LNC Lincoln National Corporation

Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(5)
Registration No. 333-270000

The information in this preliminary prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus is not complete and may be changed. This preliminary prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus are not an offer to sell these securities, and they are not soliciting an offer to buy these securities, in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.

SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED MARCH 11, 2024

PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

(To prospectus dated February 24, 2023)

Lincoln National Corporation

$     % Senior Notes due March  , 2034

Lincoln National Corporation, an Indiana corporation (the “Company,” “LNC,” the “Issuer,” “we,” “us,” or “our”), is offering $    aggregate principal amount of our   % Senior Notes due March  , 2034 (the “notes”). Interest on the notes will accrue from March  , 2024. The notes will bear interest at a rate of   % per year and will mature on March  , 2034.

We will pay interest on the notes semi-annually in arrears on each March   and September  , commencing on September  , 2024.

The notes will be issued in denominations of $2,000 principal amount and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof, will be our senior unsecured obligations and will rank equally in right of payment with all of our other existing and future unsecured unsubordinated indebtedness.

We may, at our option, redeem the notes, in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time, at the redemption price described in “Description of Notes—Optional Redemption of the Notes.”

The notes are not savings accounts, deposits or other obligations of a bank or non-bank subsidiary of Lincoln National Corporation. They are not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other governmental agency.

The notes will not be listed on any securities exchange. Currently, there is no public market for the notes.

Investing in the notes involves risks. See “Risk Factors” beginning on page S-6 of this prospectus supplement and in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, which is incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement.

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus supplement or the accompanying base prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

The underwriters expect to deliver the notes in book-entry form only, through the facilities of The Depository Trust Company, Clearstream Bank, société anonyme or Euroclear Bank SA/NV, as the case may be, on or about March  , 2024 against payment therefor in immediately available funds.

Joint Book-Running Managers

March  , 2024

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

PROSPECTUS

No dealer, salesperson or other person is authorized to give any information or to represent anything not contained, or incorporated by reference, in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus. You must not rely on any unauthorized information or representations. This prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus are an offer to sell only the notes offered hereby, but only under circumstances and in jurisdictions where it is lawful to do so. The information contained in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying base prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference is accurate only as of their respective dates.

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ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

You should rely only on the information contained, or incorporated by reference, in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus. We have not, and the underwriters have not, authorized anyone to provide you with information that is different. If anyone provides you with different or inconsistent information, you should not rely on it. We are not, and the underwriters are not, making an offer to sell the notes in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted or in which the person making such offer or solicitation is not qualified to do so or to any person to whom it is unlawful to make such offer or solicitation. You should not assume that the information in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying base prospectus or any document incorporated by reference is accurate or complete as of any date other than the date of the applicable document. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since that date.

On February 24, 2023, we filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-3 utilizing a shelf registration process relating to the securities described in this prospectus supplement, which became effective upon filing.

This document is in two parts. The first part is the prospectus supplement, which describes the specific terms of the notes the Company is offering and certain other matters relating to the Company. The second part, the accompanying base prospectus, gives more general information about debt securities that the Company may offer from time to time, some of which may not apply to the notes the Company is offering. The rules of the SEC allow us to incorporate by reference information into this prospectus supplement. This information incorporated by reference is considered to be a part of this prospectus supplement, and information that we file later with the SEC, to the extent incorporated by reference, will automatically update and supersede this information. See “Documents Incorporated by Reference.” You should read this prospectus supplement along with the accompanying base prospectus, as well as the documents incorporated by reference. If the description of the offering varies between this prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus, you should rely on the information in this prospectus supplement.

Unless otherwise indicated, or the context otherwise requires, references in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus to the “Company,” “LNC,” the “Issuer,” “we,” “us,” and “our” or similar terms are to Lincoln National Corporation and not to its subsidiaries.

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CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Except for historical information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus, statements made, or incorporated by reference, in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (“PSLRA”). A forward-looking statement is a statement that is not a historical fact and, without limitation, includes any statement that may predict, forecast, indicate or imply future results, performance or achievements. Forward-looking statements may contain words like: “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project,” “shall,” “will” and other words or phrases with similar meaning in connection with a discussion of future operating or financial performance. In particular, these include statements relating to future actions, trends in our businesses, prospective services or products, future performance or financial results and the outcome of contingencies, such as legal proceedings. We claim the protection afforded by the safe harbor for forward-looking statements provided by the PSLRA.

Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those expressed in or implied by such forward-looking statements due to a variety of factors, including:

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The risks and uncertainties included here are not exhaustive. Other sections of this prospectus supplement, including “Risk Factors” beginning on page S-6, our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, and other reports that we file with the SEC include additional factors that could affect our businesses and financial performance. Moreover, we operate in a rapidly changing and competitive environment. New risk factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for management to predict all such risk factors.

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

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AVAILABLE INFORMATION

We file reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. The SEC maintains an Internet site that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC. The address of the SEC’s Internet site is http://www.sec.gov.

We have filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-270000) with respect to the notes that we are offering through this prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus. This registration statement, together with all amendments, exhibits and documents incorporated by reference, is referred to as the “registration statement.” This prospectus supplement does not contain all of the information included in the registration statement. Certain parts of the registration statement are omitted in accordance with the rules and regulations of the SEC. For further information, reference is made to the registration statement.

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DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

The SEC allows us to “incorporate by reference” the information in documents that we file with them. This means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to those documents. The information incorporated by reference is an important part of this prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus, and information in documents that we file after the date of this prospectus supplement and before the termination of the offering will automatically update information in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus.

We incorporate by reference into this prospectus supplement:

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RISK FACTORS

Your investment in the notes involves risks. You should carefully consider the risks described below as well as other information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus, including our financial statements and the notes thereto, before making an investment decision. For a discussion of the risks related to our business, see Item 1A. “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, which is incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement. The risks and uncertainties described below and incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus are not the only ones facing our company. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also impair our business operations. If any of these risks actually occur, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially affected. In that case, the value of the notes could decline substantially.

We Operate Through Our Subsidiaries and, as a Result, the Notes will Effectively be Subordinated to the Liabilities of Our Subsidiaries.

We are a holding company operating primarily through our insurance subsidiaries, and our primary assets are our equity interests in those subsidiaries. As a result, our right to receive assets upon the liquidation or recapitalization of any of our subsidiaries and your consequent right to participate in those assets, is subject to the claims of such subsidiaries’ creditors. Accordingly, our obligations, including the notes, are effectively subordinated to all existing and future indebtedness and other liabilities, including insurance policy-related liabilities, of our subsidiaries, other than any such obligations guaranteed on a senior basis by our subsidiaries. As of December 31, 2023, our subsidiaries had approximately $169.1 billion of outstanding liabilities that effectively rank and would effectively rank senior to our current and future senior debt securities. Our subsidiaries may incur further indebtedness in the future. The notes are exclusively obligations of LNC. Our subsidiaries are not guarantors of the notes and have no obligation to pay any amounts due on the notes. Our subsidiaries are not required to provide us with funds for our payment obligations, whether by dividends, distributions, loans or other payments. In addition, any payment of dividends, distributions, loans or advances by our subsidiaries to us could be subject to statutory or contractual restrictions. Payments to us by our subsidiaries will also be contingent upon our subsidiaries’ earnings and business considerations. The notes are unsecured.

We and Our Subsidiaries May Incur Additional Indebtedness that May Adversely Affect Our Ability to Meet Our Financial Obligations Under the Notes.

The terms of the indenture and the notes do not limit the incurrence by us or our subsidiaries of indebtedness. We and our subsidiaries may incur additional indebtedness in the future, which could have important consequences to holders of the notes. For example, we may have insufficient cash to meet our financial obligations, including our obligations under the notes. Furthermore, our ability to obtain additional financing for the repayment of the notes, working capital, capital expenditures or general corporate purposes could be impaired. Additional debt could make us more vulnerable to changes in general economic conditions and also could affect the financial strength ratings of our insurance subsidiaries and the ratings of the notes.

We May Be Unable to Repay the Notes if Our Subsidiaries are Unable to Pay Dividends or Make Advances to Us.

At maturity, the entire outstanding principal amount of the notes will become due and payable by us. We may not have sufficient funds to pay the principal amount due. If we do not have sufficient funds on hand or available through existing borrowing facilities or through the declaration and payment of dividends by our subsidiaries, we will need to seek additional financing. Additional financing may not be available to us in the amounts necessary. We, as a holding company, are dependent upon dividends from our subsidiaries to enable us to service our outstanding debt, including the notes. For more information, see “—Liquidity and Capital Position—Because we are a holding company with no direct operations, the inability of our subsidiaries to pay

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dividends to us in sufficient amounts would harm our ability to meet our obligations” in Item 1A. “Risk Factors” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023.

An Active Trading Market for the Notes May Not Develop.

The notes are a new issue of securities for which there is currently no public market. Any trading of any of the notes may be at a discount from their initial offering price, depending on prevailing interest rates, the market for similar securities, our performance and other factors. In addition, we do not know whether an active trading market will develop for the notes. To the extent that an active trading market does not develop for the notes, the liquidity and trading prices for the notes may be harmed.

We do not intend to apply for the notes to be listed on any securities exchange or to arrange for the notes to be quoted on any quotation system. The underwriters have advised us that they currently intend to make a market in the notes. However, they are not obligated to do so and may discontinue any market making with respect to the notes at any time, for any reason or for no reason, without notice. If the underwriters cease to act as a market maker for the notes, we cannot assure you another firm or person will make a market in the notes.

The liquidity of any market for the notes will depend upon the number of holders of the notes, our results of operations and financial condition, the market for similar securities, the interest of securities dealers in making a market in the notes and other factors. An active or liquid trading market for the notes may not develop. We cannot assure you that you will be able to sell your notes at favorable prices or at all.

A Downgrade, Suspension or Withdrawal of the Rating Assigned by a Rating Agency to the Notes, if any, Could Cause the Liquidity or Market Value of the Notes to Decline Significantly.

Our credit ratings are an assessment by rating agencies of our ability to pay our debts when due. Consequently, real or anticipated changes in our credit ratings will generally affect the market value of the notes. These credit ratings may not reflect the potential impact of risks relating to the structure or marketing of the notes. Credit ratings are not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold any security, and may be revised or withdrawn at any time by the issuing organization in its sole discretion. Neither we nor any underwriter undertakes any obligation to maintain the ratings or to advise holders of the notes of any changes in ratings. Each agency’s rating should be evaluated independently of any other agency’s rating.

In addition, credit rating agencies continually review their ratings for the companies that they follow, including us. The credit rating agencies also evaluate the insurance industry as a whole and may change their credit rating for us based on their overall view of our industry. A negative change in our rating could have an adverse effect on the price of the notes.

The notes will be rated by S&P Global Ratings, Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. and/or Fitch Ratings. There can be no assurance that these ratings will remain for any given period of time or that these ratings will not be lowered or withdrawn entirely by a rating agency if in that rating agency’s judgment future circumstances relating to the basis of the rating, such as adverse changes in our company, so warrant. For more information, see “—Liquidity and Capital Position—A decrease in the capital and surplus of our insurance subsidiaries may result in a downgrade to our credit and insurer financial strength ratings” in Item 1A. “Risk Factors” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023.

We Have Made Only Limited Covenants in the Indenture, which May Not Protect Your Investment if We Experience Significant Adverse Changes in Our Financial Condition or Results of Operations.

The indenture governing the notes does not:

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Our ability to incur additional debt and take a number of other actions that are not limited by the terms of the notes could negatively affect the value of the notes.

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USE OF PROCEEDS

We estimate that, after deducting the underwriting discounts and estimated expenses payable by us, our net proceeds from this offering will be approximately $   million. We intend to use the net proceeds from this offering to retire outstanding indebtedness, which may include funding all or portions of (i) the repayment of borrowings under our term loan agreement dated December 3, 2019, as amended, and due 2024 (the “Existing Term Loan Facility”), which as of March 8, 2024 bore interest at a rate of SOFR + 122.5 bps, $250 million of which were outstanding as of March 8, 2024, (ii) the repayment of our 3.35% senior notes due 2025, of which $300 million principal amount was outstanding as of March 8, 2024, on or prior to their maturity, and (iii) possible repurchases of other of our outstanding debt securities, as well as to pay fees and expenses in respect of the foregoing.

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CAPITALIZATION

The following table sets forth our consolidated capitalization as of December 31, 2023:

The following data is qualified in its entirety by, and should be read in conjunction with, our audited annual consolidated financial statements and notes thereto incorporated in this prospectus supplement by reference.

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DESCRIPTION OF NOTES

The following description of the particular terms of the notes offered hereby supplements, and to the extent inconsistent therewith replaces, the description of the general terms and provisions described under the caption “Description of Securities We May Sell—Senior and Subordinated Debt Securities” in the accompanying base prospectus.

The following summary of the terms and provisions of the notes does not describe every aspect of the notes and the indenture and is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by, all the provisions of the indenture and the notes, including definitions of certain terms used in the indenture and the notes. You should read the indenture and the notes because they, and not this description, define your rights as a holder of the notes.

General

The notes will be issued under an indenture, dated as of March 10, 2009, as supplemented by a first supplemental indenture, dated as of August 18, 2020, in each case, between us and The Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee (as so supplemented, the “indenture”). The notes will mature on March   , 2034.

The aggregate principal amount of the notes issued on the issue date will be $   .

We may, without the consent of any then-existing holders of this series of notes, “reopen” this series of notes and issue an unlimited principal amount of additional notes in the future. Provided that such additional notes are fungible for U.S. federal income tax purposes with any then-existing notes of this series, such additional notes will be deemed part of the same series as the series of notes offered hereby.

Unless previously redeemed or purchased and cancelled, we will repay the notes in cash at 100% of their principal amount together with accrued and unpaid interest thereon at maturity. We will pay principal and interest on the notes in U.S. dollars.

The notes will be our senior unsecured debt obligations and will rank equally among themselves and with all of our other present and future unsecured unsubordinated indebtedness. The indenture does not limit the aggregate principal amount of senior debt securities that may be issued.

The notes will be redeemable by us at any time prior to maturity as described below.

The notes will not be subject to a sinking fund. The notes will be issued in fully registered book-entry form only in minimum denominations of $2,000 principal amount and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof. The notes will be issued in the form of global securities. The global securities will be deposited with, or on behalf of, DTC, and registered in the name of DTC or a nominee, as further described below.

The provisions of the indenture relating to defeasance, which are described under the caption “Description of the Securities We May Sell—Senior and Subordinated Debt Securities—Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance” in the accompanying base prospectus, will apply to the notes.

If the scheduled maturity date of the notes falls on a day that is not a business day, the payment of interest and principal will be made on the next succeeding business day, and no interest on such payment shall accrue for the period from and after the scheduled maturity date.

Interest

The notes will bear interest at a rate of  % per year. Interest on the notes will accrue from March  , 2024 or from the most recent interest payment date to which interest has been paid or provided for, to but excluding the relevant interest payment date.

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We will make interest payments semi-annually in arrears on each March    and September   , commencing on September   , 2024, to the person in whose name such notes are registered at the close of business on the immediately preceding March 1 or September 1. Interest on the notes will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year comprised of twelve 30-day months.

If an interest payment date for the notes falls on a day that is not a business day, the interest payment shall be postponed to the next succeeding business day, and no interest on such payment shall accrue for the period from and after such interest payment date.

Optional Redemption of the Notes

Prior to    ,    (    months prior to their maturity date) (the “Par Call Date”), we may redeem the notes at our option, in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time, at a redemption price (expressed as a percentage of principal amount and rounded to three decimal places) equal to the greater of:

On or after the Par Call Date, we may redeem the notes, in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes being redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon to the redemption date.

“Treasury Rate” means, with respect to any redemption date, the yield determined by us in accordance with the following two paragraphs.

The Treasury Rate shall be determined by us after 4:15 p.m., New York City time (or after such time as yields on U.S. government securities are posted daily by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System), on the third business day preceding the redemption date based upon the yield or yields for the most recent day that appear after such time on such day in the most recent statistical release published by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System designated as “Selected Interest Rates (Daily)—H.15” (or any successor designation or publication) (“H.15”) under the caption “U.S. government securities–Treasury constant maturities–Nominal” (or any successor caption or heading) (“H.15 TCM”). In determining the Treasury Rate, we shall select, as applicable: (1) the yield for the Treasury constant maturity on H.15 exactly equal to the period from the redemption date to the Par Call Date (the “Remaining Life”); or (2) if there is no such Treasury constant maturity on H.15 exactly equal to the Remaining Life, the two yields – one yield corresponding to the Treasury constant maturity on H.15 immediately shorter than and one yield corresponding to the Treasury constant maturity on H.15 immediately longer than the Remaining Life—and shall interpolate to the Par Call Date on a straight-line basis (using the actual number of days) using such yields and rounding the result to three decimal places; or (3) if there is no such Treasury constant maturity on H.15 shorter than or longer than the Remaining Life, the yield for the single Treasury constant maturity on H.15 closest to the Remaining Life. For purposes of this paragraph, the applicable Treasury constant maturity or maturities on H.15 shall be deemed to have a maturity date equal to the relevant number of months or years, as applicable, of such Treasury constant maturity from the redemption date.

If on the third business day preceding the redemption date H.15 TCM is no longer published, we shall calculate the Treasury Rate based on the rate per annum equal to the semi-annual equivalent yield to maturity at 11:00 a.m., New York City time, on the second business day preceding such redemption date of the United States

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Treasury security maturing on, or with a maturity that is closest to, the Par Call Date, as applicable. If there is no United States Treasury security maturing on the Par Call Date but there are two or more United States Treasury securities with a maturity date equally distant from the Par Call Date, one with a maturity date preceding the Par Call Date and one with a maturity date following the Par Call Date, we shall select the United States Treasury security with a maturity date preceding the Par Call Date. If there are two or more United States Treasury securities maturing on the Par Call Date or two or more United States Treasury securities meeting the criteria of the preceding sentence, we shall select from among these two or more United States Treasury securities the United States Treasury security that is trading closest to par based upon the average of the bid and asked prices for such United States Treasury securities at 11:00 a.m., New York City time. In determining the Treasury Rate in accordance with the terms of this paragraph, the semi-annual yield to maturity of the applicable United States Treasury security shall be based upon the average of the bid and asked prices (expressed as a percentage of principal amount) at 11:00 a.m., New York City time, of such United States Treasury security, and rounded to three decimal places.

Our actions and determinations in determining the redemption price shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes, absent manifest error. The Trustee shall have no responsibility to determine or calculate the redemption price.

Notice of any redemption will be mailed or electronically delivered (or otherwise transmitted in accordance with the depositary’s procedures) at least 10 days but not more than 60 days before the redemption date to each holder of notes to be redeemed.

In the case of a partial redemption, selection of the notes for redemption will be made, in the case of definitive notes, pro rata, by lot or by such other method as the Trustee in its sole discretion deems appropriate and fair. No notes of a principal amount of $2,000 or less will be redeemed in part. If any note is to be redeemed in part only, the notice of redemption that relates to the note will state the portion of the principal amount of the note to be redeemed. A new note in a principal amount equal to the unredeemed portion of the note will be issued in the name of the holder of the note upon surrender for cancellation of the original note. For so long as the notes are held by DTC (or another depositary), the redemption of the notes shall be done in accordance with the policies and procedures of the depositary.

Unless we default in payment of the redemption price, on and after the redemption date interest will cease to accrue on the notes or portions thereof called for redemption.

Regarding the Trustee

We and our affiliates maintain various commercial and service relationships with the trustee and its affiliates in the ordinary course of business. In particular, the trustee is a lender in our $2.0 billion credit facility. The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. also maintains other various relationships with us and some of our affiliates.

Book-Entry System

Upon issuance, the notes will be represented by fully registered global certificates, each of which we refer to as a “global security.” Each such global security will be deposited with, or on behalf of, DTC, and registered in the name of DTC or a nominee thereof. Unless and until it is exchanged in whole or in part for notes in definitive form, no global security may be transferred except as a whole by DTC to a nominee of DTC or by a nominee of DTC to DTC or another nominee of DTC or by DTC or any such nominee to a successor of DTC or a nominee of such successor.

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Beneficial interests in the notes will be represented through book-entry accounts of financial institutions acting on behalf of beneficial owners as direct and indirect participants in DTC. Investors may elect to hold interests in the notes held by DTC through Clearstream Bank, société anonyme, referred to as “Clearstream, Luxembourg,” or Euroclear Bank SA/NV, as operator of the Euroclear System, referred to as the “Euroclear operator,” if they are participants in such systems, or indirectly through organizations that are participants in such systems. Clearstream, Luxembourg and the Euroclear operator will hold interests on behalf of their participants through customers’ securities accounts in Clearstream, Luxembourg’s and the Euroclear operator’s names on the books of their respective depositaries, which in turn will hold such interests in customers’ securities accounts in the depositaries’ names on the books of DTC.

So long as DTC, or its nominee, is a registered owner of a note, DTC or its nominee, as the case may be, will be considered the sole owner or holder of the notes represented by such note for all purposes under the indenture or other governing documents. Except as provided below, the actual owners of the notes represented by a note, referred to as the “beneficial owner,” will not be entitled to have the notes represented by such note registered in their names, will not receive or be entitled to receive physical delivery of the notes in definitive form and will not be considered the registered owners or holders thereof under the indenture.

Accordingly, each person owning a beneficial interest in a note must rely on the procedures of DTC and, if such person is not a participant of DTC, referred to as a “participant,” on the procedures of the participant through which such person owns its interest, to exercise any rights of a holder under the indenture. We understand that under existing industry practices, in the event that LNC requests any action of holders or that an owner of a beneficial interest that a holder is entitled to give or take under the indenture, DTC would authorize the participants holding the relevant beneficial interests to give or take such action, and such participants would authorize beneficial owners owning through such participants to give or take such action or would otherwise act upon the instructions of beneficial owners. Conveyance of notices and other communications by DTC to participants, by participants to indirect participants, as defined below, and by participants and indirect participants to beneficial owners will be governed by arrangements among them, subject to any statutory or regulatory requirements as may be in effect from time to time.

The following is based on information furnished by DTC:

DTC will act as securities depository for the notes. Offered securities will be issued as fully registered securities registered in the name of Cede & Co. (DTC’s partnership nominee) or such other name as may be requested by an authorized representative of DTC. Global securities will be issued for the notes, in the aggregate principal amount of the notes, and will be deposited with DTC.

DTC is a limited-purpose trust company organized under the New York Banking Law, a “banking organization” within the meaning of the New York Banking Law, a member of the Federal Reserve System, a “clearing corporation” within the meaning of the New York Uniform Commercial Code, and a “clearing agency” registered pursuant to the provisions of Section 17A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. DTC holds securities that its participants deposit with DTC. DTC also facilitates the post-trade settlement among participants of sales and other securities transactions in deposited securities, through electronic computerized book-entry transfers and pledges between participants’ accounts, thereby eliminating the need for physical movement of securities certificates. Direct participants of DTC, referred to as “direct participants,” include both U.S. and non-U.S. securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations and certain other organizations. DTC is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation, referred to as “DTCC.” DTCC is the holding company for DTC, National Securities Clearing Corporation and Fixed Income Clearing Corporation, all of which are registered clearing agencies. DTCC is owned by the users of its regulated subsidiaries. Access to DTC’s system is also available to others such as both U.S. and non-U.S. securities brokers and dealers, banks and trust companies, and clearing corporations that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a direct participant, either directly or indirectly, referred to as “indirect participants.” The rules applicable to DTC and its participants are on file with the SEC.

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Purchases of the notes under DTC’s system must be made by or through direct participants, which will receive a credit for the notes on DTC’s records. The ownership interest of each beneficial owner is in turn to be recorded on the records of direct participants and indirect participants. Beneficial owners will not receive written confirmation from DTC of their purchase, but beneficial owners are expected to receive written confirmations providing details of the transaction, as well as periodic statements of their holdings, from the direct participants or indirect participants through which such beneficial owner entered into the transaction. Transfers of ownership interests in the notes are to be accomplished by entries made on the books of direct participants and indirect participants acting on behalf of beneficial owners. Beneficial owners will not receive certificates representing their ownership interests in the notes, except in the event that the use of the book-entry system for the notes is discontinued or other limited circumstances that may be provided in the indenture.

To facilitate subsequent transfers, all notes deposited by direct participants with DTC are registered in the name of DTC’s partnership nominee, Cede & Co., or such other name as may be requested by an authorized representative of DTC. The deposit of the notes with DTC and their registration in the name of Cede & Co. or such other DTC nominee do not effect any change in beneficial ownership. DTC has no knowledge of the actual beneficial owners of the notes. DTC’s records reflect only the identity of the direct participants to whose accounts such notes are credited, which may or may not be the beneficial owners. The direct participants and indirect participants will remain responsible for keeping account of their holdings on behalf of their customers.

Conveyance of notices and other communications by DTC to direct participants, by direct participants to indirect participants, and by direct participants and indirect participants to beneficial owners will be governed by arrangements among them, subject to any statutory or regulatory requirements as may be in effect from time to time.

Neither DTC nor Cede & Co. (nor any other DTC nominee) will consent or vote with respect to the notes. Under its usual procedures, DTC mails an Omnibus Proxy to LNC as soon as possible after the applicable record date. The Omnibus Proxy assigns Cede & Co.’s consenting or voting rights to those direct participants to whose accounts securities are credited on the applicable record date (identified in a listing attached to the Omnibus Proxy).

Payments on the notes will be made in immediately available funds to Cede & Co., or such other nominee as may be requested by an authorized representative of DTC. DTC’s practice is to credit direct participants’ accounts upon DTC’s receipt of funds and corresponding detail information from LNC or the applicable agent, on the applicable payment date in accordance with their respective holdings shown on DTC’s records. Payments by participants to beneficial owners will be governed by standing instructions and customary practices, as is the case with securities held for the accounts of customers in bearer form or registered in “street name,” and will be the responsibility of such participant and not of DTC, the applicable agent or LNC, subject to any statutory or regulatory requirements as may be in effect from time to time. Any payment to Cede & Co. (or such other nominee as may be requested by an authorized representative of DTC) is the responsibility of LNC or the applicable agent, disbursement of such payments to direct participants shall be the responsibility of DTC, and disbursement of such payments to the beneficial owners shall be the responsibility of direct participants and indirect participants.

DTC may discontinue providing its services as securities depository with respect to the notes at any time by giving reasonable notice to LNC or the applicable agent. Under such circumstances, in the event that a successor securities depository is not obtained, offered security certificates are required to be printed and delivered. LNC may decide to discontinue use of the system of book-entry transfers through DTC (or a successor securities depositary). In that event, offered security certificates will be printed and delivered.

Clearstream, Luxembourg advises that it is incorporated under the laws of Luxembourg as a professional depository. Clearstream, Luxembourg holds securities for its participating organizations, referred to as “Clearstream participants,” and facilitates the clearance and settlement of securities transactions between

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Clearstream participants through electronic book-entry changes in accounts of Clearstream participants, thereby eliminating the need for physical movement of certificates. Clearstream, Luxembourg provides to Clearstream participants, among other things, services for safekeeping, administration, clearance and settlement of internationally traded securities and securities lending and borrowing. Clearstream, Luxembourg interfaces with domestic markets in several countries. As a professional depository, Clearstream, Luxembourg is subject to regulation by the Luxembourg Monetary Institute.

Clearstream participants are recognized financial institutions around the world, including underwriters, securities brokers and dealers, trust companies, clearing corporations and certain other organizations and may include the underwriters. Indirect access to Clearstream, Luxembourg is also available to others, such as banks, brokers, dealers and trust companies that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a Clearstream participant either directly or indirectly.

Distributions with respect to the notes held beneficially through Clearstream, Luxembourg will be credited to cash accounts of Clearstream participants in accordance with its rules and procedures, to the extent received by the U.S. depositary for Clearstream, Luxembourg.

Euroclear advises that it was created in 1968 to hold securities for its participants, referred to as “Euroclear participants,” and to clear and settle transactions between Euroclear participants through simultaneous electronic book-entry delivery against payment, thereby eliminating the need for physical movement of certificates and any risk from lack of simultaneous transfers of securities and cash. Euroclear includes various other services, including securities lending and borrowing and interfaces with domestic markets in several countries. Euroclear is owned by Euroclear Clearance System Public Limited Company and operated through a license agreement by the Euroclear operator.

Euroclear participants include banks (including central banks), securities brokers and dealers and other professional financial intermediaries and may include the underwriters or agents for the notes. Indirect access to Euroclear is also available to others that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a Euroclear participant, either directly or indirectly.

The Euroclear operator is regulated and examined by the Belgian Banking and Finance Commission and the National Bank of Belgium. Securities clearance accounts and cash accounts with the Euroclear operator are governed by the Terms and Conditions Governing Use of Euroclear and the related Operating Procedures of Euroclear, and applicable Belgian law, collectively referred to as the “Terms and Conditions.” The Terms and Conditions govern transfers of securities and cash within Euroclear, withdrawals of securities and cash from Euroclear, and receipts of payments with respect to securities in Euroclear. All securities in Euroclear are held on a fungible basis without attribution of specific certificates to specific securities clearance accounts. The Euroclear operator acts under the Terms and Conditions only on behalf of Euroclear participants, and has no record of or relationship with persons holding through Euroclear participants.

Distributions with respect to the notes held beneficially through Euroclear will be credited to the cash accounts of Euroclear participants in accordance with the Terms and Conditions, to the extent received by the U.S. depositary for Euroclear.

Global Clearance and Settlement Procedures

Initial settlement for the notes will be made in immediately available funds. Secondary market trading between DTC participants will occur in the ordinary way in accordance with DTC’s rules and will be settled in immediately available funds using DTC’s Same-Day Funds Settlement System. If and to the extent this prospectus supplement with respect to any of the notes indicates that investors may elect to hold interests in the notes through Clearstream, Luxembourg or Euroclear, secondary market trading between Clearstream

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participants and/or Euroclear participants will occur in the ordinary way in accordance with the applicable rules and operating procedures of Clearstream, Luxembourg and Euroclear and will be settled using the procedures applicable to conventional eurobonds in immediately available funds. No assurance can be given as to the effect, if any, of settlement in immediately available funds on trading activity in the notes.

Cross-market transfers between persons holding directly or indirectly through DTC, on the one hand, and directly or indirectly through Clearstream or Euroclear participants, on the other, will be effected in DTC in accordance with DTC rules on behalf of the relevant European international clearing system by its U.S. depositary; however, such cross-market transactions will require delivery of instructions to the relevant European international clearing system by the counterparty in such system in accordance with its rules and procedures and within its established deadlines (European time). The relevant European international clearing system will, if the transaction meets its settlement requirements, deliver instructions to its U.S. depositary to take action to effect final settlement on its behalf by delivering or receiving the notes in DTC, and making or receiving payment in accordance with normal procedures for same-day funds settlement applicable to DTC. Clearstream participants and Euroclear participants may not deliver instructions directly to DTC.

Because of time-zone differences, credits of the notes received in Clearstream, Luxembourg or Euroclear as a result of a transaction with a DTC participant will be made during subsequent securities settlement processing and will be credited the business day following the DTC settlement date. Such credits or any transactions in the notes settled during such processing will be reported to the relevant Euroclear or Clearstream participants on such business day. Cash received in Clearstream, Luxembourg or Euroclear as a result of sales of the notes by or through a Clearstream participant or a Euroclear participant to a DTC participant will be received with value on the DTC settlement date but will be available in the relevant Clearstream, Luxembourg or Euroclear cash account only as of the business day following settlement in DTC.

Although DTC, Clearstream, Luxembourg and Euroclear have agreed to the foregoing procedures in order to facilitate transfers of the notes among participants of DTC, Clearstream, Luxembourg and Euroclear, they are under no obligation to perform or continue to perform such procedures and such procedures may be discontinued at any time.

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CERTAIN MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS

The following is a general discussion of certain material U.S. federal income tax considerations that may be relevant to U.S. Holders and non-U.S. Holders (each as defined below and collectively referred to as “Holders”) with respect to the ownership and disposition of the notes acquired in this offering, but does not purport to be a complete analysis of all the potential tax considerations. This discussion is based on the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (which we refer to as the “Code”), U.S. Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder (which we refer to as “Treasury Regulations”), judicial opinions, published positions of the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) and other applicable authorities, each as in effect as of the date hereof. These authorities are subject to differing interpretations and may change (possibly with retroactive effect), and any such change could affect the accuracy of the statements and conclusions set forth herein. We have not sought and will not seek any ruling from the IRS with respect to the statements made and the conclusions reached in this discussion and there can be no assurance that the IRS will agree with such statements and conclusions.

This discussion applies only to beneficial owners who purchase notes for cash pursuant to this offering at the offer price indicated on the cover page of this prospectus supplement and hold the notes as “capital assets” within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Code (generally, property held for investment). This discussion does not address the tax considerations that may be relevant to subsequent purchasers of the notes. In addition, this discussion does not describe any tax consequences of the ownership or disposition of the notes arising under the unearned income Medicare contribution tax pursuant to the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010, nor the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act, and does not address any U.S. federal tax laws other than those pertaining to the income tax, nor does it address any foreign, state or local tax consequences. We believe, and by acquiring any notes each beneficial holder of a note will agree, that the notes will be treated as debt instruments for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and this discussion assumes such treatment.

This discussion does not address all aspects of U.S. federal income taxation that may be relevant to particular investors in light of their individual circumstances or status or the U.S. federal income tax consequences that may be relevant to Holders subject to special rules under the U.S. federal income tax laws, such as banks or other financial institutions, broker-dealers, insurance companies, regulated investment companies, tax-exempt entities, dealers or traders in securities or currencies, traders in securities that elect the mark-to-market method of accounting for their securities holdings, Holders subject to the alternative minimum tax, U.S. Holders whose “functional currency” is not the U.S. dollar, Holders of notes that are required to accelerate the recognition of any item of gross income with respect to the notes as a result of such income being recognized on an “applicable financial statement,” entities treated as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes or other pass-through entities or partners or members therein, controlled foreign corporations, passive foreign investment companies, U.S. Holders holding the notes through non-U.S. brokers or other intermediaries, non-U.S. trusts and estates that have U.S. beneficiaries, individual retirement and other tax-deferred accounts, real estate investment trusts, certain former citizens or long-term residents of the United States subject to U.S. federal income tax as expatriates, persons holding the notes through a “hybrid entity,” or persons holding the notes as a hedge against currency risks, as a position in a “straddle” or as part of a “wash sale,” “hedging,” “conversion,” “constructive sale,” or other “integrated” transaction for tax purposes.

If a partnership or an entity treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes is a beneficial owner of the notes, the U.S. federal income tax treatment of a partner in the partnership or an equity interest owner of such other entity will generally depend upon the status of the person and the activities of the partnership or other entity treated as a partnership. Thus, persons who for U.S. federal income tax purposes are treated as partners in a partnership or equity interest owners of another entity treated as a partnership holding any of the notes should consult their own tax advisors.

Under certain circumstances, we will be discharged from any and all obligations in respect of the indenture. Such discharge may be treated as a taxable exchange for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding the U.S. federal, state, and local tax consequences of such a discharge.

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As described above in “Description of Notes—Optional Redemption of the Notes,” the terms of the notes provide for payments by us in excess of stated interest or principal, or prior to their scheduled payment dates, under certain circumstances. The possibility of such payments may implicate special rules under Treasury Regulations governing “contingent payment debt instruments.” According to those Treasury Regulations, the possibility that such payments of excess or accelerated amounts will be made will not affect the amount of income a Holder recognizes in advance of the payment of such excess or accelerated amounts, if, in the aggregate, there is only a remote chance as of the date the notes are issued that such payments will be made or if such payments are considered to be incidental. We intend to take the position that the likelihood that such payments will be made is remote or that such payments are incidental, in each case, within the meaning of the applicable Treasury Regulations and therefore the notes do not constitute contingent payment debt instruments. The remainder of this discussion assumes that this position will be respected. Our position that the notes do not constitute contingent payment debt instruments is binding on a Holder unless such Holder discloses its contrary position to the IRS in the manner required by applicable Treasury Regulations. Our position is not, however, binding on the IRS. If the IRS were to challenge this position successfully, a Holder might be required, among other things, to (1) accrue interest income based on a projected payment schedule and comparable yield, which may be in excess of stated interest, and (2) treat as ordinary income rather than capital gain any income recognized on the taxable disposition of a note. In the event a contingency described above occurs, it could affect the timing, amount and/or character of the income or loss recognized by a Holder. Prospective investors should consult their own tax advisors regarding the tax consequences if the notes were treated as contingent payment debt instruments.

THIS DISCUSSION IS FOR GENERAL INFORMATION ONLY AND IS NOT INTENDED TO CONSTITUTE A COMPLETE DESCRIPTION OF ALL TAX CONSIDERATIONS RELEVANT TO U.S. AND NON-U.S. HOLDERS RELATING TO THE OWNERSHIP AND DISPOSITION OF THE NOTES. PROSPECTIVE HOLDERS SHOULD CONSULT THEIR OWN TAX ADVISORS REGARDING THE PARTICULAR TAX CONSEQUENCES TO THEM OF ACQUIRING, OWNING AND DISPOSING OF THE NOTES, INCLUDING THE APPLICATION AND EFFECT OF ANY STATE, LOCAL AND FOREIGN INCOME, ESTATE AND OTHER TAX LAWS.

U.S. Holders of the Notes

As used in this discussion, the term “U.S. Holder” means a beneficial owner of a note offered hereby that is, for U.S. federal income tax purposes:

Interest on the Notes. It is expected, and this discussion assumes, that the offering price of the notes will be equal to the stated principal amount or, if the offering price is less than the stated principal amount, the difference will be less than a de minimis amount of original issue discount for U.S. federal income tax purposes (as set forth in the applicable Treasury regulations). Accordingly, payments of stated interest on a note will generally be taxable to U.S. Holders as ordinary interest income at the time such interest payments are accrued or received, depending on the U.S. Holder’s regular method of accounting for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

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Disposition of Notes. Upon the sale, exchange, redemption, retirement or other taxable disposition of a note offered hereby (collectively, a “Disposition”), a U.S. Holder generally will recognize taxable gain or loss equal to the difference, if any, between (i) the sum of all cash plus the fair market value of all other property received on such Disposition (other than amounts properly attributable to accrued and unpaid interest, which, to the extent not previously included in income, will be taxable as ordinary interest income) and (ii) such U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in the note. A U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in a note generally will be equal to the amount that such U.S. Holder paid for the note. Any gain or loss recognized on the Disposition of a note generally will be capital gain or loss, and will be long-term capital gain or loss if, at the time of the Disposition, the U.S. Holder held the note for a period of more than one year. Long-term capital gains recognized by certain non-corporate U.S. Holders, including individuals, will generally be subject to a reduced tax rate. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations.

Information Reporting and Backup Withholding. Information reporting generally will apply to certain payments of interest on the notes and to payments of the proceeds of a Disposition of a note paid to a U.S. Holder unless such U.S. Holder is an exempt recipient. In general, a U.S. Holder may be subject to U.S. federal backup withholding (currently at a rate of 24% for payments made before January 1, 2026) on such payments on the notes and the proceeds of a Disposition of a note if such U.S. Holder fails to (i) provide a properly completed and executed IRS Form W-9 to the applicable withholding agent providing such U.S. Holder’s correct taxpayer identification number and complying with certain certification requirements or (ii) otherwise establish an exemption from backup withholding. Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules may be refunded or allowed as a credit against the U.S. Holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability, provided that the required information is timely furnished to the IRS. U.S. Holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding their qualification for an exemption from backup withholding and the procedures for establishing such exemption, if applicable.

Non-U.S. Holders of the Notes

As used in this discussion, the term “non-U.S. Holder” means a beneficial owner of a note offered hereby that is not, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, a U.S. Holder as defined above, other than an entity or arrangement that is treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

Interest on the Notes. Subject to the discussion below under “—Backup Withholding, Information Reporting and Other Reporting Requirements,” payments of interest on the notes to a non-U.S. Holder generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income or withholding tax under the “portfolio interest exemption,” provided that:

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If a non-U.S. Holder does not satisfy the requirements of the “portfolio interest exemption” described above, payments of interest on the notes made to such non-U.S. Holder generally will be subject to U.S. federal withholding tax at a rate of 30% (or such lower rate as may be specified by an applicable income tax treaty), unless such interest is effectively connected with such non-U.S. Holder’s conduct of a trade or business in the United States (and, if required by an applicable income tax treaty, is attributable to a permanent establishment of the non-U.S. Holder in the United States) and such non-U.S. Holder provides the applicable withholding agent with a properly completed and executed IRS Form W-8ECI. In order to claim an exemption from or reduction of withholding under an applicable income tax treaty, a non-U.S. Holder generally must furnish to the applicable withholding agent a properly executed IRS Form W-8BEN or W-8BEN-E (or successor form), as applicable. Non-U.S. Holders eligible for an exemption from or reduced rate of U.S. federal withholding tax under an applicable income tax treaty may obtain a refund of any excess amounts withheld by timely filing an appropriate claim with the IRS. Non-U.S. Holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding their entitlement to benefits under an applicable income tax treaty and the requirements for claiming any such benefits.

Interest paid to a non-U.S. Holder that is effectively connected with such non-U.S. Holder’s conduct of a trade or business within the United States (and, if required under an applicable income tax treaty, is attributable to a permanent establishment maintained by such non-U.S. Holder in the United States) generally will not be subject to the U.S. federal withholding tax discussed above, provided that the non-U.S. Holder complies with applicable certification and other requirements. Instead, such interest generally will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on a net income basis at regular graduated U.S. federal income tax rates in the same manner as if such non-U.S. Holder were a United States Person as defined under the Code, unless an applicable income tax treaty provides otherwise. A non-U.S. Holder that is a corporation may be subject to an additional “branch profits tax” at a rate of 30% (or such lower rate as may be specified by an applicable income tax treaty) on its “effectively connected earnings and profits” for the taxable year, subject to certain adjustments.

Disposition of Notes. Subject to the discussion below under “—Backup Withholding, Information Reporting and Other Reporting Requirements,” generally, any gain realized on the Disposition of a note by a non-U.S. Holder (other than amounts properly attributable to accrued and unpaid interest, which, to the extent not previously included in income, generally will be treated as described under “—Non-U.S. Holder of the Notes—Interest on the Notes”) will not be subject to U.S. federal income or withholding tax unless: (i) such gain is effectively connected with such non-U.S. Holder’s conduct of a trade or business within the United States (and, if required under an applicable income tax treaty, is attributable to a permanent establishment (or, in the case of an individual, a fixed base) maintained by such non-U.S. Holder in the United States), in which event such gain generally will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on a net income basis at regular graduated U.S. federal income tax rates in the same manner as if such non-U.S. Holder were a U.S. person, or (ii) such non-U.S. Holder is an individual who is present in the United States for a period or periods aggregating 183 days or more during the taxable year of the Disposition and certain other conditions are met, in which event such gain (net of certain U.S.-source capital losses, if any, of the non-U.S. Holder) generally will be subject to U.S. federal income tax at a 30% flat rate (or such lower rate as may be specified under an applicable income tax treaty).

Backup Withholding, Information Reporting and Other Reporting Requirements. U.S. backup withholding tax (currently at a rate of 24% for payments made before January 1, 2026) is imposed on certain payments to persons that fail to furnish the information required under the U.S. information reporting rules. Interest paid to a non-U.S. Holder generally will be exempt from backup withholding if the non-U.S. Holder provides the applicable withholding agent with a properly completed and executed IRS Form W-8BEN or W-8BEN-E (or successor form), as applicable, or otherwise establishes an exemption.

In addition, we must report annually to the IRS and to each non-U.S. Holder the amount of interest paid to such non-U.S. Holder and the amount of tax, if any, withheld with respect to such payments. These reporting requirements apply regardless of whether withholding was reduced or eliminated by an applicable income tax treaty. This information may also be made available to the tax authorities in the country in which a non-U.S. Holder resides or is established under the provisions of an applicable tax treaty or agreement with those tax authorities.

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Under Treasury Regulations, the payment of proceeds from the Disposition of a note by a non-U.S. Holder effected at a U.S. office of a broker generally will be subject to information reporting and backup withholding, unless such non-U.S. Holder provides a properly completed and executed IRS Form W-8BEN or W-8BEN-E, or other applicable IRS Form W-8 (or successor form), as applicable, certifying such non-U.S. Holder’s non-U.S. status or otherwise establishes an exemption. The payment of proceeds from the Disposition of a note by a non-U.S. Holder effected at a non-U.S. office of a U.S. broker or a non-U.S. broker with certain specified U.S. connections generally will be subject to information reporting (but not backup withholding), unless such non-U.S. Holder provides a properly executed IRS Form W-8BEN or W-8BEN-E or other applicable IRS Form W-8 (or successor form), as applicable, certifying such non-U.S. Holder’s non-U.S. status or otherwise establishes an exemption. Backup withholding will apply if the Disposition is subject to information reporting and the broker has actual knowledge that the non-U.S. Holder is a U.S. person.

Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules may be refunded or allowed as a credit against the non-U.S. Holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability, if any, provided that the required information is furnished to the IRS in a timely manner. Non-U.S. Holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding the application of the information reporting and backup withholding rules to them.

THE FOREGOING DISCUSSION DOES NOT DISCUSS ALL ASPECTS OF U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAXATION THAT MAY BE RELEVANT TO INVESTORS IN LIGHT OF THEIR PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES AND INCOME TAX SITUATION. INVESTORS SHOULD CONSULT THEIR OWN TAX ADVISORS AS TO THE SPECIFIC TAX CONSEQUENCES THAT WOULD RESULT FROM THEIR PURCHASE, OWNERSHIP AND DISPOSITION OF THE NOTES, INCLUDING THE APPLICATION AND EFFECT OF STATE, LOCAL AND OTHER TAX LAWS AND THE POSSIBLE EFFECTS OF CHANGES IN FEDERAL OR OTHER TAX LAWS.

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CERTAIN ERISA CONSIDERATIONS

Each person considering the use of plan assets of a pension, profit-sharing or other employee benefit plan, individual retirement account (“IRA”), Keogh plan or other retirement plan, account or arrangement, or a “plan,” to acquire or hold the notes should consider whether an investment in the notes would be consistent with the documents and instruments governing the plan and with its fiduciary duties, including satisfaction of applicable prudence and diversification requirements, and whether the investment would involve a prohibited transaction under Section 406 of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”), or Section 4975 of the Code, or under any other applicable federal, state, local or non-U.S. or other laws, rules or regulations that are similar to the provisions of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code, or “Similar Laws.”

Section 406 of ERISA and Section 4975 of the Code prohibit plans subject to Title I of ERISA and/or Section 4975 of the Code, including entities such as collective investment funds, partnerships and separate accounts or insurance company pooled separate accounts or insurance company general accounts whose underlying assets include the assets of such plans, or collectively, “Plans,” from engaging in certain transactions involving “Plan assets” with persons who are “parties in interest” under ERISA or “disqualified persons” under the Code with respect to the Plan. Such parties in interest or disqualified persons could include, without limitation, LNC, the underwriters or any of their respective affiliates. A violation of these prohibited transaction rules may result in civil penalties or other liabilities under ERISA, loss of tax-exempt status and/or an excise tax under Section 4975 of the Code for those persons, unless exemptive relief is available under an applicable statutory, regulatory or administrative exemption. Certain plans including those that are governmental plans (as defined in Section 3(32) of ERISA), certain church plans (as defined in Section 3(33) of ERISA) and non-U.S. plans (as described in Section 4(b)(4) of ERISA) are not subject to the requirements of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code, but may be subject to similar provisions under Similar Laws. The acquisition or holding of the notes by or on behalf of a Plan with respect to which LNC, the underwriters or any of their respective affiliates are or become a party in interest or a disqualified person may constitute or result in prohibited transactions under ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code, unless the notes are acquired or held pursuant to and in accordance with an applicable exemption. Certain prohibited transaction class exemptions (“PTCEs”) issued by the U.S. Department of Labor may provide exemptive relief for direct or indirect prohibited transactions resulting from the purchase or holding of the notes. Those class exemptions include PTCE 96-23 (for certain transactions determined by in-house asset managers), PTCE 95-60 (for certain transactions involving insurance company general accounts), PTCE 91-38 (for certain transactions involving bank collective investment funds), PTCE 90-1 (for certain transactions involving insurance company separate accounts) and PTCE 84-14 (for certain transactions determined by independent qualified asset managers). In addition, ERISA Section 408(b)(17) and Section 4975(d)(20) of the Code may provide a limited exemption for the purchase and sale of the notes and related lending transactions, provided that neither the issuer of the notes nor any of its affiliates have or exercise any discretionary authority or control or render any investment advice with respect to the assets of the Plan involved in the transaction and provided further that the Plan pays no more, and receives no less, than adequate consideration in connection with the transaction (the so-called “service provider exemption”). There can be no assurance that any of these statutory or class exemptions will be available with respect to transactions involving the notes.

Accordingly, the notes may not be purchased or held by any Plan, any entity whose underlying assets include “Plan assets” by reason of any Plan’s investment in the entity or any person investing “Plan assets” of any Plan, unless such purchase or holding is eligible for the exemptive relief available under PTCE 96-23, 95-60, 91-38, 90-1 or 84-14 or the service-provider exemption or there is some other basis on which the purchase and holding of the notes will not constitute a non-exempt prohibited transaction under ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code.

Each purchaser or holder of the notes or any interest therein, and each person making the decision to purchase or hold the notes on behalf of any such purchaser or holder, will be deemed by its acquisition of the notes to have represented and warranted in both its individual capacity and its representative capacity (if any),

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that on each day from the date on which the purchaser or holder acquires its interest in the notes to the date on which the purchaser disposes of its interest in the notes, either (i) such purchaser and holder is not acquiring or holding the notes with “plan assets” of any Plan or the assets of any governmental plan, church plan or non-U.S. plan, or (ii) (A) its purchase and holding of the notes will not result in a non-exempt prohibited transaction under Section 406 of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code or a violation of any Similar Laws, and (B) neither LNC nor any of its affiliates, and with respect to the initial public offering, neither the underwriters nor any of their affiliates, is acting as a fiduciary (within the meaning of Section 3(21) of ERISA or within the meaning of any Similar Laws) in connection with the purchase or holding of the notes and has not provided any advice concerning the purchase or holding of the notes.

Due to the complexity of these rules and the penalties that may be imposed upon persons involved in non-exempt prohibited transactions, it is important that fiduciaries or other persons considering purchasing the notes on behalf of or with “Plan assets” of any Plan, government plan, church plan or non-U.S. plan consult with their counsel regarding the relevant provisions of ERISA, the Code and any Similar Laws and the availability of exemptive relief under any of the PTCEs listed above, the service provider exemption or other applicable exemption or basis on which the acquisition or holding will not constitute a non-exempt prohibited transaction under ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code or a violation of any applicable Similar Laws.

This discussion is based on ERISA, the Code, and other applicable authorities, each as in effect as of the date hereof. These authorities are subject to differing interpretations and may change (possibly with retroactive effect), and any such change could affect the accuracy of the statements and conclusions set forth herein.

Each purchaser or holder of the notes has exclusive responsibility for ensuring that its purchase, holding and subsequent disposition of the notes does not violate the fiduciary or prohibited transaction rules of ERISA, the Code or any applicable Similar Laws. The sale of any notes to any Plan, government plan, church plan or non-U.S. plan is in no respect a representation by us or any of our affiliates or representatives that such an investment meets all relevant legal requirements with respect to investments by such plans generally or any such particular plan, or that such an investment is appropriate for such plans generally or any such particular plan.

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UNDERWRITING (CONFLICTS OF INTEREST)

Under the terms and subject to the conditions contained in an underwriting agreement dated March , 2024, between us and the underwriters named below, each of the underwriters has severally and not jointly agreed to purchase, and we have agreed to sell to each of the underwriters, the respective aggregate principal amount listed opposite their name below.

Under the terms and conditions of the underwriting agreement, if the underwriters purchase any of the notes, then the underwriters are committed to purchase all of the notes. The underwriting agreement also provides that if an underwriter defaults, the purchase commitments of the non-defaulting underwriters may be increased or the offering may be terminated.

Notes sold by the underwriters to the public will initially be offered at the initial public offering price set forth on the cover of this prospectus supplement. Any notes sold by the underwriters to securities dealers may be sold at a discount from the initial public offering price of up to  % of the principal amount of the notes. Any such securities dealers may resell any notes to certain other brokers or dealers at a discount from the initial public offering price of up to  % of the principal amount of the notes. If all the notes are not sold at the initial offering price, the underwriters may change the offering price and the other selling terms. The offering of the notes by the underwriters is subject to receipt and acceptance and subject to the underwriters’ right to reject any order in whole or in part.

The aggregate proceeds to us are set forth on the cover page hereof after deducting the underwriting discounts, but before deducting our expenses in offering the notes. We estimate that the total expenses of this offering, including registration and filing fees, printing fees, rating agency, trustee and legal and accounting fees, but excluding the underwriting discounts, will be approximately $   million.

We have agreed to indemnify the several underwriters against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or to contribute to payments the underwriters may be required to make in respect thereof.

The notes are offered for sale only in those jurisdictions in the United States where it is legal to make such offers. The notes are a new issue of securities with no established trading market. We do not intend to apply for the notes to be listed on any securities exchange or to arrange for the notes to be quoted on any quotation system. We have been advised by the underwriters that they intend to make a market in the notes, but they are not obligated to do so and may discontinue market-making at any time without notice. No assurance can be given as to the liquidity of, or the trading market for, the notes.

In connection with the offering, the underwriters may purchase and sell notes in the open market. These transactions may include short sales, stabilizing transactions and purchases to cover positions created by short sales. Short sales involve the sale by the underwriters of a greater number of notes than they are required to purchase in the offering. Stabilizing transactions consist of certain bids or purchases made for the purpose of preventing or retarding a decline in the market price of the notes while the offering is in progress. The

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underwriters may impose a penalty bid. This occurs when a particular underwriter repays to another underwriter a portion of the underwriting discount received by it because the underwriter has repurchased notes sold by or for the account of that underwriter in stabilizing or short covering transactions.

These activities, as well as other purchases by the underwriters for their own account, may stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the market price of the notes. As a result, the price of the notes may be higher than the price that otherwise might exist in the open market. If these activities are commenced, they may be discontinued by the underwriters at any time. These transactions may be effected in the over-the-counter market or otherwise.

Neither we nor any of the underwriters make any representation or prediction as to the direction or magnitude of any effect that the transactions described above may have on the price of the notes. In addition, neither we nor any of the underwriters make any representation that the underwriters will engage in these transactions or that these transactions, once commenced, will not be discontinued without notice.

We expect that delivery of the notes will be made against payment therefor on or about the closing date of this offering specified on the cover page of this prospectus supplement, which is three business days following the date of pricing of the notes (this settlement cycle being referred to as “T+3”). Under Rule 15c6-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, trades in the secondary market generally are required to settle in two business days, unless the parties to any such trade expressly agree otherwise. Accordingly, purchasers who wish to trade their notes on the date of pricing will be required, by virtue of the fact that the notes initially will settle in T+3, to specify an alternate settlement cycle at the time of any such trade to prevent a failed settlement. Purchasers of notes who wish to trade their notes on the date of pricing should consult their own advisor.

The underwriters and their respective affiliates are full service financial institutions engaged in various activities, which may include securities trading, commercial and investment banking, financial advisory, investment management, investment research, principal investment, hedging, financing and brokerage activities.

From time to time, in the ordinary course of their business, certain of the underwriters and their affiliates have provided, and may in the future provide, various financial advisory, investment banking, commercial banking or investment management services to us and our affiliates, for which they have received and may continue to receive customary fees and commissions. As part of our ordinary course of business, we enter into bilateral open derivative transactions with certain of the underwriters. In addition, the underwriters and their affiliates may, from time to time, engage in transactions with or perform services for us in the ordinary course of business, including acting as distributors of various life, annuity, defined contribution and investment products of our subsidiaries. From time to time, certain of the underwriters and their affiliates may effect transactions for their own account or the account of customers, and hold on behalf of themselves or their customers, long or short positions in our debt or equity securities or loans, and may do so in the future.

In the ordinary course of their various business activities, the underwriters and their respective affiliates may make or hold a broad array of investments and actively trade debt and equity securities (or related derivative securities) and financial instruments (including bank loans) for their own account and for the accounts of their customers, and such investment and securities activities may involve securities and/or instruments of the issuer. The underwriters and their respective affiliates may also make investment recommendations and/or publish or express independent research views in respect of such securities or instruments and may at any time hold, or recommend to clients that they acquire, long and/or short positions in such securities and instruments. Certain of the underwriters or their affiliates that have a lending relationship with us routinely hedge, and certain other of the underwriters or their affiliates may hedge, their credit exposure to us consistent with their customary risk management policies. Typically, such underwriters and their affiliates would hedge such exposure by entering into transactions which consist of either the purchase of credit default swaps or the creation of short positions in our securities, including potentially the notes offered hereby. Any such credit default swaps or short positions could adversely affect future trading prices of the notes offered hereby.

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Underwriters PNC Capital Markets LLC and TD Securities (USA) LLC are lenders on our Existing Term Loan Facility and may receive a portion of the proceeds from this offering, which creates a conflict of interest under FINRA Rule 5121. As a result, the offering is being conducted in accordance with the requirements of FINRA Rule 5121.

Notice to Prospective Investors in Canada

The notes may be sold only to purchasers purchasing, or deemed to be purchasing, as principal that are accredited investors, as defined in National Instrument 45-106 Prospectus Exemptions or subsection 73.3(1) of the Securities Act (Ontario), and are permitted clients, as defined in National Instrument 31-103 Registration Requirements, Exemptions and Ongoing Registrant Obligations. Any resale of the notes must be made in accordance with an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the prospectus requirements of applicable securities laws.

Securities legislation in certain provinces or territories of Canada may provide a purchaser with remedies for rescission or damages if this prospectus supplement (including any amendment thereto) contains a misrepresentation, provided that the remedies for rescission or damages are exercised by the purchaser within the time limit prescribed by the securities legislation of the purchaser’s province or territory. The purchaser should refer to any applicable provisions of the securities legislation of the purchaser’s province or territory for particulars of these rights or consult with a legal advisor.

Pursuant to section 3A.3 of National Instrument 33-105 Underwriting Conflicts (“NI 33-105”), the underwriters are not required to comply with the disclosure requirements of NI 33-105 regarding underwriter conflicts of interest in connection with this offering.

Notice to Prospective Investors in the EEA

The notes are not intended to be offered, sold or otherwise made available to and should not be offered, sold or otherwise made available to any retail investor in the European Economic Area (“EEA”). For the purposes of this provision:

Consequently no key information document required by Regulation (EU) No 1286/2014 (as amended, the “PRIIPs Regulation”) for offering or selling the notes or otherwise making them available to retail investors in the EEA has been prepared and therefore offering or selling the notes or otherwise making them available to any retail investor in the EEA may be unlawful under the PRIIPs Regulation.

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This prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus have been prepared on the basis that any offer of notes in any Member State of the EEA will be made pursuant to an exemption under the Prospectus Regulation from the requirement to publish a prospectus for offers of notes.

Notice to Prospective Investors in the United Kingdom

The notes are not intended to be offered, sold or otherwise made available to and should not be offered, sold or otherwise made available to any retail investor in the United Kingdom (“UK”). For the purposes of this provision:

Consequently no key information document required by Regulation (EU) No 1286/2014 as it forms part of domestic law by virtue of the EUWA (the “UK PRIIPs Regulation”) for offering or selling the notes or otherwise making them available to retail investors in the UK has been prepared and therefore offering or selling the notes or otherwise making them available to any retail investor in the UK may be unlawful under the UK PRIIPs Regulation.

This prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus have been prepared on the basis that any offer of notes in the UK will be made pursuant to an exemption under the UK Prospectus Regulation from the requirement to publish a prospectus for offers of notes.

This prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus may only be communicated or caused to be communicated to persons in the UK in circumstances where section 21(1) of the FSMA does not apply. Accordingly, this prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus are only being distributed to and are only directed at: (i) persons who are outside the UK; or (ii) investment professionals falling within Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005, as amended (the “Order”); or (iii) high net worth entities, and other persons to whom it may lawfully be communicated, falling within Articles 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Order, all such persons together being referred to as “relevant persons.” The notes are only available to, and any invitation, offer or agreement to subscribe, purchase or otherwise acquire the notes will be engaged in only with, relevant persons. Any person who is not a relevant person should not act or rely on this prospectus supplement, the accompanying base prospectus or any of their contents.

Notice to Prospective Investors in Hong Kong

The notes may not be offered or sold by means of any document other than (i) in circumstances which do not constitute an offer to the public within the meaning of the Companies Ordinance (Cap.32, Laws of Hong

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Kong), or (ii) to “professional investors” within the meaning of the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap.571, Laws of Hong Kong) and any rules made thereunder, or (iii) in other circumstances which do not result in the document being a “prospectus” within the meaning of the Companies Ordinance (Cap.32, Laws of Hong Kong), and no advertisement, invitation or document relating to the notes may be issued or may be in the possession of any person for the purpose of issue (in each case whether in Hong Kong or elsewhere), which is directed at, or the contents of which are likely to be accessed or read by, the public in Hong Kong (except if permitted to do so under the laws of Hong Kong) other than with respect to notes which are or are intended to be disposed of only to persons outside Hong Kong or only to “professional investors” within the meaning of the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap.571, Laws of Hong Kong) and any rules made thereunder.

Notice to Prospective Investors in Japan

The notes have not been and will not be registered under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Law of Japan (the “Financial Instruments and Exchange Law”) and each underwriter has agreed that it will not offer or sell any notes, directly or indirectly, in Japan or to, or for the benefit of, any resident of Japan (which term as used herein means any person resident in Japan, including any corporation or other entity organized under the laws of Japan), or to others for re-offering or resale, directly or indirectly, in Japan or to a resident of Japan, except pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of, and otherwise in compliance with, the Financial Instruments and Exchange Law and any other applicable laws, regulations and ministerial guidelines of Japan.

Notice to Prospective Investors in Singapore

This prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus have not been registered as a prospectus with the Monetary Authority of Singapore. Accordingly, this prospectus supplement, the accompanying base prospectus and any other document or material in connection with the offer or sale, or invitation for subscription or purchase, of the notes may not be circulated or distributed, nor may the notes be offered or sold, or be made the subject of an invitation for subscription or purchase, whether directly or indirectly, to persons in Singapore other than (i) to an institutional investor under Section 274 of the Securities and Futures Act, Chapter 289 of Singapore (the “SFA”), (ii) to a relevant person, or any person pursuant to Section 275(1A), and in accordance with the conditions, specified in Section 275 of the SFA or (iii) otherwise pursuant to, and in accordance with the conditions of, any other applicable provision of the SFA.

Where the notes are subscribed or purchased under Section 275 by a relevant person which is: (a) a corporation (which is not an accredited investor) the sole business of which is to hold investments and the entire share capital of which is owned by one or more individuals, each of whom is an accredited investor; or (b) a trust (where the trustee is not an accredited investor) whose sole purpose is to hold investments and each beneficiary is an accredited investor, shares, debentures and units of shares and debentures of that corporation or the beneficiaries’ rights and interest in that trust shall not be transferable for six months after that corporation or that trust has acquired the notes under Section 275, except: (1) to an institutional investor under Section 274 of the SFA or to a relevant person, or any person pursuant to Section 275(1A), and in accordance with the conditions, specified in Section 275 of the SFA; (2) where no consideration is given for the transfer; or (3) by operation of law.

Singapore Securities and Futures Act Product Classification—Solely for the purposes of its obligations pursuant to sections 309B(1)(a) and 309B(1)(c) of the Securities and Futures Act (Chapter 289 of Singapore) (the “SFA”), the Issuer has determined, and hereby notifies all relevant persons (as defined in Section 309A of the SFA) that the notes are “prescribed capital markets products” (as defined in the Securities and Futures (Capital Markets Products) Regulations 2018) and Excluded Investment Products (as defined in MAS Notice SFA 04-N12: Notice on the Sale of Investment Products and MAS Notice FAA-N16: Notice on Recommendations on Investment Products).

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Notice to Prospective Investors in Switzerland

This prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus are not intended to constitute an offer or solicitation to purchase or invest in the notes described herein. The notes may not be publicly offered, sold or advertised, directly or indirectly, in, into or from Switzerland and will not be listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange or on any other exchange or regulated trading facility in Switzerland. Neither this prospectus supplement nor the accompanying base prospectus nor any other offering or marketing material relating to the notes constitutes a prospectus as such term is understood pursuant to article 652a or article 1156 of the Swiss Code of Obligations, and neither this prospectus supplement nor the accompanying base prospectus nor any other offering or marketing material relating to the notes may be publicly distributed or otherwise made publicly available in Switzerland. Neither this prospectus supplement nor the accompanying base prospectus nor any other offering or marketing material relating to the offering, the notes or us have been or will be filed with or approved by any Swiss regulatory authority. In particular, this prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus will not be filed with, and the offer of the notes will not be supervised by, the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority, and the offer of the notes has not been and will not be authorized under the Swiss Federal Act on Collective Investment Schemes (“CISA”). The investor protection afforded to acquirers of interests in collective investment schemes under the CISA does not extend to acquirers of the notes.

VALIDITY OF NOTES

The validity of the notes will be passed upon for us by Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz and for the underwriters by Sullivan & Cromwell LLP. Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz will rely upon the opinion of Eric B. Wilmer, Esquire, Assistant Vice President and Senior Counsel of LNC, as to matters of Indiana law.

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EXPERTS

The consolidated financial statements of Lincoln National Corporation appearing in its Annual Report on Form 10-K (including schedules appearing therein) for the year ended December 31, 2023, and the effectiveness of Lincoln National Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023 have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, as set forth in their reports thereon, included therein, and incorporated herein by reference. Such consolidated financial statements are incorporated herein by reference in reliance upon such reports given on the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

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PROSPECTUS

LINCOLN NATIONAL CORPORATION

Debt Securities

Common Stock

Preferred Stock

Warrants

Stock Purchase Contracts

Depositary Shares

Stock Purchase Units

Guarantees

Lincoln National Capital VII

Lincoln National Capital VIII

Lincoln National Capital IX

Trust Preferred Securities

fully and unconditionally guaranteed, as described herein,

by Lincoln National Corporation

We will provide you with more specific terms of these securities in supplements to this prospectus. The securities we may offer may be convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for our other securities.

By this prospectus, we or the selling securityholders may offer, from time to time, the securities described in this prospectus separately or together in any combination. Lincoln National Capital VII, Lincoln National Capital VIII and Lincoln National Capital IX are Delaware statutory trusts which may offer from time to time trust preferred securities representing preferred undivided beneficial interests in the assets of the applicable trust.

We, the selling securityholders or the trusts may offer and sell these securities to or through one or more underwriters, dealers and agents, or directly to purchasers, on a continuous or delayed basis, at prices and on other terms to be determined at the time of offering. We, the selling securityholders or the trusts reserve the sole right to accept, and together with any agents, dealers and underwriters, reserve the right to reject, in whole or in part, any proposed purchase of securities. If any agents, dealers or underwriters are involved in the sale of any securities, the applicable prospectus supplement will set forth any applicable commissions or discounts. The net proceeds to us, the selling securityholders or the trusts from the sale of securities also will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement.

Unless otherwise stated in a prospectus supplement, none of these securities will be listed on any securities exchange. Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “LNC.”

Before you invest, you should carefully read this prospectus, any applicable prospectus supplement and information described under the headings “Where You Can Find More Information” and “Documents Incorporated by Reference.”

Investing in our securities involves risks. See “Risk Factors” beginning on page 6 of this prospectus.

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved these securities or passed upon the adequacy or accuracy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

The date of this prospectus is February 24, 2023.

Table of Contents

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ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

This prospectus is one part of a “shelf” registration statement that we have filed on Form S-3 with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act. Under the shelf registration statement, we, the selling securityholders and the trusts are registering an unspecified amount of each class of the securities described in this prospectus, as applicable, and we and the selling securityholders may sell, from time to time, in one or more offerings, any combination of the securities described in this prospectus and the trusts may sell the trust preferred securities. In addition, we or the trusts or any of their respective affiliates may use this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement in a remarketing or other sale transaction involving the securities after their initial sale.

This prospectus provides you with a general description of the securities we or the trusts may offer. Each time we, the selling securityholders or the trusts sell securities, we, the selling securityholders or the trusts will provide a prospectus supplement that will contain specific information about the terms of that offering. The prospectus supplement may also add to, update, supplement or clarify information contained in this prospectus. This prospectus does not contain all of the information set forth in the registration statement and the exhibits to the registration statement. For further information concerning us, the trusts and the securities, you should read the entire registration statement and the additional information described under “Documents Incorporated by Reference” below.

We have not, and any underwriter, dealer, agent or remarketing firm has not, authorized any other person to provide you with information other than the information contained in or incorporated by reference into this prospectus and any applicable prospectus supplement. We, and any underwriter, dealer, agent or remarketing firm, take no responsibility for, and can provide no assurance as to the reliability of, any other information that others may give you. Neither we nor the trusts, nor any underwriter, dealer, agent or remarketing firm, is making an offer to sell these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted or in which the person making such offer or solicitation is not qualified to do so or to any person to whom it is unlawful to make such offer or solicitation. You should assume that the information appearing in this prospectus is accurate as of the date on the front cover. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since that date.

Unless otherwise indicated, or the context otherwise requires, all references in this prospectus to “LNC,” “we,” “our,” “us,” or similar terms refer to Lincoln National Corporation. Unless otherwise indicated, or the context otherwise requires, references in this prospectus to the “trusts” are to Lincoln National Capital VII, Lincoln National Capital VIII and Lincoln National Capital IX, collectively, and references to a “trust” are to Lincoln National Capital VII, Lincoln National Capital VIII and Lincoln National Capital IX, individually.

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

We file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information and documents with the SEC. The SEC maintains an Internet site, http://www.sec.gov, that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC.

This prospectus is one part of a registration statement filed on Form S-3 with the SEC under the Securities Act. This prospectus does not contain all of the information set forth in the registration statement and the exhibits and schedules to the registration statement. For further information concerning us and the securities, you should read the entire registration statement and the additional information described under “Documents Incorporated by Reference” below. The registration statement has been filed electronically and may be obtained in the manner listed above. Any statements contained herein concerning the provisions of any document are not necessarily complete, and, in each instance, reference is made to the copy of such document filed as an exhibit to the

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registration statement or otherwise filed with the SEC. Each such statement is qualified in its entirety by such reference.

Information about us, including certain of the additional information described under “Documents Incorporated by Reference,” is also available on the Investor Relations page of our website at http://www.lfg.com. This URL and the SEC’s URL above are intended to be inactive textual references only. Such information on our or the SEC’s website is not a part of this prospectus.

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DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

The SEC’s rules allow us to incorporate by reference information into this prospectus. This means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to another document. Any information referred to in this way is considered part of this prospectus from the date we file that document. Any reports filed by us with the SEC after the date of this prospectus and before the date that the offering of the securities by means of this prospectus is terminated will automatically update and, where applicable, supersede any information contained in this prospectus or incorporated by reference in this prospectus.

We incorporate by reference into this prospectus the following documents or information filed (File No. 001-06028) with the SEC (other than, in each case, information deemed to have been furnished or not filed in accordance with the SEC rules):

Each document filed subsequent to the date of this Registration Statement pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 and 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, prior to the filing of a post-effective amendment which indicates that all securities offered have been sold or which deregisters all securities then remaining unsold, shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference in this Registration Statement and to be a part hereof from the date of the filing of such documents. Any statement contained in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated herein by reference shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this Registration Statement to the extent that a statement contained herein (or in any other subsequently filed document which also is or is deemed to be incorporated by reference herein) modifies or supersedes such statement. Any such statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute part of this Registration Statement.

We will provide without charge to each person to whom this prospectus is delivered, upon the written or oral request of such person, a copy of the documents incorporated by reference as described above (other than exhibits to such documents unless such exhibits are specifically incorporated by reference into such documents). Please direct your oral or written request to: Nancy A. Smith, Senior Vice President & Secretary, 150 N. Radnor-Chester Road, Radnor, PA 19087, 484-583-1400, or Nancy.Smith3@lfg.com.

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LNC

Business

LNC is a holding company that operates multiple insurance and retirement businesses through subsidiary companies. We sell a wide range of wealth protection, accumulation, retirement income and group protection products and solutions through our four business segments: Life Insurance, Annuities, Group Protection and Retirement Plan Services. We also have Other Operations, which includes the financial data for operations that are not directly related to the business segments.

Corporate Information

LNC was organized under the laws of the state of Indiana in 1968. We currently maintain our principal executive offices at 150 N. Radnor-Chester Road, in Radnor, Pennsylvania 19087, and our telephone number is (484) 583-1400. “Lincoln Financial Group” is the marketing name for LNC and its subsidiary companies.

THE LINCOLN TRUSTS

We created Lincoln National Capital VII, Lincoln National Capital VIII and Lincoln National Capital IX. Each trust is a statutory trust formed under Delaware law pursuant to a trust agreement executed by LNC, as sponsor of the trust, and the Delaware trustee described below, and the filing of a certificate of trust with the Delaware Secretary of State. We will execute amended and restated trust agreements for the trusts substantially in the form filed as an exhibit to the registration statement that includes this prospectus. We refer to the trust agreements, each as amended and restated, in this prospectus as the “trust agreements.” These trust agreements will state the terms and conditions for the trusts to issue and sell their trust preferred securities and common securities, which we refer to collectively in this prospectus as the “trust securities.” Each trust agreement will be qualified as an indenture under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939.

Each trust exists for the exclusive purposes of:

Each trust’s business and affairs are conducted by its trustees, each appointed by LNC as holder of the trust’s common securities. Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, there are four trustees of each trust, which we collectively refer to as the issuer trustees, as follows:

LNC will hold directly or indirectly all of the common securities of each of the trusts. Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, the common securities will represent an aggregate liquidation

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amount equal to at least 3% of each trust’s total capital. As the direct or indirect holder of the common securities of a trust, LNC will generally have the sole right to appoint, remove or replace the property trustee and/or the Delaware trustee for the trust. However, if a subordinated debt security event of default under the trust agreement for the trust has occurred and is continuing, the holders of a majority in liquidation preference of the related trust preferred securities will be entitled to appoint, remove or replace the property trustee and/or the Delaware trustee for the trust. In no event will the holders of the trust preferred securities have the right to vote to appoint, remove or replace the administrative trustees; such voting rights are vested exclusively in LNC, as the direct or indirect owner of the common securities of the trust. The duties and obligations of each issuer trustee are governed by the applicable trust agreement. LNC will pay all fees and expenses related to each trust and the offering of the trust preferred securities and will pay, directly or indirectly, all ongoing costs, expenses and liabilities of each trust.

The common securities of a trust owned directly or indirectly by LNC will rank equally, and payments will be made on such common securities proportionately with the trust preferred securities of the trust, except as provided below. Upon the occurrence and continuance of an event of default under a trust agreement resulting from a subordinated debt security event of default, periodic cash distributions (which we refer to as “distributions”) and payments upon liquidation, redemption or otherwise with respect to the trust securities of a trust must be paid or delivered to the holders of the trust preferred securities of that trust before the holders of the common securities of that trust. See “Description of Securities We May Sell—Trust Preferred Securities—Subordination of Common Securities.”

Except as otherwise provided in the applicable prospectus supplement:

LNC may redeem the corresponding subordinated debt securities (and cause the redemption of the trust securities) or may terminate each trust and cause the corresponding subordinated debt securities to be distributed to the holders of trust preferred securities in liquidation of their interests in such trust in certain circumstances. See “Description of Securities We May Sell—Trust Preferred Securities—Liquidation Distribution Upon Termination.”

The rights of the holders of trust preferred securities are described in the applicable trust agreement and the Delaware Statutory Trust Act. The principal executive office of each trust is located at 150 N. Radnor Chester Road, Radnor, Pennsylvania 19087, and its telephone number is (484) 583-1400.

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RISK FACTORS

Investing in our securities involves risks. You should carefully consider the risks described in any prospectus supplement and those incorporated by reference into this prospectus before making an investment decision. The risks and uncertainties described in any prospectus supplement and incorporated by reference into this prospectus are not the only ones facing our company. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also impair our business operations. If any of these risks actually occur, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially affected. In that case, the value of our securities could decline substantially.

USE OF PROCEEDS

We intend to use the net proceeds from the sales of the securities as set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement.

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DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES WE MAY SELL

Senior and Subordinated Debt Securities

General

We may issue senior debt securities in one or more series under the indenture, dated as of March 10, 2009, between LNC and The Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee, as amended by the First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of August 18, 2020, between LNC and The Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee, which we refer to as the “senior indenture.” We may also issue subordinated debt securities in one or more series under the subordinated indenture, dated as of August 11, 2021, between LNC and The Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee, as amended by the First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of August 11, 2021, between LNC and The Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee, and as amended by the Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of August 11, 2021, between LNC and The Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee, which we refer to as the “subordinated indenture” and together with the senior indenture as the “indentures” or each of the senior indenture and the subordinated indenture individually, as the “applicable indenture.” For purposes of this section, we refer to: (i) the senior debt securities together with the subordinated debt securities as the “debt securities;” and (ii) The Bank of New York Mellon, or any successor or additional trustee, in its respective capacity as trustee under the applicable indenture, as the “trustee.” The senior indenture and the subordinated indenture are filed as exhibits to the registration statement that includes this prospectus. See “Where You Can Find More Information” for information on how to obtain copies of the indentures. The indentures have been qualified under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, which we refer to as the “Trust Indenture Act.”

This summary of the indentures and the debt securities relates to terms and conditions applicable to the debt securities generally. We will summarize the particular terms of any series of debt securities in the applicable prospectus supplement. If indicated in the prospectus supplement, the terms of any series may differ from the terms summarized below. Because the summary of the material provisions of the indentures and the debt securities set forth below and the summary of the material terms of a particular series of debt securities set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement are not complete, you should refer to the indentures and the debt securities for complete information regarding the terms and provisions of the indentures (including defined terms) and the debt securities. Wherever we refer to particular articles, sections or defined terms of the indentures in this prospectus or in a prospectus supplement, those articles, sections or defined terms are incorporated in this prospectus and the prospectus supplement by reference, and the statement with respect to which such reference is made is qualified in its entirety by such reference. In addition, unless specified otherwise, references to such particular articles, sections or defined terms are applicable to both the senior indenture and the subordinated indenture.

The senior debt securities will be unsecured and will rank on parity with all of our other unsecured and unsubordinated obligations. Unless otherwise provided in the prospectus supplement, each series of subordinated debt securities will rank equally with all other series of subordinated debt securities issued under the subordinated indenture and will be unsecured and subordinate and junior in right of payment to all of our senior debt (as defined below). See “—Subordination Under Subordinated Indenture.”

We are a holding company that transacts substantially all of our business directly and indirectly through subsidiaries. Our primary assets are the stock of our operating subsidiaries. Our ability to meet our obligations on our outstanding debt and to pay dividends and our general and administrative expenses depends on the surplus and earnings of our subsidiaries and the ability of our subsidiaries to pay dividends or to advance or repay funds to us. The payment of dividends by our insurance company subsidiaries is limited under the insurance company holding company laws of the states in which those subsidiaries are domiciled. These subsidiaries are separate and distinct legal entities and have no obligation to pay any amounts due under our obligations or to make any funds available for such payment.

Because we are a holding company, our right to participate in any distribution of assets of any of our subsidiaries upon the subsidiary’s liquidation or reorganization or otherwise is subject to the prior claims of that

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subsidiary’s creditors, except to the extent that we may be recognized as a creditor of that subsidiary. Accordingly, our obligations under the debt securities will be effectively subordinated to all existing and future indebtedness and liabilities of our subsidiaries, including liabilities under contracts of insurance and annuities written by our insurance subsidiaries, and holders of our debt securities should look only to our assets for payment thereunder.

Unless we state otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, the indentures do not limit us in incurring or issuing other secured or unsecured debt under either of the indentures or any other indenture that we may have entered into or enter into in the future.

Terms of Debt Securities

We may issue the debt securities in one or more series through an indenture that supplements the senior indenture or the subordinated indenture, as applicable, or through a resolution of our board of directors, an authorized committee of our board of directors or any of our officers delegated the power of either our board of directors or an authorized committee of our board of directors.

You should refer to the applicable prospectus supplement for the specific terms of the debt securities. These terms may include the following:

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Debt securities may also be issued under the indentures upon the exercise of warrants. See “Warrants.”

We may, in certain circumstances, without notice to or consent of the holders of the debt securities, issue additional debt securities having the same terms and conditions as the debt securities previously issued under this prospectus and any applicable prospectus supplement, so that such additional debt securities and the debt securities previously offered under this prospectus and any applicable prospectus supplement form a single series, and references in this prospectus and any applicable prospectus supplement to the debt securities shall include, unless the context otherwise requires, any further debt securities issued as described in this paragraph.

Special Payment Terms of Debt Securities

We may issue one or more series of debt securities at a discount below their stated principal amount. These may bear no interest or interest at a rate which at the time of issuance is below market rates. We will describe U.S. federal tax consequences and special considerations relating to any series in the applicable prospectus supplement.

The purchase price of any of the debt securities may be payable in one or more foreign currencies or currency units. The debt securities may be denominated in one or more foreign currencies or currency units, or

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the principal of, premium, if any, or interest, if any, on any debt securities may be payable in one or more foreign currencies or currency units. We will describe the restrictions, elections, U.S. federal income tax considerations, specific terms and other information relating to the debt securities and any foreign currencies or currency units in the applicable prospectus supplement.

If we use any index to determine the amount of payments of principal of, premium, if any, or interest, if any, on any series of debt securities, we will also describe in the applicable prospectus supplement the special U.S. federal income tax, accounting and other considerations applicable to the debt securities.

Payment and Paying Agents

Unless we state otherwise in an applicable prospectus supplement, we will pay principal of, premium, if any, and interest, if any, on your debt securities at the office of the trustee for your debt securities in the City of New York or at the office of any other paying agent that we may designate.

Unless we state otherwise in an applicable prospectus supplement, we will pay any interest on debt securities to the registered owner of the debt security at the close of business on the record date for the interest, except in the case of defaulted interest.

Any moneys or U.S. government obligations (including the proceeds thereof) deposited with the trustee or any paying agent, or then held by us in trust, for the payment of the principal of, premium, if any, or interest, if any, on any debt security that remains unclaimed for two years after the principal, premium or interest has become due and payable will be repaid to us. After repayment to us, you are entitled to seek payment only from us as a general unsecured creditor.

Denominations, Registration and Transfer

Except as we may describe in the applicable prospectus supplement, we will issue debt securities in fully registered form without coupons and in denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiple of $1,000.

Debt securities of any series will be exchangeable for other debt securities of the same series, in any authorized denominations, of a like tenor and aggregate principal amount and having the same terms. You may present debt securities for exchange, as described above, or for registration of transfer, at the office of the security registrar or at the office of any transfer agent we designate for that purpose. You will not incur a service charge but you must pay any taxes, assessments and other governmental charges as described in the applicable indenture. We will appoint the trustee as the initial security registrar under the applicable indenture. We may at any time rescind the designation of any transfer agent that we initially designate or approve a change in the location through which the transfer agent acts. We will specify the transfer agent in the applicable prospectus supplement. We may at any time designate additional transfer agents.

Global Debt Securities

We may issue all or any part of a series of debt securities in the form of one or more global debt securities. We will appoint the depository holding the global debt securities. Unless we otherwise state in the applicable prospectus supplement, the depository will be The Depository Trust Company, or DTC. We will issue global debt securities in registered form and in either temporary or definitive form. Unless it is exchanged for individual debt securities, a global debt security may not be transferred except:

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We will describe the specific terms of the depository arrangement in the applicable prospectus supplement. We expect that the following provisions will generally apply to these depository arrangements.

Beneficial Interests in a Global Debt Security

If we issue a global debt security, the depository for the global debt security or its nominee will credit on its book-entry registration and transfer system the principal amounts of the individual debt securities represented by the global debt security to the accounts of persons that have accounts with it. We refer to those persons as “participants” in this prospectus. The accounts will be designated by the dealers, underwriters or agents for the debt securities, or by us if the debt securities are offered and sold directly by us. Ownership of beneficial interests in a global debt security will be limited to participants or persons who may hold interests through participants. Ownership and transfers of beneficial interests in the global debt security will be shown on, and transactions can be effected only through, records maintained by the applicable depository or its nominee, for interests of participants, and the records of participants, for interests of persons who hold through participants. The laws of some states require that you take physical delivery of securities in definitive form. These limits and laws may impair your ability to transfer beneficial interests in a global debt security.

So long as the depository or its nominee is the registered owner of a global debt security, the depository or its nominee will be considered the sole owner or holder of the debt securities represented by the global debt security for all purposes under the applicable indenture. Except as provided below, you:

Payments of Principal, Premium and Interest

We will make principal, premium, if any, and interest, if any, payments on global debt securities to the depository that is the registered holder of the global debt security or its nominee. The depository for the global debt securities will be solely responsible and liable for all payments made on account of your beneficial ownership interests in the global debt security and for maintaining, supervising and reviewing any records relating to your beneficial ownership interests.

We expect that the depository or its nominee, upon receipt of any principal, premium, if any, or interest, if any, payment immediately will credit participants’ accounts with amounts in proportion to their respective beneficial interests in the principal amount of the global debt security as shown on the records of the depository or its nominee. We also expect that payments by participants to you, as an owner of a beneficial interest in the global debt security held through those participants, will be governed by standing instructions and customary practices, as is now the case with securities held for the accounts of customers in bearer form or registered in “street name.” These payments will be the responsibility of those participants.

Issuance of Individual Debt Securities

Unless we state otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, if a depository for a series of debt securities is at any time unwilling, unable or ineligible to continue as depository, we will appoint a successor depository or we will issue individual debt securities in exchange for the global debt security.

Redemption

Unless we state otherwise in an applicable prospectus supplement, debt securities will not be subject to any sinking fund, and we may, at our option, redeem all or any part of debt securities of any series prior to their stated maturity on the terms set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement.

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Except as we may otherwise specify in the applicable prospectus supplement, the redemption price for any debt security which we redeem will equal 100% of the principal amount plus any accrued and unpaid interest up to, but excluding, the redemption date.

We will mail notice of any redemption of debt securities at least 30 days but not more than 60 days before the redemption date to the registered holders of the debt securities at their addresses as shown on the security register. On and after the redemption date, interest will cease to accrue on the debt securities or the portions of the debt securities called for redemption.

Consolidation, Merger and Transfer of Assets

We will not consolidate with or merge into any other person or convey or transfer our assets substantially as an entirety to any person, unless:

This covenant would not apply to the direct or indirect conveyance or transfer of all or any portion of the stock, assets or liabilities of any of our wholly owned subsidiaries to us or to our other wholly owned subsidiaries.

Limitation on Liens on Stock of Restricted Subsidiaries

We will not, nor will we permit any restricted subsidiary to, issue, assume or guarantee any debt for borrowed money, which we refer to in this prospectus as “debt,” secured by a mortgage, security interest, pledge, lien or other encumbrance upon any shares of stock of any restricted subsidiary without effectively providing that the senior debt securities (together with, if we so determine, any other debt of or guarantee by us ranking equally with the senior debt securities and then existing or thereafter created) will be secured equally and ratably with that debt.

For purposes of this prospectus, “restricted subsidiary” means The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company so long as it remains a subsidiary, as well as any successor to all or a principal part of the assets of that subsidiary and any other subsidiary which our board of directors designates as a restricted subsidiary.

Limitation on Issuance or Disposition of Stock of Restricted Subsidiaries

We will not, nor will we permit any restricted subsidiary to, issue, sell, assign, transfer or otherwise dispose of, directly or indirectly, any capital stock, other than nonvoting preferred stock, of any restricted subsidiary, except for:

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For the purposes of this prospectus, “capital stock” means any and all shares, interests, rights to purchase, warrants, options, participations or other equivalents of or interests in corporate stock.

Modification and Waiver

Modification

From time to time, we and the trustee may, without the consent of the holders of any series of debt securities, amend, waive or supplement the indenture for specified purposes, including, among other things:

We and the trustee may modify and amend the applicable indenture by entering into a supplemental indenture with the consent of the holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of all series affected by such supplemental indenture (acting as one class). However, no modification or amendment may, without the consent of the holder of each outstanding debt security affected:

Waiver

The holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of all outstanding debt securities and the holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of each series to be affected may waive compliance by us with certain restrictive covenants of the applicable indenture.

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The holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of a series may, on behalf of the holders of all debt securities of that series, waive any past default under the applicable indenture relating to that series of debt securities and the consequences of such default. However, a default in the payment of the principal of, or premium, if any, or interest, if any, on any debt security of that series or relating to a covenant or provision which under the applicable indenture relating to that series of debt security cannot be modified or amended without the consent of the holder of each outstanding debt security of that series affected cannot be so waived.

Events of Default

Unless we state otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, under the terms of the applicable indenture, each of the following constitutes an event of default for a series of debt securities:

We are required to furnish the trustee annually with a statement as to the fulfillment of our obligations under the applicable indenture.

The indentures provide that the trustee may withhold notice to you of any default, except in respect of the payment of the principal of or premium, if any, or interest on any debt securities or the payment of any sinking fund installment with respect to debt securities, if the trustee considers the withholding of such notice to be in the interests of the holders of the debt securities.

Effect of an Event of Default

If an event of default exists (other than an event of default in the case of certain events of bankruptcy as described below), the trustee or the holders of not less than 25% in aggregate principal amount of a series of outstanding debt securities may declare the principal amount, or, if the debt securities are original issue discount securities, such portion of the principal amount of such debt securities as may be specified in the terms of that series, of all of the debt securities of that series, together with accrued interest, if any, on such debt securities, to be due and payable immediately, by a notice in writing to us and to the trustee if given by holders. Upon that declaration, the principal (or specified) amount, together with accrued interest, if any, on such debt securities, will become immediately due and payable, subject to applicable subordination provisions in case of the subordinated indenture. However, at any time after a declaration of acceleration has been made, but before a judgment or decree for payment of the money due has been obtained, the holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of a series of outstanding debt securities may, subject to conditions specified in the applicable indenture, rescind and annul that declaration and its consequences.

If an event of default in the case of certain events of bankruptcy exists with respect to debt securities of any series at that time outstanding, the principal amount of all debt securities of that series or, if any debt securities of that series are original issue discount securities, such portion of the principal amount of such debt securities as may be specified in the terms of that series, will automatically, and without any declaration or other action on the part of the trustee or any holder of such outstanding debt securities, become immediately due and payable.

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Subject to the provisions of the applicable indenture relating to the duties of the trustee, if an event of default exists, the trustee will be under no obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under the applicable indenture at your request or direction, unless you have offered to the trustee security or indemnity satisfactory to it against the costs, expenses and liabilities which the trustee might incur in compliance with such request or direction.

Subject to the provisions for the security or indemnification of the trustee, the holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of a series of outstanding debt securities have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the trustee, or exercising any trust or power conferred on the trustee in connection with the debt securities of that series.

Legal Proceedings and Enforcement of Right to Payment

You will not have any right to institute any proceeding in connection with the applicable indenture or for any remedy under the applicable indenture, unless you have previously given to the trustee written notice of a continuing event of default with respect to debt securities of that series. In addition, the holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of a series of the outstanding debt securities or, in the case of an event of default in case of certain events of bankruptcy, of all series (voting as a class) with respect to which such event of default is continuing, must have made written request, and offered indemnity satisfactory, to the trustee to institute that proceeding as trustee, and, within 60 days following the receipt of that notice, the trustee must not have received from such holders a direction inconsistent with that request, and must have failed to institute the proceeding.

However, you will have an absolute and unconditional right to receive payment of the principal of, premium, if any, and interest, if any, on that debt security on the due dates expressed in the debt security (or, in the case of redemption, on the redemption date) and to institute a suit for the enforcement of that payment.

Satisfaction and Discharge

The indentures provide that when, among other things, all debt securities not previously delivered to the trustee for cancellation:

then the applicable indenture will cease to be of further effect with respect to a series of debt securities, and we will be deemed to have satisfied and discharged the applicable indenture with respect to such series. However, we will continue to be obligated to pay all other sums due under the applicable indenture and to provide the officer’s certificate and opinion of counsel described in the applicable indenture.

Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance

Unless we state otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, the indentures provide that we may discharge all of our obligations, other than as to transfers and exchanges and certain other specified obligations,

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under any series of the debt securities at any time, and that we may also be released from our obligations described above under “—Consolidation, Merger and Transfer of Assets,” “—Limitation on Liens on Stock of Restricted Subsidiaries,” “—Limitation on Issuance or Disposition of Stock of Restricted Subsidiaries” and from certain other obligations, as applicable, including obligations imposed by supplemental indentures with respect to that series, if any, and elect not to comply with those sections and obligations without creating an event of default. Discharge under the first procedure is called “defeasance” and under the second procedure is called “covenant defeasance.”

Defeasance or covenant defeasance may be effected only if:

The subordinated indenture will not be discharged as described above if we have defaulted in the payment of principal of, premium, if any, or interest, if any, on any senior debt, as defined below under “Subordination Under Subordinated Indenture,” and that default is continuing or an event of default on the senior debt then exists and has resulted in the senior debt becoming or being declared due and payable prior to the date it otherwise would have become due and payable.

Conversion or Exchange

We may issue debt securities that we may convert or exchange into cash or other securities or property of our company or any other person. If so, we will describe the specific terms on which the debt securities may be converted or exchanged in the applicable prospectus supplement. The conversion or exchange may be

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mandatory, at your option, or at our option. The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the manner in which the shares of common stock or other securities, property or cash you would receive would be issued or delivered.

Subordination Under Subordinated Indenture

In the subordinated indenture, we have agreed, and holders of subordinated debt securities will be deemed to have agreed, that any subordinated debt securities are subordinate and junior in right of payment to all senior debt to the extent provided in the subordinated indenture.

Upon any payment or distribution of assets to creditors upon any liquidation, dissolution, winding up, reorganization, assignment for the benefit of creditors, marshaling of assets or any bankruptcy, insolvency, debt restructuring or similar proceeding in connection with our insolvency or bankruptcy, the holders of senior debt will first be entitled to receive payment in full of principal of, premium, if any, and interest, if any, on the senior debt before the holders of subordinated debt securities will be entitled to receive or retain any payment of the principal of, premium, if any, or interest, if any, on the subordinated debt securities.

If the maturity of any subordinated debt securities is accelerated, the holders of all senior debt outstanding at the time of the acceleration will first be entitled to receive payment in full of all amounts due, including any amounts due upon acceleration, before you will be entitled to receive any payment of the principal of, premium, if any, or interest on the subordinated debt securities, other than sinking fund payments.

We will not make any payments of principal of, premium, if any, or interest, if any, on the subordinated debt securities (other than any sinking fund payment) if:

When we use the term “debt” we mean, with respect to any person, the principal of, premium, if any, and interest, if any, on debt of such person, whether incurred on, prior to, or after, the date of the subordinated indenture, whether recourse is to all or a portion of the assets of that person and whether or not contingent, which includes:

The term “debt” does not include trade accounts payable or accrued liabilities arising in the ordinary course of business.

When we use the term “senior debt” we mean the principal of, premium, if any, and interest, if any, on debt, whether incurred on, prior to, or after, the date of the subordinated indenture, unless the instrument creating or evidencing that debt or pursuant to which that debt is outstanding states that those obligations are not superior in

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right of payment to the subordinated debt securities or to other debt which ranks equally with, or junior to, the subordinated debt securities. Interest on this senior debt includes interest accruing on or after the filing of any petition in bankruptcy or for reorganization relating to us, whether or not the claim for post-petition interest is allowed in that proceeding.

However, senior debt will not include:

The subordinated indenture provides that we may change the subordination provisions relating to any particular issue of subordinated debt securities prior to issuance. We will describe any change in the prospectus supplement relating to the subordinated debt securities.

Governing Law

The indentures and the debt securities will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.

Concerning the Trustee

The trustee will have all the duties and responsibilities of an indenture trustee specified in the Trust Indenture Act. The trustee is not required to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur financial liability in performing its duties or exercising its rights and powers if it reasonably believes that it is not reasonably assured of repayment or adequate indemnity.

We and our affiliates maintain various commercial and service relationships with the trustee and its affiliates in the ordinary course of business.

Junior Subordinated Debt Securities

We may issue junior subordinated debt securities in one or more series under a junior subordinated indenture, dated as of March 10, 2009, between LNC and The Bank of New York Mellon, as junior subordinated indenture trustee. The junior subordinated indenture (including the form of the junior subordinated debt securities) is filed as an exhibit to the registration statement that includes this prospectus. The junior subordinated indenture has been qualified under the Trust Indenture Act. See “Where You Can Find More Information” for information on how to obtain the junior subordinated indenture.

This summary of the junior subordinated indenture and the junior subordinated debt securities relates to terms and conditions applicable to the junior subordinated debt securities generally. We will summarize the particular terms of any series of junior subordinated debt securities in the applicable prospectus supplement. If indicated in the prospectus supplement, the terms of any series may differ from the terms summarized below.

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Because the summary of the material provisions of the junior subordinated indenture and the junior subordinated debt securities set forth below and the summary of the material terms of a particular series of junior subordinated debt securities set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement are not complete, you should refer to the forms of the junior subordinated indenture and the junior subordinated debt securities for complete information regarding the terms and provisions of the junior subordinated indenture (including defined terms) and the junior subordinated debt securities. Wherever we refer to particular articles, sections or defined terms of the junior subordinated indenture in this prospectus or in a prospectus supplement, those articles, sections or defined terms are incorporated in this prospectus and the prospectus supplement by reference, and the statement with respect to which such reference is made is qualified in its entirety by such reference.

General

Each series of junior subordinated debt securities will rank equally with all other series of junior subordinated debt securities, unless otherwise provided in the supplemental indenture, and will be unsecured and subordinate and junior in right of payment to the extent and in the manner set forth in the junior subordinated indenture to all of our senior debt as defined in the junior subordinated indenture, which includes all debt issued under our senior indenture or subordinated indenture. See “—Subordination.”

We are a holding company that transacts substantially all of our business directly and indirectly through subsidiaries. Our primary assets are the stock of our operating subsidiaries. Our ability to meet our obligations on our outstanding debt and to pay dividends and our general and administrative expenses depends on the surplus and earnings of our subsidiaries and the ability of our subsidiaries to pay dividends or to advance or repay funds to us. The payment of dividends by our insurance company subsidiaries is limited under the insurance company holding company laws of the states in which those subsidiaries are domiciled. These subsidiaries are separate and distinct legal entities and have no obligation to pay any amounts due under our obligations or to make any funds available for such payment.

Because we are a holding company, our right to participate in any distribution of assets of any of our subsidiaries upon the subsidiary’s liquidation or reorganization or otherwise is subject to the prior claims of that subsidiary’s creditors, except to the extent that we may be recognized as a creditor of that subsidiary. Accordingly, our obligations under the junior subordinated debt securities will be effectively junior subordinated to all existing and future indebtedness and liabilities of our subsidiaries, including liabilities under contracts of insurance and annuities written by our insurance subsidiaries, and holders of our junior subordinated debt securities should look only to our assets for payment thereunder.

Except as otherwise provided in the applicable prospectus supplement, the junior subordinated indenture does not limit our incurrence or issuance of other secured or unsecured debt, whether under the junior subordinated indenture or any other indenture that we may have entered into or may enter into in the future or otherwise. See “—Subordination” and the prospectus supplement relating to any offering of junior subordinated debt securities.

We will issue the junior subordinated debt securities in one or more series pursuant to an indenture supplemental to the junior subordinated indenture or a resolution of our board of directors (as defined in the junior subordinated indenture) or a committee thereof.

The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the following terms of the junior subordinated debt securities:

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We may, in certain circumstances, without notice to or consent of the holders of the junior subordinated debt securities, issue additional junior subordinated debt securities having the same terms and conditions as junior subordinated debt securities as previously issued under this prospectus and any applicable prospectus supplement, so that such additional junior subordinated debt securities and the junior subordinated debt securities previously offered under this prospectus and any applicable prospectus supplement form a single series, and references in this prospectus and any applicable prospectus supplement to the junior subordinated debt securities shall include, unless the context otherwise requires, any further junior subordinated debt securities issued as described in this paragraph.

We may sell junior subordinated debt securities at a substantial discount below their stated principal amount, bearing no interest or interest at a rate which is below market rates at the time of issuance. We will describe certain U.S. federal income tax consequences and special considerations applicable to any junior subordinated debt securities in the applicable prospectus supplement.

The purchase price of any junior subordinated debt securities may be payable in one or more foreign currencies or currency units. Junior subordinated debt securities may be denominated in one or more foreign currencies or currency units, or the principal of, or premium or interest, if any, on any junior subordinated debt securities may be payable in one or more foreign currencies or currency units. We will describe the restrictions, elections, certain U.S. federal income tax consequences, specific terms and other information with respect to the junior subordinated debt securities and foreign currency or currency units in the applicable prospectus supplement.

If we use any index to determine the amount of any principal, premium or interest payable with respect to any series of junior subordinated debt securities, we will describe the special U.S. federal income tax, accounting and other considerations in the applicable prospectus supplement.

Denominations, Registration and Transfer

Except as we may describe in the applicable prospectus supplement, we will issue debt securities in fully registered form without coupons and in denominations of $25 and any integral multiple of $25.

Debt securities of any series will be exchangeable for other debt securities of the same series, in any authorized denominations, of a like tenor and aggregate principal amount and having the same terms.

You may present debt securities for exchange, as described above, or for registration of transfer, at the office of the security registrar or at the office of any transfer agent we designate for that purpose. You will not incur a service charge but you must pay any taxes, assessments and other governmental charges as described in the junior subordinated indenture. We will appoint the trustee as the initial security registrar as specified in the junior subordinated indenture. We may at any time rescind the designation of any transfer agent that we initially designate or approve a change in the location through which the transfer agent acts. We will specify the transfer agent in the applicable prospectus supplement. We may at any time designate additional transfer agents.

Global Junior Subordinated Debt Securities

We may issue all or any part of a series of junior subordinated debt securities in the form of one or more global junior subordinated debt securities. We will appoint the depository holding the global junior subordinated debt securities. Unless we otherwise state in the applicable prospectus supplement, the depository will be The Depository Trust Company, or DTC. We will issue global junior subordinated debt securities in registered form and in either temporary or definitive form. Unless it is exchanged for individual debt securities, a global junior subordinated debt security may not be transferred except:

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We will describe the specific terms of the depository arrangement in the applicable prospectus supplement. We expect that the following provisions will generally apply to these depository arrangements.

Beneficial Interests in a Global Junior Subordinated Debt Security

If we issue a global junior subordinated debt security, the depository for the global junior subordinated debt security or its nominee will credit on its book-entry registration and transfer system the principal amounts of the individual debt securities represented by the global junior subordinated debt security to the accounts of persons that have accounts with it. We refer to those persons as “participants” in this prospectus. The accounts will be designated by the dealers, underwriters or agents for the debt securities, or by us if the debt securities are offered and sold directly by us. Ownership of beneficial interests in a global junior subordinated debt security will be limited to participants or persons who may hold interests through participants. Ownership and transfers of beneficial interests in the global junior subordinated debt security will be shown on, and transactions can be effected only through, records maintained by the applicable depository or its nominee, for interests of participants, and the records of participants, for interests of persons who hold through participants. The laws of some states require that you take physical delivery of securities in definitive form. These limits and laws may impair your ability to transfer beneficial interests in a global junior subordinated debt security.

So long as the depository or its nominee is the registered owner of a global junior subordinated debt security, the depository or its nominee will be considered the sole owner or holder of the junior subordinated debt securities represented by the global junior subordinated debt security for all purposes under the junior subordinated indenture. Except as provided below, you:

Payments of Principal, Premium and Interest

We will make principal, premium, if any, and interest, if any, payments on global junior subordinated debt securities to the depository that is the registered holder of the global junior subordinated debt security or its nominee. The depository for the global junior subordinated debt securities will be solely responsible and liable for all payments made on account of your beneficial ownership interests in the global junior subordinated debt security and for maintaining, supervising and reviewing any records relating to your beneficial ownership interests.

We expect that the depository or its nominee, upon receipt of any principal, premium, if any, or interest, if any, payment immediately will credit participants’ accounts with amounts in proportion to their respective beneficial interests in the principal amount of the global junior subordinated debt security as shown on the records of the depository or its nominee. We also expect that payments by participants to you, as an owner of a beneficial interest in the global junior subordinated debt security held through those participants, will be governed by standing instructions and customary practices, as is now the case with securities held for the accounts of customers in bearer form or registered in “street name.” These payments will be the responsibility of those participants.

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Issuance of Individual Debt Securities

Unless we state otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, if a depository for a series of debt securities is at any time unwilling, unable or ineligible to continue as depository, we will appoint a successor depository or we will issue individual debt securities in exchange for the global junior subordinated debt security.

Payment and Paying Agents

Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, we will pay the principal of and any premium and interest on junior subordinated debt securities at the office of the junior subordinated indenture trustee in the City of New York, or at the office of any paying agent or paying agents as we may designate from time to time in the applicable prospectus supplement.

Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, we will make payments of interest on junior subordinated debt securities to the person or entity in whose name the junior subordinated debt security is registered at the close of business on the regular record date for such interest, except in the case of defaulted interest. We may at any time designate additional paying agents or rescind the designation of any paying agent. However, we will be required to maintain at all times a paying agent in each place of payment for each series of junior subordinated debt securities.

Any moneys that we deposit with the junior subordinated indenture trustee or any paying agent, or then held by us in trust, for the payment of the principal of and any premium or interest on any junior subordinated debt security that remains unclaimed for two years after becoming due and payable will be repaid to us at our request. After that time, the holder of the junior subordinated debt security will look, as a general unsecured creditor, only to us for payment of those amounts.

Option to Extend Interest Payment Date

If provided in the applicable prospectus supplement and subject to any terms, conditions and covenants contained in the prospectus supplement, we will have the right at any time and from time to time during the term of any series of junior subordinated debt securities to defer payment of interest for that number of consecutive interest payment periods as may be specified in the applicable prospectus supplement (each of which we refer to as an “extension period”). However, no extension period may extend beyond the stated maturity of the applicable series of junior subordinated debt securities. We will describe certain U.S. federal income tax consequences and special considerations applicable to the junior subordinated debt securities in the applicable prospectus supplement.

Redemption

Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement:

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A “special event” means a “tax event” or an “investment company event.” A “tax event” occurs when we receive an opinion of counsel experienced in such matters to the effect that as a result of any amendment to, or change or announced prospective change in, the laws or regulations of the U.S. or any political subdivision or taxing authority in the U.S., or as a result of any official administrative pronouncement or judicial decision interpreting or applying those laws or regulations, which amendment or change is effective or which pronouncement or decision is announced on or after the date of issuance of the preferred securities of a trust, there is more than an insubstantial risk that:

An “investment company event” occurs when, in respect of a trust, we receive an opinion of counsel experienced in such matters to the effect that, as a result of a change in law or regulation or a change in interpretation or application of law or regulation by any legislative body, court, governmental agency or regulatory authority, the trust is, or will be considered an “investment company” that is required to be registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, which becomes effective on or after the date of original issuance of the preferred securities of the trust.

We will mail notice of any redemption at least 30 days but not more than 60 days before the redemption date to each holder of junior subordinated debt securities to be redeemed at its registered address. Unless we default in payment of the redemption price, interest will cease to accrue on those junior subordinated debt securities called for redemption on and after the redemption date.

Restrictions on Certain Payments

We will also covenant, as to each series of junior subordinated debt securities issued to a trust, that we will not, and will not permit any of our subsidiaries to:

if at such time:

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The following actions are not subject to the restrictions described above:

Modification of Junior Subordinated Indenture

From time to time, we and the junior subordinated indenture trustee may, without the consent of the holders of any series of junior subordinated debt securities, amend, waive or supplement the junior subordinated indenture for specified purposes, including, among other things:

We and the junior subordinated indenture trustee may generally modify the junior subordinated indenture in a manner affecting the rights of the holders of one or more series of the junior subordinated debt securities with the consent of the holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of each outstanding series of junior subordinated debt securities affected. However, no modification may, without the consent of the holder of each outstanding junior subordinated debt security affected:

In the case of junior subordinated debt securities that correspond to a series of trust preferred securities, so long as any of the related trust preferred securities remain outstanding:

without the prior consent of the holders of at least a majority of the aggregate liquidation preference of the related trust preferred securities unless and until the principal of and all accrued and unpaid interest on the corresponding junior subordinated debt securities has been paid in full and certain other conditions are satisfied.

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In addition, we and the junior subordinated indenture trustee may execute a supplemental junior subordinated indenture for the purpose of creating any new series of junior subordinated debt securities without the consent of any holder of junior subordinated debt securities.

Junior Subordinated Debt Security Events of Default

The junior subordinated indenture provides that any one or more of the following events with respect to a series of junior subordinated debt securities that has occurred and is continuing constitutes an event of default with respect to that series of junior subordinated debt securities:

The holders of a majority in aggregate outstanding principal amount of an applicable series of junior subordinated debt securities have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the junior subordinated indenture trustee. The junior subordinated indenture trustee or the holders of not less than 25% in aggregate outstanding principal amount of an applicable series of junior subordinated debt securities may declare the principal due and payable immediately upon a junior subordinated debt security event of default. In the case of junior subordinated debt securities that correspond to a series of trust preferred securities, if the junior subordinated indenture trustee or the holders of the corresponding junior subordinated debt securities fail to declare the principal due and payable immediately upon a junior subordinated debt security event of default, then the holders of at least 25% in aggregate liquidation preference of the related trust preferred securities may exercise that right. The holders of a majority in aggregate outstanding principal amount of a series of junior subordinated debt securities may annul the declaration and its consequences if the default (other than the non-payment of the principal of the series of junior subordinated debt securities which has become due solely by such acceleration) has been cured or waived and a sum sufficient to pay all matured installments of interest and principal due otherwise than by acceleration and the fees and expenses of the junior subordinated indenture trustee has been deposited with the junior subordinated indenture trustee. In the case of junior subordinated debt securities that correspond to a series of trust preferred securities, if the holders of the corresponding junior subordinated debt securities fail to annul the declaration and waive the default, the holders of a majority in aggregate liquidation preference of the related trust preferred securities may exercise that right.

The holders of a majority in aggregate outstanding principal amount of a series of junior subordinated debt securities may, on behalf of the holders of all the affected junior subordinated debt securities of that series, waive any past default, except:

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We must file annually with the junior subordinated indenture trustee a certificate as to whether or not we are in compliance with all the conditions and covenants applicable to it under the junior subordinated indenture.

If a junior subordinated debt security event of default has occurred and is continuing as to a series of junior subordinated debt securities that correspond to a series of trust preferred securities, the property trustee will have the right to declare the principal of and the interest on the corresponding junior subordinated debt securities, and any other amounts payable under the junior subordinated indenture, to be immediately due and payable and to enforce its other rights as a creditor with respect to the corresponding junior subordinated debt securities.

Enforcement of Certain Rights by Holders of Trust Preferred Securities

If a junior subordinated debt security event of default has occurred and is continuing and the default is attributable to our failure to pay interest or principal on the corresponding junior subordinated debt securities on the date such interest or principal is otherwise payable, a holder of trust preferred securities may, subject to the terms of the junior subordinated indenture, institute a legal proceeding directly against us for enforcement of payment to the holder of the principal of or interest on corresponding junior subordinated debt securities having a principal amount equal to the aggregate liquidation amount of the related trust preferred securities held by the holder (which we refer to as a “direct action”). We may not amend the junior subordinated indenture to remove this right to bring a direct action without the prior written consent of the holders of all of the trust preferred securities. If we remove the right to bring a direct action, the applicable trust may become subject to the reporting obligations under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. We will have the right under the junior subordinated indenture to set-off any payment made to the holder of trust preferred securities by us in connection with a direct action.

The holders of the trust preferred securities will not be able to exercise directly any remedies, other than those set forth in the preceding paragraph, available to the holders of the corresponding junior subordinated debt securities unless a trust agreement event of default has occurred and is continuing under the applicable trust agreement. See “Description of Securities We May Sell—Trust Preferred Securities—Events of Default; Notice.”

Consolidation, Merger and Sale of Assets

We may not consolidate with or merge into any other person or entity or convey or transfer our assets substantially as an entirety to any person or entity, unless:

The general provisions of the junior subordinated indenture do not afford holders of the junior subordinated debt securities protection in the event of a highly leveraged or other transaction involving us that may adversely affect holders of the junior subordinated debt securities.

Satisfaction and Discharge

The junior subordinated indenture provides that when:

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then with certain exceptions the junior subordinated indenture will cease to be of further effect and we will be deemed to have satisfied and discharged the junior subordinated indenture.

Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance

Unless we state otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, the junior subordinated indenture provides that we may discharge all of our obligations, other than as to transfers and exchanges and certain other specified obligations, under any series of the debt securities at any time, and that we may also be released from our obligations described above under “Consolidation, Merger and Sale of Assets” and from certain other obligations, including obligations imposed by supplemental indentures with respect to that series, if any, and elect not to comply with those sections and obligations without creating an event of default. Discharge under the first procedure is called “defeasance” and under the second procedure is called “covenant defeasance.”

Defeasance or covenant defeasance may be effected only if:

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The junior subordinated indenture will not be discharged as described above if we have defaulted in the payment of principal of, premium, if any, or interest on any senior debt, as defined below under “Subordination,” and that default is continuing or another event of default on the senior debt then exists and has resulted in the senior debt becoming or being declared due and payable prior to the date it otherwise would have become due and payable.

Conversion or Exchange

If and to the extent indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, the junior subordinated debt securities of any series may be convertible or exchangeable into trust preferred securities or other securities. We will describe the specific terms on which junior subordinated debt securities of any series may be so converted or exchanged in the applicable prospectus supplement. Such terms may include provisions for conversion or exchange, either mandatory, at the option of the holder, or at our option, in which case the number of shares of trust preferred securities or other securities to be received by the holders of junior subordinated debt securities would be calculated as of a time and in the manner stated in the applicable prospectus supplement.

Subordination

In the junior subordinated indenture, we have agreed that any junior subordinated debt securities will be subordinate and junior in right of payment to all senior debt to the extent provided in the junior subordinated indenture. Upon any payment or distribution of our assets to creditors upon any liquidation, dissolution, winding up, reorganization, assignment for the benefit of creditors, marshaling of assets or any bankruptcy, insolvency, debt restructuring or similar proceedings in connection with our insolvency, the holders of senior debt will first be entitled to receive payment in full of principal and premium and interest, if any, on the senior debt before the holders of junior subordinated debt securities or, in the case of corresponding junior subordinated debt securities, before the property trustee on behalf of the holders, will be entitled to receive or retain any payment with respect to the corresponding junior subordinated debt securities.

In the event of the acceleration of the maturity of any junior subordinated debt securities, the holders of all senior debt outstanding at the time of such acceleration will first be entitled to receive payment in full of all amounts due on the outstanding senior debt (including any amounts due upon acceleration) before the holders of junior subordinated debt securities will be entitled to receive or retain any payment with respect to the junior subordinated debt securities.

No payments on account of principal, premium or interest, if any, in respect of the junior subordinated debt securities may be made if there has occurred and is continuing:

“Debt” means with respect to any person or entity, whether recourse is to all or a portion of the assets of that person or entity and whether or not contingent,

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“Senior debt” means the principal of, and premium and interest, if any, on debt, whether incurred on, prior to, or after the date of the junior subordinated indenture, unless, in the instrument creating or evidencing the debt or pursuant to which the debt is outstanding states that those obligations are not superior in right of payment to the junior subordinated debt securities or to other debt which ranks equally with, or junior to, the junior subordinated debt securities. Interest on this senior debt includes interest accruing on or after the filing of any petition in bankruptcy or for reorganization relating to us, whether or not the claim for post-petition interest is allowed in that proceeding.

However, senior debt will not include:

The junior subordinated indenture provides that the subordination provisions described above, insofar as they relate to any particular issue of junior subordinated debt securities, may be changed prior to such issuance. We will describe any change in the applicable prospectus supplement.

Governing Law

The junior subordinated indenture and the junior subordinated debt securities will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the state of New York.

Information Concerning the Junior Subordinated Indenture Trustee

The junior subordinated indenture trustee will have and be subject to all the duties and responsibilities specified with respect to an indenture trustee under the Trust Indenture Act. Subject to those provisions, the junior subordinated indenture trustee is under no obligation to exercise any of the powers vested in it by the junior subordinated indenture at the request of any holder of junior subordinated debt securities, unless offered by the holder security or indemnity satisfactory to such trustee against the costs, expenses and liabilities which the junior subordinated trustee might incur in connection with its exercise of those powers. The junior subordinated indenture trustee is not required to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur personal financial liability in the performance of its duties if the junior subordinated indenture trustee reasonably believes that it is not reasonably assured of repayment or adequate indemnity.

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We and our affiliates maintain various commercial and service relationships with the trustee and its affiliates in the ordinary course of business. The junior subordinated indenture trustee may also act as property trustee and guarantee trustee for trust preferred securities and may act as trustee under various of other indentures, trusts and guarantees of LNC and its affiliates in the ordinary course of business. An affiliate of the junior subordinated indenture trustee may act as the Delaware trustee for trust preferred securities.

Corresponding Junior Subordinated Debt Securities

We may issue corresponding junior subordinated debt securities in one or more series of junior subordinated debt securities under the junior subordinated indenture with terms corresponding to the terms of a series of related trust preferred securities. In that event, concurrently with the issuance of each trust’s trust preferred securities, the trust will invest the proceeds of that issuance and the consideration paid by us for the common securities in a series of corresponding junior subordinated debt securities issued by us to the trust. We will issue each series of corresponding junior subordinated debt securities with a principal amount equal to the aggregate stated liquidation amount of the related trust preferred securities and the common securities of such trust. Each series of corresponding junior subordinated debt securities will rank equally with all other series of junior subordinated debt securities. Unless otherwise provided in the applicable prospectus supplement, holders of the related trust preferred securities for a series of corresponding junior subordinated debt securities will have certain rights in connection with modifications to the junior subordinated indenture and upon occurrence of junior subordinated debt security events of default as described under “—Modification of Junior Subordinated Indenture” and “—Junior Subordinated Debt Security Events of Default.”

If a Special Event (which we define in “Description of Securities We May Sell—Trust Preferred Securities—Redemption or Exchange” below) has occurred and is continuing with respect to a trust that issued trust preferred securities, we may, at our option, redeem the corresponding junior subordinated debt securities, in whole but not in part, subject to the provisions of the junior subordinated indenture. The redemption price for any corresponding junior subordinated debt securities will be equal to 100% of the principal amount of the outstanding corresponding junior subordinated debt securities plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date. As long as the applicable trust is the holder of all the outstanding series of corresponding junior subordinated debt securities, the trust will use the proceeds of the redemption to redeem the related series of trust preferred securities.

We will covenant in the junior subordinated indenture as to each series of corresponding junior subordinated debt securities, that if and so long as:

we will pay to the trust the additional sums (which we define under “Description of Securities We May Sell—Trust Preferred Securities—Redemption or Exchange” below) with respect to the trust securities.

We will also covenant, as to each series of corresponding junior subordinated debt securities that:

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Common Stock and Preferred Stock

General

We may issue, separately or together with other offered securities, shares of common stock or preferred stock, all as set forth in the prospectus supplement relating to the common stock or preferred stock for which this prospectus is being delivered. In addition, if the prospectus supplement so provides, the debt securities or preferred stock may be convertible into or exchangeable for common stock.

Our restated articles of incorporation currently authorize the issuance of 800,000,000 shares of common stock and 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock. We may issue our preferred stock from time to time in one or more series by resolution of our board of directors. As of February 13, 2023, 169,220,989 shares of our common stock were issued and outstanding.

As described under “Description of Securities We May Sell—Depositary Shares,” we may, at our option, elect to offer depositary shares evidenced by depositary receipts, each representing an interest (to be specified in the prospectus supplement relating to the particular series of the preferred stock) in a share of the particular series of the preferred stock issued and deposited with a preferred stock depositary.

The following description of our capital stock is a summary. It summarizes only those aspects of our capital stock which we believe will be most important to your decision to invest in our capital stock. You should keep in mind, however, that it is our restated articles of incorporation and our amended and restated bylaws, and the Indiana Business Corporation Law, which we refer to as the IBCL (described below), and not this summary, which define your rights as a securityholder. There may be other provisions in these documents which are also important to you. You should read these documents for a full description of the terms of our capital stock. Our restated articles of incorporation and our amended and restated bylaws are incorporated by reference as exhibits to the registration statement that includes this prospectus. See “Where You Can Find More Information” for information on how to obtain copies of these documents.

Common Stock

Transfer Agent and Registrar. Our common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “LNC.” The registrar and transfer agent is EQ Shareowner Services.

Voting Rights. Except as set forth below under “Anti-Takeover Provisions—Certain State Law Provisions,” each holder of record of our common stock is entitled to one vote for each share of our common stock held on all matters submitted to a vote of the shareholders, including election of directors. Holders of our common stock do not have cumulative voting rights with respect to the election of directors or any other matter.

Dividend Rights. The holders of our common stock may receive cash dividends, if and when declared by our board of directors out of funds legally available for that purpose, and subject to preferential rights of the holders of preferred stock or other special classes of stock.

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Liquidation Rights. In the event of a liquidation, dissolution or winding up, holders of our common stock will be entitled to share ratably in all assets remaining after payments to creditors and after satisfaction of the liquidation preference, if any, of the holders of any preferred stock that may at the time be outstanding.

Preemptive Rights. Holders of our common stock do not have any preemptive or similar equity rights.

Preferred Stock

General. Our restated articles of incorporation authorize our board of directors to provide for the issuance of up to ten million shares of preferred stock, in one or more series, and to fix by resolution and to the extent permitted by the IBCL, the relative rights, preferences and limitations of each series of preferred stock, including dividend, redemption, liquidation, sinking fund, conversion and other provisions in the resolutions or certificate establishing or designating the series, without a vote or any other action taken by our shareholders. We may elect to offer depositary shares evidenced by depositary receipts. If we so elect, each depositary share will represent a fractional interest (to be specified in the prospectus supplement relating to the particular series of preferred stock) in a share of a particular series of preferred stock issued and deposited with a depositary (as defined below). For a further description of the depositary shares, you should read “Depositary Shares” below.

Shares Outstanding. We currently have two series of preferred stock outstanding, our 9.250% Fixed Rate Reset Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series C, liquidation preference $25,000 per share (the “Series C Preferred Stock”), and our 9.000% Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series D, liquidation preference $25,000 (the “Series D Preferred Stock”). As of February 13, 2023, 20,000 shares of Series C Preferred Stock and 20,000 shares of Series D Preferred Stock were outstanding. We have two series of depositary shares outstanding, each of which represent interests in our Series C Preferred Stock or our Series D Preferred Stock.

Voting Rights. Unless otherwise provided in accordance with our amended and restated bylaws, each holder preferred stock would be entitled to one vote per share and to vote together, as a single class, with holders of our common stock on all matters submitted to a vote of the common shareholders. In addition, at any time when six or more quarterly dividends, whether or not consecutive, on one or more series of the preferred stock are in default, the holders of all preferred stock at the time outstanding as to which such default exists will be entitled, at the next annual meeting of shareholders, voting as a class, to vote for and elect two of LNC’s directors. In the case of any vacancy in the office of a director occurring among the directors elected by the holders of the shares of the preferred stock voting as a class the remaining director or directors elected by the holders of the shares of the preferred stock may elect a successor or successors to hold office until the next annual or special meeting of the shareholders.

So long as any shares of preferred stock remain outstanding, LNC shall not, without the approval of the holders of a majority of the preferred stock, voting as a class:

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Dividends. The holders of our preferred stock may receive cash dividends, if and when declared by our board of directors out of funds legally available for that purpose. Holders of the Series C Preferred Stock will be entitled to receive, when, as and if declared by our board of directors, out of funds legally available for the payment of dividends of the stated amount per share, non-cumulative cash dividends that accrue for the relevant dividend period semiannually in arrears on the first day of March and September of each year, commencing on March 1, 2023. Dividends will accrue on the stated liquidation preference of $25,000 per share (i) from the date of original issue to, but excluding, March 1, 2028 at a fixed rate per annum of 9.250%, and (ii) for each five-year period thereafter at a rate per annum equal to the five-year treasury rate as of the most recent period commencement plus 5.318%. Holders of the Series D Preferred Stock will be entitled to receive, when, as and if declared by our board of directors, out of funds legally available for the payment of dividends of the stated amount per share, non-cumulative cash dividends that accrue for the relevant dividend period quarterly in arrears on the first day of March, June, September and December of each year, commencing on March 1, 2023. Dividends will accrue on the stated liquidation preference of $25,000 per share from the date of original issue at a fixed rate per annum of 9.000%.

So long as any Series C Preferred Stock or Series D Preferred Stock remains outstanding for any dividend period, unless the full dividends for the latest completed dividend period on all outstanding Series C Preferred Stock and Series D Preferred Stock have been declared and paid, or declared and a sum sufficient for the payment thereof has been set aside, no dividend shall be paid or declared or set aside for payment, and no distribution may be made, on our common stock or any other shares of our junior stock (other than a dividend payable solely in shares of stock that rank junior to the Series C Preferred Stock or Series D Preferred Stock, as the case may be, in the payment of dividends in the distribution of assets on any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of LNC); no monies may be paid or made available for a sinking fund for the redemption or retirement of common stock or other junior stock nor shall any shares of junior stock be purchased, redeemed or otherwise acquired for consideration by us, directly or indirectly during a dividend period

Redemption. LNC has the option to redeem the Series C Preferred Stock (i) in whole but not in part within 90 days after the occurrence of a rating agency event at a redemption price equal to 102% of the stated amount of a share of Series C Preferred Stock (initially, $25,500 per share of Series C Preferred Stock), plus an amount equal to any dividends per share that have accrued but not been declared and paid for the then-current dividend period to, but excluding, such redemption date, and (ii)(a) in whole but not in part within 90 days after the occurrence of a regulatory capital event, or (b) in whole or in part, from time to time, during the three-month period prior to March 1, 2028, and during the three-month period prior to each date on which the interest rate is reset thereafter in each case, at a redemption price equal to the stated amount of a share of Series C Preferred Stock (initially, $25,000 per share of Series C Preferred Stock), plus an amount equal to any dividends per share that have accrued but not been declared and paid for the then-current dividend period to, but excluding, such redemption date. LNC has the option to redeem the Series D Preferred Stock (i) in whole but not in part, at any time prior to December 1, 2027, within 90 days after the occurrence of a rating agency event at a redemption price equal to 102% of the stated amount of a share of Series D Preferred Stock (initially, $25,500 per share of Series D Preferred Stock), plus an amount equal to any dividends per share that have accrued but not been declared and paid for the then-current dividend period to, but excluding, such redemption date, and (ii)(a) in whole but not in part, at any time prior to December 1, 2027, within 90 days after the occurrence of a regulatory capital event or (b) in whole or in part, at any time or from time to time on or after December 1, 2027, in each case, at a redemption price equal to the stated amount of a share of Series D Preferred Stock (initially, $25,000 per share of Series D Preferred Stock), plus an amount equal to any dividends per share that have accrued but not been declared and paid for the then-current dividend period to, but excluding, such redemption date.

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For both the Series C Preferred Stock and the Series D Preferred Stock, “rating agency event” means that any nationally recognized statistical rating organization that then publishes a rating for us amends, clarifies or changes the criteria it uses to assign equity credit to securities such as the preferred stock and the amendment, clarification or change reduces the length of time the preferred stock receives a particular level of equity credit or lowers the equity credit assigned by the applicable rating agency to the applicable preferred stock. For both the Series C Preferred Stock and the Series D Preferred Stock, “regulatory capital event” means that we become subject to capital adequacy supervision by a capital regulator that includes group-wide prescribed capital adequacy requirements and the capital adequacy requirements that apply to us as a result of being so subject set forth criteria pursuant to which the aggregate stated amount of the applicable preferred stock would not qualify as capital under such capital adequacy requirements.

The Series C Preferred Stock and Series D Preferred Stock are not subject to any mandatory redemption, sinking fund or other similar provisions, and the holders of such series of preferred stock have no right to require the redemption or repurchase of such series of preferred stock (or any depositary shares representing such series of preferred stock).

Liquidation Preference. Upon any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of LNC, holders of the Series C Preferred Stock and the Series D Preferred Stock are entitled to receive out of the assets of LNC available for distribution to shareholders, before any distribution is made to holders of common stock or other junior stock, a liquidating distribution in the amount of $25,000 per share of Series C Preferred Stock and Series D Preferred Stock, plus any declared and unpaid dividends, without accumulation of any undeclared dividends. Distributions will be made pro rata as to the Series C Preferred Stock and Series D Preferred Stock and any other parity stock outstanding at such time and only to the extent of LNC’s assets, if any, that are available after satisfaction of all liabilities to creditors.

In any such distribution, if the assets of LNC are not sufficient to pay the liquidation preferences in full to all holders of the Series C Preferred Stock and Series D Preferred Stock and all holders of any class or series of our stock that ranks on a parity with the Series C Preferred Stock and Series D Preferred Stock in the distribution of assets upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of LNC, the amounts paid to the holders of Series C Preferred Stock and Series D Preferred Stock and to the holders of any parity stock will be paid pro rata in accordance with the respective aggregate liquidation preferences of those holders. In any such distribution, the “liquidation preference” of any holder of preferred stock means the amount payable to such holder in such distribution (assuming no limitation on our assets available for such distribution), including any declared but unpaid dividends in the case of any holder of stock on which dividends accrue on a noncumulative basis (and any unpaid, accrued cumulative dividends in the case of any holder of stock on which dividends accrue on a cumulative basis). If the liquidation preference has been paid in full to all holders of the Series C Preferred Stock and Series D Preferred Stock and any holders of liquidation preference parity stock, the holders of our other stock shall be entitled to receive all remaining assets of LNC according to their respective rights and preferences.

For purposes of this section, the merger or consolidation of LNC with any other entity, including a merger or consolidation in which the holders of the Series C Preferred Stock and Series D Preferred Stock receive cash, securities or other property for their shares, or the sale, lease or exchange of all or substantially all of the assets of LNC, for cash, securities or other property will not constitute a liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of LNC.

Listing. The Series C Preferred Stock is currently traded in the over-the-counter market. The Series D Preferred Stock is listed on the NYSE under the symbol “LNC PRD.”

Anti-Takeover Considerations

Certain Provisions of LNC’s Amended and Restated Bylaws.

Article I of our amended and restated bylaws provides that special meetings of shareholders may only be called by (i) the board of directors, (ii) the chairman of the board of directors or (iii) the secretary of the

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corporation at the valid written request of shareholders of record who own, or are acting on behalf of one or more beneficial owners who own, continuously for at least one year as of the record date fixed in accordance with our amended and restated bylaws to determine who may deliver a written request to call such special meeting, capital stock representing ten percent (10%) of the voting stock (the “Special Meeting Request Required Shares”), and who continue to own the Special Meeting Request Required Shares at all times between such record date and the date of the applicable meeting of shareholders. Article I of the amended and restated bylaws further provides that control shares (as discussed below) of the corporation acquired in a control share acquisition with respect to which the acquiring person has not filed with the corporation the statement required by the IBCL may, at any time during the period ending 60 days after the last acquisition of control shares by the acquiring person, be redeemed by the corporation at their fair value pursuant to procedures authorized by a resolution of the board of directors. Article I also gives the board of directors the authority to enter into any arrangement to direct the voting of any other person’s shares in connection with a change of control of LNC.

Certain State Law Provisions.

Chapter 43 of the IBCL also restricts business combinations with interested shareholders. It prohibits certain business combinations, including mergers, sales of assets, recapitalizations, and reverse stock splits, between certain corporations having 100 or more shareholders that also have a class of voting shares registered with the SEC under Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (which includes us) and an interested shareholder, defined as the beneficial owner of 10% or more of the voting power of the outstanding voting shares of that corporation, for five years following the date the shareholder acquired such 10% beneficial ownership, unless the acquisition or the business combination was approved by the board of directors in advance of that date. If the combination was not previously approved, the interested shareholder may effect a combination after the five-year period only if the shareholder receives approval from a majority of the disinterested shares or the offer meets certain fair price criteria. A corporation may elect to opt out of these provisions in an amendment to its articles of incorporation approved by a majority of the disinterested shares. Such an amendment, however, would not become effective for 18 months after its passage and would apply only to stock acquisitions occurring after its effective date. Our restated articles of incorporation do not elect to opt out of these provisions.

Chapter 42 of the IBCL includes provisions designed to protect minority shareholders in the event that a person acquires, pursuant to a tender offer or otherwise, shares giving it more than 20%, more than 33 1/3%, or more than 50% of the outstanding voting power (which we refer to as “control shares”) of an “issuing public corporation.” Unless the issuing public corporation’s articles of incorporation or bylaws provide that Chapter 42 does not apply to control share acquisitions of shares of the corporation before the control share acquisition, an acquirer who purchases control shares cannot vote the control shares until each class or series of shares entitled to vote separately on the proposal, by a majority of all votes entitled to be cast by that group (excluding the control shares and any shares held by officers of the corporation and employees of the corporation who are directors thereof), approve in a special or annual meeting the rights of the acquirer to vote the control shares. Unless otherwise provided in a corporation’s articles of incorporation or bylaws before a control share acquisition has occurred, in the event that control shares acquired in a control share acquisition are accorded full voting rights and the acquiring person acquires control shares with a majority or more of all voting power, all shareholders of the issuing public corporation have dissenters’ rights to receive the fair value of their shares.

“Issuing public corporation” means a corporation which is organized in Indiana, has 100 or more shareholders, its principal place of business, its principal office or substantial assets within Indiana and has one of the following:

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An issuing public corporation may elect not to be covered by the statute by so providing in its articles of incorporation or bylaws. Our restated articles of incorporation do not elect to opt out of these provisions.

Indiana insurance laws and regulations provide that no person may acquire our voting securities if that person would directly or indirectly be in control of us after the acquisition, unless that person has provided certain required information to us and to the Indiana Insurance Commissioner, and the Indiana Insurance Commissioner has approved the acquisition. Control of us is presumed to exist if any person beneficially owns 10% or more of our voting securities. Furthermore, the Indiana Insurance Commissioner may determine, after notice and hearing, that control exists despite the absence of a presumption to that effect. Consequently, no person may acquire, directly or indirectly, 10% or more of our voting securities to be outstanding after any offering of securities pursuant to this prospectus, or otherwise acquire control of us, unless that person has provided such required information to the Indiana Insurance Commissioner and the Indiana Insurance Commissioner has approved such acquisition.

Depositary Shares

The descriptions below and in any prospectus supplement of certain provisions of the deposit agreement and depositary receipts summarize the material terms of these documents. Because these summaries are not complete, you should refer to the form of deposit agreement and form of depositary receipts relating to the series of security offered.

General

We may, at our option, elect to have debt securities, shares of common stock or shares of preferred stock be represented by depositary shares. We will deposit the shares of any series of preferred stock, the number of debt securities or shares of common stock (which we refer to collectively as “securities”) underlying the depositary shares under a separate deposit agreement (which we refer to as a “deposit agreement”) between us and a bank or trust company selected by us (which we refer to as the “depositary”). We will include the name and address of the depositary for any depositary shares in the applicable prospectus supplement. Subject to the terms of the deposit agreement, each owner of a depositary share will be entitled, proportionately, to all the rights, preferences and privileges of the security represented by that depositary share, including dividend, voting, redemption, conversion, exchange and liquidation rights.

The depositary shares will be evidenced by depositary receipts issued pursuant to the deposit agreement. Each depositary share will represent the applicable interest in a number of securities described in the applicable prospectus supplement.

A holder of depositary shares will be entitled to receive the whole number of securities underlying the holder’s depositary shares. If the depositary receipts delivered by the holder evidence a number of depositary shares in excess of the whole number to be withdrawn, the depositary will deliver to the holder the number of whole securities to be withdrawn, together with a new depositary receipt evidencing the excess number of depositary shares.

Dividends and other Distributions

The depositary will distribute all applicable cash dividends or other cash distributions on the securities to the record holders of depositary receipts in proportion, insofar as possible, to the number of depositary shares owned by the holders.

If we distribute property other than in cash with respect to the securities, the depositary will distribute property received by it to the record holders of depositary receipts in proportion, insofar as possible, to the number of depositary shares owned by the holders, unless the depositary determines that it is not feasible to make

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the distribution. In this event, the depositary may, with our approval, adopt any method it deems equitable and practicable for the purpose of effecting the distribution, including a public or private sale of the property and distribution of the net proceeds from the sale to the record holders of the depositary receipts.

The amount so distributed in any of the circumstances described above will be reduced by any amount required to be withheld by us or the depositary on account of taxes.

Conversion and Exchange

We will describe any terms relating to the conversion or exchange of any securities underlying the depositary shares in the applicable prospectus supplement. If any securities underlying the depositary shares are subject to provisions relating to its conversion or exchange, each record holder of depositary shares will have the right or obligation to convert or exchange the depositary shares pursuant to the terms thereof.

Redemption of Depositary Shares

If securities underlying the depositary shares are subject to redemption, the depositary shares will be redeemed from the proceeds received by the depositary as a result of the redemption, in whole or in part, of the securities held by the depositary. The redemption price per depositary share will be equal to the aggregate redemption price payable with respect to the number of securities underlying that depositary share. Whenever we redeem securities from the depositary, the depositary will redeem as of the same redemption date a proportionate number of depositary shares representing the securities that were redeemed. If less than all the depositary shares are to be redeemed, the depositary shares to be redeemed will be selected by lot or proportionately as we may determine.

After the date fixed for redemption, the depositary shares called for redemption will no longer be deemed to be outstanding and all rights of the holders of the depositary shares will cease, other than the right to receive the redemption price upon redemption. Any funds deposited by us with the depositary for any depositary shares which the holders fail to redeem shall be returned to us after a period of two years from the date the funds are deposited.

Voting

Upon receipt of notice of any meeting at which the holders of any securities underlying the depositary shares are entitled to vote, the depositary will mail the information contained in the notice to the record holders of the depositary receipts. Each record holder of depositary receipts on the record date (which will be the same date as the record date for the securities) will be entitled to instruct the depositary as to the exercise of the voting rights pertaining to the number of securities underlying that holder’s depositary shares. The depositary will endeavor, insofar as practicable, to vote the number of securities underlying the depositary shares in accordance with those instructions, and we will agree to take all reasonable action which may be deemed necessary by the depositary in order to enable the depositary to do so. The depositary will abstain from voting the securities to the extent it does not receive specific written instructions from holders of depositary receipts representing the securities.

Record Date

Whenever:

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the depositary shall in each case fix a record date (which shall be the same as the record date for the securities) for the determination of the holders of depositary receipts:

Amendment and Termination of the Deposit Agreement

We and the depositary may amend the form of depositary receipt and any provision of the deposit agreement at any time. However, any amendment that imposes or increases any fees, taxes or other charges payable by the holders of depositary receipts (other than taxes and other governmental charges, fees and other expenses payable by the holders as described below under “Charges of Depositary”), or that otherwise prejudices any substantial existing right of holders of depositary receipts, will not take effect as to outstanding depositary receipts until the expiration of 90 days after notice of the amendment has been mailed to the record holders of outstanding depositary receipts.

Whenever so directed by us, the depositary will terminate the deposit agreement by mailing notice of the termination to the record holders of all depositary receipts then outstanding at least 30 days prior to the termination date. The depositary may likewise terminate the deposit agreement if at any time:

If any depositary receipts remain outstanding after the date of termination, the depositary:

except as provided below and except that the depositary will continue to:

At any time beginning two years after the termination date, the depositary may sell the securities then held by it at public or private sales, at places and upon terms as it deems proper. Without liability for any interest, the depositary may hold the net proceeds of any sale, together with any money and other property then held by it, for the proportionate benefit of the holders of depositary receipts that have not been surrendered.

Charges of Depositary

Except for taxes, transfer taxes, governmental charges and any other charges that are expressly provided in the deposit agreement to be at the expense of holders of depositary receipts or persons depositing securities, we will pay all charges of the depositary including charges in connection with:

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Miscellaneous

The depositary will make available for inspection by holders of depositary receipts at its corporate office and its New York office, all reports and communications that we deliver to the depositary as the holder of securities.

Neither we nor the depositary will be liable if it is prevented or delayed by law or any circumstance beyond its control in performing its obligations under the deposit agreement. The obligations of the depositary under the deposit agreement are limited to performing its duties in good faith without negligence or bad faith. Neither we nor the depositary are obligated to prosecute or defend any legal proceeding regarding any depositary shares or securities unless satisfactory indemnity is furnished. We and the depositary are entitled to rely upon advice of or information from counsel, accountants or other persons believed to be competent and on documents believed to be genuine.

We may remove the depositary and the depositary may resign at any time, effective upon the acceptance by a successor depositary of its appointment. However, if a successor depositary has not been appointed or accepted such appointment within 45 days after the depositary has delivered to us a notice of election to resign, the depositary may terminate the deposit agreement. See “—Amendment and Termination of the Deposit Agreement” above.

Warrants

General

We may issue warrants to purchase debt securities, common stock, preferred stock, depositary shares, property, assets or other securities described in this prospectus, including other warrants (which we refer to collectively as the “underlying warrant securities”). We may issue the warrants independently or together with any underlying warrant securities and either attached to or separate from any underlying warrant securities. We will issue each series of warrants under a separate warrant agreement (which we refer to as a “warrant agreement”) to be entered into between LNC and a warrant agent. The warrant agent will act solely as our agent in connection with the series of warrants and will not assume any obligation or agency relationship for or with holders or beneficial owners of warrants. The following describes certain general terms and provisions of the warrants offered pursuant to this prospectus. We will describe further terms of the warrants and the warrant agreement in the applicable prospectus supplement.

The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the terms of any warrants with respect to which this prospectus is being delivered, including the following:

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Stock Purchase Contracts and Stock Purchase Units

We may issue stock purchase contracts, representing contracts obligating holders to purchase from us, and obligating us to sell to the holders, a specified number of shares of common stock, preferred stock, other securities, property or assets at a future date or dates. The price per share may be fixed at the time the stock purchase contracts are issued or may be determined by reference to a specific formula set forth in the stock purchase contracts. The stock purchase contracts may be issued separately or as a part of units (which we refer to as “stock purchase units”) consisting of a stock purchase contract and either:

The stock purchase contracts may require us to make periodic payments to the holders of the stock purchase units or vice versa, and such payments may be unsecured or prefunded on some basis. The stock purchase contracts may require holders to secure their obligations thereunder in a specified manner. In certain circumstances, LNC may deliver newly issued prepaid stock purchase contracts (which we refer to as “prepaid securities”) upon release to a holder of any collateral securing the holder’s obligations under the original stock purchase contract.

We will describe the terms of any stock purchase contracts, stock purchase units and prepaid securities in the applicable prospectus supplement. The description in the prospectus supplement will not purport to be complete and will be qualified in its entirety by reference to the stock purchase contracts, the collateral arrangements and depositary arrangements, if applicable, relating to the stock purchase contracts, stock purchase units and prepaid securities and any document pursuant to which the prepaid securities will be issued.

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Trust Preferred Securities

Pursuant to the terms of the trust agreement for each trust, the issuer trustees on behalf of the trust will issue the trust preferred securities and the common securities. The trust preferred securities of a particular issue will represent preferred beneficial interests in the trust. The holders of trust preferred securities will be entitled to a preference in certain circumstances with respect to distributions and amounts payable on redemption or liquidation over the common securities of the trust, as well as other benefits as described in the corresponding trust agreement. Each of the trusts is a legally separate entity and the assets of one are not available to satisfy the obligations of any of the others.

This summary of certain provisions of the trust preferred securities and each trust agreement does not purport to be complete and is subject to, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to, all the provisions of each trust agreement, including the definitions of certain terms, and the Trust Indenture Act. Wherever we refer to particular defined terms of a trust agreement in this prospectus or in a prospectus supplement, those defined terms are incorporated in this prospectus and the prospectus supplement by reference. We have filed the form of the trust agreement as an exhibit to the registration statement that includes this prospectus.

General

The trust preferred securities of a trust will rank equally, and payments will be made on the trust preferred securities proportionately, with the common securities of that trust except as described under “—Subordination of Common Securities.” Each trust will use the proceeds from the sale of trust preferred securities and common securities to purchase an aggregate principal amount of corresponding junior subordinated debt securities of LNC equal to the aggregate liquidation amount of the trust preferred securities and common securities. The property trustee of each trust will hold legal title to the corresponding junior subordinated debt securities for the benefit of the holders of the related trust preferred securities and common securities.

In addition, we will execute a guarantee for the benefit of the holders of the related trust preferred securities. Our obligations under each guarantee are subordinate to our senior debt. Each guarantee will not guarantee payment of distributions or amounts payable on redemption or liquidation of the trust preferred securities when the related trust does not have funds on hand available to make the payments. See “Description of Securities We May Sell—Guarantees of Trust Preferred Securities.”

Distributions

Each trust’s trust preferred securities represent beneficial interests in the applicable trust. We anticipate that the revenue of each trust available for distribution to the holders of its trust preferred securities will be limited to payments received from us on the corresponding junior subordinated debt securities. If we do not make a required payment on the corresponding junior subordinated debt securities, the trust will not have sufficient funds to make the related payments on the trust preferred securities.

The following are the general distribution rights of the trust preferred securities:

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If provided in the applicable prospectus supplement, we have the right under the junior subordinated indenture, the contract that provides the terms for the corresponding junior subordinated debt securities, to defer the payment of interest at any time or from time to time on any series of the corresponding subordinated debt securities for a period which we will specify in the applicable prospectus supplement. However, no extension period may extend beyond the stated maturity of the corresponding subordinated debt securities. See “Description of Securities We May Sell—Junior Subordinated Debt Securities—Option to Extend Interest Payment; Restrictions on Certain Payments.” If we elect to defer interest payments on the junior subordinated debt securities, the trust will defer distributions on the corresponding trust preferred securities during the extension period. Deferred distributions will continue to accumulate additional distributions at the rate per annum set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement.

During the extension period, we may not, and may not permit any of our subsidiaries to:

The following actions are not subject to the restrictions discussed above:

Distributions on the trust preferred securities will be payable to the holders as they appear on the register of the trust on the relevant record dates, which, as long as the trust preferred securities remain in book-entry form, will be one business day prior to the relevant distribution date. If any trust preferred securities are not in book-entry form, the relevant record date for those trust preferred securities will be the date at least 15 days prior to the relevant distribution date, as specified in the applicable prospectus supplement.

Redemption or Exchange

Mandatory Redemption. If we repay or redeem any corresponding junior subordinated debt securities, in whole or in part, whether at maturity or upon earlier redemption as provided in the junior subordinated indenture, the property trustee, upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’ notice, will apply the proceeds from the

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repayment or redemption to redeem trust securities on a proportionate basis with an aggregate stated liquidation amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of the junior subordinated debentures repaid or redeemed. The redemption price (which we refer to as the “redemption price”) will equal the aggregate liquidation amount of the trust securities plus accumulated but unpaid distributions on the trust securities to the redemption date and the related amount of the premium, if any, paid by us upon the concurrent redemption of the corresponding junior subordinated debt securities. See “Description of Securities We May Sell—Junior Subordinated Debt Securities—Redemption.”

We will have the right to redeem any series of corresponding junior subordinated debt securities:

Special Event Redemption or Distribution of Corresponding Junior Subordinated Debt Securities. If a special event with respect to a series of trust preferred securities and common securities has occurred and is continuing, we have the right to redeem the corresponding junior subordinated debt securities in whole but not in part and thereby cause a mandatory redemption of the related trust preferred securities and common securities in whole but not in part at the redemption price. We have the right to terminate the related trust at any time and, after satisfaction of the liabilities of creditors of the trust as provided by applicable law, cause the corresponding junior subordinated debt securities to be distributed to the holders of the trust preferred securities and common securities in liquidation of the trust. If we do elect either option described above, the applicable series of trust preferred securities will remain outstanding. If a tax event has occurred and is continuing, additional sums (as defined below) may be payable on the corresponding junior subordinated debt securities.

Extension of Maturity of Corresponding Junior Subordinated Debt Securities. If provided in the applicable prospectus supplement, we will have the right to extend or shorten the maturity of any series of corresponding junior subordinated debt securities at the time that we exercise our right to elect to terminate the related trust and cause the corresponding junior subordinated debt securities to be distributed to the holders of the trust preferred securities and common securities in liquidation of the trust. However, we may extend the maturity only if it satisfies certain conditions specified in the applicable prospectus supplement at the time the election is made and at the time of the extension.

The junior subordinated indenture defines “additional sums” as the additional amounts as may be necessary in order that the amount of distributions then due and payable by a trust on the outstanding trust preferred securities and common securities of the trust will not be reduced as a result of any additional taxes, duties and other governmental charges to which the trust has become subject as a result of a tax event.

“Investment company event” means the receipt by the applicable trust of an opinion of counsel experienced in such matters to the effect that, as a result of the occurrence of a change in law or regulation or a change in interpretation or application of law or regulation by any legislative body, court, governmental agency or regulatory authority, the applicable trust is or will be considered an investment company that is required to be registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, which change becomes effective on or after the date of original issuance of the series of trust preferred securities.

“Tax event” means the receipt by the applicable trust of an opinion of counsel experienced in such matters to the effect that, as a result of any amendment to, or change or announced prospective change in, the laws or

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regulations of the U.S. or any political subdivision or taxing authority in the U.S., or as a result of any official administrative pronouncement or judicial decision interpreting or applying those laws or regulations, which amendment or change is effective or which pronouncement or decision is announced on or after the date of issuance of the trust preferred securities under the trust agreement, there is more than an insubstantial risk that:

After the liquidation date fixed for any distribution of corresponding junior subordinated debt securities for any series of trust preferred securities:

We cannot predict the market prices for the trust preferred securities or the corresponding junior subordinated debt securities that may be distributed in exchange for trust preferred securities if a dissolution and liquidation of a trust were to occur. Accordingly, the trust preferred securities that an investor may purchase, or the corresponding junior subordinated debt securities that the investor may receive on dissolution and liquidation of a trust, may trade at a discount to the price that the investor paid to purchase the trust preferred securities offered pursuant to this prospectus.

Redemption Procedures

A trust will redeem trust preferred securities on each redemption date at the redemption price with the applicable proceeds from the contemporaneous redemption of the corresponding junior subordinated debt securities. A trust will redeem trust preferred securities and pay the redemption price only to the extent that the trust has funds on hand available for the payment of the redemption price. See also “—Subordination of Common Securities.”

If a trust gives a notice of redemption with respect to its trust preferred securities, then, by 12:00 noon, New York City time, on the redemption date, to the extent funds are available, the property trustee will, so long as the trust preferred securities are in book-entry form, irrevocably deposit with DTC funds sufficient to pay the applicable redemption price and will give DTC irrevocable instructions and authority to pay the redemption price to the holders of the trust preferred securities. If the trust preferred securities are no longer in book-entry form, to the extent funds are available, the property trustee will irrevocably deposit with the paying agent for the trust preferred securities funds sufficient to pay the applicable redemption price and will give the paying agent irrevocable instructions and authority to pay the redemption price to the holders upon surrender of their

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certificates evidencing the trust preferred securities. However, distributions payable on or prior to the redemption date for any trust preferred securities called for redemption will be payable to the holders of the trust preferred securities on the relevant record dates for the related distribution dates.

If the trust has given the notice of redemption and the property trustee has deposited the funds as required, then upon the date of such deposit, all rights of the holders of the trust preferred securities called for redemption will cease, other than the right of the holders of the trust preferred securities to receive the redemption price without interest, and the trust preferred securities will cease to be outstanding. If the date fixed for redemption of trust preferred securities is not a business day, then the trust will pay the redemption price on the next succeeding day which is a business day without any interest or other payment in respect of any such delay. However, if that business day falls in the next calendar year, the trust will make the payment on the immediately preceding business day. If payment of the redemption price of trust preferred securities called for redemption is improperly withheld or refused and not paid either by the trust or by us pursuant to the guarantee as described under “Description of Securities We May Sell—Guarantees of Trust Preferred Securities,” distributions on the trust preferred securities will continue to accrue at the then applicable rate, from the redemption date originally established by the trust for the trust preferred securities to the date the redemption price is actually paid. In this event, the actual payment date will be the date fixed for redemption for purposes of calculating the redemption price.

Subject to applicable law (including U.S. federal securities law), we or our subsidiaries may at any time and from time to time purchase outstanding trust preferred securities by tender, in the open market or by private agreement.

The trust will pay the redemption price on the trust preferred securities and make any distribution of corresponding junior subordinated debt securities to the applicable holders of record of the trust preferred securities as they appear on the register for the trust preferred securities on the relevant record date. The record date will generally be one business day prior to the relevant redemption date or liquidation date, as applicable. However, if any trust preferred securities are not in book-entry form, the relevant record date for the trust preferred securities will be a date at least 15 days prior to the redemption date or liquidation date, as applicable, as specified in the applicable prospectus supplement.

If less than all of the trust preferred securities and common securities are to be redeemed on a redemption date, then the aggregate liquidation amount of the trust preferred securities and common securities to be redeemed will be allocated proportionately to the trust preferred securities and the common securities based upon their relative liquidation amounts. The property trustee shall select the particular trust preferred securities to be redeemed on a proportionate basis not more than 60 days prior to the redemption date from the outstanding trust preferred securities not previously called for redemption, by such method as the property trustee deems fair and appropriate. The property trustee may provide for the selection for redemption of portions (equal to $25 or an integral multiple of $25) of the liquidation amount of trust preferred securities of a denomination larger than $25. The property trustee shall promptly notify the trust registrar in writing of the trust preferred securities selected for redemption and, in the case of any trust preferred securities selected for partial redemption, the liquidation amount of the trust preferred securities to be redeemed. For all purposes of each trust agreement, unless the context otherwise requires, all provisions relating to the redemption of trust preferred securities will relate, in the case of any trust preferred securities redeemed or to be redeemed only in part, to the portion of the aggregate liquidation amount of trust preferred securities which has been or is to be redeemed.

The property trustee will mail the notice of any redemption at least 30 days but not more than 60 days before the redemption date to each holder of trust securities to be redeemed at its registered address. Unless we default in payment of the redemption price on the corresponding junior subordinated debt securities, on and after the redemption date interest will cease to accrue on the junior subordinated debt securities or portions thereof (and distributions will cease to accrue on the related trust preferred securities or portions thereof) called for redemption.

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Subordination of Common Securities

Each trust will pay distributions on, and the redemption price of, the trust securities it issues equally among its trust preferred securities and common securities based on their respective liquidation amounts. However, if on any distribution date or redemption date a junior subordinated debt security event of default has occurred and is continuing, the trust will not pay any distribution on, or redemption price of, any of the trust’s common securities and will not make any other payment on account of the redemption, liquidation or other acquisition of the trust’s common securities, in each case unless payment in full in cash of all accumulated and unpaid distributions on all of the trust’s outstanding trust preferred securities for all distribution periods terminating on or before the redemption, liquidation or other acquisition, or in the case of payment of the redemption price, the full amount of the redemption price on all of the trust’s outstanding trust preferred securities then call for redemption, will have been made or provided for. In this event, the property trustee will apply all available funds first to the payment in full in cash of all distributions on, or redemption price of, the trust’s trust preferred securities then due and payable.

In the case of any trust agreement event of default resulting from a junior subordinated debt security event of default, we as holder of the trust’s common securities will be deemed to have waived any right to act with respect to the trust agreement event of default under the applicable trust agreement until the effect of all such trust agreement events of default with respect to the trust preferred securities have been cured, waived or otherwise eliminated. Until any trust agreement events of default with respect to the trust preferred securities have been cured, waived or otherwise eliminated, the property trustee will act solely on behalf of the holders of such trust preferred securities and not on our behalf as holder of the trust’s common securities, and only the holders of the trust preferred securities will have the right to direct the property trustee to act on their behalf.

Liquidation Distribution Upon Termination

Pursuant to each trust agreement, each trust will automatically terminate upon expiration of its term and will terminate on the first to occur of:

If an early termination of the trust occurs other than as a result of redemption of all of the trust’s trust preferred securities, the trustees will liquidate the trust as expeditiously as possible by distributing, after satisfaction of liabilities to creditors of the trust as provided by applicable law, to the holders of the trust securities a like amount of the corresponding junior subordinated debt securities, unless the property trustee determines that distribution of the corresponding junior subordinated debt securities is impracticable. If the property trustee determines that distribution of the corresponding junior subordinated debt securities is impracticable, the holders of trust preferred securities will be entitled to receive, after satisfaction of liabilities to creditors of the trust as provided by applicable law, an amount equal to the aggregate liquidation amount of the trust preferred securities plus accrued and unpaid distributions to the date of payment (which we refer to as a “liquidation distribution”). If the trust can pay the liquidation distribution only in part because the trust has insufficient assets available to pay in full the aggregate liquidation distribution, then the trust will pay amounts payable on its trust preferred securities on a proportionate basis. The holders of the trust’s common securities will generally be entitled to receive distributions upon the liquidation proportionately with the holders of its trust preferred securities. However, if a junior subordinated debt security event of default has occurred and is continuing, the trust preferred securities will have a priority over the common securities. A supplemental

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indenture may provide that if an early termination occurs as a result of the entry of a court order for the dissolution of the trust, the corresponding junior subordinated debt securities may be subject to optional redemption in whole but not in part.

Events of Default; Notice

Any one of the following events constitutes an “event of default” under each trust agreement (which we refer to as a “trust agreement event of default”) with respect to the trust preferred securities issued under that trust agreement, whatever the reason for the trust agreement event of default and whether it is voluntary or involuntary or effected by operation of law or pursuant to any judgment, decree or order of any court or any order, rule or regulation of any administrative or governmental body:

Within 90 days after the occurrence of any trust agreement event of default actually known to the property trustee, the property trustee will transmit notice of the trust agreement event of default to the holders of the trust’s trust preferred securities, the administrative trustees and to us, as depositor, unless the trust agreement event of default is cured or waived. We, as depositor, and the administrative trustees are required to file annually with the property trustee a certificate as to whether or not we are and they are in compliance with all the conditions and covenants applicable to each of us under the trust agreement.

If a junior subordinated debt security event of default has occurred and is continuing, the trust preferred securities will have a preference over the common securities upon termination of each trust as described above. See “—Liquidation Distribution Upon Termination.” The existence of a trust agreement event of default does not entitle the holders to accelerate the maturity of the trust preferred securities.

Removal of Trustees

Unless a junior subordinated debt security event of default has occurred and is continuing, the holder of the common securities may remove any trustee at any time. If a junior subordinated debt security event of default has occurred and is continuing, the holders of a majority in liquidation amount of the outstanding trust preferred securities may remove the property trustee and the Delaware trustee at such time. The holders of the trust preferred securities do not have the right to vote to appoint, remove or replace the administrative trustees, which voting rights are vested exclusively in us as the holder of the common securities. No resignation or removal of a

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trustee and no appointment of a successor trustee will be effective until the successor trustee accepts the appointment in accordance with the applicable trust agreement.

Co-trustees and Separate Property Trustee

Unless a trust agreement event of default has occurred and is continuing, for the purpose of meeting the legal requirements of the Trust Indenture Act or any jurisdiction in which any part of the trust property may at the time be located, we, as the holder of the common securities, and the administrative trustees may appoint one or more persons to act either:

The co-trustee or separate trustee will have such powers as may be provided in the instrument of appointment. We and the administrative trustees may vest in the co-trustee or separate trustee any property, title, right or power deemed necessary or desirable, subject to the provisions of the applicable trust agreement. If a junior subordinated debt security event of default has occurred and is continuing, the property trustee alone will have power to make the appointment.

Merger or Consolidation of Trustees

Any corporation into which the property trustee, the Delaware trustee or any administrative trustee that is not a natural person may be merged or converted or with which it may be consolidated, or any corporation resulting from any merger, conversion or consolidation to which that trustee will be a party, or any corporation succeeding to all or substantially all the corporate trust business of that trustee, will be the successor of that trustee under each trust agreement, provided the corporation is otherwise qualified and eligible.

Mergers, Consolidations, Amalgamations or Replacements of the Trusts

A trust may not merge with or into, consolidate, amalgamate, or be replaced by, or convey, transfer or lease its properties and assets substantially as an entirety to any corporation or other person or entity, except as described below. A trust may, at our request, with the consent of the administrative trustees and without the consent of the holders of the trust preferred securities, merge with or into, consolidate, amalgamate, or be replaced by or convey, transfer or lease its properties and assets substantially as an entirety to a trust organized under the laws of any state; provided that:

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Despite the foregoing, a trust will not, except with the consent of holders of 100% in liquidation amount of the trust preferred securities, consolidate, amalgamate, merge with or into, or be replaced by or convey, transfer or lease its properties and assets substantially as an entirety to any other entity or permit any other entity to consolidate, amalgamate, merge with or into, or replace it if the consolidation, amalgamation, merger, replacement, conveyance, transfer or lease would cause the trust or the successor entity to be classified as other than a grantor trust for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

Voting Rights; Amendment of Each Trust Agreement

Except as provided below and under “Description of Securities We May Sell—Guarantees of Trust Preferred Securities—Amendments and Assignment” and as otherwise required by law and the applicable trust agreement, the holders of the trust preferred securities will have no voting rights.

We and the trustees may amend a trust agreement from time to time without the consent of the holders of the trust preferred securities:

provided, however, that in the case of the first bullet point above, the action will not adversely affect in any material respect the interests of any holder of trust securities. Any amendments of the trust agreement will become effective when notice of the amendment is given to the holders of trust securities.

We and the trustees may generally amend a trust agreement with:

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However, we and the trustees may not amend a trust agreement without the consent of each holder of trust securities to:

So long as any corresponding junior subordinated debt securities are held by the property trustee, the trustees may not:

The trustees may not revoke any action previously authorized or approved by a vote of the holders of the trust preferred securities except by subsequent vote of the holders. The property trustee will notify each holder of trust preferred securities of any notice of default with respect to the corresponding junior subordinated debt securities. In addition to obtaining the approvals of the holders of the trust preferred securities referred to above, prior to taking any of the foregoing actions, the trustees will obtain an opinion of counsel experienced in such matters to the effect that the trust will not be classified as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes on account of the action.

Any required approval of holders of trust preferred securities may be given at a meeting of holders of trust preferred securities convened for that purpose or pursuant to written consent. The property trustee will cause a notice of any meeting at which holders of trust preferred securities are entitled to vote, or of any matter upon which action by written consent of such holders is to be taken, to be given to each holder of record of trust preferred securities in the manner set forth in each trust agreement.

No vote or consent of the holders of trust preferred securities will be required for a trust to redeem and cancel its trust preferred securities in accordance with the applicable trust agreement.

Notwithstanding that holders of trust preferred securities are entitled to vote or consent under any of the circumstances described above, any of the trust preferred securities that we or our affiliates own or the trustees or any of their affiliates own, will, for purposes of the vote or consent, be treated as if they were not outstanding.

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Global Trust Preferred Securities

We may issue a series of preferred securities in the form of one or more global preferred securities. We will identify the depository which will hold the global preferred security in the applicable prospectus supplement. Unless we otherwise indicate in the applicable prospectus supplement, the depository will be DTC. We will issue global preferred securities only in fully registered form and in either temporary or permanent form. Unless it is exchanged for individual preferred securities, a global preferred security may not be transferred except:

We will describe the specific terms of the depository arrangement in the applicable prospectus supplement. We expect that the following provisions will generally apply to these depository arrangements.

Beneficial Interests in a Global Preferred Security

If we issue a global preferred security, the depository for the global preferred security or its nominee will credit on its book-entry registration and transfer system the aggregate liquidation amounts of the individual preferred securities represented by the global preferred securities to the accounts of participants. The accounts will be designated by the dealers, underwriters or agents for the preferred securities, or by us if the preferred securities are offered and sold directly by us. Ownership of beneficial interests in a global preferred security will be limited to participants or persons that may hold interests through participants. Ownership and transfers of beneficial interests in the global preferred security will be shown on, and effected only through, records maintained by the applicable depository or its nominee, for interests of participants, and the records of participants, for interests of persons who hold through participants. The laws of some states require that you take physical delivery of the securities in definitive form. These limits and laws may impair your ability to transfer beneficial interests in a global preferred security.

So long as the depository or its nominee is the registered owner of the global preferred security, the depository or nominee will be considered the sole owner or holder of the preferred securities represented by the global preferred security for all purposes under the trust agreement. Except as provided below, you:

Payments of Distributions

We will pay distributions on global preferred securities to the depository that is the registered holder of the global security, or its nominee. The depository for the preferred securities will be solely responsible and liable for all payments made on account of your beneficial ownership interests in the global preferred security and for maintaining, supervising and reviewing any records relating to your beneficial ownership interests.

We expect that the depository or its nominee, upon receipt of any payment of liquidation amount, premium or distributions, immediately will credit participants’ accounts with amounts in proportion to their respective beneficial interests in the aggregate liquidation amount of the global preferred security as shown on the records of the depository or its nominee. We also expect that payments by participants to owners of beneficial interests in the global preferred security held through those participants will be governed by standing instructions and

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customary practices, as is now the case with securities held for the accounts of customers in bearer form or registered in “street name.” These payments will be the responsibility of those participants.

Issuance of Individual Preferred Securities

Unless we state otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, if a depository for a series of preferred securities is at any time unwilling, unable or ineligible to continue as a depository and we do not appoint a successor depository within 90 days, we will issue individual preferred securities in exchange for the global preferred security. In addition, we may at any time and in our sole discretion, subject to any limitations described in the prospectus supplement relating to the preferred securities, determine not to have any preferred securities represented by one or more global preferred securities. If that occurs, we will issue individual preferred securities in exchange for the global preferred security.

Further, we may specify that you may, on terms acceptable to us, the property trustee and the depository for the global preferred security, receive individual preferred securities in exchange for your beneficial interests in a global preferred security, subject to any limitations described in the prospectus supplement relating to the preferred securities. In that instance, you will be entitled to physical delivery of individual preferred securities equal in liquidation amount to that beneficial interest and to have the preferred securities registered in its name. Unless we otherwise specify, those individual preferred securities will be issued in denominations of $25 and integral multiples of $25.

Payment and Paying Agency

Payments in respect of any global certificate representing trust preferred securities will be made to the depository, which will credit the relevant accounts at the depository on the applicable distribution dates. Payments in respect of trust preferred securities held in certificated form will be made by check mailed to the address of the holder entitled thereto as the address appears on the register. Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, the paying agent will initially be the property trustee and any co-paying agent chosen by the property trustee and acceptable to the administrative trustees and us. The paying agent may resign as paying agent upon 30 days’ written notice to the property trustee, administrative trustees and us. If the property trustee will no longer be the paying agent, the administrative trustees will appoint a successor, which will be a bank or trust company acceptable to the property trustee and us.

Registrar and Transfer Agent

Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, the property trustee will act as registrar and transfer agent for the trust preferred securities.

The registrar and transfer agent will register transfers of trust preferred securities without charge by or on behalf of each trust, but upon payment of any tax or other governmental charges that may be imposed in connection with any transfer or exchange. The trusts will not be required to register or cause to be registered the transfer of their trust preferred securities after the trust preferred securities have been called for redemption.

Information Concerning the Property Trustee

The property trustee, other than during the occurrence and continuance of a trust agreement event of default, undertakes to perform only those duties as are specifically set forth in each trust agreement and, after a trust agreement event of default, must exercise the same degree of care and skill as a prudent person would exercise or use in the conduct of his or her own affairs. Subject to this provision, the property trustee is under no obligation to exercise any of the powers vested in it by the applicable trust agreement at the request of any holder of trust

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preferred securities unless it is offered reasonable indemnity against the costs, expenses and liabilities that might be incurred thereby. If:

Miscellaneous

The administrative trustees are authorized and directed to conduct the affairs of and to operate the trusts in such a way that:

We and the administrative trustees are authorized to take any action, not inconsistent with applicable law, the certificate of trust of each trust or each trust agreement, that we and the administrative trustees determine in their discretion to be necessary or desirable for the purposes described above, as long as the action does not materially adversely affect the interests of the holders of the related trust preferred securities.

Holders of the trust preferred securities have no preemptive or similar rights. No trust may borrow money or issue debt or mortgage or pledge any of its assets.

Guarantees of Trust Preferred Securities

We will execute a guarantee concurrently with the issuance by each trust of its trust preferred securities for the benefit of the holders from time to time of the trust preferred securities. The Bank of New York Mellon, whom we refer to in such capacity as the “guarantee trustee,” will act as indenture trustee under each guarantee for the purposes of compliance with the Trust Indenture Act. The guarantee trustee will hold each guarantee for the benefit of the holders of the related trust’s trust preferred securities. Each guarantee will be qualified as an indenture under the Trust Indenture Act.

This summary of certain provisions of the guarantees does not purport to be complete and is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by reference to, all of the provisions of each guarantee agreement, including the definitions of certain terms, and the Trust Indenture Act. We have filed the form of the guarantee as an exhibit to the registration statement that includes this prospectus. Reference in this summary to trust preferred securities means that trust’s trust preferred securities to which a guarantee relates.

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General

Pursuant to and to the extent set forth in the guarantee, we will irrevocably agree to pay in full the guarantee payments on a subordinated basis to the holders of the trust preferred securities, as and when due, regardless of any defense, right of set-off or counterclaim that the trust may have or assert other than the defense of payment. The following payments constitute “guarantee payments” with respect to the trust preferred securities and, to the extent not paid by or on behalf of the related trust, will be subject to the guarantee:

Our obligation to make a guarantee payment may be satisfied by direct payment of the required amounts by us to the holders of the applicable trust preferred securities or by causing the trust to pay the required amounts to the holders.

Each guarantee will be an irrevocable guarantee on a subordinated basis of the related trust’s obligations under the trust preferred securities, but will apply only to the extent that the related trust has funds sufficient to make such payments. If we do not make interest payments on the corresponding junior subordinated debt securities held by the trust, the trust will not be able to pay distributions on the trust preferred securities and will not have funds legally available therefor. Each guarantee will rank subordinate and junior in right of payment to all of our senior debt. See “—Status of the Guarantees.”

We are a holding company that transacts substantially all of our business directly and indirectly through subsidiaries. Our primary assets are the stock of our operating subsidiaries. Our ability to meet our obligations on our obligations under the guarantees depends on the surplus and earnings of our subsidiaries and the ability of our subsidiaries to pay dividends or to advance or repay funds to us. The payment of dividends by our insurance company subsidiaries is limited under the insurance company holding company laws of the states in which those subsidiaries are domiciled. These subsidiaries are separate and distinct legal entities and have no obligation to pay any amounts due under our obligations or to make any funds available for such payment. Accordingly, our obligations under the guarantees will be effectively subordinated to all existing and future indebtedness and liabilities of our subsidiaries, including liabilities under contracts of insurance and annuities written by our insurance subsidiaries. Except as otherwise provided in the applicable prospectus supplement, the guarantees do not limit our incurrence or issuance of other secured or unsecured debt. We expect from time to time to incur additional senior debt.

Status of the Guarantees

Each guarantee will constitute an unsecured obligation of Lincoln National Corporation and will rank subordinate and junior in right of payment to all of our senior debt.

Each guarantee will rank equally with all other similar preferred securities guarantees issued by us on behalf of holders of preferred securities of any trust affiliated with us, which is a financing vehicle. Each guarantee will constitute a guarantee of payment and not of collection. Therefore, to the extent provided below, the guaranteed party may institute a legal proceeding directly against us to enforce its rights under the guarantee without first instituting a legal proceeding against any other person or entity. Each guarantee will be held for the benefit of the holders of the related trust preferred securities.

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Amendments and Assignment

Except with respect to any changes which do not materially adversely affect the rights of holders of the related trust preferred securities, in which case no vote will be required, no guarantee may be amended without the prior approval of the holders of not less than a majority of the aggregate liquidation amount of the outstanding trust preferred securities covered by that guarantee. The manner of obtaining any approval will be as set forth under “Description of Securities We May Sell—Trust Preferred Securities—Voting Rights; Amendment of Each Trust Agreement.” All guarantees and agreements contained in each guarantee will bind our successors, assigns, receivers, trustees and representatives and will inure to the benefit of the holders of the related trust preferred securities then outstanding.

Events of Default

An event of default under each guarantee will occur upon our failure to perform any of our payment or other obligations under that guarantee. The holders of not less than a majority in aggregate liquidation amount of the related trust preferred securities covered by a guarantee have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the guarantee trustee in respect of that guarantee or to direct the exercise of any trust or power conferred upon the guarantee trustee under that guarantee.

If the guarantee trustee fails to enforce the guarantee after a holder has made a written request for the guarantee trustee to do so or if we have failed to make a guarantee payment, then any holder of the trust preferred securities covered by a guarantee may, to the extent permitted by law, institute a legal proceeding directly against us to enforce its rights under that guarantee without first instituting a legal proceeding against the trust, the guarantee trustee or any other person or entity.

We, as guarantor, are required to file annually with the guarantee trustee a certificate as to whether or not we are in compliance with all the conditions and covenants applicable to it under the guarantee.

Information Concerning the Guarantee Trustee

The guarantee trustee, other than during the occurrence and continuance of a default by us in performance of any guarantee, undertakes to perform only such duties as are specifically set forth in each guarantee and, after default with respect to any guarantee, must exercise the same degree of care and skill as a prudent person would exercise or use in the conduct of his or her own affairs. Subject to this provision, the guarantee trustee is under no obligation to exercise any of the powers vested in it by any guarantee at the request of any holder of any trust preferred securities unless it is offered reasonable indemnity against the costs, expenses and liabilities that might be incurred thereby.

Termination of the Guarantees

Each guarantee will terminate and be of no further force and effect upon:

Each guarantee will continue to be effective or will be reinstated, as the case may be, if at any time any holder of the related trust preferred securities must restore payment of any sums paid under the trust preferred securities or the related guarantee.

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Governing Law

Each guarantee will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.

The Expense Agreement

Pursuant to the expense agreement entered into by us under each trust agreement, we will irrevocably and unconditionally guarantee to each person or entity to whom the trust becomes indebted or liable, the full payment of any costs, expenses or liabilities of the trust, other than obligations of the trust to pay to the holders of any trust preferred securities or other similar interests in the trust the amounts due those holders pursuant to the terms of the trust preferred securities or such other similar interests, as the case may be.

Relationship among the Trust Preferred Securities,

the Corresponding Junior Subordinated Debt Securities

and the Guarantees

Full and Unconditional Guarantee

As and to the extent set forth under “Description of Securities We May Sell—Guarantees of Trust Preferred Securities,” we will irrevocably guarantee payments of distributions and other amounts due on the trust preferred securities to the extent the trust has funds available for the payment of such distributions. Taken together, our obligations under each series of junior subordinated debt securities, the junior subordinated indenture, the related trust agreement, the related expense agreement and the related guarantee provide, in the aggregate, a full, irrevocable and unconditional guarantee on a junior subordinated basis of payments of distributions and other amounts due on the related series of trust preferred securities. No single document standing alone or operating in conjunction with fewer than all of the other documents constitutes a guarantee. It is only the combined operation of these documents that has the effect of providing a full, irrevocable and unconditional guarantee on a junior subordinated basis of the trust’s obligations under the trust preferred securities. If and to the extent that we do not make payments on any series of corresponding junior subordinated debt securities, the related trust will not pay distributions or other amounts due on its trust preferred securities. The guarantees do not cover payment of distributions when the related trust does not have sufficient funds to pay the distributions. In that event, the remedy of a holder of a series of trust preferred securities is to institute a legal proceeding directly against us for enforcement of payment of distributions to the holder. Our obligations under each guarantee are subordinate and junior in right of payment to all our senior debt.

Sufficiency of Payments

As long as we make interest and other payments when due on each series of corresponding junior subordinated debt securities, such payments will be sufficient to cover distributions and other payments due on the related trust preferred securities, primarily because:

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Despite anything in the junior subordinated indenture to the contrary, we have the right to set-off any payment we are otherwise required to make under the junior subordinated indenture with and to the extent we have previously made, or concurrently on the date of such payment making, a payment under the related guarantee.

Enforcement Rights of Holders of Trust Preferred Securities

If the guarantee trustee fails to enforce the guarantee after a holder has made a written request for the guarantee trustee to do so or if we have failed to make a guarantee payment, a holder of any related trust preferred security may institute a legal proceeding directly against us to enforce its rights under the related guarantee without first instituting a legal proceeding against the guarantee trustee, the related trust or any other person or entity.

A default or event of default under any of our senior debt would not constitute a trust agreement event of default. However, in the event of payment defaults under, or acceleration of, our senior debt, the subordination provisions of the junior subordinated indenture provide that no payments may be made in respect of the corresponding subordinated debt securities until the senior debt has been paid in full or any payment default thereunder has been cured or waived. Failure to make required payments on any series of corresponding junior subordinated debt securities would constitute a trust agreement event of default.

Limited Purpose of Trusts

Each trust’s trust preferred securities evidence a beneficial interest in that trust, and each trust exists for the sole purpose of issuing its trust preferred securities and common securities and investing the proceeds from the issuance in corresponding junior subordinated debt securities. A principal difference between the rights of a holder of a trust preferred security and a holder of a corresponding junior subordinated debt security is that a holder of a corresponding junior subordinated debt security is entitled to receive from us the principal amount of and interest accrued on corresponding junior subordinated debt securities held, while a holder of trust preferred securities is entitled to receive distributions from the trust (or from us under the applicable guarantee) if and to the extent the trust has funds available for the payment of the distributions.

Rights Upon Termination

Upon any voluntary or involuntary termination, winding-up or liquidation of any trust involving the liquidation of the corresponding junior subordinated debt securities, the holders of the related trust preferred securities will be entitled to receive, out of assets held by such trust, the liquidation distribution in cash. See “Description of Securities We May Sell—Trust Preferred Securities—Liquidation Distribution Upon Termination.” Upon our voluntary or involuntary liquidation or bankruptcy, the property trustee, as holder of the corresponding junior subordinated debt securities, would be a subordinated creditor of us, subordinated in right of payment to all senior debt, but entitled to receive payment in full of principal and interest, before any of our stockholders receive payments or distributions.

PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

We, the selling securityholders and/or the trusts may sell the offered securities (a) through agents; (b) through underwriters or dealers; (c) directly to one or more purchasers; or (d) through a combination of any of these methods of sale. Any selling securityholders will act independently of us in making decisions with respect to the timing, manner and size of each sale of the securities covered by this prospectus. We will identify the specific plan of distribution, including any underwriters, dealers, agents or direct purchasers and their compensation in a prospectus supplement.

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Sales of shares of common stock and other securities also may be effected from time to time in one or more types of transactions (which may include block transactions, special offerings, exchange distributions, secondary distributions or purchases by a broker or dealer) on the New York Stock Exchange or any other national securities exchange or automated trading and quotation system on which the common stock or other securities are listed, in the over-the-counter market, in hedging or derivatives transactions, negotiated transactions, through options transactions relating to the shares (whether these options are listed on an options exchange or otherwise), through the settlement of short sales or a combination of such methods of sale, at market prices prevailing at the time of sale, at negotiated prices or at fixed prices. The securities may also be exchanged for satisfaction of the selling securityholders’ obligations or other liabilities to their creditors. Such transactions may or may not involve brokers or dealers.

The selling securityholders might not sell any securities under this prospectus. In addition, any securities covered by this prospectus that qualify for sale pursuant to Rule 144 of the Securities Act may be sold under Rule 144 rather than pursuant to this prospectus.

VALIDITY OF THE SECURITIES

In connection with particular offerings of the securities in the future, and if stated in the applicable prospectus supplement, the validity of those securities may be passed upon for us by Eric B. Wilmer, Esquire, Assistant Vice President and Senior Counsel of LNC and Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz, special counsel to LNC, and for the trusts by Richards, Layton & Finger, special Delaware counsel to the trusts, and/or by counsel named in the applicable prospectus supplement, and for any underwriters or agents, by counsel named in the applicable prospectus supplement. As of the date of this registration statement, Mr. Wilmer owns, or has the right to acquire, a number of shares of our common stock that represents less than 1% of the total outstanding shares of common stock of LNC.

EXPERTS

The consolidated financial statements of LNC appearing in LNC’s Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2022 (including schedules appearing therein), and the effectiveness of LNC’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2022, have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, as set forth in their reports thereon included therein, and incorporated herein by reference. Such consolidated financial statements are, and audited financial statements to be included in subsequently filed documents will be, incorporated herein in reliance upon the reports of Ernst & Young LLP pertaining to such financial statements and the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of the respective dates (to the extent covered by consents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission) given on the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

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$   

$      % SENIOR NOTES DUE 2034

Joint Book-Running Managers

Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC

Barclays

BNP PARIBAS

PNC Capital Markets LLC

TD Securities

March  , 2024