RADNOR, Pa.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–At a time when investors value protection most, Lincoln Financial Group (NYSE: LNC) expands its flagship, industry-recognized solution, Lincoln Level Advantage^® indexed variable annuity, with two new options that offer investors more ways to help grow their savings with a level of protection during market downturns and uncertainty.

Lincoln is introducing a new performance trigger option available with a one-year term, 10% level of protection that tracks the S&P 500 index, beginning May 18. The option is meant for investors who want to know what rate their investment will earn in an up or flat market, regardless of index growth rate — ultimately providing more predictability for their investment.

Lincoln also recently introduced a new one-year term option with a 20% level of protection, a feature that can benefit wary investors who might be looking for a higher level of protection, but want to stay invested in the market.

“This is the type of option we see resonating in the current environment, and Lincoln is the only major carrier to offer it,” said John Kennedy, head of Retirement Solutions Distribution. “It’s a way to provide investors with protection during a shorter-term period of market uncertainty — with an option to renew or change course once their one-year term has ended.”

Annuity Market Changes

Since the introduction of Lincoln Level Advantage in May 2018, the market has grown, and so has the demand for products that can offer investors equity index-linked accumulation potential with downside protection.

In April 2020, LIMRA Secure Retirement Institute showed registered index-linked annuity (RILA) sales at their highest in 10 years, forecasting continued growth for the category in 2020. Lincoln agrees with this forecast and has prioritized the development of its own solution through greater optionality, transparency and competitive options.

“Lincoln Level Advantage is a product that can help investors face today’s market uncertainty with greater confidence,” says Brian Kroll, head of Annuity Solutions at Lincoln Financial Group. “Our goal is to offer multiple options and features within this solution that can meet the diverse needs investors have for market performance and downside protection.”

About Lincoln Level Advantage

Lincoln Level Advantage provides investors the ability to tailor a combination of indexed account options, terms and levels of protection to help meet their unique and individual investment style, risk tolerance and retirement planning goals.

Since its launch on May 21, 2018, more than 7,000 financial professionals have sold Lincoln Level Advantage — a third of which are new to doing business with Lincoln. The product continues to gain momentum in the marketplace, with additional distribution partners and expanded advisor reach in 2020.

In 2019, Lincoln’s annuity solutions, including Lincoln Level Advantage, were recognized 15 times in Barron’s “Top 100 Annuities,” more times than any other carrier, reflecting both the depth and breadth of Lincoln’s product portfolio, as well as Lincoln’s A+ financial strength rating from A.M. Best.

In Fall 2019, Lincoln was the recipient of the 2019 “Best Variable Index Annuity Carrier Award” by Structured Retail Products (SRP), a leading provider of structured products and market intelligence. SRP’s Indexed Insurance Awards recognize the best buy- and sell-side companies as well as the best service providers and distributors in the Indexed Insurance space.

For more information about Lincoln Level Advantage^®, visit www.LFG.com/LevelAdvantage.

Important information:

Lincoln Financial Group^® affiliates, their distributors, and their respective employees, representatives, and/or insurance agents do not provide tax, accounting, or legal advice. Please consult an independent advisor as to any tax, accounting, or legal statements made herein.

Lincoln Level Advantage^® indexed variable annuity is a long-term investment product designed for retirement purposes. There are no explicit fees associated with the indexed-linked account options available. There are associated fees with the variable annuity subaccounts, which include a product charge, and administrative fees. Annuities are subject to market risk including loss of principal. Withdrawals are subject to ordinary income tax treatment and, if taken prior to age 59½ in nonqualified contracts, may be subject to an additional 10% federal tax.

Indexed-linked variable annuity products are complex insurance and investment vehicles and are subject to surrender charges for early withdrawals. Please reference the prospectus for information about the levels of protection available and other important product information.

The risk of loss occurs each time you move into a new indexed account after the end of an indexed term. The protection level option selected in the indexed account helps protect you from some downside risk. If the negative return is in excess of the protection level selected, there is a risk of loss of principal.

Investors are advised to consider the investment objectives, risks, and charges and expenses of the variable annuity and its underlying investment options carefully before investing. The applicable prospectuses contain this and other important information about the variable annuity and its underlying investment options. Please call 888-868-2583 for free prospectuses. Read them carefully before investing or sending money. Products and features are subject to state availability.

Lincoln Level Advantage^® indexed variable annuities (contract form 30070-B and state variations) are issued by The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company, Fort Wayne, IN, and distributed by Lincoln Financial Distributors, Inc., a broker-dealer. The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company does not solicit business in the state of New York, nor is it authorized to do so.

All contract and rider guarantees, including those for optional benefits, payment from the indexed accounts, or annuity payout rates, are subject to the claims-paying ability of the issuing insurance company. They are not backed by the broker-dealer or insurance agency from which this annuity is purchased, or any affiliates of those entities other than the issuing company affiliates, and none makes any representations or guarantees regarding the claims-paying ability of the issuer.

This product and the components and features contained within are not available in all states or firms.

There is no additional tax-deferral benefit for an annuity contract purchased in an IRA or other tax-qualified plan.

Not available in New York.

About Lincoln Financial Group

Lincoln Financial Group provides advice and solutions that help empower people to take charge of their financial lives with confidence and optimism. Today, more than 17 million customers trust our retirement, insurance and wealth protection expertise to help address their lifestyle, savings and income goals, as well as to guard against long-term care expenses. Headquartered in Radnor, Pennsylvania, Lincoln Financial Group is the marketing name for Lincoln National Corporation (NYSE:LNC) and its affiliates. The company had $247 billion in end-of-period account values as of March 31, 2020. Lincoln Financial Group is a committed corporate citizen included on major sustainability indices including the Dow Jones Sustainability Index North America and FTSE4Good. Dedicated to diversity and inclusion, Lincoln earned perfect 100 percent scores on the Corporate Equality Index and the Disability Equality Index. Lincoln has also been recognized in Newsweek’s Most Responsible Companies and is among Forbes’ World’s Best Employers, Best Large Employers, Best Employers for Diversity, Best Employers for Women and ranked on the JUST 100 list. Learn more at: www.LincolnFinancial.com. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram. Sign up for email alerts at http://newsroom.lfg.com.

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