Lincoln Launches Flexible Premium Deferred FIA

RADNOR, PA. – June 1, 2015 – Lincoln Financial Group (NYSE: LNC) today announced the launch of its new OptiBlend Fixed Indexed Annuity, a flexible premium deferred fixed indexed annuity (FIA), that blends the safety of principal protection with upside market potential.

Lincoln’s new solution offers four interest crediting strategies providing clients with a combination of growth potential and capital preservation. These choices for accumulation potential include: a fixed account, for those who want predictable fixed account growth – without being tied to market performance; 1-year Point-to-Point Cap and Performance triggered indexed accounts tied to the performance of the S&P 500 Index and a brand new indexed account tied to a risk controlled version of the S&P 500 Index.

Lincoln’s OptiBlend features a new Volatility-Controlled Point-to-Point Indexed Account, where the interest credit is based on the performance of the S&P 500 Daily Risk Control 5% Index, giving investors exposure to the S&P 500 Index at a set risk level. A spread will be applied to the return of the S&P 500 Daily Risk Control 5% Index to determine the interest credit a client will receive. The spread acts as a hurdle rate with all index performance over the spread credited to the client’s account. Since volatility is managed within this Index, a lower spread can be offered than one based on the S&P 500 without risk control.

Lincoln’s new FIA also offers a 7 and a 10 year surrender charge period and the option to add a Guaranteed Lifetime Withdrawal Benefit (GLWB) -- Lincoln Lifetime Income Edge.

“Lincoln’s new OptiBlend solution underscores Lincoln’s commitment to ensuring advisors and their clients have access to the right tools to meet a range of specific retirement needs,” said Dan Herr, head of Lincoln Financial Group’s Annuity Product Management. “One of the smartest ways to protect and grow savings is to choose a financial solution offering control, flexibility and choice. Lincoln’s OptiBlend provides all three and expands Lincoln’s suite of solutions with an additional interest crediting option to help secure short- and long-term outcomes.”

About Lincoln Lifetime Income Edge

Lincoln Lifetime Income Edge provides guaranteed lifetime income without having to annuitize; income bonuses at 5 and 10 years if the client has not turned on income; and, an income enhancement if nursing home care is needed (not available in all states).