Unrealized
Losses
  Fair
Value
  % Fair
Value
 

Fixed Maturity Available-For-Sale Securities

          

Corporate bonds:

          

Financial services

  $10,363  $52  $1,351  $9,064  17.4%

Basic industry

   2,339   14   155   2,198  4.2%

Capital goods

   2,675   24   116   2,583  5.0%

Communications

   2,637   22   170   2,489  4.8%

Consumer cyclical

   2,954   15   273   2,696  5.2%

Consumer non-cyclical

   4,269   37   166   4,140  8.0%

Energy

   2,937   47   143   2,841  5.5%

Technology

   737   4   32   709  1.4%

Transportation

   1,271   25   72   1,224  2.4%

Industrial other

   680   7   26   661  1.3%

Utilities

   8,374   71   471   7,974  15.3%

Asset-backed securities:

          

Collateralized debt obligations and credit-linked notes

   797   7   460   344  0.7%

Commercial real estate collateralized debt obligations

   61   —     12   49  0.1%

Credit card

   165   —     23   142  0.3%

Home equity

   1,183   1   316   868  1.7%

Manufactured housing

   151   4   9   146  0.3%

Auto loan

   —     —     —     —    0.0%

Other

   204   1   9   196  0.4%

Commercial mortgage-backed securities:

          

Non-agency backed

   2,588   10   280   2,318  4.5%

Collateralized mortgage obligations:

          

Agency backed

   4,902   50   54   4,898  9.3%

Non-agency backed

   2,146   —     568   1,578  3.0%

Mortgage pass-throughs:

          

Agency backed

   1,756   20   6   1,770  3.4%

Non-agency backed

   147   —     26   121  0.2%

Municipals:

          

Taxable

   113   4   1   116  0.2%

Tax-exempt

   5   —     —     5  0.0%

Government and government agencies:

          

United States

   1,170   91   14   1,247  2.4%

Foreign

   1,456   49   67   1,438  2.8%

Redeemable preferred stock

   131   1   16   116  0.2%
                    

Total available-for-sale – fixed maturity

   56,211   556   4,836   51,931  100.0%
            

Equity Available-For-Sale Securities

   612   9   128   493  
                  

Total available-for-sale securities

   56,823   565   4,964   52,424  

Trading Securities(1)

   2,363   193   163   2,393  
                  

Total available-for-sale and trading securities

  $59,186  $758  $5,127  $54,817  
                  

101


   As of December 31, 2007 
   Amortized
Cost
  Unrealized
Gains
  Unrealized
Losses
  Fair
Value
  % Fair
Value
 

Fixed Maturity Available-For-Sale Securities

          

Corporate bonds:

          

Financial services

  $11,234  $187  $300  $11,121  19.8%

Basic industry

   2,148   52   35   2,165  3.8%

Capital goods

   2,665   66   16   2,715  4.8%

Communications

   2,903   123   46   2,980  5.3%

Consumer cyclical

   3,038   56   94   3,000  5.3%

Consumer non-cyclical

   3,898   101   25   3,974  7.1%

Energy

   2,688   121   14   2,795  5.0%

Technology

   660   15   5   670  1.2%

Transportation

   1,409   39   19   1,429  2.5%

Industrial other

   710   22   6   726  1.3%

Utilities

   8,051   195   77   8,169  14.5%

Asset-backed securities:

          

Collateralized debt obligations and credit-linked notes

   996   8   205   799  1.4%

Commercial real estate collateralized debt obligations

   42   —     4   38  0.1%

Mortgage-backed securities collateralized debt obligations

   1   —     —     1  0.0%

Credit card

   160   1   2   159  0.3%

Home equity

   1,209   4   76   1,137  2.0%

Manufactured housing

   161   7   5   163  0.3%

Auto loan

   4   —     —     4  0.0%

Other

   235   4   1   238  0.4%

Commercial mortgage-backed securities:

          

Non-agency backed

   2,711   48   70   2,689  4.8%

Collateralized mortgage obligations:

          

Agency backed

   4,547   74   19   4,602  8.2%

Non-agency backed

   2,347   10   110   2,247  4.0%

Mortgage pass-throughs:

          

Agency backed

   933   18   2   949  1.7%

Non-agency backed

   153   1   4   150  0.3%

Municipals:

          

Taxable

   133   5   —     138  0.2%

Tax-exempt

   6   —     —     6  0.0%

Government and government agencies:

          

United States

   1,261   108   4   1,365  2.4%

Foreign

   1,663   92   19   1,736  3.1%

Redeemable preferred stock

   103   9   1   111  0.2%
                    

Total available-for-sale – fixed maturity

   56,069   1,366   1,159   56,276  100.0%
            

Equity Available-For-Sale Securities

   548   13   43   518  
                  

Total available-for-sale securities

   56,617   1,379   1,202   56,794  

Trading Securities(1)

   2,512   265   47   2,730  
                  

Total available-for-sale and trading securities

  $59,129  $1,644  $1,249  $59,524  
                  



  As of December 31, 2008 
        Unrealized       
  Amortized  Unrealized  Losses  Fair  % Fair 
  Cost  Gains  and OTTI  Value  Value 
Fixed Maturity AFS Securities               
Corporate bonds:             �� 
Financial services $8,564  $75  $1,264  $7,375   15.1%
Basic industry  2,246   15   353   1,908   3.9%
Capital goods  2,668   34   222   2,480   5.1%
Communications  2,609   44   222   2,431   5.0%
Consumer cyclical  2,878   33   460   2,451   5.0%
Consumer non-cyclical  4,296   88   206   4,178   8.5%
Energy  2,972   48   246   2,774   5.7%
Technology  766   9   71   704   1.4%
Transportation  1,237   22   119   1,140   2.3%
Industrial other  718   16   38   696   1.4%
Utilities  8,207   104   678   7,633   15.6%
ABS:                    
CDOs and CLNs  796   7   630   173   0.4%
CRE CDOs  60   -   23   37   0.1%
Credit card  165   -   73   92   0.2%
Home equity  1,108   1   411   698   1.4%
Manufactured housing  148   2   28   122   0.2%
Other  196   1   18   179   0.4%
CMBS:                    
Non-agency backed  2,535   9   625   1,919   3.9%
CMOs:                    
Agency backed  5,068   180   29   5,219   10.7%
Non-agency backed  1,996   1   746   1,251   2.6%
MPTS:                    
Agency backed  1,619   55   -   1,674   3.4%
Non-agency backed  141   -   47   94   0.2%
Municipals:                    
Taxable  110   4   1   113   0.2%
Tax-exempt  3   -   -   3   0.0%
Government and government agencies:                    
United States  1,148   167   25   1,290   2.6%
Foreign  1,377   97   135   1,339   2.7%
Redeemable preferred stock  1,563   6   607   962   2.0%
Total fixed maturity AFS securities  55,194   1,018   7,277   48,935   100.0%
Equity AFS Securities  466   9   187   288     
Total AFS securities  55,660   1,027   7,464   49,223     
Trading Securities (1)
  2,307   255   229   2,333     
Total AFS and trading securities $57,967  $1,282  $7,693  $51,556     

(1)

Our trading securities support our modified coinsurance arrangements (“Modco”) and the investment results are passed directly to the reinsurers.  Refer below to our 2008 Form 10-K “Trading Securities” section for further details.

102


103

Available-for-Sale


AFS Securities

Because the


The general intent of the available-for-saleAFS accounting guidance is to reflect stockholders’ equity as if unrealized gains and losses were actually recognized, it is necessary that we 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, other contract holder funds and deferred income taxes.  Adjustments to each of these balances are charged or credited to accumulated other comprehensive income.  For instance, DAC is adjusted upon the recognition of unrealized gains or losses sincebecause the amortization of DAC is based upon an assumed emergence of gross profits on certain insurance business.  Deferred income tax balances are also adjusted sincebecause unrealized gains or losses do not affect actual taxes currently paid.

As of September 30, 2008, and December 31, 2007, 92.3% and 90.7%, respectively, of total publicly traded and private securities in unrealized loss status were rated as investment grade. See Note 4 for ratings and maturity date information for our fixed maturity investment portfolio.

As more fully described in Note 1 of our 2007 Form 10-K, we regularly review our investment holdings for other-than-temporary impairments. Based on this review, the cause of the $3.8 billion increase in our gross available-for-sale securities unrealized losses for the nine months ended September 30, 2008, was attributable primarily to a combination of reduced liquidity in several market segments and deterioration in credit fundamentals. We believe that the securities in an unrealized loss position as of September 30, 2008 were not other-than-temporarily impaired due to our ability and intent to hold for a period of time sufficient for recovery. For further information on our available-for-sales securities unrealized losses, see “Additional Details on our Unrealized Losses on Available-for-Sale Securities” below.


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

NAIC Designation

  

Rating Agency Equivalent Designation

  As of September 30, 2008  As of December 31, 2007 
    Amortized
Cost
  Fair
Value
  % of
Total
  Amortized
Cost
  Fair
Value
  % of
Total
 

Investment Grade Securities

       
1  Aaa / Aa / A  $34,518  $32,178  62.0% $34,648  $34,741  61.8%
2  Baa   18,431   16,999  32.7%  18,168   18,339  32.6%
                         
     52,949   49,177  94.7%  52,816   53,080  94.4%

Below Investment Grade Securities

       
3  Ba   2,186   1,928  3.7%  2,184   2,159  3.8%
4  B   795   611  1.2%  787   783  1.4%
5  Caa and lower   240   175  0.3%  270   238  0.4%
6  In or near default   41   40  0.1%  12   16  0.0%
                         
     3,262   2,754  5.3%  3,253   3,196  5.6%
                         

Total securities

  $56,211  $51,931  100.0% $56,069  $56,276  100.0%
                         

Securities below investment grade as a % of total fixed maturity available-for-sale securities

   5.8%  5.3%   5.8%  5.7% 

   Rating Agency  As of March 31, 2009  As of December 31, 2008 
NAIC  Equivalent  Amortized  Fair  % of  Amortized  Fair  % of 
Designation  Designation  Cost  Value  Total  Cost  Value  Total 
Investment Grade Securities                   
 1  Aaa / Aa / A  $31,466  $29,691   60.2% $32,595  $30,386   62.0%
 2  Baa   19,716   16,733   33.9%  19,240   16,111   32.9%
Total investment grade securities   51,182   46,424   94.1%  51,835   46,497   94.9%
Below Investment Grade Securities                         
 3  Ba   3,120   2,121   4.3%  2,194   1,698   3.5%
 4  B   791   445   0.9%  772   516   1.1%
 5  Caa and lower   532   257   0.5%  251   131   0.3%
 6  In or near default   251   102   0.2%  142   93   0.2%
Total below investment grade securities   4,694   2,925   5.9%  3,359   2,438   5.1%
Total fixed maturity AFS securities  $55,876  $49,349   100.0% $55,194  $48,935   100.0%
                               
Total securities below investment grade                         
as a percentage of total fixed                         
maturity AFS securities   8.4%  5.9%      6.1%  5.1%    

Comparisons between the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (“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 (rated Baa3 or higher by Moody’s, or rated BBB- or higher by S&P and Fitch), by such ratings organizations.  NAIC ratings 3 through 6 include bonds generally considered below investment grade (rated Ba1 or lower by Moody’s, or rated BB+ or lower by S&P and Fitch).


As of March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, 90.4% and 92.2%, respectively, of the total publicly traded and private securities in an unrealized loss status were rated as investment grade.  See Note 5 for maturity date information for our fixed maturity investment portfolio.  Our gross unrealized losses on AFS securities increased $177 million in the three months ended March 31, 2009, was primarily related to the cumulative adjustment of the recognition of OTTI.  See Note 2 for further information.  As more fully described in Note 5, we regularly review our investment holdings for OTTIs.  We believe that the securities in an unrealized loss position as of March 31, 2009, were not other-than-temporarily impaired as we do not intend to sell these debt securities or it is not more likely than not that we will be required to sell the debt securities before recovery of their amortized cost basis, and we have the ability and intent to hold the equity securities for a period of time sufficient for recovery.  For further information on our AFS securities unrealized losses, see “Additional Details on our Unrealized Losses on AFS Securities” below.

The estimated fair value for all private securities was $7.5$7.1 billion as of September 30, 2008, compared to $7.8 billion as ofMarch 31, 2009, and December 31, 2007,2008, representing approximately 11% of total invested assets as of September 30, 2008,March 31, 2009, and December 31, 2007.

Trading Securities

Trading securities, which support certain reinsurance funds withheld and our Modco reinsurance agreements, are carried at estimated fair value and changes in estimated fair value are recorded in net income as they occur. Investment results for these

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2008.


104

portfolios, including gains and losses from sales, are passed directly to the reinsurers through the contractual terms of the reinsurance arrangements. Offsetting these amounts are corresponding changes in the fair value of the embedded derivative liability associated with the underlying reinsurance arrangement. See Note 1 in our 2007 Form 10-K for more information regarding our accounting for Modco.

Mortgage-Backed Securities (Included in Available-for-Sale and Trading Securities)


Our fixed maturity securities include mortgage-backed securities.  These securities are subject to risks associated with variable prepayments.  This may result in differences between the actual cash flow and maturity of these securities than that expected at the time of purchase.  Securities that have an amortized cost greater than par and are backed by mortgages that prepay faster than expected will incur a reduction in yield or a loss.  Those securities with an amortized cost lower than par that prepay faster than expected will generate an increase in yield or a gain.  In addition, we may incur reinvestment risks if market yields are lower than the book yields earned on the securities.  Prepayments occurring slower than expected have the opposite impact.  We may incur reinvestment risks if market yields are higher than the book yields earned on the securities and we are forced to sell the securities.  The degree to which a security is susceptible to either gains or losses is influenced by:  the difference between its amortized cost and par; the relative sensitivity of the underlying mortgages backing the assets to prepayment in a changing interest rate environment; and the repayment priority of the securities in the overall securitization structure.


We limit the extent of our risk on mortgage-backed securities by prudently limiting exposure to the asset class, by generally avoiding the purchase of securities with a cost that significantly exceeds par, by purchasing securities backed by stable collateral and by concentrating on securities with enhanced priority in their trust structure.  Such securities with reduced risk typically have a lower yield (but higher liquidity) than higher-risk mortgage-backed securities.  At selected times, higher-risk securities may be purchased if they do not compromise the safety of the general portfolio.  As of September 30, 2008,March 31, 2009, we did not have a significant amount of higher-risk, trust structured mortgage-backed securities.  A significant amount of assets in our mortgage-backed securities portfolio are either guaranteed by U.S. government-sponsored enterprises or are supported in the securitization structure by junior securities enabling the assets to achieve high investment grade status.


Our exposure to subprime mortgage lending is limited to investments in banks and other financial institutions that may be impacted by subprime lending and direct investments in asset-backed securities collateralized debt obligations, asset-backed securities (“ABS”)ABS CDOs, ABS and residential mortgage-backed securities (“RMBS”).  Mortgage-related ABS are backed by home equity loans and RMBS are backed by residential mortgages.  These securities are backed by loans that are characterized by borrowers of differing levels of creditworthiness:  prime, Alt-A and subprime.  Prime lending is the origination of residential mortgage loans to customers with excellent credit profiles.  Alt-A lending is the origination of residential mortgage loans to customers who have Primeprime credit profiles but lack documentation to substantiate income.  Subprime lending is the origination of loans to customers with weak or impaired credit profiles.


The slowing U.S. housing market, increased interest rates for non-prime borrowers and relaxed underwriting standards over the last several years have led to higher delinquency rates for some originators of residential mortgage loans and home equity loans have recently led to higher delinquency rates, especially for loans originated in the past few years.loans.  We expect delinquency rates and loss rates on residential mortgages and home equity loans to increase in the future; however, we continue to expect to receive payments in accordance with contractual terms for a significant amount of our securities, largely due to the seniority of the claims on the collateral of the securities that we own.  The tranches of the securities will experience losses according to their seniority level with the least senior (or most junior), typically the unrated residual tranche, taking the initial loss.  The credit ratings of our securities reflect the seniority of the securities that we own.  Our RMBS had a market value of $9.4$8.6 billion and an unrealized loss of $923 million,$1.1 billion, or 10%13%, as of September 30, 2008.March 31, 2009.  The unrealized loss was due primarily to deteriorating fundamentals and a general level of illiquidity in the market and resulting in price declines in many structured products.

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The market value of investments backed by subprime loans was $574$388 million and represented 1% of our total investment portfolio as of September 30, 2008.March 31, 2009.  Investments rated A or above represented 91%73% of the subprime investments and $288$185 million in market value of our subprime investments was backed by loans originating in 2005 and forward.  Available-for-saleAFS securities represent most$378 million, or 97%, of the subprime exposure withand trading securities being only $15represent $10 million, or 3%, as of September 30, 2008.March 31, 2009.  The tables below summarize our investments in available-for-saleAFS securities backed by pools of residential mortgages (in millions):

   Fair Value as of September 30, 2008
   Prime
Agency
  Prime/
Non -
Agency
  Alt-A  Subprime  Total

Type

          

Collateralized mortgage obligations and pass-throughs

  $6,588  $1,146  $634  $—    $8,368

Asset-backed securities home equity

   —     —     309   559   868
                    

Total(1)

  $6,588  $1,146  $943  $559  $9,236
                    

Rating

          

AAA

  $6,549  $915  $645  $385  $8,494

AA

   20   125   119   104   368

A

   19   46   44   19   128

BBB

   —     47   91   47   185

BB and below

   —     13   44   4   61
                    

Total(1)

  $6,588  $1,146  $943  $559  $9,236
                    

Origination Year

          

2004 and prior

  $3,183  $376  $337  $275  $4,171

2005

   865   225   243   201   1,534

2006

   361   186   310   83   940

2007

   2,179   359   53   —     2,591
                    

Total(1)

  $6,588  $1,146  $943  $559  $9,236
                    

   Fair Value as of March 31, 2009 
      Prime/          
   Prime  Non -          
   Agency  Agency  Alt-A  Subprime  Total 
Type                
CMOs and MPTS  $6,495  $897  $473  $-  $7,865 
ABS home equity   -   -   228   378   606 
Total by type (1)
  $6,495  $897  $701  $378  $8,471 
                      
Rating                     
AAA  $6,472  $586  $241  $221  $7,520 
AA   5   104   91   34   234 
A   18   105   6   19   148 
BBB   -   46   50   64   160 
BB and below   -   56   313   40   409 
Total by rating (1)(2)
  $6,495  $897  $701  $378  $8,471 
                       
Origination Year                     
2004 and prior  $3,176  $330  $288  $195  $3,989 
 2005   912   185   185   129   1,411 
 2006   352   133   189   54   728 
 2007   1,397   249   39   -   1,685 
 2008   546   -   -   -   546 
 2009   112   -   -   -   112 
Total by origination year (1)
  $6,495  $897  $701  $378  $8,471 
                       
Total AFS securities                  $49,554 
                       
Total by origination year  as a percentage of
total AFS securities
                   17.1%

(1)

(1)

Does not include the fair value of trading securities totaling $196$173 million, which support our Modco reinsurance agreements because investment results for these agreements are passed directly to the reinsurers.  The $196$173 million in trading securities consisted of $158$148 million prime, $23$15 million Alt-A and $15$10 million subprime.

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   Amortized Cost as of September 30, 2008
   Prime
Agency
  Prime/
Non -
Agency
  Alt-A  Subprime  Total

Type

          

Collateralized mortgage obligations and pass throughs

  $6,565  $1,500  $885  $—    $8,950

Asset-backed securities home equity

   —     —     427   756   1,183
                    

Total(1)

  $6,565  $1,500  $1,312  $756  $10,133
                    

Rating

          

AAA

  $6,526  $1,103  $785  $469  $8,883

AA

   20   175   170   152   517

A

   18   106   75   32   231

BBB

   1   78   144   94   317

BB and below

   —     38   138   9   185
                    

Total(1)

  $6,565  $1,500  $1,312  $756  $10,133
                    

Origination Year

          

2004 and prior

  $3,167  $430  $399  $340  $4,336

2005

   883   273   331   265   1,752

2006

   361   272   471   151   1,255

2007

   2,154   525   111   —     2,790
                    

Total(1)

  $6,565  $1,500  $1,312  $756  $10,133
                    

(1)

(2)

For the table above, credit ratings shown in the document are based on ratings provided by the major credit rating agencies (Fitch Ratings, Moody’s and S&P) or are based on internal ratings for those securities where external ratings are not available.  For securities where the ratings assigned by the major rating agencies are not equivalent, the second highest of the three ratings assigned is used.

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   Amortized Cost as of March 31, 2009 
      Prime/          
   Prime  Non -          
   Agency  Agency  Alt-A  Subprime  Total 
Type                
CMOs and MPTS  $6,147  $1,411  $775  $-  $8,333 
ABS home equity   -   -   428   765   1,193 
Total by type (1)
  $6,147  $1,411  $1,203  $765  $9,526 
                      
Rating                     
AAA  $6,123  $783  $311  $349  $7,566 
AA   6   190   128   73   397 
 A   17   207   13   37   274 
BBB   -   90   88   140   318 
BB and below   1   141   663   166   971 
Total by rating (1)(2)
  $6,147  $1,411  $1,203  $765  $9,526 
                       
Origination Year                     
2004 and prior  $3,021  $410  $387  $330  $4,148 
 2005   860   272   317   265   1,714 
 2006   333   256   400   170   1,159 
 2007   1,307   473   99   -   1,879 
 2008   517   -   -   -   517 
 2009   109   -   -   -   109 
Total by origination year (1)
  $6,147  $1,411  $1,203  $765  $9,526 
                       
Total AFS securities                  $56,340 
                       
                      
Total by origination year as a percentage of total AFS securities
                   16.9%

(1)Does not include the amortized cost of trading securities totaling $221$203 million, which support our Modco reinsurance agreements because investment results for these agreements are passed directly to the reinsurers.  The $221$203 million in trading securities consisted of $167$156 million prime, $35$28 million Alt-A and $19 million subprime.

(2)For the table above, credit ratings shown in the document are based on ratings provided by the major credit rating agencies (Fitch Ratings, Moody’s and S&P) or are based on internal ratings for those securities where external ratings are not available.  For securities where the ratings assigned by the major rating agencies are not equivalent, the second highest of the three ratings assigned is used.

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

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The following summarizes our investments in available-for-saleAFS securities backed by pools of consumer loan asset-backed securities (in millions):

   As of September 30, 2008
   Credit Card(1)  Auto Loans  Total
   Fair
Value
  Amortized
Cost
  Fair
Value
  Amortized
Cost
  Fair
Value
  Amortized
Cost

Rating

            

AAA

  $119  $139  $—    $—    $119  $139

AA

   —     —     —     —     —     —  

BBB

   23   26   —     —     23   26
                        

Total(2)

  $142  $165  $—    $—    $142  $165
                        



  As of March 31, 2009 
  Fair  Amortized 
  Value  Cost 
Rating      
AAA $108  $134 
BBB  18   26 
Total by rating (1)(2)(3)
 $126  $160 
         
Total AFS securities $49,554  $56,340 
         
Total by rating as a percentage of total        
AFS securities  0.3%  0.3%


(1)

(1)

Additional indirect credit card exposure through structured securities is excluded from this table.  See “Credit-Linked Notes” section below and in Note 4.

5.

(2)

(2)

For the table above, credit ratings shown in the document are based on ratings provided by the major credit rating agencies (Fitch Ratings, Moody’s and S&P) or are based on internal ratings for those securities where external ratings are not available.  For securities where the ratings assigned by the major rating agencies are not equivalent, the second highest of the three ratings assigned is used.
(3)Does not include the fair value of trading securities totaling $3$2 million, which support our Modco reinsurance agreements because investment results for these agreements are passed directly to the reinsurers.  The $3$2 million in trading securities consisted of credit card securities.

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108


The following summarizes our investments in available-for-saleAFS securities backed by pools of commercial mortgages (in millions):

   As of September 30, 2008
   Multiple Property  Single Property  Commercial Real
Estate Collateralized
Debt Obligations
  Total
   Fair
Value
  Amortized
Cost
  Fair
Value
  Amortized
Cost
  Fair
Value
  Amortized
Cost
  Fair
Value
  Amortized
Cost

Type

                

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

  $2,194  $2,422  $124  $166  $—    $—    $2,318  $2,588

Commercial real estate collateralized debt obligations

   —     —     —     —     49   61   49   61
                                

Total(1)

  $2,194  $2,422  $124  $166  $49  $61  $2,367  $2,649
                                

Rating

                

AAA

  $1,553  $1,637  $68  $71  $27  $38  $1,648  $1,746

AA

   372   419   —     —     3   3   375   422

A

   151   187   51   72   19   20   221   279

BBB

   95   140   5   23   —     —     100   163

BB and below

   23   39   —     —     —     —     23   39
                                

Total(1)

  $2,194  $2,422  $124  $166  $49  $61  $2,367  $2,649
                                

Origination Year

                

2004 and prior

  $1,562  $1,647  $77  $80  $22  $23  $1,661  $1,750

2005

   310   370   40   61   10   15   360   446

2006

   192   242   7   25   17   23   216   290

2007

   130   163   —     —     —     —     130   163
                                

Total(1)

  $2,194  $2,422  $124  $166  $49  $61  $2,367  $2,649
                                

   As of March 31, 2009 
   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  $1,824  $2,371  $83  $146  $-  $-  $1,907  $2,517 
CRE CDOs   -   -   -   -   26   57   26   57 
Total by type (1)
  $1,824  $2,371  $83  $146  $26  $57  $1,933  $2,574 
                                  
Rating                                 
AAA  $1,367  $1,536  $52  $68  $7  $15  $1,426  $1,619 
AA   253   359   -   -   -   -   253   359 
 A   85   185   25   44   18   39   128   268 
BBB   93   165   5   29   1   3   99   197 
BB and below   26   126   1   5   -   -   27   131 
Total by
rating (1)(2)
  $1,824  $2,371  $83  $146  $26  $57  $1,933  $2,574 
                                   
Origination Year                                 
2004 and prior  $1,320  $1,563  $70  $77  $13  $19  $1,403  $1,659 
 2005   251   369   12   61   7   15   270   445 
 2006   139   255   1   8   6   23   146   286 
 2007   114   184   -   -   -   -   114   184 
Total by origination year(1)
  $1,824  $2,371  $83  $146  $26  $57  $1,933  $2,574 
                                   
Total AFS securities                          $49,554  $56,340 
                                  
Total by origination year as year as a percentage of total AFS securities
       3.9%  4.6%

(1)

Does not include the fair value of trading securities totaling $95$78 million, which support our Modco reinsurance agreements because investment results for these agreements are passed directly to the reinsurers.  The $95$78 million in trading securities consisted of $92$77 million commercial mortgage-backed securities and $3$1 million commercial real estate collateralized debt obligations.

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(2)For the table above, credit ratings shown in the document are based on ratings provided by the major credit rating agencies (Fitch Ratings, Moody’s and S&P) or are based on internal ratings for those securities where external ratings are not available.  For securities where the ratings assigned by the major rating agencies are not equivalent, the second highest of the three ratings assigned is used.

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Monoline insurers provide guarantees on debt for issuers, often in the form of credit wraps, which enhance the credit of the issuer. Monoline insurers guarantee the timely repayment of bond principal and interest when a bond issuer defaults and generally provide credit enhancement for bond issues such as municipal bonds and private placements as well as other types and structures of securities.  Our direct exposure represents our bond holdings of the actual Monoline insurers.  Our insured bonds represent our holdings in bonds of other issuers that are insured by Monoline insurers.


The following summarizes our exposure to Monoline insurers (in millions):

   As of September 30, 2008
   Direct
Exposure
  Insured
Bonds (1)
  Total
Amortized
Cost
  Total
Unrealized
Gain
  Total
Unrealized
Loss
  Total
Fair
Value

Monoline Name

            

AMBAC

  $—    $272  $272  $2  $49  $225

ASSURED GUARANTY LTD

   30   —     30   —     —     30

FGIC

   3   100   103   —     31   72

FSA

   —     68   68   1   5   64

MBIA

   12   125   137   1   20   118

MGIC

   11   7   18   1   4   15

PMI GROUP INC

   27   —    ��27   —     12   15

RADIAN GROUP INC

   19   —     19   —     9   10

SECURITY CAPITAL ASSURANCE LTD

   1   —     1   1   —     2

XL CAPITAL LTD

   73   73   146   1   27   120
                        

Total(2)

  $176  $645  $821  $7  $157  $671
                        



  As of March 31, 2009 
              Total    
        Total  Total  Unrealized  Total 
  Direct  Insured  Amortized  Unrealized  Loss  Fair 
  
Exposure (1)
  
Bonds (2)
  Cost  Gain  and OTTI  Value 
Monoline Name                  
AMBAC $-  $266  $266  $1  $77  $190 
ASSURED GUARANTY LTD  30   -   30   -   15   15 
FGIC  -   96   96   1   40   57 
FSA  -   68   68   1   11   58 
MBIA  12   117   129   2   33   98 
MGIC  12   7   19   -   8   11 
PMI GROUP INC  27   -   27   -   15   12 
RADIAN GROUP INC  19   -   19   -   10   9 
XL CAPITAL LTD  72   72   144   1   37   108 
Total by Monoline insurer (3)
 $172  $626  $798  $6  $246  $558 
                         
Total AFS securities         $56,340  $1,001  $7,787  $49,554 
                         
Total by Monoline insurer as a percentage                        
of total AFS securities          1.4%  0.6%  3.2%  1.1%

(1)

Additional direct exposure through credit default swaps with a notional totaling $50 million is excluded from this table.

(2)Additional indirect insured exposure through structured securities is excluded from this table.  See “Credit-Linked Notes” in Note 4.

5.

(2)

(3)

Does not include the fair value of trading securities totaling $33$27 million, which support our Modco reinsurance agreements because investment results for these agreements are passed directly to the reinsurers.  The $33$27 million in trading securities consisted of $10$8 million of direct exposure and $23$19 million of insured exposure.  This table also excludes insured exposure totaling $15$14 million for a guaranteed investment tax credit partnership.


Credit-Linked Notes

As of September 30, 2008, and December 31, 2007, other contract holder funds on our Consolidated Balance Sheets included $600 million and $1.2 billion outstanding in funding agreements of the Lincoln National Life Insurance Company (“LNL”), respectively. LNL invested the proceeds of $850 million received for issuing three funding agreements in 2006 and 2007 into three separate credit-linked notes originated by third party companies. One of the credit linked notes totaling $250 million was paid off at par in September 2008 and as a result, the related structure, including the funding agreement, was terminated. The two remaining credit-linked notes are asset-backed securities classified as corporate bonds in the tables


See “Credit-Linked Notes” section in Note 4, and are reported as fixed maturity securities on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. An additional $300 million funding agreement was assumed as a result of the merger of Jefferson-Pilot, but was not invested into credit-linked notes. This $300 million funding agreement matured on June 2, 2008.

We earn a spread between the coupon received on the credit-linked notes and the interest credited on the funding agreement. Our credit-linked notes were created using a trust that combines highly rated assets with credit default swaps to produce a multi-class structured security. Our affiliate, Delaware Investments, actively manages the credit default swaps in the underlying portfolios. The high quality asset in these transactions is a AAA-rated asset-backed security secured by a pool of credit card receivables.

Consistent with other debt market instruments, we are exposed to credit losses within the structure of the credit-linked notes, which could result in principal losses to our investments. However, we have attempted to protect our investments from credit losses through the multi-tiered class structure of the credit-linked note, which requires the subordinated classes of the investment pool to absorb all of the initial credit losses. LNL owns the mezzanine tranche of these investments. Generally, based upon our models, the transactions can sustain anywhere from 6-10 defaults, depending on the transaction, in the underlying collateral pools with no loss to LNL. However, if that number of defaults is realized, any additional defaults will significantly impact our recovery. Once the subordination is completely exhausted, losses will be incurred on LNL’s investment. In general, the entire investment can be lost with 4-5 additional defaults. To date, there has been one default in the underlying collateral pool of the $400 million credit-linked note and two defaults in the underlying collateral pool of the $200 million credit-linked note. There has not been an event of default on the credit linked notes themselves and we believe our subordination remains sufficient to absorb future initial credit losses. Similar to other debt market instruments our maximum principal loss is limited to our original investment of $600 million as of September 30, 2008.

108


As in the general markets, spreads on these transactions have widened, causing unrealized losses. As of September 30, 2008, we had unrealized losses of $421 million on the $600 million in credit-linked notes. As described more fully in Note 1 of our 2007 Form 10-K, we regularly review our investment holdings for other-than-temporary impairments. Based upon this review and the information in the paragraph above, we believe that these securities were not other-than-temporarily impaired as of September 30, 2008, and December 31, 2007. The following summarizes the fair value to amortized cost ratio of the credit-linked notes:

   As of
October 31,
2008
  As of
September 30,
2008
  As of
December 31,
2007
 

Fair value

  $104  $179  $660 

Amortized cost

   600   600   850 

Fair value to amortized cost ratio

   17%  30%  78%

The following summarizes the exposure of the credit-linked notes’ underlying collateral by industry and rating as of September 30, 2008:

Industry

  AAA  AA  A  BBB  BB  B  Total 

Telecommunications

  0% 0% 5% 5% 0% 1% 11%

Financial intermediaries

  0% 7% 2% 2% 0% 0% 11%

Oil and gas

  0% 2% 2% 4% 0% 0% 8%

Insurance

  0% 1% 3% 0% 0% 0% 4%

Utilities

  0% 0% 4% 0% 0% 0% 4%

Chemicals and plastics

  0% 0% 2% 2% 0% 0% 4%

Retailers, except food and drug

  0% 0% 1% 2% 0% 0% 3%

Industrial equipment

  0% 0% 3% 0% 0% 0% 3%

Sovereigns

  0% 0% 1% 2% 0% 0% 3%

Other industry < 4% (32 industries)

  2% 5% 20% 19% 3% 0% 49%
                      

Total

  2% 15% 43% 36% 3% 1% 100%
                      

5.


Additional Details on our Unrealized Losses on Available-for-SaleAFS 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, sincebecause 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 impact of unrealized loss securities on our future earnings.

109


110


We have no concentrations of issuers or guarantors of fixed maturity and equity securities.  The composition by industry categories of securities subject to enhanced analysis and monitoring for potential changes in unrealized loss status (in millions), was as follows:

   As of September 30, 2008 
   Fair
Value
  %
Fair
Value
  Amortized
Cost
  %
Amortized
Cost
  Unrealized
Loss
  %
Unrealized
Loss
 

Non-captive diversified

  $92  23.7% $194  32.0% $102  47.2%

Banking

   178  45.6%  222  36.5%  44  20.4%

Gaming

   15  3.8%  43  7.1%  29  13.4%

Property and casualty

   30  7.7%  50  8.3%  20  9.2%

Non-captive consumer

   18  4.6%  28  4.6%  9  4.2%

Food and beverage

   3  0.8%  7  1.2%  4  1.9%

Financial – other

   6  1.5%  9  1.5%  3  1.4%

Real estate investment trusts

   5  1.3%  7  1.2%  2  0.9%

Consumer cyclical services

   2  0.5%  3  0.5%  2  0.9%

Entertainment

   6  1.5%  8  1.3%  1  0.5%

Building materials

   9  2.3%  9  1.5%  —    0.0%

Brokerage

   1  0.3%  1  0.2%  —    0.0%

Collateralized mortgage obligations

   13  3.3%  13  2.1%  —    0.0%

Media – non-cable

   11  2.8%  11  1.8%  —    0.0%

ABS

   1  0.3%  1  0.2%  —    0.0%
                      

Total

  $390  100.0% $606  100.0% $216  100.0%
                      

   As of December 31, 2007 
   Fair
Value
  %
Fair
Value
  Amortized
Cost
  %
Amortized
Cost
  Unrealized
Loss
  %
Unrealized
Loss
 

Property and casualty

  $33  30.5% $48  35.8% $15  57.7%

Collateralized mortgage obligations

   17  15.7%  25  18.7%  8  30.8%

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

   2  1.9%  5  3.7%  3  11.5%

ABS

   6  5.6%  6  4.5%  —    0.0%

Non-captive consumer

   37  34.3%  37  27.6%  —    0.0%

Banking

   8  7.4%  8  6.0%  —    0.0%

Consumer cyclical services

   5  4.6%  5  3.7%  —    0.0%
                      

Total

  $108  100.0% $134  100.0% $26  100.0%
                      

110



  As of March 31, 2009 
                 % 
     %     %  Unrealized  Unrealized 
  Fair  Fair  Amortized  Amortized  Loss  Loss 
  Value  Value  Cost  Cost  and OTTI  and OTTI 
Non-captive diversified $82   24.0% $169   25.8% $87   27.9%
CMOs  53   15.6%  118   18.1%  65   20.8%
ABS  21   6.2%  85   13.0%  64   20.5%
Property and casualty  34   10.0%  70   10.7%  36   11.5%
Gaming  13   3.8%  31   4.8%  18   5.8%
Media - non-cable  19   5.6%  29   4.4%  10   3.2%
Industrial-other  5   1.5%  10   1.5%  5   1.6%
Banking  18   5.3%  23   3.5%  5   1.6%
Building matierals  12   3.5%  16   2.5%  4   1.3%
Oil field services  1   0.3%  5   0.8%  4   1.3%
Automotive  13   3.8%  16   2.5%  3   1.0%
Entertainment  56   16.5%  59   9.0%  3   1.0%
CMBS  -   0.0%  3   0.5%  3   1.0%
Refining  3   0.9%  5   0.8%  2   0.6%
Retailers  -   0.0%  1   0.2%  1   0.3%
Financial-other  3   0.9%  4   0.6%  1   0.3%
Diversified manufacturing  1   0.3%  2   0.3%  1   0.3%
Media - cable  2   0.6%  2   0.3%  -   0.0%
REITs  3   0.9%  3   0.5%  -   0.0%
Chemicals  1   0.3%  1   0.2%  -   0.0%
Total securities subject to enhanced                        
analysis and monitoring $340   100.0% $652   100.0% $312   100.0%
                         
Total AFS securities $49,554      $56,340      $7,787     
                         
Total securities subject to enhanced                        
analysis and monitoring as a                        
percentage of total AFS securities  0.7%      1.2%      4.0%    


111



  As of December 31, 2008 
                 % 
     %     %  Unrealized  Unrealized 
  Fair  Fair  Amortized  Amortized  Loss  Loss 
  Value  Value  Cost  Cost  and OTTI  and OTTI 
Non-captive diversified $83   30.6% $140   31.4% $57   32.4%
Automotive  34   12.6%  70   15.7%  36   20.5%
Gaming  10   3.7%  43   9.7%  33   18.8%
Property and casualty  27   10.0%  51   11.4%  24   13.5%
Non-captive consumer  10   3.7%  20   4.5%  10   5.7%
ABS  9   3.4%  16   3.7%  7   4.0%
Entertainment  56   20.8%  59   13.2%  3   1.7%
Refining  2   0.7%  5   1.1%  3   1.7%
CMBS  2   0.7%  4   0.9%  2   1.1%
Banking  23   8.5%  24   5.4%  1   0.6%
Retailers  1   0.4%  1   0.2%  -   0.0%
CMOs  6   2.2%  6   1.3%  -   0.0%
Media - non-cable  5   1.9%  5   1.1%  -   0.0%
Paper  1   0.4%  1   0.2%  -   0.0%
Pharmaceuticals  1   0.4%  1   0.2%  -   0.0%
Total securities subject to enhanced                        
analysis and monitoring $270   100.0% $446   100.0% $176   100.0%
                         
Total AFS securities $49,223      $55,660      $7,464     
                         
Total securities subject to enhanced                        
analysis and monitoring as a                        
percentage of total AFS securities  0.5%      0.8%      2.4%    



112


The composition by industry categories of all securities in unrealized loss status (in millions), was as follows:

   As of September 30, 2008 
   Fair
Value
  %
Fair
Value
  Amortized
Cost
  %
Amortized
Cost
  Unrealized
Loss
  %
Unrealized
Loss
 

ABS

  $1,651  4.7% $2,481  6.2% $830  16.7%

Banking

   3,851  11.0%  4,603  11.5%  752  15.1%

Collateralized mortgage obligations

   3,393  9.7%  4,014  10.0%  621  12.5%

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

   1,874  5.3%  2,153  5.4%  279  5.6%

Electric

   3,340  9.5%  3,587  8.9%  247  5.0%

Non-captive diversified

   375  1.1%  532  1.3%  157  3.2%

Pipelines

   1,504  4.3%  1,638  4.1%  134  2.7%

Property and casualty insurers

   864  2.5%  993  2.5%  129  2.6%

Brokerage

   531  1.5%  654  1.6%  123  2.5%

Non-captive consumer

   302  0.9%  391  1.0%  89  1.8%

Food and beverage

   1,148  3.3%  1,233  3.1%  85  1.7%

Real estate investment trusts

   822  2.3%  900  2.2%  78  1.6%

Distributors

   870  2.5%  945  2.4%  75  1.5%

Retailers

   654  1.9%  727  1.8%  73  1.5%

Wirelines

   742  2.1%  814  2.0%  72  1.5%

Financial – other

   444  1.3%  513  1.3%  69  1.4%

Paper

   482  1.4%  543  1.4%  61  1.2%

Metals and mining

   594  1.7%  654  1.6%  60  1.2%

Media – non-cable

   632  1.8%  692  1.7%  60  1.2%

Gaming

   245  0.7%  304  0.8%  59  1.2%

Independent

   575  1.6%  633  1.6%  58  1.2%

Life

   496  1.4%  550  1.4%  54  1.1%

Diversified manufacturing

   704  2.0%  757  1.9%  53  1.1%

Home construction

   256  0.7%  309  0.8%  53  1.1%

Integrated

   392  1.1%  434  1.1%  42  0.8%

Entertainment

   518  1.5%  556  1.4%  38  0.8%

Building materials

   442  1.3%  478  1.2%  36  0.7%

Owned no guarantee

   245  0.7%  281  0.7%  36  0.7%

Transportation services

   388  1.1%  422  1.1%  34  0.7%

Chemicals

   484  1.4%  518  1.3%  34  0.7%

Pharmaceuticals

   572  1.6%  605  1.5%  33  0.7%

Technology

   483  1.4%  515  1.3%  32  0.6%

Automotive

   219  0.6%  251  0.6%  32  0.6%

Refining

   216  0.6%  243  0.6%  27  0.5%

Health insurance

   296  0.8%  322  0.8%  26  0.5%

Sovereigns

   287  0.8%  313  0.8%  26  0.5%

Wireless

   257  0.7%  283  0.7%  26  0.5%

111



  As of March 31, 2009 
                 % 
     %     %  Unrealized  Unrealized 
  Fair  Fair  Amortized  Amortized  Loss  Loss 
  Value  Value  Cost  Cost  and OTTI  and OTTI 
Banking $3,383   11.9% $4,801   13.3% $1,418   18.3%
ABS  1,064   3.8%  2,392   6.6%  1,328   17.2%
CMOs  1,349   4.8%  2,130   5.9%  781   10.1%
CMBS  1,569   5.5%  2,190   6.1%  621   8.1%
Property and casualty insurers  781   2.8%  1,077   3.0%  296   3.8%
Electric  2,772   9.8%  3,037   8.4%  265   3.4%
Real estate investment trusts  684   2.4%  902   2.5%  218   2.8%
Pipelines  1,472   5.2%  1,667   4.6%  195   2.5%
Life  572   2.0%  739   2.0%  167   2.1%
Non-captive diversified  340   1.2%  494   1.4%  154   2.0%
Metals and mining  538   1.9%  685   1.9%  147   1.9%
Paper  398   1.4%  539   1.5%  141   1.8%
Financial - other  362   1.3%  478   1.3%  116   1.5%
Retailers  454   1.6%  568   1.6%  114   1.5%
Media - non-cable  734   2.6%  839   2.3%  105   1.3%
Building materials  441   1.6%  528   1.5%  87   1.1%
Diversified manufacturing  626   2.2%  711   2.0%  85   1.1%
Independent  488   1.7%  572   1.6%  85   1.1%
Non-captive consumer  171   0.6%  253   0.7%  81   1.0%
Food and beverage  1,009   3.6%  1,089   3.0%  80   1.0%
Distributors  663   2.3%  740   2.0%  78   1.0%
Integrated  473   1.7%  544   1.5%  70   0.9%
Gaming  227   0.8%  296   0.8%  69   0.9%
Owned no guarantee  236   0.8%  305   0.8%  69   0.9%
Transportation services  403   1.4%  469   1.3%  67   0.9%
Technology  495   1.7%  560   1.6%  65   0.8%
Wirelines  485   1.7%  544   1.5%  59   0.8%
Chemicals  401   1.4%  459   1.3%  58   0.7%
Oil field services  549   1.9%  606   1.7%  57   0.7%
Home construction  242   0.9%  296   0.8%  54   0.7%
Entertainment  531   1.9%  582   1.6%  51   0.7%
Wireless  148   0.5%  196   0.5%  48   0.6%
Refining  244   0.9%  290   0.8%  47   0.6%
Sovereigns  146   0.5%  193   0.5%  46   0.6%
Non-agency  98   0.3%  139   0.4%  41   0.5%
Automotive  131   0.5%  165   0.5%  34   0.4%
Industrial other  363   1.3%  394   1.1%  32   0.4%


113

   As of September 30, 2008 
   Fair
Value
  %
Fair
Value
  Amortized
Cost
  %
Amortized
Cost
  Unrealized
Loss
  %
Unrealized
Loss
 

(Continued from Above)

          

Industrial other

   395  1.1%  420  1.0%  25  0.5%

Non agency

   121  0.3%  146  0.4%  25  0.5%

Oil field services

   366  1.0%  388  1.0%  22  0.4%

Railroads

   231  0.7%  253  0.6%  22  0.4%

Consumer products

   360  1.0%  379  0.9%  19  0.4%

Healthcare

   357  1.0%  376  0.9%  19  0.4%

Airlines

   71  0.2%  88  0.2%  17  0.3%

Utility – other

   112  0.3%  126  0.3%  14  0.3%

Media – cable

   111  0%  125  0.3%  14  0.3%

Unassigned

   65  0%  76  0.2%  11  0.2%

Packaging

   168  0.5%  179  0.4%  11  0.2%

Industries with unrealized losses less than $10

   1,638  4.6%  1,710  4.2%  72  1.6%
                      

Total

  $35,143  100.0% $40,107  100.0% $4,964  100.0%
                      

   As of December 31, 2007 
   Fair
Value
  %
Fair
Value
  Amortized
Cost
  %
Amortized
Cost
  Unrealized
Loss
  %
Unrealized
Loss
 

ABS

  $1,946  9.4% $2,239  10.2% $293  24.4%

Banking

   3,147  15.0%  3,328  15.1%  181  15.1%

Collateralized mortgage obligations

   2,881  13.8%  3,010  13.7%  129  10.8%

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

   1,083  5.2%  1,153  5.2%  70  5.8%

Electric

   1,406  6.8%  1,440  6.5%  34  2.9%

Property and casualty insurers

   494  2.4%  528  2.4%  34  2.8%

Non-captive diversified

   314  1.5%  347  1.6%  33  2.7%

Home construction

   287  1.4%  319  1.5%  32  2.7%

Media – non-cable

   223  1.1%  254  1.2%  31  2.6%

Retailers

   443  2.1%  469  2.1%  26  2.2%

Non-captive consumer

   258  1.2%  284  1.3%  26  2.2%

Pipelines

   593  2.9%  614  2.8%  21  1.7%

Real estate investment trusts

   572  2.8%  593  2.7%  21  1.7%

Paper

   273  1.3%  291  1.3%  18  1.5%

Financial – other

   354  1.7%  371  1.7%  17  1.4%

Brokerage

   434  2.1%  449  2.0%  15  1.2%

Gaming

   126  0.6%  140  0.6%  14  1.2%

Distributors

   429  2.1%  442  2.0%  13  1.1%

Food and beverage

   419  2.0%  431  2.0%  12  1.0%

Metals and mining

   328  1.6%  338  1.5%  10  0.8%

Building materials

   226  1.1%  236  1.1%  10  0.8%

Automotive

   184  0.9%  194  0.9%  10  0.8%

Industries with unrealized losses less than $10

   4,370  21.0%  4,522  20.6%  152  12.6%
                      

Total

  $20,790  100.0% $21,992  100.0% $1,202  100.0%
                      

112



  As of March 31, 2009 
                 % 
     %     %  Unrealized  Unrealized 
  Fair  Fair  Amortized  Amortized  Loss  Loss 
  Value  Value  Cost  Cost  and OTTI  and OTTI 
(Continued from Above)                  
Consumer products  357   1.3%  390   1.1%  33   0.4%
Brokerage  175   0.6%  206   0.6%  31   0.4%
Health insurance  349   1.2%  375   1.0%  27   0.3%
Airlines  60   0.2%  87   0.2%  26   0.3%
Lodging  88   0.3%  114   0.3%  26   0.3%
Railroads  230   0.8%  257   0.7%  26   0.3%
Healthcare  426   1.5%  451   1.2%  25   0.3%
Packaging  157   0.6%  183   0.5%  25   0.3%
Local authorities  58   0.2%  76   0.2%  18   0.2%
Construction machinery  190   0.7%  207   0.6%  17   0.2%
Media - cable  157   0.6%  174   0.5%  17   0.2%
Supermarkets  108   0.4%  119   0.3%  12   0.2%
Industries with unrealized losses                        
 less than $10 million  943   3.2%  1,018   2.9%  75   0.9%
Total by industry $28,340   100.0% $36,126   100.0% $7,787   100.0%
                         
Total AFS securities $49,554      $56,340      $7,787     
                         
Total by indsutry as a                        
percentage of total AFS                        
securities  57.2%      64.1%      100.0%    


114


  As of December 31, 2008 
                 % 
     %     %  Unrealized  Unrealized 
  Fair  Fair  Amortized  Amortized  Loss  Loss 
  Value  Value  Cost  Cost  and OTTI  and OTTI 
ABS $1,198   4.0% $2,380   6.4% $1,182   15.7%
Banking  3,657   12.2%  4,714   12.5%  1,057   14.1%
CMOs  1,636   5.5%  2,411   6.3%  775   10.4%
CMBSs  1,632   5.5%  2,257   6.0%  625   8.4%
Electric  2,916   9.7%  3,242   8.7%  326   4.4%
Pipelines  1,501   5.0%  1,763   4.7%  262   3.5%
Real estate investment trusts  662   2.2%  918   2.5%  256   3.4%
Property and casualty insurers  746   2.5%  999   2.7%  253   3.4%
Metals and mining  604   2.0%  772   2.1%  168   2.3%
Life  585   2.0%  716   1.9%  131   1.8%
Paper  397   1.3%  528   1.4%  131   1.8%
Retailers  549   1.8%  678   1.8%  129   1.7%
Media - non-cable  750   2.5%  867   2.3%  117   1.6%
Food and beverage  1,205   4.0%  1,310   3.5%  105   1.4%
Gaming  205   0.7%  303   0.8%  98   1.3%
Diversified manufacturing  686   2.3%  774   2.1%  88   1.2%
Non-captive diversified  217   0.7%  304   0.8%  87   1.2%
Financial - other  395   1.3%  479   1.3%  84   1.1%
Building materials  467   1.6%  549   1.5%  82   1.1%
Owned no guarantee  208   0.7%  290   0.8%  82   1.1%
Home construction  227   0.8%  308   0.8%  81   1.1%
Independent  533   1.8%  615   1.6%  82   1.1%
Distributors  890   3.0%  971   2.6%  81   1.1%
Non-captive consumer  181   0.6%  253   0.7%  72   1.0%
Technology  511   1.7%  582   1.6%  71   1.0%
Automotive  174   0.6%  241   0.6%  67   0.9%
Integrated  424   1.4%  490   1.3%  66   0.9%
Transportation services  376   1.3%  442   1.2%  66   0.9%
Wirelines  566   1.9%  627   1.7%  61   0.8%
Refining  285   1.0%  340   0.9%  55   0.7%
Oil field services  550   1.8%  604   1.6%  54   0.7%
Wireless  225   0.8%  278   0.7%  53   0.7%
Chemicals  473   1.6%  522   1.4%  49   0.7%
Non-agency  94   0.3%  141   0.4%  47   0.6%
Healthcare  431   1.4%  477   1.3%  46   0.6%
Entertainment  487   1.6%  531   1.4%  44   0.6%
Sovereigns  146   0.5%  190   0.5%  44   0.6%


115



  As of December 31, 2008 
                 % 
     %     %  Unrealized  Unrealized 
  Fair  Fair  Amortized  Amortized  Loss  Loss 
  Value  Value  Cost  Cost  and OTTI  and OTTI 
(Continued from Above)                  
Health insurance  334   1.1%  376   1.0%  42   0.6%
Industrial other  368   1.2%  407   1.1%  39   0.5%
Brokerage  186   0.6%  223   0.6%  37   0.5%
Consumer products  434   1.4%  469   1.3%  35   0.5%
Airlines  72   0.2%  101   0.3%  29   0.4%
Lodging  85   0.3%  112   0.3%  27   0.4%
Packaging  161   0.5%  187   0.5%  26   0.3%
Railroads  232   0.8%  257   0.7%  25   0.3%
Local authorities  31   0.2%  45   0.1%  14   0.2%
Construction machinery  238   0.8%  250   0.7%  12   0.2%
Utility - other  87   0.3%  98   0.3%  11   0.1%
Government sponsored  15   0.0%  26   0.1%  11   0.1%
Media - cable  156   0.5%  167   0.4%  11   0.1%
Industries with unrealized losses                        
 less than $10 million  747   2.5%  815   2.2%  68   0.9%
Total by industry $29,935   100.0% $37,399   100.0% $7,464   100.0%
                         
Total AFS securities $49,223      $55,660      $7,464     
                         
Total by industry as a                        
percentage of total AFS                        
securities  60.8%      67.2%      100.0%    



116


Unrealized Loss on Below-Investment-Grade Available-for-SaleBelow Investment Grade AFS Fixed Maturity Securities


Gross unrealized losses on available-for-sale below-investment-gradeAFS fixed maturity securities below investment grade fixed maturity securities represented 11.0%23.1% and 12.1%12.8% of total gross unrealized losses on all available-for-saleAFS securities as of September 30, 2008,March 31, 2009, and December 31, 2007,2008, respectively.  Generally, below-investment-gradebelow investment grade fixed maturity securities are more likely than investment-gradeinvestment grade securities to develop credit concerns.  The remaining 89.0%76.9% and 87.9%87.2% of the gross unrealized losses as of September 30, 2008,March 31, 2009, and December 31, 2007,2008, respectively, relate to investment grade available-for-saleAFS securities.  The ratios of estimated fair value to amortized cost reflected in the table below were not necessarily indicative of the market value to amortized cost relationships for the securities throughout the entire time that the securities have been in an unrealized loss position nor are they necessarily indicative of these ratios subsequent to September 30, 2008.

March 31, 2009.


Details underlying fixed maturity securities below investment grade and in an unrealized loss position (in millions) were as follows:

Aging Category

  

Ratio of
Amortized
Cost to
Fair Value

  As of September 30, 2008
    Fair
Value
  Amortized
Cost
  Unrealized
Loss

< or = 90 days

  70% to 100%  $481  $505  $24
  40% to 70%   —     —     —  
  Below 40%   2   10   8
              

< or = 90 days total

     483   515   32
              

>90 days but < or = 180 days

  70% to 100%   478   520   42
  40% to 70%   12   19   7
  Below 40%   1   12   11
              

>90 days but < or = 180 days total

     491   551   60
              

>180 days but < or = 270 days

  70% to 100%   156   180   24
  40% to 70%   19   30   11
  Below 40%   2   9   7
              

>180 days but < or = 270 days total

     177   219   42
              

>270 days but < or = 1 year

  70% to 100%   139   160   21
  40% to 70%   23   39   16
  Below 40%   20   65   45
              

>270 days but < or = 1 year total

     182   264   82
              

>1 year

  70% to 100%   796   930   134
  40% to 70%   126   196   70
  Below 40%   31   156   125
              

>1 year total

     953   1,282   329
              

Total below-investment-grade

    $2,286  $2,831  $545
              

113

 Ratio of As of March 31, 2009 
 Amortized       Unrealized 
 Cost to Fair  Amortized  Loss 
Aging CategoryFair Value Value  Cost  and OTTI 
< or = 90 days70% to 100% $148  $161  $13 
 40% to 70%  70   150   80 
 Below 40%  57   211   154 
Total < or = 90 days   275   522   247 
              
>90 days but < or = 180 days70% to 100%  115   123   8 
 40% to 70%  13   20   7 
 Below 40%  -   -   - 
Total >90 days but < or = 180 days   128   143   15 
              
>180 days but < or = 270 days70% to 100%  273   317   44 
 40% to 70%  53   90   37 
 Below 40%  6   20   14 
 Total >180 days but < or = 270 days   332   427   95 
              
>270 days but < or = 1 year70% to 100%  369   438   69 
 40% to 70%  152   257   105 
 Below 40%  37   131   94 
Total >270 days but < or = 1 year   558   826   268 
              
>1 year70% to 100%  664   799   135 
 40% to 70%  441   804   363 
 Below 40%  181   853   672 
Total  >1 year   1,286   2,456   1,170 
              
Total below investment grade  $2,579  $4,374  $1,795 
              
Total AFS securities  $49,554  $56,340  $7,787 
              
Total below investment grade as a percentage             
of total AFS securities   5.2%  7.8%  23.1%


117

Aging Category

  

Ratio of
Amortized
Cost to
Fair Value

  As of December 31, 2007
    Fair
Value
  Amortized
Cost
  Unrealized
Loss

< or = 90 days

  70% to 100%  $446  $468  $22
  40% to 70%   —     1   1
              

< or = 90 days total

     446   469   23
              

>90 days but < or = 180 days

  70% to 100%   218   231   13
  40% to 70%   1   1   —  
              

>90 days but < or = 180 days total

     219   232   13
              

>180 days but < or = 270 days

  70% to 100%   378   408   30
              

>180 days but < or = 270 days total

     378   408   30
              

>270 days but < or = 1 year

  70% to 100%   121   135   14
              

>270 days but < or = 1 year total

     121   135   14
              

>1 year

  70% to 100%   328   362   34
  40% to 70%   52   84   32
              

>1 year total

     380   446   66
              

Total below-investment-grade

    $1,544  $1,690  $146
              

114



 Ratio of As of December 31, 2008 
 Amortized       Unrealized 
 Cost to Fair  Amortized  Loss 
Aging CategoryFair Value Value  Cost  and OTTI 
< or = 90 days70% to 100% $253  $268  $15 
 40% to 70%  17   31   14 
 Below 40%  1   5   4 
Total < or = 90 days   271   304   33 
              
>90 days but < or = 180 days70% to 100%  291   336   45 
 40% to 70%  41   66   25 
 Below 40%  -   -   - 
Total >90 days but < or = 180 days   332   402   70 
              
>180 days but < or = 270 days70% to 100%  311   349   38 
 40% to 70%  83   140   57 
 Below 40%  10   40   30 
 Total >180 days but < or = 270 days   404   529   125 
              
>270 days but < or = 1 year70% to 100%  116   143   27 
 40% to 70%  35   66   31 
 Below 40%  9   28   19 
Total >270 days but < or = 1 year   160   237   77 
              
>1 year70% to 100%  501   606   105 
 40% to 70%  339   604   265 
 Below 40%  98   376   278 
Total  >1 year   938   1,586   648 
              
Total below investment grade  $2,105  $3,058  $953 
              
Total AFS securities  $49,223  $55,660  $7,464 
              
Total below investment grade as a percentage             
of total AFS securities   4.3%  5.5%  12.8%


118

Unrealized Loss on Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-for-Sale in Excess of $10 million

As of September 30, 2008, available-for-sale fixed maturity and equity securities with gross unrealized losses greater than $10 million (in millions) for investment grade securities were as follows:

      As of September 30, 2008
   

Average Length of Time

in Loss Position

  Fair
Value
  Amortized
Cost
  Unrealized
Loss

Investment Grade

        

Credit-linked notes

  >1 year  $122  $400  $278

Credit-linked notes

  >1 year   57   200   143

Domestic bank and finance

  >270 days but < = 1 year   420   522   102

Domestic bank and finance

  >180 days but < or = 270 days   127   195   68

Domestic brokerage

  >180 days but < or = 270 days   101   148   47

UK bank and finance

  >270 days but < = 1 year   138   179   41

Domestic bank and finance

  >1 year   74   113   39

Domestic finance

  >180 days but < or = 270 days   43   82   39

Domestic brokerage

  >180 days but < or = 270 days   163   198   35

Domestic bank and finance

  >1 year   117   145   28

Domestic bank and finance

  >180 days but < or = 270 days   117   144   27

International technology and services

  >180 days but < or = 270 days   170   196   26

Domestic finance

  >1 year   43   67   24

Mortgage related ABS

  >1 year   22   46   24

Domestic bank and finance

  >90 days but < or = 180 days   181   203   22

Domestic bank and finance

  >180 days but < or = 270 days   139   161   22

Domestic bank and finance

  >180 days but < or = 270 days   54   76   22

Domestic brokerage

  >1 year   77   98   21

Domestic finance

  >1 year   23   44   21

Mortgage related MBS

  >270 days but < = 1 year   21   42   21

UK bank and finance

  >270 days but < = 1 year   42   62   20

International communications

  >1 year   175   194   19

International aircraft leasing

  >270 days but < = 1 year   25   44   19

Domestic bank and finance

  >1 year   35   54   19

Domestic bank and finance

  >270 days but < = 1 year   40   59   19

UK bank and finance

  >1 year   131   149   18

International beverage

  >1 year   97   115   18

Mortgage related MBS

  >1 year   19   37   18

Mortgage related MBS

  >1 year   22   40   18

Domestic bank and finance

  >1 year   29   46   17

Mortgage related ABS

  >1 year   8   25   17

Property and casualty insurance

  >1 year   56   72   16

International bank and finance

  >1 year   86   102   16

International forestry

  >1 year   82   98   16

Mortgage related MBS

  >1 year   13   29   16

International real estate

  >1 year   60   76   16

Domestic bank and finance

  >1 year   69   85   16

UK bank and finance

  >1 year   52   68   16

Property and casualty insurance

  >90 days but < or = 180 days   56   72   16

Domestic retailer

  >1 year   65   80   15

International finance

  >180 days but < or = 270 days   88   103   15

Mortgage related MBS

  >1 year   40   55   15

Domestic energy

  >180 days but < or = 270 days   111   126   15

International energy

  >90 days but < or = 180 days   97   111   14

Mortgage related MBS

  >180 days but < or = 270 days   49   63   14

115


      As of September 30, 2008
   

Length of Time

in Loss Position

  Fair
Value
  Amortized
Cost
  Unrealized
Loss

(Continued from Above)

        

Investment Grade

        
Mortgage related MBS  >1 year   3   17   14
Mortgage related ABS  >1 year   26   40   14
International bank and finance  >180 days but < or = 270 days   16   30   14
Mortgage related ABS  >180 days but < or = 270 days   19   33   14
International energy  >270 days but < = 1 year   147   160   13
Domestic bank and finance  >90 days but < or = 180 days   58   71   13
International bank and finance  >1 year   49   62   13
Domestic communications  >90 days but < or = 180 days   132   145   13
Mortgage related MBS  >1 year   21   34   13
Domestic energy  >90 days but < or = 180 days   120   133   13
International energy  >1 year   76   89   13
Mortgage related ABS  >1 year   44   57   13
International energy  >1 year   95   108   13
International bank and finance  >1 year   35   48   13
International energy  >1 year   27   40   13
Professional services  >270 days but < = 1 year   68   80   12
Mortgage related MBS  >180 days but < or = 270 days   22   34   12
Domestic energy  >1 year   81   93   12
Mortgage related ABS  >270 days but < = 1 year   17   29   12
Domestic insurance  >1 year   15   27   12
International bank and finance  >270 days but < = 1 year   82   94   12
International metals and mining  >1 year   76   88   12
International bank and finance  >1 year   8   19   11
Mortgage related MBS  >1 year   9   20   11
International investment company  >270 days but < = 1 year   46   57   11
Mortgage related ABS  >1 year   5   16   11
Automotive rentals  >1 year   46   57   11
Domestic healthcare  >180 days but < or = 270 days   129   140   11
Domestic energy  >270 days but < = 1 year   99   110   11
Property and casualty insurance  >270 days but < = 1 year   29   40   11
Domestic energy  >1 year   114   125   11
Domestic healthcare  >180 days but < or = 270 days   113   124   11
Domestic energy  >1 year   65   75   10
Mortgage related MBS  >1 year   28   38   10
Domestic energy  >180 days but < or = 270 days   111   121   10
Mortgage related MBS  >1 year   15   25   10
              

Total investment grade

    $5,802  $7,703  $1,901
              

116


As of September 30, 2008, available-for-sale fixed maturity and equity securities with gross unrealized losses greater than $10 million (in millions) for non investment grade securities were as follows:

      As of September 30, 2008
   

Length of Time

in Loss Position

  Fair
Value
  Amortized
Cost
  Unrealized
Loss

Non Investment Grade

        

Domestic bank and finance

  >270 days but < = 1 year  $24  $70  $46

Domestic entertainment

  > 1 year   15   44   29

Mortgage related MBS

  >1 year   4   19   15

Domestic homebuilding

  > 1 year   38   51   13

Domestic homebuilding

  > 1 year   77   91   14

Mortgage related MBS

  >1 year   2   15   13

Mortgage related MBS

  >1 year   1   15   14

Mortgage related MBS

  >1 year   2   14   12

Mortgage related ABS

  >270 days but < = 1 year   15   27   12

International communications

  > 1 year   48   60   12

Mortgage related MBS

  >90 days but < or = 180 days   1   12   11

International forestry

  > 1 year   51   61   10

Mortgage related ABS

  >1 year   10   20   10
              

Total non investment grade

    $288  $499  $211
              

The information above is presented by investment grade and length of time in a loss position on an issuer basis. These investments are subject to rapidly changing conditions. As such, we expect that the level of securities with overall unrealized losses will fluctuate, as will the level of unrealized loss securities that are subject to enhanced analysis and monitoring. The volatility of financial market conditions results in increased recognition of both investment gains and losses, as portfolio risks are adjusted through sales and purchases. As discussed above, this is consistent with the classification of our investment portfolios as available-for-sale.

117



Mortgage Loans on Real Estate


The following summarizes key information on mortgage loans (in millions):

   As of September 30, 2008 
   Amount  % 

Property Type

    

Office Building

  $2,568  33%

Industrial

   2,020  26%

Retail

   1,839  24%

Apartment

   727  9%

Hotel/Motel

   293  4%

Mixed Use

   135  2%

Other Commercial

   106  2%
        
  $7,688  100%
        

Geographic Region

    

New England

  $191  2%

Middle Atlantic

   482  6%

East North Central

   822  11%

West North Central

   433  6%

South Atlantic

   1,824  24%

East South Central

   464  5%

West South Central

   676  9%

Mountain

   746  10%

Pacific

   2,050  27%
        
  $7,688  100%
        

   As of September 30, 2008 
   Amount  % 
State Exposure    
CA  $1,610  21%
TX   626  8%
MD   442  6%
FL   337  4%
TN   326  4%
NC   324  4%
VA   316  4%
AZ   315  4%
WA   299  4%
IL   287  4%
GA   257  3%
PA   242  3%
OH   221  3%
NV   215  3%
IN   195  3%
MN   161  2%
NJ   147  2%
SC   138  2%
MA   133  2%
Other states 1% and under   1,097  14%
        
  $7,688  100%
        


  As of March 31, 2009    As of March 31, 2009 
  Amount  %    Amount  % 
Property Type       State Exposure      
Office building $2,598   34% CA $1,600   21%
Industrial  1,981   26% TX  643   8%
Retail  1,807   24% MD  436   6%
Apartment  710   9% FL  335   4%
Hotel/Motel  283   4% TN  319   4%
Mixed use  134   2% AZ  315   4%
Other commercial  103   1% VA  309   4%
  $7,616   100% NC  305   4%
          WA  294   4%
          IL  281   4%
Geographic Region         GA  248   3%
Pacific $2,032   27% PA  234   3%
South Atlantic  1,778   23% NV  213   3%
East North Central  791   10% OH  200   3%
Mountain  738   10% IN  190   2%
West South Central  691   9% MA  158   2%
Middle Atlantic  509   7% MN  156   2%
East South Central  453   6% NJ  145   2%
West North Central  410   5% SC  134   2%
New England  214   3% NY  130   2%
  $7,616   100% Other states under 2%  971   13%
            $7,616   100%
All mortgage loans that are impaired have an established allowance for credit loss.  Changing economic conditions impact our valuation of mortgage loans.  Changing vacancies and rents are incorporated into the discounted cash flow analysis that we perform for monitored loans and may contribute to the establishment of (or an increase or decrease in) an allowance for credit losses.  In addition, we continue to monitor the entire commercial mortgage loan portfolio to identify risk.  Areas of emphasis are properties that have deteriorating credits or have experienced debt coverage reduction.  Where warranted, we have established or increased loss reserves based upon this analysis.  There were two impaired mortgage loans as of March 31, 2009, or .03% of total mortgage loans, and no impaired mortgage loans as of September 30 2008,December 31, 2008.  As of March 31, 2009, there were two commercial mortgage loans that were two or more payments delinquent and December 31, 2007. As of September 30, 2008, there were no commercial mortgage loans that were two or more payments delinquent.  As of December 31, 2007, we had one commercial mortgage loan that was two or more payments delinquent. The total principal and interest due on thesethe mortgage loans as of DecemberMarch 31, 2007,2009, was less than $1 million.  See Note 4 for additional detail regarding impaired mortgage loans. See Note 1 in our 20072008 Form 10-K for more information regarding our accounting policy relating to the impairment of mortgage loans.

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119


Alternative Investments


The carrying value of our consolidated alternative investments by business segment (in millions), which consists primarily of investments in limited partnerships, werewas as follows:

   As of
September 30,
2008
  As of
December 31,
2007

Retirement Solutions:

    

Annuities

  $97  $108

Defined Contribution Products

   76   130

Insurance Solutions:

    

Life Insurance

   606   526

Group Protection

   36   2

Other Operations

   11   33
        

Total alternative investments

  $826  $799
        

Income

  As of  As of 
  March 31,  December 31, 
  2009  2008 
Retirement Solutions:      
Annuities $102  $89 
Defined Contribution  60   72 
Insurance Solutions:        
Life Insurance  560   603 
Group Protection  37   8 
Other Operations  12   4 
Total alternative investments $771  $776 
Loss derived from our consolidated alternative investments by business segment (in millions) was as follows:

   For the Three
Months Ended
September 30,
  Change  For the Nine
Months Ended
September 30,
  Change 
   2008  2007   2008  2007  

Retirement Solutions:

         

Annuities

  $2  $1  100% $1  $15  -93%

Defined Contribution Products

   1   (1) 200%  (2)  15  NM 

Insurance Solutions:

         

Life Insurance

   23   —    NM   36   58  -38%

Group Protection

   1   —    NM   1   —    

Other Operations

   —     —    NM   —     2  -100%
                   

Total alternative investments (1)

  $27  $—    NM  $36  $90  -60%
                   


  For the Three    
  Months Ended    
  March 31,    
  2009  2008  Change 
Retirement Solutions:         
Annuities $(1) $(1)  0%
Defined Contribution  -   (2)  100%
Insurance Solutions:            
Life Insurance  (5)  (1) NM 
Group Protection  -   -  NM 
Other Operations  -   (1)  100%
Total alternative investments (1)
 $(6) $(5)  -20%

(1)

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


The decline in our investment income on alternative investments presented in the table above when comparing the first nine months of 2008 to the corresponding period in 2007 was due to continued deterioration of the financial markets during 2008, as compared to exceptionally strong returns in the first half of 2007.markets.  This weakness was spread across the various categories of investments withinconcentrated primarily in our alternative investment portfolio.

energy limited partnership holdings.


As of September 30, 2008,March 31, 2009, and December 31, 2007,2008, alternative investments includeincluded investments in approximately 102 different partnerships.  The partnerships respectively, that allow us to gain exposure torepresent a broadly diversified portfolio of asset classes suchclasses.  The investment strategy of the alternative investment portfolio is to provide incremental investment income compared to the traditional fixed-income and equity markets over a long term investment horizon.  In addition, the portfolio represents approximately 1.6% of our overall invested assets.  The portfolio is actively monitored to minimize the likelihood of material investment income losses.

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The carrying value of our consolidated alternative investments by asset class (in millions) was as venture capital, hedge funds, oil and gas and real estate. follows:

  As of  As of 
  March 31,  December 31, 
  2009  2008 
       
Venture capital $354  $341 
Hedge funds  199   223 
Real estate  113   110 
Oil & gas  105   102 
Total alternative investments $771  $776 


The partnerships do not represent off-balance sheet financing and generally involve several third-party partners.  Select 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.  The capital calls are included on the table of contingent commitments in “Review of Consolidated Financial Condition – Liquidity and Capital Resources” below.  Alternative investments are accounted for using the equity method of accounting and are included in other investments on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.


Our venture capital portfolio is mainly comprised of private equity investments in various leveraged buyout and venture capital limited partnerships, which in turn, invest in a well-diversified portfolio across various industry sectors, geographies, and investment stages.  The objective of making such investments is to achieve an excess long-term risk-adjusted return.

The hedge fund portfolio is broadly diversified and contains exposure to the strategies which we believe will have the best long-term risk-adjusted returns.

The real estate limited partnership portfolio tries to capture value-added returns in both equity and mezzanine positions in both traditional and specialized areas of the commercial and residential real estate markets including workforce housing.

Similar to our venture capital portfolio, we invest in various oil-and-gas limited partnerships that target a well diversified energy sector including exploration and production, storage and distribution (midstream), oil field services, and other energy-related services.

We account for our investments in limited partnerships (LPs) using the equity method to determine the GAAP carrying value.  The LPs where LNC is a participant generally report their assets at fair value.  Since the assets of the LPs are measured at fair value and the values of the LPs’ liabilities would generally approximate fair value according to the audited financial statements received from the partnerships, the GAAP carrying value on our consolidated balance sheet would approximate a fair value for our LP investments.

Non-Income Producing Investments


As of September 30, 2008,March 31, 2009, and December 31, 2007,2008, the carrying amount of fixed maturity securities, mortgage loans on real estate and real estate that were non-income producing was $17$19 million and $21$15 million, respectively.

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121


Net Investment Income


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

   For the Three
Months Ended
September 30,
  Change  For the Nine
Months Ended
September 30,
  Change 
   2008  2007   2008  2007  

Net Investment Income

       

Fixed maturity available-for-sale securities

  $849  $854  -1% $2,558  $2,539  1%

Equity available-for-sale securities

   7   10  -30%  24   31  -23%

Trading securities

   41   44  -7%  126   134  -6%

Mortgage loans on real estate

   120   114  5%  354   347  2%

Real estate

   5   11  -55%  17   34  -50%

Standby real estate equity commitments

   1   5  -80%  3   9  -67%

Policy loans

   46   43  7%  134   130  3%

Invested cash

   12   14  -14%  46   52  -12%

Commercial mortgage loan prepayment and bond makewhole premiums (1)

   8   11  -27%  28   42  -33%

Alternative investments (2)

   27   —    NM   36   90  -60%

Consent fees

   2   1  100%  4   9  -56%

Other investments

   —     4  -100%  (5)  8  NM 
                   

Investment income

   1,118   1,111  1%  3,325   3,425  -3%

Investment expense

   (29)  (49) 41%  (94)  (140) 33%
                   

Net investment income

  $1,089  $1,062  3% $3,231  $3,285  -2%
                   



  For the Three    
  Months Ended    
  March 31,    
  2009  2008  Change 
Net Investment Income         
Fixed maturity AFS securities $836  $857   -2%
Equity AFS securities  2   9   -78%
Trading securities  40   42   -5%
Mortgage loans on real estate  118   117   1%
Real estate  4   7   -43%
Standby real estate equity commitments  -   1   -100%
Policy loans  44   45   -2%
Invested cash  10   19   -47%
Commercial mortgage loan prepayment and bond makewhole premiums (1)
  1   6   -83%
Alternative investments (2)
  (6)  (5)  -20%
Other investments  4   2   100%
Investment income  1,053   1,100   -4%
Investment expense  (26)  (35)  26%
Net investment income $1,027  $1,065   -4%

(1)

See “Commercial Mortgage Loan Prepayment and Bond Makewhole Premiums” below for additional information.

(2)

See “Alternative Investments” above for additional information.

   For the Three
Months Ended
September 30,
  Basis
Point

Change
  For the Nine
Months Ended
September 30,
  Basis
Point

Change
 
   2008  2007   2008  2007  

Interest Rate Yield

       

Fixed maturity securities, mortgage loans on real estate and other, net of investment expenses

  5.91% 5.92% (1) 5.92% 5.94% (2)

Commercial mortgage loan prepayment and bond makewhole premiums

  0.04% 0.06% (2) 0.05% 0.08% (3)

Alternative investments

  0.15% 0.00% 15  0.07% 0.17% (10)

Consent fees

  0.01% 0.01% —    0.01% 0.02% (1)

Standby real estate equity commitments

  0.01% 0.03% (2) 0.01% 0.02% (1)
               

Net investment income yield on invested assets

  6.12% 6.02% 10  6.06% 6.23% (17)
               

   For the Three
Months Ended
September 30,
  Change  For the Nine
Months Ended
September 30,
  Change 
   2008  2007   2008  2007  

Average invested assets at amortized cost

  $71,218  $70,575  1% $71,142  $70,291  1%

   For the Three  
   Months Ended Basis
   March 31, Point
   2009 2008 Change
Interest Rate Yield       
Fixed maturity securities, mortgage loans on       
real estate and other, net of investment expenses 5.85% 5.97%  (12)
Commercial mortgage loan prepayment and       
bond makewhole premiums  0.01% 0.03%  (2)
Alternative investments  -0.03% -0.03%  -
Standby real estate equity commitments  0.00% 0.01%  (1)
Net investment income yield on invested assets  5.83% 5.98%  (15)



  For the Three    
  Months Ended    
  March 31,    
  2009  2008  Change 
Average invested assets at amortized cost $70,421  $71,195   -1%



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We earn investment income on our general account assets supporting fixed annuity, term life, whole life, UL and interest-sensitive whole life insurance 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 makewhole 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.

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The decline in net investment income when comparing the first ninethree months of 20082009 to the same period in 20072008 was attributable largely to our liquidity strategy of maintaining higher cash balances during the recent volatile markets which has reduced our portfolio yield and a decline in investment income on alternative investments,investments.

Standby Real Estate Equity Commitments

Periodically, we enter into standby commitments, which obligate us to purchase real estate at a specified cost if a third-party sale does not occur within approximately one year after construction is completed.  These commitments are used by a developer to obtain a construction loan from an outside lender on favorable terms.  In return for issuing the commitment, we receive an annual fee and a percentage of the profit when the property is sold.  Our long-term expectation is that we will be obligated to fund a small portion of these commitments.  However, due to the current economic environment, we may experience increased funding obligations.

As of March 31, 2009, and December 31, 2008, we had an extraordinarily strong first halfstandby real estate equity commitments totaling $263 million and $267 million, respectively.  During the three months ended March 31, 2009, we funded commitments of 2007.

$3 million and the fair value of the associated real estate is included on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.  We did not fund any commitments during the three months ended March 31, 2008.


Commercial Mortgage Loan Prepayment and Bond Makewhole Premiums


Prepayment and makewhole premiums are collected when borrowers elect to call or prepay their debt prior to the stated maturity.  A prepayment or makewhole 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.


The decline in prepayment and makewhole premiums when comparing the ninethree months ended September 30,March 31, 2009 to 2008 to 2007 was attributable primarily to the generalcontinued tightening of credit conditions in the market resulting in less refinancing activity and less prepayment income.



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Realized Loss Related to Investments


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

   For the Three
Months Ended
September 30,
     For the Nine
Months Ended
September 30,
    
   2008  2007  Change  2008  2007  Change 

Fixed maturity available-for-sale securities:

       

Gross gains

  $27  $26  4% $58  $108  -46%

Gross losses

   (380)  (44) NM   (618)  (97) NM 

Equity available-for-sale securities:

       

Gross gains

   1   1  0%  4   7  -43%

Gross losses

   (26)  —    NM   (33)  —    NM 

Gain on other investments

   (1)  6  NM   27   7  286%

Associated amortization expense of DAC, VOBA,

       

DSI and DFEL and changes in other contract holder funds

   95   (14) NM   144   (36) NM 
                   

Total realized gain (loss) on investments, excluding trading securities

   (284)  (25) NM   (418)  (11) NM 

Gain (loss) on certain derivative instruments

   (30)  (11) NM   (62)  (7) NM 

Associated amortization expense of DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL and changes in other contract holder funds

   —     1  -100%  —     —    NM 
                   

Total realized gain (loss) on investments and certain derivative instruments, excluding trading securities

  $(314) $(35) NM  $(480) $(18) NM 
                   

Write-downs for other-than-temporary impairments included in realized loss on available-for-sale securities above

  $(312) $(34) NM  $(523) $(68) NM 
                   



  For the Three    
  Months Ended    
  March 31,    
  2009  2008  Change 
Fixed maturity AFS securities:         
Gross gains $55  $9  NM 
Gross losses  (244)  (100) NM 
Equity AFS securities:           
Gross gains  3   3   0%
Gross losses  (3)  -  NM 
Gain on other investments  (2)  25  NM 
Associated amortization expense of DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL and
changes in other contract holder funds and funds withheld
reinsurance liabilities  55   25   120%
Total realized loss on investments, excluding trading securities  (136)  (38) NM 
Loss on certain derivative instruments  (17)  (3) NM 
Total realized loss on investments and certain derivative instruments,
 excluding trading securities $(153) $(41) NM 
             
 Write-downs for OTTI included in realized loss on AFS securities above $(170)  $
(92)
-85
 %

Amortization expense of DAC, VOBA, DSI, DFEL and changes in other contract holder funds reflects an assumption for an expected level of credit-related investment losses.  When actual credit-related investment losses are realized, we recognize a true up to our DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL amortization and changes in other contract holder funds within realized gain (loss)loss reflecting the incremental impact of actual versus expected credit-related investment losses.  These actual to expected amortization adjustments could create volatility in net realized gains (loss).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 ninethree months of 20082009 and 2007, respectively,2008, 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 hold the security until its value recovers.  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

121


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 available-for-sale.AFS.  We expect to continue to manage all non-trading invested assets within our portfolios in a manner that is consistent with the available-for-saleAFS 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 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 credit analysts and investment portfolio managers leads to the conclusion that a security’s decline in fair value is other-than-temporary, the security is written down to estimated fair value.  In instances where declines are considered temporary, the security will continue to be carefully monitored.  See “Item 7.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis – Introduction – Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates” in our 20072008 Form 10-K for additional information on our portfolio management strategy.


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Details underlying write-downs taken as a result of other-than-temporary impairmentsOTTIs (in millions) that were recognized in earnings were as follows:

   For the Three
Months Ended
September 30,
     For the Nine
Months Ended
September 30,
   
   2008  2007  Change  2008  2007  Change

Other-Than-Temporary Impairments

            

Corporate bonds

  $210  $32  NM  $336  $66  NM

Redeemable Preferred Stock

   1   —    NM   1   —    NM

Mortgage-backed securities

   76   2  NM   154   2  NM
                    

Total fixed maturity securities

   287   34  NM   491   68  NM

Equity securities

   25   —    NM   32   —    NM
                    

Total other-than-temporary impairments

  $312  $34  NM  $523  $68  NM
                    


  For the Three    
  Months Ended    
  March 31,    
  2009  2008  Change 
Fixed Maturity Securities         
Corporate bonds $85  $90   -6%
MBS:            
CMOs  81   1  NM 
ABS:            
CDOs  -   1   -100%
Hybrid and redeemable preferred stock  1   -  NM 
Total fixed maturity securities  167   92   82%
Equity Securities            
Other financial services securities  3   -  NM 
Total equity securities  3   -  NM 
Total OTTI losses on AFS $170  $92   85%

When comparing the first three months of 2009 to 2008, the increase in write-downs for OTTIs on our AFS securities were attributable primarily to unfavorable changes in credit quality on certain corporate bond holdings within the Automotive and Gaming sectors, as well as deteriorating fundamentals within the housing market which affected select RMBS holdings.

The $523$170 million of impairments taken during the first ninethree months of 20082009 are split between $424$166 million of credit related impairments and $99$4 million on non-credit related impairments.  The credit related impairments are largely attributable to our financialAutomotive and Gaming sector holdings, RMBS, and mortgage related ABS holdings that have suffered from continued deterioration in housing fundamentals.  The non-credit related impairments were incurred due to declines in values of securities for which we are uncertain of ourhave an intent to hold until recovery or maturity.

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sell.


REINSURANCE

Our insurance companies cede insurance to other companies.  The portion of risks exceeding each of our insurance companies’ retention limits is reinsured with other insurers.  We seek reinsurance coverage within the businesses that sell life insurance to limit our exposure to mortality losses and enhance our capital management.


Portions of our deferred annuity business have been reinsured on a modified coinsurance basis with other companies to limit our exposure to interest rate risks.  As of September 30, 2008,March 31, 2009, the reserves associated with these reinsurance arrangements totaled $1.2$1.1 billion.  To cover products other than life insurance, we acquire other insurance coverage with retentions and limits that management believes are appropriate for the circumstances.  The consolidated financial statements included in Item 1 reflect premiums, benefits and DAC, net of insurance ceded.  Our insurance companies remain liable if their reinsurers are unable to meet contractual obligations under applicable reinsurance agreements.

Our amounts recoverable from reinsurers represent receivables from and reserves ceded to reinsurers.  As of September 30, 2008,March 31, 2009, and December 31, 2007,2008, the amounts recoverable from reinsurers were $8.2 billion.$8.0 billion and $8.5 billion, respectively.  We obtain reinsurance from a diverse group of reinsurers, and we monitor concentration and financial strength ratings of our principal reinsurers.  Swiss Re represents our largest exposure.  In 2001, we sold our reinsurance business to Swiss Re primarily through indemnity reinsurance arrangements.  Because we are not relieved of our liability to the ceding companies for this business, the liabilities and obligations associated with the reinsured policies remain on our Consolidated Balance Sheets with a corresponding reinsurance receivable from the business sold to Swiss Re, which totaled $4.5$3.3 billion and $4.3$4.5 billion as of September 30, 2008,March 31, 2009, and December 31, 2007,2008, respectively.  Swiss Re has funded a trust with a balance of $1.8$1.9 billion as of September 30, 2008,March 31, 2009, to support this business.  In addition to various remedies that we would have in the event of a default by Swiss Re, we continue to hold assets in support of certain of the transferred reserves.  These assets consist of those reported as trading securities and certain mortgage loans.  Our liabilitiesliability for funds withheld and our asset for embedded derivatives included $2.0$1.2 billion and less than $1$63 million, respectively, as of September 30, 2008,March 31, 2009, related to the business sold to Swiss Re.

Included in the



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We sold a block of disability income business sold to Swiss Re throughas part of several indemnity reinsurance transactions executed in 2001, as discussed above.  On January 24, 2009, an award of rescission was disability income business.declared related to an ongoing dispute between us and Swiss Re is disputing its obligationfor this treaty, which requires us to pay approximately $47 million ofbe fully responsible for all claims incurred and liabilities supporting this block as if the reinsurance recoverables on this disability income business. We are currently arbitrating this dispute with Swiss Re. Although the outcometreaty never existed.  See Note 11 for a discussion of the arbitration is uncertain, we currently believe that it is probable that we will ultimately collect the full amountaffects of the reinsurance recoverable from Swiss Re and that Swiss Re will ultimately remain at risk on all of its obligations on the disability income business that it acquired from us in 2001. In addition, we are disputing with Swiss Re the contractual terms for interest crediting rates under two funds withheld reinsurance arrangements. One of these disputed arrangements is part of the current arbitration, and any action on the other disputed arrangement is pending the decision of the current arbitration results. Our estimate of the maximum loss exposure on these open matters is $45 million (pre-tax) as of September 30, 2008. Although the outcome of these open disputes is uncertain, we currently believe that the ultimate resolution will not result in a material financial impact to us.

rescission.


On JulyMarch 31, 2007,2009, we entered into a reinsurance arrangement with Swiss Re covering55% coinsurance agreement whereby we ceded a closed block of business consisting of certain UL and VUL insurance products to a third party reinsurer.  See “Results of Insurance Solutions – Insurance Solutions – Life Insurance” and “Review of Consolidated Financial Condition” for more information.

From July 2007 until June 2008, we reinsured our Lincoln SmartSecurity® Advantage our rider related to our Retirement Solutions’ variable annuity products. Under the arrangement,annuities.  Swiss Re providesprovided 50% quota share coinsurance of theour lifetime GWB,Lincoln SmartSecurity® Advantage, for business written in 2007 and 2008, up to a total of $3.8 billion in rider sales. The sales level covered under this arrangement was achieved in the second quarter of 2008. The arrangement will not be renewed for new business, but this will not affect our ability to continue to write new business.deposits.

During the third quarter of 2006, one of our reinsurers, Scottish Re Group Ltd (“Scottish Re”), received rating downgrades from various rating agencies. Of the $706 million of fixed annuity business that we reinsure with Scottish Re, approximately 78% is reinsured through the use of modified coinsurance treaties, in which we possess the investments that support the reserves ceded to Scottish Re. For our annuity business ceded on a coinsurance basis, Scottish Re had previously established an irrevocable investment trust supporting the reserves for the benefit of LNC. In addition to fixed annuities, we have approximately $122 million of policy liabilities on the life insurance business that we have reinsured with Scottish Re. Scottish Re continues to perform under its contractual responsibilities to us. We continue to evaluate the impact of these rating downgrades with respect to our existing exposures to Scottish Re. Based on current information, we do not believe that Scottish Re’s rating downgrades will have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, liquidity or financial condition.

As of September 30, 2008, we had reinsurance recoverables of $703 million and policy loans of $46 million that were related to the businesses of Jefferson-Pilot that are coinsured with Household International (“HI”) affiliates. HI has provided payment, performance and capital maintenance guarantees with respect to the balances receivable. We regularly evaluate the financial condition of our reinsurers and monitor concentrations of credit risk related to reinsurance activities.


We have a reinsurance treaty between LNL and aanother subsidiary of LNC, Lincoln National Reinsurance Company (Barbados) Limited (“LNBAR”) under which LNL reinsures certain guarantees associated with the GDB and GLB riders on its variable annuity productproducts.  In early January 2008, we entered into a reinsurance treaty between LLANY and LNBAR under which LLANY reinsures certain guarantees including GDB andassociated with the GLB riders. This treaty is ariders on its variable annuity products.  These treaties are traditional reinsurance programprograms where LNL paysand LLANY pay premiums to LNBAR, and LNBAR assumes the associated variable annuity guarantee reserves. LNBAR has arider guarantees.  The hedge program that is designed to mitigate selected risk and income statement volatility from changes in

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equity markets, interest rates and volatility associated with the guaranteed benefit features of these variable annuity products. In addition to mitigating selected risk and income statement volatility, the hedge programproducts is also focused on long-term performance of the hedge program recognizing that any material potential claims under the GLBs are approximately a decadeconducted in the future.

The LNBAR hedge program uses put options to hedge a portion of the liability related to our variable annuity products with a GLB feature. Put options are contracts that require counterparties to pay us at a specified future date the amount, if any, by which a specified equity index is less than the strike rate stated in the agreement, applied to a notional amount. Variance swaps are used to hedge the liability exposure on certain options in variable annuity products. Variance swaps are contracts entered into at no cost and whose payoff is the difference between the realized variance of an underlying index and the fixed variance rate determined at inception. Equity futures are used to hedge a portion of the liability related to our variable annuity products with GLB and GDB features. These futures contracts require payment between us and our counterparty on a daily basis for changes in the futures index price.subsidiary.  For more information on the results of our hedge program, see “Realized Loss” above.

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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 2008 Form 10-K, as updated in “Part II – Item 1A. Risk Factors” below, and “Forward-Looking Statements – Cautionary Language” in this report.

REVIEW OF CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL CONDITION


Liquidity and Capital Resources


Sources of Liquidity and Cash Flow

Liquidity refers to the ability of an enterprise to generate adequate amounts of cash from its normal operations to meet cash requirements with a prudent margin of safety.  Our principal sources of cash flow from operating activities are insurance premiums and fees, investment advisory fees and investment income, while sources of cash flows from investing activities result from maturities and sales of invested assets.  Our operating activities used net cash of $279 million for the first three months of 2009, and provided cash of $811$98 million and $2.1 billion for the first ninethree months of 2008 and 2007, respectively. The decline in cash provided by operating activities was related primarily to the timing of federal income tax payments.2008.  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, a commercial paper program 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 and acquisitions.


The disruptions in the capital markets experienced in the second half of 2008 continued into 2009.  Although we currently continue to operate with adequate cash on the balance sheet and have access to alternate sources of liquidity, as discussed below in “Alternative Sources of Liquidity,” during this extraordinary market environment, management is continually monitoring and adjusting its liquidity and capital plans for LNC and its subsidiaries in light of changing needs and opportunities.  A continued extended disruption in the credit and capital markets could adversely affect LNC and its subsidiaries’ ability to access sources of liquidity, and there can be no assurance that additional financing will be available to us on favorable terms, or at all, in the current market environment.


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Since the filing of our 2008 Form 10-K, Moody’s and Fitch both downgraded certain of our financial strength ratings and debt ratings.  On April 15, 2009, Moody’s downgraded our long-term credit rating to Baa2 (9th of 21) and also downgraded the financial strength ratings of LNL, LLANY and FPP to A2/A2/A2 (6th of 21), respectively.  All ratings are currently under review for possible downgrade, which indicates that our ratings could be affirmed or lowered in the near term based on developments in financial market conditions and/or our business performance or financial measures.  On April 16, 2009, Fitch downgraded our short-term debt ratings to F-2 (3rd of 7) and our long-term debt ratings to BBB (9th of 21) and also downgraded the financial strength ratings of LNL, LLANY and FPP to A+/A+/A+ (5th of 21), respectively.  Fitch’s outlook on all of our ratings remained negative.  In addition, on May 6, 2009, S&P revised its outlook for the holding company and insurance subsidiaries to negative from stable and affirmed all ratings.

We believe that the rating agencies may heighten the level of scrutiny that they apply to the U.S. life insurance sector, may increase the frequency and scope of their credit reviews, may request additional information from the companies that they rate and may adjust upward the capital and other requirements employed in the rating agency models for maintenance of certain ratings levels.  In addition, actions we take to access third party financing may in turn cause rating agencies to reevaluate our ratings.  For more information about ratings, see “Part I – Item 1. Business – Ratings” in our 2008 Form 10-K.

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

   For the Three
Months Ended
September 30,
  For the Nine
Months Ended
September 30,
  For the
Year Ended
December 31,

2007
   2008  2007  2008  2007  

Dividends from Subsidiaries

          

LNL

  $100  $175  $400  $469  $769

First Penn-Pacific

   —     —     50   150   150

Lincoln Financial Media(1)

   3   14   656   36   86

Delaware Investments

   15   15   43   45   55

Other non-regulated companies(2)

   —     395   —     395   395

Lincoln UK

   —     16   24   48   75

Loan Repayments and Interest from Subsidiary

          

LNL interest on intercompany notes(3)

   22   20   63   59   82
                    
  $140  $635  $1,236  $1,202  $1,612
                    

Other Cash Flow and Liquidity Items

          

Net capital received from stock option exercises

  $1  $25  $15  $101  $107
                    



  For the Three  For the 
  Months Ended  Year Ended 
  March 31,  December 31, 
  2009  2008  2008 
Dividends from Subsidiaries         
LNL $-  $200  $400 
First Penn-Pacific  -   -   50 
Lincoln Financial Media (1)
  -   658   659 
Delaware Investments  3   15   51 
Lincoln UK  -   -   24 
Other  -   -   54 
Loan Repayments and Interest from            
 Subsidiary            
LNL interest on intercompany notes (2)
  22   22   83 
  $25  $895  $1,321 
Other Cash Flow and Liquidity Items            
Net capital received from stock option exercises $-  $7  $15 

(1)

For the nine months ended September 30, 2008, amount includes proceeds on the sale of certain discontinued media operations. For more information, see Note 3.

(2)

For the year ended December 31, 2007, amountPrimarily represents a dividend of Bank of America shares to LNC from a subsidiary occurring in September 2007.

(3)

Represents primarily interest on the holding company’s $1.3 billion in surplus note investments in LNL.


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 accountprogram (discussed below).  Taxes have been eliminated from the analysis due to a tax sharing agreement among our primary subsidiaries resulting in a modest impact 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.

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127


Dividends from Subsidiaries


Our insurance subsidiaries are subject to certain insurance department regulatory restrictions as to the transfer of funds and payment of dividends to the holding company.  Under Indiana laws and regulations, our Indiana insurance subsidiaries, including our primary insurance subsidiary, LNL, may pay dividends to LNC without prior approval of the Indiana Insurance Commissioner (the “Commissioner”) up to a certain threshold, or must receive prior approval of the Commissioner to pay a dividend if such dividend, along with all other dividends paid within the preceding twelve consecutive months exceed the statutory limitation.  The current statutory limitation is the greater of 10% of the insurer’s contract holders’ surplus, as shown on its last annual statement on file with the Commissioner or the insurer’s statutory net gain from operations for the prior calendar year.  As discussed in “Part I – Item 1. Business – Regulatory – Insurance Regulation” in our 2008 Form 10-K, we may not consider the benefit from the permitted practice to the prescribed statutory accounting principles relating to our insurance subsidiaries’ deferred tax assets in calculating available dividends.  Indiana law gives the Commissioner broad discretion to disapprove requests for dividends in excess of these limits.  New York, the state of domicile of our other major insurance subsidiary, Lincoln Life & Annuity Company of New York,LLANY, has similar restrictions, except that in New York it is the lesser of 10% of surplus to contract holders as of the immediately preceding calendar year or net gain from operations for the immediately preceding calendar year, not including realized capital gains.


We expect our domestic insurance subsidiaries could pay dividends of approximately $550 million in 2009 without prior approval from the respective state commissioners.  The amount of surplus that our insurance subsidiaries could pay as dividends is constrained by the amount of surplus we hold to maintain our ratings, to provide an additional layer of margin for risk protection and for future investment in our businesses.

  We anticipate that the dividend capacity of our insurance subsidiaries will be substantially constrained for the remainder of 2009.


We maintain an investment portfolio of various holdings, types and maturities.  These investments are subject to general credit, liquidity, market and interest rate risks.  An extended disruption in the credit and capital markets could adversely affect LNC and its subsidiaries’ ability to access sources of liquidity, and there can be no assurance that additional financing will be available to us on favorable terms, or at all, in the current market environment.  In addition, further other-than-temporary impairments could reduce our statutory surplus, leading to lower RBC ratios and potentially reducing future dividend capacity from our insurance subsidiaries.

Subsidiaries’ Statutory Reserving and Surplus

Our insurance subsidiaries have statutory surplus and RBC levels well above current regulatory required levels.  As mentioned earlier, more than 69%73% of our life sales consist of products containing secondary guarantees, which require reserving practices under AG38.  Our insurance subsidiaries are employing strategies to lessen the burden of increased AG38 and Valuation of Life Insurance Policies Model Regulation (“XXX”) statutory reserves associated with certain UL products and other products with secondary guarantees subject to these statutory reserving requirements. See “Financing Activities” below for additional details.  LNC will guarantee that its wholly-owned subsidiary, which reinsures a portion of the XXX reserves, will maintain a minimum level of capital and surplus as required under the insurance laws of South Carolina, its state of domicile. The surplus maintenance agreement will remain in effect until such time that we securitize the reserves, transfer the business to an unrelated party, sell or dissolve the wholly-owned subsidiary or receive notification from the state insurance department permitting the rescission of the guarantee.


Included in the letters of credit (“LOCs”) issued as of September 30, 2008,March 31, 2009, reported in the revolving credit facilities table in “Financing Activities,” was approximately $1.2$1.5 billion of LOCs supporting the reinsurance obligations of LNBAR on UL business with secondary guarantees.  Recognizing that LOCs are generally one to five years in duration, it is likely that our insurance companies will apply a mix of LOCs, reinsurance and capital market strategies in addressing long-term AG38 and XXX needs.  LOCs and related capital market alternatives lower the RBC impact of the UL business with secondary guarantee products.  An inability to obtain the necessary LOC capacity or other capital market alternatives could impact our returns on UL business with secondary guarantee products.

We are continuing to pursue capital management strategies related to our AG38 reserves involving reinsurance and securitizations.  In the fourth quarter of 2007,As mentioned above in “Reinsurance,” we issued $375 million of 6.30% senior notes, whichentered into a coinsurance agreement on March 31, 2009.  The transaction resulted in the release of approximately $300$240 million of statutory capital previously supporting oura closed block of business of certain UL products with secondary guarantees. See “Results of Other Operations” for additional information. We are targeting to complete another transaction during the fourth quarter of 2008 that will finance a portion of statutory reserves related to ourand VUL insurance products with secondary guarantees.and an RBC benefit of approximately 20 percentage points in 2009.  See “Part I – Item 1A. Risk Factors – 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 results of operations” in our 2008 Form 10-K for further information on XXX reserves.  In addition, a portion of our term life insurance business is reinsured with a domestic reinsurance captive as part of our overall strategy of managing the statutory capital of our insurance subsidiaries.  There are no outstanding LOCs related to this business.

On August 20,


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In September of 2008, the NAIC adopted Actuarial Guidelinea new statutory reserving standard, VACARVM, which will be effective as of December 31, 2009.  VACARVMWe are currently in the process of evaluating the impact of adopting VACARVM.  This reserving requirement will replace current statutory reserving practices for variable annuities with guaranteed benefits and has the potential to require statutory reserves well in excess of current levels for certain variable annuity riders sold by us.  The actual impact of the adoption will be dependent upon several factors including account values and market conditions that exist as December 31, 2009, the value of derivative and other assets supporting reserves whose change in value may be uncorrelated with the new reserving requirements, and the use of captive or third-party reinsurance.  We plan to utilizeare analyzing the current use of existing captive reinsurance structures, as well as pursue additional third-party reinsurance arrangements, and hedging strategies relative to lessen anymanaging the negative impact on the level and volatility of statutory capital and dividend capacity in our life insurance subsidiaries.  However,Depending on market conditions, reinsurance solutions and hedging strategies, additional statutory reserves could lead to lower risk-based capitalRBC ratios and potentially reduce future dividend capacity fromof our insurance subsidiaries.  We are currently in the process of evaluating the impact of adopting VACARVM. For a discussion of RBC ratios, see “Part I – Item 1. Business – Regulatory – Risk-Based Capital” in our 2007 Form 10-K.


As a result of the unfavorable impacts from equity markets in the thirdfirst quarter of 2008,2009, we recognized higher reserves under Commissioners Annuity Reserve Valuation Method (“CARVM”) for our annuity products and higher reserves for GDB riders, which are only partially reinsured.  CARVM is the current statutory actuarial method used for determining reserves for the base annuity contract.  The impact of these items reduced the statutory surplus of LNL by approximately $110$75 million in the thirdfirst quarter of 2008.2009.  We estimate that an S&P level of 700, a 30%12.5% drop infrom the equity markets from September 30, 2008, levels couldMarch 31, 2009, level, would require an increase in statutory reserves, and thereby, further reduce statutory surplus of LNL by $275-$300$80 million to $100 million at the end of the fourthsecond quarter of 2008,2009, related primarily to CARVM.  As a result, we estimate that LNL’s estimated RBC ratio at the end of SeptemberJune 30, 2008,2009, would be reduced by approximately 2510 percentage points.  The estimated potential increase to statutory reserves is based on the current statutory reserve formulas and does not take into account the reserve and asset adequacy analysis performed by our actuaries on an annual basis to determine appropriateness of the reserves at year-end.year end.  This analysis incorporates the adequacy of assets in LNBAR, our captive reinsurance company, supporting the liabilities that it assumes from LNL.  The outcome of this analysis may result in an additional reserve increase and could further reduce the RBC ratio.

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The sensitivity of our statutory reserves and surplus established for our variable annuity base contracts and riders to changes in the equity markets will vary depending on the magnitude of the decline.  The sensitivity will also be affected by the level of account values relative to the level of guaranteed amounts, product design and reinsurance.  Because the calculation of statutoryStatutory reserves for variable annuities dependsdepend upon the cumulative equity market impacts on the business in-force, the reserves do not move in a linear relationshipforce and therefore result in non-linear relationships with respect to the level of equity market performance within any given reporting period.  The RBC ratio is also affected by the product mix of the in-force book of business; i.e.business (i.e. the amount of business without guarantees is not subject to the same level of reserves as the business with guarantees. All of these factors affect theguarantees).  The RBC ratio of LNL which is an important factor in the determination of the credit and financial strength ratings of LNC and its subsidiaries.

  The market value of our separate account assets increased in the first quarter of 2009, resulting in an $18 million increase in statutory surplus.  The separate accounts include the impact of our variable annuities and also our credit-linked notes.  However, our separate account assets remained less than the guaranteed liabilities that they support as of March 31, 2009.  Future declines in the market values of our separate account assets could cause future reductions in the surplus of LNL, which may impact its RBC ratio and dividend capacity.


We have a reinsurance treaty between LNL and LNBAR under which LNL reinsures certain guarantees associated with the GDB and GLB riders on its variable annuity products including GDB and between LLANY and LNBAR under which LLANY reinsures certain guarantees associated with the GLB riders.riders on its variable annuity products.  We also entered into a reinsurance arrangement wherereinsured with Swiss Re provideson a 50% quota share coinsurance of thebasis rider sales on certain GLB business written infrom July 2007 and 2008, up to a total of $3.8 billion in rider sales.

until June 2008.  These reinsurance arrangements serve to reduce LNL’s exposure to changes in the statutory reserves associated with changes in the equity markets.markets; however, the reinsurance treaty between LNL and LNBAR does not limit our exposure to mortality losses.  Both LNBAR and Swiss Re have established reserves for the business assumed and hold assets to support both the reserves and capital required by the respective regulatory agencies.  For more details on LNBAR, see “Reinsurance” above.


Lincoln UK’s operations consist primarily of unit-linked life and pension products, which are similar to U.S. produced variable life and annuity products.  Lincoln UK’s insurance subsidiaries are regulated by the U.K. Financial Services Authority (“FSA”) and are subject to capital requirements as defined by the U.K. Capital Resources Requirement.  All insurance companies operating in the U.K. also have to complete an RBC assessment to demonstrate to the FSA that they hold sufficient capital to cover their risks.
RBC requirements in the U.K. are different than the NAIC requirements.  In addition, the FSA has imposed certain minimum capital requirements for the combined U.K. subsidiaries.  Lincoln UK typically maintains approximately 1.5 to 2 times the required capital as prescribed by the regulatory margin.  As is the case with regulated insurance companies in the U.S., changes to regulatory capital requirements can impact the dividend capacity of the U.K. insurance subsidiaries and cash flow to the holding company.  Adverse market conditions resulted in a significant increase in corporate bond spreads, and combined with the restrictions imposed by the U.K. statutory valuation basis, surplus capital levels were insufficient to support a dividend payment of the planned dividends to the holding company in the first and third quarters of 2008, which did not negatively impact our liquidity. A dividend of $24 million was paid by Lincoln UK to LNC in the second quarter of 2008, and we anticipate that Lincoln UK will again resume the payment of dividends when market conditions ease.

2009.



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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 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, depository shares and trust preferred securities of our affiliated trusts.

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Details underlying debt and financing activityactivities (in millions) were as follows:

   For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2008
   Beginning
Balance
  Issuance  Maturities
and
Repayments
  Change
in Fair
Value
Hedges
  Other
Changes (1)
  Ending
Balance

Short-Term Debt

          

Commercial paper

  $265  $—    $—    $—    $(145) $120

Current maturities of long-term debt

   285   —     (285)  —     515   515
                        

Total short-term debt

  $550  $—    $(285) $—    $370  $635
                        

Long-Term Debt

          

Senior notes

  $2,892  $450  $—    $14  $(513) $2,843

Junior subordinated debentures issued to affiliated trusts

   155   —     —     —     —     155

Capital securities

   1,571   —     —     —     —     1,571
                        

Total long-term debt

  $4,618  $450  $—    $14  $(513) $4,569
                        


  For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2009
           Change       
        Maturities  in Fair       
  Beginning     and  Value  Other  Ending 
  Balance  Issuance  Repayments  Hedges  
Changes (1)
  Balance 
Short-Term Debt                  
Commercial paper $315  $-  $-  $-  $371  $686 
Current maturities of long-term debt  500   -       -   250   750 
Total short-term debt $815  $-  $-  $-  $621  $1,436 
                         
Long-Term Debt                        
Senior notes $2,555  $-  $-  $(50) $(250) $2,255 
Bank borrowing  200   -   -   -   -   200 
Federal Home Loan Bank                        
of Indianapolis ("FHLBI") advance  250   -   -   -   -   250 
Junior subordinated debentures                        
issued to affiliated trusts  155   -   -   -   -   155 
Capital securities  1,571   -   (87)  -   1   1,485 
Total long-term debt $4,731  $-  $(87) $(50) $(249) $4,345 

(1)

Other changes includesIncludes the net increase (decrease) in commercial paper, non-cash reclassification of long-term debt to current maturities of long-term debt, accretion of discounts and (amortization) of premiums.


On April 6, 2009, we funded the maturity of a $500 million floating rate senior note, and we have reduced our commercial paper outstanding since March 31, 2009, to $210 million as of May 7, 2009 through dividends received during the second quarter of 2009 from LNL and LNBAR and internal borrowings.  In addition, as of March 31, 2009, the holding company had $1.1 billion in cash and cash equivalents.  Borrowings that are scheduled to mature within two years include a $250 million floating rate senior note due on March 13, 2010, and a $250 million 6.2% fixed rate senior note due on December 15, 2011.  If the current difficult conditions continue and external refinancing is not available, we expect to use internal borrowings to meet the maturities.  In addition, as presented below, we also have available lines of credit that we may access.  The specific resources or combination of resources that we will use will depend upon, among other things, the financial market conditions present at the time of maturity.

In March of 2009, we early extinguished $87 million of principal on our capital securities and recognized a gain of $64 million, pre-tax.  See Note 10 for additional information on the gain recognized on the early extinguishment of debt.


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Details underlying our credit facilities with a group of domestic and foreign banks (in millions) were as follows:

      As of September 30, 2008
   

Expiration
Date

  Maximum
Available
  Borrowings
Outstanding

Revolving Credit Facilities

      

Credit facility with Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis(1)

  Not Applicable  $378  $378

Five-year revolving credit facility

  July 2013   200   200

Five-year revolving credit facility

  March 2011   1,750   —  

Five-year revolving credit facility

  February 2011   1,350   —  

U.K. revolving credit facility

  November 2008   20   —  
          

Total

    $3,698  $578
          

Letters of credit issued

      $1,794
        



   As of March 31, 2009 
 Expiration Maximum  Borrowings 
 Date Available  Outstanding 
Revolving Credit Facilities       
Credit facility with the FHLBI (1)
Not Applicable $378  $250 
Five-year revolving credit facilityMarch 2011  1,750   - 
Five-year revolving credit facilityFebruary 2011  1,350   - 
Total  $3,478  $250 
          
Letters of credit issued      $2,095 
          

(1)

Our borrowing capacity under this credit facility does not have an expiration date and continues while our investment in the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis (“FHLBI”) common stock remains outstanding.  The maturity dates of the borrowings are discussed below.


The LOCs support inter-company reinsurance transactions and specific treaties associated with our former Reinsurance segment.business sold through reinsurance.  LOCs are used primarily used to satisfy the U.S. regulatory requirements of our domestic clients of the former Reinsurance segment who have contracted with the reinsurance subsidiaries not domiciled in the U.S. and, as discussed above,insurance companies for thewhich reserve credit is provided by our affiliated offshore reinsurance company, toas discussed above, and our domestic insurance companies for ceded business.

clients of the business sold through reinsurance.


Under the credit agreements, we must maintain a minimum consolidated net worth level.  In addition, the agreements contain 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.  As of September 30, 2008,March 31, 2009, we were in compliance with all such covenants.  All of our credit agreements are unsecured.


If current debt ratings and claims payingclaims-paying ratings were downgraded in the future, terms in LFG’sour derivative agreements may be triggered, which could negatively impact overall liquidity.  For the majority of our counterparties, there is a termination event should long-term debt ratings of LNC drop below BBB-/Baa3.  As noted in “Sources of Liquidity and Cash Flow” above, our long-term debt currently holds a rating of BBB/Baa2.  In addition, contractual selling agreements with intermediaries could be negatively impacted, which could have an adverse impact on overall sales of annuities, life insurance and

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investment products.  AsSee “Part I – Item 1A. Risk Factors – A decrease in the capital and surplus of September 30, 2008, we maintained adequate currentour insurance subsidiaries may result in a downgrade to our insurer financial strength ratings” and senior debt“Part I – Item 1A. Risk Factors – A downgrade in our financial strength or credit ratings and do not anticipate any ratings-based impactcould limit our ability to future liquidity.market products, increase the number or value of policies being surrendered and/or hurt our relationships with creditors” in our 2008 Form 10-K for more information.  See “Part I – Item 1. Business – Ratings” in our 20072008 Form 10-K and “Sources of Liquidity and Cash Flow” above for additional information on our current bond ratings.


In the third quarter of 2008, LNL made an investment of $19 million in the FHLBI, a AAA-rated entity. This relationship provides the company with another source of liquidity as an alternative to commercial paper and repurchase agreements as well as provides funding at comparatively low borrowing rates.  We are allowed to borrow up to 20 times the amount of our common stock investment in FHLBI.  All borrowings from the FHLBI are required to be secured by certain investments owned by LNL.  On December 4, 2008, the LNC and LNL Boards of Directors approved an additional common stock investment of $56 million, which would increase our total borrowing capacity up to $1.5 billion.  As of September 30, 2008,March 31, 2009, based on our common stock investment, we had borrowing capacity of up to approximately $378 million from FHLBI.  We also had a $250 million floating-rate term loan outstanding under the facility due June 20, 2017, which may be prepaid beginning June 20, 2010.


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Management is monitoring the covenants associated with LNC’s capital securities.  If we fail to meet capital adequacy or net income and shareholders’ equity levels (also referred to as “trigger events”), terms in the agreements may be triggered, which would require us to make interest payments in accordance with an alternative coupon satisfaction mechanism (“ACSM”).  If we determine that one of the following triggers exists as of the 30th day prior to an interest payment date (“determination date”), then the ACSM would apply:

1.LNL’s RBC ratio is less than 175% (based on the most recent annual financial statement filed with the State of Indiana); or

2.(i) the sum of our consolidated net income for the four trailing fiscal quarters ending on the quarter that is two quarters prior to the most recently completed quarter prior to the determination date is zero or negative, and (ii) our consolidated shareholders’ equity (excluding accumulated other comprehensive income and any increase in shareholders’ equity resulting from the issuance of preferred stock during a quarter) (“adjusted shareholders’ equity”) as of (x) the most recently completed quarter and (y) the end of the quarter that is two quarters before the most recently completed quarter, has declined by 10% or more as compared to the quarter that is ten fiscal quarters prior to the last completed quarter (the “benchmark quarter”).

The ACSM would require us to use commercially reasonable efforts to pay interest in full on the capital securities with the net proceeds from sales of our common stock and warrants on our common stock with an exercise price greater than the market price.  We alsowould have to utilize the ACSM until the trigger events above no longer existed.  If we were required to utilize the ACSM and were successful in selling sufficient common shares or warrants to satisfy the interest payment, we would dilute the current holders of our common stock.  Furthermore, while a trigger event is occurring and if we do not pay accrued interest in full, we may not, among other things, pay dividends on or repurchase our capital stock.

As a result of our consolidated net loss of $579 million for the three months ended March 31, 2009, we had a 90-day variable rate note outstanding (due December 16, 2008)trailing four quarter consolidated net loss of $128$811 million.  Accordingly, we have triggered test 2(i) looking forward to the quarter ending September 30, 2009.  Also, looking forward to the quarter ending September 30, 2009, we have triggered test 2(ii)(y) above as our adjusted shareholders’ equity as of March 31, 2009, as compared to the benchmark quarter (March 31, 2007) has declined by 10% or more.  If our adjusted shareholders’ equity as of September 30, 2009, increases by less than $29 million which may be prepaid at any time. On October 2, 2008, our Board of Directors approved an additional common stock investment of $31 million,or further declines, then we would also trigger test 2(ii)(x) above, which would increasetrigger the ACSM for at least our total borrowing capacity upinterest payments due on November 17, 2009, and January 20, 2010, of approximately $33 million.

For more information, see “Part I – Item 1A. Risk Factors – We will be required to $1.0 billion.

pay interest on our capital securities with proceeds from the issuance of qualifying securities if we fail to achieve capital adequacy or net income and shareholders’ equity levels” and Note 13 in our 2008 Form 10-K.


Alternative Sources of Liquidity


In order to maximize the use of available cash, the holding company maintainsmanage our capital more efficiently, we have an inter-company cash management accountprogram where certain subsidiaries can lend to or borrow from the holding company to meet their short-term needsborrowing needs.  The cash management program is essentially a series of demand loans, which are permitted under applicable insurance laws, among LNC and can invest their short-term funds withits affiliates that reduces overall borrowing costs by allowing LNC and its subsidiaries to access internal resources instead of incurring third-party transaction costs.  For our Indiana-domiciled insurance subsidiaries, the holding company. The holding company finances this program fromborrowing and lending limit is currently the lesser of 3% of the insurance company’s admitted assets and 25% of its primary sourcessurplus, in both cases, as of cash flow discussed above. Depending on the overall cash availability or need, the holding company invests excess cash in short-term investments or borrows funds in the financial markets.

its most recent year end.


The holding company had an average borrowing balance of $162$423 million from the cash management accountprogram during the thirdfirst quarter of 2008.2009.  The holding company had a maximum and minimum amount of financing that is used from the cash management accountprogram during this period of $334$603 million and none,$250 million, respectively.

  The balance as of March 31, 2009, was $392 million.


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 September 30, 2008,March 31, 2009, our insurance subsidiaries had securities with a carrying value of $463$311 million out on loan under the securities lending program and $280$460 million carrying value subject to reverse-repurchase agreements.  The cash received in our securities lending program is typically invested in cash equivalents, short-term investments or fixed maturity securities.


LNC has a $1.0 billion commercial paper program that is rated A-1,A-2, P-2 and F1.F2.  We believe that a further downgrade of our short-term debt ratings will make it more expensive to sell additional commercial paper, and it may make it more likely that we will have to utilize other sources of liquidity, including our credit facilities, for liquidity purposes.  The commercial paper program is backed by a bank line of credit.  During the thirdfirst quarter of 2008,2009, LNC had an average of $257$532 million in commercial paper outstanding with a maximum amount of $394$776 million outstanding at any time.  LNC had $120$686 million of commercial paper outstanding as of September 30, 2008.

The Federal Reserve Board authorizedMarch 31, 2009.


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Included in the $686 million of commercial paper outstanding as of March 31, 2009, was $375 million that was issued under the Commercial Paper Funding Facility (“CPFF”) on October 7, 2008,program.  We are not currently eligible to issue new commercial paper under Section 13(3)the CPFF.  As of the Federal Reserve Act to provide a liquidity backstop to U.S. issuersMay 8, 2009, we had $70 million of commercial paper. Thepaper remaining under the CPFF, which is intendedscheduled to improve liquiditymature in short-term funding markets by increasingMay of 2009.

On January 8, 2009, the availabilityOffice of term commercial paper fundingThrift Supervision approved LNC’s application to issuersbecome a savings and by providing greater assuranceloan holding company and its acquisition of Newton County Loan & Savings, FSB, a federally regulated savings bank, located in Indiana.  LNC contributed $10 million to both issuersthe capital of Newton County Loan & Savings, FSB, and investors that firms will be able to roll over their maturing commercial paper. The commercial paper must be U.S. dollar-denominated and rated A-1/P-1/F1 by at least two rating agencies to be eligible forclosed on the program. On October 29, 2008, we were granted approvalpurchase on January 15, 2009.  LNC also previously filed an application to participate in the CPFF, under whichCPP.  LNC’s application to participate in the CPP is subject to approval from the U.S. Treasury.  Accordingly, there can be no assurance that our application will be approved or that we may issue upwill participate in the CPP if approved.

For factors that could cause actual results to $575 million of commercial paper. Access to the CPFF is scheduled to terminate on April 30, 2009, unless such date is extended by the Federal Reserve.

differ materially from those set forth in this section, see “Part I – Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our 2008 Form 10-K, as updated in “Part II – Item 1A. Risk Factors” below, and “Forward-Looking Statements – Cautionary Language” in this report.


Divestitures


For a discussion of our divestitures, see “Introduction – Acquisitions and Dispositions.”

Note 3.


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 and to repurchase our stock and debt securities.

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Return of Capital to Stockholders

One of the holding company’s primary goals is to provide a return to our stockholders.  Through dividends and stock repurchases, we have an established record of providing significant cash returns to our stockholders.  In determining dividends, the Board takes into consideration items such as current and expected earnings, capital needs, rating agency considerations and requirements for financial flexibility.  Details underlying this activity (in millions, except per share data) were as follows:

   For the Three
Months Ended
September 30,
     For the Nine
Months Ended
September 30,
     

For the

Year Ended
December 31,

   2008  2007  Change  2008  2007  Change  2007

Dividends to stockholders

  $106  $107  -1% $323  $324  0% $430

Repurchase of common stock

   50   175  -71%  476   686  -31%  986
                      

Total cash returned to stockholders

  $156  $282  -45% $799  $1,010  -21% $1,416
                      

Number of shares repurchased

   1.010   3.092  -67%  9.091   10.307  -12%  15.381

Average price per share

  $49.55  $56.45  -12% $52.31  $66.58  -21% $64.13


  For the Three     For the 
  Months Ended     Year Ended 
  March 31,     December 31, 
  2009  2008  Change  2008 
Dividends to stockholders $54  $110   -51% $429 
Repurchase of common stock  -   286   -100%  476 
Total cash returned to stockholders $54  $396   -86% $905 
Number of shares repurchased  -   5.450   -100%  9.091 
Average price per share $-  $52.42   -100% $52.31 

Note:  Average price per share above is calculated using whole dollars instead of dollars rounded to millions

millions.


On October 10, 2008,February 24, 2009, the Board of Directors approved a decrease inreduction of the quarterly dividend on our common stock from $0.21 to stockholders from $0.415$0.01 per share, to $0.21 per share effective in 2009, which, along with a prior reduction, is expected to add approximately $50$100 million to capital each quarter.  Additionally, we have suspended further stock repurchase activity.  BothWe expect that both of these changes will favorably impact our capital position prospectively.

prospectively in light of the recent market volatility and extraordinary events and developments affecting financial markets.



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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 and surplus note interest payments of its insurance company subsidiaries. The insurance company subsidiaries’ dividend capacity issubsidiaries as well as their ability to otherwise forward funds to it through inter-company borrowing arrangements, which may be impacted by factors influencing their risk-based capitalthe insurance subsidiaries’ RBC and statutory earnings performance.  Although we currentlyWe expect to be able to meet the holding company’s ongoing cash needs with a combination of commercial paper as available and our inter-company cash management program.  We also have sufficientaccess to $1.0 billion in bank credit lines, as noted above, none of which are currently drawn.  We are continuing to explore our options with regard to managing our liquidity and capital resourcespositions and expect that the available holding company borrowing sources combined with the previously mentioned dividend reductions, suspension of share repurchases and enterprise-wide restructuring program that is expected to meetgenerate $250 million, pre-tax, in annual savings will satisfy reduced holding company cash requirements for the foreseeable future.  In addition, we are exploring our obligations in 2008,options with regard to protecting and building capital at the insurance company subsidiaries.  Note, a continuation of or an acceleration of poor capital market conditions, which reduces our insurance subsidiaries’ statutory surplus and RBC, may require usthem to retain more capital in our insurance company subsidiaries 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 cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in this section,affect our expectations for liquidity and capital, see “Part I – Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our 20072008 Form 10-K, as updated byin “Part II – Item 1A. Risk Factors” in this report.

below.


OTHER 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, to make permanent recent reductions in individual tax rates, to permanently repeal the estate tax and to increase regulation of our annuity and investment management businesses.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 20072008 Form 10-K, as updated byin “Part II – Item 1A. Risk Factors” below, and “Forward-looking“Forward-Looking Statements – Cautionary Language” in this report.


Recent Accounting Pronouncements

See Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements 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.

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Item 3.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

We analyze and manage the risks arising from market exposures of financial instruments, as well as other risks, in an integrated asset-liability management process that takes diversification into account.  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, foreign currency exchange, risk, equity market, risk, default, risk, basis risk and credit risk.credit.  The exposuresexposure of financial instruments to market risks, and the related risk management processes,process, are most important to theour Retirement Solutions and Insurance Solutions businesses, where most of the invested assets support accumulation and investment-oriented insurance products.  As an important element of our integrated asset-liability management process, we use derivatives to minimize the effects of changes in interest levels, and the shape of the yield curve.curve, currency movements and volatility.  In this context, derivatives are designated as a hedge and serve to reduceminimize 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.  TheOur primary sources of market risk are:  substantial, relatively rapid and sustained increases or decreases in interest rates; fluctuations in currency exchange rates; or a sharp drop in equity market values.  These market risks are discussed in detail in the following pages.

Interest Rate Risk

With respect to accumulationpages and investment-oriented products, we seek to earn a stableshould be read in conjunction with, our consolidated financial statements and profitable spread, or margin, between investment income and interest credited to account values. If we have adverse experience on investments that cannot be passed on to customers, our spreads are reduced. Provided interest rates continue to gradually return to levels that are more typical from a long-term perspective, we do not view the near term risk to spreads over the next twelve months to be material. The combination of a probable range of interest rate changes over the next twelve months, asset-liability management strategies, flexibility in adjusting policy crediting rate levels and protection afforded by policy surrender charges and other switching costs all work together to mitigate this risk. The interest rate scenarios of concern are those in which there is a substantial, relatively rapid increase or decrease in interest rates that is then sustained over a long period.

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Interest Rate Risk – Falling Rates

The spreads on our fixed annuity and interest-sensitive whole life, universal life (“UL”) and fixed portion of variable universal life (“VUL”) insurance policies are at risk if interest rates decline and remain low for a period of time, which has generally been the case in recent years. Should interest rates remain at current levels that are significantly lower than those existing prioraccompanying notes to the declines of recent years, the average earned rate of return on our annuityconsolidated financial statements (“Notes”) presented in “Item 1. Financial Statements and UL investment portfolios will continue to decline. Declining portfolio yields may cause the spreads between investment portfolio yields and the interest rate credited to contract holders to deteriorate as our ability to manage spreads can become limited by minimum guaranteed rates on annuity and UL policies. Minimum guaranteed rates on annuity and UL policies generally range from 1.5% to 5.0%, with an average guaranteed rate of approximately 4%. The following table provides detail on the percentage differences between the current interest rates being credited to contract holders and the respective minimum guaranteed policy rate, broken out by contract holder account values reported within the Retirement Solutions and Insurance Solutions businesses (in millions):

   As of September 30, 2008 
   Account Values 
   Retirement Solutions  Insurance
Solutions -
     Percent
of Total
 
   Annuities  Defined
Contribution
  Life
Insurance
  Total  Account
Values
 

Excess of Crediting Rates over Contract Minimums

          

CD and on-benefit type annuities

  $1,606  $—    $10,422  $12,028  21.95%

Discretionary rate setting products(1)

          

No difference

   8,787   11,660   3,238   23,685  43.23%

up to .10%

   —     4,641   1,518   6,159  11.24%

0.11% to .20%

   2   2,638   848   3,488  6.37%

0.21% to .30%

   79   947   161   1,187  2.17%

0.31% to .40%

   1   572   144   717  1.31%

0.41% to .50%

   191   1,262   62   1,515  2.77%

0.51% to .60%

   80   1,016   33   1,129  2.06%

0.61% to .70%

   —     442   281   723  1.32%

0.71% to .80%

   1   471   4   476  0.87%

0.81% to .90%

   —     356   9   365  0.67%

0.91% to 1.0%

   36   631   7   674  1.23%

1.01% to 1.50%

   149   282   52   483  0.88%

1.51% to 2.00%

   189   636   426   1,251  2.28%

2.01% to 2.50%

   —     207   479   686  1.25%

2.51% to 3.00%

   13   —     —     13  0.02%

3.01% and above

   184   22   —     206  0.38%
                    

Total discretionary rate setting products

   9,712   25,783   7,262   42,757  78.05%
                    

Total account values

  $11,318  $25,783  $17,684  $54,785  100.00%
                    

(1)

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.

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.

Interest Rate Risk – Rising Rates

For both annuities and UL, a rapid and sustained rise in interest rates poses risks of deteriorating spreads and high surrenders. The portfolios supporting these products have fixed-rate assets laddered over maturities generally ranging from one to ten years or more. Accordingly, the earned rate on each portfolio lags behind changes in market yields. As rates rise, the lag may be increased

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by slowing mortgage-backed securities prepayments. The greater and faster the rise in interest rates, the more the earned rate will tend to lag behind market rates. If we set renewal crediting rates to earn the desired spread, the gap between our renewal crediting rates and competitors’ new money rates may be wide enough to cause increased surrenders that could cause us to liquidate a portion of our portfolio to fund these surrenders. If we credit more competitive renewal rates to limit surrenders, our spreads will narrow. We devote extensive effort to evaluating these risks by simulating asset and liability cash flows for a wide range of interest rate scenarios. Such analysis has led to adjustments in the target maturity structure and to hedging the risk of rising rates by buying out-of-the-money interest rate cap agreements and swaptions. With these instruments in place, the potential adverse impact of a rapid and sustained rise in rates is kept within our risk tolerances.

Debt

We manage the timing of maturities and the mixture of fixed-rate and floating-rate debt as part of the process of integrated management of interest rate risk for the entire enterprise.

Derivatives

We have entered into derivative transactions to reduce our exposure to rapid changes in interest rates. The derivative programs are used to help us achieve more stable margins while providing competitive crediting rates to policyholders during periods when interest rates are changing. Such derivatives include interest rate swaps, interest rate futures, interest rate caps and treasury locks. During the first nine months of 2008, the more significant changes in our derivative positions were as follows:

We entered into and terminated interest rate swap agreements hedging floating rate bond coupon payments with a notional amount of $17 million and $492 million, respectively, resulting in a remaining notional amount of $544 million. A loss of $6 million was recognized on the terminations. We also entered into $3.0 billion notional amount of interest rate swap agreements hedging a portion of the liability exposure on certain options in our variable annuity products, resulting in a total notional amount of $7.8 billion. These interest rate swap agreements convert floating rate bond coupon payments into a fixed rate of return.

We entered into and terminated interest rate swap agreements hedging fixed rate bond coupon payments with a notional amount of $6 million and $14 million, resulting in a remaining notional amount of $295 million. A loss of $1 million was recognized on the terminations. These interest rate swap agreements are used to hedge our exposure to fixed rate bond coupon payments and the change in underlying asset values as interest rates fluctuate.

Interest rate cap agreements with a notional amount of $1.3 billion matured, resulting in a remaining notional amount of $2.9 billion. These interest rate cap agreements are used to hedge our annuity business against a negative impact of a significant and sustained rise in interest rates.

We entered into and terminated forward-starting interest rate swap agreements with a notional amount of $365 million and $355 million, respectively, resulting in a remaining notional amount of $60 million. These swaps are used to hedge interest rate risk associated with assets that support our annuity liabilities. A loss of $2 million was recognized on certain terminations and was reported in other comprehensive income (“OCI”). The loss will be reclassified from accumulated OCI recognized in income over the life of the purchased assets. A loss of $1 million was recognized on other terminations and was recorded in net income as benefits.

In addition to continuing existing programs, we may use derivative instruments in other strategies to limit risk and enhance returns, particularly in the management of investment spread businesses. We have established policies, guidelines and internal control procedures for the use of derivatives as tools to enhance management of the overall portfolio of risks assumed in our operations. Annually, our Board of Directors reviews our derivatives policy.

Foreign Currency Exchange Risk

Foreign Currency Denominated Investments

We invest in foreign currency securities for incremental return and risk diversification relative to United States Dollar-Denominated (“USD”) securities. We use foreign currency swaps and foreign currency forwards to hedge some of the foreign exchange risk related to our investment in securities denominated in foreign currencies. The currency risk is hedged using foreign currency derivatives of the same currency as the bonds.

We use foreign currency swaps to convert the cash flow of foreign currency securities to U.S. dollars. A foreign currency swap is a contractual agreement to exchange the currencies of two different countries at a specified rate of exchange in the future.

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We use foreign currency forward contracts to hedge dividends received from our U.K. based subsidiary, Lincoln UK. The foreign currency forward contracts obligate us to deliver a specified amount of currency at a future date and a specified exchange rate.

During the first nine months of 2008, a significant change in our foreign currency derivative positions was as follows:

We entered into and terminated foreign exchange forward contracts with a notional amount of $231 million and $48 million, respectively, resulting in $183 million remaining notional amount. These contracts are hedging the net investment inSupplementary Data,” as well as dividends received from our Lincoln UK subsidiary. A loss“Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of less than $1 million was recognized on the terminations.

Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”).



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Derivatives Hedging Equity Market Risk

Our revenues, assets, liabilities and derivatives are exposed to equity market risk.


Impact of Equity Market Sensitivity
Due to the use of our reversion to the mean (“RTM”) process and our hedging strategies we expect that, in general, short-term fluctuations in the equity markets should not have a significant impact on our quarterly earnings from unlocking of assumptions for deferred acquisition costs (“DAC”), deferred sales inducements (“DSI”), value of business acquired (“VOBA”) and deferred front-end sales loads (“DFEL”). However, there is an impact to earnings from the effects of equity market movements on account values and assets under management and the related fees we earn on those assets. Refer to our Critical Accounting Policy – DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL for further discussion on the impact of equity markets on our RTM.

Fee Revenues

The fee revenues of our Investment Management segment and fees earned from variable annuities and variable life insurance products are exposed to the risk of a decline in equity market values. These fees are generally a fixed percentage of the market value of assets under management. In a severe equity market decline, fee income could be reduced by not only reduced market valuations but also by customer withdrawals and redemptions. Such withdrawals and redemptions from equity funds and accounts might be partially offset by transfers to our fixed-income accounts and the transfer of funds to us from our competitors’ customers.

Assets and Liabilities

While we invest in equity assets with the expectation of achieving higher returns than would be available in our core fixed-income investments, the returns on, and values of, these equity investments are subject to somewhat greater market risk than our fixed-income investments. These investments, however, add diversification benefits to our fixed-income investments.

We have exposure to changes in our stock price through stock appreciation rights issued. This program is being hedged with equity derivatives.

Derivatives Hedging Equity Market Risk

During the first nine months of 2008, the more significant changes in our derivative positions hedging equity market risk were as follows:

We had less than one million call options on an equal number of shares of Lincoln National Corporation (“LNC”) stock hedging the increase in liabilities arising from stock appreciation rights granted on LNC stock;

We entered into and terminated variance swaps used to hedge the liability exposure on certain options in variable annuity products with a notional amount of $28 million and $3 million, respectively, resulting in a remaining notional amount of $31 million. A gain of $1 million was recognized on the terminations.

We entered into Standard & Poor’s (“S&P”) 500 Index® call options with a notional amount of $2.1 billion, call options with a notional amount of $2.0 billion expired and terminated, resulting in a remaining notional amount of $3.0 billion to hedge the impact of the equity-index interest credited to our equity annuity products. A loss of $10 million was recognized on the terminations;

We entered into and terminated put option agreements with a notional amount of $1.3 billion and $650 million, respectively, resulting in a remaining notional amount of $4.7 billion to hedge a portion of the liability exposure on certain options in our variable annuity products. A loss of $12 million was recognized on the terminations; and

We had net purchases and terminations in financial futures with a notional amount of $2.5 billion, resulting in a remaining notional amount of $3.0 billion to hedge a portion of the liability exposure on certain options in variable annuity products.

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Impact of Equity Market Sensitivity

Due to the use of our RTM process and our hedging strategies as described in “MD& A—&A – Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates” in Item 2 above and in Item 7 of our 20072008 Form 10-K, we expect that, in general, short-term fluctuations in the equity markets should not have a significant impact on our quarterly earnings from unlocking of assumptions for DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL, as we do not unlock our long-term equity market assumptions based upon short-term fluctuations in the equity markets.  However, there is an impact to earnings from the effects of equity market movements on account values and assets under management and the related asset-based fees we earn on those assets net of related expenses we incur based upon the level of assets.  The following table below presents our estimate of the annual, after-tax, after-DAC, impact on income from operations from both a 1% and 10% decline in the equity markets (in millions), from the change in asset-based fees and related expenses, if the level of the S&P 500 were to remain at 800 from March 31, 2009, through the remainder of 2009 or dropped to 700 immediately after March 31, 2009, and remain at that level through the remainder of 2009, excluding any impact related to sales, prospective and retrospective unlocking, persistency, hedge program performance or customer behavior caused by the equity market change:

Segment

  

Relevant Measure

  Impact per
1% Change
  Impact per
10% Change
Investment Management  Composite of Equity Assets (1)  $1  $12
Retirement Solutions – Annuities  Average daily change in the S&P 500   3   25
Retirement Solutions – Defined Contribution  Average daily change in the S&P 500   1   8
Lincoln UK  Average daily change in the FTSE 100   —     4


  S&P 500  S&P 500 
  
at 700 (2)
  
at 800 (2)
 
Segment      
Retirement Solutions - Annuities (1)
 $(32) $(10)
Retirement Solutions - Defined Contribution (1)
  (8)  (4)
Investment Management  (6)  - 

(1)

The Investment Management segment manages equity-based assets of varying styles (growth, value, blend and international) and underlying products (mutual funds, institutional accounts, insurance separate accounts, etc.). No single equity benchmark is an accurate predictorIf the level of the changeS&P 500 index dropped to 700 immediately after March 31, 2009, and remained at that level in earningssubsequent periods we project that we would have a RTM prospective unlocking of approximately $255 million to $315 million, after-tax, for this segment andRetirement Solutions around mid-2010.  If the earnings impact summarized above includeslevel of the return on seed capital.

S&P 500 index remained at the March 31, 2009, level of approximately 800 in subsequent periods we project that we would have a RTM prospective unlocking of approximately $200 million to $240 million, after-tax, for Retirement Solutions late in 2011.

(2)The baseline for these impacts assumes 2.25% growth per quarter beginning with the first quarter of 2009 earnings, when excluding the impacts of retrospective unlocking and federal tax return true-ups.  The baseline is then compared to scenarios of S&P 500 at 700 and 800, which assume the index stays at those levels for the remainder of 2009.  The difference between the baseline and S&P 500 at 700 and 800 scenarios is presented in the table.

The impact on earnings summarized above is an expected annual effect. The resulteffect for the remainder of the above factors should be multiplied by 25% to arrive at an estimated quarterly effect.2009.  The effect of quarterly equity market changes upon fee revenues and asset-based expenses will not be fully recognized in the current quarter due to the fact thatbecause fee revenues are earned and related expenses are incurred based upon daily variable account values.  The difference between the current period average daily variable account values compared to the end of period variable account values impacts fee revenues in subsequent periods.  Additionally, the impact on earnings may not necessarily be symmetrical with comparable increases in the equity markets.  This discussion concerning the estimated effects of ongoing equity market volatility on the fees we earn from account values and assets under management is intended to be illustrative.  Actual effects may vary depending on a variety of factors, many of which are outside of our control, such as changing customer behaviors that might result in changes in the mix of our business between variable and fixed annuity contracts, switching among investment alternatives available within variable products, changes in sales production levels or changes in policy persistency.  For purposes of this guidance, the change in account values is assumed to correlate with the change in the relevant index.


Credit-Related Derivatives

Default Risk

Our portfolio of invested assets was $68.0 billion and $71.9 billion as of September 30, 2008, and December 31, 2007, respectively. Of this total, $41.7 billion and $46.1 billion consist of corporate bonds and $7.7 billion and $7.4 billion consist of commercial mortgages as of September 30, 2008, and December 31, 2007, respectively. We manage the risk of adverse default experience on these investments by applying disciplined credit evaluation and underwriting standards, prudently limiting allocations to lower-quality, higher-yielding investments and diversifying exposures by issuer, industry, region and property type. For each counterparty or borrowing entity and its affiliates, our exposures from all transactions are aggregated and managed in relation to formal limits set by rating quality. Additional diversification limits, such as limits per industry, are also applied. We remain exposed to occasional adverse cyclical economic downturns during which default rates may be significantly higher than the long-term historical average used in pricing.

We are depending on the ability of derivative product dealers and their guarantors to honor their obligations to pay the contract amounts under varioususe credit-related derivatives agreements. In order to minimize the risk of default losses, we diversify our exposures among several dealers and limit the amount of exposure to each in accordance with thecredit-related events and we also sell credit rating of each dealer or its guarantor. We generally limitdefault swaps to offer credit protection to our selection of counterparties that are obligated under these derivative contracts to those with an A credit rating or above.

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Credit-Related Derivatives

contract holders.  Credit default swaps are derivatives that can be used by companies to hedge against a drop in bond prices due to credit concerns of certain bond issuers.  A credit default swap allows an investor to put the bond back to the counterparty at par upon a credit event by the bond issuer.  A credit event can include, among other items, bankruptcy, failure to pay or obligation acceleration.  Wecan use various credit-related derivatives to minimize exposure to various credit-related risks.  As of September 30, 2008,March 31, 2009, and December 31, 2007,2008, we had no purchased credit default swaps outstanding.  On a limited basis we also sell credit default swaps to offer credit protection to investors through trades that replicate the purchase of a fixed maturity security.  When credit protection is sold, it is typically to replicate the purchase of a bond, similar to other investing activities.  As of September 30, 2008,March 31, 2009, and December 31, 2007,2008, we had credit default swaps with a notional amount of $82$164 million and $60$149 million, which expire in 2010 through 2017.



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Credit Risk

By using


Through the use of derivative instruments, we are exposed to both credit risk (our counterparty fails to make payment) and market risk (the value of the instrument falls).  When the fair value of a derivative contract is positive, this generally indicates that the counterparty owes us and, therefore, creates a credit risk for us equal to the extent of the fair value gain in the derivative.  When the fair value of a derivative contract is negative, this generally indicates we owe the counterparty and therefore we have no credit risk, but have been affected by market risk.  We minimize the credit risk in derivative instruments by entering into transactions with high quality counterparties with minimum credit ratings that are reviewed regularly by us, by limiting the amount of credit exposure to any one counterparty, and by requiring certain counterparties to post collateral if our credit risk exceeds certain limits.  We also maintain a policy of requiring all derivative contracts to be governed by an International Swaps and Derivatives Association (“ISDA”) Master Agreement.  We do not believe that the credit or market risks associated with derivative instruments are material to any insurance subsidiary or the Company.

to us.


We have derivative positions with counterparties.  Assuming zero recovery value, our exposure is the positive market value of the derivative positions with a counterparty, less collateral, that would be lost if the counterparty were to default.  As of September 30, 2008,March 31, 2009, and December 31, 2007,2008, our counterparty risk exposure, net of collateral, was $429$448 million and $781$562 million, respectively.  Of this exposure, $300$163 million and $567$145 million, respectively was related to our program to hedge our variable annuity guaranteed benefits.  We have exposure to 1718 counterparties, with a maximum exposure of $88$182 million, net of collateral, to a single counterparty.  The credit risk associated with such agreements is minimized by purchasing such agreements from financial institutions with long-standing, superior performance records.  For the majority of LNC counterparties, there is a termination event should long-term debt ratings of LNC rating drop below BBB-/Baa3.  Additionally, we maintain a policy of requiring all derivative contracts to be governed by an International SwapsISDA Master Agreement.

As of March 31, 2009, and Derivatives Association (“ISDA”) Master Agreement.

Item 4.Controls and Procedures

December 31, 2008, our fair value of counterparty exposure (in millions) was as follows:

   As of  As of 
   March 31,  December 31, 
   2009  2008 
Rating       
AAA  $5  $20 
AA   290   333 
A   153   209 
Total  $448  $562 
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 our 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 covered 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 that term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-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 that term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that occurred during the quarter ended September 30, 2008,March 31, 2009, that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.


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

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PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1

Item 1.Legal Proceedings

.  Legal Proceedings


Information regarding reportable legal proceedings is contained in “Part I – Item 3.  Legal Proceedings” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007.

2008.

Item 1A.  Risk Factors

Item 1A.
Risk Factors

The risk factorsfactor set forth below updateupdates those set forth in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007. 2008.  You should carefully consider the risks described below before investing in our securities.  The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones facing our company.  Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also impair our business operations.  If any of these risks actually occur, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially affected.  In that case, the value of our securities could decline substantially.

Adverse capital and credit market conditions may significantly affect our ability to meet liquidity needs, access to capital and cost of capital.

The capital and credit markets have been experiencing extreme volatility and disruption for more than twelve months. Over the last month, the volatility and disruption have reached unprecedented levels. In some cases, the markets have exerted downward pressure on availability of liquidity and credit capacity for certain issuers.

We need liquidity to pay our operating expenses, interest on our debt and dividends on our capital stock, maintain our securities lending activities and replace certain maturing liabilities. Without sufficient liquidity,


Because we will be forced to curtail our operations, and our business will suffer. Asare a holding company with no direct operations, the inability of our subsidiaries to pay dividends to us in sufficient amounts would harm our ability to meet our obligations.

We are a holding company, and we have no direct operations.  Our principal asset isassets are the capital stock of our insurance subsidiaries.

At the holding company level, sources of liquidity in normal markets include a variety of short-term and investment management subsidiaries. Ourlong-term instruments, including credit facilities, commercial paper and medium-term and long-term debt.  However, our ability to meet our obligations for payment of interest and principal on outstanding debt obligations and to pay dividends to shareholders, repurchase our securities and pay corporate expenses depends significantly upon the surplus and earnings of our subsidiaries andprimarily on the ability of our subsidiaries to pay dividends or to advance or repay funds to us.  PaymentsUnder Indiana laws and regulations, our Indiana insurance subsidiaries, including our primary insurance subsidiary, The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company, may pay dividends to us without prior approval of the Indiana Insurance Commissioner (the “Commissioner”) up to a certain threshold, or must receive prior approval of the Commissioner to pay a dividend if such dividend, along with all other dividends paid within the preceding twelve consecutive months exceed the statutory limitation.  The current Indiana statutory limitation is the greater of 10% of the insurer’s contract holders’ surplus, as shown on its last annual statement on file with the Commissioner or the insurer’s statutory net gain from operations for the prior calendar year.

In addition, payments of dividends and advances or repayment of funds to us by our insurance subsidiaries are restricted by the applicable laws of their respective jurisdictions including laws establishingrequiring that our insurance subsidiaries hold a specified amount of minimum solvencyreserves in order to meet future obligations on their outstanding policies.  These regulations specify that the minimum reserves shall be calculated to be sufficient to meet future obligations, giving consideration for required future premiums to be received, are based on certain specified mortality and liquidity thresholds. morbidity tables, interest rates and methods of valuation, which are subject to change.  In order to meet their claims-paying obligations, our insurance subsidiaries regularly monitor their reserves to ensure we hold sufficient amounts to cover actual or expected contract and claims payments.  At times, we may determine that reserves in excess of the minimum may be needed to ensure sufficiency.

Changes in these laws can constrain the ability of our subsidiaries to pay dividends or to advance or repay funds to us in sufficient amounts and at times necessary to meet our debt obligations and corporate expenses.  For example, in September of 2008, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners adopted a new statutory reserving method known as Commissioners Annuity Reserve Valuation Method for Variable Annuities (“VACARVM”), which will be effective as of December 31, 2009.  VACARVM has the potential to require statutory reserves well in excess of current levels for certain variable annuity riders sold by us.  Requiring our insurance subsidiaries to hold additional reserves will constrain their ability to pay dividends to the principalholding company.


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Assets in the investment general accounts of our insurance subsidiaries support their reserve liabilities.  As of March 31, 2009, 74.6% of investment general account assets are AFS fixed maturity (delete “income” from sentence) securities of various holdings, types and maturities.  These investments are subject to general credit, liquidity, market and interest rate risks.  Beginning in 2008 and continuing into 2009, the capital and credit markets have experienced an unusually high degree of volatility.  As a result, the market for fixed income securities has experienced illiquidity, increased price volatility, credit downgrade events and increased expected probability of default.  Securities that are less liquid are more difficult to value and may be hard to sell, if desired.  These market disruptions have led to increased impairments of securities in the general accounts of our insurance subsidiaries, thereby reducing contract holders’ surplus.

The earnings of our insurance subsidiaries also impact contract holders’ surplus.  Principal sources of our liquidityearnings are insurance premiums and fees, annuity considerations, investment advisory fees, and cash flowincome from our investment portfolio and assets, consisting mainly of cash or assets that are readily convertible into cash.  AtRecent economic conditions have resulted in lower earnings in our insurance subsidiaries.  Lower earnings constrain the growth in the insurance subsidiaries’ capital, and therefore, the payment of dividends and advances or repayment of funds to us.

In addition, the amount of surplus that our insurance subsidiaries could pay as dividends is constrained by the amount of surplus they hold to maintain their financial strength ratings, to provide an additional layer of margin for risk protection and for future investment in our businesses.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, we believe that our insurance subsidiaries have sufficient liquidity to meet their policy holder obligations and maintain their operations.

The result of the difficult economic and market conditions in reducing the contract holders’ surplus of our insurance subsidiaries has affected our ability to pay shareholder dividends and to engage in share repurchases.  We have taken actions to reduce the holding company’s liquidity needs, including reducing our quarterly common dividend to $0.01 per share and retiring long-term debt and outstanding commercial paper in order to reduce our short-term borrowing needs.  Notwithstanding that the contract holders’ surplus of our insurance subsidiaries may limit the amount of dividends and funds they can transfer to the holding company, level, sourceswe believe that the holding company’s ongoing cash needs will continued to be met with a combination of liquidity in normal markets also include a variety of short- and long-term instruments, including repurchase agreements, credit facilities, commercial paper as available and medium-a contractual inter-company borrowing facility of up to $1 billion as well as access, if necessary, to $1 billion in bank credit lines, none of which are currently drawn.  However, a further downgrade of our short-term credit ratings by Standard & Poor’s, Moody’s or Fitch may limit our ability to access the commercial paper market and long-term debt.

cause us to lean more heavily on our inter-company borrowing facility and to access our bank credit lines.  In the event that current resources do not satisfy our current needs, we may have to seek additional financing. The availability of additional financing, will depend on a variety of factors such as market conditions, the general availability of credit, the volume of trading activities, the overall availability of credit to the financial services industry, our credit ratings and credit capacity, as well as the possibility that customers or lenders could develop a negative perception of our long- or short-term financial prospects if we incur large investment losses or if the level of our business activity decreased due to a market downturn. Similarly, our access to funds may be impaired if regulatory authorities or rating agencies take negative actions against us. Our internal sources of liquidity may prove to be insufficient, and in such case, wewhich may not be able to successfully obtain additional financing on favorableavailable or only available with unfavorable terms or at all.

Disruptions, uncertainty or volatility in the capital and credit markets may also limit our access to capital required to operate our business, most significantly our insurance operations. Such market conditions may limit our ability to replace, inconditions.  For a timely manner, maturing liabilities; satisfy statutory capital requirements; generate fee income and market-related revenue to meetfurther discussion of liquidity, needs; and access the capital necessary to grow our business. As such, we may be forced to delay raising capital, issue shorter tenor securities than we prefer, or bear an unattractive cost of capital which could decrease our profitability and significantly reduce our financial flexibility. Recently, our credit spreads have widened considerably which increases the interest rate we must pay on any new debt obligation we may issue. Our results of operations, financial condition, cash flows and statutory capital position could be materially adversely affected by disruptions in the financial markets.

Difficult conditions in the global capital markets and the economy generally may materially adversely affect our business and results of operations and we do not expect these conditions to improve in the near future.

Our results of operations are materially affected by conditions in the global capital markets and the economy generally, both in the U.S. and elsewhere around the world. The stress experienced by global capital markets that began in the second half of 2007

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continued and substantially increased during the third quarter of 2008. Recently, concerns over inflation, energy costs, geopolitical issues, the availability and cost of credit, the U.S. mortgage market and a declining real estate market in the U.S. have contributed to increased volatility and diminished expectations for the economy and the markets going forward. These factors, combined with volatile oil prices, declining business and consumer confidence and increased unemployment, have precipitated an economic slowdown and fears of a possible recession. In addition, the fixed-income markets are experiencing a period of extreme volatility which has negatively impacted market liquidity conditions. Initially, the concerns on the part of market participants were focused on the subprime segment of the mortgage-backed securities market. However, these concerns have since expanded to include a broad range of mortgage-and asset-backed and other fixed income securities, including those rated investment grade, the U.S. and international credit and interbank money markets generally, and a wide range of financial institutions and markets, asset classes and sectors. As a result, the market for fixed income instruments has experienced decreased liquidity, increased price volatility, credit downgrade events, and increased probability of default. Securities that are less liquid are more difficult to value and may be hard to dispose of. Domestic and international equity markets have also been experiencing heightened volatility and turmoil, with issuers (such as our company) that have exposure to the real estate, mortgage and credit markets particularly affected. These events and the continuing market upheavals may have an adverse effect on us, in part because we have a large investment portfolio and are also dependent upon customer behavior. Our revenues are likely to decline in such circumstances and our profit margins could erode. In addition, in the event of extreme prolonged market events, such as the global credit crisis, we could incur significant losses. Even in the absence of a market downturn, we are exposed to substantial risk of loss due to market volatility.

We are a significant writer of variable annuity products. The account values of these products will be affected by the downturn in capital markets. Any decrease in account values will decrease the fees generated by our variable annuity products.

Factors such as consumer spending, business investment, government spending, the volatility and strength of the capital markets, and inflation all affect the business and economic environment and, ultimately, the amount and profitability of our business. In an economic downturn characterized by higher unemployment, lower family income, lower corporate earnings, lower business investment and lower consumer spending, the demand for our financial and insurance products could be adversely affected. In addition, we may experience an elevated incidence of claims and lapses or surrenders of policies. Our policyholders may choose to defer paying insurance premiums or stop paying insurance premiums altogether. Adverse changes in the economy could affect earnings negatively and could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. The current mortgage crisis has also raised the possibility of future legislative and regulatory actions in addition to the recent enactment of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (the “EESA”) that could further impact our business. We cannot predict whether or when such actions may occur, or what impact, if any, such actions could have on our business, results of operations and financial condition. A further material deterioration in economic conditions may require us to raise additional capital or consider other transactions to manage our capital position or our liquidity.

There can be no assurance that actions of the U.S. Government, Federal Reserve and other governmental and regulatory bodies for the purpose of stabilizing the financial markets will achieve the intended effect.

In response to the financial crises affecting the banking system and financial markets and going concern threats to investment banks and other financial institutions, on October 3, 2008, President Bush signed the EESA into law. Pursuant to the EESA, the U.S. Treasury has the authority to, among other things, purchase up to $700 billion of mortgage-backed and other securities from financial institutions for the purpose of stabilizing the financial markets. The Federal Government, Federal Reserve and other governmental and regulatory bodies have taken or are considering taking other actions to address the financial crisis. There can be no assurance as to what impact such actions will have on the financial markets, including the extreme levels of volatility currently being experienced. As of September 30, 2008 our residential mortgage-backed securities balance was $9.2 billion, of which 96% was rated AA or above, and our unrealized loss was $897 million. Such continued volatility could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations, or the trading price of our common stock. Seesee “Item 7–2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Review of Consolidated InvestmentsFinancial ConditionFixed MaturityLiquidity and Capital Resources.”



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Item 2.  Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities Portfolios” for additional information on our investment portfolio.

The impairmentand Use of other financial institutions could adversely affect us.Proceeds

We have exposure to many different industries and counterparties, and routinely execute transactions with counterparties in the financial services industry, including brokers and dealers, commercial banks, investment banks, and other institutions. Many of these transactions expose us to credit risk in the event of default of our counterparty. In addition, with respect to secured transactions, our credit risk may be exacerbated when the collateral held by us cannot be realized upon or is liquidated at prices not sufficient to recover the full amount of the loan or derivative exposure due to it. We also may have exposure to these financial institutions in the form of unsecured debt instruments, derivative transactions and/or equity investments. There can be no assurance that any such losses or impairments to the carrying value of these assets would not materially and adversely affect our business and results of operations.

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Our participation in a securities lending program subjects us to potential liquidity and other risks.

We participate in a securities lending program for our general account whereby fixed income securities are loaned by our agent bank to third parties, primarily major brokerage firms and commercial banks. The borrowers of our securities provide us with collateral, typically in cash, which we separately maintain. We invest such cash collateral in other securities, primarily in commercial paper and money market or other short term funds. Securities with a cost or amortized cost of $481 million and $612 million and an estimated fair value of $435 million and $634 million were on loan under the program at September 30, 2008, and December 31, 2007, respectively. Securities loaned under such transactions may be sold or repledged by the transferee. We were liable for cash collateral under our control of $463 million and $655 million at September 30, 2008, and December 31, 2007, respectively.

As of September 30, 2008, approximately all securities on loan under the program could be returned to us by the borrowers at any time. Returns of loaned securities would require us to return the cash collateral associated with such loaned securities. In addition, in some cases, the maturity of the securities held as invested collateral (i.e., securities that we have purchased with cash received from the third parties) may exceed the term of the related securities loan and the market value may fall below the amount of cash received as collateral and invested. If we are required to return significant amounts of cash collateral on short notice and we are forced to sell securities to meet the return obligation, we may have difficulty selling such collateral that is invested in securities in a timely manner, be forced to sell securities in a volatile or illiquid market for less than we otherwise would have been able to realize under normal market conditions, or both. In addition, under stressful capital market and economic conditions, such as those conditions we have experienced recently, liquidity broadly deteriorates, which may further restrict our ability to sell securities.

Our reserves for future policy benefits and claims related to our current and future business as well as businesses we may acquire in the future may prove to be inadequate.

Our reserves for future policy benefits and claims may prove to be inadequate. We establish and carry, as a liability, reserves based on estimates of how much we will need to pay for future benefits and claims. For our life insurance and annuity products, we calculate these reserves based on many assumptions and estimates, including estimated premiums we will receive over the assumed life of the policy, the timing of the event covered by the insurance policy, the lapse rate of the policies, the amount of benefits or claims to be paid and the investment returns on the assets we purchase with the premiums we receive. The assumptions and estimates we use in connection with establishing and carrying our reserves are inherently uncertain. Accordingly, we cannot determine with precision the ultimate amounts that we will pay, or the timing of payment of, actual benefits and claims or whether the assets supporting the policy liabilities will grow to the level we assume prior to payment of benefits or claims. If our actual experience is different from our assumptions or estimates, our reserves may prove to be inadequate in relation to our estimated future benefits and claims. As a result, we would incur a charge to our earnings in the quarter in which we increase our reserves.

Because the equity markets and other factors impact the profitability and expected profitability of many of our products, changes in equity markets and other factors may significantly affect our business and profitability.

The fee revenue that we earn on equity-based variable annuities, unit-linked accounts, VUL insurance policies and investment advisory business is based upon account values. Because strong equity markets result in higher account values, strong equity markets positively affect our net income through increased fee revenue. Conversely, a weakening of the equity markets results in lower fee income and may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and capital resources.

The increased fee revenue resulting from strong equity markets increases the expected gross profits (“EGPs”) from variable insurance products as do better than expected lapses, mortality rates and expenses. As a result, the higher EGPs may result in lower net amortized costs related to deferred acquisition costs (“DAC”), deferred sales inducements (“DSI”), value of business acquired (“VOBA”), and deferred front-end sales loads (“DFEL”). However, a decrease in the equity markets as well as worse than expected increases in lapses, mortality rates and expenses depending upon their significance, may result in higher net amortized costs associated with DAC, DSI, VOBA and DFEL and may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and capital resources. For example, if equity markets continued to decline by 20% and remained at those levels during the fourth quarter of 2008, we may have to reset our “reversion to the mean” (RTM) process that we use to compute our best estimate of long-term gross growth rate assumption. We estimate that such a reset would result in a cumulative unfavorable prospective unlocking in the range of approximately $200-$300 million, after-tax. For more information on DAC, DSI, VOBA and DFEL amortization, see “Item 7 – Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation – Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates” on page 40 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007, and “Part I. Item 2 – Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation – Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates” above.

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Changes in the equity markets, interest rates and/or volatility affects the profitability of our products with guaranteed benefits; therefore, such changes may have a material adverse effect on our business and profitability.

Certain of our variable annuity products include guaranteed minimum benefit riders. These include guaranteed minimum death benefit (“GDB”), guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefit (“GWB”) and guaranteed minimum income benefit (“GIB”) riders. The amount of reserves related to GDB for variable annuities is tied to the difference between the value of the underlying accounts and the guaranteed death benefit, calculated using a benefit ratio approach. The GDB reserves take into account the present value of total expected GDB payments and the present value of total expected assessments over the life of the contract and claims and assessments to date. The amount of reserves related to GWB and GIB for variable annuities is based on the fair value of the underlying benefit. Both the level of expected GDB payments and expected total assessments used in calculating the benefit ratio are affected by the equity markets. The liabilities related to GWB and GIB benefits valued at fair value are impacted by changes in equity markets, interest rates and volatility. Accordingly, strong equity markets will decrease the amount of GDB reserves that we must carry, and strong equity markets, increases in interest rates and decreases in volatility will generally decrease the fair value of the liabilities underlying the GWB and GIB benefits.

Conversely, a decrease in the equity markets will increase the net amount at risk under the GDB benefits we offer as part of our variable annuity products, which has the effect of increasing the amount of GDB reserves that we must carry. Also, a decrease in the equity market along with a decrease in interest rates and an increase in volatility will generally result in an increase in the fair value of the liabilities underlying GWB and GIB benefits, which has the effect of increasing the amount of GWB and GIB reserves that we must carry. Such an increase in reserves would result in a charge to our earnings in the quarter in which we increase our reserves. We maintain a customized dynamic hedge program that is designed to mitigate the risks associated with income volatility around the change in reserves on guaranteed benefits. However, the hedge positions may not be effective to exactly offset the changes in the carrying value of the guarantees due to, among other things, the time lag between changes in their values and corresponding changes in the hedge positions, high levels of volatility in the equity markets and derivatives markets, extreme swings in interest rates, contract holder behavior different than expected, and divergence between the performance of the underlying funds and hedging indices. For example, the quarter ended September 30, 2008, we experienced a breakage between the change in our guaranteed benefit reserve and the value of our hedges of $252 million. Breakage is defined as the difference between the change in the fair value of the liabilities, excluding the amount related to the non-performance risk component and the change in the fair value of the derivatives. The breakage also excludes the amount we determine to be the cost of hedging. In addition, we remain liable for the guaranteed benefits in the event that derivative counterparties are unable or unwilling to pay, and we are also subject to the risk that the cost of hedging these guaranteed benefits increases, resulting in a reduction to net income. We also must consider our own credit standing, which is not hedged, in the valuation of certain of these liabilities. A decrease in our own credit spread could cause the value of these liabilities to increase, resulting in a reduction to net income. For more information on our hedging program, see “Item 7 – Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation – Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates – Future Contract Benefits and Other Contract Holder Funds” on page 47 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007. These, individually or collectively, may have a material adverse effect on net income, financial condition or liquidity.

Changes in interest rates may cause interest rate spreads to decrease and may result in increased contract withdrawals.

Because the profitability of our fixed annuity and interest-sensitive whole life, universal life (“UL”) and fixed portion of variable universal life (“VUL”) insurance business depends in part on interest rate spreads, interest rate fluctuations could negatively affect our profitability. Changes in interest rates may reduce both our profitability from spread businesses and our return on invested capital. Some of our products, principally fixed annuities and interest-sensitive whole life, universal life and the fixed portion of variable universal life insurance, have interest rate guarantees that expose us to the risk that changes in interest rates will reduce our “spread,” or the difference between the amounts that we are required to pay under the contracts and the amounts we are able to earn on our general account investments intended to support our obligations under the contracts. Declines in our spread or instances where the returns on our general account investments are not enough to support the interest rate guarantees on these products could have a material adverse effect on our businesses or results of operations.

In periods of increasing interest rates, we may not be able to replace the assets in our general account with higher yielding assets needed to fund the higher crediting rates necessary to keep our interest sensitive products competitive. We therefore may have to accept a lower spread and thus lower profitability or face a decline in sales and greater loss of existing contracts and related assets. In periods of declining interest rates, we have to reinvest the cash we receive as interest or return of principal on our investments in lower yielding instruments then available. Moreover, borrowers may prepay fixed-income securities, commercial mortgages and mortgage-backed securities in our general account 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 since many of our contracts have guaranteed minimum interest or crediting rates, our spreads could decrease and potentially become negative.

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Increases in interest rates may cause increased surrenders and withdrawals of insurance products. In periods of increasing interest rates, policy loans and surrenders and withdrawals of life insurance policies and annuity contracts may increase as contract holders seek to buy products with perceived higher returns. This process may lead to a flow of cash out of our businesses. These outflows may require investment assets to be sold at a time when the prices of those assets are lower because of the increase in market interest rates, which may result in realized investment losses. A sudden demand among consumers to change product types or withdraw funds could lead us to sell assets at a loss to meet the demand for funds.

Our requirements to post collateral or make payments related to declines in market value of specified assets may adversely affect our liquidity and expose us to counterparty credit risk.

Many of our transactions with financial and other institutions specify the circumstances under which the parties are required to post collateral. The amount of collateral we may be required to post under these agreements may increase under certain circumstances, which could adversely affect our liquidity. In addition, under the terms of some of our transactions we may be required to make payment to our counterparties related to any decline in the market value of the specified assets.

Defaults on our mortgage loans and volatility in performance may adversely affect our profitability.

Our mortgage loans face default risk and are principally collateralized by commercial and residential properties. Mortgage loans are stated on our balance sheet at unpaid principal balance, adjusted for any unamortized premium or discount, deferred fees or expenses, and are net of valuation allowances. We establish valuation allowances for estimated impairments as of the balance sheet date based information such as the market value of the underlying real estate securing the loan, any third party guarantees on the loan balance or any cross collateral agreements and their impact on expected recovery rates. At September 30, 2008, no loans were either delinquent or in the process of foreclosure for our mortgage loan investments. The performance of our mortgage loan investments, however, may fluctuate in the future. In addition, some of our mortgage loan investments have balloon payment maturities. An increase in the default rate of our mortgage loan investments could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Further, any geographic or sector exposure in our mortgage loans may have adverse effects on our investment portfolios and consequently on our consolidated results of operations or financial condition. While we seek to mitigate this risk by having a broadly diversified portfolio, events or developments that have a negative effect on any particular geographic region or sector may have a greater adverse effect on the investment portfolios to the extent that the portfolios are exposed.

Our investments are reflected within the consolidated financial statements utilizing different accounting basis and accordingly we may not have recognized differences, which may be significant, between cost and fair value in our consolidated financial statements.

Our principal investments are in fixed maturity and equity securities, mortgage loans on real estate, real estate (either wholly owned or in joint ventures), policy loans, short-term investments, derivative instruments and limited partnerships and other invested assets. The carrying value of such investments is as follows:

Fixed maturity and equity securities are classified as available-for-sale, except for those designated as trading securities, and are reported at their estimated fair value. The difference between the estimated fair value and amortized cost of such securities, i.e., unrealized investment gains and losses, are recorded as a separate component of other comprehensive income or loss, net of policyholder related amounts and deferred income taxes.


Fixed maturity and equity securities designated as trading securities, which support certain reinsurance arrangements, are recorded at fair value with subsequent changes in fair value recognized in realized gains and losses. However, offsetting the changes to fair value of the trading securities are corresponding changes in the fair value of the embedded derivative liability associated with the underlying reinsurance arrangement. In other words, the investment results for the trading securities, including gains and losses from sales, are passed directly to the reinsurers through the contractual terms of the reinsurance arrangements.

Short-term investments include investments with remaining maturities of one year or less, but greater than three months, at the time of acquisition and are stated at amortized cost, which approximates fair value.

Mortgage loans are stated at unpaid principal balance, adjusted for any unamortized premium or discount, deferred fees or expenses, net of valuation allowances.

Policy loans are stated at unpaid principal balances.

Real estate joint ventures and other limited partnership interests are carried using the equity method of accounting.

Other invested assets consist principally of derivatives with positive fair values. Derivatives are carried at fair value with changes in fair value reflected in income from non-qualifying derivatives and derivatives in fair value hedging relationships. Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships are reflected as a separate component of other comprehensive income or loss.

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Investments not carried at fair value in our consolidated financial statements — principally, mortgage loans, policy loans and real estate — may have fair values which are substantially higher or lower than the carrying value reflected in our consolidated financial statements. In addition, unrealized losses are not reflected in net income unless we realize the losses by either selling the security at below amortized cost or determine that the decline in fair value is deemed to be other than temporary, i.e., impaired. Each of such asset classes is regularly evaluated for impairment under the accounting guidance appropriate to the respective asset class.

Our valuation of fixed maturity, equity and trading securities may include methodologies, estimations and assumptions which are subject to differing interpretations and could result in changes to investment valuations that may materially adversely affect our results of operations or financial condition.

Fixed maturity, equity, trading securities and short-term investments which are reported at fair value on the consolidated balance sheet represented the majority of our total cash and invested assets. Pursuant to Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157 (“SFAS No. 157”) “Fair Value Measurements,” we have categorized these securities into a three-level hierarchy, based on the priority of the inputs to the respective valuation technique. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). An asset or liability’s classification within the fair value hierarchy is based of the lowest level of significant input to its valuation. SFAS No. 157 defines the input levels as follows:

Level 1 – inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices available in active markets for identical investments as of the reporting date. “Blockage discounts” for large holdings of unrestricted financial instruments where quoted prices are readily and regularly available for an identical asset or liability in an active market are prohibited;

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

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

At September 30, 2008, approximately .5%, 90.4%, and 9.1% of these securities represented Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3, respectively. The Level 1 securities primarily consist of certain U.S. Treasury and agency fixed maturity securities and exchange-traded common stock. The Level 2 assets include fixed maturity securities priced principally through independent pricing services including most U.S. Treasury and agency securities as well as the majority of U.S. and foreign corporate securities, residential mortgage-backed securities, commercial mortgage-backed securities, state and political subdivision securities, foreign government securities, and asset-backed securities as well as equity securities, including non-redeemable preferred stock, priced by independent pricing services. Management reviews the valuation methodologies used by the pricing services on an ongoing basis and ensures that any valuation methodologies are justified. Level 3 assets include fixed maturity securities priced principally through independent broker quotes or market standard valuation methodologies. This level consists of less liquid fixed maturity securities with very limited trading activity or where less price transparency exists around the inputs to the valuation methodologies including: U.S. and foreign corporate securities — including below investment grade private placements; residential mortgage-backed securities; asset backed securities; and other fixed maturity securities such as structured securities. Equity securities classified as Level 3 securities consist principally of common stock of privately held companies and non-redeemable preferred stock where there has been very limited trading activity or where less price transparency exists around the inputs to the valuation.

Prices provided by independent pricing services and independent broker quotes can vary widely even for the same security.

The determination of fair values in the absence of quoted market prices is based on: (i) valuation methodologies; (ii) securities we deem to be comparable; and (iii) assumptions deemed appropriate given the circumstances. The fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time, based on available market information and judgments about financial instruments, including estimates of the timing and amounts of expected future cash flows and the credit standing of the issuer or counterparty. Factors considered in estimating fair value include: coupon rate, maturity, estimated duration, call provisions, sinking fund requirements, credit rating, industry sector of the issuer, and quoted market prices of comparable securities. The use of different methodologies and assumptions may have a material effect on the estimated fair value amounts.

During periods of market disruption including periods of significantly rising or high interest rates, rapidly widening credit spreads or illiquidity, it may be difficult to value certain of our securities, if trading becomes less frequent and/or market data becomes less observable. There may be certain asset classes that were in active markets with significant observable data that become illiquid due to the current financial environment. In such cases, more securities may fall to Level 3 and thus require more subjectivity and management judgment. As such, valuations may include inputs and assumptions that are less observable or require greater

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estimation as well as valuation methods which are more sophisticated or require greater estimation thereby resulting in values which may be less than the value at which the investments may be ultimately sold. Further, rapidly changing and unprecedented credit and equity market conditions could materially impact the valuation of securities as reported within our consolidated financial statements and the period-to-period changes in value could vary significantly. Decreases in value may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition.

Some of our investments are relatively illiquid and are in asset classes that have been experiencing significant market valuation fluctuations.

We hold certain investments that may lack liquidity, such as privately placed fixed maturity securities; mortgage loans; policy loans; and equity real estate, including real estate joint venture; and other limited partnership interests. These asset classes represented 27% of the carrying value of our total cash and invested assets as of September 30, 2008. Even some of our very high quality assets have been more illiquid as a result of the recent challenging market conditions.

If we require significant amounts of cash on short notice in excess of normal cash requirements or are required to post or return collateral in connection with our investment portfolio, derivatives transactions or securities lending activities, we may have difficulty selling these investments in a timely manner, be forced to sell them for less than we otherwise would have been able to realize, or both.

The reported value of our relatively illiquid types of investments, our investments in the asset classes described in the paragraph above and, at times, our high quality, generally liquid asset classes, do not necessarily reflect the lowest current market price for the asset. If we were forced to sell certain of our assets in the current market, there can be no assurance that we will be able to sell them for the prices at which we have recorded them and we may be forced to sell them at significantly lower prices.

We invest a portion of our invested assets in investment funds, many of which make private equity investments. The amount and timing of income from such investment funds tends to be uneven as a result of the performance of the underlying investments, including private equity investments. The timing of distributions from the funds, which depends on particular events relating to the underlying investments, as well as the funds’ schedules for making distributions and their needs for cash, can be difficult to predict. As a result, the amount of income that we record from these investments can vary substantially from quarter to quarter. Recent equity and credit market volatility may reduce investment income for these types of investments.

The determination of the amount of allowances and impairments taken on our investments is highly subjective and could materially impact our results of operations or financial position.

The determination of the amount of allowances and impairments vary by investment type and is based upon our periodic evaluation and assessment of known and inherent risks associated with the respective asset class. Such evaluations and assessments are revised as conditions change and new information becomes available. Management updates its evaluations regularly and reflects changes in allowances and impairments in operations as such evaluations are revised. There can be no assurance that our management has accurately assessed the level of impairments taken and allowances reflected in our financial statements. Furthermore, additional impairments may need to be taken or allowances provided for in the future. Historical trends may not be indicative of future impairments or allowances.

For example, the cost of our fixed maturity and equity securities is adjusted for impairments in value deemed to be other-than-temporary in the period in which the determination is made. The assessment of whether impairments have occurred is based on management’s case-by-case evaluation of the underlying reasons for the decline in fair value. In evaluating whether a decline in value is other-than-temporary, we consider several factors including, but not limited to: 1) our ability and intent to hold the security for a sufficient period of time to allow for a recovery in value; 2) the cause of the decline; 3) fundamental analysis of the liquidity, business prospects and overall financial condition of the issuer; and 4) severity of the decline in value.

Additionally, our management considers a wide range of factors about the security issuer and uses their best judgment in evaluating the cause of the decline in the estimated fair value of the security and in assessing the prospects for recovery. Inherent in management’s evaluation of the security are assumptions and estimates about the operations of the issuer and its future earnings potential. Another key factor in whether determining an other-than-temporary impairment has occurred is our “intent or ability to hold to recovery or maturity.” In the event that we determine that we do not have the intent or ability to hold to recovery or maturity, we are required to write down the security. A write-down is necessary even in situations where the unrealized loss is not due to an underlying credit issue, but may be solely related to the impact of changes in interest rates on the fair value of the security. Where such analysis results in a conclusion that declines in fair values are other-than-temporary, the security is written down to fair value.

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Our gross unrealized losses on fixed maturity securities available-for-sale at September 30, 2008, were $4.8 billion pre-tax and the component of gross unrealized losses for securities trading down 20% or more for six months is approximately $2.4 billion pre-tax. Related to our unrealized losses we establish deferred tax assets for the tax benefit we may receive in the event that losses are realized. The realization of significant realized losses could result in an inability to recover the tax benefits and may result in the establishment of valuation allowances against our deferred tax assets. Realized losses or impairments may have a material adverse impact on our results of operation and financial position.

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.

Nationally recognized rating agencies rate the financial strength of our principal insurance subsidiaries and rate our debt. Ratings are not recommendations to buy our securities. Each of the rating agencies reviews its ratings periodically, and our current ratings may not be maintained in the future. Please see “Item 1 – Business – Ratings” on page 20 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007, for a complete description of our ratings.

Our financial strength ratings, which are intended to measure our ability to meet contract holder obligations, are an important factor affecting public confidence in most of our products and, as a result, our competitiveness. A downgrade of the financial strength rating of one of our principal insurance subsidiaries could affect our competitive position in the insurance industry and make it more difficult for us to market our products as potential customers may select companies with higher financial strength ratings. This could lead to a decrease in fees as outflows of assets increase, and therefore, result in lower fee income. Furthermore, sales of assets to meet customer withdrawal demands could also result in losses, depending on market conditions. The interest rates we pay on our borrowings are largely dependent on our credit ratings. A downgrade of our debt ratings could affect our ability to raise additional debt, including bank lines of credit, with terms and conditions similar to our current debt, and accordingly, likely increase our cost of capital. In addition, a downgrade of these ratings could make it more difficult to raise capital to refinance any maturing debt obligations, to support business growth at our insurance subsidiaries and to maintain or improve the current financial strength ratings of our principal insurance subsidiaries described above.

Our businesses are heavily regulated and changes in regulation may reduce our profitability.

Our insurance subsidiaries are subject to extensive supervision and regulation in the states in which we do business. The supervision and regulation relate to numerous aspects of our business and financial condition. The primary purpose of the supervision and regulation is the protection of our insurance contract holders, and not our investors. The extent of regulation varies, but generally is governed by state statutes. These statutes delegate regulatory, supervisory and administrative authority to state insurance departments. This system of supervision and regulation covers, among other things:

Standards of minimum capital requirements and solvency, including risk-based capital measurements;

Restrictions of certain transactions between our insurance subsidiaries and their affiliates;

Restrictions on the nature, quality and concentration of investments;

Restrictions on the types of terms and conditions that we can include in the insurance policies offered by our primary insurance operations;

Limitations on the amount of dividends that insurance subsidiaries can pay;

The existence and licensing status of the company under circumstances where it is not writing new or renewal business;

Certain required methods of accounting;

Reserves for unearned premiums, losses and other purposes; and

Assignment of residual market business and potential assessments for the provision of funds necessary for the settlement of covered claims under certain policies provided by impaired, insolvent or failed insurance companies.

In any particular year, statutory surplus amounts and RBC ratios may increase or decrease depending on a variety of factors – the amount of statutory income or losses generated by our insurance subsidiaries (which itself is sensitive to equity market and credit market conditions), the amount of additional capital our insurance subsidiaries must hold to support business growth, changes in equity market levels, the value of certain fixed-income and equity securities in our investment portfolio, the value of certain derivative instruments that do not get hedge accounting, changes in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates, as well as changes to the NAIC RBC formulas. Most of these factors are outside of our control. LNC’s credit ratings are significantly influenced by the statutory surplus amounts and RBC ratios of our insurance company subsidiaries. In addition, rating agencies may implement changes to their internal models that have the effect of increasing or decreasing the amount of statutory capital we must hold in order to maintain our current ratings. In addition, in extreme scenarios of equity market declines, the amount of additional statutory reserves that we are required to hold for our variable annuity products increases at a greater than linear rate. This reduces the statutory surplus used in calculating our RBC ratios. To the extent that our statutory capital resources are deemed

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to be insufficient to maintain a particular rating by one or more rating agencies, we may seek to raise additional capital. Alternatively, if we were not to raise additional capital in such a scenario, either at our discretion or because we were unable to do so, our financial strength and credit ratings might be downgraded by one or more rating agencies.

We may be unable to maintain all required licenses and approvals and our business may not fully comply with the wide variety of applicable laws and regulations or the relevant authority’s interpretation of the laws and regulations, which may change from time to time. Also, regulatory authorities have relatively broad discretion to grant, renew or revoke licenses and approvals. If we do not have the requisite licenses and approvals or do not comply with applicable regulatory requirements, the insurance regulatory authorities could preclude or temporarily suspend us from carrying on some or all of our activities or impose substantial fines. Further, insurance regulatory authorities have relatively broad discretion to issue orders of supervision, which permit such authorities to supervise the business and operations of an insurance company. As of 2008, no state insurance regulatory authority had imposed on us any substantial fines or revoked or suspended any of our licenses to conduct insurance business in any state or issued an order of supervision with respect to our insurance subsidiaries, which would have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition.

In addition, LFN and LFD, as well as our variable annuities and variable life insurance products, are subject to regulation and supervision by the SEC and FINRA. Our Investment Management segment, like other investment management companies, is subject to regulation and supervision by the SEC, FINRA, the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board, the Pennsylvania Department of Banking and jurisdictions of the states, territories and foreign countries in which they are licensed to do business. Lincoln UK is subject to regulation by the FSA in the U.K. These laws and regulations generally grant supervisory agencies and self-regulatory organizations broad administrative powers, including the power to limit or restrict the subsidiaries from carrying on their businesses in the event that they fail to comply with such laws and regulations. Finally, our radio operations require a license, subject to periodic renewal, from the Federal Communications Commission to operate. While management considers the likelihood of a failure to renew remote, any station that fails to receive renewal would be forced to cease operations.

Many of the foregoing regulatory or governmental bodies have the authority to review our products and business practices and those of our agents and employees. In recent years, there has been increased scrutiny of our businesses by these bodies, which has included more extensive examinations, regular “sweep” inquiries and more detailed review of disclosure documents. These regulatory or governmental bodies may bring regulatory or other legal actions against us if, in their view, our practices, or those of our agents or employees, are improper. These actions can result in substantial fines, penalties or prohibitions or restrictions on our business activities and could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition.

For further information on regulatory matters relating to us, see “Item 1. Business – Regulatory,” beginning on page 21 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007.

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Item 2.
Unregistered Sales(c)  The following table summarizes purchases of Equity Securities and Use of Proceedsequity securities by the issuer during the quarter ended March 31, 2009 (dollars in millions, except per share data):

(c) The following table summarizes purchases of equity securities by the issuer during the quarter ended September 30, 2008 (dollars in millions, except per share data):

Period

  (a) Total
Number

of Shares
(or Units)
Purchased (1)
  (b) Average
Price Paid
per Share
(or Unit)
  (c) Total Number
of Shares (or Units)
Purchased as Part of
Publicly Announced

Plans or Programs (2)
  (d) Approximate Dollar
Value of Shares (or
Units) that May Yet Be
Purchased Under the
Plans or Programs(3)

7/1/08 - 7/31/08

  3,439  $44.41  —    $1,238.2

8/1/08 - 8/31/08

  684,227   48.76  665,000   1,205.8

9/1/08 - 9/30/08

  344,659   50.93  344,644   1,204.0



  (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  (or Unit)  
Plans or Programs (2)
  
Plans or Programs (3)
 
1/1/09 - 1/31/09  -  $-   -  $1,204 
                 
2/1/09 - 2/28/09  64   9.08   -   1,204 
                 
3/1/09 - 3/31/09  158  (1)   5.62   -   1,204 

(1)

Of the total number of shares purchased, no shares were received in connection with the exercise of stock options and related taxes and 22,681222 shares were withheld for taxes on the vesting of restricted stock.  For the quarter ended September 30, 2008,March 31, 2009, there were 1,009,644no shares purchased as part of publicly announced plans or programs.

(2)

On February 23, 2007, our Board approved a $2 billion increase to our securities repurchase authorization, bringing the total authorization at that time to $2.6 billion.  As of September 30, 2008,March 31, 2009, our security repurchase authorization was $1.2 billion.  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.  The shares repurchased in connection with the awards described in footnote (1)Note 12 are not included in our security repurchase.

(3)

As of the last day of the applicable month.


Item 5.
Other Information

(a) (1) On November 6 2008, J. Patrick Barrett, a director and the non-executive Chairman of the Board of Directors, informed the Board that pursuant to the retirement age policy set forth in Lincoln National Corporation’s (the “Company”) corporate governance guidelines, he would be retiring and resigning from the board at the end of the second day immediately preceding the 2009 annual meeting of shareholders, or May 12, 2009.

(2) Effective November 6, 2008, the board of directors approved amendments to the Company’s Bylaws. The amendments made the following substantive changes:

(i)Article I, Section 3. Place of Meetings. We have deleted reference to the principal office of the Company in Philadelphia.

(ii)Article I, Section 10. Notice of Shareholder Business. The changes provide for additional requirements for shareholders desiring to bring business before an annual meeting. Such shareholders must now disclose, among other things, (a) other shareholder(s) controlling, controlled by or acting in concert with such shareholder (“Shareholder Associated Person”), (b) the number of shares beneficially owned or held of record by the shareholder or any Shareholder Associated Person and any derivative instruments entered into by such persons with respect to the Company’s shares, (c) whether any hedging or other transaction or series of transactions to mitigate potential stock losses or to increase or decrease voting power or pecuniary or economic interests has been made by or on behalf of such persons, and (d) a description of any interest of such shareholder or any Shareholder Associated Person in the business desired to be brought before the meeting. The changes also clarify that except for a proposal properly made pursuant to Rule 14a-8 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, Section 10 is the exclusive means for shareholders to propose business to be brought before an annual meeting and further clarifies that shareholder may not propose business to be brought before a special meeting of shareholders. The changes require the proposing shareholder to update any information given, if necessary, so it is true and correct as of the record date for the annual meeting and provide that if any information submitted is materially inaccurate, then such information may be deemed not to have been properly given in accordance with Section 10.

(iii)

Article I, Section 11. Notice of Shareholder Nominees. The changes set forth the requirement for timely notice, which has not changed, and restates the information required with respect to shareholders (or any Shareholder

146


Associated Person) who wish to nominate persons for election to the board of directors at an annual meeting or special meeting called for such purpose, rather than, in both cases, as before, cross-referencing to Section 10 above. As described in subparagraph (3) above, nominating shareholders must now disclose, among other things, (a) other shareholder(s) controlling, controlled by or acting in concert with such shareholder (“Shareholder Associated Person”), (b) the number of shares beneficially owned or held of record by the shareholder or any Shareholder Associated Person and any derivative instruments entered into by such persons with respect to the Company’s shares, (c) whether any hedging or other transaction or series of transactions to mitigate potential stock losses or to increase or decrease voting power or pecuniary or economic interests has been made by or on behalf of such persons, and (d) to the extent known by the shareholder giving notice, the name and address of any other shareholder supporting the nominee for election as a director. The changes also require additional information regarding the person whom the shareholder proposes to nominate as a director, including (a) the number of shares beneficially owned or held of record by such person and any derivative instruments entered into by such person with respect to the Company’s shares and (b) whether any hedging or other transaction or series of transactions to mitigate potential stock losses or to increase or decrease voting power or pecuniary or economic interests has been made by or on behalf of such person. The changes require the nominating shareholder to update any information given, if necessary, so it is true and correct as of the record date for the meeting and provide that if any information submitted is materially inaccurate, then such information may be deemed not to have been properly given in accordance with Section 11. The changes also give the board of directors the right to request that a nominee furnish the information required to be set forth in the notice of nomination which pertains to the nominee.

(iv)Article II, Section 2. Additional Provisions. We have deleted this section and renumbered the sections that follow and have made conforming changes to other section of the Bylaws. This section included certain corporate governance provisions adopted in connection with our merger with Jefferson-Pilot Corporation and have expired by their terms.

(v)Article VIII, Section 6. Amendment or Repeal. We have added this section to make it clear that no amendment or repeal of the indemnification provisions of Article VIII will adversely affect the rights of any persons under Article VIII with respect to acts or omission occurring prior to the amendment or repeal.

The foregoing is merely a summary of the material amendments to the Company’s by-laws and is qualified in its entirety by the Amended and Restated Bylaws, a copy of which is included as Exhibit 3.1 to this Form 10-Q and is incorporated into this Item 5(a) by reference.

(b) The description in (a)(2)(iii) above is incorporated herein by reference in answer to this Item 5(b).  The description in (a)(2)(iii) is merely a summary of the material changes to the procedures by which shareholders may propose nominees for election to the Company’s board of directors at a shareholder’s meeting and is qualified in its entirety by Article I, Section 11 of the Amended and Restated Bylaws, a copy of which is included as part of Exhibit 3.1 to this Form 10-Q and is incorporated into this Item 5(b) by reference.

Item 6.Exhibits

Exhibits


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

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139


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: 

By:/s/    FREDERICK J. CRAWFORD

 
Frederick J. Crawford
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
By: 

By:/s/    DOUGLAS N. MILLER

 
Douglas N. Miller
Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer
Date:   May 8, 2009

Date: November 10, 2008

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140


LINCOLN NATIONAL CORPORATION

Exhibit Index for the Report on Form 10-Q

For the Quarter Ended September 30, 2008

March 31, 2009

4.1
Senior Indenture, dated March 10, 2009, between LNC and the Bank of New York Mellon incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 4.1 to LNC’s Form S-3ASR (File No. 333-157822) filed with the SEC on March 10, 2009.

  3.1

4.2
Junior Subordinated Indenture, dated March 10, 2009, between LNC and the Bank of New York Mellon incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 4.3 to LNC’s Form S-3ASR (File No.333-157822) filed with the SEC on March 10, 2009.
10.1

Amended and Restated Bylaws

2009 Severance Plan for Officers of Lincoln National Corporation effective November 6, 2008 (marked to show changes),

is filed herewith.

10.1

Amended and Restated Lincoln National Corporation Executives’ Severance Benefit Plan is incorporated by reference to

Exhibit 10.3 of99.1 to LNC’s

Form 10-Q for8-K (File No. 1-6028) filed with the quarter ended June 30, 2008.

SEC on March 19, 2009.
10.2

10.2

Amendment No. 3 to Employment Agreement of Dennis R. Glass, effective as of August 6, 2008,2009 Executive Compensation Matters dated March 30, 2009 is filed herewith.

12.1

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.



E-1