Registration No. 333-
Filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 15,21, 2022
Registration No. 333-
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM S-3
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
EQUITABLE FINANCIAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
NEW YORK
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
13-5570651
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
1290 AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS, NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10104
(212) 554-1234
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number,
including area code, of registrant’s principal executive offices)
SHANE DALY
VICE PRESIDENT AND ASSOCIATE GENERAL COUNSEL
EQUITABLE FINANCIAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
1290 AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS, NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10104
(212) 554-1234
(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number,
including area code, of agent for service)
Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: As soon after the effective date of this Registration Statement as is practicable.
If the only securities being registered on this Form are being offered pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following box. ☐
If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or interest reinvestment plans, check the following box: ☒
If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list the Securities Act Registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ☐
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ☐
If this Form is a registration statement pursuant to General Instruction I.D. or a post-effective amendment thereto that shall become effective upon filing with the commission pursuant to Rule 462(e) under the Securities Act, check the following box. ☐
If this Form is a post-effective amendment to a registration statement filed pursuant to General Instruction I.D. filed to register additional securities or additional classes of securities pursuant to Rule 413(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box. ☐
Pursuant to Rule 429 under the Securities Act of 1933, the prospectusprospectuses contained herein also relatesrelated to Registration Statement No. 333-253036.333-251414. Upon effectiveness, this Registration Statement, which is a new Registration Statement, will also act as a post-effective amendment to such earlier Registration Statement.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
| Large accelerated filer | [ ] | Accelerated filer | ||||||
| Non-accelerated filer | ☒ | (do not check if a smaller reporting company) | Smaller reporting company | |||||
| Emerging growth company | ☐ | |||||||
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act. [_]Act . ☐
The Registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this Registration Statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 or until this Registration Statement shall become effective on such date as the Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.
Structured Capital Strategies® 16
A variable
Market Stabilizer Option®
Issued by Equitable Financial Life Insurance Company and index-linked individual and group flexible premium deferred annuity contractEquitable Financial Life Insurance Company of America
Prospectus dated May 1, 2022
Equitable Financial Life Insurance Company
Separate Account No. 49
Please read and keep this Prospectus for future reference. It contains important information that you should know before purchasing or taking any other action under your contract. You shouldpolicy. Also, this Prospectus must be read along with the prospectuses for each Trust which contain importantappropriate variable life insurance policy prospectus. This Prospectus is in addition to the appropriate variable life insurance policy prospectus and all information aboutin the portfolios.appropriate variable life insurance policy prospectus continues to apply unless addressed by this Prospectus.
What is Structured Capital Strategies® 16?
Structured Capital Strategies® 16 is a variable and index-linked individual and group flexible premium deferred annuity contract issued by Equitable Financial Life Insurance Company (the “Company”, “we”, “our” and “us”).Equitable Financial Life Insurance Company of America issue the Market Stabilizer Option® described in this Prospectus. The Structured Capital StrategiesMarket Stabilizer Option® is available only under certain variable life insurance policies that we offer and may not be available through your financial professional.
What is the Market Stabilizer Option® contract?
The Market Stabilizer Option® (“MSO”) is offered in various classes, called Series B, Series C and Series ADV. The contracts provide for the accumulation of retirement savings. The contract also offers a number of payout options. You invest to accumulate value on a tax-deferred basis in one or more of ouran investment options: (1) variable investment options listed in Appendix “Portfolio Companiesoption available under certain variable life insurance policies. The option provides for participation in the contract”, (2)performance of the S&P 500 Price Return index, which excludes dividends (the “Index”) up to the Growth Cap Rate that we set on the Segment Types ofStart Date. While the Structured Investment Option listed inGrowth Cap Rate is set at the “Overview”, or (3)Company’s sole discretion, the DollarGrowth Cap Averaging Program. The SIO gives youRate will not change during a Segment Term and the opportunity to earn interest thatGrowth Cap Rate will always be at least 6%. On the Segment Maturity Date, we will creditapply the Index-Linked Rate of Return to the Segment Account Value based in part, on the performance of the Index. If the performance of the Index has been positive for the Segment Term and equal to or below the Growth Cap Rate, we will apply to the Segment Account Value an externalIndex-Linked Rate of Return equal to the full Index performance. If the performance of the Index has been positive for the Segment Term and above the Growth Cap Rate, we will apply an Index-Linked Rate of Return equal to the Growth Cap Rate. If the Index has negative performance, the Index-Linked Rate of Return will be 0% unless the Index performance goes below -25% for the Segment Term. In that case only the negative performance in excess of -25% will be applied to the Segment Account Value and you bear the entire risk of loss of principal and previously credited interest for the portion of negative performance that exceeds -25%. Please see “Index-Linked Return” in “Description of the Market Stabilizer Option®” in this Prospectus.
Please note that you will not be credited with any positive Index performance with respect to amounts that are removed from a Segment prior to the Segment Maturity Date. Even when the Index performance has been positive, such Early Distributions will cause you to lose some principal and previously credited interest. Please see “Early Distribution Adjustment” in this Prospectus.
Although under the variable life insurance policy, we reserve the right to apply a transfer charge up to $25 for each transfer among your investment options, there are no transfer
charges for transfers into or out of the MSO Holding Account. Please note that once policy account value has been swept from the MSO Holding Account into a Segment, transfers into or out of that Segment before its Segment Maturity Date will not be permitted. In addition, you cannot take a partial withdrawal from amounts transferred into a Segment before a Segment Maturity Date.
Among the many terms associated with the Market Stabilizer Option® are:
Index-linked investment options are complex insurance
This Prospectus is a disclosure document and describes the contract’s material features, benefits, rights and obligations,Put Option Factor, as well as other information. The description of the contract’s material provisionsexplained in this Prospectus, is current as of the date of this Prospectus. If certain material provisions under the contract are changed after the date of this Prospectus in accordance with the contract, those changes willand that loss could potentially be described in a supplement to this Prospectus. You should carefully read this Prospectus in conjunction with any applicable supplements. The contract should also be read carefully.
Types of contracts.substantial. We offer the contracts for use as:
The contract may not currently be available in all states. In addition, certain features described in this Prospectus may vary in your state. Not all Indices are available in all states. For a state-by-state description of all material variations to this
contract, see Appendix “State contract availability and/or variations of certain features and benefits”. We can refuse to accept any application or contribution from you at any time, including after you purchase the contract.
We reserve the right to discontinue the acceptance of, and/or place additional limitations on, contributions into certain investment options, including any or all of the Segments comprising the Structured Investment Option. If we exercise this right, your ability to invest in your contract, increase your account value and, consequently, increase your death benefit will be limited.
Please refer to page 40 of this Prospectus for a discussion of risk factors.
In addition to the variable investment options, we also offer our Structured Investment Option, which permits you to invest in one or more Segments, each of which provides performance tied to the performance of a securities index or exchange-traded fund for a set period (1 year, 3 years or 5 years). The Structured Investment Option does not involve an investment in any underlying portfolio. Instead, it is an obligation of the Company. Unlike an index fund, the Structured Investment Option provides a return at Segment maturity designed to provide a combination of protection against certain decreases in the index and a limitation on participation in certain increases in the index through the use of Performance Cap Rates. Our minimum Performance Cap Rates for 1, 3, and 5-year Standard Segments are 2%, 6%, and 10% respectively. Our minimum Performance Cap Rate
If you are a new investor in the contract, you may cancel your contract within 10 days of receiving it without paying fees or penalties. In some states, this cancellation period may be longer. Upon cancellation, you will receive either a full refund of the amount you paid with your application or your account value. You should review this prospectus, or consult with your financial professional, for additional information about the specific cancellation terms that apply.
The Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”)SEC has not approved or disapproved these securities or determined if this Prospectus is accurate or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense. The contracts are not insured by the FDIC or any other agency. They are not deposits or other obligations of any bank and are not bank guaranteed. They are subject to investment risks and possible loss of principal.
SCS
#263903
for 5-year Choice Segments is 10%. Our minimum Performance Cap Rate for Annual Lock Segments is 2%. We will not open a Segment with a Performance Cap Rate below the applicable minimum Performance Cap Rate. The extent of the downside protection at Segment maturity varies by segment, ranging from the first 10% to 30% of loss. All guarantees are subject to the Company’s claims paying ability. There is a risk of a substantial loss of your principal and previously credited interest becauseinterest.
| EVM-109 (5/22) | Cat # 145364 (5/22) #154353 | |
| NB/IF IL 99, IL Optimizer II, COIL IS, COIL IS Series 162 (EFLIC only); IL Optimizer III, IL Legacy II, IL Legacy III, VUL Optimizer, VUL Legacy (EFLIC/EFLOA) |
should carefully consider whether to make such distributions and/or maintain enough value in your Unloaned Guaranteed Interest Option (“Unloaned GIO”) and/or variable investment options to cover your monthly deductions. The Unloaned GIO is the portion of the Guaranteed Interest Option (“GIO”) that is not being held to secure policy loans you have taken. As described in this Prospectus, we will attempt to maintain a reserve (Charge Reserve Amount) to cover your monthly deductions, but it is possible that the Charge Reserve Amount will be insufficient to cover your monthly deductions. |
These are only some of the terms associated with the Market Stabilizer Option®. Please read this Prospectus for more details about the Market Stabilizer Option®. Also, this Prospectus must be read along with the appropriate variable life insurance policy prospectus as well as the appropriate variable life insurance policy and policy rider for this option. Please refer to absorb all lossespage 5 of this Prospectus for a Definitions section that discusses these and other terms associated with the Market Stabilizer Option®. Please refer to the extent they exceed the downside protection (the “Segment Buffer”) providedpage 9 of this Prospectus for a discussion of risk factors.
Other policies. We offer a variety of fixed and variable life insurance policies which offer policy features, including investment options, that are different from those offered by the Structured Investment Option at segment maturity. If you would like a guarantee of principal, we offerthis Prospectus. Not every policy or feature is offered through your financial professional. You can contact us to find out more about any other products that provide such guarantees.insurance policy.
The total amount earned on an investment in a SegmentMarket Stabilizer Option® is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by Standard & Poor’s (“S&P”) or its third party licensors. Neither S&P nor its third party licensors makes any representation or warranty, express or implied, to the owners of the Structured InvestmentMarket Stabilizer Option is only applied at Segment maturity. If you surrender, annuitize,® or cancel your variable annuity contract, die or take a withdrawal from a Segment on any date prior to Segment maturity, we calculate the interim valuemember of the Segment as describedpublic regarding the advisability of investing in Appendix “Segment Interim Value”. This amount may be less than the amount invested and may be less than the amount you would receive had you held the investment until Segment maturity. The Segment Interim Value willsecurities generally be negatively affected by increasesor in the expected volatilityMarket Stabilizer Option® particularly or the ability of index prices, interest rate increases, and by poor market performance. All other factors being equal, the Segment Interim Value would generally be lower the earlier a withdrawal is made during a Segment. Also, participation in upside performance for early withdrawals is pro-rated based on the period those amounts were invested in a Segment. This means you participate to a lesser extent in upside performance the earlier you take a withdrawal.
We currently offer the Structured Investment Option using the following Indices:
Indices
which is determined, composed and calculated by S&P or its third party licensors without regard to the Company or the Market Stabilizer Option®. S&P and its third party licensors have no obligation to take the needs of the Company or the owners of the Market Stabilizer Option® into consideration in determining, composing or calculating the Index. Neither S&P nor its third party licensors is responsible for and has
You can purchase this contractnot participated in onethe determination of three ways: (i) as a Series B contract,the prices and amount of the Market Stabilizer Option® or the timing of the issuance or sale of the Market Stabilizer Option® or in the determination or calculation of the equation by which has withdrawal charges, (ii) as a Series C contract, whichthe Market Stabilizer Option® is to be converted into cash. S&P has no withdrawal charges,obligation or (iii) as a Series ADV contract, if you are a participantliability in an account established under a fee-based program sponsored by a registered investment adviser that we accept, which has no withdrawal charges.
The principal underwritersconnection with the administration, marketing or trading of the contract are Equitable Advisors, LLC (Equitable Financial Advisors in MI and TN), (“Equitable Advisors”) and Equitable Distributors, LLC (“Equitable Distributors”), (together, the “Distributors”)Market Stabilizer Option®. The offering of the contract is intended to be continuous.
Additional information about certain investment products, including variable annuities, has been prepared by the Securities and Exchange Commission’s staff and is available at Investor.gov.
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| 1. Definitions | 5 | |
| 2. Key Features of the Market Stabilizer Option® | 7 | |
| 3. Fee Table Summary | 8 | |
| 4. Risk Factors | 9 | |
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| 5. Description of the Market Stabilizer Option® | 12 | |
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How | 15 | |
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When we address the reader of this Prospectus with words such as “you““you” and “your,“” we mean the person who has the right or responsibility that the Prospectus is discussing at that point. This is usually the contractpolicy owner.
When we use the word “contract“ it also includes certificates that are issued under group contracts in some states.
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Account Value — Your “account value” is the total of: (i) the values you have in the variable investment options, (ii) the values you have in the Segment Type Holding Accounts and (iii) your Segment Interim Values.
Annual Lock Anniversary — The end of each Annual Lock Period.
Annual Lock Anniversary Ending Amount — The amount on an Annual Lock Anniversary calculated for the first Annual Lock Period by adding the Annual Lock Yearly Return Amount to the Segment Investment, as adjusted for any withdrawals from that Segment. For subsequent Annual Lock Periods the amount is calculated by adding the Annual Lock Yearly Return Amount to the previous Annual Lock Anniversary Starting Amount, as adjusted for any withdrawals from that Segment. The Annual Lock Anniversary Ending Amount is used solely to calculate the Segment Maturity Value for Annual Lock Segments. The Annual Lock Anniversary Ending Amount is not credited to the contract, is not the Segment Interim Value and cannot be received upon surrender or withdrawal.
Annual Lock Anniversary Starting Amount — The Annual Lock Anniversary Starting Amount for the first Annual Lock Period is equal to the Segment Investment, as adjusted for any withdrawals from that Segment. For subsequent Annual Lock Periods, it is equal to the Annual Lock Anniversary Ending Amount for the prior Annual Lock Period, as adjusted for any withdrawals from that Segment. The Annual Lock Anniversary Starting Amount is not credited to the contract, is not the Segment Interim Value and cannot be received upon surrender or withdrawal.
Annual Lock Period — Each of the one-year periods during an Annual Lock Segment.
Annual Lock Segment — Any multi-year duration Segment belonging to a Segment Type whose name includes “Annual Lock”. Unlike other Segments, your return is cumulatively calculated based on Index performance each Annual Lock Period subject to the Performance Cap Rate and Segment Buffer.
Annual Lock Yearly Rate of Return — The Rate of Return for an Annual Lock Segment during an Annual Lock Period as calculated on the Annual Lock Anniversary. If the Index Performance Rate is positive, then the Annual Lock Yearly Rate of Return is a rate equal to the Index Performance Rate, but not more than the Performance Cap Rate. If the Index Performance Rate is negative, but declines by a percentage less than or equal to the Segment Buffer, then the Annual Lock Yearly Rate of Return is 0%. If the Index Performance Rate is negative, and declines by more than the Segment Buffer, then the Annual Lock Yearly Rate of Return is negative, but will not reflect the amount of the Segment Buffer (i.e., the first -10% of downside performance).
Annual Lock Yearly Return Amount — Equals the Segment Investment multiplied by the Annual Lock Yearly Rate of Return for the first Annual Lock Period. For subsequent Annual Lock Periods, it is equal to the Annual Lock Anniversary Starting Amount multiplied by the corresponding Annual Lock Yearly Rate of Return.
Annuitant — The “annuitant” is the person who is the measuring life for determining the contract’s maturity date. The annuitant is not necessarily the contract owner. Where the owner of a contract is non-natural, the annuitant is the measuring life for determining contract benefits.
Business Day — Our “business day” is generally any day the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) is open for regular trading and generally ends at 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time (or as of an earlier close of regular trading). If the SEC determines the existence of emergency conditions on any day, and consequently, the NYSE does not open, then that day is not a business day.
Cash Value — At any time before annuity payments begin, your contract’s cash value is equal to the account value less any applicable withdrawal charges.
Choice Cost — a charge applicable to investments in Choice Segments only. The Choice cost is an amount equal to 1% of the Segment Investment on the Segment Start Date for each year of the Segment Duration. On the Segment Maturity Date, we deduct the Choice cost from the Index Performance Rate of a Choice Segment, but only if the Index Performance Rate is positive for that Segment. Additionally, when we calculate the Segment Rate of Return, if the Index Performance Rate is positive for a Choice Segment but less than the applicable Choice cost, the amount of the Choice cost deducted will be the maximum amount that will not cause the Segment Maturity Value to be less than the Segment Investment. The Segment Interim Value for a Choice Segment will reflect application of a portion of the Choice cost.
Choice Segment — any Segment belonging to a Segment Type whose name begins with “Choice”. Unlike other Segments, Choice Segments are subject to application of the Choice cost. Choice Segments are riders to the contract and may not be available for certain contracts.
Contract Date — The “contract date” is the effective date of a contract. This usually is the business day we receive the properly completed and signed application, along with any other required documents, and your initial contribution. Your contract date will be shown in your contract.
Contract date anniversary — The end of each 12 month period is your “contract date anniversary.” For example, if your contract date is May 1, your contract date anniversary is April 30.
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Contract Year — The 12 month period beginning on your contract date and each 12 month period after that date is a “contract year.”
Dollar Cap Averaging Program — Our Dollar Cap Averaging Program allows for the systematic transfer of amounts in the dollar cap averaging account into the Segment Type Holding Accounts.
Index — An Index is used to determine the Segment Rate of Return for a Segment. We currently offer Segment Types based on the performance of (1) securities indices or (2) exchange-traded funds. Throughout this Prospectus, we refer to these indices and exchange-traded funds using the term “Index” or, collectively, “Indices.” In the future, we may offer Segment Types based on other types of Indices.
Index Performance Rate — For a Segment, the percentage change in the value of the related Index from the Segment Start Date to the Segment Maturity Date or from the Segment Start Date to the first Annual Lock Anniversary (and thereafter from one Annual Lock Anniversary to the next) for Annual Lock Segments. The Index Performance Rate may be positive, negative or zero.
IRA — Individual retirement annuity contract, either traditional IRA or Roth IRA (may also refer to an individual retirement account or an individual retirement arrangement).
IRS — Internal Revenue Service.
NQ Contract — Nonqualified contract.
Owner — The “owner” is the person who is the named owner in the contract and, if an individual, is the measuring life for determining contract benefits.
Performance Cap Rate — For Standard Segments and Choice Segments the Performance Cap Rate is the highest Segment Rate of Return that can be credited on a Segment Maturity Date. For Annual Lock Segments the Performance Cap Rate is the highest Annual Lock Yearly Rate of Return that can be applied on an Annual Lock Anniversary. The Performance Cap Rate is not an annual rate of return.
Performance Cap Threshold — A minimum rate you may specify as a participation requirement that the Performance Cap Rate for a new Segment must equal or exceed in order for amounts to be transferred from a Segment Type Holding Account into a new Segment.
QP Contract — An annuity contract that is an investment vehicle for a qualified plan.
Segment — An investment option we establish with the Index, Segment Duration and Segment Buffer of a specific Segment Type, and for which we also specify a Segment Maturity Date and Performance Cap Rate. We currently offer Standard Segments, Annual Lock Segments and Choice Segments.
Segment Buffer — The portion of any negative Index Performance Rate that the Segment Buffer absorbs on a Segment Maturity Date or each Annual Lock Anniversary for a
particular Segment. Any percentage decline in a Segment’s Index Performance Rate in excess of the Segment Buffer reduces your Segment Maturity Value and any Annual Lock Anniversary Ending Amount. We currently offer Segment Buffers of -10%, -20% and -30% for Standard Segments, -10% for Annual Lock Segments and -10%, -15% and -25% for Choice Segments.
Segment Business Day — A business day that all Indices underlying available Segments are scheduled to be open and to publish prices. A scheduled holiday for any one Index disqualifies that day from being scheduled as a Segment Business Day for all Segments. We use Segment Business Days in this manner so that, based on published holiday schedules, we mature all Segments on the same day and start all new Segments on a subsequent day. This design, among other things, facilitates the roll over of maturing Segment Investments into new Segments.
Segment Duration — The period from the Segment Start Date to the Segment Maturity Date. We currently offer Segment Durations of 1 year, 3 years or 5 years.
Segment Interim Value — The value of your investment in a Segment prior to the Segment Maturity Date.
Segment Investment — The amount transferred to a Segment on its Segment Start Date, as adjusted for any withdrawals from that Segment.
Segment Maturity Date — The Segment Business Day on which a Segment ends.
Segment Maturity Date Requirement — You will not be permitted to invest in a Segment if the Segment Maturity Date is later than your contract maturity date.
Segment Maturity Value — The value of your investment in a Segment on the Segment Maturity Date.
Segment Option — Comprises all Standard Segments, Annual Lock Segments or Choice Segments.
Segment Participation Requirements — The requirements that must be met before we transfer amounts from a Segment Type Holding Account to a new Segment on a Segment Start Date.
Segment Rate of Return — The rate of return earned by a Segment as calculated on the Segment Maturity Date. The Segment Rate of Return is calculated differently for Standard Segments, Annual Lock Segments and Choice Segments.
Segment Return Amount — Equals the Segment Investment multiplied by the Segment Rate of Return.
Segment Start Date — The Segment Business Day on which a new Segment is established.
Segment Type — Comprises a Segment Option having the same Index, Segment Duration and Segment Buffer. Each Segment Type has a corresponding Segment Type Holding Account.
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Segment Type Holding Account — An account that holds all contributions and transfers allocated to a Segment Type pending investment in a Segment. There is a Segment Type Holding Account for each Segment Type. The Segment Type Holding Accounts are part of the EQ/Money Market variable investment option.
Standard Segment — Any Segment belonging to a Segment Type whose name includes “Standard”.
Structured Investment Option — An investment option that permits you to invest in various Segments, each tied to the performance of an Index, and participate in the performance of that Index.
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Important Information You Should Consider About The Contract
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| Annual Fee | Minimum | Maximum | ||
| Base Contract Fee (Variable Investment Option Fee) (varies by contract series)(1)(2) | 0.25% | 1.65% | ||
| Investment options (Portfolio fees and expenses)(3) | —% | —% | ||
| Optional benefits available for an additional charge (for a Choice Segment, if elected)(4) | 5.00% | 5.00% | ||
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Purpose of the Contract
The contract is designed to help you accumulate assets through investments in the SIO and underlying Portfolios during the accumulation phase. It can provide or supplement your retirement income by providing a stream of income payments during the annuity phase. It also provides death benefits to protect your beneficiaries. The contract may be appropriate if you have a long-term investment horizon. It is not intended for people who may need to access invested funds within a short-term timeframe or frequently, or who intend to engage in frequent transfers of the underlying Portfolios.
Phases of the Contract
The contract has two phases: an accumulation (savings) phase and an income (annuity) phase.
Accumulation (Savings) Phase
During the accumulation phase, you can allocate your contributions to one or more of the available investment options, which include:
For additional information about each underlying Portfolio see Appendix “Portfolio Companies available under the contract.”
Income (Annuity) Phase
You enter the income phase when you annuitize your contract. During the income phase, you will receive a stream of fixed income payments for the annuity payout period of time you elect. You can elect to receive annuity payments (1) for life; (2) for life with a certain minimum number of payments; or (3) for life with a certain amount of payment. Please note that when you annuitize, your investments are converted to income payments and you will no longer be able to make any additional withdrawals from your contract. All accumulation phase benefits terminate upon annuitization and the contract has a maximum annuity commencement date.
Contract Features
The contract provides for the accumulation of retirement savings and income. The contract offers death benefit protection and various payout options.
Access to Your Money
During the accumulation phase you can take withdrawals from your contract. Withdrawals will reduce your account value and may be subject to withdrawal charges, income
taxes and a tax penalty if you are younger than 59 1⁄2. Withdrawals will also generally reduce your guaranteed benefits and the amount of the reduction may be greater than the dollar amount of the withdrawal. Withdrawals from Segments prior to Segment maturity will also be subject to an interim value adjustment, which could result in losses of up to 90% of the Segment Investment.
Death Benefit
Your contract includes a standard death benefit that pays your beneficiaries an amount equal to your account value.
Dollar Cap Averaging
You can elect to allocate your investments using a dollar cap averaging program at no additional charge.
Other contracts
We offer a variety of fixed and variable annuity contracts. They may offer features, including investment options, credits, fees, death or income guarantee benefits and/or charges that are different from those in the contracts offered by this Prospectus. Not every contract is offered through every selling broker-dealer. Some selling broker-dealers may not offer and/or limit the offering of certain features or options, as well as limit the availability of the contracts, based on issue age or other criteria established by the selling broker-dealer. Upon request, your financial professional can show you information regarding our other annuity contracts that he or she distributes. You can also contact us to find out more about the availability of any of our annuity contracts.
You should work with your financial professional to decide whether this contract and any optional benefit is appropriate for you based on a thorough analysis of your particular insurance needs, financial objectives, investment goals, tax planning needs, time horizons and risk tolerance.
Segments
The Segments of the SIO give you the opportunity to earn interest that we will credit based, in part, on the performance of an external index over a set period of time, although you could also experience a negative return and a significant loss of principal and previously credited interest. We calculate the Segment Return Amount on the Segment Maturity Date based on the change in index performance from the Segment Start Date to the Segment Maturity Date (or from the Segment Start Date to the first Annual Lock Anniversary (and thereafter from each Annual Lock Anniversary to the next) for Annual Lock Segments), and this Segment Rate of Return could be positive, zero, or negative. There is a risk of a substantial loss of your principal because you agree to absorb all losses to the extent they exceed the applicable Segment Buffer. We may apply aPerformance Cap
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Rate to the Segment Rate of Return, subject to a guaranteed minimum rate, which may limit your participation in any increases in the underlying Index associated with a Segment. Below are the Segments available with your contract.
Segment Option | Segment | Segment Buffer | Minimum Performance Cap Rate | |||
| Standard1 | 5 year 3 year 1 year | -10%; -20%; -30% -10%; -20% -10% | 10% 6% 2% | |||
| Annual Lock2 | 5 year | -10% | 2% | |||
| Choice3 | 5 year | -10%; -15%; -25% | 10% |
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See “Segment Investment Option” in “Purchasing the contract” for more information about Segments and the Indice(s) available for each Segment.
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The following tables describe the fees and expenses that you will pay when buying, owning, surrendering or making withdrawals from the contract. Each of the charges and expenses is more fully described in “Charges and expenses”. Please refer to your contract specifications page for information about the specific fees you will pay each year based on the options you have elected.
The first table describes fees and expenses that you will pay at the time that you surrender the contract or if you make certain withdrawals, transfers or request special services. Charges designed to approximate certain taxes that may be imposed on us, such as premium taxes in your state, may also apply.
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| Series B | Series C | Series ADV | ||||
| Sales Load Imposed on Purchases | None | None | None | |||
| Withdrawal Charge (as a percentage of contributions withdrawn) | 5.00%(1) | None | None | |||
| Transfer Fee(2) | $35 | $35 | $35 | |||
| Third Party Transfer or Exchange Fee(3) | $125 | $125 | $125 | |||
| Special Service Charges(4) | $90 | $90 | $90 | |||
| Segment Interim Value (applies for distributions from a Segment of the SIO prior to the Segment Maturity Date)(5) | 90% of Segment Investment | 90% of Segment Investment | 90% of Segment Investment | |||
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| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6+ | |||||||
| 5% | 5% | 5% | 4% | 3% | 0% | |||||||
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The next table describes the fees and expenses that you will payeach yearduring the time that you own the contract (not including Portfolio fees and expenses). If you choose to purchase an optional benefit, you will pay additional charges, as shown below.
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| Series B | Series C | Series ADV | ||||
| Base Contract Fee (Variable Investment Option Fee) (as a percentage of daily net assets in the variable investment options, including the Segment Type Holding Accounts)(1) | 1.25% | 1.65% | 0.25%(2) | |||
| Optional Benefits Expenses | ||||||
| Choice Segments with 5-year Segment Duration(3) | 5.00% | 5.00% | 5.00% | |||
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The next item shows the minimum and maximum total operating expenses charged by the underlying Portfolios that you may pay periodically during the time that you own the contract. A complete list of Portfolios available under the contact, including their annual expenses, may be found at the back of this document. See Appendix “Portfolio Companies available under the contract.” These expenses are for the period ended December 31, 2021, and may fluctuate from year to year.
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Example
These Examples are intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the contract with the cost of investing in other variable annuity contracts. These costs include transaction expenses, annual contract expenses, and annual Portfolio expenses.
These Examples assume that you invest $100,000 in the contract for the time periods indicated. The Examples also assume that your investment has a 5% return each year and assumes the most expensive combination of annual Portfolio expenses, Choice Segments with 5-year Segment Duration and that all account value is in the variable investment options.
Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, your cost would be:
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We are Equitable Financial Life Insurance Company
Equitable Financial Life Insurance Company, is a New York stock life insurance corporation. We have been doing business since 1859. The Company is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Equitable Holdings, Inc. No other company has any legal responsibility to pay amounts that the Company owes under the contracts.policies. The Company is solely responsible for paying all amounts owed to you under your contract.policy.
Equitable Holdings, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries managed approximately $ billion in assets as of December 31, 2021. For more than 160 years the Company has been among the largest insurance companies in the United States. We are licensed to sell life insurance and annuities in all fifty states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Our home office is located at 1290 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10104.
15Equitable Financial Life Insurance Company of America
Equitable Financial Life Insurance Company of America, is an Arizona stock life insurance corporation organized in 1969. The Company is an affiliate of Equitable Financial Life Insurance Company and an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Equitable Holdings, Inc. No other company has any legal responsibility to pay amounts that the Company owes under the policies. The Company is solely responsible for paying all amounts owed to you under your policy.
The Company is licensed to sell life insurance and annuities in forty-nine states (not including New York), the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Our main administrative office is located at 525 Washington Boulevard, Jersey City, NJ 07310.
How to reach us
Please communicate with us atrefer to the mailing addresses listed below“How to reach us” section of the variable life insurance policy prospectus for the purposes described. You can also use our Equitable Client portal to accessmore information about your account and to complete certain requests through the Internet. Certain methods ofregarding contacting us such as by telephone or electronically, may be unavailable or delayed. For example, our facsimile service may not be available at all times and/or we may be unavailable due to emergency closing. In addition, the level and type of service available may be restricted based on criteria established by us. In order to avoid delays in processing, please sendcommunicating your correspondence and check to the appropriate location, as follows:
For correspondence with checks:
For contributions sent by regular mail:
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For contributions sent by express delivery:
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For correspondence without checks:
For all other communications (e.g., requests for transfers, withdrawals, or required notices) sent by regular mail:
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For all other communications (e.g., requests for transfers, withdrawals, or required notices) sent by express delivery:
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Your correspondence will be picked up at the mailing address noted above and delivered to our processing office. Your correspondence, however, is not considered received by us until it is received at our processing office. Where this Prospectus refers to the day when we receive a contribution, request, election, notice, transfer or any other transaction request from you, we mean the day on which that item (or the last thing necessary for us to process that item) arrives in complete and proper form at our processing office or via the appropriate telephone or fax number if the item is a type we accept by those means. There are two main exceptions: if the item arrives (1) on a day that is not a business day or (2) after the close of a business day, then, in each case, we are deemed to have received that item on the next business day. Our processing office is: 8501 IBM Dr, Ste 150-IR, Charlotte, NC 28262.
Reports we provide:
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For jointly owned contracts (if applicable), we provide reports to the primary joint owner’s address on file.
See “Definition of key terms” for a more detailed explanation of terms associated with the Structured Investment Option.
Equitable Client portal:
With your Equitable Client portal account you can expect:
Don’t forget to sign up for eDelivery!
Visit equitable.com and click sign in to register today.
Equitable Client portal is normally available seven days a week, 24 hours a day. Of course, for reasons beyond our control, this service may sometimes be unavailable.
We have established procedures to reasonably confirm that the instructions communicated through the Internet are genuine. For example, we will require certain personal identification information before we will act on Internet instructions and we will provide written confirmation of your transfers. If we do not employ reasonable procedures to confirm the genuineness of Internet instructions, we may be liable for any losses arising out of any act or omission that constitutes negligence, lack of good faith, or willful misconduct. In light of our procedures, we will not be liable for following Internet instructions we reasonably believe to be genuine.
We reserve the right to limit access to this service if we determine that you engaged in a disruptive transfer activity such as “market timing” (see “Disruptive transfer activity” in “Transferring your money among investment options”).
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Customer service representative:
You may also use our toll-free number (1-877-899-3743) to speak with one of our customer service representatives. Our customer service representatives are available on the following business days.
We require that the following types of communications be on specific forms we provide for that purpose:
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To cancel or change any of the following, we require written notification generally at least seven calendar days before the next scheduled transaction:
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instructions. We also have specific forms that we recommend you use for electing the following types of requests:
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To cancel or change any of the following, we require written notification generally at least seven calendar days before the next scheduled transaction:
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You must sign and date all these requests. Any written request that is not on one of our forms must include your name and your contract number along with adequate details about the notice you wish to give or the action you wish us to take. Some requests may be completed online; you can use our Equitable Client portal to contact us and to complete such requests through the Internet. In the future, we may require that certain requests be completed online.
Signatures:
The proper person to sign forms, notices and requests would normally be the owner. If there are joint owners, both must sign.
eDelivery:
You can register to receive statements and other documents electronically. You can do so by visiting our website at www.equitable.com.MSO transactions.
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1. Purchasing the contractDefinitions
How you can purchase and contributeCash Surrender Value —the cash surrender value is equal to the difference between your contract
You may purchase a contract by making payments to us that we call “contributions.” We can refuse to accept any contribution from you at any time, including after you purchase the contract. We require a minimum initial contribution of $25,000. Maximum contribution limitations also apply. Minimum subsequent contribution amounts vary by contract type. See Appendix “Contributions” for the minimum subsequent contribution amount for each contract type, as well as, additional limitations on contributions. For a traditional IRA contract, your initial contribution must be a direct transfer from another traditional IRA or a rollover from an eligible retirement plan (including another traditional IRA). For a Roth IRA contract, your initial contribution must be a direct transfer from another Roth IRA or a rollover from an eligible retirement plan including traditional IRA or another Roth IRA. For a QP contract, your initial contribution and any subsequent contributions must be a direct transfer from other investments within an existing qualified plan trust. Both the owner and annuitant named in the contract must meet the issue age requirements shown in the table, and contributions are based on the age of the older of the original owner and annuitant. Subsequent contributions may not be permitted in your state. Please see Appendix “State contract availability and/or variations of certain features and benefits” for any applicable state variations.
We reserve the right to change our current limitations on your contributions and to discontinue acceptance of contributions.
We currently do not accept any contribution if (i) the aggregate contributions under one or more Structured Capital Strategies® contracts with the same owner or annuitant would then total more than $1,500,000; or (ii) the aggregate contributions under all our annuity accumulation contracts with the same owner or annuitant would then total more than $2,500,000, without prior approval. We may waive these and other contribution limitations based on certain criteria we determine, including issue age, aggregate contributions, variable investment option allocations and selling broker-dealer compensation. These and other contribution limitations may not be applicable in your state. Please see Appendix “State contract availability and/or variations of certain features and benefits” for more information on state variations.
Upon advance notice to you, we may exercise certain rights we have under the contract regarding contributions, including our rights to:
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We reserve the right in our sole discretion to discontinue the acceptance of, and/or place additional limitations on contributions and transfers into certain investment options, including any or all of the Segment Types. If we exercise this right, your ability to invest in your contract, increase yourpolicy account value and consequently, increaseany surrender charges that are in effect under your death benefitpolicy. The Segment Distribution Value is used to determine the policy account value for this purpose.
Company — Refers to Equitable Financial Life Insurance Company of America (“Equitable America”) or Equitable Financial Life Insurance Company (“Equitable Financial”). The terms “we”, “us”, and “our” are also used to identify the issuing Company. Equitable America does not do business or issue contracts in the state of New York. Generally, Equitable America will issue contracts in all states except New York and Equitable Financial will issue contracts in New York. However, if the primary selling agent is an Equitable Advisors financial professional whose business address is in the state of New York, the issuing Company will be limited.
Owner and annuitant requirements
Under NQ contracts, the annuitant can be different from the owner. Only natural persons can be joint owners. This means that an entity such as a corporation cannot be a joint owner. We reserve the right to prohibit availability of this contract to any non-natural owner.
Owners which are not individuals may be required to complete the appropriate Form W-8 describing the entity type to avoid 30% FATCA withholding from U.S.-source income.
For NQ contracts (with a single owner, joint owners, or a non-natural owner) we permit the naming of joint annuitants only when the contract is purchased through an exchange that is intended not to be taxable under Section 1035 of the Internal Revenue Code and only where the joint annuitants are spouses.
Under all IRA contracts, the owner and annuitant must be the same person. In some cases, an IRA contract may be held in a custodial individual retirement account for the benefit of the individual annuitant.
For the Spousal continuation feature to apply, the spouses must either be joint owners, or, for single owner contracts, the surviving spouse must be the sole primary beneficiary. The determination of spousal status is made under applicable state law. However, in the event of a conflict between federal and state law, we follow federal rules. Certain same-sex civil union and domestic partners may not be eligible for tax benefits under federal law and may be required to take post-death distributions.
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In general, we will not permit a contract to be owned by a minor unless it is pursuant to the Uniform Gift to Minors Act or the Uniform Transfers to Minors Act in your state.
Under QP contracts, the owner must be the qualified plan trust and the annuitant must be the plan participant/employee. See Appendix “Purchase considerations of defined benefit and defined contribution plans” for more information on QP contracts.
In certain states, where QP contracts are not available, we permit defined benefit and defined contribution plan trusts to use pooled plan assets to purchase NQ contracts. See Appendix “Purchase considerations for defined benefit and defined contribution plans”.
In this Prospectus, when we use the terms owner and joint owner, we intend these to be references to annuitant and joint annuitant, respectively, if the contract has a non-natural owner. Unless otherwise stated,Equitable Financial, even if the contract is jointly owned or is issued toin a state other than New York.
non-naturalCharge Reserve Amount owner, benefits are based on — A minimum amount of policy account value in the ageUnloaned GIO (the portion of the older joint owner or older joint annuitant, as applicable.
Purchase considerations for a charitable remainder trust
If you are purchasing the contract to fund a charitable remainder trust and allocate any account value to the Structured InvestmentGuaranteed Interest Option you should strongly consider “split-funding”:(“GIO”) that is the trust holds investments in additionnot being held to this Structured Capital Strategies® contract. Charitable remainder trustssecure policy loans you have taken.) that you are required to make specific distributions. The charitable remainder trust annual distribution requirement may be equalmaintain in order to a percentageapproximately cover all of the donatedestimated monthly charges for the policy (including, but not limited to, the policy’s monthly cost of insurance charge, the policy’s monthly administrative charge, the policy’s monthly mortality and expense risk charge, the MSO’s monthly Variable Index Segment Account Charge (the monthly charge deducted from the policy account) and any monthly optional rider charges, (please see “Charges” in this Prospectus for more information) during the Segment Term. The Charge Reserve Amount will be determined on each Segment Start Date as an amount or a percentageprojected to be sufficient to cover all of the current value ofpolicy’s monthly deductions during the donated amount. If your Structured Capital Strategies® contractSegment Term, assuming at the time such calculation is made that no interest or investment performance is credited to or charged against the only source for such distributions,policy account and that no policy changes or additional premium payments are made. The Charge Reserve Amount will be reduced by each subsequent monthly deduction (but not to less than zero). There is no requirement to maintain a Charge Reserve Amount, which would cover approximately all estimated monthly policy charges, if you may need to take withdrawals from Segments before their Segment Maturity Dates. See the discussion of the Structured Investment Optionare not in a Segment. Please see “Segments” in this section.
How you can make your contributions
Except as noted below, contributions mustProspectus for more information about the investment options from which account value could be by check drawn on a U.S. bank, in U.S. dollars, and made payabletransferred to the Company. We may also apply contributions made for NQ contracts, pursuant to an intended Section 1035 tax-free exchange or for IRA contracts, pursuant to a direct transfer. For a traditional IRA contract, your initial contribution must be a direct transfer from another traditional IRA or a rollover from an eligible retirement plan (including a traditional IRA). For a Roth IRA contract, your initial contribution must be a direct transfer from another Roth IRA or a rollover from an eligible retirement plan including a traditional IRA or another Roth IRA. For QP contracts, all contributions must be transfers from another investment within an existing qualified plan trust. We do not accept starter checks or travelers’ checks. All checks are subject to our ability to collect the funds. We reserve the right to reject a payment if it is received in an unacceptable form or not in accordance with our administrative procedures.
For your convenience, we will accept initial and subsequent contributions by wire transmittal from certain broker-dealers
who have agreements with us for this purpose, including circumstances under which such contributions are considered received by us when your order is taken by such broker-dealers. These methods of payment are discussed in detail in “More information”.
If your contract is sold by a financial professional of Equitable Advisors, Equitable Advisors will direct us to hold your initial contribution, whether received via check or wire, in a non-interest bearing “Special Bank Account for the Exclusive Benefit of Customers” while Equitable Advisors ensures your application is complete and that suitability standards are met. Equitable Advisors will either complete this process or instruct us to return your contribution to you within the time requirements set by applicable rules of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”). Upon timely and successful completion of this review, Equitable Advisors will instruct us to transfer your contribution into our non-interest bearing suspense account and transmit your application to us, so that we can consider your application for processing. If the period for obtaining this information extends throughUnloaned GIO on a Segment Start Date your initial investment will not be allocated to new Segments until the next Segment Start Date.
If your application is in good order when we receive it from Equitable Advisors for application processing purposes, your contribution will be applied within two business days. If any information we require to issue your contract is missing or unclear, we will hold your contribution while we try to obtain this information. If we are unable to obtain all of the information we require within five business days after we receive an incomplete application or form, we will inform the financial professional submitting the application on your behalf. We will then return the contribution to you, unless you or your financial professional acting on your behalf, specifically direct us to keep your contribution until we receive the required information. The contribution will be applied as of the date we receive the missing information. If the period for obtaining this information extends through a Segment Start Date, your initial investment will not be allocated to new Segments until the next Segment Start Date.
If your financial professional is with a selling broker-dealer other than Equitable Advisors, your initial contribution must generally be accompanied by a completed application and any other form we need to process the payments. If any information is missing or unclear, we will hold the contribution, whether received via check or wire, in a non-interest bearing suspense account while we try to obtain this information. If we are unable to obtain all of the information we require within five business days after we receive an incomplete application or form, we will inform the financial professional submitting the application on your behalf. We will then return the contribution to you unless you or your financial professional on your behalf, specifically direct us to keep your contribution until we receive the required information. The contribution will be applied as of the date we receive the missing information. If the period for obtaining this information extends through a Segment Start Date, your initial investment will not be allocated to new Segments until the next Segment Start Date.
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What are your investment options under the contract?
Your investment options are the variable investment options, the Segments comprising the Structured Investment Option and the Dollar Cap Averaging Program. The term variable investment options includes the Segment Type Holding Accounts unless otherwise noted. The Segment Type Holding Accounts are part of the EQ/Money Market variable investment option. The Structured Investment Option and the Segment Type Holding Accounts are discussed in this section under “Structured Investment Option.” The Dollar Cap Averaging Program invests in the dollar cap averaging account, which is part of the EQ/Money Market variable investment option. See “Dollar Cap Averaging Program” for more information.
Variable investment options
Your investment results in any one of the variable investment options will depend on the investment performance of the underlying portfolios. Because the variable investment options are not Segments, they are not subject to any Segment Buffer. You can lose all of your principal when investing in the variable investment options. In periods of poor market performance, the net return, after charges and expenses, may result in negative yields, including for the EQ/Money Market variable investment option. We may, at any time, exercise our rights to limit or terminate your contributions, allocations and transfers into any of the variable investment options and to limit the number of variable investment options you may elect.
We offer an affiliated Trust, which in turn offers one or more Portfolios. Equitable Investment Management Group, LLC (“Equitable IMG”), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, serves as the investment adviser of the Portfolios of EQ Advisors Trust. For some Portfolios, Equitable IMG has entered into sub-advisory agreements with one or more other investment advisers (the “sub-advisers”) to carry out investment decisions for the Portfolios. As such, among other responsibilities, Equitable IMG oversees the activities of the sub-advisers with respect to the Trust and is responsible for retaining or discontinuing the services of those sub-advisers.
Information regarding each of the currently available Portfolios, their type, their investment adviser(s) and/or sub-adviser(s), their current expenses, and their current performance is available in an appendix to the prospectus. See Appendix “Portfolio Companies available under the contract”.
Each Portfolio has issued a prospectus that contains more detailed information about the Portfolio. You should consider the investment objectives, risks, and charges and expenses of the Portfolios carefully before investing. In order to obtain copies of the Portfolios’ prospectuses, you may call one of our customer service representatives at 1-877-899-3743, or visit www.equitable.com/ICSR#EQH154186.
You should be aware that Equitable Advisors and Equitable Distributors directly or indirectly receive 12b-1meet this requirement. fees from the
Portfolios for providing certain distribution and/or shareholder support services. These fees will not exceed 0.25% of the Portfolios’ average daily net assets. The Portfolios’ sub-advisers and/or their affiliates may also contribute to the cost of expenses for sales meetings or seminar sponsorships that may relate to the contracts and/or the sub-advisers’ respective Portfolios. In addition, Equitable IMG receives management fees and administrative fees in connection with the services it provides to the Portfolios.
As a contract owner, you may bear the costs of some or all of these fees and payments through your indirect investment in the Portfolios. (See the Portfolios’ prospectuses for more information.) These fees and payments, as well as the Portfolios’ investment management fees and administrative expenses, will reduce the underlying Portfolios’ investment returns. The Company and/or its affiliates may profit from these fees and payments. The Company considers the availability of these fees and payment arrangements during the selection process for the underlying Portfolios. These fees and payment arrangements may create an incentive for us to select Portfolios (and classes of shares of Portfolios) that pay us higher amounts.
Asset Transfer Program. Portfolio allocations in certain of our variable annuity contracts with guaranteed benefits are subject to our Asset Transfer Program (ATP) feature. The ATP helps us manage our financial exposure in connection with providing certain guaranteed benefits, by using predetermined mathematical formulas to move account value between the EQ/Ultra Conservative Strategy Portfolio (an investment option utilized solely by the ATP) and the other Portfolios offered under those contracts. You should be aware that operation of the predetermined mathematical formulas underpinning the ATP has the potential to adversely impact the Portfolios, including their performance, risk profile and expenses. This means that Portfolio investments in contracts with no ATP feature, such as yours, could still be adversely impacted. Particularly during times of high market volatility, if the ATP triggers substantial asset flows into and out of a Portfolio, it could have the following effects on all contract owners invested in that Portfolio:
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The SIO provides you with the opportunity to earn interest that we will credit based, in part, on the performance of a specified Securities Index or exchanged-traded fund over a set period of time. Please be aware that the possibility of a negative return could result in a significant loss of principal and previously credited interest. You generally have the opportunity to invest in any of the Segment Types described below, subject to the requirements, limitations and procedures disclosed in this section. You participate in the performance of an Index by investing in the corresponding Segment. Investments in Segments are not investments in underlying mutual funds; Segments are not “index funds.”
Segment Types
You can invest in Standard Segment Types, Annual Lock Segment Types and Choice Segment Types. Not all Segment Types (or Segments) are available for each Series. We are not obligated to offer any one particular Segment Type. Also, we are not obligated to offer any Segment Types. Each investment in a Segment Type that starts on a particular Segment Start Date isDownside Protection (also referred to in your policy as a Segment.
A Segment Type refers to a Segment Option that have the same Index, Segment Duration, and Segment Buffer. Each Segment Type has a corresponding Segment Type Holding Account. Please refer to the “Definitions of key terms” section for a discussion of these terms.
Annual Lock Segments have a 5-year Segment Duration.
Choice Segments provide you access to higher Performance Cap Rates and potentially greater Segment Rates of Return than comparable Standard Segments. Each Choice Segment Type has an associated Choice cost. Choice Segments have a 5-year Segment Duration.
The following chart lists the current Standard Segment Types:
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The following chart lists the current Annual Lock Segment Types:
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The following chart lists the current Choice Segment Types:
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21“Segment Loss Absorption Threshold Rate”)
On a Segment Maturity Date, the highest level of — This is your protection is the -30% Segment Buffer (for Choice Segments, the -25% Segment Buffer) and lowest level of protection is the -10% Segment Buffer.
The Indices are described in more detail below, under the heading “Indices.”
Standard Segment example: For the S&P 500 Price Return Index/5 year/-20% Segment Type, a Segment could be established as S&P 500 Price Return Index/5 year/-20% with a 30% Performance Cap Rate declared on the Segment Start Date. This means that you will participate in theagainst negative performance of the S&P 500 Price Return Indexindex for five years starting froma Segment held until its Segment Maturity Date. It is currently -25%.The Downside Protection is set on the Segment Start Date. If the Index performs positively during this period, your Segment RateDate and any Downside Protection in excess of Return could be as much as 30% for that Segment Duration. If the Index performs negatively during this period, at maturity you-25% will be protected fromset at the first 20%Company’s sole discretion. However, the Downside Protection will not change during a Segment Term and at least -25% of the Index’s decline. If the Index performanceDown-
side Protection will always be provided when a Segment is between -20% and 0%, your Segment Maturity Value onheld until the Segment Maturity Date willDate.
Early Distribution— a requested loan payment, surrender, deduction for monthly charges (if amounts are not available from the variable investment options or unloaned GIO) or other distribution from a Segment made prior to the Segment Maturity Date. Such other distributions would include any distributions from the policy that we deem necessary to continue to qualify the policy as life insurance under applicable tax law, any unpaid loan interest, or any distribution in connection with the exercise of a rider available under your policy. Payment of death benefit proceeds is not an Early Distribution.
Early Distribution Adjustment (“EDA,” may also be equalreferred to in your policy as the “Market Value Adjustment”) — An adjustment that we make to your Segment Investment.Account Value, in the event of an Early Distribution. An EDA that is made will cause you to lose principal and previously credited interest through the application of a Put Option Factor, which estimates the market value, at the time of an Early Distribution, of the risk that you would suffer a loss if your Segment were continued (without taking the Early Distribution) until its Segment Maturity Date and that loss could be substantial. The EDA will usually result in a reduction in your Segment Account Value and your other policy values. Therefore, you should give careful consideration before taking any early loan or surrender, or allowing the value in your other investment options to fall so low that we must make any monthly deduction from a Segment. Please see “Early Distribution Adjustment” in this Prospectus for more information.
Annual Lock Segment exampleGrowth Cap Rate: For the S&P 500 Price Return Index Annual Lock/5 year annual lock/-10% Segment Type, — The maximum rate of return that will be applied to a Segment could be established as S&P 500 Price Return Index Annual Lock/5 year annual lock/-10% with a 9% PerformanceAccount Value. The Growth Cap Rate declaredis set for each Segment on the Segment Start Date. This means that youWhile the Growth Cap Rate is set at the Company’s sole discretion, the Growth Cap Rate will participate in the performance of the S&P 500 Price Return Index for 5 one-year periods starting from the Segment Start Date. If the Index performs positivelynot change during an Annual Lock Period, your Rate of Return could be as much as 9% for that Annual Lock Period. If the Index performs negatively during an Annual Lock Period, at that Annual Lock Anniversary you will be protected from the first 10% of the Index’s decline. If the Index performance is between -10% and 0% for that Annual Lock Period, your Annual Lock Anniversary Ending Amount on that Annual Lock Anniversary will be equal to the Annual Lock Anniversary Starting Amount (or Segment Investment for the first Annual Lock Period).
Choice Segment example: For the Choice S&P 500 Price Return Index/5 year/-10% Segment Type, a Segment could be established as Choice S&P 500 Price Return Index/5 year/-10% with a 65% PerformanceTerm and the Growth Cap Rate declared on the Segment Start Date. This means that you will participate in the performance of the S&P 500 Price Return Index for five years starting from the Segment Start Date. If the Index performs positively during this period, your Segment Rate of Return could be as much as 60% for that Segment Duration (65% less the 5% Choice cost). If the Index performs negatively during this period, at maturity you will be protected from the first 10% of the Index’s decline. If the Index performance is between -10% and 0%, your Segment Maturity Value on the Segment Maturity Date will be equal to your Segment Investment. Similarly, if the Index performance is between 0% and 5%, then, after deduction of the Choice cost, your Segment Maturity Value on the Segment Maturity Date will be equal to your Segment Investment.
Please note the following:
Both the Performance Cap Rate and the Segment Rate of Return are rates of return from the Segment Start Date to the Segment Maturity Date (or from the Segment Start Date to the first Annual Lock Anniversary and thereafter from each Annual Lock Anniversary to the next for Annual Lock Segments), NOT annual rates of return, even if the Segment Duration is longer than one year. Therefore the Index Performance Rate and the Performance Cap Threshold are also not annual rates. The performance of the Index, the Performance Cap Rate and the Segment Buffer are all measured from the Segment Start Date to the Segment Maturity Date (or from the Segment Start Date to the first Annual Lock Anniversary and thereafter from each Annual Lock Anniversary to the next for Annual Lock Segments), and the Performance Cap Rate and Segment Buffer apply if you hold the Segment until the Segment Maturity Date (or from the Segment Start Date
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to the first Annual Lock Anniversary and thereafter from each Annual Lock Anniversary to the next for Annual Lock Segments)6%. If you surrender, annuitize, cancel your contract, die or make a withdrawal from a Segment before the Segment Maturity Date, the Segment Buffer will not necessarily apply to the extent it would on the Segment Maturity Date (or Annual Lock Anniversary for Annual Lock Segments), and any upside performance will be limited to a percentage lower than the Performance Cap Rate. Please see “Your contract’s value in the Structured Investment Option” in “Determining your contract’s value”. A partial withdrawal from a Segment does not affect the Performance Cap Rate and Segment Buffer that apply to any remaining amounts that are held in the Segment through the Segment Maturity Date (or from the Segment Start Date to the first Annual Lock Anniversary and thereafter from each Annual Lock Anniversary to the next for Annual Lock Segments).
We reserve the right to offer any or all Segment Types more or less frequently or to stop offering any or all of them or to suspend offering any or all of them temporarily for some or all contracts or Series. Please see “Suspension, termination and changes to Segment Types”. All Segment Types may not be available in all states. We may also add Segment Types in the future.
Indices
Each Segment Type references an Index that determines the performance of its associated Segments. We currently offer Segment Types based on the performance of (1) securities indices or (2) exchange-traded funds. Throughout this Prospectus, we refer to these indices and exchange-traded funds using the term “Index” or, collectively, “Indices.” Not all Indices may be available under your contract. Please see Appendix “State contract availability and/or variations of certain features and benefits”.
Securities Indices. IndexThe following Securities Indices are currently available:
S&P 500 Price Return Index.— The S&P 500 Price Return Index was established by Standard & Poor’s. Theindex, which is the S&P 500 Price Return Indexindex excluding dividends. This index includes 500 leading companies in leading industries ofin the U.S. economy, capturing 75% coverage of U.S. equities. The S&P 500 Price Return Index does not include dividends declared by any of the companies included in this Index.
Russell 2000® Price Return Index. The Russell 2000®economy. Price Return Index was established by Russell Investments. The Russell 2000® Price Return Index measures the performance of the small-cap segment of the U.S. equity universe. The Russell 2000® Price Return Index is a subset of the Russell 3000® Index representing approximately 10% of the total market capitalization of that index. It includes approximately 2,000 of the smallest securities based on a combination of their market cap and current index membership. The Russell 2000® Price Return Index does not include dividends declared by any of the companies included in this Index.
MSCI EAFE Price Return Index. The MSCI EAFE Price Return Index was established by MSCI. The MSCI EAFE Price Return Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization index that is designed to measure the equity market performance of developed markets, excluding the US and Canada. As of the date of this Prospectus the MSCI EAFE Price Return Index consisted of the following 22 developed market country indices: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. The MSCI EAFE Price Return Index does not include dividends declared by any of the companies included in this Index.
MSCI Emerging Markets Price Return Index. The MSCI Emerging Markets Price Return Index was established by MSCI. The MSCI Emerging Markets Price Return Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization index that is designed to measure equity market performance of emerging markets. As of the date of this prospectus, the MSCI Emerging Markets Price Return Index consists of the following 21 emerging market country indices: Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, Czech Republic, Egypt, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, Morocco, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Russia, South Africa, Taiwan, Thailand, and Turkey. The MSCI Emerging Markets Price Return Index does not include dividends declared by any of the companies included in this Index.
NASDAQ-100 Price Return Index. The NASDAQ-100 Price Return Index (the “NASDAQ-100 Index”) includes securities of 100 of the largest domestic and international non-financial securities listed on The NASDAQ Stock Market based on market capitalization. The Index reflects companies across major industry groups including computer hardware and software, telecommunications, retail/wholesale trade and biotechnology. It does not contain securities of financial companies including investment companies. The NASDAQ-100 Price Return Index does not include dividends declared by any of the companies included in this Index.
Exchange-Traded FundsIndex Performance Rate. — The following exchange-traded funds are currently available:Index Performance Rate measures the percentage change in the Index during a Segment Term for each Segment. If the Index is discontinued or if the calculation of the Index is substantially changed, we reserve the right to substitute an alternative index. We also reserve the right to choose an alternative index at our discretion. Please see “Change in Index” for more information.
iShares® Dow Jones U.S. Real EstateThe Index Fund. The iShares® Dow Jones U.S. Real Estate Index Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the performance of the Dow Jones U.S. Real Estate Index, whichPerformance Rate is the underlying index. The underlying index measures the performance of the Real Estate industry of the U.S. equity market, including real estate holding and developing and real estate investment trusts (REITS) subsectors. The iShares® Dow Jones U.S. Real Estate Index Fund is an exchange-traded fund. The performance of the iShares® Dow Jones U.S. Real Estate Index Fund may not replicate the performance of, and may underperform the underlying index. The price of the iShares® Dow Jones U.S. Real Estate Index Fund will reflect expenses and fees that will reduce its relative performance. Moreover, it is also possible that the iShares® Dow Jones U.S. Real Estate Index Fund may not fully replicate or may, in certain circumstances, diverge significantly from the performance ofcalculated by ((b) divided by (a)) minus one, where:
| (a) | is the value of the Index at the close of business on the Segment Start Date, and |
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| (b) | is the value of the Index at the close of business on the Segment Maturity Date. |
We determine the underlying index. Becausevalue of the Index at the close of business, which is the end of a business day. Generally, a business day is any day the New York Stock Exchange is open for trading. If the New York Stock Exchange is not open for trading or if the Index value is, for any other reason, not published on the Segment Start Date or a Segment Maturity Date, the value of the Index will be determined as of the end of the most recent preceding business day for which the Index value is published.
Index-Linked Rate of Return — The rate of return we apply to calculate the Index-Linked Return which is based on your Segment Investment (subjectthe Index Performance Rate adjusted to reflect the PerformanceGrowth Cap Rate and downside Segment Buffer protection) is linked toprotection against negative performance. Therefore, if the performance of the iShares® Dow Jones U.S. Real Estate Index Fund and not the underlying index, the return on your Segment Investment may be less thanis zero or positive, we will apply that of an alternative investment linked directlyperformance up to the underlying index or the components of the underlying index. The investment performance of the iShares® Dow Jones U.S. Real Estate Index Segment is only based on the closing share price of the Index Fund. The iShares® Dow Jones U.S. Real Estate Index Segment does not include dividends and other distributions declared by the Index Fund.
Financial Select Sector SPDR® Fund. The Financial Select Sector SPDR® Fund seeks to closely match the returns and characteristics of the Financial Select Sector Index, which is the underlying index. The underlying index seeks to provide an effective representation of the financial sector of the S&P 500 Index, and includes companies from the following industries: banks, insurance, capital markets, diversified financial services, consumer finance, thrifts and mortgage finance, and mortgage real estate investment trusts. Because the return on your Segment Investment (subject to the PerformanceGrowth Cap and downside Segment Buffer protection) is linked toRate. If the performance of the Financial Select Sector SPDR® Fund and not the underlying index, the return on your Segment Investment may be less than that of an alternative investment linked directly to the underlying index or the components of the underlying index. The investmentIndex is negative, we will apply performance of zero unless the Financial Select Sector SPDR® Fund Segment is only based on the closing share price of the Fund. The Financial Select Sector SPDR® Fund Segment does not include dividends and other distributions declared by the Fund.
Energy Select Sector SPDR® Fund. The Energy Select Sector SPDR® Fund seeks to provide investment results that, before expenses, correspond generally to the price and yield performance of publicly traded equity securities of companiesdecline in the Energy Select Sector Index, which is the underlying index. The Energy Select Sector Index includes companies from the following industries: oil, gas and consumable fuels and energy equipment and services. The price of the Energy Select Sector SPDR® Fund will reflect expenses and fees that will reduce its relative performance. Because the return on your Segment Investment (subject to the Performance Cap and downside Segment Buffer protection) is linked to the performance of the Energy Select Sector SPDRIndex is below ®-25% Fund and notin which case negative performance in excess of -25% will apply. Please see the underlying index,chart under “Index-Linked Return” for more information.
Index-Linked Return — The amount that is applied to the returnSegment Account Value on yourthe Segment InvestmentMaturity Date that is equal to that Segment’s Index-Linked Rate of Return multiplied by the Segment Account Value on the Segment Maturity Date. The Index-Linked Return may be less than that of an alternative investment linked directly to the underlying indexpositive, negative or the components of the underlying index.zero. The investment performance of the Energy Select Sector SPDR® Fund SegmentIndexed-Linked Return is only based on the closing share price of the Fund. The Energy Select Sector SPDR® Fund Segment does not include dividends and other distributions declared by the Fund.
SPDR® Gold Shares. The SPDR® Gold Shares seekapplied to reflect the performance of the price of gold bullion, less the expenses of the trust’s operations. The value of the gold held by the trust will be determined based on the London Bullion Market
Association (LBMA) Gold Price PM USD. The price of the SPDR® Gold Shares will reflect expenses and feesamounts that will reduce its relative performance. The amount of gold represented by the SPDR® Gold Shares will continue to be reduced during the life of the trust due to the sales of gold necessary to pay the trust’s expenses irrespective of whether the trading price of the SPDR® Gold Shares rises or fallsremain in response to changes in the price of gold. Assuming a constant gold price, the trading price of the SPDR® Gold Shares is expected to gradually decline relative to the price of gold as the amount of gold represented by the SPDR® Gold Shares gradually declines. Because the return on your Segment Investment (subject to the Performance Cap and downside Segment Buffer protection) is linked to the performance of the SPDR® Gold Shares and not the performance of the price of gold, the return on your Segment Investment may be less than that of an alternative investment linked directly to the performance of the price of gold. The investment and trading activities of hedge funds and commodity funds may affect the price of gold. The investment performance of the SPDR® Gold Shares Segment is only based on the closing share price of the Shares. The SPDR® Gold Shares Segment does not include dividends and other distributions declared by the Shares.
iShares® MSCI EAFE ETF. The iShares® MSCI EAFE ETF seeks investment results that correspond generally to the performance of the MSCI EAFE Index, which is the underlying index. The underlying index is composed of large and mid-capitalization developed market equities, including Europe, Australasia and the Far East and excluding the United States and Canada. The iShares® MSCI EAFE ETF is an exchange-traded fund. The performance of the iShares® MSCI EAFE ETF may not replicate the performance of, and may underperform the underlying index. The price of the iShares® MSCI EAFE ETF will reflect expenses and fees that will reduce its relative performance. Moreover, it is also possible that the iShares® MSCI EAFE ETF may not fully replicate or may, in certain circumstances, diverge significantly from the performance of the underlying index. Because the return on your Segment Investment (subject to the Performance Cap and downside Segment Buffer protection) is linked to the performance of the iShares® MSCI EAFE ETF and not the underlying index, the return on your Segment Investment may be less than that of an alternative investment linked directly to the underlying index or the components of the underlying index. The investment performance of the iShares® MSCI EAFE ETF Segment is only based on the closing share price of the Index Fund. The iShares® MSCI EAFE ETF Segment does not include dividends and other distributions declared by the Index Fund.
Please see Appendix “Index Publishers” for important information regarding the publishers of the Indices.
Segment Type Holding Accounts
Any contribution or transfer designated for a Segment Type will be allocated to the corresponding Segment Type Holding Account Value until the Segment Maturity Date. For example, a surrender of your policy before Segment maturity will eliminate any Index-Linked Return and be subject to an Early Distribution Adjustment.
Initial Segment Account — The amount initially transferred to a Segment from the MSO Holding Account on its Segment Start Date. The Segment TypeDate, net of:
| (a) | the Variable Index Benefit Charge (see “Charges” in this Prospectus) |
| and |
| (b) | the amount, if any, that may have been transferred from the MSO Holding Account to the Unloaned GIO to cover the Charge Reserve Amount (see “Charge Reserve Amount” in this Prospectus). Such a transfer would be made from the MSO Holding Account to cover the Charge Reserve Amount only (1) if you have given us instructions to make such a transfer or (2) in the other limited circumstances described under “Segments” in this Prospectus. |
MSO Holding Accounts are partAccount — This is a portion of the EQ/Money Market variable investment option.option that holds amounts designated by the policy owner for investment in the MSO prior to any transfer into the next available new Segment.
Net Cash Surrender Value— The net cash surrender value equals your policy account value, minus any outstanding loan and unpaid loan interest, minus any amount of your policy account value that is “restricted” as a result of previously distributed terminal illness living benefits, and further reduced for
any monthly benefit payments under the Long-Term Care ServicesSM Rider, and minus any surrender charge that then remains applicable. For this purpose, the Segment Distribution Value is used to calculate the policy account value.
Policy Account Value — Your “policy account value” is the total of (i) your amounts in our variable investment options, (ii) your amounts in our guaranteed interest option (other than amounts included in (iii)) and (iii) any amounts that we are holding to secure policy loans that you have taken (including any interest on those amounts which has not yet been allocated to the investment options). The account value (Segment Account Value or Segment Distribution Value) of any policy amounts transferred to the MSO is also included in your policy account value. See definitions of “Segment Account Value” and “Segment Distribution Value” for additional detail regarding the calculation of the policy account value when there are assets invested in the MSO.
Segment — The portion of your total investment in the MSO that is associated with a specific Segment Start Date. You create a new Segment each time an amount is transferred from the MSO Holding Account into a Segment Account.
Segment Account Value (also referred to in your policy as the “Segment Account”) — The amount of an Initial Segment Account subsequently reduced by any Early Distribution. Any such reduction in the Segment Account Value prior to its Segment Maturity Date will result in a corresponding Early Distribution Adjustment, which will cause you to lose principal and previously credited interest, and that loss could be substantial. The Segment Type Holding Accounts have
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the same rate of returnSegment Distribution Value (also referred to in your policy as the EQ/Money Market variable investment option. You must transfer or contribute“Segment Value”) — This is the Segment Account Value minus the Early Distribution Adjustment that would apply on a full surrender of that Segment at any time prior to the Segment Type Holding AccountMaturity Date. Segment Distribution Values will be used in determining policy value available to cover monthly deductions, any applicable proportionate surrender charges for requested face amount reductions, and other distributions; cash surrender values and maximum loan values subject to any applicable base policy surrender charge. They will also be used in determining whether any outstanding policy loan and accrued loan interest exceeds the corresponding policy account value.
Segment Type if you want to invest inMaturity Date — The date on which a Segment; you cannot transfer or contribute directlySegment Term is completed and the Index-Linked Return for that Segment is applied to a Segment.Segment Account Value.
You can transfer amounts from a Segment Type Holding Account into any of the variable investment options, or another Segment Type Holding Account at any time up to the close of business on the last business day beforeMaturity Value — This is the Segment Start Date.Account Value adjusted by the Index-Linked Return for that Segment.
Segment Start Date
Each Segment will have a Segment Start Date. Segments generally start on the first or third Thursday of each month. However, the Segment Start Date may sometimes be a different day under certain circumstances. Please see “Setting the Segment Maturity Date and Segment Start Date”. Also, we may offer Segments more or less frequently and on different days for some or all contracts or Series.
Performance Cap Rate
The Performance Cap Rate determines the maximum Segment Rate of Return that each Segment will be credited with on the Segment Maturity Date or the maximum Annual Lock Yearly Rate of Return on each Annual Lock Anniversary. We will declare a Performance Cap Rate for each Segment on the Segment Start Date. Performance Cap Rates may vary by series. The Performance Cap Rate for each Segment, including each Annual Lock Segment will not change throughout the Segment Duration. The Performance Cap Rate for the same Segment may be higher or lower for Owners who elect that Segment during their first Contract Year than for Owners who are in their second or later Contract Year.
Because we declare the Performance Cap Rate for a Segment on its Segment Start Date, you will not know the Performance Cap Rate for a new Segment until after your account value has been transferred from the corresponding Segment Type Holding Account into the Segment. You may not transfer out of a Segment before the Segment Maturity Date. For more information regarding transfer restrictions, please see “Transferring your account value”.
The Performance Cap Rate may limit your participation in any increases in the underlying Index associated with a Segment. Our minimum Performance Cap Rates for 1, 3, and 5-year Standard Segments are 2%, 6%, and 10% respectively. Our minimum Performance Cap Rate for 5-year Choice Segments is 10%. Our minimum Performance Cap Rate for Annual Lock Segments is 2%. We guarantee that for the life of your contract we will not open a Segment with a Performance Cap Rate below the applicable minimum Performance Cap Rate. In some cases, we may decide not to declare a Performance Cap Rate for a Segment, in which case there is no maximum Segment Rate of Return for that Segment and you will receive the Index Performance Rate for that Segment subject to the Segment Buffer. When this happens, the Segment is referred to as uncapped.
Please note that the Performance Cap Rate and Segment Rate of Return are cumulative rates of return from the Segment Start Date to the Segment Maturity Date or from the Segment Start Date to the first Annual Lock Anniversary and thereafter from each Annual Lock Anniversary to the next for Annual Lock Segments, NOT annual rates, even if the Segment Duration is longer than one year. The Performance Cap Rate is set at our sole discretion.
Segment Participation Requirements
Provided that all participation requirements are met, all amounts allocated to a Segment Type that are in the associated Segment Type Holding Account as of the close of business on the business day preceding the Segment Start Date, plus any earnings on those amounts, will be transferred into the new Segment on the Segment Start Date. However, amounts transferred into the Segment Type Holding Account on the Segment Start Date itself will not be included in any new Segment created that day. These amounts will remain in the Segment Type Holding Account until they are transferred out or the next Segment Start Date on which the participation requirements are met for the amounts to be transferred into a new Segment.
The participation requirements are as follows: (1) Segment is available; (2) Segment Maturity Date Requirement is met; and (3) Performance Cap Threshold is met. If these requirements are met, your account value in the Segment Type Holding Account will be transferred into a new Segment. This amount is your initial Segment Investment. Once your account value has been swept from a Segment Type Holding Account into a Segment, transfers into or out of that Segment before its Segment Maturity Date are not permitted.
(1) Segment is available. — The Segment must actually be created on the Segment Start Date as scheduled. We may suspend or terminate any Segment Type, at our sole discretion, at any time. If we terminate a Segment Type, no new Segments of that Segment Type will be created, and the amount that would have been transferred to the Segment will be transferred to the EQ/Money Market variable investment option instead. If we suspend a Segment Type, no new Segments of that Segment Type will be created until the suspension ends, and the amount that would have been transferred to the Segment will remain in the Segment Type Holding Account.
(2) Segment Maturity Date Requirement is met. The Segment Maturity Date must occur on or before the contract maturity date. If the Segment Maturity Date is after the contract maturity date, your account value in the Segment Type Holding Account will be transferred to the EQ/Money Market variable investment option.
(3) Performance Cap Threshold is met. When you allocate a contribution or transfer account value to a Segment Type, you may also specify a Performance Cap Threshold. The Performance Cap Threshold represents the minimum
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Performance Cap Rate you find acceptable for a particular Segment. As long as it remains in effect, the Performance Cap Threshold will prevent your value in the Segment Type Holding Account from being transferred into the corresponding Segment unless the Performance Cap Threshold is equal to or exceeded by the Performance Cap Rate we declare on the Segment Start Date, assuming the other participation requirements are also met. Performance Cap Thresholds are expressed as whole percentage rates.
For example, for a given Segment Type, you may specify a Performance Cap Threshold of 10%. If we set a Performance Cap Rate of 10% or higher for the next available Segment of that Segment Type, then we will transfer your account value in the applicable Segment Type Holding Account to the new Segment on the Segment Start Date, provided all other participation requirements are met. However, if we set the Performance Cap Rate at 9.9% for that Segment, your account value will not be transferred to the new Segment.
A Performance Cap Threshold applies to a single Segment Type only. If you have allocated amounts to multiple Segment Types, you may specify a different Performance Cap Threshold for each Segment Type. Performance Cap Thresholds will not apply to uncapped Segments. This means that if you allocate amounts to a Segment Type Holding Account and we subsequently open an associated Segment without specifying a Performance Cap Rate, those amounts will automatically be transferred to that Segment on the Segment Start Date.
The Performance Cap Threshold operates in the same manner for Standard Segments, Annual Lock Segments and Choice Segments. When determining whether the Performance Cap Threshold for a Choice Segment has been satisfied, we do not take into account the Choice cost associated with that Segment. For example, assume you allocate account value to a 5-year Choice Segment with a 5% Choice cost, and you set a Performance Cap Threshold of 48%. If we set a Performance Cap Rate of 50% for that Segment, your Performance Cap Threshold will be satisfied and your account value will be transferred into the Segment, even though the maximum Segment Rate of Return you can earn will be 45%.
Performance Cap Thresholds help you manage the risk that your money will not be invested in a Segment with a Performance Cap Rate that is lower than you find acceptable.
If you do not specify a Performance Cap Threshold or your Performance Cap Threshold has expired, we will transfer your account value from the Segment Type Holding Account into a Segment if the other participation requirements are met, regardless of the Performance Cap Rate that we set.
In order for a new Performance Cap Threshold to be effective for a forthcoming Segment, you must set it at least one day prior to the Segment Start Date. Similarly, while you can change an existing Performance Cap Threshold at any time, the revised Performance Cap Threshold will only apply to a
Segment if you make the change at least one day prior to the Segment Start Date. This means that if you set a new or change an existing Performance Cap Threshold on a Segment Start Date, that new or revised Performance Cap Threshold will not affect the participation requirements for any Segment created that day. For example if you have a Performance Cap Threshold on file of 12%, but change it to 15% on a Segment Start Date, any amounts in that Segment Type Holding Account will be transferred into a new Segment of that Segment Type that we create that day with a Performance Cap Rate of 13%, if the other participation requirements are met.
Performance Cap Threshold duration
A Performance Cap Threshold will remain in effect until the PCT Expiry Date. This means that if the declared Performance Cap Rate for a Segment has not matched or exceeded your Performance Cap Threshold on any of the scheduled Segment Start Dates before the PCT Expiry Date, any amounts in the applicable Segment Type Holding Account (including any funds transferred to that holding account after your election) on the business day immediately preceding the next scheduled Segment Start Date after the PCT Expiry Date will automatically be transferred into the Segment created on that Segment Start Date, unless you specify a new Performance Cap Threshold prior to that date. You must set a new Performance Cap Threshold prior to the next scheduled Segment Start Date after your Performance Cap Threshold expires to avoid having amounts automatically transferred into the associated Segment, which may have a Performance Cap Rate that does not meet your investment objectives.
In addition, if your Performance Cap Threshold was satisfied on a scheduled Segment Start Date before the PCT Expiry Date and amounts in the applicable Segment Type Holding Account were transferred into a Segment, the Performance Cap Threshold will continue to apply to any amounts you subsequently transfer into that Segment Type Holding Account until the PCT Expiry Date. A “scheduled Segment Start Date” includes any date on which a Segment was scheduled to start but was not offered as of that date. A suspension ofTerm is completed and the Segment Type will not extend the PCT Expiry Date.
Example 1: Assume you purchase your contract and set a Performance Cap Threshold of 30% for the S&P 500 PriceIndex-Linked Return Index/5 year/-20% Standard Segment Type on Wednesday March 1st and allocate $25,000 to the holding account for that Segment Type. If on each ofis applied to a Segment Account Value.
Segment Maturity Value — This is the Segment Start Dates beforeAccount Value adjusted by the PCT Expiry Date we declare Performance Cap Rates of less than 30%, your $25,000 allocation will not be transferred to any of those Segments. Your Performance Cap Threshold will then expire on Thursday May 4th and your $25,000 allocation will be transferred toIndex-Linked Return for that Segment on the next Segment Start Date regardless of whether the Performance Cap Rate we declare is higher, equal to or lower than 30%.Segment.
Example 2: Assume you purchase your contract and set a Performance Cap Threshold of 30% for the S&P 500 Price
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Return Index/5 year/-20% Standard Segment Type on Wednesday March 1st and allocate $25,000 to the holding account for that Segment Type. If on the next Segment Start Date we declare a Performance Cap Rate of 35% for the Segment, your $25,000 allocation will be transferred to that Segment. Assume you then allocate another $10,000 to the holding account for that Segment Type on March 20th. Your existing Performance Cap Threshold of 30% remains in effect and will not expire until Thursday May 4th. If on the next Segment Start Date after March 20th we declare a Performance Cap Rate of 28% for the Segment, your $10,000 allocation will not be transferred to that Segment.
In all cases, if you complete a new Performance Cap Threshold election, it will override any existing Performance Cap Threshold then in effect. Transferring funds from a Segment Type Holding Account to one of the variable investment options will not terminate a Performance Cap Threshold you may have set for the Segment Type associated with that Segment Type Holding Account.
You can renew a Performance Cap Threshold by completing the appropriate form or using Equitable Client portal. If you do not renew a Performance Cap Threshold for a Segment, your account value in the associated Segment Type Holding Account will be transferred into a Segment on the next Segment Start Date after the PCT Expiry Date if the other participation requirements are met, even if the Performance Cap Rate that we set does not meet your investment objectives.
You will receive confirmation of any Performance Cap Threshold you set that indicates the date on which the Performance Cap Threshold expires. You can also monitor your Performance Cap Thresholds, including their expiry dates, using Equitable Client portal. We do not provide you with specific advance notice of the expiry of a Performance Cap Threshold.
If you elect to invest in the Dollar Cap Averaging Program, you may not specify a Performance Cap Threshold and any Performance Cap Threshold previously established will no longer be valid. By making this election, you agree that your investment will be transferred into your selected Segments at any declared Performance Cap Rate, which could include Segments with Performance Cap Rates that are not acceptable to you.
Segment Maturity Date
Your Segment Maturity Date is the Segment Business Day — The date on which a Segment ends. You will receive advance notice of maturing Segments in which you are currently invested in your quarterly statement. You will generally also receive a second advance notice of maturing Segments in which you are currently invested. The additional noticeTerm is available by mail or electronicallycompleted and the Index-Linked Return for that Segment is generally provided at least 30 days beforeapplied to a Segment Maturity Date. You can instruct us to stop delivering this second notice to you at any time. We reserve the right to discontinue this second notice at any time.Account Value.
Segment Maturity Instructions. You may specify maturity instructions that tell us how to allocate the Segment Maturity Value among the investment options and you can change these instructions at any time. You may tell us either to follow
your instructions on file for new contributions, to withdraw all or part of your Segment Maturity Value, or to transfer your Segment Maturity Value to the next available Segment of the same Segment Type, provided the participation requirements are met. While you may specify or change your maturity instructions for maturing Segments at any time until the close of business on the Segment Maturity Date, we recommend submitting new or revised instructions at least five business days prior to the Segment Maturity Date.
As stated above, you may elect to have maturing Segments invested according to your instructions on file, and those instructions may include allocations to different Segment Types, or you may elect to transfer your Segment Maturity Value to the next available Segment of the same Segment Type in which you are currently invested. If you take either of these steps, then the designated portion of your Segment Maturity Value will be transferred to the corresponding Segment Type Holding Account, as of the close of business on the Segment Maturity Date. Assuming that all participation requirements are met, the designated amounts will be treated like any other amounts in a Segment Type Holding Account. On the next Segment Start Date, the designated amounts in the Segment Type Holding Account will be transferred into the corresponding Segment. Typically, this means the designated amounts would be held in a Segment Type Holding Account for at least one business day.
If you have not provided us with maturity instructions for a maturing Segment, then by default the Segment Maturity Value will be transferred to the Segment Type Holding Account for the same Segment Type as the maturing Segment. Your Segment Maturity Value would then be transferred from that Segment Type Holding Account into the next Segment of that Segment Type on the Segment Start Date except that:
If you are impacted by these delays, you may transfer your Segment Maturity Value into another Segment Type Holding Account or any other variable investment option at any time before the next Segment Start Date.
Segment Maturity Value — This is the Segment Account Value adjusted by the Index-Linked Return for that Segment.
We calculate yourSegment Start Date — The Segment Start Date is the day on which a Segment is created.
Segment Term — The duration of a Segment. The Segment Term for each Segment begins on its Segment Start Date and ends on its Segment Maturity Value onDate one year later. We are currently only offering Segment Terms of approximately one year. We may offer different durations in the Segment Maturity Date. For Standard and Choice Segments we use your Segment Investment and the Segment Rate of Return. For Annual Lock Segments we use your Segment Investment and the Annual Lock Yearly Rate of Return for the first Annual Lock Period and thereafter the Annual Lock Anniversary Starting Amount and the applicable Annual Lock Yearly Rate of Return.future.
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For Standard Segments,2. Key Features of the Market Stabilizer Option®
| • | The Market Stabilizer Option® (“MSO”) is an investment option available under the policy. The option provides for participation in the performance of the S&P 500 Price Return index, which excludes dividends (the “Index”). |
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For Annual Lock Segments, the Segment Rate of Return is equal to the cumulative result of each successive Annual Lock Yearly Rate of Return. The Annual Lock Yearly Rate of Return is equal to the Index Performance Rate (the percentage change in the value of the related Index from the Segment Start Date to the first Annual Lock Anniversary and thereafter from one Annual Lock Anniversary to the next), subject to the Performance Cap Rate and Segment Buffer, as follows:
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For Choice Segments, the Segment Rate of Return is equal to the Index Performance Rate (the percentage change in the value of the related Index from the Segment Start Date to the Segment Maturity Date), subject to the Performance Cap Rate, Segment Buffer and application of the Choice cost, as follows:
Your Segment Maturity Value is calculated as follows:
For Standard Segments and Choice Segments: We multiply your Segment Investment by your SegmentIndex-Linked Rate of Return to get yourthe Segment Return Amount. Your Segment MaturityAccount Value is equal to your Segment Investment plus or minus your Segment Return Amount. Your Segment Return Amount may be negative, in which case your Segment Maturity Value will be less than your Segment Investment. All of these values are based on the valueperformance of the relevantIndex. If the performance of the Index has been positive for the Segment Term and equal or below the Growth Cap Rate, we will apply to the Segment Account Value an Index-Linked Rate of Return equal to the full Index performance. If the performance of the Index has been positive for the Segment Term and above the Growth Cap Rate, we will apply an Index-Linked Rate of Return equal to the Growth Cap Rate.
For Annual Lock Segments: We multiply your Segment Investment by your Annual Lock Yearly Rate of Return for the first year (first Annual Lock Period) to get your Annual Lock Yearly Return Amount for that year (Annual Lock Period). Your Annual Lock Anniversary Ending Amount for the first Annual Lock Period is equal to your Segment Investment plus or minus your Annual Lock Yearly Return Amount for that Annual Lock Period. Your Annual Lock Yearly Return Amount for that period may be negative, in which case your Annual Lock Anniversary Ending Amount for that period will be less than your Segment Investment. The Annual Lock Anniversary Ending Amount on the first Annual Lock Anniversary is the Annual Lock Anniversary Starting Amount for the second year (second Annual Lock Period) that we multiply by the Annual Lock Yearly Rate of Return for that Annual Lock Period and so on for the remaining Annual Lock Periods until the Segment Maturity Date (fifth Annual Lock Anniversary). All of these amounts are based on the change in the value of the relevant Index during the relevant Annual Lock Period. Any fluctuation in the value of the Index between a Segment Start Date and the first Annual Lock Anniversary (and between each successive Annual Lock Anniversary thereafter) is ignored when calculating the Annual Lock Anniversary Ending Amount.
Please note: (i) the Annual Lock Anniversary Starting Amount is adjusted for any withdrawals from the Segment; (ii) the Annual Lock Anniversary Starting and Ending Amounts are used solely to calculate the Segment Maturity Value for
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Annual Lock Segments, and are not credited to the contract, are not the Segment Interim Value, and cannot be received upon surrender or withdrawal; and (iii) the Annual Lock Anniversary Ending Amount on the fifth Annual Lock Anniversary is also the Segment Maturity Value.
Standard Segment Examples
Assume that you invest $1,000 in an S&P 500 Price Return Index, 5-year Segment with a -20% Segment Buffer, we set the Performance Cap Rate for that Segment at 30%, and you make no withdrawal from the Segment.
If the S&P 500 Price Return Index is 35% higher on the Segment Maturity Date than on the Segment Start Date, you will receive a 30% Segment Rate of Return, and your Segment Maturity Value would be $1,300. We reach that amount as follows:
If the S&P Price Return Index is only 26% higher on the Segment Maturity Date than on the Segment Start Date, then you will receive a 26% Segment Rate of Return, and your Segment Maturity Value would be $1,260. We reach that amount as follows:
If the S&P Price Return Index is 10% lower on the Segment Maturity Date than on the Segment Start Date, then you will receive a 0% Segment Rate of Return, and your Segment Maturity Value would be $1,000. We reach that amount as follows:
If the S&P Price Return Index is 30% lower on the Segment Maturity Date than on the Segment Start Date, then you will receive a -10% Segment Rate of Return, and your Segment Maturity Value would be $900. We reach that amount as follows:
Annual Lock Segment Example
Assume that you invest $1,000 in an S&P 500 Price Return Index, 5-year Annual Lock Segment with a -10% Segment Buffer, we set the Performance Cap Rate for that Segment at 12%, and you make no withdrawal from the Segment.
Below is a table summarizing the various Index Performance Rates, Annual Lock Yearly Rates of Return, Annual Lock Yearly Return Amounts and Annual Lock Anniversary Starting and Ending Amounts for the Annual Lock example that is described in greater detail immediately following the table.
| Year | Index Performance Rate | Annual Lock Yearly Rate of Return | Annual Lock Anniversary Starting Amount | Annual Lock Yearly Return Amount | Annual Lock Anniversary Ending Amount | |||||||||
| 1 | 13% | 12% | $1,000.00* | $120.00 | $1,120.00 | |||||||||
| 2 | -5% | 0% | $1,120.00 | $ 0.00 | $1,120.00 | |||||||||
| 3 | 10% | 10% | $1,120.00 | $112.00 | $1,232.00 | |||||||||
| 4 | -12% | -2% | $1,232.00 | -$ 24.64 | $1,207.36 | |||||||||
| 5 | 15% | 12% | $1,207.36 | $144.88 | $1,352.24 | ** | ||||||||
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If the S&P 500 Price Return Index is 13% higher on the first Annual Lock Anniversary than on the Segment Start Date, you will receive a 12% Annual Lock Yearly Rate of Return for that Annual Lock Period, and your Annual Lock Anniversary Ending Amount would be $1,120. We reach that amount as follows:
The Annual Lock Yearly Return Amount ($120) for the first Annual Lock Period is equal to the Segment Investment ($1,000), which is also the first Annual Lock
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If the S&P Price Return Index is 5% lower during the second Annual Lock Period, then you will receive a 0% Annual Lock Yearly Rate of Return for that Annual Lock Period, and your Annual Lock Anniversary Ending Amount on the second Annual Lock Anniversary would be $1,120. We reach that amount as follows:
If the S&P Price Return Index is 10% higher during the third Annual Lock Period, then you will receive a 10% Annual Lock Yearly Rate of Return for that Annual Lock Period, and your Annual Lock Anniversary Ending Amount on the third Annual Lock Anniversary would be $1,232. We reach that amount as follows:
If the S&P Price Return Index is 12% lower during the fourth Annual Lock Period, then you will receive a -2% Annual Lock Yearly Rate of Return for that Annual Lock Period, and your Annual Lock Anniversary Ending Amount on the fourth Annual Lock Anniversary would be $1207.36. We reach that amount as follows:
If the S&P Price Return Index is 15% higher during the fifth Annual Lock Period, then you will receive a 12% Annual Lock Yearly Rate of Return for that Annual Lock Period, and your Annual Lock Anniversary Ending Amount on the fifth Annual Lock Anniversary (which is also the Segment Maturity Date) would be $1,352.24. We reach that amount as follows:
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Below is a table summarizing the various Index Performance Rates, Annual Lock Yearly Rates of Return, Annual Lock Yearly Return Amounts and Annual Lock Anniversary Starting and Ending Amounts for an Annual Lock example using different Index Performance Rate assumptions.
| Year | Index Performance Rate | Annual Lock Yearly Rate of Return | Annual Lock Anniversary Starting Amount | Annual Lock Yearly Return Amount | Annual Lock Anniversary Ending Amount | |||||||||
| 1 | 13% | 12% | $1,000.00* | $120.00 | $1,120.00 | |||||||||
| 2 | -5% | 0% | $1,120.00 | $ 0.00 | $1,120.00 | |||||||||
| 3 | 8% | 8% | $1,120.00 | $ 89.60 | $1,209.60 | |||||||||
| 4 | -20% | -10% | $1,209.60 | -$120.96 | $1,088.64 | |||||||||
| 5 | -20% | -10% | $1,088.64 | -$108.86 | $ 979.78 | ** | ||||||||
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Choice Segment Examples
Assume that you invest $1,000 in a Choice S&P 500 Price Return Index, 5-year Segment with a -10% Segment Buffer and 5% Choice cost, we set the Performance Cap Rate for that Segment at 65%, and you make no withdrawal from the Segment.
If the S&P 500 Price Return Index is 70% higher on the Segment Maturity Date than on the Segment Start Date, you will receive a 60% Segment Rate of Return, and your Segment Maturity Value would be $1,600. We reach that amount as follows:
If the S&P Price Return Index is only 50% higher on the Segment Maturity Date than on the Segment Start Date, then you will receive a 45% Segment Rate of Return, and your Segment Maturity Value would be $1,450. We reach that amount as follows:
If the S&P Price Return Index is only 2% higher on the Segment Maturity Date than on the Segment Start Date, then you will receive a 0% Segment Rate of Return, and your Segment Maturity Value would be equal to your initial Segment Investment of $1,000. We reach that amount as follows:
If the S&P Price Return Index is 5% lower on the Segment Maturity Date than on the Segment Start Date, then you will receive a 0% Segment Rate of Return, and your Segment Maturity Value would be $1,000. We reach that amount as follows:
If the S&P Price Return Index is 30% lower on the Segment Maturity Date than on the Segment Start Date, then you will receive a -20% Segment Rate of Return, and your Segment Maturity Value would be $800. We reach that amount as follows:
Setting the Segment Maturity Date and Segment Start Date
There will generally be two or more Segment Maturity Dates and Segment Start Dates each month that the contract is outstanding. The Segment Maturity Date for Segments maturing and the Segment Start Date for new corresponding Segments will generally be scheduled to occur on consecutive Business Days that are also Segment Business Days.
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If a Segment Maturity Date falls on a holiday, the Segment Maturity Date will generally be the preceding Segment Business Day. If a Segment Start Date falls on a holiday, the Segment Start Date will generally be the preceding Segment Business Day unless that preceding Segment Business Day is not in the same month. In these instances, no Segment will begin until the next scheduled Segment Start Date. Please see Appendix “Segment Maturity Date and Segment Start Date examples” for a demonstration of the effects that scheduled holidays can have on the Segment Maturity Date and the Segment Start Date.
Effect of an emergency close. Segments are scheduled to mature and start on Segment Business Days. The Segment Maturity Date for Segments maturing and the Segment Start Date for new corresponding Segments starting will generally occur on consecutive Business Days that are also Segment Business Days. It is possible that an Index could be affected by an emergency close on a Segment Business Day, thereby affecting the Index’s ability to publish a price and our ability to mature or start Segments based on the affected Index. Emergency closes can have two consequences.
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The emergency closure of an Index other than the NYSE can have a different effect if it occurs on a Segment Maturity Date rather than a Segment Start Date. We do not currently offer any such Index, but may in the future.
If the conditions that cause an emergency close persist, we will use reasonable efforts to calculate the Segment Maturity Value of any affected Segments. If the affected Index cannot be priced within eight days, we will contact a calculating agency, normally a bank we have a contractual relationship with, which will determine a price to reflect a reasonable estimate of the Index level.
Suspension, Termination and Changes to Segment Types and Indices
We may decide at any time until the close of business on each Segment Start Date whether to offer any or all of the Segment Types described in this Prospectus on a Segment Start Date for a particular Segment. We may suspend a Segment Type for a week, month or a period of several months, or we may terminate a Segment Type entirely.
If a Segment Type is suspended, your account value will remain in the Segment Type Holding Account until a Segment of that Segment Type is offered or you transfer out of the Segment Type Holding Account. We will provide you with written confirmation when money is not transferred from a Segment Type Holding Account into a segment due to the suspension of a Segment Type.
If a Segment Type is terminated, your account value in the corresponding Segment Type Holding Account will be defaulted into the EQ/Money Market variable investment option on the date that would have been the Segment Start Date.
We havereserve the right to substitute an alternative index priorfor the S&P 500 Price Return index, which could reduce
the Growth Cap Rates we can offer. If we were to substitute an alternative index at our discretion, we would provide notice 45 days before making that change. The new index would only apply to new Segments. Any outstanding Segments would mature on their original Segment Maturity Dates. |
We reserve the right to offer any or all Segment Types more or less frequently than we have been or to stop offering any or all of them or to suspend offering any or all of them temporarily for some or all contracts or Series. If we stop offering or suspend certain Segment Types, each existing Segment of those Segment Types will remain invested until its respective Segment Maturity Date.
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Your allocation instructions determine how your contributions are allocated, which may be among one or more of the investment options. The current maximum number of Segments that may be active in your contract at any time is 136. The maximum number of active Segments we allow at any one time may change and, in the future, it may be lower than the current number disclosed herein. If a transfer from a Segment Type Holding Account into a Segment will cause a contract to exceed this limit, such transfers will be defaulted to the EQ/Money Market variable investment option. If there are multiple Segments scheduled to be established on a Segment Start Date, new Segments will be established in the order of those that would have the largest initial Segment Investment first until the limit is reached. Any remaining amount that is not transferred into a Segment will then be defaulted to the EQ/Money Market variable investment option. Allocations must be in whole percentages and you may change your allocation percentages at any time. However, the total of your allocations must equal 100%. Once your contributions are allocated to the investment options they become part of your account value. Subsequent contributions are allocated according to instructions on file unless you provide new instructions. We discuss account value in “Determining your contract’s value”.
The contract is between you and the Company. The contract is not an investment advisory account, and the Company is not providing any investment advice or managing the allocations under your contract. In the absence of a specific written arrangement to the contrary, you, as the owner of the contract, have the sole authority to make investment allocations and other decisions under the contract. Your Equitable Advisors financial professional is acting as a broker-dealer registered representative, and is not authorized to act as an investment advisor or to manage the allocations under your contract. Certain Equitable Advisors financial professionals who are registered as investment advisory representatives (IARs) of Equitable Advisors may enter into a separate agreement with you to provide investment advice for a fee regarding the management of your Series ADV contract. That arrangement will be governed by a separate investment advisory contract, and different terms and conditions will apply (as set forth in that separate investment advisory contract and related disclosures, such as pertinent Forms ADV Part 2A). If your financial professional is a registered representative with a broker-dealer other than Equitable Advisors, you should speak with him/her regarding any different arrangements that may apply, particularly with regard to any fee-based arrangement you may have in connection with your Series ADV contract.
Your right to cancel within a certain number of days
If for any reason you are not satisfied with your contract, you may exercise your cancellation right under the contract to receive a refund. To exercise this cancellation right, you must notify us with a signed letter of instruction electing this right, to our processing office within 10 days after you receive
your contract. If state law requires, this “free look” period may be longer. Other state variations may apply. Please contact your financial professional and/or see Appendix “State contract availability and/or variations of certain features and benefits” to find out what applies in your state.
Generally, your refund will equal your account value under the contract on the day we receive written notification of your decision to cancel the contract and will reflect any investment gain or loss in the investment options (less the daily charges we deduct) through the date we receive your contract. This includes the Segment Interim Value for amounts allocated to existing Segments. Some states, however, require that we refund the full amount of your contribution (not reflecting investment gain or loss). In addition, in some states, the amount of your refund (either your account value or the full amount of your contributions), and the length of your “free look” period, depend on whether you purchased the contract as a replacement. Please refer to your contract or supplemental materials or contact us for more information. For any IRA contract returned to us within seven days after you receive it, we are required to refund the full amount of your contribution. When required by applicable law to return the full amount of your contribution, we will return the greater of your contribution or your contract’s cash value.
We may require that you wait six months before you may apply for a contract with us again if:
Please see “Tax information” for possible consequences of cancelling your contract.
If you fully convert an existing traditional IRA contract to a Roth IRA contract, you may cancel your Roth IRA contract and return to a traditional IRA contract. Our processing office, or your financial professional, can provide you with the cancellation instructions.
In addition to the cancellation right described above, you have the right to surrender your contract, rather than cancel it. Please see “Surrendering your contract to receive its cash value” in “Accessing your money”. Surrendering your contract may yield results different than canceling your contract, including a greater potential for taxable income. In some cases, your cash value upon surrender may be greater than your contributions to the contract. Please see “Tax information”.
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2.3. Benefits available under the contractFee Table Summary
The following tables summarize important information about the benefits available under the contract.
Death Benefits
These death benefits are available during the accumulation phase:
| Guaranteed Maximum | ||||||||||
| Variable Index Benefit Charge(1) | On Segment Start Date | 0.75% | ||||||||
| Variable Index Segment Account Charge(1) | At the beginning of each policy month during the Segment Term | 1.65%(2) | ||||||||
| Total | 2.40% | |||||||||
| Mortality and Expense Risk Charge(3) | Monthly |
| Annual value in the MSO | |||||||
| 1-10 | 1.00% | |||||||||
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Other Benefits
These other benefits are available during the accumulation phase:
| Other | When Charge is Deducted | Maximum Spread Percentage that May be Deducted | ||||
| Loan Interest Spread(4) for Amounts of Policy Loans Allocated to MSO Segment | On each policy anniversary (or on loan termination, if earlier) | New York policies (and OR for certain products): 2% All other policies: 5% | ||||
Deducted | ||||||
| Early Distribution Adjustment | ||||||
| (1) |
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The standard death benefit is equal to the account value as of the date we receive satisfactory proof of the owner’s death, any required instructions for the method of payment, and all information and forms necessary to effect payment.
Your beneficiary and payment of benefit
If you have a Series C or Series ADV contract, disregard any references to “withdrawal charges,” “cash value” or “free withdrawal amount” in this section; these terms only apply to Series B contracts, not Series C or Series ADV contracts.
You designate your beneficiary when you apply for your contract. You may change your beneficiary during your lifetime and while the contract is in force. The change will be effective on the date the written request for the change is received in our processing office. We are not responsible for any beneficiary change request that we do not receive. We will send you a written confirmation when we receive your request. Any part of a death benefit for which there is no named or designated beneficiary living at your death will be payable in a single sum to your surviving spouse, if any; if there is no surviving spouse, then to the surviving children in equal shares; if there are no surviving children, then to your estate. Under jointly owned contracts, the surviving owner is considered the beneficiary, and will take the place of any other beneficiary. In a QP contract, the beneficiary must be the plan trust. If the contract is owned by a qualified plan trust or other entity, the death benefit is payable to the entity owner. Where an NQ contract is owned for the benefit of a minor pursuant to the Uniform Gift to Minors Act or the Uniform Transfers to Minors Act, the beneficiary must be the estate of the minor.
Subject to applicable laws and regulations, you may impose restrictions on the timing and manner of the payment of the death benefit to your beneficiary. For example, your beneficiary designation may specify the form of death benefit payout (such as a life annuity), provided the payout you elect is one that we offer both at the time of designation and when the death benefit is payable. In general, the beneficiary will have no right to change the election. However, you should be aware that (i) in accordance with current federal income tax rules, we apply a predetermined death benefit annuity payout election only if payment of the death benefit amount begins within one year following the date of death, which payment may not occur if the beneficiary has failed to provide all required information before the end of that period, (ii) we will not apply the predetermined death benefit payout election if doing so would violate any federal income tax rules or any other applicable law, and (iii) a beneficiary or a successor owner who continues the contract under one of the continuation options described below will have the right to change your annuity payout election.
Effect of the owner’s death
In general, if the owner dies while the contract is in force, the contract terminates and the applicable death benefit is paid. If the contract is jointly owned, the death benefit is payable upon the death of the older owner. If the contract is owned
by a non-natural person, the death of the primary annuitant triggers rules regarding the death of an owner.
Once we have received notice of the owner’s death, we will not make any transfers from Segment Type Holding Accounts to Segments. Amounts in the Segment Type Holding Accounts will be defaulted into the EQ/Money Market variable investment option. When Segments mature, the Segment Maturity Value will be transferred to the EQ/Money Market variable investment option.
There are various circumstances, however, in which the contract can be continued by a successor owner or under a Beneficiary continuation option (“BCO”). For contracts with spouses who are joint owners, the surviving spouse will automatically be able to continue the contract under the “Spousal continuation” feature, or under our Beneficiary continuation option, as discussed below. For contracts with non-spousal joint owners, the joint owner will be able to continue the contract as a successor owner subject to the limitations discussed below under “Non-spousal joint owner contract continuation.” If you are the sole owner and your spouse is the sole primary beneficiary, your surviving spouse can continue the contract as a successor owner, under “Spousal continuation” or under our Beneficiary continuation option, as discussed below.
If the surviving joint owner is not the surviving spouse, or, for single owner contracts, if the beneficiary is not the surviving spouse, federal income tax rules generally require payments of amounts under the contract to be made within five years of an owner’s death (the “5-year rule”). In certain cases, an individual beneficiary or non-spousal surviving joint owner may opt to receive payments over his/her life (or over a period not in excess of his/her life expectancy) if payments commence within one year of the owner’s death. Any such election must be made in accordance with our rules at the time of death.
Non-spousal joint owner contract continuation
Upon the death of either owner, the surviving joint owner becomes the sole owner.
Any death benefit (if the older owner dies first) or cash value (if the younger owner dies first) must be fully paid to the surviving joint owner within five years, unless one of the exceptions described here applies. The surviving owner may instead elect to take an installment payout or an annuity payout option we may offer at the time under the contract, provided payments begin within one year of the deceased owner’s death. If an annuity or installment payout is elected, the contract terminates and a supplemental contract is issued.
If the older owner dies first, the surviving owner can elect to (1) take a lump sum payment; (2) take an installment payout or an annuity payout option we may offer at the time under the contract within one year; (3) continue the contract for up to five years; or (4) continue the contract under the Beneficiary continuation option discussed below. If the contract continues, withdrawal charges will no longer apply, and no additional contributions will be permitted.
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If the younger owner dies first, the surviving owner can elect to (1) take a lump sum payment; (2) take an installment payout or annuity within one year; (3) continue the contract for up to five years; or (4) continue the contract under the Beneficiary continuation option discussed below. If the contract continues, withdrawal charges (for Series B contracts) will continue to apply and no additional contributions will be permitted. The death benefit becomes payable to the beneficiary if the older owner dies within five years after the death of the younger owner.
If you are the contract owner and your spouse is the sole primary beneficiary or you jointly own the contract with your younger spouse, or if the contract owner is a non-natural person and you and your younger spouse are joint annuitants, your spouse may elect to continue the contract as successor owner upon your death. Spousal beneficiaries (who are not also joint owners) must be 85 or younger as of the date of the deceased spouse’s death in order to continue the contract under Spousal continuation. The determination of spousal status is made under applicable state law. However, in the event of a conflict between federal and state law, we follow federal rules.
Upon your death, the younger spouse joint owner (for NQ contracts only) or the spouse beneficiary (under a single owner contract) may elect to receive the death benefit, continue the contract under our Beneficiary continuation option (as discussed in this section) or continue the contract, as follows:
Where an NQ contract is owned by a Living Trust, as defined in the contract, and at the time of the annuitant’s death the annuitant’s spouse is the sole beneficiary of the Living Trust, the Trustee, as owner of the contract, may request that the spouse be substituted as annuitant as of the date of the annuitant’s death. No further change of annuitant will be permitted.
Where an IRA contract is owned in a custodial individual retirement account, and your spouse is the sole beneficiary of the account, the custodian may request that the spouse be substituted as annuitant after your death.
For jointly owned NQ contracts, if the younger spouse dies first no death benefit is paid, and the contract continues as follows:
The transfer restrictions on amounts in Segments prior to election of Spousal continuation remain in place. Any amounts in Segments may not be transferred out of the Segments until their Segment Maturity Dates. The Segment Maturity Value may be reinvested in other investment options.
If you divorce, Spousal continuation does not apply.
Beneficiary continuation option
This feature permits a designated individual, on the contract owner’s death, to maintain a contract with the deceased contract owner’s name on it and receive distributions under the contract, instead of receiving the death benefit in a single sum. We make this option available to beneficiaries under traditional IRA, Roth IRA and NQ contracts, subject to state availability. Depending on the beneficiary, this option may be restricted or may no longer be available for deaths after December 31, 2019, due to legislation enacted at the end of 2019. Please speak with your financial professional or see Appendix II for further information.
Where an IRA contract is owned in a custodial individual retirement account, the custodian may reinvest the death benefit in an individual retirement annuity contract, using the account beneficiary as the annuitant. Depending on the beneficiary, this option may be restricted or may no longer be available for deaths after December 31, 2019, due to legislation enacted at the end of 2019. Please speak with your financial professional for further information.
Beneficiary continuation option for traditional IRA and Roth IRA contracts only. The beneficiary continuation option must be elected by September 30th of the year following the calendar year of your death and before any other inconsistent election is made. Beneficiaries who do not make a timely election will not be eligible for this option.
After legislation enacted at the end of 2019, for deaths after December 31, 2019, only specified individuals who are “eligible designated beneficiaries” or “EDBs” may stretch post-death payments over the beneficiary’s life expectancy. See “required minimum distributions after your death” under “Tax Information.” Individual beneficiaries who do not have EDB status (including beneficiaries named by the original beneficiary to receive any remaining interest after the death of the original beneficiary) must take out any remaining interest in the IRA or plan within 10 years of the applicable death. Trusts for individuals which would be considered as “see-through” trusts under the rules prior to January 1, 2020 no longer qualify to elect the beneficiary continuation option, except under narrowly defined circumstances.
Under the beneficiary continuation option for IRA and Roth IRA contracts:
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Beneficiary continuation option for NQ contracts only. This feature may only be elected when the NQ contract owner dies before the annuity maturity date, whether or not the owner and the annuitant are the same person. For purposes of this discussion, “beneficiary” refersfee table applies specifically to the successor owner orMSO and should be read in conjunction with the surviving joint owner who elects this feature. This feature must be elected within 9 months followingfee table in the date of your death and before any other inconsistent election is made. Beneficiaries who do not make a timely election will not be eligible for this option.appropriate variable life insurance policy prospectus.
Generally, paymentsChanges in charges
Any changes that we make in our current charges or charge rates will be made once a year to the beneficiary over the beneficiary’s life expectancy, determined on a term certain basis and in the year payments start. These payments must begin no later than one year after the date of your death and are referredthat is equitable to as “scheduled payments.” The beneficiary may choose the “5-year rule” instead of scheduled payments over life expectancy. If the beneficiary chooses the 5-year rule, thereall policies belonging to a given class, and will be no scheduled payments. Underdetermined based on reasonable assumptions as to expenses, mortality, investment income, lapses and policy and contract claims associated with morbidity. For the 5-year rule,sake of clarity, the beneficiaryassumptions referenced above include taxes, the cost of hedging, longevity, volatility, other market conditions, surrenders, persistency, conversions, disability, accident, illness, inability to perform activities of daily living, and cognitive impairment, if applicable. Any changes in charges may take withdrawalsapply to then in force policies, as desired, but the entire account value must be fully withdrawn by the fifth anniversary of your death.
Under the beneficiary continuation option for NQ contracts:
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If there is one beneficiary, the transfer restrictions on amounts in Segments prior to the election of the beneficiary continuation option remain in place. Any amounts in Segments may not be transferred out of the Segments until their Segment Maturity Dates. The Segment Maturity Value may be reinvested in other investment options. However, if the beneficiary has
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If the deceased is the owner or older joint owner:
If the deceased is the younger non-spousal joint owner:
A beneficiary should speak to his or her tax professional about which continuation option is appropriate for him or her. Factors to consider include, but are not limited to, the beneficiary’s age, need for immediate income and a desire to continue the contract.
Our Dollar Cap Averaging Program (“Program”) is an administrative service designed to systematically invest in any of the available Segments over a period of either three or six months. The Program invests in the dollar cap averaging account, which is part of the EQ/Money Market variable investment option. The dollar cap averaging account has the same rate of return as the EQ/Money market variable investment option. The Program allows you to gradually allocate amounts to available Segment Type Holding Accounts by periodically transferring approximately the same dollar amount to your selected Segment Type Holding Accounts. Regular allocations to the Segment Type Holding Accounts will allow you to invest in the Segments at different Performance Cap Rates. This plan of investing, however, does not guarantee that you will earn a profit or be protected against losses. We may, at any time, exercise our right to terminate transfers to any of the Segment Type Holding Accounts, limit the number of Segments which you may elect or discontinue offering the Program.
Under the Dollar Cap Averaging Program, the following applies:
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3.4. Principal risks of investing in the contractRisk Factors
Risks associated with Structures Investment Option
There are certain unique risks associated with some features of the Structured Investment Option.Market Stabilizer Option®:
For Standard Segments and Choice Segments. For example, the -10% Segment Buffer protects your Segment Investment against the first 10% of loss. If the Index Performance Rate declines by more than the Segment Buffer, you will lose an amount equal to 1% of your Segment Investment for every 1% that the Index Performance Rate declines below the Segment Buffer. This means that you could lose up to 70% of your principal and previously credited interest with a -30% Segment Buffer, up to 80% of your principal and previously credited interest with a -20% Segment Buffer and up to 90% of your principal and previously credited interest with a -10% Segment Buffer. Each time you roll over your Segment Maturity Value into a new Standard Segment or Choice Segment you are subject to the same risk of loss as described above.
For Annual Lock Segments. The -10% Segment Buffer protects against the first 10% of loss each Annual Lock Period. If the Index Performance Rate declines by more than the Segment Buffer during an Annual Lock Period, you will lose an amount equal to 1% of your Segment Investment (if the decline occurs during the first Annual Lock Period and of your Annual Lock Anniversary Starting Amount thereafter) for every 1% that the Index Performance Rate declines below the Segment Buffer. This means that during an Annual Lock Period you could lose up to 90% of your Segment Investment (if the decline occurs during the first Annual Lock Period and of your Annual Lock Anniversary Starting Amount thereafter) with the -10% Segment Buffer. The cumulative result means that you could lose more than 90% of your principal and previously credited interest in an Annual Lock Segment. Each time you roll over your Segment Maturity Value into a new Annual Lock Segment you are subject to the same risk of loss as described above.
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A Performance Cap Threshold will be in effect until the PCT Expiry Date. This means that if the declared Performance Cap Rate for a Segment, has not matched or exceeded your Performance Cap Threshold on any of the scheduled Segment Start Dates before the PCT Expiry Date, any amounts in the applicable Segment Type Holding Account (including any funds transferred to that holding account after your election) on the business day immediately preceding the next scheduled
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Segment Start Date after your PCT Expiry Date will be transferred into the Segment created on that Segment Start Date, unless you specify a new the Performance Cap Threshold prior to that date. YOU MUST SET A NEW PERFORMANCE CAP THRESHOLD PRIOR TO THE NEXT SCHEDULED SEGMENT START DATE AFTER YOUR PERFORMANCE CAP THRESHOLD EXPIRES TO AVOID HAVING AMOUNTS AUTOMATICALLY TRANSFERRED INTO THE ASSOCIATED SEGMENT, WHICH MAY HAVE A PERFORMANCE CAP RATE THAT DOES NOT MEET YOUR INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES. In addition, if your Performance Cap Threshold was satisfied on a scheduled Segment Start Date before the PCT Expiry Date and amounts in the applicable Segment Type Holding Account were transferred into a Segment, the Performance Cap Threshold will continue to apply to any amounts you subsequently transfer into that Segment Type Holding Account until the PCT Expiry Date. A “scheduled Segment Start Date” includes any date on which a Segment was scheduled to start but was not offered as of that date. A suspension of the Segment Type will not extend the PCT Expiry Date.
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If a Segment cannot be matured until after the scheduled Segment Start Date, we may create new Segments of Segment Types that utilize unaffected Indices on the scheduled Segment Start Date. This may occur if the Segment Maturity Date for a Segment is delayed more than once because the value for the relevant underlying Index ofS&P 500 Price Return index, which could reduce the Segment is not published on the designated Segment Maturity Date. If your instructions include an allocation from a Segment whose Segment Maturity Date
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Risks associated with the Variable Investment Options
There are certain unique risks associated with the Contract.
Risks associated with withdrawals and surrenders
Risks associated with the Company
Not
The contract is9
Risk of Loss
All investments have risksAsset Rebalancing Service, if offered under your policy. However, any amounts allocated to some degree and it is possible that you could lose money by investingthe MSO will not be included in the contract. Anrebalance transactions. The investment inoptions available to your Asset Rebalancing Service do not include the contractMSO Holding Account or Segments.
| • | If your policy has any of these endorsements or riders that schedule or permit an increase in the face amount of your policy (including Target Amount Increases) or the face amount of a term insurance rider, or any combination of the two, any such increase during a Segment Term will be subject to the “face amount increases” provision of the MSO rider for purposes of determining the sufficiency of your values in the investment options under your policy including the MSO Holding Account, and the Unloaned GIO, to cover the recalculated Charge Reserve Amount on the effective date of the increase. The same provision will govern the necessity for any transfers to supplement the amount in the Unloaned GIO. Please also see “Requested Face Amount Increases” under “Description of the Market Stabilizer Option®“ in this Prospectus for more information. |
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Possible Adverse Tax Consequences
| • | If you elect the Long-Term Care ServicesSM Rider, after a period of coverage ends, any Segments will be terminated with an Early Distribution Adjustment and you will forfeit any positive Index performance. Any remaining amounts will be allocated in the variable investment options and GIO based on your premium allocations then in effect. Please see “Long-Term Care ServicesSM Rider” in this Prospectus for more information. |
The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted the U.S. and global economies, created significanteconomies. A wide variety of factors continue to impact financial and economic conditions, including, among others, volatility in the capitalfinancial markets, rising inflation rates, supply chain disruptions, continued low interest rates and dramatically increased unemployment levels. The pandemic has also resultedchanges in fiscal or monetary policy. Efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19 have affected our business directly in a number of ways, including through the temporary closures of many businesses and schools and the institution of social distancing requirements in many states and local communities. Businesses or schools that have reopened have restricted or limited access for the foreseeable future and may do so on a permanent or episodic basis. As a result, our ability to sell products through our regular channels and the demand for our products and services has been significantly impacted. The extent of the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on us will depend on future developments that are highly uncertain, including the severity and duration of the pandemic, actions taken by governments and other third parties in response to the pandemic and the availability and efficacy of vaccines against COVID-19.
While we have implemented risk management and contingency plans with respect to the COVID-19 pandemic, such measures may not adequately protect our business from the full impacts of the pandemic. Currently, most of our employees and advisors are continuing to work remotely. Extended periods of remote work arrangements could introduce additional operational risk including, but not limited to, cybersecurity risks, and impair our ability to effectively manage our business. We also outsource a variety of functions to third parties whose business continuity strategies are largely outside our control.
Economic uncertainty and unemployment resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic may have an adverse effect on product sales and result in existing policyholders withdrawing at greater rates.
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COVID-19 could have an adverse effect on our insurance business due to increased mortality and morbidity rates. The cost of reinsurance to us for these policies could increase, and we may encounter decreased availability of such reinsurance. If policyholder lapse and surrender rates or premium waivers significantly exceed our expectations, we may need to change our assumptions, models or reserves.
Our investment portfolio has been, and may continue to be, adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. DeclinesOur investments in mortgages and commercial mortgage-backed securities have been, and could continue to be, negatively affected by delays or failures of borrowers to make payments of principal and interest when due. In some jurisdictions, local governments have imposed delays or moratoriums on many forms of enforcement actions. Furthermore, declines in equity markets and interest rates, reduced liquidity or a continued slowdown in the U.S. or in global economic conditions may also adversely affect the values and cash flows of these investments. Our investments in mortgages and commercial mortgage-backed securities have been, and could continue to be, negatively affected by delays or failures of borrowers to
make payments of principal and interest when due. In some jurisdictions, local governments have imposed delays or moratoriums on many forms of enforcement actions. Market volatility in 2020 also caused significant increases in credit spreads, and any continued volatility may increase our borrowing costs and decrease product fee income. Further, severe market volatility may leave us unable to react to market events in a prudent manner consistent with our historical investment practices.
The extent of the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on us will depend on future developments that are still highly uncertain, including the severity and duration of the pandemic, actions taken by governments and other third parties in response to the pandemic and the availability and efficacy of vaccines against COVID-19 and its variants.
Cybersecurity risks and catastrophic events
We rely heavily on interconnected computer systems and digital data to conduct our variable product business. Because our variable product business is highly dependent upon the effective operation of our computer systems and those of our business partners, our business is vulnerable to disruptions from utility outages, and susceptible to operational and information security risks resulting from information systems failure (e.g., hardware and software malfunctions), and cyber-attacks.cyberattacks. These risks include, among other things, the theft, misuse, corruption and destruction of data maintained online or digitally, interference with or denial of service, attacks on websites and other operational disruption and unauthorized use or abuse of confidential customer information. SystemSystems failures and cyber-attacks,cyberattacks, as well as, any other catastrophic event, including natural and manmade disasters, public health emergencies, pandemic diseases, terrorist attacks, floods or severe storms affecting us, any third-party administrator, the underlying funds, intermediaries and other affiliated or third-party service providers may adversely affect us, our business operations and your account value. Systems failures and cyber-attackscyberattacks may also interfere with our processing of contract transactions, including the processing of orders from our website or with the underlying funds, impact our ability to calculate account
values, cause the release and possible destruction of confidential customer or business information, impede order processing, subject us and/or our service providers and intermediaries to regulatory fines and financial losses and/or cause reputational damage. In addition, the occurrence of any pandemic disease (like COVID-19), natural disaster, terrorist attack or any other event that results in our workforce, and/or employees of service providers and/or third partythird-party administrators, being compromised and unable or unwilling to fully perform their responsibilities, could likewise result in interruptions in our service, including our ability to issue contracts and process contract transactions. Even ifwhen our workforce and employees of our service providers and/or third partythird-party administrators were able tocan work remotely, those remote work arrangements could result in our business operations being less efficient than under normal circumstances and lead to delays in our issuing contracts and processing of other contract-related transactions.transactions, as well as possibly being more susceptible to cyberattacks. Cybersecurity risks and catastrophic events may also impact the issuers of securities in which the underlying funds invest, which may cause the funds underlying your contract to lose value. While there can be no assurance that we or the underlying funds or our service providers will avoid losses affecting your contract due to cyber-attacks,cyberattacks, information security breaches or other catastrophic events in the future, we take reasonable steps to mitigate these risks and secure our systems and business operations from such failures, attacks and events.
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4.5. Determining your contract’s value
Your account value and cash value
Your “account value” is the total of: (i) the values you have in the variable investment options, (ii) the values you have in the Segment Type Holding Accounts, (iii) the values you have in the Dollar Cap Averaging Program and (iv) your Segment Interim Values.
Your contract also has a “cash value.” If you have a Series B contract, at any time before annuity payments begin, your contract’s cash value is equal to the account value less any applicable withdrawal charges. Please see “Surrender of your contract to receive its cash value” in “Accessing your money”.
For Series C and Series ADV contracts, at any time before annuity payments begin, your contract’s cash value is equal to its account value.
If you have a Series C or Series ADV contract, disregard any references to “withdrawal charges” or “free withdrawal amount” in this section; these terms only apply to Series B contracts, not Series C or Series ADV contracts.
Your contract’s value in the variable investment options, Segment Type Holding Accounts and the Dollar Cap Averaging Account
Each variable investment option (including Segment Type Holding Accounts and the dollar cap averaging account) invests in shares of a corresponding portfolio. Your value in each variable investment option is measured by “units.” The value of your units will increase or decrease as though you had invested it in the corresponding portfolio’s shares directly. Your value, however, will be reduced by the amountDescription of the fees and charges that we deduct under the contract.Market Stabilizer Option®
Units measure your value in each variable investment option.
We offer a Market Stabilizer Option® that provides a rate of return tied to the performance of the Index.
The unit value foramount of each transfer or loan repayment you make to the MSO, and the balance of each premium payment you make to the MSO after any premium charge under your base policy has been deducted, will first be placed in the MSO Holding Account. The MSO Holding Account is a portion of the regular EQ/Money Market variable investment option depends onthat will hold amounts allocated to the investment performance of that option minus daily charges forMSO until the variable investment option fee. Eachnext available Segment TypeStart Date. The MSO Holding Account has the same rate of return and is subject to the dollar cap averaging account are part ofsame underlying portfolio operating expenses and same mortality and expense risk charges as the EQ/Money Market variable investment option. Please refer to “Fee Table” of the variable life insurance policy prospectus for more information regarding such expenses. We currently plan on offering new Segments on a monthly basis but reserve the right to offer them less frequently or to stop offering them or to suspend offering them temporarily.
Before any account value is transferred into a Segment, you can transfer amounts from the MSO Holding Account into other investment options available under your policy at any time subject to any transfer restrictions within your policy. You can transfer into and out of the MSO Holding Account at any time up to and including the Segment Start Date provided your transfer request is received at our administrative office by such date. For example, you can transfer policy account value into the MSO Holding Account on the 3rd Friday of June, which is the Segment Start Date. That policy account value would transfer into the Segment starting on that date, subject to the conditions mentioned earlier. You can also transfer policy account value out of the MSO Holding Account before the end of the business day on the Segment Start Date and that account value would not be swept into the Segment starting on that date. Please refer to the “How to reach us” section of the variable life insurance policy prospectus for more information regarding contacting us and communicating your instructions. We also have specific forms that we recommend you use for electing the MSO and any MSO transactions.
On any day, yourthe Segment Start Date, account value in the MSO Holding Account, excluding charges and any variable investment option equalsaccount value transferred to cover the numberCharge Reserve Amount, will be transferred into a Segment if all requirements and limitations are met that are discussed under “Segments” immediately below.
Each Segment will have a Segment Start Date of units credited to that option, adjustedthe 3rd Friday of each calendar month and will have a Segment Maturity Date on the 3rd Friday of the same calendar month in the succeeding calendar year.
In order for any units purchased for or deductedamount to be transferred from your contract underthe MSO Holding Account into a new Segment on a Segment Start Date, all of the following conditions must be met on that option, multiplied by that day’s value for one unit. The number of your contract units in any variable investment option does not change unless it is:date:
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A description of how unit values are calculated
| (4) | It must not be necessary, as determined by us on that date, for us to make a distribution from the policy during the Segment Term in order for the policy to continue to qualify as life insurance under applicable tax law. |
| (5) | The total amount allocated to your Segments under your policy on that date must be less than any limit we may have established. At this time there is no limit. |
If there is foundsufficient policy account value in the SAI.Unloaned GIO to cover the Charge Reserve Amount, then no transfers from other investment options to the Unloaned GIO will need to be made. If there is insufficient value in the Unloaned GIO to cover the Charge Reserve Amount and we do not receive instructions from you specifying the investment options from which we should transfer the account value to the Unloaned GIO to meet Charge Reserve Amount requirements at the Segment Start Date, or the transfer instructions are not possible due to insufficient funds, then the required amount will be transferred proportionately from your variable investment options including the MSO Holding Account.
If after any transfers there would be an insufficient amount in the Unloaned GIO to cover the Charge Reserve Amount or the Growth Cap Rate for the next available Segment does not qualify per your minimum Growth Cap Rate instructions
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and the conditions listed above, then your amount in the MSO Holding Account will remain there until we receive further instruction from you. We will mail you a notice informing you that your account value did or did not transfer from the MSO Holding Account into a Segment. These notices are mailed on or about the next business day after the applicable Segment Start Date. Please see “Requested Face Amount Increases” in this Prospectus for more information about the investment options from which account value could be transferred to the Unloaned GIO on the effective date of a requested face amount increase.
Your contract’s valueSegment Maturity
Near the end of the Segment Term, we will notify you between 15 and 45 days before the Segment Maturity Date that a Segment is about to mature. At that time, you may choose to have all or a part of:
(a) the Segment Maturity Value rolled over into the MSO Holding Account
(b) the Segment Maturity Value transferred to the variable investment options available under your policy
(c) the Segment Maturity Value transferred to the Unloaned GIO.
If we do not receive your transfer instructions before the Segment Maturity Date, your Segment Maturity Value will automatically be rolled over into the MSO Holding Account for investment in the Structured Investment Optionnext available Segment, subject to the conditions listed under “Segments” above.
However, if we are not offering the MSO at that time, we will transfer the Segment Maturity Value to the investment options available under your policy per your instructions or to the EQ/Money Market investment option if no instructions are received. Although under the variable life insurance policy we reserve the right to apply a transfer charge up to $25 for each transfer among your investment options, there will be no transfer charges for any of the transfers discussed in this section.
Growth Cap Rate
By allocating your account value to the MSO, you can participate in the performance of the Index up to the applicable Growth Cap Rate that we declare on the Segment Start Date.
Please note that this means you will not know the Growth Cap Rate for a new Segment until after the account value has been transferred from the MSO Holding Account into the Segment and you are not allowed to transfer the account value out of a Segment before the Segment Maturity Date. Please see “Transfers” below.
Each Segment is likely to have a different Growth Cap Rate. Any increases in the Growth Cap Rate above the minimum 6% are set at the Company’s sole discretion. However, the Growth Cap Rate will never be less than 6%.
As part of your initial instructions in selecting the MSO, you will specify what your minimum acceptable Growth Cap Rate is for a Segment. You may specify a minimum Growth Cap
Rate from 6% to 10%. If the Growth Cap Rate we set, on the Segment Start Date, is below the minimum you specified then the account value will not be transferred from the MSO Holding Account into that Segment. If you do not specify a minimum Growth Cap Rate then your minimum Growth Cap Rate will be set at 6%. Therefore, if you do not specify a minimum acceptable Growth Cap Rate, account value could transfer into a Segment with a Growth Cap Rate that may be lower than what you would have chosen. In addition, for account value to transfer into a Segment from the MSO Holding Account, the Growth Cap Rate must be greater than the sum of the annual interest rate we are currently crediting on the Unloaned GIO (“A”), the Variable Index Benefit Charge rate (“B”), the current annualized monthly Variable Index Segment Account Charge rate (“C”) and the current annualized monthly mortality and expense risk charge rate (“D”). The Growth Cap Rate must be greater than (A+B+C+D).
For example, assume that the annual interest rate we are currently crediting on the Unloaned GIO were 4.00%, the Variable Index Benefit Charge rate were 0.75%, the current annualized monthly Variable Index Segment Account charge rate were 0.65% and the annualized monthly mortality and expense risk charge rate were 0.85%. Based on those assumptions (which we provide only for illustrative purposes and will not necessarily correspond to actual rates), because these numbers total 6.25%, no amounts would be transferred into any Segment unless we declare a Growth Cap Rate that is higher than 6.25%. Please see “Index-Linked Return” in this Prospectus for more information.
As another example, you may specify a minimum Growth Cap Rate of 8%. If we set the Growth Cap Rate at 8% or higher for a Segment then a transfer from the MSO Holding Account will be made into that new Segment provided all other requirements and conditions discussed in this Prospectus are met. If we set the Growth Cap Rate below 8% then no transfer from the MSO Holding Account will be made into that Segment. No transfer will be made until a Segment Growth Cap Rate equal to or greater than 8% is set and all requirements are met or you transfer account value out of the MSO Holding Account.
You may also subsequently change the minimum Growth Cap Rate by contacting us at our Administrative Office.
Downside Protection
Your valueprotection against negative performance for a Segment held until its Segment Maturity Date is currently -25% (“Downside Protection” also referred to in eachyour policy as the “Segment Loss Absorption Threshold Rate”). We reserve the right, for new Segments, to increase your Downside Protection against negative performance. For example, if we were to adjust the Downside Protection for a Segment to -100%, the Index-Linked Rate of Return for that Segment would not go below 0%. Please note that any increase in the protection against negative performance would likely result in a lower Growth Cap Rate than would otherwise apply. We will provide notice between 15 and 45 days before any change in the Downside Protection is effective. Any change would only apply to new Segments started after the effective
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date of the change, which (coupled with the 15-45 day notice we will give) will afford you the opportunity to decline to participate in any Segment that reflects a change in the Downside Protection.
Any increases in the Growth Cap Rate above the minimum 6% and increases in Downside Protection from the minimum -25% are set at the Company’s sole discretion. However, we may only increase your Downside Protection from the current -25%.Your Downside Protection will never decrease below -25%.
We calculate the Index-Linked Return for a Segment by taking the Index-Linked Rate of Return and multiplying it by the Segment Account Value on the Segment Maturity Date. The Segment Account Value is net of any Early Distributions and any corresponding Early Distribution Adjustments. The Segment Account Value does not include the Charge Reserve Amount described in this Prospectus.
The following table demonstrates the Index-Linked Rate of Return and the Segment Maturity Value on the Segment Maturity Date is calculated as described under “Segmentbased upon a hypothetical range of returns for the S&P 500 Price Return index. This example assumes a 15% Growth Cap Rate, a $1,000 investment in the MSO Segment and a Downside Protection of Return” in “Contract Features and Benefits”-25%. No Early Distributions have occurred during the Segment term.
| Index Performance Rate of the S&P 500 Price Return index | Index-Linked Rate of Return | Segment Maturity Value | ||
| 50% | 15% | $1,150 | ||
| 25% | 15% | $1,150 | ||
| 10% | 10% | $1,100 | ||
| 0% | 0% | $1,000 | ||
| -25% | 0% | $1,000 | ||
| -50% | -25% | $750 | ||
| -75% | -50% | $500 | ||
| -100% | -75% | $250 |
In setting
For instance, we may set the PerformanceGrowth Cap Rate that we use in calculatingat 15%. Therefore, if the Index has gone up 20% over your Segment Term, you will receive a 15% credit to your Segment Account Value on the Segment Maturity Date. If the Index had gone up by 13% from your Segment Start Date to your Segment Maturity Date then you would receive a credit of 13% to your Segment Account Value or Annual Lock Anniversary Starting and Ending Amounts for Annual Lock Segments, we assumeon the Segment Maturity Date.
If the Index had gone down 20% over the Segment Term then you would receive a return of 0% to your Segment Account Value on the Segment Maturity Date.
If the Index had gone down by 30% by your Segment Maturity Date then your Segment Account Value would be reduced by 5% on the Segment Maturity Date. The Downside Protection feature of the MSO will absorb the negative performance of the Index up to -25%.
The Index-Linked Return is only applied to amounts that you are going to holdremain in a Segment until the Segment Maturity Date. However, you haveFor example, a surrender of your policy before Segment maturity will eliminate any Index-Linked Return and be subject to a Early Distribution Adjustment.
If the Index is discontinued or if the calculation of the Index is substantially changed, we reserve the right underto substitute an alternative index. We also reserve the contractright to access amounts inchoose an alternative index at our discretion.
If we were to substitute an alternative index at our discretion, we would provide notice 45 days before making that change. The new index would only apply to new Segments. Any outstanding Segments would mature on their original Segment Maturity Dates.
With an alternative index, the Downside Protection would remain the same or greater. However, an alternative index may reduce the Growth Cap Rates we can offer. We would attempt to choose a substitute index that has a similar investment objective and risk profile to the S&P 500 Price Return index.
If the S&P 500 Price Return index were to be discontinued or substantially changed, thereby affecting the Index-Linked Return of existing Segments, we will mature the Segments based on the most recently available closing value of the Index before it is discontinued or changed. Such maturity will be as of the date of such most recently available closing value of the Index and we will use that closing value to calculate the Index-linked Return through that date. We would apply the full Index performance to that date subject to the full Growth Cap Rate and Downside Protection. For example, if the Index was up 12% at the time we matured the Segment and the Growth Cap Rate was 8%, we would credit an 8% return to your Segment Account Value. If the Index was down 30% at the time we matured the Segment, we would credit a 5% negative return to your Segment Account Value. We would provide notice about maturing the Segment, as soon as practicable and ask for instructions on where to transfer your Segment Maturity Value.
If we are still offering Segments at that time, you can request that the Segment Maturity Value be invested in a new Segment, in which case we will hold the Segment Maturity Value in the MSO Holding Account for investment in the next available Segment subject to the same terms and conditions discussed above under MSO Holding Account and Segments.
In the case of any of the types of early maturities discussed above, there would be no transfer charges or EDA applied and you can allocate the Segment Maturity Value to the investment options available under your policy. Please see “Segment Maturity” in this Prospectus for more information. If we continued offering new Segments, then such a change in the Index may cause lower Growth Cap Rates to be offered. However, we would still provide a minimum Growth Cap Rate of 6% and minimum Downside Protection of -25%. We also reserve the right to not offer new Segments. Please see “Right to Discontinue and Limit Amounts Allocated to the MSO” in this Prospectus.
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There is a current percentage charge of any policy account value allocated to each Segment provided in the applicable variable life insurance policy prospectus. We reserve the right to increase or decrease the charge although it will never exceed 2.40%. Of this percentage charge, 0.75% will be deducted on the Segment Start Date under certain circumstances. Therefore, we calculatefrom the amount being transferred from the MSO Holding Account into the Segment as an up-front charge (“Variable Index Benefit Charge”), with the remaining annual charge (of the current Segment Account Value) being deducted from the policy account on a monthly basis during the Segment Term (“Variable Index Segment Account Charge”). For additional information see your variable life insurance policy prospectus.
The base variable life insurance policy’s mortality and expense risk charge will also be applicable to a Segment InterimAccount Value or any amounts held in the MSO Holding Account. The current mortality and expense risk charge deducted monthly is 0.60% of Segment Account Value or any amounts held in the MSO Holding Account during the
first 8 policy years, with no charge in policy year 9 and thereafter. We reserve the right to increase or decrease this charge in the future, although it will never exceed 1.00% during policy years 1-10 and 0.50% during policy years 11 and later. Amounts in the MSO Holding Account reflect fees and expenses of the EQ/Money Market Portfolio, which are described in the prospectuses for the variable life insurance policy and the EQ/Money Market Portfolio. Please refer to the appropriate variable life insurance policy prospectus for more information.
Please see “Loan Interest Spread” in the “Fee Table” in this Prospectus for information regarding the “spread” you would pay on any policy loan.
If a Segment is terminated prior to maturity by policy surrender, or reduced prior to maturity by monthly deductions (if other funds are insufficient) or by loans or a Guideline Premium Force-out as described below, we will refund a proportionate amount of the Variable Index Benefit Charge corresponding to the surrender or reduction and the time remaining until Segment Maturity. The refund will be administered as part of the Early Distribution Adjustment process as described above. This refund will increase your surrender value or remaining Segment Account Value, as appropriate. Amounts in the MSO Holding Account reflect fees and expenses of the EQ/Money Market Portfolio, which are described in the prospectuses for the variable life insurance policy and the EQ/Money Market Portfolio. Please see “Appendix: Early Distribution Adjustment Examples” for an example and further information.
If you elect the Market Stabilizer Option®, you are required to maintain a minimum amount of policy account value in the Unloaned GIO to approximately cover the estimated monthly charges for the policy, (including, but not limited to, the MSO and any optional riders) for the Segment Term. This is the Charge Reserve Amount.
The Charge Reserve Amount will be determined on each business day, whichSegment Start Date as an amount projected to be sufficient to cover all of the policy’s monthly deductions during the Segment Term, assuming at the time such calculation is alsomade that no interest or investment performance is credited to or charged against the policy account and that no policy changes or additional premium payments are made. The Charge Reserve Amount on other than a Segment Business Day, betweenStart Date (or the effective date of a requested face amount increase — please see “Requested Face Amount Increases” below for more information) will be the Charge Reserve Amount determined as of the latest Segment Start Date (or effective date of a face amount increase) reduced by each subsequent monthly deduction during the longest remaining Segment Term, although it will never be less than zero. This means, for example, that if you are in a Segment (Segment A) and then enter another Segment (Segment B) 6 months later, the Charge Reserve Amount would be re-calculated on the start date of Segment B. The Charge Reserve Amount would be re-calculated to cover all of the policy’s monthly deductions during the Segment Terms for both Segments A and B.
When you select the MSO, as part of your initial instructions, you will be asked to specify the investment options from which we should transfer the account value to the Unloaned GIO to meet Charge Reserve Amount requirements, if necessary. No transfer restrictions apply to amounts that you wish to transfer into the Unloaned GIO to meet the Charge Reserve Amount requirement. If your values in the variable investment options including the MSO Holding Account and the unloaned portion of our GIO are insufficient to cover the Charge Reserve Amount, no new Segment will be established. Please see “Segments” above for more information regarding the Charge Reserve Amount and how amounts may be transferred to meet this requirement.
Please note that the Charge Reserve Amount may not be sufficient to cover actual monthly deductions during the Segment Term. Although the Charge Reserve Amount will be re-calculated on each Segment Start Date, and the Segment Maturity Date. Please note that all Annual Lock Segments and Choice Segments have a 5-year Segment Duration. The method we useamount already present in the Unloaned GIO will be supplemented through transfers from your value in the variable investment options including the MSO Holding Account, if necessary to calculatemeet this requirement, actual monthly deductions could vary up or down during the Segment InterimTerm due to various factors including but not limited to requested policy changes, additional premium payments, investment performance, loans, policy partial withdrawals from other investment options besides the MSO, and any changes we might make to current policy charges.
How we deduct policy monthly charges during a Segment Term
Under your base variable life insurance policy, monthly deductions are allocated to the variable investment options and the Unloaned GIO according to deduction allocation percentages specified by you or based on a proportionate allocation should any of the individual investment option values be insufficient.
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However, if the Market Stabilizer Option® is elected, on the Segment Start Date, deduction allocation percentages will be changed so that 100% of monthly deductions will be taken from the Charge Reserve Amount and then any remaining value in the Unloaned GIO, if the Charge Reserve Amount is depleted, during the Segment Term. In addition, if the value in the Unloaned GIO is ever insufficient to cover monthly deductions during the Segment Term, the base policy’s proportionate allocation procedure will be modified as follows:
| 1. | The first step will be to take the remaining portion of the deductions proportionately from the values in the variable investment options, including any value in the MSO Holding Account but excluding any Segment Account Values. |
| 2. | If the Unloaned GIO and variable investment options, including any value in the MSO Holding Account, are insufficient to cover deductions in their entirety, the remaining amount will be allocated to the individual Segments proportionately, based on the current Segment Distribution Values. |
| 3. | Any portion of a monthly deduction allocated to an individual Segment will generate a corresponding Early Distribution Adjustment of the Segment Account Value. |
The effect of those procedures is that account value will be taken out of a Segment to pay a monthly deduction (and an EDA therefore applied) only if there is no remaining account value in any other investment options, as listed in 1. and 2. above.
In addition, your base variable life insurance policy will lapse if your net policy account value or net cash surrender value (please refer to your base variable life insurance policy prospectus for a further explanation of these terms) is not enough to pay your policy’s monthly charges when due (unless one of the available guarantees against termination is applicable). If you have amounts allocated to MSO Segments, the Segment Distribution Value is different than the method we use to calculate the valuewill be used in place of the Segment onAccount Value in calculating the net policy account value and net cash surrender value.
These modifications will apply during any period in which a Segment exists and has not yet reached its Segment Maturity Date. Prior
Overview
Before a Segment matures, if you surrender your policy, take a loan from a Segment or have another Early Distribution, we will apply an Early Distribution Adjustment.
The application of the EDA is based on your agreement (under the terms of the MSO) to be exposed to the risk that, at the Segment Maturity Date, the Index will have fallen by more than 25%. The EDA uses what we use the Segment Interim Valuerefer to calculate (1) your account value; (2) the amount your beneficiary would receive as a death benefit; (3)Put Option Factor to estimate the amountmarket value, at the time of an Early Distribution, of the risk that you would receivesuffer a loss if
your Segment were continued (without taking the Early Distribution) until its Segment Maturity Date. By charging you makewith a withdrawal from a Segment; (4)deduction equal to that estimated value, the amount you would receive if you surrender your contract; or (5) the amount you would receive if you cancel your contract and return it to us for a refund within your state’s “free look” period (unless your state requires that we refund the full amount of your contribution upon cancellation).
The Segment Interim Value is calculated based on a formula thatEDA provides a treatment for an early distributionEarly Distribution that is designed to be consistent with how distributions at the end of a Segment are treated. Appendix “Segment Interim Value” sets forthtreated when the calculation formula as well as numerous hypothetical examples. The formula is calculated by addingIndex has declined over the fair valuecourse of three components. These components provide us with a market value estimate of the risk of loss and the possibility of gain at the end of athat Segment. These components are used to calculate the Segment Interim Value. The three components are:
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We then compare the sum of the three components above with a limitation based on the Performance Cap Rate. In particular, the Segment Interim Value is never greater than the Segment Investment (or most recent Annual Lock Anniversary
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Starting Amount,In the event of an Early Distribution, even if applicable) multiplied by the portion of the Performance Cap Rate corresponding to the portion of the Segment Duration (or Annual Lock Period for Annual Lock Segments) that has elapsed. This limitation is imposed to discourage owners from withdrawing from a Segment before the Segment Maturity Date where there may have been significant increases in the relevant Index early in the Segment Duration. For more information, please see Appendix “Segment Interim Value”.
Even if the corresponding Index has experienced positive investment performance since the Segment Start Date, becausethe EDA will cause you to lose principal and previously credited interest through the application of the factors we take into accountPut Option Factor and that loss may be substantial. That is because there is always some risk that the Index would have declined by the Segment Maturity Date such that you would suffer a loss if the Segment were continued (without taking any Early Distribution) until that time. However, the other component of the EDA is the proportionate refund of the Variable Index Benefit Charge (discussed below under “Important Considerations”) which is a positive adjustment to you. As a result, the overall impact of the EDA is to reduce your Segment Account Value and your other policy values except in the calculation above, your Segment Interim Value may be lowerlimited circumstances where the proportionate refund is greater than your Segment Investment.
We determine the EDA and the Put Option Factor by formulas that are described below under “47Additional Detail
5. Transferring your money among investment options
Transferring your account value.”
At any time before the date annuity payments are to begin, you can transfer some or all of your account value among the investment options, subject to the following current limitations:Important Considerations
When any surrender, loan, charge deduction or other distribution is made from a Segment before its Segment Maturity Date (which is 5 years for all Annual Lock Segments and Choice Segments).
Upon advance notice to you, via a client communication mailing, we may change or establish additional restrictions
on transfers among the investment options, including limitations on the number, frequency, or dollar amount of transfers. In addition, we may, at any time, exercise our right to limit or terminate transfers into any of the variable investment options and to limit the number of variable investment options which you may elect. We currently do not impose any transfer restrictions among the variable investment options. A transfer request does not change your allocation instructions on file. Our current transfer restrictions are set forth in the “Disruptive transfer activity” section.
You may request a transfer in writing using the specified form or on line using Equitable Client portal. You must send in all signed written requests directly to our processing office. Transfer requests should specify:Date:
You will forfeit any positive Index performance with respect to these amounts. Instead, any of these pre- Segment Maturity Date distributions will cause an EDA to be applied that will usually result in a reduction in your values. Surrender charges and tax consequences also could apply to Early Distributions. Therefore, you should give careful consideration before taking any such early loan or surrender, exercising a rider or allowing the |
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| a. | If the |
We will confirm all transfers in writing.
Please see “Allocating your contributions” in “Contract features and benefits” for more information about your role in managing your allocations.
We may charge a transfer charge for any transfers among
| b. | If the Index has fallen since the Segment Start Date, but by less than 25%, the EDA would charge you for the risk that, by the Segment Maturity Date, the
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| index might have declined further to a point more than 25% below what it was at the Segment Start Date. (Please see example I in “Appendix: Early Distribution Adjustment Examples” for further information.) This charge would generally be less than the amount by which the Index had fallen from the Segment Start Date through the date we apply the EDA. It also would generally be less than it would be under the circumstances in 2a. above. |
time or price. For example, when market timing occurs, a portfolio may have to sell its holdings to have the cash necessary to redeem the market timer’s investment. This can happen when it is not advantageous to sell any securities, so the portfolio’s performance may be hurt. When large dollar amounts are involved, market timing can also make it difficult to use long-term investment strategies because a portfolio cannot predict how much cash it will have to invest.
| c. | If the Index has risen since the Segment Start Date, the EDA would not credit you with any of such favorable investment performance. Instead, the EDA would charge you for the risk that, by the Segment Maturity Date, the index might have declined to a point more than 25% below what it was at the Segment Start Date. (Please see examples II and IV in “Appendix: Early Distribution Adjustment Examples” for further information.) This charge would generally be less than it would be under the circumstances in 2a. and 2b. above. |
In addition disruptive transfers or purchases and redemptionsto the consequences discussed in 2. above, the EDA also has the effect of portfolio investments may impede efficient portfolio management and impose increased transaction costs, such as brokerage costs, by requiringpro rating the portfolio adviser toVariable Index Benefit Charge. As discussed further below, this means that you in effect more frequent purchases and saleswould receive a proportionate refund of portfolio securities. Similarly, a portfolio may bear increased administrative costs as a resultthis charge for the portion of the asset level and investment volatilitySegment Term that accompanies patterns of excessivefollows the early surrender, loan, policy distribution, or short-term trading. Portfolioscharge deduction that invest a significant portion of their assets in foreign securities orcaused us to apply the securities of small- and mid-capitalization companies tendEDA. In limited circumstances, this refund may cause the total EDA to be subject to the risks associated with market timing and short-term trading strategies to a greater extent than portfolios that do not. Securities trading in overseas markets present time zone arbitrage opportunities when events affecting portfolio securities values occur after the close of the overseas market but prior to the close of the U.S. markets. Securities of small- and mid-capitalization companies present arbitrage opportunities because the market for such securities may be less liquid than the market for securities of larger companies, which could result in pricing inefficiencies. Please see the prospectuses for the underlying portfolios for more information on how portfolio shares are priced.positive.
We currently useFor the procedures described below to discourage disruptive transfer activity. You should understand, however, that these procedures are subjectreasons discussed above, the Early Distribution Adjustment to the following limitations: (1) they primarily relySegment Account Value will usually reduce the amount you would receive when you surrender your policy prior to a Segment Maturity Date. For loans and charge deductions, the Early Distribution Adjustment would usually further reduce the account value remaining in the Segment Account Value and therefore decrease the Segment Maturity Value.
Additional Detail
For purposes of determining the Segment Distribution Value prior to a Segment Maturity Date, the EDA is:
| (a) | the Put Option Factor multiplied by the Segment Account Value |
-minus-
| (b) | a pro rata portion of the 0.75% Variable Index Benefit Charge attributable to the Segment Account Value. (Please see “Charges” in this Prospectus for an explanation of this charge.) |
The Put Option Factor multiplied by the Segment Account Value represents, at any time during the Segment Term, the estimated market value of your potential exposure to negative S&P 500 Price Return index performance that is worse than -25%. The Put Option Factor, on any date, represents the estimated value on that date of a hypothetical “put option” (as described below) on the policiesIndex having a notional
value equal to $1 and procedures implementedstrike price at Segment Maturity equal to $0.75 ($1 plus the Downside Protection which is currently -25%). The strike price of the option ($0.75) is the difference between a 100% loss in the S&P 500 Price Return index at Segment Maturity and the 25% loss at Segment Maturity that would be absorbed by the underlying portfolios; (2) they do not eliminate the possibility that disruptive transfer activity, including market timing, will occur or that portfolio performance will be affected by such activity; and (3) the design of market timing procedures involves inherently subjective judgments, which we seek to make in a fair and reasonable manner consistent with the interests of all contract owners.
We offer investment options with underlying portfolios that are partDownside Protection feature of the EQ Advisors Trust (the “trust”). The trust has adopted policies and procedures regarding disruptive transfer activity. The trust discourages frequent purchases and redemptions of portfolio shares and will not make special arrangements to accommodate such transactions. The trust aggregates inflows and outflowsMSO (please see “Growth Cap Rate” in this Prospectus for each portfolio on a daily basis. On any day when a portfolio’s net inflows or outflows exceed an established monitoring threshold, the trust obtains from us contract owner trading activity. The trust currently considers transfers into and out of (or vice versa) the same variable investment option within a five business day period as potentially disruptive transfer activity. In most cases, the trust reserves the right to reject a transfer that it believes, in its sole discretion, is disruptive (or potentially
disruptive) to the management of one of its portfolios. Please see the prospectuses for the trust for more information.
When a contract owner is identified in connection with potentially disruptive transfer activity for the first time, a letter is sent to the contract owner explaining that there is a policy against disruptive transfer activity and that if such activity continues certain transfer privileges may be eliminated. If and when the contract owner is identified a second time as engaged in potentially disruptive transfer activity under the contract, we currently prohibit the use of voice, fax and automated transaction services. We currently apply such action for the remaining life of each affected contract. We or a trust may change the definition of potentially disruptive transfer activity, the monitoring procedures and thresholds, any notification procedures, and the procedures to restrict this activity. Any new or revised policies and procedures will apply to all contract owners uniformly. We do not permit exceptions to our policies restricting disruptive transfer activity.
It is possible that a trust may impose a redemption fee designed to discourage frequent or disruptive trading by contract owners. Asexplanation of the dateDownside Protection.) In a put option on an index, the seller will pay the buyer, at the maturity of this prospectus, the trusts had not implemented such a fee. If a redemption fee is implemented by a trust, that fee, like any other trust fee, will be borne byoption, the contract owner.
Contract owners should note that it is not always possible for usdifference between the strike price — which was set at issue — and the underlying trustsindex closing price, in the event that the closing price is below the strike price. Prior to identifythe maturity of the put option, its value generally will have an inverse relationship with the index. The notional value can be described as the price of the underlying index at inception of the contract. Using a notional value of $1 facilitates computation of the percentage change in the Index and prevent disruptive transfer activity. In addition, becausethe put option factor.
The Company will utilize a fair market value methodology to determine the Put Option Factor.
For this purpose, we do not monitoruse the Black Scholes formula for all frequent tradingvaluing a European put option on the S&P 500 Price Return index, assuming a continuous dividend yield, with inputs that are consistent with current market prices.
The inputs to the Black Scholes Model include:
| (1) | Implied Volatility of the Index — This input varies with (i) how much time remains until the Maturity Date of the Segment from which an Early Distribution is being made, which is determined by using an expiration date for the hypothetical put option that corresponds to that time remaining and (ii) the relationship between the strike price of the hypothetical put option and the level of the S&P 500 Price Return index at the time of the Early Distribution. This relationship is referred to as the “moneyness” of the hypothetical put option described above, and is calculated as the ratio of the $0.75 strike price of that hypothetical put option to what the level of the S&P 500 Price Return index would be at the time of the Early Distribution if the Index had been $1 at the beginning of the Segment. Direct market data for these inputs for any given Early Distribution are generally not available, because put options on the Index that actually trade in the market have specific maturity dates and moneyness values that are unlikely to correspond precisely to the Maturity Date and moneyness of the hypothetical put option that we use for purposes of calculating the EDA. |
Accordingly, we use the following method to estimate the implied volatility of the index. We receive daily quotes of implied volatility from banks using the same Black Scholes model described above and based on the market prices for certain S&P 500 Price Return put options. Specifically, implied volatility quotes are obtained for put options with the closest maturities above and below the actual time remaining in the Segment at the separate account level, contract owners may engage in frequent trading which may not be detected,time of the Early Distribution and, for example, due to low net inflows or outflows oneach maturity, for those put options having the particular day(s). Therefore, no assurance can be given that we or the trusts will successfully impose restrictions on all potentially disruptive transfers. Because there is no guarantee that disruptive trading will be stopped, some contract owners may be treated differently than others, resulting in the risk that some contract owners may be able to engage in frequent transfer activity while others will bear the effect of that frequent transfer activity. The potential effects of frequent transfer activity are discussed above.closest
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6. Accessingmoneyness value above and below the actual moneyness of the hypothetical put option described above, given the level of the S&P 500 Price Return index at the time of the Early Distribution. In calculating the Put Option Factor, we will derive a volatility input for your money
Withdrawing your account value
You have two waysSegment’s time to withdraw your account value before annuity payments begin. The table below showsmaturity and strike price by linearly interpolating between the methods available under each type of contract. More information followsimplied volatility quotes that are based on the table. For the tax consequences of taking withdrawals, see “Tax information”.
If you have a Series C or Series ADV contract, disregard any references to “withdrawal charges” or “free withdrawal amount” in this section; these terms only apply to Series B contracts, not Series C or Series ADV contracts.
Method of Withdrawalactual adjacent maturities and moneyness values described above, as follows:
| (a) | We first determine the implied volatility of a put option that has the same moneyness as the hypothetical put option but with the closest available time to maturity shorter than your Segment’s remaining time to maturity. This volatility is derived by linearly interpolating between the implied volatilities of put options having the moneyness values that are above and below the moneyness value of the hypothetical put option. |
We then determine the implied volatility of a put option that has the same moneyness as the hypothetical put option but with the closest available time to maturity longer than your Segment’s remaining time to maturity. This volatility is derived by linearly interpolating between the implied volatilities of put options having the moneyness values that are above and below the moneyness value of the hypothetical put option. |
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| (2) | Overnight Indexed Swap (OIS) Rate — Key duration OIS rates will be retrieved from a recognized financial reporting vendor. OIS rates will be retrieved for maturities adjacent to the actual time remaining in the Segment at the time of the Early Distribution. We will use linear interpolation to derive the exact remaining duration rate needed as the input. |
We impose no withdrawal charge for withdrawals from Series C or Series ADV contracts. However, withdrawals, including withdrawals made to pay all or part of any fee that may be associated
| (3) | Index Dividend Yield — On a daily basis we will get the projected annual dividend yield across the entire Index. This value is a widely used assumption and is readily available from recognized financial reporting vendors. |
In general, the Put Option Factor has an inverse relationship with a fee-based program, may be subject to income tax and, unless the taxpayer is over age 591⁄2 or another exception applies, an additional 10% federal income tax penalty, as described in “Tax information”.S&P 500 Price Return index. In addition to the fee-based program sponsor may apply a charge if you decidefactors discussed above, the Put Option Factor is also influenced by time to no longer participate in the program. You should consult with your program sponsor for more details about your particular fee-based arrangement.
All requests for withdrawals must be made on a specific form that we provide. Please see “How to reach us” for more information.
Partial withdrawals
(All contracts)
You may take partial withdrawals from your account value at any time before annuity payments begin. The minimum amount you may withdraw at any time is $300. If you request a withdrawal that leaves you with an account value of less than $500, we reserve the right to terminate the contract and pay you the cash value. See “Surrender of your contract to receive its cash value”.
For Series B contracts, partial withdrawals in excess of the 10% free withdrawal amount may be subject to a withdrawal charge (see “10% free withdrawal amount” in “Charges and expenses”).
Partial withdrawals out of Segments are permitted, subject to certain restrictions. See “How withdrawals are taken from your account value”. A partial withdrawal from a Segment will reduce your Segment Investment in that Segment and, therefore, your Segment Maturity Value for that Segment. For Annual Lock Segments, a partial withdrawal will also reduce each Annual Lock Anniversary Starting and Ending Amount. The reduction in the Segment Investment and each Annual Lock Anniversary Starting and Ending Amount may be greater than the dollar amount of your withdrawal. For more information, see Appendix “Segment Interim Value”.
Lifetime required minimum distribution withdrawals
(Traditional IRA contracts only — See “Tax information”.)
Maturity. We offer our “automatic required minimum distribution (RMD) service” to help you meet lifetime required minimum distributions under federal income tax rules. This is not the exclusive way for you to meet these rules. After consultation with your tax adviser, you may decide to compute required minimum distributions (we refer to them as “RMDs”) yourself and request partial withdrawals. In such a case, a withdrawal charge could apply. Before electing this account-based withdrawal option, you should consider whether annuitization might be better in your situation. Please refer to “Required minimum distributions” under “Individual Retirement Arrangements (“IRAs”)” in “Tax information”.
This service is not available to qualified plan trust owned contracts.
Under legislation enacteddetermine Put Option Factors at the end of 2019:
See the discussion of lifetime required minimum distributions under “Tax Information”. The minimum amount we will pay out is $250. Currently, RMD paymentsvaluation made on a business day will be made annually each December.
We do not impose a withdrawal charge on the RMD payment taken through our automatic RMD service even if, when addedFactor for that day. The Put Option Factor that applies to a partial withdrawal previously taken intransaction or valuation made on a non-business day will be the same contract year,Factor for the RMD payments exceednext business day.
“Appendix: Early Distribution Adjustment Examples” provides examples of how the free withdrawal amount.Early Distribution Adjustment is calculated.
This service does not generate an automatic RMD payment during the first contract year. Therefore, if you are making a rollover or transfer contribution to the contract after age 72
50Transfers
(or age 701⁄2 if applicable), you must take an RMD before the rollover or transfer. If you do not, any withdrawals that you take during the first contract year to satisfy your RMD amount may be subject to withdrawal charges, if applicable, if they exceed the free withdrawal amount.
The RMD amount is based on your entire interest in your traditional IRA contract whether your investments are allocatedCompany does not impose the policy’s $25 transfer charge to onetransfer into and out of the MSO Holding Account and you can make a transfer at any time to or more variablefrom the investment options and/or one or more Segments. We will withdrawavailable under your RMD amountpolicy subject to any transfer restrictions within your policy. You may not transfer into the MSO Holding Account while the Extended No Lapse Guarantee Rider is in effect with your policy, if applicable. You must terminate the Extended No Lapse Guarantee Rider before electing MSO. Any restrictions applicable to transfers between the MSO Holding Account and such investment options would be the same transfer restrictions applicable to transfers between the investment options available under your policy. However, once policy account value has been swept from the variable investment options first onMSO Holding Account into a pro rata basis. If there is insufficientSegment, transfers into or out of that Segment before its Segment Maturity Date will not be permitted. In order to transfer account value to the MSO, there must be sufficient funds remaining in the variable investment options, then we will withdrawguaranteed interest option following the balance oftransfer to cover the RMDCharge Reserve Amount. Please note that while a Segment is in effect, before the Segment Maturity Date, the amount available for transfers from the Segment Type Holding Accounts on a pro rata basis. If there is insufficient value inUnloaned GIO will be limited to avoid reducing the variable investment options andUnloaned GIO below the Segment Type Holding Accounts, we will withdraw amounts from the Segments on a pro rata basis.remaining Charge Reserve Amount.
As you approach age 72 (or age 701⁄2 if applicable) you should considerThus the effectamount available for transfers from the Unloaned GIO will not be greater than any excess of allocations to any Segment. You should consider whether you have a sufficient amount allocatedthe Unloaned GIO over the remaining Charge Reserve Amount.
Please also refer to the variable investment options under this contract and/or sufficient liquidity under other traditional IRAs that you maintain in order to satisfy your RMDapplicable life insurance policy prospectus for this contract without affecting amounts allocated to a Segment under this contract.
We will send to traditional IRA owners a form outlining the minimum distribution options available in the year you reach age 72 (or age 701⁄2 if applicable) (if you have not begun your annuity payments before that time).
How withdrawals are taken from your account valuemore information.
Withdrawals
UnlessOnce policy account value has been swept from the MSO Holding Account into a Segment, you specifywill not be allowed to withdraw the account value out of a Segment before the Segment Maturity Date unless you surrender your policy. You may also take a loan; please see “Loans” in this Prospectus for more information. Any account value taken out of a Segment before the Segment Maturity Date will generate an Early Distribution Adjustment. Please note that while a Segment is in effect, before the Segment Maturity Date, the amount available for withdrawals from the Unloaned GIO will be limited to avoid reducing the Unloaned GIO below the Charge Reserve Amount. Thus, if there is any policy account value in a Segment, the amount which would otherwise be available to you for a partial withdrawal of net cash surrender value will be reduced, by the amount (if any) by which the sum of your Segment Distribution Values and the Charge Reserve Amount exceeds the policy surrender charge.
If the policy owner does not indicate or if we cannot allocate the withdrawal as requested due to insufficient funds, we will subtract your withdrawals on a pro rata basisallocate the withdrawal proportionately from your valuevalues in the Unloaned GIO (excluding the Charge Reserve Amount) and your values in the variable investment options (excludingincluding the Segment TypeMSO Holding Accounts and dollar cap averaging account). If there is insufficient value or no value in the variable investment options (excluding the Segment Type Holding Accounts and dollar cap averaging account), any additional amount of the withdrawal required or the total amount of the withdrawal will be taken on a pro rata basis from the Segment Type Holding Accounts. If there are insufficient funds in the Segment Type Holding Accounts, any additional amount of the withdrawal required will be taken from the dollar cap averaging account. If there is insufficient value in the dollar cap averaging account, we will deduct all or a portion of the withdrawal from the Segments on a pro rata basis. A partial withdrawal from the Dollar Cap Averaging Program will terminate the program.
If you specify the investment options from which you want us to deduct your withdrawal, the following restrictions apply: If the amount of your withdrawal is equal to or less than your account value in the variable investment options and Segment Type Holding Accounts, the entire withdrawal must come from the account value in the variable investment options and Segment Type Holding Accounts, and the withdrawal cannot
be pro rata; you must specify the dollar amount or percentage withdrawal for the variable investment options and Segment Type Holding Accounts from which to take the withdrawal. In other words, you cannot take a withdrawal from the Segments if there is any value remaining in the variable investment options and Segment Type Holding Accounts.
After 100% of the value has been taken from the variable investment options and Segment Type Holding Accounts, you can specify the dollar amount or percentage of the withdrawal to be taken from any Segment.
If you have amounts in a Segment Type Holding Account and you make a withdrawal on a Segment Start Date, that amount will not be transferred into the Segment created on that date.
Withdrawals prior to your Segment Maturity Date reduce the Segment Investment on a pro rata basis by the same proportion that the Segment Interim Value is reduced on the date of the withdrawal. For Annual Lock Segments, each Annual Lock Anniversary Ending Amount and Annual Lock Anniversary Starting Amount is also recalculated. Below is a table summarizing the impact of a withdrawal during the second Annual Lock Period of an Annual Lock Segment on the Annual Lock Anniversary Starting Amount (which is equal to the Segment Investment) and Annual Lock Anniversary Ending Amount that is described in greater detail immediately following the table.
| Before Withdrawal | After Withdrawal | |||||||||||||||
| Year | Index Perfo Rate | Annual Yearly of Return | Segment Invest | Annual Anniv Ending Amount | Segment Investment* | Annual Anniv Ending Amount | ||||||||||
| 1 | 13% | 12% | $1,000.00 | $1,120.00 | $900.00 | $1,008.00 | ||||||||||
| 1.5 | $110.00 withdrawal** (Segment Interim Value at time of withdrawal is $1,100.00) | |||||||||||||||
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Assume $1,000.00 is invested in an Annual Lock Segment. The Index Performance Rate for the first Annual Lock Period is 13% which is greater than the Performance Cap Rate of 12%. Therefore, the first Annual Lock Anniversary Ending Amount is $1,120.00 ($1,000.00 + ($1,000.00 * 12%)). If a withdrawal of $110.00 is taken during the second Annual Lock Period and the Segment Interim Value on the date of the withdrawal is $1,100.00) then the recalculated first Annual Lock Anniversary Starting Amount (which is equal to the Segment Investment) is $900.00 ($1,000.00 – ($1,000.00 * ($110.00/$1,100.00))). The recalculated Annual Lock Anniversary Ending Amount is $1,008.00 ($900.00 + ($900.00 * 12%)).
You can request, in advance of your Segment Maturity Date, a withdrawal of your Segment Maturity Value on the Segment Maturity Date, which is not subject to the restrictions described above regarding the need to withdraw amounts in variable investment options and Segment Type Holding Accounts before withdrawing amounts from Segments. We will onlyAccount.
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accept a request to withdraw your Segment MaturityCash Surrender Value, if you submit the request within 12 months of the Segment Maturity Date.Net Cash Surrender Value and Loan Value
If you have authorizedamounts allocated to MSO Segments, the Segment Distribution Values will be used in place of the Segment Account Values in calculating the amount of any cash surrender value, net cash surrender value and maximum amount available for loans. This means an EDA would apply to those amounts. Please see “Appendix: Early Distribution Adjustment Examples” for more information.
Guideline Premium Force-outs
For policies that use the Guideline Premium Test, a new Segment will not be established or created if we determine, when we process your advisorelection, that a distribution from the policy will be required to take withdrawals of advisory fees from your Series ADV contract, your advisor can elect to withdrawal their advisory fees from your contractmaintain its qualification as life insurance under federal tax law at any time. These withdrawals, like all withdrawals,time during the Segment Term.
However, during a Segment Term if a distribution becomes necessary under the force-out rules of Section 7702 of the Internal Revenue Code, it will reduce yourbe deducted proportionately from the values in the Unloaned GIO (excluding the Charge Reserve Amount) and in any variable investment option, including any value in the MSO Holding Account but excluding any Segment Investment on a pro rata basis ifAccount Values.
If the Unloaned GIO (excluding the Charge Reserve Amount) and variable investment options, including any value in the MSO Holding Account, are insufficient to cover the force-out in its entirety, any remaining amount required to be forced out will be taken from the individual Segments proportionately, based on the current Segment Distribution Values.
Any portion of a force-out distribution taken from an individual Segment (which may mean thatwill generate a corresponding Early Distribution Adjustment of the reductionSegment Account Value.
If the Unloaned GIO (excluding the remaining Charge Reserve Amount), together with the variable investment options including any value in the MSO Holding Account, and the Segment InvestmentDistribution Values, is greater thanstill insufficient to cover the dollarforce-out in its entirety, the remaining amount of the withdrawal). A withdrawal from a Series ADV NQ contract, including a withdrawalforce-out will be allocated to pay the fees ofUnloaned GIO and reduce or eliminate any remaining Charge Reserve Amount under the fee-based program, may be a taxable event. For the tax consequences of withdrawals, see “Tax information”.Unloaned GIO.
Surrendering your contractLoans
Please refer to receive its cash valuethe appropriate variable life insurance policy prospectus for information regarding policy loan provisions including the applicable interest rate.
You may surrenderspecify how your contract to receive its cash value at any time while an ownerloan is living (or for contracts with non-natural owners, while the annuitant is living) and before you begin to receive annuity payments. For a surrender to be effective, we must receive your written requestallocated among the MSO, the variable investment options and your contract at our processing office. Wethe Unloaned GIO. Any portion of a requested loan allocated to the MSO will determine your cash valuebe redeemed from the individual Segments and the MSO Holding Account proportionately, based on the date we receive the required information.
You may receive your cash value in a single sum payment or apply it to one or more of the annuity payout options. See “Your annuity payout options”MSO Holding Account and the current Segment Distribution Values of each Segment. Any portion allocated to an individual Segment will generate a corresponding Early Distribution Adjustment of the Segment Account Value and be subject to a higher guaranteed maximum loan spread
(2% for policies with a contract state of Oregon and 5% for all other policies). ForThe loan spread is the tax consequences of surrenders, see “Tax information”difference between the interest rate we charge on the amounts borrowed and the interest rate credited on amounts held as collateral. The guaranteed minimum interest rate credited on loan collateral is 1%.
When a contractFor example, if the current rate credited on loan collateral is surrendered in certain states,1% per year, then the free withdrawal amount is not taken into account when calculating the amountrate charged on amounts of the withdrawal. See “10% free withdrawal amount” under “Charges underloan allocated to the contract” in “Charges and expenses”.
Withdrawals treated as surrendersMSO will be at most 1% plus 5% for a total of 6% per year subject to the maximum loan interest rate that will be applied to the amounts you borrow.
If you withdraw more than 90%do not specify or if we cannot allocate the loan according to your specifications, we will allocate the loan proportionately from your values in the Unloaned GIO (excluding the Charge Reserve Amount) and your values in the variable investment options including the MSO Holding Account.
If the Unloaned GIO (excluding the remaining amount of the Charge Reserve Amount), together with the variable investment options including any value in the MSO Holding Account, are insufficient to cover the loan in its entirety, the remaining amount of the loan will be allocated to the individual Segments proportionately, based on current Segment Distribution Values.
Any portion of a contract’s current cashloan allocated to an individual Segment will generate a corresponding Early Distribution Adjustment of the Segment Account Value and be subject to a higher guaranteed maximum loan spread.
If the Unloaned GIO (excluding the remaining amount of the Charge Reserve Amount), together with the variable investment options including any value we will treat it as a request to surrenderin the contract for its cash value. In addition, we have the right to pay the cash value and terminate the contract if no contributions are made during the last three completed contract years,MSO Holding Account and the account value is less than $500,Segment Distribution Values, are still insufficient to cover the loan in its entirety, the remaining amount of the loan will be allocated to the Unloaned GIO and will reduce or if you make a withdrawal that would result in a cash value of less than $500. Foreliminate the tax consequences of withdrawals, see “Tax information”.remaining Charge Reserve Amount.
WhenLoan interest is due on each policy anniversary. If the interest is not paid when due, it will be added to expect paymentsyour outstanding loan and allocated on the same basis as monthly deductions. See “How we deduct policy monthly charges during a Segment Term.”
Generally, weWhether or not any Segment is in effect and has not yet reached its Segment Maturity Date, loan repayments will fulfill requests for payments out offirst reduce any loaned amounts that are subject to the investment options within seven calendar days afterhigher maximum loan interest spread. Loan repayments will first be used to restore any amounts that, before being designated as loan collateral, had been in the date of the transaction to which the request relates. These transactions may include payment of a death benefit, payment of any amount you withdraw (less any withdrawal charge) and, upon surrender or termination, payment of the cash value. We may postpone such payments or applying proceeds for any period during which:
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All payments are made by check and are mailed to you (or the payee named in a tax-free exchange) by U.S. mail, unless you request that we use an express delivery or wire transfer service at your expense.
As a protection against fraud, we require a signature guarantee (i.e., Medallion Signature Guarantee as required by us) for the following transaction requests:
We may change the specific requirements listed above, or add signature guarantees in other circumstances, at our discretion if we deem it necessary or appropriate to help protect against fraud. For current requirements, please referadditional loan repayment allocated to the requirements listed on the appropriate form or call usMSO at the number listed in this prospectus.
You can obtain a Medallion Signature Guarantee from more than 7,000 financial institutions that participate in a Medallion Signature Guarantee program. The best source of a Medallion Signature Guarantee is a bank, brokerage firm or credit union with which you do business. A notary public cannot provide a Medallion Signature Guarantee. Notarizationpolicy owner’s direction (or according to premium allocation percentages) will not substitute for a Medallion Signature Guarantee.
The following description assumes annuitization of your entire contract. For partial annuitization, see “Partial annuitization”.
Deferred annuity contracts such as Structured Capital Strategies® provide for conversionbe transferred to payout status at or before the contract’s “maturity date.” This is called annuitization. When your contract is annuitized, your Structured Capital Strategies® contract and all its benefits will terminateMSO Holding Account to await the next available Segment Start Date and will be convertedsubject to a supplemental payout annuity contract (“payout option”) that provides for periodic payments for life or for a specified period of time. In general, the periodic payment amount is determined by the account value or cash value of your Structured Capital Strategies® contract at the time of annuitization, the annuity payout option that you select, and the annuity purchase factor to which that value is applied, assame conditions described below. We have the
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right to require you to provide any information we deem necessary to provide an annuity payout option. If an annuity payout is later found to be based on incorrect information, it will be adjusted on the basis of the correct information.
Your Structured Capital Strategies® contract guarantees that upon annuitization, your account value will be applied to a guaranteed annuity purchase factor for a life annuity payout option. We reserve the right, with advance notice to you, to change your annuity purchase factor any time after your fifth contract date anniversary and at not less than five year intervals after the first change. Any change to the annuity purchase factor will only apply to contributions made after the date of the change. (Please see your contract and SAI for more information). In addition, you may apply your account value or cash value, whichever is applicable, to any other annuity payout option that we may offer at the time of annuitization. We may offer other payout options not outlined here. Your financial professional can provide details.
Structured Capital Strategies® currently offers you several choices of annuity payout options.
You can choose from among the annuity payout options listed below. Restrictions may apply, depending on the type of contract you own and the annuitant’s age at contract issue. We reserve the right to add, remove or change these annuity payout options at any time.
Annuity payout options
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The life annuity, life annuity with period certain, and life annuity with refund certain payout options are available on a single life or joint and survivor life basis. The joint and survivor life annuity guarantees payments for the rest of the annuitant’s life and, after the annuitant’s death, payments continue to the survivor.
With fixed annuities, we guarantee fixed annuity payments that will be based either on the tables of guaranteed annuity purchase factors in your contract or on our then current annuity purchase factors, whichever is more favorable for you.
The amount applied to purchase an annuity payout optionPaid Up Death Benefit Guarantee
Please note that the MSO is not available while the Paid Up Death Benefit Guarantee is in effect. The amount appliedPaid Up Death Benefit Guarantee provides an opportunity to purchase an annuity payout option varies depending on the payout option that you choose and the timing of your purchase as it relates to any withdrawal charges that apply under your contract.
There is no withdrawal charge imposed if you selectlock in all or a life annuity, life annuity with period certain or life annuity with refund certain and we apply the account value to purchase the annuity payout option. If we are offering non-life contingent forms of annuities, the withdrawal charge will be imposed and we apply the cash value to purchase the annuity payout option (except that if the period certain is more than five years, the amount applied will be no less than 95% of the account value). If you have amounts invested in a Segment and you annuitize before the Segment Maturity Date, we will apply the Segment Interim Value to purchase an annuity payout option.
Partial annuitization. Partial annuitization of nonqualified deferred annuity contracts is permitted under certain circumstances. You may choose from the life-contingent annuity payout options described here. We no longer offer a period certain option for partial annuitization. We require you to elect partial annuitization on the form we specify. For purposes of this contract we will effect any partial annuitization as a withdrawal applied to a payout annuity. See “How withdrawals are taken from your account value” and also the discussion of “Partial annuitization” in “Tax information” for more information.
Selecting an annuity payout option
When you select a payout option, we will issue you a separate written agreement confirming your right to receive annuity payments. We require you to return your contract before annuity payments begin. Unless you choose a different payout option, we will pay annuity payments under a life annuity with a maximum period certain of 10 years. The contract owner and annuitant must meet the issue age and payment requirements.
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You can choose the date annuity payments are to begin, but generally it may not be earlier than thirteen months from the Structured Capital Strategies® contract date. You can change the date your annuity payments are to begin any time. The date may not be later than your contract’s maturity date. Your contract’s maturity date is the date by which you must either take a lump sum withdrawal or select an annuity payout option. The maturity date is generally the contract date anniversary that follows the annuitant’s 95th birthday.
We will send you a notice with your contract statement one year prior to your maturity date. Once you have selected an annuity payout option and payments have begun, no change can be made. If you do not respond to the notice within 30 days following your maturity date, your contract will be annuitized automatically.
We currently offer different payment frequencies on certain annuity payout options. In general, the total annual payout will be lower for more frequent payouts (such as monthly) because of the increased administrative expenses associated with more frequent payouts. Also, in general, the longer the period over which we expect to make payments, the lower will be your payment each year.
The amount of the annuity payments will depend on:
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You will not be able to make withdrawals, transfers or change annuity payout options once your contract is annuitized.
If, at the time you elect a payout option, the amount to be applied is less than $2,000 or the initial payment under the form elected is less than $20 monthly, we reserve the right to pay the account value in a single sum rather than as payments under the payout option chosen.
Please see Appendix “State contract availability and/or variations of certain features and benefits” for state variations.
Annuity maturity date
Your contract has a maturity date. The maturity date is based on the age of the original annuitant at contract issue and cannot be changed other than in conformance with applicable law, even if you name a new annuitant. The maturity date is generally the contract date anniversary that follows the annuitant’s 95th birthday (or older joint annuitant’s, if your contract has joint annuitants). The maturity date may not be less than thirteen months from your contract date, unless otherwise stated in your contract. We will send a notice with the contract statement one year prior to the maturity date. The notice will include the date of maturity, describe the available annuity payout options, state the availability of a lump sum payment option, and identify the default payout option if you do not provide an election
by the time of your contract maturity date. The default payout option is a life annuity with a maximum period certain of 10 years.
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Charges that the Company deducts
We deduct the following charge each day from the net assets of each variable investment option (including the Segment Type Holding Account and dollar cap averaging account). This charge is reflected in the unit values of each variable investment option:
We deduct the following charge from the performanceportion of your investment (if positive) in a Choice Segment:
We deduct the following charges from your account value. When we deduct these charges from yourappropriate variable investment options, we reduce the number of units credited to your contract:
More information about these charges appears below. We will not increase these charges for the life of your contract, except as noted. We may reduce certain charges under group or sponsored arrangements. See “Group or sponsored arrangements”.
To help with your retirement planning, we may offer other annuities with different charges, benefits and features. Please contact your financial professionalinsurance policy prospectus for more information.
Charges underEnhanced Death Benefit Guarantee Rider
The extended no lapse guarantee rider must be terminated before you can allocate your net premiums or transfer amounts of your policy to the contractsMSO. Once terminated, any such enhanced death benefit guarantee rider cannot be restored.
Base Contract feeExtended No Lapse Guarantee Rider
Please note that the MSO is not available while the Extended No Lapse Guarantee Rider is in effect, if applicable. You must terminate the Extended No Lapse Guarantee Rider before electing MSO. The Extended No Lapse Guarantee guarantees that your policy will not terminate for a certain number of years, provided certain conditions are met. Please see your Incentive Life Legacy® II prospectus for more information.
Loan Extension Endorsement
We deduct a daily charge fromwill include all Segment Values in determining whether the net assets in each variable investment option (including the Segment Type Holding Account and dollar cap averaging account)policy will go on to compensate us for administrative expenses, sales expenses and certain expense risks we assume under the contracts. Below is the daily charge shown as an annual rate of the net assets in each variable investment option:
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The expense risk we assume is the risk that our expenses in providing the benefits and administering the contracts will be
greater than we expect. To the extent that the expense risk charges are not needed to cover the actual expenses incurred, they may be considered an indirect reimbursement for certain sales and promotional expenses relating to the contracts. This charge also compensates us for administrative expenses and a portion of our sales expenses, under the contract.
On a non-guaranteed basis, we may waive this fee under certain conditions.Loan Extension. If the returnLoan Extension goes into effect, all Segments will be terminated and, you will forfeit any positive index performance and be subject to an Early Distribution Adjustment with respect to these amounts. In addition, MSO will no longer be available once you go on Loan Extension. Please see the EQ/Money Marketappropriate variable investment option on any day is positive, but lower than the amount of this fee, then we will waive the difference between the two, so that you do not receive a negative return. If the return on the EQ/Money Market variable investment option on any day is negative, we will waive this fee entirelylife insurance policy prospectus for that day, although your account value would be reduced by the negative performance of the EQ/Money Market variable investment option itself. We reserve the right to change or cancel this provision at any time.
This fee does not apply to amounts held in a Segment.more information.
Choice costLong-Term Care ServicesSM Rider
This chargeIf you elect the Long-Term Care ServicesSM Rider, after a period of coverage ends before coverage is applicable to investments in Choice Segments only. The Choice cost is an amount equal to 1% of the Segment Investment for each year of the Segment Duration. On the Segment Maturity Date, we deduct the Choice cost from the Index Performance Rate of a Choice Segment, but only if the Index Performance Rate is positive for that Segment. Additionally, if the Index Performance Rate is positive for a Choice Segment but less than the applicable Choice cost, the amount of the Choice cost deducted will be the maximum amount that will not cause the Segment Maturity Value to be less than the Segment Investment. The Segment Interim Value for a Choice Segment will reflect application of a portion of the Choice cost, as described in more detail in Appendix “Segment Interim Value”.
Fee-based expenses
(Applicable to Series ADV contracts only)
The fees and expenses of a fee-based program are separate from and in addition to the fees and expenses of the annuity contract. You should ensure that within your fee-based program there are sufficient liquid assets outside of this contract to pay any fees and expenses associated with the program. Please consult with your program sponsor for more details about your fee-based program.
Transfer charge
Currently, we do not charge for transfers among variable investment options under the contract. However, we reserve the right to charge for any transfers among variable investment options in excess of 12 per contract year. We will provide you with advance notice if we decide to assess the
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transfer charge, which will never exceed $35 per transfer. The transfer charge is designed to compensate the company with respect to administering the transaction. The charge is also designed to deter disruptive transfer activity. The transfer charge (if applicable), will be assessed at the time that the transfer is processed. Each time you request a transfer from one variable investment option to another, we will assess the transfer charge (if applicable). Separate requests submitted on the same day will each be treatedcontinued as a separate transfer. Any transfer charge will be deducted from the variable investment options from which the transfer is made. We will not count transfers from Segment Type Holding Accounts intoNonforfeiture Benefit, if any MSO Segments on a Segment Start Date, or the allocation of Segment Maturity Value on a Segment Maturity Date in calculating the number of transfers subject to this charge. We will also not charge for transfers made in connection with our Dollar Cap Averaging Program.
Special services charges
We deduct a charge for providing the special services described below. These charges compensate us for the expense of processing each special service. For certain services, we will deduct from your account value any withdrawal charge that applies and the charge for the special service. Please note that we may discontinue some or all of these services without notice.
Wire transfer charge. We charge $90 for outgoing wire transfers. Unless you specify otherwise, this charge will be deducted from the amount you request.
Express mail charge. We charge $35 for sending you a check by express mail delivery. This charge will be deducted from the amount you request.
Duplicate contract charge. We charge $35 for providing a copy of your contract. The charge for this service can be paid (i) using a credit card acceptable to us, (ii) by sending a check to our processing office, or (iii) by any other means we make available to you.
Check preparation charge. The standard form of payment for all withdrawals is direct deposit. If direct deposit instructions are not provided, payment will be made by check. Currently, we do not charge for check preparation, however, we reserve the right to impose a charge, which would be deducted from the amount you request following imposition of such a charge. We reserve the right to charge a maximum of $85.
Charge for third-party transfer or exchange
Currently, we are waiving the $65 charge for each third-party transfer or exchange; this waiver may be discontinued at any time, with or without notice. Absent this waiver, we deduct a charge from the amount you request for direct rollovers or direct transfers of amounts from your contract to a third party, such as in the case of a trustee-to-trustee transfer for an IRA contract, or if you request that your contract be exchanged for a contract issued by another insurance company. We reserve the right to increase this charge to a maximum of $125.
Withdrawal charge
(Applicable to Series B contracts only)
A withdrawal charge may apply in four circumstances: (1) you make one or more withdrawals during a contract year; (2) you surrender your contract to receive its cash value; (3) we terminate your contract; or (4) if you annuitize your contract and elect a non-life contingent annuity option. The amount of the charge will depend on whether the 10% free withdrawal amount applies, and the availability of one or more exceptions.
The withdrawal charge equals a percentage of the contributions withdrawn. The percentage that applies depends on how long each contribution has been invested in the contract. We determine the withdrawal charge separately for each contribution according to the following table:
| Charge as a % of contribution for each year following contribution | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6+ | |||||||||||||||||
| 5% | 5% | 5% | 4% | 3% | 0% | |||||||||||||||||
For purposes of calculating the withdrawal charge, we treat the year in which we receive a contribution as “contract year 1.” Amounts withdrawn that are not subject to the withdrawal charge are not considered withdrawals of any contribution. We also treat contributions that have been invested the longest as being withdrawn first. We treat contributions as withdrawn before earnings for purposes of calculating the withdrawal charge. However, federal income tax rules treat earnings under most NQ contracts as withdrawn first. See “Tax information”.
In order to give you the exact dollar amount of the withdrawal you request, we deduct the amount of the withdrawal and the amount of the withdrawal charge from your account value. Any amount deducted to pay withdrawal charges is also subject to that same withdrawal charge percentage.
We deduct the withdrawal amount and the withdrawal charge pro rata from the variable investment options (excluding the Segment Type Holding Accounts and dollar cap averaging account). If those amounts are insufficient, we will deduct all or a portion of the required amounts pro rata from the Segment Type Holding Accounts. If the amounts in the Segment Type Holding Accounts are still insufficient, we will deduct all or a portion of the required amounts from the dollar cap averaging account. If the amount in the dollar cap averaging account is still insufficient, we deduct all or a portion of the required amounts from the Segments on a pro rata basis. If you specify that your withdrawal be taken from specific investment options, the amount of the withdrawal charge will first be taken from the investment options you specify. If there is insufficient value in those options to pay the withdrawal charge after your withdrawal is deducted, then the remainder of the withdrawal charge is deducted as described above.
Withdrawals from a Segment or a Segment Type Holding Account are subject to the same withdrawal charge calculations as a withdrawal from any other investment option. Any withdrawal from a Segment will reduce the Segment Interim Value. A withdrawal from a Segment Type Holding Account reduces the amount that will be transferred to a Segment. For
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more information, see “Structured Investment Option” in “Contract features and benefits”.
The withdrawal charge does not apply in the circumstances described below.
10% free withdrawal amount. For Series B contracts, each contract year you can withdraw up to 10% of your account value without paying a withdrawal charge. No withdrawal charge applies to Series C and Series ADV contracts. The 10% free withdrawal amount is determined using your account value at the beginning of the contract year. In the first contract year amounts received within 90 days of the contract date are included for purposes of calculating the free withdrawal amount. When a contract is surrendered in certain states, the free withdrawal amount is not taken into account when calculating the amount of the withdrawal.
Assume you made an initial contribution of $100,000 to a 5-year Segment and a subsequent contribution of $40,000 in contract year 2 to another 5-year Segment. At the beginning of the sixth contract year, if your account value is $200,000, your withdrawal charge free amount is $120,000 ($20,000 from the 10% free withdrawal amount plus $100,000 from contributions which are no longer subject to withdrawal charges). If you withdraw the entire Segment Maturity Value of the first Segment when it matures (assume $150,000), you would pay a withdrawal charge of $900 on the $30,000 of contributions deemed to be withdrawn from the contract (3% of ($150,000 - $20,000 - $100,000)). As this example shows, for purposes of calculating withdrawal charges, all contributions (both initial and subsequent) are deemed withdrawn before any earnings, even earnings from Segments where the associated contributions are no longer subject to withdrawal charges.
Death. The withdrawal charge does not apply if the owner dies and a death benefit is payable to the beneficiary.
Disability, terminal illness, or confinement to nursing home. The withdrawal charge also does not apply if:
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We reserve the right to impose a withdrawal charge, in accordance with your contract and applicable state law, if the conditions described in (i), (ii) or (iii) above existed at the time a contribution was remitted or if the condition began within 12 months of the period following remittance. Some states may not permit us to waive the withdrawal charge in the above circumstances, or may limit the circumstances for which the withdrawal charge may be waived. Your financial professional can provide more information or you may contact our processing office.
Large investors. Withdrawal charges will not apply to Series B contracts purchased with an initial contribution of $25 million or more.
Charges for state premium and other applicable taxes
We deduct a charge designed to approximate certain taxes that may be imposed on us, such as premium taxes in your state. Generally, we deduct the charge from the amount applied to provide an annuity pay out option. The current tax charge that might be imposed varies by jurisdiction and ranges from 0% to 3.5%.
Adjustments with respect to early distributions from Segments
We calculate the Segment Interim Value when a withdrawal is taken, whether a partial withdrawal or a full contract surrender, or upon death or cancellation or annuitization of the contract, from a Segment prior to the Segment Maturity Date, which could result in a loss of up to 90% of the Segment Investment. The Segment Interim Value is calculated based on a formula that provides a treatment for an early distribution that is designed to be consistent with how distributions at the end of a Segment are treated. For more information on the calculation of the Segment Interim Value, please see Appendix “Segment Interim Value”.
Charges that the Trust deducts
The Trust deducts charges for the following types of fees and expenses:
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These charges are reflected in the daily share price of each portfolio. Since shares of the Trust are purchased at their net asset value, these fees and expenses are in effect, passed onthey will be terminated with corresponding Early Distribution Adjustments, and the MSO Segment values will be reallocated to the variable investment options and are reflectedyour GIO based on your premium allocations then in their unit values. For more information about these charges, please refer to the prospectuses for the Trusts.effect.
Group or sponsored arrangementsLiving Benefits Rider
For certain groupIf a Living Benefits Rider or sponsored arrangements, wean accelerated death benefit rider (which may reducebe referred to as a “total and permanent disability accelerated death benefit rider” or a “limited life expectancy accelerated death benefit rider”) is included with your policy, the withdrawal charge orportion of the cash surrender value that is on lien and is allocated to your values in the variable investment option fee, or changeoptions under your policy and investment in the minimum contribution requirements. We also may change the minimum death benefit or offer variable investment options that invest in shares of a Trust that are not subject to the 12b-1 fee. Group arrangements include those in which a trustee or an employer, for example, purchases contracts covering a group of individuals on a group basis. Group arrangements are not available for traditional IRA and Roth IRA contracts. Sponsored arrangements include those in which an employer allows us to sell contracts to its employees or retirees on an individual basis.
Our costs for sales and administration generally vary with the size and stability of the group or sponsoring organization, among other factors. We take all these factors into account when reducing charges. To qualify for reduced charges, a group or sponsored arrangement must meet certain requirements, such as requirements for size and number of years in existence. Group or sponsored arrangements that have been set up solely to buy contracts or that have been in existence less than six months will not qualify for reduced charges.
We will make these and any similar reductions according to our rules in effect when we approve a contract for issue. We may change these rules from time to time. Any variation will reflect differences in costs or services and will not be unfairly discriminatory.
Group or sponsored arrangements may be governed by federal income tax rules, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, or both. We make no representations with regard to the impact of these and other applicable laws on such programs. We recommend that employers, trustees, and others purchasing or making contracts available for purchase under such programs seek the advice of their own legal and benefits advisers.
Other distribution arrangements
We may reduce or eliminate charges when sales are made in a manner that results in savings of sales and administrative expenses, such as sales through persons who are compensated by clients for recommending investments and who receive no commission or reduced commissions in connection with the sale of the contracts. We will not permit a reduction or elimination of charges where itMSO will be unfairly discriminatory.
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In thistransferred to and maintained as part of the Prospectus, we discuss the current federal income tax rules that generally apply to Structured Capital Strategies® contracts owned by United States individual taxpayers. The tax rules can differ, depending on the type of contract, whether NQ, traditional IRA Roth IRA or QP, and the characteristicsUnloaned GIO. You may tell us how much of the owner. Therefore, we discuss the tax aspects ofaccelerated payment is to be transferred from your value in each type of contract separately.
Federal income tax rules include the United States lawsvariable investment option and your value in the Internal Revenue Code, and Treasury Department Regulations and IRS interpretations of the Internal Revenue Code. These tax rules may change without notice. We cannot predict whether, when, or how these rules could change. Any change could affect contracts purchased before the change. Congress may also consider further proposalsMSO. Units will be redeemed from each variable investment option sufficient to comprehensively reform or overhaul the United States tax and retirement systems, which if enacted, could affect the tax benefits of a contract. We cannot predict what, if any, legislation will actually be proposed or enacted.
We cannot provide detailed information on all tax aspects of the contracts. Moreover, the tax aspects that apply to a particular person’s contract may vary depending on the facts applicable to that person. We do not discuss state income and other state taxes, federal income tax and withholding rules for non-U.S. taxpayers, or federal gift and estate taxes. We also do not discuss the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Transfers of the contract, rights or values under the contract, or payments under the contract, for example, amounts due to beneficiaries, may be subject to federal or state gift, estate or inheritance taxes. You should not rely only on this document, but should consult your tax adviser before your purchase.
Congress enacted the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”) on March 27, 2020. The CARES Act permitted penalty-free withdrawals during 2020 from many tax-qualified and tax-favored plans and contracts (such as defined contribution plans, 403(b) plans, government sponsored employer 457(b) plans, and IRAs) by individuals affected by coronavirus or the economic aftermath. An individual may repaycover the amount of the distributionaccelerated payment that is allocated to it and transferred to the plan or contract withinUnloaned GIO. Any portion of the payment allocated to the MSO based on your instructions will be deducted from any value in the MSO Holding Account and the individual Segments on a 3-year period. Please consult your tax adviser about your individual circumstances.pro-rata basis, based on any value in the MSO Holding Account and
Buying a contractthe current Segment Distribution Value of each Segment, and transferred to fund a retirement arrangement
Generally, there are two typesthe Unloaned GIO. Any portion of funding vehicles that are available for Individual Retirement Arrangements (“IRAs”):the payment allocated to an individual retirement annuity contract such as the ones offered in this Prospectus, or an individual retirement custodial or trusteed account. Annuity contracts can also be purchased in
connection with retirement plans qualified under Section 401(a)Segment will cause a corresponding Early Distribution Adjustment of the Code. How these arrangements work, including specialSegment Account Value. If you do not tell us how to allocate the payment, or if we cannot allocate it based on your directions, we will allocated it based on our rules applicable to each, are notedthen in the specific sections for each type of arrangement, below. You shouldeffect. Allocation rules will be aware that the funding vehicle for a tax-qualified arrangement does not provide any tax deferral benefit beyond that already provided by the Code for all permissible funding vehicles. Before choosing an annuity contract, therefore, you should consider the annuity’s features and benefits compared with the features and benefits of other permissible funding vehicles and the relative costs of annuities and other such arrangements. You should be aware that cost may vary depending on the features and benefits made available and the charges and expensesupon request. Such transfers will occur as of the investment options you elect.
Transfers among investment options
If permitted underdate we approve an accelerated death benefit payment. There will be no charge for such transfers. Please see the terms of the contract, you can make transfers among investment options inside the contract without triggering taxable income.
Taxation of nonqualified annuitiesappropriate variable life insurance policy prospectus for more information.
Contributions
You may not deduct the amount of your contributions to a nonqualified annuity contract.
Contract earnings
Generally, you are not taxed on contract earnings until you receive a distribution from your contract, whether as a withdrawal or as an annuity payment. However, earnings are taxable, even without a distribution:
Federal tax law requires that all nonqualified deferred annuity contracts that the Company and its affiliates issue to you during the same calendar year be linked together and treated as one contract for calculating the taxable amount of any distribution from any of those contracts.
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Annuity payments
The following applies to an annuitization of the entire contract. In certain cases, the contract can be partially annuitized. See “Partial annuitization”.
Annuitization under a Structured Capital Strategies® contract occurs when your entire interest under the contract is or has been applied to one or more payout options intended to amortize amounts over your life or over a period certain generally limited by the period of your life expectancy. (We do not currently offer a period certain option without life contingencies.) Annuity payouts can also be determined on a joint life basis. After annuitization, no further contributions to the contract may be made, the annuity payout amount must be paid at least annually, and annuity payments cannot be stopped except by death or surrender (if permitted under the terms of the contract).
Once annuity payments begin, a portion of each payment is taxable as ordinary income. You get back the remaining portion without paying taxes on it. This is your unrecovered investment in the contract. Generally, your investment in the contract equals the contributions you made, less any amounts you previously withdrew that were not taxable.
For fixed annuity payments, the tax-free portion of each payment is determined by (1) dividing your investment in the contract by the total amount you are expected to receive out of the contract, and (2) multiplying the result by the amount of the payment. For variable annuity payments, your tax-free portion of each payment is your investment in the contract divided by the number of expected payments. If you have a loss on a variable annuity payout in a taxable year, you may be able to adjust the tax-free amount in subsequent years.
Once you have received the amount of your investment in the contract, all payments after that are fully taxable. If payments under a life annuity stop because the annuitant dies, there is an income tax deduction for any unrecovered investment in the contract.
Your rights to apply amounts under this Structured Capital Strategies® contract to an annuity payout option are described elsewhere in this Prospectus. If you hold your contract to the maximum maturity age under the contract we require that a choice be made between taking a lump sum settlement of any remaining account value or applying any such account value to an annuity payout option we may offer at the time under the contract. If no affirmative choice is made, we will apply any remaining account value or interest in the contract to the default option under the contract at such age. While there is no specific federal tax guidance as to whether or when an annuity contract is required to mature, or as to the form of the payments to be made upon maturity, we believe that this Structured Capital Strategies® contract constitutes an annuity contract under current federal tax rules.
Partial annuitization
The consequences described above for annuitization of the entire contract apply to the portion of the contract which is
partially annuitized. A nonqualified deferred annuity contract is treated as being partially annuitized if a portion of the contract is applied to an annuity payout option on a life-contingent basis or for a period certain of at least 10 years. In order to get annuity payment tax treatment for the portion of the contract applied to the annuity payout, payments must be made at least annually in substantially equal amounts, the payments must be designed to amortize the amount applied over life or the period certain, and the payments cannot be stopped, except by death or surrender (if permitted under the terms of the contract). The investment in the contract is split between the partially annuitized portion and the deferred amount remaining based on the relative values of the amount applied to the annuity payout and the deferred amount remaining at the time of the partial annuitization. Also, the partial annuitization has its own annuity starting date. We do not currently offer a period certain option without life contingencies.
Withdrawals made before annuity payments beginAsset Rebalancing Service
If you make withdrawals before annuity payments begin under your contract, they are taxableinvested in MSO, you may also elect the Asset Rebalancing Service. However, any amounts allocated to you as ordinary income if there are earningsthe MSO will not be included in the contract. Generally, earnings arerebalance transactions. The investment options available to your account value less your investment in the contract. If you withdraw an amount which is more than the earnings in the contract as of the date of the withdrawal, the balance of the distribution is treated as a reduction of your investment in the contract and is not taxable. If you have a Series ADV contract, withdrawals made by your investment advisor are taxable to you.
Collateral assignments are taxable to the extent of any earnings in the contract at the time any portion of the contract’s value is assigned as collateral. Therefore, if you assign your contract as collateral for a loan with a third party after the contract is issued, you may have taxable income even though you receive no payments under the contract. The Company will report any income attributable to a collateral assignment on Form 1099-R. Also, if the Company makes payments or distributions to the assignee pursuant to directions under the collateral assignment agreement, any gains in such payments may be taxable to you and reportable on Form 1099-R even though youAsset Rebalancing Service do not receive them.include the MSO Holding Account or Segments. Please see the appropriate variable life insurance policy prospectus for more information.
1035 ExchangesRequested Face Amount Increases
You may purchase a nonqualified deferred annuity through an exchange of another contract. Normally, exchanges of contracts are taxable events. The exchange will not be taxable under Section 1035 ofPlease refer to the Internal Revenue Code if:
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In some cases you may make a tax-deferred 1035 exchange from a nonqualified deferred annuity contract to a “qualified long-term care contract” meeting all specified requirements under the Code or an annuity contract with a “qualified long-term care contract” feature (sometimes referred to as a “combination annuity” contract).
The tax basis, also referred to as your investment in the contract, of the source contract carries over to the contract issued in exchange.
An owner may direct the proceeds of a partial withdrawal from one nonqualified deferred annuity contract to purchase or contribute to another nonqualified deferred annuity contract on a tax-deferred basis. If requirements are met, the owner may also directly transfer amounts from a nonqualified deferred annuity contract to a “qualified long-term care contract” or “combination annuity” in such a partial 1035 exchange transaction. Special forms, agreement between the carriers, and provision of cost basis information may be required to process this type of an exchange.requested face amount increase.
If you are purchasing your contract throughwish to make a Section 1035 exchange, you shouldface amount increase during a Segment Term, the MSO requires that a minimum amount of policy account value be awareavailable to be transferred into the Unloaned GIO (if not already present in the Unloaned GIO), and that the Company cannot guaranteebalance after deduction of monthly charges remain there during the longest remaining Segment Term subject to any loans as described above. This minimum amount will be any amount necessary to supplement the existing Charge Reserve Amount so as to be projected to be sufficient to cover all monthly deductions during the longest remaining Segment Term. Such amount will be determined assuming at the time such calculation is made that no interest or investment performance is credited to or charged against the exchangepolicy account value, and that no further policy changes or additional premium payments are made.
Any necessary transfers to supplement the amount already present in the Unloaned GIO in order to meet this minimum requirement will take effect on the effective date of the face amount increase. There will be no charge for this transfer. Any transfer from the source contract tovariable investment options including the contract you are applying forMSO Holding Account will be treatedmade in accordance with your directions. Your transfer instructions will be requested as a Section 1035 exchange; the insurance company issuing the source contract controls the tax information reportingpart of the transactionprocess for requesting the face amount increase. If the requested allocation is not possible due to insufficient funds, the required amount will be transferred proportionately from the variable investment options, as a Section 1035 exchange. Because information reportswell as the MSO Holding Account. If such transfers are not provided and filed until the calendar year after the exchange transaction, the insurance company issuing the source contract shows its agreement that the transaction is a 1035 exchange by providingpossible due to us the cost basis of the exchanged source contract when it transfers the money to us oninsufficient funds, your behalf.
Even if the contract owner and the insurance companies agree that a full or partial 1035 exchange is intended, the IRS has the ultimate authority to review the facts and determine that the transaction shouldrequested face amount increase will be recharacterized as taxable in whole or in part.
Section 1035 exchanges are generally not available after the death of the owner. The destination contract must meet specific post-death payout requirements to prevent avoidance of the death of owner rules. See “Payment of death benefit”.
Surrenders
If you surrender or cancel the contract, the distribution is taxable as ordinary income (not capital gain) to the extent it exceeds your investment in the contract.
Death benefit payments made to a beneficiary after your death
For the rules applicable to death benefits, see “Payment of death benefit”. The tax treatment of a death benefit taken as a single sum is generally the same as the tax treatment of a withdrawal from or surrender of your contract. The tax treatment of a death benefit taken as annuity payments is generally the same as the tax treatment of annuity payments under your contract.
Under the Beneficiary continuation option, the tax treatment of a withdrawal after the death of the owner taken as a single
sum or taken as withdrawals under the 5-year rule is generally the same as the tax treatment of a withdrawal from or surrender of your contract.
Early distribution penalty tax
If you take distributions before you are age 591⁄2, a penalty tax of 10% of the taxable portion of your distribution applies in addition to the income tax. Some of the available exceptions to the pre-age 591⁄2 penalty tax include distributions made:
Please note that it is your responsibility to claim the penalty exception on your own income tax return and to document eligibility for the exception to the IRS.
Additional Tax on Net Investment Income
Taxpayers who have modified adjusted gross income (“MAGI”) over a specified amount and who also have specified net investment income in any year may have to pay an additional surtax of 3.8%. (This tax has been informally referred to as the “Net Investment Income Tax” or “NIIT”). For this purpose net investment income includes distributions from and payments under nonqualified annuity contracts. The threshold amount of MAGI varies by filing status: $200,000 for single filers; $250,000 for married taxpayers filing jointly, and $125,000 for married taxpayers filing separately. The tax applies to the lesser of a) the amount of MAGI over the applicable threshold amount or b) the net investment income. You should discuss with your tax adviser the potential effect of this tax.
Investor Control Issues
Under certain circumstances, the IRS has stated that you could be treated as the owner (for tax purposes) of the assets of Separate Account No. 49. If you were treated as the owner, you would be taxed on income and gains attributable to the shares of the underlying portfolios.
The circumstances that would lead to this tax treatment would be that, in the opinion of the IRS, you could control the underlying investment of Separate Account No. 49. Recently, the IRS has said that the owners of variable annuities will not be treated as owning the separate account assets provided the underlying portfolios are restricted to variable life and annuity assets. The variable annuity owners must have the right only to choose among the portfolios, and must have no right to direct the particular investment decisions within the portfolios.
Also we do not believe that these rules apply to the assets of Separate Account No. 68, because contract owners have no interest in the performance of those assets.
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Although we believe that, under current IRS guidance, you would not be treated as the owner of the assets of Separate Account No. 49, there are some issues that remain unclear. For example, the IRS has not issued any guidance as to whether having a larger number of portfolios available, or an unlimited right to transfer among them, could cause you to be treated as the owner. We do not know whether the IRS will ever provide such guidance or whether such guidance, if unfavorable, would apply retroactively to your contract. Furthermore, the IRS could reverse its current guidance at any time. We reserve the right to modify your contract as necessary to prevent you from being treated as the owner of the assets of Separate Account No 49.
Individual retirement arrangements (“IRAs”)
General
“IRA” stands for individual retirement arrangement. There are two basic types of such arrangements, individual retirement accounts and individual retirement annuities. In an individual retirement account, a trustee or custodian holds the assets funding the account for the benefit of the IRA owner. The assets typically include mutual funds and/or individual stocks and securities in a custodial account, and bank certificates of deposit in a trusteed account. In an individual retirement annuity, an insurance company issues an annuity contract that serves as the IRA.
There are two basic types of IRAs, as follows:
Regardless of the type of IRA, your ownership interest in the IRA cannot be forfeited. You or your beneficiaries who survive you are the only ones who can receive the IRA’s benefits or payments. All types of IRAs qualify for tax deferral, regardless of the funding vehicle selected.
You can hold your IRA assets in as many different accounts and annuities as you would like, as long as you meet the rules for setting up and making contributions to IRAs. However, if you own multiple IRAs, you may be required to combine IRA values or contributions for tax purposes. For further information about individual retirement arrangements, you can read Internal Revenue Service Publications 590-A (“Contributions to Individual Retirement Arrangements (IRAs)”) and 590-B (“Distributions from Individual Retirement Arrangements (IRAs)”). These publications are usually updated annually, and can be obtained by contacting the IRS or from the IRS website (www.irs.gov).
The Company designs its IRA contracts to qualify as “individual retirement annuities” under Section 408(b) of the Internal Revenue Code. We offer the Structured Capital Strategies® contract in both traditional IRA and Roth IRA versions.
This Prospectus contains the information that the IRS requires you to have before you purchase an IRA. The first section covers some of the special tax rules that apply to
traditional IRAs. The next section covers Roth IRAs. The disclosure generally assumes direct ownership of the individual retirement annuity contracts. For contracts owned in a custodial individual retirement account, the disclosure will apply only if you terminate your account or transfer ownership of the contract to yourself.
We describe the amount and types of charges that may apply to your contributions under “Charges and expenses”. We describe the method of calculating payments under “Accessing your money”. We do not guarantee or project growth in variable income annuitization option payments (as opposed to payments from a fixed income annuitization option).
We have not applied for opinion letters approving the respective forms of the traditional IRA and Roth IRA contracts for use as a traditional and Roth IRA, respectively. This IRS approval is a determination only as to the form of the annuity. It does not represent a determination of the merits of the annuity as an investment.declined.
Your right to cancel within a certain number of days
You can cancel either version ofPlease refer to the Structured Capital Strategies® IRA contract (traditional IRA or Roth IRA) by following the directions under “Yourappropriate variable insurance policy prospectus for more information regarding your right to cancel your policy within a certain number of days” in “Contract featuresdays and benefits”. If you cancel a traditional IRA, or Roth IRA contract, we may have to withhold tax, and we must report the transaction to the IRS. A contract cancellation could have an unfavorable tax impact.
Traditional individual retirement annuities (“traditional IRAs”)
Contributions to traditional IRAs. Individuals may make three different types of contributions to purchase a traditional IRA or as subsequent contributions to an existing IRA:
When you make a contribution to your IRA, we require you to tell us whether it is a regular contribution, rollover contribution, or direct transfer contribution, and to supply supporting documentation in some cases.
Because the minimum initial contribution the Company requires to purchase this contract is larger than the maximum regular contribution you can make to an IRA for a taxable year, this contract must be purchased through a rollover or direct transfer contribution.
Regular contributions to traditional IRAs
Limits on contributions. The “maximum regular contribution amount” for any taxable year is the most that can be contributed to all of your IRAs (traditional and Roth) as regular contributions for the particular taxable year. The maximum regular contribution amount depends on age, earnings, and
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year, among other things. Generally, $6,000Investment Start Date, which is the business day your investment first begins to earn a return for you. However, the policy prospectus provisions that address when amounts will be allocated to the investment options do not apply to amounts allocated to the MSO.
In those states that require us to return your premium without adjustment for investment performance within a certain number of days, we will initially put all amounts which you have allocated to the MSO into our EQ/Money Market investment option. If we have received all necessary requirements for your policy as of the day your policy is issued, on the first business day following the later of the twentieth day after your policy is issued or the Investment Start Date (30th day in most states if your policy is issued as the result of a replacement), we will re-allocate those amounts to the MSO Holding Account where they will remain until the next available Segment Start Date, at which time such amounts will be transferred to a new Segment of the MSO subject to meeting the conditions described in this Prospectus. However, if we have not received all necessary requirements for your policy as of the day your policy is issued, we will re-allocate those amounts to the MSO Holding Account on the 20th day (longer if your policy is issued as the result of a replacement) following the date we receive all necessary requirements to put your policy in force at our Administrative Office. Your financial professional can provide further information on what requirements may apply to your policy.
In all other states, any amounts allocated to the MSO will first be allocated to the MSO Holding Account where they will remain for 20 days (unless the policy is issued as the result of a replacement, in which case amounts in the MSO Holding Account will remain there for 30 days (45 days in Pennsylvania)). Thereafter, such amounts will be transferred to a new Segment of the MSO on the next available Segment Start Date, subject to meeting the conditions described in this Prospectus.
Segment Maturity GIO Limitation
Upon advance notification, we reserve the right to limit the amount of your Segment Maturity Value that may be allocated to the guaranteed interest option. However, that limitation will never be less than 5% of your Segment Maturity Value. We will transfer any portion of your Segment Maturity Value that is allocated to the guaranteed interest option in excess of the Segment Maturity GIO Limitation to the EQ/Money Market variable investment option unless we receive your instructions prior to the Segment Maturity Date that the Segment Maturity Value should be allocated to the MSO Holding Account or to any other available variable investment option.
As of November 18, 2013, the Company will not exercise its right to limit the amounts that may be allocated and or transferred to the guaranteed interest option (“policy guaranteed interest option limitation”). All references to the policy guaranteed interest option limitation in your prospectus, and/or in your policy and/or in the endorsements to your policy, are not applicable. See “Appendix: Policy/rider variations” for more information.
Right to Discontinue and Limit Amounts Allocated to the MSO
We reserve the right to restrict or terminate future allocations to the MSO at any time. If this right were ever to be exercised by us, all Segments outstanding as of the effective date of the restriction would be guaranteed to continue uninterrupted until the Segment Maturity Date. As each such Segment matured, the balance would be reallocated to the Unloaned GIO and/or variable investment options per your instructions, or to the EQ/Money Market investment option if no instructions are received. We may also temporarily suspend offering Segments at any time and for any reason including emergency conditions as determined by the Securities and Exchange Commission. We also reserve the right to establish a maximum amount for any single policy that you may contributecan be allocated to all IRAs (traditional IRAsthe MSO.
Transfers are limited to an amount that will not cause the value of the MSO Holding Account and Roth IRAs) for 2022, after adjustment for cost-of-living changes. When your earnings are below $6,000, your earned income or compensation forMSO Segments to be more than 50% of the year is the most you can contribute.total unloaned Policy Account Value. This limitpolicy account restriction does not apply to rollover contributionsMSO Segment rollovers or direct custodian-to-custodianto transfers into a traditional IRA.initiated by our Automatic Transfer Service.
If you are at least age 50 at any time during the taxable year for which you are making a regular contribution to your IRA, you may be eligible to make additional “catch up contributions”Impact of up to $1,000 to your traditional IRA.
Special rules for spouses. If you are married and file a joint federal income tax return, you and your spouse may combine your compensation to determine the amount of regular contributions you are permitted to make to traditional IRAs (and Roth IRAs discussed below). Even if one spouse has no compensation, MSO Election on Other Policy Riders and/or compensation under $6,000, married individuals filing jointly can contribute up to $12,000 per year to any combination of traditional IRAs and Roth IRAs. Any contributions to Roth IRAs reduce the ability to contribute to traditional IRAs and vice versa. The maximum amount may be less if earned income is less and the other spouse has made IRA contributions. No more than a combined total of $6,000 can be contributed annually to either spouse’s traditional and Roth IRAs. Each spouse owns his or her traditional IRAs and Roth IRAs even if the other spouse funded the contributions. Catch-up contributions may be made as described above for spouses who are at least age 50 at any time during the taxable year for which the contribution is being made.
Deductibility of contributions. The amount of traditional IRA contributions that you can deduct for a taxable year depends on whether you are covered by an employer-sponsored-tax-favored retirement plan, as defined under special federal income tax rules. Your Form W-2 will indicate whether or not you are covered by such a retirement plan.
The federal tax rules governing contributions to IRAs made from current compensation are complex and are subject to numerous technical requirements and limitations which vary based on an individual’s personal situation (including his/her spouse). IRS Publication 590-A, (“Contributions to Individual Retirement Arrangements (IRAs)”) which is updated annually and is available at www.irs.gov, contains pertinent explanations of the rules applicable to the current year. The amount of permissible contributions to IRAs, the amount of IRA contributions which may be deductible, and the individual’s income limits for determining contributions and deductions all may be adjusted annually for cost of living.
Nondeductible regular contributions. If you are not eligible to deduct part or all of the traditional IRA contribution, you may still make nondeductible contributions on which earnings will accumulate on a tax-deferred basis. The combined deductible and nondeductible contributions to your traditional IRA (or the nonworking spouse’s traditional IRA) may not, however, exceed the maximum $5,000 per person limit for the applicable taxable year ($6,000 for 2022 after
adjustment). The dollar limit is $1,000 higher for people eligible to make age 50+ “catch-up” contributions ($7,000 for 2022). You must keep your own records of deductible and nondeductible contributions in order to prevent double taxation on the distribution of previously taxed amounts. See “Withdrawals, payments and transfers of funds out of traditional IRAs”.
If you are making nondeductible contributions in any taxable year, or you have made nondeductible contributions to a traditional IRA in prior years and are receiving distributions from any traditional IRA, you must file the required information with the IRS. Moreover, if you are making nondeductible traditional IRA contributions, you must retain all income tax returns and records pertaining to such contributions until interests in all traditional IRAs are fully distributed.
When you can make regular contributions. If you file your tax returns on a calendar year basis like most taxpayers, you have until the April 15 return filing deadline (without extensions) of the following calendar year to make your regular traditional IRA contributions for a tax year. Make sure you designate the year for which you are making the contribution.
Rollover and direct transfer contributions to traditional IRAs
Rollover contributions may be made to a traditional IRA from these “eligible retirement plans”:Services
Direct transfer contributions may only your policy goes on Policy Continuation while you have amounts invested in MSO, you will forfeit any positive Index performance and be made directly from one traditional IRAsubject to another.
Anyan Early Distribution Adjustment with respect to these amounts. If the is any amount contributed to a traditional IRA after lifetime required minimum distributions must start must beremaining in the net of your required minimum distribution for the year in which the rollover or direct transfer contribution is made.
Rollovers from “eligible retirement plans” other than traditional IRAs
Your plan administrator will tell you whether or not your distribution is eligible to be rolled over. Spousal beneficiaries and spousal alternate payees under qualified domestic relations orders may roll over funds on the same basis as the plan participant.
There are two ways to do rollovers:
You receive a distribution that can be rolled over and you roll it over to a traditional IRA within 60 dayspolicy account value after the datePolicy Continuation Rider charge has been deducted, such amounts are treated as an additional loan and refunded to you receive the funds. The distribution from your eligible retirement planso there will be net of 20% mandatory federal income tax withholding. Ifno amounts in the variable investment options or the MSO. In addition, MSO will no longer be available once you want, you can replace the withheld funds yourself and roll over the full amount.
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You tell the trustee or custodian of the eligible retirement plan to send the distribution directly to your traditional IRA issuer. Direct rollovers are not subject to mandatory federal income tax withholding.
All distributions from a qualified plan, 403(b) plan or governmental employer 457(b) plan are eligible rollover distributions, unless the distributions are:
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Under legislation enacted at the end of 2019, distributions from an eligible retirement plan made in connection with the birth or adoption of a child as specified in the Code can be made free of income tax withholding and penalty-free. Repayments of these distributions to an eligible retirement plan are treated as deemed rollover contributions.
You should discuss with your tax adviser whether you should consider rolling over funds from one type of tax qualified retirement plan to another, because the funds will generally be subject to the rules of the recipient plan. For example, funds in a governmental employer 457(b) plan are not subject to the additional 10% federal income tax penalty for premature distributions, but they may become subject to this penalty if you roll the funds to a different type of eligible retirement plan, such as a traditional IRA, and subsequently take a premature distribution.
Rollovers from an eligible retirement plan to a traditional IRA are not subject to the “one-per-year limit” noted in this section.
Rollovers of after-tax contributions from eligible retirement plans other than traditional IRAs
Any non-Roth after-tax contributions you have made to a qualified plan or 403(b) plan (but not a governmental employer 457(b) plan)rider (which may be rolled over to a traditional IRA (either in a direct rollover or a rollover you do yourself). When the recipient plan is a traditional IRA, you are responsible for recordkeeping and calculating the taxable amount of any distributions you
take from that traditional IRA. See “Taxation of payments” under “Withdrawals, payments and transfers of funds out of traditional IRAs.” After-tax contributions in a traditional IRA cannot be rolled over from your traditional IRA into, or back into, a qualified plan, 403(b) plan or governmental employer 457(b) plan.
Rollovers from traditional IRAs to traditional IRAs
You may roll over amounts from one traditional IRA to one or more of your other traditional IRAs if you complete the transaction within 60 days after you receive the funds. You may make such a rollover only once in every 12-month period for the same funds. We call this the “one-per-year limit.” It is the IRA owner’s responsibility to determine if this rule is met. Trustee-to-trustee or custodian-to-custodian direct transfers are not rollover transactions. You can make these more frequently than once in every 12-month period.
Spousal rollovers and divorce-related direct transfers
The surviving spouse beneficiary of a deceased individual can roll over funds from, or directly transfer funds from, the deceased spouse’s traditional IRA to one or more other traditional IRAs. Also, in some cases, traditional IRAs can be transferred on a tax-free basis between spouses or former spouses as a result of a court-ordered divorce or separation decree.
Excess contributions to traditional IRAs
Excess contributions to IRAs are subject to a 6% excise tax for the year in which made and for each year after until withdrawn. Examples of excess contributions are regular contributions of more than the maximum regular contribution amount for the applicable taxable year, and a rollover contribution which is not eligible to be rolled over, for example to the extent an amount distributed is a lifetime required minimum distribution after age 72 (or after age 70½, if applicable). You can avoid or limit the excise tax by withdrawing an excess contribution. See IRS Publications 590-A and 590-B for further details.
Recharacterizations
Amounts that have been contributed as traditional IRA funds may subsequently be treated as Roth IRA funds. Special federal income tax rules allow you to change your mind again and have amounts that are subsequently treated as Roth IRA funds, once again treated as traditional IRA funds. You do this by using the forms we prescribe. This is referred to as having “recharacterized” your contribution.
Withdrawals, paymentsa “total and transfers of funds out of traditional IRAs
No federal income tax law restrictions on withdrawals. You can withdraw anypermanent disability accelerated death benefit rider” or all of your funds from a traditional IRA at any time. You do not need to wait for a special event like retirement.
Taxation of payments. Amounts distributed from traditional IRAs are not subject to federal income tax until you or your beneficiary receive them. Taxable payments or distributions include withdrawals from your contract, surrender of your contract and annuity payments from your contract. Death benefits are also taxable.
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We report all payments from traditional IRA contracts on IRS Form 1099-R. You are responsible for reporting these amounts correctly on your individual income tax return and keeping supporting records. Except as discussed below,“limited life expectancy accelerated death benefit rider”) is exercised, the total amount of any distribution from a traditional IRA must be included in your gross income as ordinary income.
If you have ever made nondeductible (after-tax) IRA contributions to any traditional IRA (it does not have to be to this particular traditional IRA contract), those contributions are recovered tax-free when you get distributions from any traditional IRA. It is your responsibility to keep permanent tax records of all of your nondeductible contributions to traditional IRAs so that you can correctly report the taxable amount of any distribution on your own tax return. At the end of any year in which you have received a distribution from any traditional IRA, you calculate the ratio of your total nondeductible traditional IRA contributions (less any amounts previously withdrawn tax free) to the total account balances of all traditional IRAs you own at the endportion of the year plus all traditional IRA distributions made during the year. Multiply this by all distributions from the traditional IRA during the year to determine the nontaxable portion of each distribution.
A distribution from a traditional IRAcash surrender value that is not taxable if:
The following are eligible to receive rollovers of distributions from a traditional IRA: a qualified plan, a 403(b) plan or a governmental employer 457 plan. After-tax contributions in a traditional IRA cannot be rolled from your traditional IRA into, or back into, a qualified plan, 403(b) plan or governmental employer 457 plan. Before you decide to roll over a distribution from a traditional IRA to another eligible retirement plan, you should check with the administrator of that plan about whether the plan accepts rollovers and, if so, the types it accepts. You should also check with the administrator of the receiving plan about any documents required to be completed before it will accept a rollover.
Distributions from a traditional IRA are not eligible for favorable ten-year averaging and long-term capital gain treatment available under limited circumstances for certain distributions from qualified plans. If you might be eligible for such tax treatment from your qualified plan, you may be able to preserve such tax treatment even though an eligible rollover from a qualified plan is temporarily rolled into a “conduit IRA” before being rolled back into a qualified plan. See your tax adviser.
IRA distributions directly transferred to charity. Specified distributions from IRAs directly transferred to charitable organizations may be tax-free to IRA owners age 70 1/2 or older.
You can direct us to make one distribution per calendar year directly to a charitable organization you request whether or not such distribution might be eligible for favorable tax treatment. Additional requests in the same calendar year will not be honored. Since an IRA owner is responsible for determining the tax consequences of any distribution from an IRA, we report the distribution to you on Form 1099-R. After discussing with your own tax advisor, it is your responsibility to report any distribution qualifying as a tax-free charitable direct transfer from your IRA on your own tax return.
Required minimum distributions
Legislation enacted at the end of 2019 which is generally effective January 1, 2020 significantly amended the required minimum distribution rules. Because these rules are statutory and regulatory, in many cases IRS guidance will be required to implement these changes.
Background on Regulations — Required Minimum Distributions
Distributions must be made from traditional IRAs according to rules contained in the Code and Treasury Regulations. Certain provisions of the Treasury Regulations require that the actuarial present value of additional annuity contract benefits must be added to the dollar amount credited for purposes of calculating certain types of required minimum distributions from individual retirement annuity contracts. For this purpose additional annuity contract benefits may include, but are not limited to, various guaranteed benefits. This could increase the amount required to be distributed from the contracts if you take annual withdrawals instead of annuitizing. Currently we believe that these provisions would not apply to Structured Capital Strategies® contracts because of the type of benefits provided under the contracts. However, if you take annual withdrawals instead of annuitizing, please consult your tax adviser concerning applicability of these complex rulesallocated to your situation.
Lifetime required minimum distributions — When you have to take the first lifetime required minimum distribution. When you have to start lifetime required minimum distributions from your traditional IRAs depends on your birthdate. Under legislation enacted at the end of 2019, lifetime required minimum distributions from your traditional IRAs must start for the year in which you attain age 72 (if you were born July 1, 1949 or later). For individuals born June 30, 1949 or earlier, lifetime required minimum distributions from your traditional IRAs must start for the year in which you attain age 701⁄2. That is, individuals who had already attained age 70½ by December 31, 2019 had no change from prior law in the start or continuation of their lifetime required minimum distributions.
When you have to take the first lifetime required minimum distribution. The first required minimum distribution is for the calendar year in which you turn age 72 (or age 701⁄2 if applicable). You have the choice to take this first required minimum distribution during the calendar year you actually reach age 72 (or age 701⁄2 if applicable), or to delay taking it until the first three-month period in the next calendar year (January 1 – April 1). Distributions must start no later than
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your “Required Beginning Date,” which is April 1st of the calendar year after the calendar year in which you turn age 72 (or age 701⁄2 if applicable). If you choose to delay taking the first annual minimum distribution, then you will have to take two minimum distributions in that year — the delayed one for the first year and the one actually for that year. Once minimum distributions begin, they must be made at some time each year.
How you can calculate required minimum distributions. There are two approaches to taking required minimum distributions — “account-based” or “annuity-based.”
Account-based method. If you choose an account-based method, you divide the value of your traditional IRA as of December 31st of the past calendar year by a number corresponding to your age from an IRS table. This gives you the required minimum distribution amount for that particular IRA for that year. If your spouse is your sole beneficiary and more than 10 years younger than you, the dividing number you use may be from another IRS table and may produce a smaller lifetime required minimum distribution amount. Regardless of the table used, the required minimum distribution amount will vary each year as the account value, the actuarial present value of additional annuity contract benefits, if applicable, and the divisor change. If you initially choose an account-based method, you may later apply your traditional IRA funds to a life annuity-based payout with any certain period not exceeding remaining life expectancy, determined in accordance with IRS tables.
If you choose an account-based method, the RMD amount for your Structured Capital Strategies® traditional IRA contract is calculated with respect to your entire interest in the contract, including your allocations to one or more variable investment options and one or more of the Segments in the Structured Investment Option.
Annuity-based method. If you choose an annuity-based method, you do not have to do annual calculations. You apply the account value to an annuity payout for your life or the joint lives of you and an eligible designated beneficiary, or for a period certain not extending beyond applicable life expectancies, determined in accordance with IRS tables.
Do you have to pick the same method to calculate your required minimum distributions for all of your traditional IRAs and other retirement plans? No. If you want, you can choose a different method for each of your traditional IRAs and other retirement plans. For example, you can choose an annuity payout from one IRA, a different annuity payout from a qualified plan, and an account-based annual withdrawal from another IRA.
Will we pay you the annual amount every year from your traditional IRA based on the method you choose? We will only pay you automatically if you affirmatively select an annuity payout option or an account-based withdrawal option such as our “automatic required minimum distribution (RMD) service.” Even if you do not enroll in our service, we will calculate the amount of the required minimum distribution withdrawal for you, if you so request in writing. However, in
that case you will be responsible for asking us to pay the required minimum distribution withdrawal to you.
Also, if you are taking account-based withdrawals from all of your traditional IRAs, the IRS will let you calculate the required minimum distribution for each traditional IRA that you maintain, using the method that you picked for that particular IRA. You can add these required minimum distribution amount calculations together. As long as the total amount you take out every year satisfies your overall traditional IRA required minimum distribution amount, you may choose to take your annual required minimum distribution from any one or more traditional IRAs that you own.
If you are at an age where you are required to take lifetime required minimum distributions from traditional IRAs you should consider the effect of allocations to the Structured Investment Option under a Structured Capital Strategies® traditional IRA contract. You should consider whether you have a sufficient amount allocated to the Variable Investment Options under this contract and/or sufficient liquidity under other traditional IRAs that you maintain in order to satisfy your RMD for this contract without affecting amounts allocated to the Structured Investment Option under this contract.
Particularly if you hold any portion of your Structured Capital Strategies® IRA account value in Segments, you should make sure to have money investedvalues in the variable investment options and/or other traditional IRAs in order to have enough liquidityunder your policy and investment in the contract or elsewhereMSO will be transferred to satisfy your RMD withdrawals without dipping into a Segment.
What if you take more than you need to for any year? The required minimum distribution amount for your traditional IRAs is calculated on a year-by-year basis. There are no carry-back or carry-forward provisions. Also, you cannot apply required minimum distribution amounts you take from your qualified plans to the amounts you have to take from your traditional IRAs and vice versa.
You may tell us how much of the accelerated payment is to be transferred from your value in each variable investment option and your value in the MSO. Units willWhat if you take less than you need to for any year? Your IRA could be disqualified, and you could have to pay tax on the entire value. Even if your IRA is not disqualified, you could have to pay a 50% penalty tax on the shortfall (required amount for traditional IRAs less amount actually taken). It is your responsibility to meet the required minimum distribution rules. We remind you when our records show that you are within the age group which must take lifetime required minimum distributions. If you do not select a method with us, we will assume you are taking your required minimum distribution from another traditional IRA that you own.What are the required minimum distribution payments after you die? These vary, depending on the status of your beneficiary (individual or entity) and when you die. Legislation enacted at the end of 2019 significantly amends the post-death required minimum distribution rules for distributions made beginning January 1, 2020, and in some cases may affect payouts for pre-December 31, 2019 deaths.Individual beneficiary. Unless the individual beneficiary has a special status as an “eligible designated beneficiary” or
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“EDB” described below, distributions of the remaining amount in the defined contribution plan or IRA contract following your death must be distributed within 10 years. IRS guidance will be needed regarding the mechanics of implementation of this “10-year” rule.
Individual beneficiary who has “eligible designated beneficiary” or “EDB” status. An individual beneficiary who is an “eligible designated beneficiary” or “EDB” is able to take annual post-death required minimum distribution payments over the life of the EDB or over a period not extending beyond the life expectancy of the EDB, as long as the distributions start no later than one year after your death (to be prescribed in Treasury Regulations).
Under federal tax law, the following individuals are EDBs:
| be redeemed from each variable investment option sufficient to cover the amount of the accelerated payment that is allocated to it and transferred to the Unloaned GIO. |
In certain cases, a trust may be treated as an individual and not an entity beneficiary. When minor children reach the age of majority, they stop EDB status and the remainder of the portion of their interest not yet distributed must be distributed within 10 years. However, the contracts issued by the Company do not allow individual beneficiaries who are EDBs solely by virtue of being your minor children to stretch post-death required minimum distribution payments over their lives or life expectancies.
Spousal beneficiary. If your death beneficiary is your surviving spouse, your spouse has a number of choices. As noted above, post-death distributions may be made over your spouse’s life or period of life expectancy. Your spouse may delay starting payments over his/her life or life expectancy period until the year in which you would have attained age 72. In some circumstances, for traditional IRA contracts only, your surviving spouse may elect to become the owner of the traditional IRA and halt distributions until he or she reaches age 72, or roll over amounts from your traditional IRA into his/her own traditional IRA or other eligible retirement plan.
Non-individual beneficiary. Pre-January 1, 2020 rules continue to apply. If you die before your Required Beginning Date for lifetime required minimum distributions, and your death beneficiary is a non-individual such as your estate, the “5-year rule” applies. Under this rule, the entire interest must be distributed by the end of the calendar year which contains the fifth anniversary of the owner’s death. No distribution is required for a year before that fifth year.Please note that we need an individual annuitant to keep an annuity contract in force. If the beneficiary is not an individual, we must distribute amounts remaining in the annuity contract after the death of the annuitant.
If you die after your Required Beginning Date for lifetime required minimum distributions, and your death beneficiary is a non-individual such as your estate, the rules permit the
beneficiary to calculate the post-death required minimum distribution amounts based on the owner’s life expectancy in the year of death. However, note that we need an individual annuitant to keep an annuity contract inforce. If the beneficiary is not an individual, we must distribute amounts remaining in the annuity contract after the death of the annuitant.
Additional Changes to post-death distributions after the 2019 legislation. The legislation enacted at the end of 2019 applies to deaths after December 31, 2019, so that the post-death required minimum distribution rules in effect before January 1, 2020 continue to apply initially. As long as payments start no later than December 31 following the calendar year of the owner’s or participant’s death, individuals who are non-spouse beneficiaries may continue to stretch post-death payments over their life. It is also permissible to stretch post-death payments over a period not longer than their life expectancy based on IRS tables as of the calendar year after the owner’s or participant’s death on a term certain method. In certain cases a “see-through” trust which is the death beneficiary will be treated as an individual for measuring the distribution period.
However, the legislation enacted at the end of 2019 views the death of the original individual beneficiary as an event that triggers the “10-year” distribution period. Prior to 2019, for example, if an individual beneficiary who had a 20-year life expectancy period in the year after the owner’s or participant’s death died in the 7th year of post-death payments, the beneficiary named by the original beneficiary could continue the payments over the remaining 13 years of the original beneficiary’s life expectancy period. Even if the owner or participant in this example died before December 31, 2019, the legislation caps the length of any post-death payment period after the death of the original beneficiary at 10 years. As noted above, a rule similar to this applies when an EDB dies, or a minor child reaches the age of majority-the remaining interest must be distributed within 10 years. However, the contracts issued by the Company do not allow individual beneficiaries who are EDBs solely by virtue of being your minor children to stretch post-death required minimum distribution payments over their lives or life expectancies. IRS guidance will be needed to implement the mechanics of these beneficiary status shift provisions.
Spousal continuation
If the contract is continued under Spousal continuation, the required minimum distribution rules are applied as if your surviving spouse is the contract owner.
Payments to a beneficiary after your death
IRA death benefits are taxed the same as IRA distributions.
Borrowing and loans are prohibited transactions
You cannot get loans from a traditional IRA. You cannot use a traditional IRA as collateral for a loan or other obligation. If you borrow against your IRA or use it as collateral, its tax-favored status will be lost as of the first day of the tax year in which this prohibited event occurs. If this happens, you must include the value of the traditional IRA in your federal gross income. Also, the early distribution penalty tax of 10% may apply if you have not reached age 591⁄2 before the first day of that tax year.
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Early distribution penalty tax
A penalty tax of 10% of the taxable portion of a distribution applies to distributions from a traditional IRA made before you reach age 591⁄2. Some of the available exceptions to the pre-age 591⁄2 penalty tax include distributions:
Please note that it is your responsibility to claim the penalty exception on your own income tax return and document eligibility for the exception to the IRS.
Roth individual retirement annuities (“Roth IRAs”)
This section of the Prospectus covers some of the special tax rules that apply to Roth IRAs. If the rules are the same as those that apply to the traditional IRA, we will refer you to the same topic under “traditional IRAs.”
The Structured Capital Strategies® Roth IRA contracts are designed to qualify as Roth individual retirement annuities under Sections 408A(b) and 408(b) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Contributions to Roth IRAs
Individuals may make four different types of contributions to a Roth IRA:
If you use the forms we require, we will also accept traditional IRA funds which are subsequently recharacterized as Roth IRA funds following special federal income tax rules.
Because the minimum initial contribution the Company requires to purchase this contract is larger than the maximum regular contribution you can make to an IRA for a taxable year, this contract must be purchased through a rollover or direct transfer contribution.
Regular contributions to Roth IRAs
Limits on regular contributions. The “maximum regular contribution amount” for any taxable year is the most that can be contributed to all of your IRAs (traditional and Roth) as regular contributions for the particular taxable year. The maximum regular contribution amount depends on age, earnings, and year, among other things. Generally, $6,000 is the maximum amount that you may contribute to all IRAs (traditional IRAs and Roth IRAs) for 2022, after adjustment for cost-of-living changes. This limit does not apply to rollover contributions or direct custodian-to-custodian transfers into a Roth IRA. Any contributions to Roth IRAs reduce the ability to contribute to traditional IRAs and vice versa. When your earnings are below $6,000, your earned income or compensation for the year is the most you can contribute. If you are married and file a joint income tax return, you and your spouse may combine your compensation to determine the amount of regular contributions you are permitted to make to Roth IRAs and traditional IRAs. See the discussion under “Special rules for spouses” under traditional IRAs.
If you or your spouse are at least age 50 at any time during the taxable year for which you are making a regular contribution, you may be eligible to make additional catch-up contributions of up to $1,000.
The amount of permissible contributions to Roth IRAs for any year depends on the individual’s income limits and marital status. For example, if you are married and filing separately for any year your ability to make regular Roth IRA contributions is greatly limited. The amount of permissible contributions and income limits may be adjusted annually for cost of living. Please consult IRS Publication 590-A, (“Contributions to Individual Retirement Arrangements (IRAs)”) for the rules applicable to the current year.
When you can make contributions. Same as traditional IRAs.
Deductibility of contributions. Roth IRA contributions are not tax deductible.
Rollover and direct transfer contributions to Roth IRAs
What is the difference between rollover and direct transfer transactions? The difference between a rollover transaction and a direct transfer transaction is the following: in a rollover transaction you actually take possession of the funds rolled over, or are considered to have received them under tax law in the case of a change from one type of plan to another. In a direct transfer transaction, you never take possession of the funds, but direct the first Roth IRA custodian, trustee, or issuer to transfer the first Roth IRA funds directly to the recipient Roth IRA custodian, trustee or issuer. You can make direct transfer transactions only between identical plan types (for example,
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Roth IRA to Roth IRA). You can also make rollover transactions between identical plan types. However, you can only make rollovers between different plan types (for example, traditional IRA to Roth IRA).
You may make rollover contributions to a Roth IRA from these sources only:
You may make direct transfer contributions to a Roth IRA only from another Roth IRA.
You may make both Roth IRA to Roth IRA rollover transactions and Roth IRA to Roth IRA direct transfer transactions. This can be accomplished on a completely tax-free basis. However, you may make Roth IRA to Roth IRA rollover transactions only once in any 12-month period for the same funds. We call this the “one-per-year limit.” It is the Roth IRA owner’s responsibility to determine if this rule is met. Trustee-to-trustee or custodian-to-custodian direct transfers can be made more frequently than once a year. Also, if you send us the rollover contribution to apply it to a Roth IRA, you must do so within 60 days after you receive the proceeds from the original IRA to get rollover treatment.
The surviving spouse beneficiary of a deceased individual can roll over or directly transfer an inherited Roth IRA to one or more other Roth IRAs. In some cases, Roth IRAs can be transferred on a tax-free basis between spouses or former spouses as a result of a court-ordered divorce or separation decree.
Conversion rollover contributions to Roth IRAs
In a conversion rollover transaction, you withdraw (or are considered to have withdrawn) all or a portion of funds from a traditional IRA you maintain and convert it to a Roth IRA within 60 days after you receive (or are considered to have received) the traditional IRA proceeds. Amounts can also be rolled over from non-Roth accounts under another eligible retirement plan, including a Code Section 401(a) qualified plan, a 403(b) plan, and a governmental employer Section 457(b) plan.
Unlike a rollover from a traditional IRA to another traditional IRA, a conversion rollover transaction from a traditional IRA or other eligible retirement plan to a Roth IRA is not tax-free. Instead, the distribution from the traditional IRA or other eligible retirement plan is generally fully taxable. If you are converting all or part of a traditional IRA, and you have ever made nondeductible regular contributions to any traditional IRA — whether or not it is the traditional IRA you are converting — a pro rata portion of the distribution is
tax-free. Even if you are under age 591⁄2, the early distribution penalty tax does not apply to conversion rollover contributions to a Roth IRA.
Conversion rollover contributions to Roth IRAs are not subject to the “one-per-year limit” noted in this section.
You cannot make conversion contributions to a Roth IRA to the extent that the funds in your traditional IRA or other eligible retirement plan are subject to the lifetime annual required minimum distribution rules.
The IRS and Treasury have issued Proposed and Temporary Treasury Regulations addressing the valuation of annuity contracts funding traditional IRAs in the conversion to Roth IRAs. Although these Regulations are not clear, they could require an individual’s gross income on the conversion of a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA to be measured using various actuarial methods and not as if the annuity contract funding the traditional IRA had been surrendered at the time of conversion. This could increase the amount of income reported in certain circumstances.
Recharacterizations
You may be able to treat a contribution made to one type of IRA as having been made to a different type of IRA. This is called recharacterizing the contribution.
How to recharacterize. To recharacterize a contribution, you generally must have the contribution transferred from the first IRA (the one to which it was made) to the second IRA in a deemed trustee-to-trustee transfer. If the transfer is made by the due date (including extensions) for your tax return for the year during which the contribution was made, you can elect to treat the contribution as having been originally made to the second IRA instead of to the first IRA. It will be treated as having been made to the second IRA on the same date that it was actually made to the first IRA. You must report the recharacterization, and must treat the contribution as having been made to the second IRA, instead of the first IRA, on your tax return for the year during which the contribution was made.
The contribution will not be treated as having been made to the second IRA unless the transfer includes any net income allocable to the contribution. You can take into account any loss on the contribution while it was in the IRA when calculating the amount that must be transferred. If there was a loss, the net income you must transfer may be a negative amount.
No deduction is allowed for the contribution to the first IRA and any net income transferred with the recharacterized contribution is treated as earned in the second IRA. The contribution will not be treated as having been made to the second IRA to the extent any deduction was allowed with respect to the contribution to the first IRA.
Conversion rollover contributions to Roth IRAs cannot be recharacterized.
To recharacterize a contribution you must use our forms.
Withdrawals, payments and transfers of funds out of Roth IRAs
No federal income tax law restrictions on withdrawals. You can withdraw any or all of your funds from a Roth IRA at any time; you do not need to wait for a special event like retirement.
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Distributions from Roth IRAs
Distributions include withdrawals from your contract, surrender and termination of your contract and annuity payments from your contract. Death benefits are also distributions.
You must keep your own records of regular and conversion contributions to all Roth IRAs to assure appropriate taxation. You may have to file information on your contributions to and distributions from any Roth IRA on your tax return. You may have to retain all income tax returns and records pertaining to such contributions and distributions until your interests in all Roth IRAs are distributed.
Like traditional IRAs, taxable distributions from a Roth IRA are not entitled to the special favorable ten-year averaging and long-term capital gain treatment available in limited cases to certain distributions from qualified plans.
The following distributions from Roth IRAs are free of income tax:
Qualified distributions from Roth IRAs. Qualified distributions from Roth IRAs made because of one of the following four qualifying events or reasons are not includable in income:
You also have to meet a five-year aging period. A qualified distribution is any distribution made after the five-taxable year period beginning with the first taxable year for which you made any contribution to any Roth IRA (whether or not the one from which the distribution is being made).
Nonqualified distributions from Roth IRAs. Nonqualified distributions from Roth IRAs are distributions that do not meet both the qualifying event and five-year aging period tests described above. If you receive such a distribution, part of it may be taxable. For purposes of determining the correct tax treatment of distributions (other than the withdrawal of excess contributions and the earnings on them), there is a set order in which contributions (including conversion contributions) and earnings are considered to be distributed from your Roth IRA. The order of distributions is as follows:
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Rollover contributions from other Roth IRAs are disregarded for this purpose.
To determine the taxable amounts distributed, distributions and contributions are aggregated or grouped and added together as follows:
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Any recharacterized contributions that end up in a Roth IRA are added to the appropriate contribution group for the year that the original contribution would have been taken into account if it had been made directly to the Roth IRA.
Any recharacterized contribution that ends up in an IRA other than a Roth IRA is disregarded for the purpose of grouping both contributions and distributions. Any amount withdrawn to correct an excess contribution (including the earnings withdrawn) is also disregarded for this purpose.
Required minimum distributions
Lifetime minimum distribution requirements do not apply.
Required minimum distributions at death
Same as traditional IRA under “What are the required minimum distribution payments after you die?”.
Payments to a beneficiary after your death
Distributions to a beneficiary generally receive the same tax treatment as if the distribution had been made to you.
Borrowing and loans are prohibited transactions
Same as traditional IRA.
Excess contributions
Generally the same as traditional IRA.
Excess rollover contributions to Roth IRAs are contributions not eligible to be rolled over.
You can withdraw or recharacterize any contribution to a Roth IRA before the due date (including extensions) for filing
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your federal income tax return for the tax year. If you do this, you must also withdraw or recharacterize any earnings attributable to the contribution.
Early distribution penalty tax
Same as traditional IRA.
Tax withholding and information reporting
Status for income tax purposes; FATCA. In order for us to comply with income tax withholding and information reporting rules which may apply to annuity contracts and tax-qualified or tax-favored plan participation, we request documentation of “status” for tax purposes. “Status” for tax purposes generally means whether a person is a “U.S. person” or a foreign person with respect to the United States; whether a person is an individual or an entity, and if an entity, the type of entity. Status for tax purposes is best documented on the appropriate IRS Form or substitute certification form (IRS Form W-9 for a U.S. person or the appropriate type of IRS Form W-8 for a foreign person). If we do not have appropriate certification or documentation of a person’s status for tax purposes on file, it could affect the rate at which we are required to withhold income tax, and penalties could apply. Information reporting rules could apply not only to specified transactions, but also to contract ownership. For example, under the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (“FATCA”), which applies to certain U.S.-source payments, and similar or related withholding and information reporting rules, we may be required to report contract values and other information for certain contractholders. For this reason we and our affiliates intend to require appropriate status documentation at purchase, change of ownership, and affected payment transactions, including death benefit payments. FATCA and its related guidance is extraordinarily complex and its effect varies considerably by type of payor, type of payee and type of recipient.
Tax Withholding. We must withhold federal income tax from distributions from annuity contracts and specified tax-favored savings or retirement plans or arrangements. You may be able to elect out of this income tax withholding in some cases. Generally, we do not have to withhold if your distributions are not taxable. The rate of withholding will depend on the type of distribution and, in certain cases, the amount of your distribution. Any income tax withheld is a credit against your income tax liability. If you do not have sufficient income tax withheld or do not make sufficient estimated income tax payments, you may incur penalties under the estimated income tax rules.
You must file your request not to withhold in writing before the payment or distribution is made. Our processing office will provide forms for this purpose. You cannot elect out of withholding unless you provide us with your correct Taxpayer Identification Number and a United States residence address. You cannot elect out of withholding if we are sending the payment out of the United States.
You should note the following special situations:
Special withholding rules apply to United States citizens residing outside of the United States, foreign recipients, and certain U.S. entity recipients which are treated as foreign because they fail to document their U.S. status before payment is made. We do not discuss these rules here in detail. However, we may require additional documentation in the case of payments made to United States persons living abroad and non-United States persons (including U.S. entities treated as foreign) prior to processing any requested transaction.
Certain states have indicated that state income tax withholding will also apply to payments from the contracts made to residents. Generally, an election out of federal withholding will also be considered an election out of state withholding. In some states, you may elect out of state withholding, even if federal withholding applies. In some states, the income tax withholding is completely independent of federal income tax withholding. If you need more information concerning a particular state or any required forms, call our processing office at the toll-free number.
Federal income tax withholding on periodic annuity payments
Federal tax rules require payers to withhold differently on “periodic” and “nonperiodic” payments. Payers are to withhold from periodic annuity payments as if the payments were wages. For a periodic annuity payment, for example, the annuity contract owner’s withholding depends on what the owner specifies on a Form W-4P. If the owner fails to provide a correct Taxpayer Identification Number, withholding at the highest rate applies.
A contract owner’s withholding election remains effective unless and until the owner revokes it. The contract owner may revoke or change a withholding election at any time.
Federal income tax withholding on non-periodic annuity payments (withdrawals)
Non-periodic distributions include partial withdrawals, total surrenders and death benefits. Payers generally withhold federal income tax at a flat 10% rate from (i) the taxable amount in the case of nonqualified contracts, and (ii) the payment amount in the case of traditional IRAs and Roth IRAs, where it is reasonable to assume an amount is includable in gross income.
Impact of taxes to the Company
The contracts provide that we may charge Separate Account No. 49 for taxes. We do not now, but may in the future set up reserves for such taxes.
We are entitled to certain tax benefits related to the investment of company assets, including assets of the separate account. These tax benefits, which may include the foreign tax credit and the corporate dividends received deduction, are not passed back to you, since we are the owner of the assets from which tax benefits may be derived.
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About Separate Account No. 4967
Each variable investment option is a subaccount of Separate Account No. 49. We established Separate Account No. 49 in 1996 under special provisions of the New York Insurance Law. These provisions prevent creditors from any other business we conduct from reaching the assets we hold in our variable investment options for owners of our variable annuity contracts. We are the legal owner of all of the assets in Separate Account No. 49 and may withdraw any amounts that exceed our reserves and other liabilities with respect to variable investment options under our contracts. For example, we may withdraw amounts from Separate Account No. 49 that represent our investments in Separate Account No. 49 or that represent fees and charges under the contracts that we have earned. Also, we may, at our sole discretion, invest Separate Account No. 49 assets in any investment permitted by applicable law. The results of Separate Account No. 49’s operations are accounted for without regardAmounts allocated to the Company’s other operations. The amount of some of our obligations under the contracts is based on the assets in Separate Account No. 49. However, the obligations themselvesEquitable Financial Life Insurance Company MSO are obligations of the Company. Income, gains, and losses credited to, or charged against, the separate account reflect the separate account’s own investment experience and not the investment experience of the Company’s other assets, and the assets of the separate account may not be used to pay any liabilities of the Company other than those arising from the contracts.
Separate Account No. 49 is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 and is registered and classified under that act as a “unit investment trust.” The SEC, however, does not manage or supervise the Company or Separate Account No. 49. Although Separate Account No. 49 is registered, the SEC does not monitor the activity of Separate Account No. 49 on a daily basis. The Company is not required to register, and is not registered, as an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940.
Each subaccount (variable investment option) within Separate Account No. 49 invests in shares issued by the corresponding Portfolio of its Trust.
We reserve the right subject to compliance with laws that apply:
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If the exercise of these rights results in a material change in the underlying investment of Separate Account No. 49, you will be notified of such exercise, as required by law.
We hold assetsheld in a “non-unitized” separate account we have established under the New York Insurance Law to support our obligations under the Structured Investment Option.Law. We own the assets of the separate account, as well as any favorable investment performance on those assets.
You do not participate in the performance of the assets held in this separate account. We are obligated to pay all money we owe under the contract. If the obligation exceeds the assets of Separate Account No. 68, funds will be transferred to Separate Account No. 68 from the general account. We may, subject to state law that applies, transfer all assets allocated to the separate account to our general account. We guarantee all benefits relatingThese assets are also available to your value in the Structured Investment Option, regardless of whether assets supporting the Structured Investment Option are held in a separate account or ourinsurer’s general account. Ancreditors and an owner should look to the financial strength of the Company for its claims-paying ability. For more information, see “AboutWe guarantee all benefits relating to your value in the MSO, regardless of whether assets supporting the MSO are held in a separate account or our general account”.account.
We mayOur current plans are to invest separate account assets in fixed-incomefixed income obligations, including corporate bonds, mortgage-backedmortgage backed and asset-backed securities, and government and agency issues. We may also invest inFutures, options and interest rate swaps. swaps may be used for hedging purposes.
Although the above generally describes our plans for investing the assets
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supporting our obligations under the Structured Investment Option,MSO, we are not obligated to invest those assets according to any particular plan except as we may be required to by state insurance laws.
About the TrustSeparate Account LIO
The Trust is registeredAmounts allocated to the Equitable Financial Life Insurance Company of America MSO are held in a “non-unitized” separate account we have established under the Investment Company ActCommissioner of 1940. It is classified as an “open-end management investment company,” more commonly called a mutual fund. The Trust issues different shares relating to eachInsurance in the State of its portfolios.
The Trust does not impose sales charges or “loads” for buying and selling its shares. All dividends and other distributions onArizona. We own the Trust’s shares are reinvested in full. The Board of Trusteesassets of the Trust serves forseparate account, as well as any favorable investment performance on those assets.
You do not participate in the benefitperformance of the Trust’s shareholders. The Board of Trusteesassets held in this separate account. We may, take many actions regarding the Portfolios (for example, the Board of Trustees can establish additional Portfolios or eliminate existing Portfolios; change Portfolio investment objectives; and change Portfolio investment policies and strategies). In accordance with applicable law, certain of these changes may be implemented without a shareholder vote and, in certain instances, without advanced notice. More detailed information about certain actions subject to notice and shareholder vote for each Trust, and other information about the Portfolios, including portfolio investment objectives, policies, restrictions, risks, expenses, its Rule 12b-1 plan and other aspects of its operations, appears in the prospectuses for the Trust, which generally accompany this prospectus, or in their respective SAIs, which are available upon request. See also Appendix “Portfolio Companies available under the contract”.
This contract is offered to customers through various financial institutions, brokerage firms and their affiliate insurance agencies. No financial institution, brokerage firm or insurance agency has any liability with respect to a contract’s account value or the Structured Investment Option with which the contract was issued. The Company is solely responsiblestate law that applies, transfer all assets allocated to the contract owner for the contract’sseparate account value and the Structured Investment Option. Theto our general obligations and the Structured Investment Option under the contractaccount. These assets are supported by the Company’s general account and are subjectalso available to the Company’s claims paying ability. Aninsurer’s general creditors and an owner should look to the financial strength of the Company for its claims-paying ability. AssetsWe guarantee all benefits relating to your value in the MSO, regardless of whether assets supporting the MSO are held in a separate account or our general account are not segregated for the exclusive benefit of any particular contract or obligation. General account assets are also available to the insurer’s general creditors and the conduct of its routine business activities, such as the payment of salaries, rent and other ordinary business expenses. For more information about the Company’s financial strength, you may review its financial statements and/or check its current rating with one or more of the independent sources that rate insurance companies for their financial strength and stability. Such ratings are subject to change and have
no bearing on the performance of the variable investment options. You may also speak with your financial representative.
The general account is subject to regulation and supervision by the New York State Department of Financial Services and to the insurance laws and regulations of all jurisdictions where we are authorized to do business. Interests in the Structured Investment Option under the contracts are issued by the Company and are registered under the Securities Act of 1933. Interests under the contracts in the general account have not been registered and are not required to be registered under the Securities Act of 1933 because of exemptions and exclusionary provisions that apply. The general account is not required to register as an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940 and it is not registered as an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940. The contract is a “covered security” under the federal securities laws.
The disclosure with regard to the general account, is subject to certain provisions of the federal securities laws relating to the accuracy and completeness of statements made in prospectuses.
About other methods of payment
Wire transmittals and electronic transactions
We accept initial and subsequent contributions sent by wire to our processing office by agreement with certain broker-dealers. Such transmittals must be accompanied by information we require to allocate your contribution. Wire orders not accompanied by complete information may be retained as described under “How you can make your contributions” under “Contract features and benefits”.
Even if we accept the wire order and essential information, a contract generally will not be issued until we receive and accept a properly completed application. In certain cases we may issue a contract based on information provided through certain broker-dealers with which we have established electronic facilities. In any such cases, you must sign our Acknowledgement of Receipt form.
Where we require a signed application, the above procedures do not apply and no transactions will be permitted until we receive the signed application and have issued the contract. Where we issue a contract based on information provided through electronic facilities, we require an Acknowledgement of Receipt Form. We may also require additional information. Until we receive the Acknowledgement of Receipt Form, (i.e. withdrawals and surrenders) financial transactions will not be permitted unless you request them in writing, sign the request and have it signature guaranteed. After your contract has been issued, additional contributions may be transmitted by wire.
In general, the transaction date for electronic transmissions is the date on which we receive at our regular processing office all required information and the funds due for your contribution. We may also establish same-day electronic processing facilities with a broker-dealer that has undertaken to pay
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contribution amounts on behalf of its customers. In such cases, the transaction date for properly processed orders is the business day on which the broker-dealer inputs all required information into its electronic processing system. You can contact us to find out more about such arrangements.
After your contract has been issued, subsequent contributions may be transmitted by wire.
Dates and prices at which contract events occur
We describe below the general rules for when, and at what prices, events under your contract will occur. Other portions of this Prospectus describe circumstances that may cause exceptions. We generally do not repeat those exceptions below.
Business Dayaccount.
Our “business day” is generally any day the NYSE is opencurrent plans are to invest separate account assets in fixed-income obligations, including corporate bonds, mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities, and government and agency issues. Futures, options and interest rate swaps may be used for regular trading and generally ends at 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time (or as of an earlier close of regular trading). If the SEC determines the existence of emergency conditions on any day, and consequently, the NYSE does not open, then that day is not a business day. Contributions will be applied and any other transaction requests will be processed when they are received along with all the required information unless another date applies as indicated below.
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Contributions, transfers, withdrawals and surrenders
About your voting rightshedging purposes.
AsAlthough the owner of shares ofabove generally describes our plans for investing the Trustsassets supporting our obligations under MSO, we have the rightare not obligated to vote on certain matters involving the portfolios, such as:
We will give contract owners the opportunity to instruct us how to vote the number of shares attributable to their contracts if a shareholder vote is taken. If we do not receive instructions in time from all contract owners, we will vote the shares of a portfolio for which no instructions have been received in the same proportionparticular plan except as we vote shares of that portfolio for which we have received instructions. We will also vote any shares that we are entitledmay be required to vote directly because of amounts we have in a portfolio in the same proportions that contract owners vote. One effect of proportional voting is that a small number of contract owners may determine the outcome of a vote.by state insurance laws.
The Trust sells its shares to the Company’s separate accounts in connection with the Company’s variable annuity and/or life insurance products, and to separate accounts of insurance companies, both affiliated and unaffiliated with the Company. EQ Advisors Trust also sells its shares to the trustee of a qualified plan for the Company. We currently do not foresee any disadvantages to our contract owners arising out of these arrangements. However, the Board of Trustees or Directors of the Trust intend to monitor events to identify any material irreconcilable conflicts that may arise and to determine what action, if any, should be taken in response. If we believe that a Board’s response insufficiently protects our contract owners, we will see to it that appropriate action is taken to do so.
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Separate Account No. 49 voting rights
If actions relating to Separate Account No. 49 require contract owner approval, contract owners will be entitled to one vote for each unit they have in the variable investment options. Each contract owner who has elected a variable annuity payout option may cast the number of votes equal to the dollar amount of reserves we are holding for that annuity in a variable investment option divided by the annuity unit value for that option. We will cast votes attributable to any amounts we have in the variable investment options in the same proportion as votes cast by contract owners.
Changes in applicable law
The voting rights we describe in this Prospectus are created under applicable federal securities laws. To the extent that those laws or the regulations published under those laws eliminate the necessity to submit matters for approval by persons having voting rights in separate accounts of insurance companies, we reserve the right to proceed in accordance with those laws or regulations.
We have the right to change your contract without the consent of any other person in order to comply with any laws and regulations that apply, including but not limited to changes in the Internal Revenue Code, in Treasury Regulations or in published rulings of the Internal Revenue Service and in Department of Labor regulations.
Any change in your contract must be in writing and made by an authorized officer of the Company. We will provide notice of any contract change.
The benefits under your contract will not be less than the minimum benefits required by any state law that applies.
The Company and its affiliates are parties to various legal proceedings. In our view, none of these proceedings would be considered material with respect to a contract owner’s interest in Separate Account No. 49, nor would any of these proceedings be likely to have a material adverse effect upon Separate Account No. 49, our ability to meet our obligations under the contracts, or the distribution of the contracts.
The financial statements of Separate Account No. 49, as well as the consolidated financial statements of the Company, are in the SAI. The SAI is part of the registration statement filed on Form N-4. The financial statements of the Company have relevance to the contracts only to the extent that they bear upon the ability of the Company to meet its obligations under the contracts. The SAI is available free of charge. You may request one by writing to our processing office or calling 1-800-789-7771.
Transfers of ownership, collateral assignments, loans, and borrowing
You can transfer ownership of an NQ contract at any time before annuity payments begin, subject to our acceptance. We will continue to treat you as the owner until we receive written notification of any change at our processing office. In some cases, an assignment or change of ownership may have adverse tax consequences. See “Tax information”.
We may refuse to process a change of ownership of an NQ contract without appropriate documentation of status on IRS Form W-9 (or, if IRS Form W-9 cannot be provided because the entity is not a U.S. entity, on the appropriate type of Form W-8).
Following a change of ownership, the existing beneficiary designations will remain in effect until the new owner provides new designations.
You cannot assign or transfer ownership of a traditional IRA or Roth IRA contract except by surrender to us. This rule also generally applies to QP contracts.
In certain circumstances, you may collaterally assign all or a portion of the value of your NQ contract as collateral or security for a loan with a third party lender. The terms of the assignment are subject to our approval. Loans are also not available under your contract. For limited transfers of ownership after the owner’s death see “Beneficiary continuation option” in “Payment of death benefit”. You may direct the transfer of the values under your traditional IRA or Roth IRA contract to another similar arrangement under federal income tax rules. In the case of such a transfer, which involves a surrender of your contract, we will impose a withdrawal charge if one applies.
For certain custodial IRA accounts, after your contract has been issued, we may accept transfer instructions by telephone, mail, facsimile or electronically from a broker-dealer, provided that we or your broker-dealer have your written authorization to do so on file. Accordingly, the Company will rely on the stated identity of the person placing instructions as authorized to do so on your behalf. The Company will not be liable for any claim, loss, liability or expenses that may arise out of such instructions. The Company will continue to rely on this authorization until it receives your written notification at its processing office that you have withdrawn this authorization. The Company may change or terminate telephone or electronic or overnight mail transfer procedures at any time without prior written notice and restrict facsimile, internet, telephone and other electronic transfer services because of disruptive transfer activity.
Distribution of the contractspolicies
The contractspolicies are distributed by both Equitable Advisors and Equitable Distributors. The Distributors serve as principal underwriters of Separate Account No. 49.FP and Variable Account K. The offering of the contractspolicies is intended to be continuous.
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Equitable AdvisorsThe MSO is available under certain variable life insurance policies issued by the Company. Extensive information about the arrangements for distributing the variable life insurance policies, including sales compensation, is included under “Distribution of the Policies” in the variable life insurance policy prospectus and in the statement of additional information. All of that information applies regardless of whether you choose to use the MSO, and there is no additional plan of distribution or sales compensation with respect to the MSO. There is also no change to the information regarding the fact that the principal underwriter(s) is an affiliate of the Company and Equitable Distributors isor an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of the Company. The Distributors are under the common control of Equitable Holdings, Inc. Their principal business address is 1290 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10104. The Distributors are registered with the SEC as broker-dealers and are members of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (“FINRA”). Both broker-dealers also act as distributors for other life and annuity products we issue.
The contracts are sold by financial professionals of Equitable Advisors and its affiliates. The contracts may also be sold by financial professionals of unaffiliated broker-dealers that have entered into selling agreements with Equitable Distributors (“Selling broker-dealers”).
The Company pays compensation to both Distributors based on contracts sold (except for Series ADV contracts sold through Equitable Distributors). The Company may also make additional payments to the Distributors, and the Distributors may, in turn, make additional payments to certain Selling broker-dealers. All payments will be in compliance with all applicable FINRA rules and other laws and regulations.
Although the Company takes into account all of its distribution and other costs in establishing the level of fees and charges under its contracts, none of the compensation paid to the Distributors or the Selling broker-dealers discussed in this section of the Prospectus are imposed as separate fees or charges under your contract. The Company, however, intends to recoup amounts it pays for distribution and other services through the fees and charges of the contract and payments it receives for providing administrative, distribution and other services to the Portfolios. For information about the fees and charges under the contract, see “Fee table” and “Charges and expenses”.
Equitable Advisors Compensation. For Series ADV contracts sold through Equitable Advisors, Equitable Advisors will retain 50% of the advisory fee and the financial representative will get the other 50%.
For Series B and Series C contracts, the Company pays compensation to Equitable Advisors based on contributions made on the contracts sold through Equitable Advisors (“contribution-based compensation”). The contribution-based compensation will generally not exceed 8.5% of total contributions. Equitable Advisors, in turn, may pay a portion of the contribution-based compensation received from the Company to the Equitable Advisors financial professional and/or the Selling broker-dealer making the sale. In some instances, a financial professional or a Selling broker-dealer may elect to receive reduced contribution-based compensation on a contract in combination with ongoing annual compensation of up to 1.0% of the account value of the contract sold (“asset-based compensation”). Total compensation paid to a financial professional or a Selling broker-dealer electing to receive both contribution-based and asset-based compensation could, over time, exceed the
total compensation that would otherwise be paid on the basis of contributions alone. The compensation paid by Equitable Advisors varies among financial professionals and among Selling broker-dealers. Equitable Advisors also pays a portion of the compensation it receives to its managerial personnel. Equitable Advisors financial professionals and managerial personnel may also receive other types of compensation including service fees, expense allowance payments and health and retirement benefits. Equitable Advisors also pays its financial professionals, managerial personnel and Selling broker-dealers sales bonuses (based on selling certain products during specified periods) and persistency bonuses. Equitable Advisors may offer sales incentive programs to financial professionals and Selling broker-dealers who meet specified production levels for the sales of both the Company’s contracts and contracts offered by other companies. These incentives provide non-cash compensation such as stock options awards and/or stock appreciation rights, expense-paid trips, expense-paid education seminars and merchandise.
When a contract is sold by a Selling broker-dealer, the Selling broker-dealer, not Equitable Advisors, determines the compensation paid to the Selling broker-dealer’s financial professional for the sale of the contract. Therefore, you should contract your financial professional for information about the compensation he or she receives and any related incentives, as described immediately below.
Equitable Advisors may receive compensation, and, in turn, pay its financial professionals a portion of such fee, from third party investment advisors to whom its financial professionals refer customers for professional management of the assets within their contract.
Differential compensation. In an effort to promote the sale of the Company’s products, Equitable Advisors may pay its financial professionals and managerial personnel a greater percentage of contribution-based compensation and/or asset-based compensation for the sale of our contract than it pays for the sale of a contract or other financial product issued by a company other than us. Equitable Advisors may pay different compensation on the sale of the same product, based on such factors as distribution, group or sponsored arrangements, or based on older or newer versions, or series, of the same contract. Equitable Advisors also pay different levels of compensation based on different contract types. This practice is known as providing “differential compensation.” Differential compensation may involve other forms of compensation to Equitable Advisors personnel. Certain components of the compensation paid to managerial personnel are based on whether the sales involve the Company’s contracts. Managers earn higher compensation (and credits toward awards and bonuses) if the financial professionals they manage sell a higher percentage of the Company’s contracts than products issued by other companies. Other forms of compensation provided to its financial professionals and/or managerial personnel include health and retirement benefits, expense reimbursements, marketing allowances and contribution-based payments, known as
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“overrides.” For tax reasons, Equitable Advisors financial professionals qualify for health and retirement benefits based solely on their sales of the Company’s contracts and products sponsored by affiliates.
The fact that Equitable Advisors financial professionals receive differential compensation and additional payments may provide an incentive for those financial professionals to recommend our contract over a contract or other financial product issued by a company not affiliated with the Company. However, under applicable rules of FINRA and other federal and state regulatory authorities, Equitable Advisors financial professionals may only recommend to you products that they reasonably believe are suitable for you and, for certain accounts depending on applicable rules, that are in your best interest, based on the facts that you have disclosed as to your other security holdings, financial situation and needs. In making any recommendation, financial professionals of Equitable Advisors may nonetheless face conflicts of interest because of the differences in compensation from one product category to another, and because of differences in compensation among products in the same category. For more information, contact your financial professional.
Equitable Distributors Compensation. For Series ADV contracts sold through Equitable Distributors, Equitable Distributors will not receive any compensation.
For Series B and Series C contracts, the Company pays contribution-based and asset-based compensation (together “compensation”) to Equitable Distributors. Contribution-based compensation is paid based on the Company’s contracts sold through Equitable Distributors’ Selling broker-dealers. Asset-based compensation is paid based on the aggregate account value of contracts sold through certain of Equitable Distributors’ Selling broker-dealers. Contribution-compensation will generally not exceed 7.0% of the total contributions made under the contracts. Equitable Distributors, in turn, pays the contribution-based compensation it receives on the sale of a contract to the Selling broker-dealer making the sale. In some instances, the Selling broker-dealer may elect to receive reduced contribution-based compensation on the sale of the contract in combination with annual asset-based compensation of up to 1.0% of the account value of the contract sold. If a Selling broker-dealer elects to receive reduced contribution-based compensation on a contract, the contribution-based compensation which the Company pays to Equitable Distributors will be reduced by the same amount, and the Company will pay Equitable Distributors asset-based compensation on the contract equal to the asset-based compensation which Equitable Distributors pays to the Selling broker-dealer. Total compensation paid to a Selling broker-dealer electing to receive both contribution-based and asset-based compensation could over time exceed the total compensation that would otherwise be paid on the basis of contributions alone. The contribution-based and asset-based compensation paid by Equitable Distributors varies among Selling broker-dealers.
The Selling broker-dealer, not Equitable Distributors, determines the compensation paid to the Selling broker-dealer’s financial professional for the sale of the contract. Therefore, you should contact your financial professional for information about the compensation he or she receives and any related incentives, such as differential compensation paid for various products.
The Company also pays Equitable Distributors compensation to cover its operating expenses and marketing services under the terms of the Company’s distribution agreements with Equitable Distributors.
Additional payments by Equitable Distributors to Selling broker-dealers. Equitable Distributors may pay, out of its assets, certain Selling broker-dealers and other financial intermediaries additional compensation in recognition of services provided or expenses incurred. Equitable Distributors may also pay certain Selling broker-dealers or other financial intermediaries additional compensation for enhanced marketing opportunities and other services (commonly referred to as “marketing allowances”). Services for which such payments are made may include, but are not limited to, the preferred placement of the Company’s products on a company and/or product list; sales personnel training; product training; business reporting; technological support; due diligence and related costs; advertising, marketing and related services; conference; and/or other support services, including some that may benefit the contract owner. Payments may be based on ongoing sales, on the aggregate account value attributable to contracts sold through a Selling broker-dealer or such payments may be a fixed amount. For certain selling broker-dealers, Equitable Distributors increases the marketing allowance as certain sales thresholds are met. Equitable Distributors may also make fixed payments to Selling broker-dealers, for example in connection with the initiation of a new relationship or the introduction of a new product.
Additionally, as an incentive for the financial professionals of Selling broker-dealers to promote the sale of the Company’s products, Equitable Distributors may increase the sales compensation paid to the Selling broker-dealer for a period of time (commonly referred to as “compensation enhancements”). Equitable Distributors also has entered into agreements with certain selling broker-dealers in which the selling broker-dealer agrees to sell certain of our contracts exclusively.
These additional payments may serve as an incentive for Selling broker-dealers to promote the sale of the Company’s contracts over contracts and other products issued by other companies. Not all Selling broker-dealers receive additional payments, and the payments vary among Selling broker-dealers. The list below includes the names of Selling broker-dealers that we are aware (as of December 31, 2021) received additional payments. These additional payments ranged from $to $. The Company and its affiliates may also have other business relationships with Selling broker-dealers, which may provide an incentive for the Selling broker-dealers to promote the sale of the Company’s contracts over contracts and other products issued by other
77
companies. The list below includes any such Selling broker-dealer. For more information, ask your financial professional.
Allstate Financial Services, LLC
American Portfolios Financial Services
Ameriprise Financial Services
Avantax Investment Services, Inc.
BBVA Securities, Inc.
Cabot Lodge Securities, LLC
Cadaret, Grant & Co., Inc.
Cambridge Investment Research
Centaurus Financial, Inc.
Cetera Financial Group
Citigroup Global Markets, Inc.
Citizens Investment Services
Commonwealth Financial Network
Community America Financial Solution
CUNA Brokerage Services
CUSO Financial Services
DPL Financial Partners
Equity Services Inc.
Farmer’s Financial Solution
Galt Financial Group, Inc.
Geneos Wealth Management
Gradient Securities, LLC
H. Beck, Inc.
Huntleigh Securities Corporation
Independent Financial Group, LLC
Infinex Investments Inc.
Janney Montgomery Scott LLC
Kestra Investment Services, LLC
Key Investment Services LLC
Ladenburg Thalmann Advisor Network, LLC
Lincoln Financial Advisors Corp.
Lincoln Financial Securities Corp.
Lincoln Investment Planning
Lion Street Financial
LPL Financial Corporation
Lucia Securities, LLC
MML Investors Services, LLC
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney
Mutual of Omaha Investment Services, Inc.
Next Financial Group, Inc.
Park Avenue Securities, LLC
PlanMember Securities Corp.
PNC Investments
Primerica Financial Services, Inc.
Pruco Securities, LLC
Purshe Kaplan Sterling Investments, Inc
Raymond James
RBC Capital Markets Corporation
Santander Securities Corp.
Sigma Financial Corporation
Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Inc.
SunTrust Investment Services, Inc.
The Advisor Group (AIG)
The Huntington Investment Company
The Leaders Group, Inc.
TransAmerica Financial Advisors
U.S. Bank Center
UBS Financial Services Inc.
Valmark Securities, Inc.
Voya Financial Advisors, Inc.
Waddell & Reed, Inc.
Wells Fargo
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10.7. Incorporation of certain documents by reference
TheEquitable Financial Life Insurance Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K and Equitable Financial Life Insurance Company of America’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2021 (the “Annual Report”) is considered to be part of this Prospectus because it is incorporated by reference.
The Company files reports and other information with the SEC, as required by law. You may read and copy this information at the SEC’s public reference facilities at Room 1580, 100 F Street, NE, Washington, DC 20549, or by accessing the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. The public may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. Under the Securities Act of 1933, the Company has filed with the SEC a registration statement relating to the Structured InvestmentMarket Stabilizer Option® (the “Registration Statement”). This Prospectus has been filed as part of the Registration Statement and does not contain all of the information set forth in the Registration Statement.
After the date of this Prospectus and before we terminate the offering of the securities under the Registration Statement, all documents or reports we file with the SEC under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“Exchange Act”), will be considered to become part of this Prospectus because they are incorporated by reference.
Any statement contained in a document that is or becomes part of this Prospectus, will be considered changed or replaced for purposes of this Prospectus if a statement contained in this Prospectus changes or is replaced. Any statement that is considered to be a part of this Prospectus because of its incorporation will be considered changed or replaced for the purpose of this Prospectus if a statement contained in any other subsequently filed document that is considered to be part of this Prospectus changes or replaces that statement. After that, only the statement that is changed or replaced will be considered to be part of this Prospectus.
We file the Registration Statement and our Exchange Act documents and reports, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, electronically according to EDGAR. The SEC maintains a website that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding registrants that file electronically with the SEC. The address of the site is www.sec.gov.
Upon written or oral request, we will provide, free of charge, to each person to whom this Prospectus is delivered, a copy of any or all of the documents considered to be part of this Prospectus because they are incorporated herein. In accordance with SEC rules, we will provide copies of any exhibits specifically incorporated by reference into the text of
the Exchange Act reports (but not any other exhibits). Requests for documents should be directed to:
Equitable Financial Life Insurance Company
1290 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10104
Equitable Financial Life Insurance Company of America
525 Washington Boulevard
Jersey City, NJ 07310
Attention: Corporate Secretary (telephone: (212) 554-1234)
You can access our website at www.equitable.com.
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The financial statements and financial statement schedules of Equitable Financial Life Insurance Company of America incorporated in this Prospectus by reference to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021 have been so incorporated in reliance on the report of an independent registered public accounting firm, given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.
provides independent audit services and certain other non-audit services to Equitable Financial Life Insurance Company of America as permitted by the applicable SEC independence rules, and as disclosed in Equitable Financial Life Insurance Company of America’s Form 10-K. address is 300 Madison Avenue, New York, New York 10017.
The consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedules of Equitable Financial Life Insurance Company incorporated in this Prospectus by reference to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021 have been so incorporated in reliance on the report of , an independent registered public accounting firm, given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.
provides independent audit services and certain other non-audit services to Equitable Financial Life Insurance Company as permitted by the applicable SEC independence rules, and as disclosed in Equitable Financial Life Insurance Company’s Form 10-K. address is 300 Madison Avenue, New York, New York 10017.
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Appendix: Portfolio Companies available under the contractPolicy/rider variations
The followingThis Appendix reflects policy/rider variations that differ from what is a list of Portfolio Companies available under the contract. More information about the Portfolio Companies is available in the prospectuses for the Portfolio Companies, which may be amended from time to time and can be found online at www.equitable.com/ICSR#EQH154186. You can request this information at no cost by calling 1-877-522-5035 or by sending an email request to EquitableFunds@dfinsolutions.com.
The current expenses and performance information below reflects fee and expenses of the Portfolios, but do not reflect the other fees and expenses that your Contract may charge. Expenses would be higher and performance would be lower if these other charges were included. Each Portfolio’s past performance is not necessarily an indication of future performance.
Affiliated Portfolio Companies:
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Appendix: State contract availability and/or variations of certain features and benefits
The following information is a summary of the states where the Structured Capital Strategies® contracts or certain features and/or benefits are either not available as of the date of this Prospectus or vary from the contract’s features and benefits as previously described in this Prospectus. Certain features and/rider or benefitsin your prospectus but may have been approvedin effect at the time your policy/rider was issued. If you purchased your policy/rider during the “Approximate Time Period” below, the noted variation may apply to you. Your policy/rider may have been available in your state afterpast the approximate end date indicated below. For more information about your contract was issuedparticular features, charges and cannot be added. Pleaseoptions available under your policy/rider based upon when you purchased it, please contact your financial professional for more information about availability inand/or refer to your state.
States where certain Structured Capital Strategies® features and/or benefits are not available or vary:policy/rider.
| The Company will not exercise its right to | ||||
| September 19, 2009 – November 18, 2013 | ||||
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Appendix: Early Distribution Adjustment Examples
Hypothetical Early Distribution Adjustment Examples
A. Examples of Early Distribution Adjustment to determine Segment Distribution Value
The following examples represent a policy owner who has invested in both Segments 1 and 2. They are meant to show how much value is available to a policy owner when there is an Early Distribution from these Segments as well as the impact of Early Distribution Adjustments on these Segments. The date of such hypothetical surrender or distribution is the Valuation Date specified below and, on that date, the examples assume 9 months remain until Segment 1’s maturity date and 3 months remain until Segment 2’s maturity date.
Explanation of formulas and derivation of Put Option Factors is provided in notes (1)-(3) below.
| Division of MSO into Segments | Segment 1 (Distribution after 3 months) | Segment 2 (Distribution after 9 months) | Total | |||
Start Date | 3rd Friday of July, Calendar Year Y | 3rd Friday of January, Calendar Year Y | ||||
Maturity Date | 3rd Friday of July, Calendar Year Y+1 | 3rd Friday of January, Calendar Year Y+1 | ||||
Segment Term | 1 year | 1 year | ||||
Valuation Date | 3rd Friday of October, Calendar Year Y | 3rd Friday of October, Calendar Year Y | ||||
Initial Segment Account | 1,000 | 1,000 | 2,000 | |||
Variable Index Benefit Charge | 0.75% | 0.75% | ||||
Remaining Segment Term | 9 months / 12 months = 9/12 = 0.75 | 3 months / 12 months = 3/12 = 0.25 |
Example I – The Index is down 10% at the time of the Early Distribution Adjustment
| Change in Index Value | –10% | –10% | Total | |||
Put Option Factor | 0.020673 | 0.003425 | ||||
Early Distribution Adjustment | Put Option Component: 1000 * 0.020673 = 20.67 Charge Refund Component: 1000 * 0.75 * (0.0075 / (1 – 0.0075)) = 5.67 Total EDA: 20.67 – 5.67 = 15.00 | Put Option Component: 1000 * 0.003425 = 3.43 Charge Refund Component: 1000 * 0.25 * (0.0075 / (1 – 0.0075)) = 1.89 Total EDA: 3.43 – 1.89 = 1.54 | 16.54 | |||
Segment Distribution Value | 1000 – 15.00 = 985.00 | 1000 – 1.54 = 998.46 | 1,983.46 | |||
| % change in principal due to the Put Option Component | -2.067% | -0.343% | ||||
| % change in principal due to the Charge Refund Component | 0.567% | 0.189% | ||||
| Total % change in Segment Account Value due to the EDA | -1.50% | -0.15% |
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Example II – The Index is up 10% at the time of the Early Distribution Adjustment
| Change in Index Value | 10% | 10% | Total | |||
Put Option Factor | 0.003229 | 0.000037 | ||||
Put Option Component: 1000 * 0.003229 = 3.23 Charge Refund Component: 1000 * 0.75 * (0.0075 / (1 - 0.0075)) = 5.67 Total EDA: 3.23 – 5.67 = –2.44 | Put Option Component: 1000 * 0.000037 = 0.04 Charge Refund Component: 1000 * 0.25 * (0.0075 / (1 - 0.0075)) = 1.89 Total EDA: 0.04 – 1.89 = –1.85 | |||||
Early Distribution Adjustment | –4.29 | |||||
Segment Distribution Value | 1000 – (–2.44) = 1002.44 | 1000 – (–1.85) = 1001.85 | 2,004.29 | |||
| % change in principal due to the Put Option Component | -0.323% | -.004% | ||||
| % change in principal due to the Charge Refund Component | 0.567% | 0.189% | ||||
| Total % change in Segment Account Value due to the EDA | 0.244% | 0.185% |
Example III – The Index is down 40% at the time of the Early Distribution Adjustment
| Change in Index Value | –40% | –40% | Total | |||
Put Option Factor | 0.163397 | 0.152132 | ||||
Early Distribution Adjustment | Put Option Component: 1000 * 0.163397 = 163.40 Charge Refund Component: 1000 * 0.75 * (0.0075 / (1 – 0.0075)) = 5.67 Total EDA: 163.40 – 5.67 = 157.73 | Put Option Component: 1000 * 0.152132 = 152.13 Charge Refund Component: 1000 * 0.25 * (0.0075 / (1 – 0.0075)) = 1.89 Total EDA: 152.13 – 1.89 = 150.24 | 307.97 | |||
Segment Distribution Value | 1000 – 157.73 = 842.27 | 1000 – 150.24 = 849.76 | 1,692.03 | |||
| % change in principal due to the Put Option Component | -16.34% | -15.213% | ||||
| % change in principal due to the Charge Refund Component | 0.567% | 0.189% | ||||
| Total % change in Segment Account Value due to the EDA | -15.773% | -15.024% |
Example IV – The Index is up 40% at the time of the Early Distribution Adjustment
| Change in Index Value | 40% | 40% | Total | |||
Put Option Factor | 0.000140 | 0.000000 | ||||
Early Distribution Adjustment | Put Option Component: 1000 * 0.000140 = 0.14 Charge Refund Component: 1000 * 0.75 * (0.0075 / (1 – 0.0075)) = 5.67 Total EDA: 0.14 – 5.67 = –5.53 | Put Option Component: 1000 * .000000 = 0.00 Charge Refund Component: 1000 * 0.25 * (0.0075 / (1 – 0.0075)) = 1.89 Total EDA: 0.00 – 1.89 = –1.89 | –7.42 | |||
Segment Distribution Value | 1000 – (–5.53) = 1005.53 | 1000 – (–1.89) = 1001.89 | 2,007.42 | |||
| % change in principal due to the Put Option Component | -0.014% | 0% | ||||
| % change in principal due to the Charge Refund Component | 0.567% | 0.189% | ||||
| Total % change in Segment Account Value due to the EDA | 0.553% | 0.189% |
| (1) | ||||
Early Distribution Adjustment = (Segment Account Value) x [ (Put Option Factor) – (Number of days between Valuation Date and | ||||
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| (3) | Derivation of Put Option Factor: In practice, the Put Option Factor will be calculated based on a Black Scholes model, with input values which are consistent with current market prices. We will utilize implied volatility quotes – the standard measure used by the market to quote option prices – as an input to a Black Scholes model in order to derive the estimated market prices. The input values to the Black Scholes model that have been utilized to generate the hypothetical examples above are as follows: (1) Implied volatility – 25%; (2) OIS rate corresponding to remainder of segment term – 1.09% annually; (3) Index dividend yield – 2% annually. |
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| B. | Example of an Early Distribution Adjustment corresponding to a loan allocated to Segments, for the Segment Distribution Values and Segment Account Values listed above for a change in Index Value of –40% |
This example is meant to show the effect on a policy if, rather than a full distribution, you took a loan in the circumstances outlined in Example III above when the Index is down 40%. Thus the policy owner is assumed to have an initial Segment Account Value of 1,000 in each of Segment 1 and Segment 2. It is also assumed that 9 months remain until Segment 1’s maturity date and 3 months remain until Segment 2’s maturity date.
Loan Amount: 750
Loan Date: 3rd Friday of October, Calendar Year Y
Explanation of formulas is provided in notes (a)-(d) below.
The Index is down 40% at the time of the Early Distribution Adjustment
| Change in Index Value | –40% | –40% | Total | |||
Segment Account Value before Loan | 1,000.00 | 1,000.00 | 2,000.00 | |||
Loan Allocation(a) | 373.34 | 376.66 | 750.00 | |||
Early Distribution Adjustment(b) | 69.91 | 66.59 | 136.55 | |||
Segment Account Value after Loan(c) | 556.73 | 556.72 | 1,113.45 | |||
Segment Distribution Value after Loan(d) | 468.93 | 473.10 | 942.03 |
| (a) | ||||
When more than one Segment is being used, we would allocate the loan between the Segments proportionately to the Segment Distribution Value in each. We take the Segment Distribution Value of each Segment (shown in Example III above) and | ||||
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| (b) | This is the Early Distribution Adjustment that would be deducted from each Segment, as a result of the loan, based on the amount of the loan that is allocated to that Segment. It is equal to a percentage of the Early Distribution Adjustment that would apply if a full distribution from the Segment were being made, rather than only a partial distribution. This percentage would be 44.32545% for Segment 1 in this | |||
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| (d) | Segment Distribution Value after Loan represents the amount a
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Appendix: Segment Interim Value
We calculate the Segment Interim Value for each Segment on each Segment Business Day that falls between the Segment Start Date and Segment Maturity Date. The calculation is a formula designed to measure the fair value of your Segment Investment on the particular interim date, and is based on the downside protection provided by the Segment Buffer, the limit on participation in investment gain provided by the Performance Cap Rate, and an adjustment for the effect of a withdrawal prior to the Segment Maturity Date. The formula we use, in part, derives the fair value of hypothetical investments in fixed instruments and derivatives. These values provide us with protection from the risk that we will have to pay out account value related to a Segment prior to the Segment Maturity Date. The hypothetical put option provides us with a market value of the potential loss at Segment maturity, and the hypothetical call options provide us with a market value of the potential gain at Segment maturity. This formula provides a treatment for an early distribution that is designed to be consistent with how distributions at the end of a Segment are treated. We are not required to hold such investments in relation to Segments and may or may not choose to do so. You are not affected by the performance of any of our investments (or lack thereof) relating to Segments. The formula also includes an adjustment relating to the Cap Calculation Factor. This is a positive adjustment of the percentage of the estimated expenses corresponding to the portion of the Segment Duration that has not elapsed. This Appendix sets forth the actual calculation formula, an overview of the purposes and impacts of the calculation, and detailed descriptions of the specific inputs into the calculation. You should note that even if a corresponding Index has experienced positive growth, the calculation of your Segment Interim Value may result in an amount lower than your Segment Investment. We have included examples of calculations of Segment Interim Values under various hypothetical situations at the end of this Appendix.
Choice Segments. The Segment Interim Value for a Choice Segment may be less than the Segment Interim Value for a Standard Segment based on the same Index, Segment Buffer and Segment Duration. See “Fair Value of Derivatives” in this Appendix for more information about how the Choice cost is built into the Segment Interim Value calculation for Choice Segments.
Calculation Formula
Your Segment Interim Value is equal to the lesser of (A) or (B).
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Overview of the Purposes and Impacts of the Calculation
Fair Value of Hypothetical Fixed Instruments. The Segment Interim Value formula includes an element designed to compensate us for the fact that when we have to pay out account value related to a Segment before the Segment Maturity Date, we forgo the opportunity to earn interest on the Segment Investment from the date of withdrawal or surrender until the Segment Maturity Date. We accomplish this estimate by calculating the present value of the Segment Investment using a risk-free swap interest rate widely used in derivative markets.
Fair Value of Hypothetical Derivatives. For Standard and Choice Segments we use hypothetical put and call options that are designated for each Segment to estimate the market value, at the time the Segment Interim Value is calculated, of the risk of loss and the possibility of gain at the end of the Segment. This calculation reflects the value of the downside protection that would be provided at maturity by the Segment Buffer as well as the upper limit that would be placed on gains at maturity due to the Performance Cap Rate. For Choice Segments only, the calculation also provides for the application of the Choice cost to the purchase of call options with higher strike prices. This allows us to declare higher Performance Cap Rates for those Segments. For Annual Lock Segments, we use a hypothetical derivatives contract where the final payout equals the compounded Annual Lock Yearly Rate of Return (i.e., the Index Performance Rate for each successive Annual Lock Period, subject to the Performance Cap Rate and Segment Buffer), to estimate the market value of the Segment at the time the Segment Interim Value is calculated. This hypothetical derivatives contract reflects the value of the downside protection that would be provided at each Annual Lock Anniversary by the Segment Buffer as well as the upper limit that would be placed on gains at each Annual Lock Anniversary due to the Performance Cap Rate. When valuing the hypothetical Derivatives as
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part of the Segment Interim Value calculation, we use inputs that are consistent with market prices that reflect the estimated cost of exiting the hypothetical Derivatives before Segment maturity. See the “Fair Value of Hypothetical Derivatives” in “Detailed Descriptions of Specific Inputs to the Calculation” below. Our fair market value methodology, including the market standard model we use to calculate the fair value of the hypothetical Derivatives for each particular Segment, may result in a fair value that is higher or lower than the fair value other methodologies and models would produce. Our fair value may also be higher or lower than the actual market price of the identical derivatives. As a result, the Segment Interim Value you receive may be higher or lower than what other methodologies and models would produce.
At the time the Segment Interim Value is determined, the Fair Value of Hypothetical Derivatives for Standard and Choice Segments is calculated using three different hypothetical options. These hypothetical options are designated for each Segment and are described in more detail in this Appendix.
At-the-Money Standard Segment Call Option (strike price equals the index value at Segment inception). For Standard Segments, the potential for gain is estimated using the value of this hypothetical option.
Out-of-the-Money Choice Segment Call Option (strike price equals the index value at Segment inception increased by the Choice cost). For Choice Segments, the potential for gain is estimated using the value of this hypothetical option.
Out-of-the-Money Call Option (strike price equals the index increased by the Performance Cap Rate established at Segment inception). The potential for gain in excess of the Performance Cap Rate is estimated using the value of this hypothetical option.
Out-of-the-Money Put Option (strike price equals the index decreased by the Segment Buffer). The risk of loss is estimated using the value of this hypothetical option.
Cap Calculation Factor. In setting the Performance Cap Rate, we take into account that we incur expenses in connection with a contract, including insurance and administrative expenses. The Segment Interim Value formula includes item (A)(3) above, the Cap Calculation Factor, which is designed to reflect the fact that we will not incur those expenses for the entire duration of the Segment if you withdraw your investment prior to the Segment Maturity Date. Therefore, the Cap Calculation Factor is always positive and declines during the course of the Segment.
Performance Cap Rate limiting factor. The formula provides that the Segment Interim Value is never greater than (B) above, which is the portion of the Performance Cap Rate corresponding to the portion of the Segment Duration that has elapsed. This limitation is imposed to discourage owners from withdrawing from a Segment before the Segment Maturity Date where there may have been significant increases in the relevant Index early in the Segment Duration (or Annual Lock Period). Although the Performance Cap Rate limiting factor pro-rates the upside potential on amounts withdrawn early, there is no similar adjustment to pro-rate the downside protection. This means, if you surrender or cancel your contract, die or make a withdrawal from a Segment before the Segment Maturity Date, the Segment Buffer will not necessarily apply to the extent it would on the Segment Maturity Date (or each Annual Lock Anniversary), and any upside performance will be limited to a percentage lower than the Performance Cap Rate.
Detailed Descriptions of Specific Inputs to the Calculation
(A)(1) Fair Value of Hypothetical Fixed Instruments. The Fair Value of Hypothetical Fixed Instrument in a Segment is based on the swap rate associated with the Segment’s remaining time to maturity. Swap rates are the risk-free interest rates widely used in
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derivative markets. There is no standard quote for swap rates. However, because of their high liquidity and popularity, swap rate quotes from different dealers generally fall within a close range, the differences among which are not meaningful. Swap rates can be obtained from inter-dealer systems or financial data vendors who have feeds from swap dealers. For example, “Bloomberg Composite” swap rates are the weighted average of swap rates provided by a number of dealers to Bloomberg. Individual dealers and brokers also publish swap rates of their own on Bloomberg or Reuters. We may, in the future, utilize exchange traded swaps that become available. These exchange traded swaps would have a standard quote associated with them. The Fair Value of Hypothetical Fixed Instruments is defined as its present value, as expressed in the following formula:
(Segment Investment)/(1 + swap rate)(time to maturity)
The time to maturity is expressed as a fraction, in which the numerator is the number of days remaining in the Segment Duration and the denominator is the average number of days in each year of the Segment Duration for that Segment.
(A)(2) Fair Value of Hypothetical Derivatives. We utilize a fair market value methodology to determine the Fair Value of Hypothetical Derivatives.
For each Standard and Choice Segment, we designate and value three hypothetical options, each of which is tied to the performance of the Index underlying the Segment in which you are invested. For Standard Segments, these are: (1) the At-the-Money Standard Segment Call Option, (2) the Out-of-the-Money Call Option and (3) the Out-of-the-Money Put Option. For Choice Segments, these are: (1) the Out of-the-Money Choice Segment Call Option, (2) the Out-of-the-Money Call Option and (3) the Out-of-the-Money Put Option. (As described elsewhere in this Prospectus, in certain circumstances we may waive the Choice cost for a Choice Segment, in which case we would reference the At-the-Money Standard Segment Call Option rather than the Out of-the-Money Choice Segment Call Option for that Segment.) At Segment maturity, the Put Option is designed to value the loss below the buffer, while the call options are designed to provide gains up to the Performance Cap Rate. These options are described in more detail below. For each Annual Lock Segment, we designate and value a hypothetical derivatives contract which is tied to the compounded performance of the Index underlying the Segment in which you are invested.
In addition to the inputs discussed above, the Fair Value of Hypothetical Derivatives is also affected by the time remaining until the Segment Maturity Date (or each remaining Annual Lock Anniversary). More information about the designated hypothetical options is set forth below:
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For Standard Segments, the Fair Value of Derivatives is equal to (1) minus (3) minus (4), as defined above. For Choice Segments, the Fair Value of Derivatives is equal to (2) minus (3) minus (4), as defined above.
We determine the fair value of each of the three designated hypothetical options for a Standard or Choice Segment using a market standard model for valuing a European option on the Index, assuming a continuous dividend yield or net convenience value, with inputs that are consistent with market prices that reflect the estimated cost of exiting the hypothetical Derivatives prior to Segment maturity (e.g., the estimated ask price). If we did not take into account the estimated exit price, your Segment Interim Value would be greater. In addition the estimated fair value price used in the Segment Interim Value calculation may vary higher or lower from other estimated prices and from what the actual selling price of identical derivatives would be at any time during each Segment. If our estimated fair value price is lower than the price under other fair market estimates or for actual transactions, then your Segment Interim Value will be less than if we used those other prices when calculating your Segment Interim Value. Any variance between our estimated fair value price and other estimated or actual prices may be different from Segment Type to Segment Type and may also change from day to day. Each hypothetical option has a notional value on the Segment Start Date equal to the Segment Investment on that date. The notional value is the price of the underlying Index at the inception of the contract. In the event that a number of options, or a fractional number of options, are being valued, the notional value would be the number of hypothetical options multiplied by the price of the Index at inception. For an Annual Lock Segment we determine the fair value of the hypothetical derivatives contract tied to the compounded performance of the Index underlying the Annual Lock Segment using a market standard model for valuing an extended exotic option that periodically settles and resets its strike price on the Index using the assumptions, inputs and values discussed above but applied to the hypothetical derivatives contract instead of the hypothetical options.
We use the following model inputs:
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This relationship is referred to as the “moneyness” of the option described above, and is calculated as the ratio of current price to the strike price. Direct market data for these inputs for any given early distribution are generally not available, because options on the Index that actually trade in the market have specific maturity dates and moneyness values that are unlikely to correspond precisely to the Segment Maturity Date (or remaining Annual Lock Periods) and moneyness of the designated option that we use for purposes of the calculation.
Accordingly, we use the following method to estimate the implied volatility of the Index. We use daily quotes of implied volatility from independent third-parties using the model described above and based on the market prices for certain options. Specifically, implied volatility quotes are obtained for options with the closest maturities above and below the actual time remaining in the Segment at the time of the calculation and, for each maturity, for those options having the closest moneyness value above and below the actual moneyness of the designated option, given the level of the Index at the time of the calculation. In calculating the Segment Interim Value, we will derive a volatility input for your Segment’s time to maturity (including each remaining Annual Lock Period time to maturity) and strike price by linearly interpolating between the implied volatility quotes that are based on the actual adjacent maturities and moneyness values described above, as follows:
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Generally, a put option has an inverse relationship with its underlying Index, while a call option has a direct relationship. In addition to the inputs discussed above, the Fair Value of Derivatives is also affected by the time to the Segment Maturity Date (including each Annual Lock Period remaining to maturity).
(A)(3) Cap Calculation Factor. In setting the Performance Cap Rate, we take into account that we incur expenses in connection with a contract, including insurance and administrative expenses. If you withdraw your investment prior to the Segment Maturity Date, we will not incur expenses for the entire duration of the Segment. Therefore, we provide a positive adjustment as part of the calculation of Segment Interim Value, which we call the Cap Calculation Factor. The Cap Calculation Factor represents a return of estimated expenses for the portion of the Segment Duration that has not elapsed. For example, if the estimated expenses for a one year Segment are calculated by us to be $10, then at the end of 146 days (with 219 days remaining in the Segment), the Cap Calculation Factor would be $6, because $10 x 219/365 = $6. A Segment is not a variable investment option with an underlying portfolio, and therefore the percentages we use in setting the performance caps do not reflect a daily charge against assets held on your behalf in a separate account.
(B) Performance Cap Rate limiting factor. In setting the Performance Cap Rate, we assume that you are going to hold the Segment for the entire Segment Duration. If you hold a Segment until its Segment Maturity Date, the Segment Return will be calculated subject to the Performance Cap Rate. For Standard and Choice Segments, prior to the Segment Maturity Date, your Segment Interim Value will be limited by the portion of the Performance Cap Rate corresponding to the portion of the Segment Duration that has elapsed. For example, if the Performance Cap Rate for a one-year Standard Segment is 10%, then at the end of 146 days, the Pro Rata Share of the Performance Cap Rate would be 4%, because 10% x 146/365 = 4%; as a result, the Segment Interim Value at the end of the 146 days could not exceed 104% of the Segment Investment. Likewise, if the Performance Cap Rate for a 5-year Standard or Choice Segment is 40%, then at the end of 913 days, the Pro Rata Share of the Performance Cap Rate would be 20%, because 40% x 913/1826 = 20%; as a result, the Segment Interim Value and the end of 913 days could not exceed 120% of the Segment Investment. For Annual Lock Segments, prior to the Segment Maturity Date, your Segment Interim Value will be limited by the portion of the Performance Cap Rate corresponding to the portion of the current Annual Lock Period that has elapsed. For example, if the Performance Cap Rate for a five-year Annual Lock Segment is 10%, then at the end of 146 days in the third Annual Lock Period (913 days since the Segment Start Date), the Pro Rata Share of the Performance Cap Rate would be 4%, because 10% x 146/365 = 4%; as a result, the Interim Value at the end of the 146 days in the third Annual Lock Period could not exceed 104% of the third Annual Lock Anniversary Starting Amount.
Examples: Segment Interim Value — Standard Segments
| Item | 1-Year Segment | 3-Year Segment | 5-Year Segment | 3-Year Segment | 5-Year Segment | |||||
Segment Duration (in months) | 12 | 36 | 60 | 36 | 60 | |||||
Valuation Date (Months since Segment Start Date) | 9 | 9 | 9 | 33 | 57 | |||||
Segment Investment | $1,000 | $1,000 | $1,000 | $1,000 | $1,000 | |||||
Segment Buffer | -10% | -20% | -30% | -20% | -30% | |||||
Performance Cap Rate | 8% | 20% | 35% | 20% | 35% | |||||
Time to Maturity (in months) | 3 | 27 | 51 | 3 | 3 | |||||
Assuming the change in the Index Value is -40% (for example from 100.00 to 60.00)
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Fair Value of Hypothetical Fixed Instrument | $999.38 | $972.29 | $906.97 | $999.38 | $999.38 | |||||
Fair Value of Hypothetical Derivatives | ($302.86) | ($225.26) | ($150.24) | ($203.38) | ($108.56) | |||||
Cap Calculation Factor | $4.50 | $40.52 | $76.54 | $4.49 | $4.49 | |||||
Sum of above | $701.02 | $787.55 | $833.27 | $800.49 | $895.30 | |||||
Segment Investment multiplied by prorated Performance Cap Rate | $1,060.00 | $1,049.91 | $1,052.36 | $1,183.36 | $1,332.55 | |||||
Segment Interim Value | $701.02 | $787.55 | $833.27 | $800.49 | $895.30 | |||||
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Assuming the change in the Index Value is -10% (for example from 100.00 to 90.00)
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Fair Value of Hypothetical Fixed Instrument | $999.38 | $972.29 | $906.97 | $999.38 | $999.38 | |||||
Fair Value of Hypothetical Derivatives | ($33.71) | ($38.03) | ($3.36) | $ 0.70 | $11.10 | |||||
Cap Calculation Factor | $4.50 | $40.52 | $76.54 | $4.49 | $4.49 | |||||
Sum of above | $970.17 | $974.79 | $980.15 | $1,004.58 | $1,014,97 | |||||
Segment Investment multiplied by prorated Performance Cap Rate | $1,060.00 | $1,049.91 | $1,052.36 | $1,183.36 | $1,332.55 | |||||
Segment Interim Value | $970.17 | $974.79 | $980.15 | $1,004.58 | $1,014.97 | |||||
Assuming the change in the Index Value is 10% (for example from 100.00 to 110.00)
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Fair Value of Hypothetical Fixed Instrument | $999.38 | $972.29 | $906.97 | $999.38 | $999.38 | |||||
Fair Value of Hypothetical Derivatives | $51.91 | $43.31 | $68.28 | $92.87 | $109.64 | |||||
Cap Calculation Factor | $4.50 | $40.52 | $76.54 | $4.49 | $4.49 | |||||
Sum of above | $1,055.79 | $1,056.13 | $1,051.79 | $1,096.74 | $1,113.51 | |||||
Segment Investment multiplied by prorated Performance Cap Rate | $1,060.00 | $1,049.91 | $1,052.36 | $1,183.36 | $1,332.55 | |||||
Segment Interim Value | $1,055.79 | $1,049.91 | $1,051.79 | $1,096.74 | $1,113.51 | |||||
Assuming the change in the Index Value is 40% (for example from 100.00 to 140.00)
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Fair Value of Hypothetical Fixed Instrument | $999.38 | $972.29 | $906.97 | $999.38 | $999.38 | |||||
Fair Value of Hypothetical Derivatives | $79.18 | $119.18 | $147.45 | $191.34 | $297.12 | |||||
Cap Calculation Factor | $4.50 | $40.52 | $76.54 | $4.49 | $4.49 | |||||
Sum of above | $1,083.06 | $1,132.00 | $1,130.96 | $1,195.22 | $1,300.99 | |||||
Segment Investment multiplied by prorated Performance Cap Rate | $1,060.00 | $1,049.91 | $1,052.36 | $1,183.36 | $1,332.55 | |||||
Segment Interim Value | $1,060.00 | $1,049.91 | $1,052.36 | $1,183.36 | $1,300.99 | |||||
The input values to the market standard model that have been utilized to generate the hypothetical examples above are as follows:
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Examples: Effect of Withdrawals on Segment Interim Value — Standard Segments
| Item | 1-Year Segment | 3-Year Segment | 5-Year Segment | |||
| Segment Duration (in months) | 12 | 36 | 60 | |||
Valuation Date (Months since Segment Start Date) | 9 | 9 | 9 | |||
| Segment Investment | $1,000 | $1,000 | $1,000 | |||
| Segment Buffer | -10% | -20% | -30% | |||
| Performance Cap Rate | 8% | 20% | 35% | |||
| Time to Maturity (in months) | 3 | 27 | 51 | |||
| Amount Withdrawn(1) | $100 | $100 | $100 | |||
Assuming the change in the Index Value is -40% (for example from 100.00 to 60.00)
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| Segment Interim Value(2) | $701.02 | $787.55 | $833.27 | |||
| Percent Withdrawn(3) | 14.27% | 12.70% | 12.00% | |||
| New Segment Investment(4) | $857.35 | $873.02 | $879.99 | |||
| New Segment Interim Value(5) | $601.02 | $687.55 | $733.27 | |||
Assuming the change in the Index Value is -10% (for example from 100.00 to 90.00)
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| Segment Interim Value(2) | $970.17 | $974.79 | $980.15 | |||
| Percent Withdrawn(3) | 10.31% | 10.26% | 10.20% | |||
| New Segment Investment(4) | $896.93 | $897.41 | $897.97 | |||
| New Segment Interim Value(5) | $870.17 | $874.79 | $880.15 | |||
Assuming the change in the Index Value is 10% (for example from 100.00 to 110.00)
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| Segment Interim Value(2) | $1,055.79 | $1,049.91 | $1,051.79 | |||
| Percent Withdrawn(3) | 9.47% | 9.52% | 9.51% | |||
| New Segment Investment(4) | $905.28 | $904.75 | $904.92 | |||
| New Segment Interim Value(5) | $955.79 | $949.91 | $951.79 | |||
Assuming the change in the Index Value is 40% (for example from 100.00 to 140.00)
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| Segment Interim Value(2) | $1,060.00 | $1,049.91 | $1,052.36 | |||
| Percent Withdrawn(3) | 9.43% | 9.52% | 9.50% | |||
| New Segment Investment(4) | $905.66 | $904.75 | $904.98 | |||
| New Segment Interim Value(5) | $960.00 | $949.91 | $952.36 | |||
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Examples: Segment Interim Value — Choice Segments
| Item | 5-Year Segment | 5-Year Segment | ||
| Segment Duration (in months) | 60 | 60 | ||
Valuation Date (Months since Segment Start Date) | 9 | 57 | ||
| Segment Investment | $1,000 | $1,000 | ||
| Segment Buffer | -25% | -25% | ||
| Performance Cap Rate | 55% | 55% | ||
| Time to Maturity (in months) | 51 | 3 |
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Assuming the change in the Index Value is -40% (for example from 100.00 to 60.00)
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Fair Value of Hypothetical Fixed Instrument | $906.97 | $999.38 | ||
| Fair Value of Hypothetical Derivatives | ($182.42) | ($155.38) | ||
| Cap Calculation Factor | $76.54 | $4.49 | ||
| Sum of above | $801.09 | $848.49 | ||
Segment Investment multiplied by prorated Performance Cap Rate | $1,082.27 | $1,522.58 | ||
| Segment Interim Value | $801.09 | $848.49 | ||
Assuming the change in the Index Value is -10% (for example from 100.00 to 90.00)
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Fair Value of Hypothetical Fixed Instrument | $906.97 | $999.38 | ||
| Fair Value of Hypothetical Derivatives | ($13.71) | $1.15 | ||
| Cap Calculation Factor | $76.54 | $4.49 | ||
| Sum of above | $969.80 | $1,005.02 | ||
Segment Investment multiplied by prorated Performance Cap Rate | $1,082.27 | $1,522.58 | ||
| Segment Interim Value | $969.80 | $1,005.02 | ||
Assuming the change in the Index Value is 10% (for example from 100.00 to 110.00)
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Fair Value of Hypothetical Fixed Instrument | $906.97 | $999.38 | ||
| Fair Value of Hypothetical Derivatives | $75.14 | $79.53 | ||
| Cap Calculation Factor | $76.54 | $4.49 | ||
| Sum of above | $1,058.65 | $1,083.40 | ||
Segment Investment multiplied by prorated Performance Cap Rate | $1,082.27 | $1,522.58 | ||
| Segment Interim Value | $1,058.65 | $1,083.40 | ||
Assuming the change in the Index Value is 40% (for example from 100.00 to 140.00)
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Fair Value of Hypothetical Fixed Instrument | $906.97 | $999.38 | ||
| Fair Value of Hypothetical Derivatives | $180.33 | $320.70 | ||
| Cap Calculation Factor | $76.54 | $4.49 | ||
| Sum of above | $1,163.84 | $1,324.56 | ||
Segment Investment multiplied by prorated Performance Cap Rate | $1,082.27 | $1,522.58 | ||
| Segment Interim Value | $1,082.27 | $1,324.56 | ||
The input values to the market standard model that have been utilized to generate the hypothetical examples above are as follows:
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Examples: Effect of Withdrawals on Segment Interim Value — Choice Segments
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Assuming the change in the Index Value is -40% (for example from 100.00 to 60.00)
Assuming the change in the Index Value is -10% (for example from 100.00 to 90.00)
Assuming the change in the Index Value is 10% (for example from 100.00 to 110.00)
Assuming the change in the Index Value is 40% (for example from 100.00 to 140.00)
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Example: Segment Interim Value — Annual Lock Segments
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Assuming the change in the Index Value during the first Annual Lock Period the SIV calculation is occurring is 13% (for example from 100.00 to 113.00)
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The input values to the market standard model that have been utilized to generate the hypothetical examples above are as follows:
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Examples: Effect of Withdrawals on Segment Interim Value, Segment Investment and Annual Lock Anniversary Starting Amount — Annual Lock Segments
| Item | 1st Annual Lock Anniversary | 2nd Annual Lock Anniversary | Withdrawal Occurs | |||
| Segment Duration (in months) | 60 | 60 | 60 | |||
Valuation Date (Months since Segment Start Date) | 12 | 24 | 30 | |||
| Segment Investment | $1,000 | $1,000 | $1,000 | |||
| Segment Buffer | -10% | -10% | -10% | |||
| Performance Cap Rate | 12% | 12% | 12% | |||
| Time to Maturity (in months) | 48 | 36 | 30 | |||
| Amount Withdrawn(1) | $0 | $0 | $110 | |||
| Change in Index Value | +13% | -5% | +2% | |||
| Segment Interim Value | $1,100.00(2) | |||||
Annual Lock Anniversary | $1,120.00 | $1,120.00 | ||||
| Percent Withdrawn(3) | 10.00% | |||||
| New Segment Investment(4) | $900.00 | |||||
| New Segment Interim Value(5) | $990.00 | |||||
New Annual Lock Anniversary Starting Amount | $1,008.00 | $1,008.00 |
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The Structured Investment Option of the Structured Capital Strategies® contract tracks certain Securities Indices and Index Funds that are published by third parties. The Company uses these Securities Indices and Index Funds under license from the Indices’ and Index Funds respective publishers. The following information about the Indices and Index Funds is included in this Prospectus in accordance with the Company’s license agreements with the publishers of the Indices and Index Funds:
S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC requires that the following disclaimer be included in the Prospectus:
The S&P 500 Price Return Index and the Dow Jones US Real Estate Index (the “Indexes”) are products of S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC (“SPDJI”), and have been licensed for use by the Company. Standard & Poor’s® and S&P® are registered trademarks of Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC (“S&P”); Dow Jones® is a registered trademark of Dow Jones Trademark Holdings LLC (“Dow Jones”); and these trademarks have been licensed for use by SPDJI and sublicensed for certain purposes by the Company. The Structured Capital Strategies® contract is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by SPDJI, Dow Jones, S&P or any of their respective affiliates (collectively, “S&P Dow Jones Indices”). S&P Dow Jones Indices makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, to the owners of the Structured Capital Strategies® contract or any member of the public regarding the advisability of investing in securities generally or in the Structured Capital Strategies® contract particularly or the ability of the Indexes to track general market performance. S&P Dow Jones Indices’ only relationship to the Company with respect to the Indexes is the licensing of the Indexes and certain trademarks, service marks and/or trade names of S&P Dow Jones Indices and/or its licensors. The Indexes are determined, composed and calculated by S&P Dow Jones Indices without regard to the Company or the Structured Capital Strategies® contract. S&P Dow Jones Indices have no obligation to take the needs of the Company or the owners of the Structured Capital Strategies® contract into consideration in determining, composing or calculating the Indexes. S&P Dow Jones Indices arenot responsible for and have not participated in the determination of the prices, and amount of the Structured Capital Strategies® contract or the timing of the issuance or sale of such contract or in the determination or calculation of the equation by which such contract is to be converted into cash, surrendered or redeemed, as the case may be. S&P Dow Jones Indices have no obligation or liability in connection with the administration, marketing or trading of the Company’s products. There is no assurance that investment products based on the Indexes will accurately track index performance or provide positive investment returns. S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC is not an investment advisor. Inclusion of a security within an index is not a recommendation by S&P Dow Jones Indices to buy, sell, or hold such security, nor is it considered to be investment advice.
S&P DOW JONES INDICES DOES NOT GUARANTEE THE ADEQUACY, ACCURACY, TIMELINESS AND/OR THE COMPLETENESS OF THE INDEXES OR ANY DATA RELATED THERETO OR ANY COMMUNICATION, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ORAL OR WRITTEN COMMUNICATION (INCLUDING ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS) WITH RESPECT THERETO. S&P DOW JONES INDICES SHALL NOT BE SUBJECT TO ANY DAMAGES OR LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS, OMISSIONS, OR DELAYS THEREIN. S&P DOW JONES INDICES MAKE NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE OR AS TO RESULTS TO BE OBTAINED BY THE COMPANY, OWNERS OF THE STRUCTURED CAPITAL STRATEGIES® CONTRACT, OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY FROM THE USE OF THE INDEXES OR WITH RESPECT TO ANY DATA RELATED THERETO. WITHOUT LIMITING ANY OF THE FOREGOING, IN NO EVENT WHATSOEVER SHALL S&P DOW JONES INDICES BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, PUNITIVE, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, LOSS OF PROFITS, TRADING LOSSES, LOST TIME OR GOODWILL, EVEN IF THEY HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBLITY OF SUCH DAMAGES, WHETHER IN CONTRACT, TORT, STRICT LIABILITY, OR OTHERWISE. THERE ARE NO THIRD PARTY BENEFICIARIES OF ANY AGREEMENTS OR ARRANGEMENTS BETWEEN S&P DOW JONES INDICES AND THE COMPANY, OTHER THAN THE LICENSORS OF S&P DOW JONES INDICES.
The name “S&P 500 Price Return Index” is a trademark of Standard & Poor’s and has been licensed for use by the Company.
Frank Russell Company requires that the following disclosure be included in this Prospectus:
The Structured Capital Strategies® contract is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by Frank Russell Company (“Russell”). Russell makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, to the owners of the Structured Capital Strategies® contract or any member of the public regarding the advisability of investing in securities generally or in the Product(s) particularly or the ability of the Russell 2000® Price Return Index to track general stock market performance or a segment of the same. Russell’s publication of the Russell 2000® Price Return Index in no way suggests or implies an opinion by Russell as to the advisability of investment in any or all of the securities upon which the Russell 2000® Price Return Index is based. Russell’s only relationship to the Company is the licensing of certain trademarks and trade names of Russell and of the Russell 2000® Price Return Index which is determined, composed and calculated by Russell without regard to the Company or the Structured Capital Strategies®
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contract. Russell is not responsible for and has not reviewed the Structured Capital Strategies® contract nor any associated literature or publications and Russell makes no representation or warranty express or implied as to their accuracy or completeness, or otherwise. Russell reserves the right, at any time and without notice, to alter, amend, terminate or in any way change the Structured Capital Strategies® contract. Russell has no obligation or liability in connection with the administration, marketing or trading of the Structured Capital Strategies® contract.
RUSSELL DOES NOT GUARANTEE THE ACCURACY AND/OR THE COMPLETENESS OF THE RUSSELL 2000® PRICE RETURN INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN AND RUSSELL SHALL HAVE NO LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS, OMISSIONS, OR INTERRUPTIONS THEREIN. RUSSELL MAKES NO WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS TO RESULTS TO BE OBTAINED BY THE COMPANY, INVESTORS, OWNERS OF THE PRODUCT(S), OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY FROM THE USE OF THE RUSSELL 2000® PRICE RETURN INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. RUSSELL MAKES NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE WITH RESPECT TO THE RUSSELL 2000® PRICE RETURN INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. WITHOUT LIMITING ANY OF THE FOREGOING, IN NO EVENT SHALL RUSSELL HAVE ANY LIABILITY FOR ANY SPECIAL, PUNITIVE, INDIRECT, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING LOST PROFITS), EVEN IF NOTIFIED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
MSCI Inc. requires that the following disclosure be included in this Prospectus:
THIS PRODUCT IS NOT SPONSORED, ENDORSED, SOLD OR PROMOTED BY MSCI INC. (“MSCI”), ANY OF ITS AFFILIATES, ANY OF ITS INFORMATION PROVIDERS OR ANY OTHER THIRD PARTY INVOLVED IN, OR RELATED TO, COMPILING, COMPUTING OR CREATING ANY MSCI INDEX (COLLECTIVELY, THE “MSCI PARTIES”). THE MSCI INDEXES ARE THE EXCLUSIVE PROPERTY OF MSCI. MSCI AND THE MSCI INDEX NAMES ARE SERVICE MARK(S) OF MSCI OR ITS AFFILIATES AND HAVE BEEN LICENSED FOR USE FOR CERTAIN PURPOSES BY LICENSEE. NONE OF THE MSCI PARTIES MAKES ANY REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, TO THE ISSUER OR OWNERS OF THIS PRODUCT OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY REGARDING THE ADVISABILITY OF INVESTING IN PRODUCTS GENERALLY OR IN THIS PRODUCT PARTICULARLY OR THE ABILITY OF ANY MSCI INDEX TO TRACK CORRESPONDING STOCK MARKET PERFORMANCE. MSCI OR ITS AFFILIATES ARE THE LICENSORS OF CERTAIN TRADEMARKS, SERVICE MARKS AND TRADE NAMES AND OF THE MSCI INDEXES WHICH ARE DETERMINED, COMPOSED AND CALCULATED BY MSCI WITHOUT REGARD TO THIS PRODUCT OR THE ISSUER OR OWNERS OF THIS PRODUCT OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY. NONE OF THE MSCI PARTIES HAS ANY OBLIGATION TO TAKE THE NEEDS OF THE ISSUER OR OWNERS OF THIS PRODUCT OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY INTO CONSIDERATION IN DETERMINING, COMPOSING OR CALCULATING THE MSCI INDEXES. NONE OF THE MSCI PARTIES IS RESPONSIBLE FOR OR HAS PARTICIPATED IN THE DETERMINATION OF THE TIMING OF, PRICES AT, OR QUANTITIES OF THIS PRODUCT TO BE ISSUED OR IN THE DETERMINATION OR CALCULATION OF THE EQUATION BY OR THE CONSIDERATION INTO WHICH THIS PRODUCT IS REDEEMABLE. FURTHER, NONE OF THE MSCI PARTIES HAS ANY OBLIGATION OR LIABILITY TO THE ISSUER OR OWNERS OF THIS PRODUCT OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY IN CONNECTION WITH THE ADMINISTRATION, MARKETING OR OFFERING OF THIS PRODUCT. ALTHOUGH MSCI SHALL OBTAIN INFORMATION FOR INCLUSION IN OR FOR USE IN THE CALCULATION OF THE MSCI INDEXES FROM SOURCES THAT MSCI CONSIDERS RELIABLE, NONE OF THE MSCI PARTIES WARRANTS OR GUARANTEES THE ORIGINALITY, ACCURACY AND/OR THE COMPLETENESS OF ANY MSCI INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. NONE OF THE MSCI PARTIES MAKES ANY WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS TO RESULTS TO BE OBTAINED BY THE ISSUER OF THE PRODUCT, OWNERS OF THE PRODUCT, OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY, FROM THE USE OF ANY MSCI INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. NONE OF THE MSCI PARTIES SHALL HAVE ANY LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS, OMISSIONS OR INTERRUPTIONS OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH ANY MSCI INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. FURTHER, NONE OF THE MSCI PARTIES MAKES ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, AND THE MSCI PARTIES HEREBY EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM ALL WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, WITH RESPECT TO EACH MSCI INDEX AND ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. WITHOUT LIMITING ANY OF THE FOREGOING, IN NO EVENT SHALL ANY OF THE MSCI PARTIES HAVE ANY LIABILITY FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, PUNITIVE, CONSEQUENTIAL OR ANY OTHER DAMAGES (INCLUDING LOST PROFITS) EVEN IF NOTIFIED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. No purchaser, seller or holder of this product, or any other person or entity, should use or refer to any MSCI trade name, trademark or service mark to sponsor, endorse, market or promote this security without first contacting MSCI to determine whether MSCI’s permission is required. Under no circumstances may any person or entity claim any affiliation with MSCI without the prior written permission of MSCI.
The Structured Capital Strategies® contract is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by The NASDAQ OMX Group, Inc. or its affiliates (NASDAQ OMX, with its affiliates, are referred to as the “Corporations”). The Corporations have not passed on the legality or suitability of, or the accuracy or adequacy of descriptions and disclosures relating to, the Structured Capital Strategies® contract. The Corporations make no representation or warranty, express or implied to the owners of the Structured Capital Strategies® contract or any member of the public regarding the advisability of investing in securities generally or in the Structured Capital Strategies® contract particularly, or the ability of the NASDAQ-100 Price Return Index to track general stock market performance. The Corporations’ only relationship to The Company (“Licensee”) is in the licensing of the NASDAQ®, OMX®, NASDAQ OMX® and NASDAQ-100 Price Return Index® registered trademarks, and certain trade names of the Corporations and the use of the
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NASDAQ-100 Price Return Index which is determined, composed and calculated by NASDAQ OMX without regard to Licensee or the Structured Capital Strategies® contract. NASDAQ OMX has no obligation to take the needs of the Licensee or the owners of the Structured Capital Strategies® contract into consideration in determining, composing or calculating the NASDAQ-100 Price Return Index. The Corporations are not responsible for and have not participated in the determination of the timing of, prices at, or quantities of the Structured Capital Strategies® contract to be issued or in the determination or calculation of the equation by which the Structured Capital Strategies® contract is to be converted into cash. The Corporations have no liability in connection with the administration, marketing or trading of the Structured Capital Strategies® contract.
THE CORPORATIONS DO NOT GUARANTEE THE ACCURACY AND/OR UNINTERRUPTED CALCULATION OF THE NASDAQ-100 PRICE RETURN INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. THE CORPORATIONS MAKE NO WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS TO RESULTS TO BE OBTAINED BY LICENSEE, OWNERS OF THE STRUCTURED CAPITAL STRATEGIES® CONTRACT, OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY FROM THE USE OF THE NASDAQ-100 PRICE RETURN INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. THE CORPORATIONS MAKE NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM ALL WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE WITH RESPECT TO THE NASDAQ-100 PRICE RETURN INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. WITHOUT LIMITING ANY OF THE FOREGOING, IN NO EVENT SHALL THE CORPORATIONS HAVE ANY LIABILITY FOR ANY LOST PROFITS OR SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, PUNITIVE, INDIRECT, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, EVEN IF NOTIFIED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
State Street Global Advisers requires that the following disclaimer be included in the Prospectus:
This Structured Capital Strategies® variable annuity is not sponsored, endorsed, authorized, sold or promoted by the Select Sector Trust or SSgA FM. Neither the Select Sector Trust nor SSgA FM makes any representations or warranties to purchasers of a Structured Capital Strategies® variable annuity contract or any member of the public regarding the advisability of purchasing a Structured Capital Strategies® variable annuity contract. Neither the Select Sector Trust nor SSgA FM has any obligation or liability in connection with the operation, marketing, trading or sale of Structured Capital Strategies® variable annuities.
Each Select Sector Index is based on equity securities of public companies that are components of the S&P 500, selected on the basis of general industrial classification, and included as constituent securities of a particular Select Sector Index by the Index Compilation Agent in consultation with S&P, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. S&P acts as “Index Calculation Agent” (sometimes also referred to as the “Index Provider”) in connection with the calculation and dissemination of each Select Sector Index.
Select Sector SPDRs are not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by S&P. S&P makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, to the owners of the Select Sector SPDRs or any member of the public regarding the advisability of investing in securities generally or in the Select Sector SPDRs particularly or the ability of a Select Sector SPDR Fund to track the performance of the various sectors represented in the stock market. The stocks included in each Select Sector Index were selected by the Index Compilation Agent in consultation with S&P from a universe of companies represented by the S&P 500. The composition and weighting of stocks included in each Select Sector Index can be expected to differ from the composition and weighting of stocks included in the corresponding S&P 500 sector index that is published and disseminated by S&P. S&P’s only relationship to the Index Compilation Agent is the licensing of certain trademarks and trade names of S&P and of the S&P 500 which is determined, composed and calculated by S&P without regard to the Index Compilation Agent or any Select Sector SPDR Fund. S&P has no obligation to take the needs of the Index Compilation Agent, the Trust or the owners of Select Sector SPDRs into consideration in determining, composing or calculating the S&P 500. S&P is not responsible for and has not participated in any determination or calculation made with respect to issuance or redemption of the Select Sector SPDRs. S&P has no obligation or liability in connection with the administration, marketing or trading of the Select Sector SPDRs.
S&P does not guarantee the accuracy and/or completeness of the S&P 500, the Select Sector Indexes or any data included therein.
S&P makes no warranty, express or implied, as to results to be obtained by the Index Compilation Agent, the Trust, owners of the product, or any other person or entity from the use of the S&P 500, the Select Sector Indexes or any data included therein in connection with the rights licensed under the license agreement or for any other use. S&P makes no express or implied warranties, and hereby expressly disclaims all warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose with respect to the S&P 500, the Select Sector Indexes or any data included therein. Without limiting any of the foregoing, in no event shall S&P have any liability for any special, punitive, indirect or consequential damages (including lost profits), even if notified of the possibility of such damages.
The shares are not sponsored or promoted by either the Index Calculation Agent or the Index Compilation Agent.
Neither the Index Calculation Agent nor the Index Compilation Agent makes any representation or warranty, express or implied, to the owners of the shares of any Select Sector SPDR Fund or any member of the public regarding the ability of the indexes identified herein to track stock market performance. The Select Sector Indexes identified herein are determined, composed and
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calculated without regard to the shares of any Select Sector SPDR Fund or the issuer thereof. The Index Calculation Agent and the Index Compilation Agent are not responsible for, nor have they participated in, the determination of the timing of, prices of, or quantities of the shares of any Select Sector SPDR Fund to be issued, nor in the determination or calculation of the equation by which the shares are redeemable. The Index Calculation Agent and the Index Compilation Agent have no obligation or liability to owners of the shares of any Select Sector SPDR Fund in connection with the administration, marketing or trading of the shares of any Select Sector SPDR Fund.
Although BofA Merrill Lynch — as the Index Compilation Agent — shall obtain and provide information to S&P — as the Index Calculation Agent — from sources which it considers reliable, the Index Compilation Agent and the Index Calculation Agent do not guarantee the accuracy and/or the completeness of any Select Sector Index or any data included therein. The Index Compilation Agent and the Index Calculation Agent make no warranty, express or implied, as to results to be obtained by the Trust as licensee, licensee’s customers and counterparties, owners of the shares, or any other person or entity from the use of the Select Sector Indexes or any data included therein in connection with the rights licensed as described herein or for any other use. The Index Compilation Agent and the Index Calculation Agent make no express or implied warranties, and each hereby expressly disclaims all warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose with respect to the Select Sector Indexes or any data included therein. Without limiting any of the foregoing, in no event shall the Index Compilation Agent and the Index Calculation Agent have any liability for any direct, indirect, special, punitive, consequential or any other damages (including lost profits) even if notified of the possibility of such damages.
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Appendix: Segment Maturity Date and Segment Start Date examples
The Segment Maturity Date for Segments maturing and the Segment Start Date for new corresponding Segments will generally be scheduled to occur on consecutive business days that are also Segment Business Days. However, as described earlier in this Prospectus, the Segment Maturity Date and Segment Start Date may sometimes occur on other dates.
Set forth below are representative examples of how the Segment Maturity Date and Segment Start Date may be moved to a different date due to holidays, which are not Segment Business Days.
Assume that the scheduled Segment Maturity Date falls on a holiday, and the preceding and following days are both Segment Business Days:
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Assume that the scheduled Segment Start Date falls on a holiday, and the preceding two days are both Segment Business Days:
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Appendix: Purchase considerations for defined benefit and defined contribution plans
We offer the QP contract as a funding vehicle for defined benefit and defined contribution plans. In certain states the QP contract is not offered. In those states defined benefit and defined contribution plans may purchase NQ contracts as a plan funding vehicle. The plan and trust, if properly qualified, contain the requisite provisions of the Internal Revenue Code to maintain their tax exempt status. The most significant difference between the use of the QP contract and the NQ contract as a funding vehicle is that the QP contract may be converted into an IRA contract for the benefit of a plan participant under specified circumstances; an NQ contract cannot be so converted. The advantage of the IRA conversion feature is that the participant’s benefit amount remains invested: no amounts need to be withdrawn from Segments prior to maturity, the investment options remain available to the participant, and in the Series B contract, the aging of contributions for purposes of contingent withdrawal charges remains intact. If the plan’s funding vehicle is an NQ contract, a withdrawal must be made from the NQ contract in order for the plan to pay the rollover distribution to the plan participant for application to an IRA, or directly to an IRA provider at the direction of the plan participant.
Trustees who are considering the purchase of a Structured Capital Strategies® series contract as a plan funding vehicle should discuss with their tax and ERISA advisers whether such a contract is an appropriate investment vehicle for the employer’s plan. Whether the contract is a QP contract or an NQ contract in certain states, there are significant issues in the purchase of Structured Capital Strategies® series contract for a qualified plan. The QP contract (or the NQ contract in certain states) and this Prospectus should be reviewed in full, and the following factors, among others, should be noted. Trustees should consider whether the plan provisions permit the investment of plan assets in the QP or NQ contract, and the payment of death benefits in accordance with the requirements of the federal income tax rules. Assuming continued plan qualification and operation, earnings on qualified plan assets will accumulate value on a tax-deferred basis even if the plan is not funded by Structured Capital Strategies® series QP or NQ contract, or any other annuity contract. Therefore, plan trusts should purchase a Structured Capital Strategies® series QP or NQ contract to fund a plan for the contract’s features and benefits and not for tax deferral, after considering the relative costs and benefits of annuity contracts and other types of arrangements and funding vehicles. Trustees should consider the liquidity needs of the plan (defined contribution or defined benefit) because Segments in the Structured Investment Option may not be mature at the time plan benefits or required minimum distributions must be paid. Finally, because of the method of purchasing the contract, including the large initial contribution and the requirement that contributions may only be in the form of transfers from existing funds of the qualified plan trust, plan trustees should discuss with their advisers whether the purchase of the QP contract would cause the plan to engage in prohibited discrimination in contributions, benefits or otherwise.
Pooling Plan Assets
We do not permit plans to pool plan assets attributable to the benefits of multiple plan participants in one Structured Capital Strategies® QP contract, because of the IRA conversion possibility for the QP contract noted in the first paragraph of this Appendix. Therefore we require that a separate QP contract be purchased for each covered plan participant. In states where only the NQ contract is available as a funding vehicle, defined benefit plans and defined contribution plans may invest plan assets attributable to the benefits of multiple plan participants in one Structured Capital Strategies® NQ contract. There is no requirement to apply for multiple Structured Capital Strategies® NQ contracts.
Contributions
We accept only transfer contributions from the existing funds of the qualified plan trust, regardless of the type of contract used as the funding vehicle. No contributions will be accepted directly from the employer sponsoring the plan. We will not accept ongoing payroll contributions. For 401(k) plans, no employee after-tax contributions are accepted. A “designated Roth contribution account” is not available in either the QP contract or the NQ contract in certain states. Checks written on accounts held in the name of the employer instead of the plan or the trust will not be accepted. Except for NQ contracts, only one additional transfer contribution may be made per contract year. If amounts attributable to an excess or mistaken contribution must be withdrawn, withdrawal charges may apply.
Payments
Trustees considering the purchase of a Structured Capital Strategies® contract as a qualified plan funding vehicle should also consider the following:
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Considerations for Defined Benefit Plan Purchases
Split Funding Requirement. The maximum percentage of the value of the plan’s total assets that should be invested in a Structured Capital Strategies® contract at any time is 80%. Whether the funding vehicle is a QP contract or an NQ contract in certain states, at least 20% of the plan’s assets should be invested in one or more other funding vehicles to provide liquidity for the plan because Segments in the Structured Investment Option may not be mature at the time plan benefits become payable.
If the defined benefit plan purchases a QP contract. In order to purchase the QP contract for a defined benefit plan, the plan’s actuary will be required to determine a current dollar value of each plan participant’s accrued benefit so that individual contracts may be established for each plan participant. We do not permit defined benefit plans to pool plan assets attributable to the accrued benefits of multiple plan participants.
The value under a QP contract may at any time be more or less than the lump sum actuarial equivalent of the accrued benefit for a defined benefit plan participant. The Company does not guarantee that the account value under a QP contract will at any time equal the actuarial value of 80% of a participant/employee’s accrued benefit. If amounts attributable to an excess or mistaken contribution must be withdrawn, withdrawal charges may apply. If in a defined benefit plan the plan’s actuary determines that an overfunding in the QP contract has occurred, then any transfers from the QP contract may also result in withdrawal charges.
The plan’s fiduciaries are responsible for ensuring that the plan has enough liquidity to pay benefits when required and should discuss anticipated liquidity needs with the plan’s actuary. Any withdrawal from the Structured Capital Strategies® QP contract to pay benefits, or to address plan overfunding, excess or mistaken contributions, any required minimum distribution requirement, or for any other plan or benefit purpose will be treated as a normal withdrawal for purposes of withdrawal charges and all other contractual provisions.
While the contract is owned by the plan trust, all payments under the contract will be made to the plan trust owner. If the plan rolls over a contract into an IRA for the benefit of a former plan participant through a contract conversion, it is the plan’s responsibility to adjust the value of the contract to the actuarial equivalent of the participant’s benefit, prior to the contract conversion.
If the defined benefit plan purchases an NQ contract. Defined benefit plans may pool plan assets attributable to the accrued benefits of multiple plan participants in one NQ contract. The Structured Capital Strategies® contract is merely a funding vehicle and is not “benefit sensitive” like some contracts or other funding vehicles that may be offered to qualified plan sponsors.
The plan’s fiduciaries are responsible for ensuring that the plan has enough liquidity to pay benefits when required and should discuss anticipated liquidity needs with the plan’s actuary. Amounts must be withdrawn from the contract or the contract must be liquidated to pay benefits; benefits payable under the plan cannot be satisfied through a transfer of ownership of the NQ contract to any person or entity. Any withdrawal from the Structured Capital Strategies® NQ contract to pay benefits, or to address plan overfunding, excess or mistaken contributions, any required minimum distribution requirement, or for any other plan or benefit purpose will be treated as a normal withdrawal for purposes of withdrawal charges and all other contractual provisions.
NQ contract as a funding vehicle in certain states
If the plan’s funding vehicle is an NQ contract, a withdrawal must be made from the NQ contract or the contract must be liquidated in order to roll over to an IRA or other eligible retirement plan. There may be significant tax consequences if the plan transfers ownership of the NQ contract to an employee after the employee separates from service.
Funding vehicle only
The Company’s only role is that of the issuer of the contract. The Company is not the plan administrator. The Company will not perform or provide any plan administrative, recordkeeping or actuarial valuation services with respect to plan assets invested in Structured Capital Strategies® contracts, whether QP (or NQ in certain states). The plan’s administrator will be solely responsible for performing or providing for all such services.
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Structured Capital Strategies® 16
Issued by
Equitable Financial Life Insurance Company
1290 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10104
(212) 554-1234
This prospectus describes the important features of the contract and provides information about Equitable Financial Life Insurance Company (the “Company”, “we”, “our” and “us”).
We have filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) a Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) that includes additional information about Structured Capital Strategies® 16, the Company and Separate Account No. 49. The SAI is incorporated by reference into this prospectus. The SAI is available free of charge. To request a copy of the SAI, to ask about your contract, or to make other investor inquiries, please call 1-800-789-7771. The SAI is also available at our website, www.equitable.com/ICSR#EQH154186.
We file periodic reports and other information about Structured Capital Strategies® 16 and Separate Account No. 49 as required under the federal securities laws. Those reports and other information about us are available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov, and copies of reports and other information may be obtained, upon payment of a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the following email address: publicinfo@sec.gov.
Class/Contract Identifier: C000163851
PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
| ITEM 14. | OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION |
ITEM OF EXPENSE | ESTIMATED EXPENSE | ESTIMATED EXPENSE | ||||||
Registration fees | $ | [ | ] | $ | — | |||
Federal taxes | N/A | N/A | ||||||
State taxes and fees (based on 50 state average) | N/A | N/A | ||||||
Trustees’ fees | N/A | N/A | ||||||
Transfer agents’ fees | N/A | N/A | ||||||
Printing and filing fees | $ | 50,000 | * | $ | 50,000 | * | ||
Legal fees | N/A | N/A | ||||||
Accounting fees | N/A | N/A | ||||||
Audit fees | $ | 20,000 | * | $ | 20,000 | * | ||
Engineering fees | N/A | N/A | ||||||
Directors and officers insurance premium paid by Registrant | N/A | N/A | ||||||
| * | Estimated expense. |
| ITEM 15. | INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS |
The by-laws of Equitable Financial Life Insurance Company (“Equitable Financial”) provide, in Article VII, as follows:
| 7.4 | Indemnification of Directors, Officers and Employees. (a) To the extent permitted by the law of the State of New York and subject to all applicable requirements thereof: |
| (i) | any person made or threatened to be made a party to any action or proceeding, whether civil or criminal, by reason of the fact that he or she, or his or her testator or intestate, is or was a director, officer or employee of the Company shall be indemnified by the Company; |
| (ii) | any person made or threatened to be made a party to any action or proceeding, whether civil or criminal, by reason of the fact that he or she, or his or her testator or intestate serves or served any other organization in any capacity at the request of the Company may be indemnified by the Company; and |
| (iii) | the related expenses of any such person in any of said categories may be advanced by the Company. |
(b) To the extent permitted by the law of the State of New York, the Company may provide for further indemnification or advancement of expenses by resolution of shareholders of the Company or the Board of Directors, by amendment of these By-Laws, or by agreement. {Business Corporation Law ss.ss. 721-726; Insurance Law ss.1216}
The directors and officers of the CompanyEquitable Financial are insured under policies issued by X.L. Insurance Company, Arch Insurance Company, SompoSombo (Endurance Specialty Insurance Company), U.S. Specialty Insurance, ACE (Chubb), Chubb Insurance Company, AXIS Insurance Company, Zurich Insurance Company, AWAC (Allied World Assurance Company, Ltd.), Aspen Bermuda XS, CNA,CAN, AIG, One Beacon, Nationwide, Berkley, Berkshire, SOMPO, CODA, Chubb, Markel and ARGO ReRE Ltd. The annual limit on such policies is $300 million, and the policies insure the officers and directors against certain liabilities arising out of their conduct in such capacities.
| ITEM 16. | EXHIBITS |
Exhibits No.
(1) | (a) |
| (a)(i) |
| (b) |
| (b)(i) |
| (c) |
| (d) |
| (e) |
| (e)(i) |
| (e)(ii) |
| (e)(iii) |
| (e)(iv) |
| (f) |
| (f)(i) |
II-2
| (f)(ii) |
| (f)(iii) |
| (f)(iv) |
| (f)(v) |
| (f)(vi) |
| (f)(vii) |
| (f)(viii) |
| (f)(ix) |
| (f)(x) |
| (f)(xi) |
| (f)(xii) |
| (f)(xiii) |
| (f)(xiv) |
| (f)(xv) |
| (f)(xvi) |
| (f)(xvii) |
| (f)(xviii) |
II-3II-2
| (2) | Not applicable |
(4) |
| (b) |
II-3
| (5) | Opinion |
| (8) | Not |
| (12) | Not |
| (15) | Not |
| (23) | Consent of independent registered public accounting firm, to be filed by |
| (24) |
| (25) | Not |
| (26) | Not |
II-4
| ITEM 17. | UNDERTAKINGS |
| (a) | The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes: |
| (1) | To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement: |
| (i) | to include any prospectus required by section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933; |
| (ii) | to reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than 20% change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the “Calculation of Registration Fee” table in the effective registration statement; |
| (iii) | to include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such information in the registration statement; |
provided, however, that paragraphs (a)(1)(i), (a)(1)(ii) and (a)(1)(iii) do not apply if the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in periodic reports filed with or furnished to the Commission by the registrant pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Securities Act of 1934 that are incorporated by reference in the registration statement, or is contained in a form of prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) that is part of this Registration Statement.
| (2) | That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. |
| (3) | To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering. |
| (4) | That, for the purpose of determining liability under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser, each prospectus filed |
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pursuant to Rule 424(b) as part of a registration statement relating to an offering, other than registration statements relying on Rule 430B or other than prospectuses filed in reliance on Rule 430A, shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration statement as of the date it is first used after effectiveness. Provided, however, that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such first use, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such date of first use.
| pursuant to Rule 424(b) as part of a registration statement relating to an offering, other than registration statements relying on Rule 430B or other than prospectuses filed in reliance on Rule 430A, shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration statement as of the date it is first used after effectiveness. Provided, however, that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such first use, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such date of first use. |
| (5) | That, for the purpose of determining liability of the Registrant under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser in the initial distribution of the securities: The undersigned Registrant undertakes that in a primary offering of securities of the undersigned Registrant pursuant to this registration statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the undersigned Registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to such purchaser: (i) Any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the undersigned Registrant relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424; (ii) Any free writing prospectus relating to the offering prepared by or on behalf of the undersigned Registrant or used or referred to by the undersigned Registrant; (iii) The portion of any other free writing prospectus relating to the offering containing material information about the undersigned Registrant or its securities provided by or on behalf of the undersigned Registrant; and (iv) Any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by the undersigned Registrant to the purchaser. |
(b) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the registrant’s annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that is incorporated by reference in the registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
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(c) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City and State of New York, on this 15th21st day of March, 2022.
| EQUITABLE FINANCIAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY | ||
(Registrant) | ||
By: | /s/ Shane Daly | |
Shane Daly | ||
Vice President and Associate General Counsel | ||
Equitable Financial Life Insurance Company | ||
As required by the Securities Act of 1933, this amendment to the Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the date indicated:
| PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE | ||
| *Mark Pearson | Chief Executive Officer and Director | |
| PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL OFFICER: | ||
| *Robin Raju | Senior Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer | |
| PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING OFFICER: | ||
| *William Eckert | Managing Director and Chief Accounting Officer | |
| *DIRECTORS: | ||||||
Mark Pearson | Daniel G. Kaye |
Kristi Matus
| ||||
| Ramon de Oliveira |
| George Stansfield | Charles G.T. Stonehill | |||
| Bertram Scott | Francis Hondal | Joan Lamm-Tennant | ||||
| *By: | /s/ Shane Daly | |
| Shane Daly | ||
| Attorney-in-Fact | ||
| March 21, 2022 |
March 15, 2022