Description
THE
POWER
OF THE PORTFOLIO
. THE POWER OF THE PORTFOLIO
PROTECTION AND
CONTENTS
Long-term Disciplined
Investment Strategy
4
Northwestern Mutual’s Advantage
5
Balance and Diversification
6
Bond Portfolio Quality
and Duration
7
Investment Portfolio Breakdown
8
Diversified Investing
with a Long-term View
10
Investment Portfolio Performance
12
Efficient Frontier
13
Dividends and the Power
of the Portfolio
14
2
One aspect of how Northwestern Mutual
delivers value for our policyowners is
“the power of the portfolio.” It’s our welldiversified, long-term approach to investing
the company’s general account assets.
This is done with a careful eye on risk
but with enough tolerance for more
rewarding investments.
. THE POWER OF THE PORTFOLIO
PERFORMANCE
An essential ingredient that contributes to our financial
strength and capacity to pay dividends on participating
insurance and annuity products is investment earnings from
the general account investment portfolio.
Investment experts manage or administer more than $200
billion in assets backing most of the company’s life, disability
income and Portfolio Income Annuity liabilities.1
The way company assets are invested can help produce
interest income, equity dividends and capital gains. Those
investment earnings help us fund the premium, benefit, cash
value and annuity income promises we make to policyowners.
They can also help fund policy dividends we may pay. (Keep in
mind, dividends are not guaranteed. See page 15 for details.)
Read on for more about Northwestern
Mutual’s investment strategies, why
we can invest in a greater percentage
of equity and other risk assets on
average than do other insurers, and
how investment results support the
promises we make.
Insurance dividends involve more than the company’s
investment earnings.
In fact, favorable expense management and claims experience currently contribute nearly two-thirds of our dividend-paying capacity. All of these factors — investment, expense and claims experience — come together to help produce Northwestern Mutual’s overall financial results. Those results allow us to pay an expected $5.5 billion in total dividends to participating policyowners in 2015. 1 The vast majority of the company’s managed assets back most of its life, disability income and Portfolio Income Annuity liabilities. The investment strategies described in this booklet apply to the investment of those assets.
A portion of managed assets back the remaining liabilities (primarily fixed deferred annuities, income plans and long-term care insurance), which have different investment exposures than described in the pages that follow. When purchasing the company’s life insurance and annuity products, clients are not investing in the company’s general account portfolio but purchasing products backed by the financial strength of Northwestern Mutual. Long-term care insurance is issued by Northwestern Long Term Care Insurance Company, Milwaukee, WI, a subsidiary of Northwestern Mutual. 3 . THE POWER OF THE PORTFOLIO LONG-TERM DISCIPLINED INVESTMENT STRATEGY Northwestern Mutual’s general account investment objective is to generate superior returns while maintaining a well-balanced and diversified investment portfolio to preserve our exceptional financial strength. This time-tested strategy fundamentally supports our ability to help deliver lifelong financial security to clients. Consistent with this policy, we invest a significant portion of assets in highquality fixed income instruments and the remainder in high-yield bonds and equity investments. Allocations among these asset classes will change as the portfolio is adjusted in response to market conditions and opportunities, as well as investment risk management considerations. Fixed income investments represent the core of our general account, providing a stable foundation while generating current income. Our portfolio of fixed income investments is largely highly rated and is well diversified within and among fixed income sectors to minimize risk. Fixed income investments allow us to match the cash flow of our assets versus expected liabilities without taking significant interest rate risks. Allocation of Managed Assets (Percentage of 2014 Year-End Total Managed Assets) Investment-Grade Fixed Income 8% Below-Investment-Grade (High Yield) Fixed Income 3% Private Common Stock 3% Real Estate Equities 2% Public Common Stock < 1% Our equity investments include investments in private common stock, real estate equities and public common stock.
Typically, such diversification across different types of equities enables the portfolio to offset weakness in any one area with attractive performance in another. Furthermore, similar to fixed income, equity investments are highly diversified by issue and across countries, industries and other parameters. Our greater allocation to equities and highyield bonds relative to fellow insurers is a distinguishing feature of our general account portfolio.2 Over the long term, the added diversification of investments with a higher risk level and corresponding higher return potential makes an important contribution to the overall performance of the portfolio. Strategic Affiliates 84% Ultimately, the combination of asset diversification, active portfolio management and a long-term perspective supports outstanding product value and enhances our financial strength. Our prudent investment strategy and unique business model have contributed to nearly 160 years of strength and stability. 2 Based on analysis of 2014 year-end financial statement data available through SNL Financial, Northwestern Mutual invested about 16 percent of general account assets in risk assets and high-yield bonds as compared to an industry average of 11 percent.
Risk assets include below investment grade (high-yield) fixed income, public and private common stock, real estate equities and strategic affiliates. 4 . THE POWER OF THE PORTFOLIO NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL’S ADVANTAGE Our core strategic attributes allow us to invest in a steady and consistent manner. They provide the confidence to endure the ups and downs of the investment markets that often produce favorable returns. These attributes include our significant capitalization, mutual company structure and excellent persistency and mortality rates. CAPITAL LEVELS PERSISTENCY AND MORTALITY One measure of financial strength is a company’s total surplus level, which provides a cushion against the volatility of higher-risk assets (which come with the potential for higher rewards) while maintaining the overall strength of the company. Our total surplus, composed of surplus and asset valuation reserve (AVR), remains sound compared to its historical levels (see the chart to the right). Our policyowners stay with us for many years once they buy a policy and, as a group, tend to live longer lives.3 That means we can count on a consistent stream of premium payments coming in the door. In fact, strong, positive cash flow from premiums and investment income allow us to make, on average, more than $1.2 billion per month in new investments.
That lets us seek investments that may be less liquid and provides the potential for additional return. Surplus provides protection against the unexpected, while AVR supports a long-term investment strategy by cushioning surplus against market volatility. It’s our higher level of capital that allows us to take additional risk in the investment portfolio. Policyowners have the opportunity to benefit from the higher expected returns, which increase our dividend-paying capacity, and they avoid the risks because their policy values are guaranteed. Surplus Ratio (Past 40 years) Surplus and asset valuation reserve (AVR) as a percentage of general account insurance reserves (consolidated statutory basis) 15% 12% MUTUAL STRUCTURE Northwestern Mutual’s mutual company structure allows us to take a long-term view of investing.
Because we are not subject to quarter-by-quarter financial pressures faced by public companies, we can invest with patience, ride out downturns in the market and develop opportunities that may not realize their full potential for years. AVR Surplus 9% 6% 3% 0% 1975 1979 1984 1989 1994 1999 2004 2009 2014 YEAR 3 The Society of Actuaries Intercompany Mortality Study, 2008-09 Individual Life Experience Report. 5 . THE POWER OF THE PORTFOLIO Northwestern Mutual General Account Asset Class Performance Rank One-year total returns 2005 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 Private Equities Private Equities Private Equities Public Fixed Income Private Mezzanine Private Equities Real Estate Equities Private Mezzanine Public Equities Private Equities Private Mezzanine Private Mezzanine Private Fixed Income Public High Yield Public Equities Real Estate Mortgages Private Equities Private Equities Public Equities Private Mezzanine Real Estate Equities Public Equities Real Estate Equities Public Equities Real Estate Mortgages Public Fixed Income Public High Yield Private Mezzanine Private Mezzanine Public Equities Public Equities Real Estate Equities Private Equities Private Fixed Income Public High Yield Private Equities Public Equities Real Estate Equities Real Estate Equities Public High Yield Public High Yield Public Fixed Income Real Estate Mortgages Real Estate Mortgages Private Mezzanine Private Fixed Income Real Estate Equities Public High Yield Real Estate Mortgages Private Fixed Income Real Estate Mortgages Private Fixed Income Public High Yield Public Fixed Income Real Estate Equities Public High Yield Private Fixed Income Real Estate Mortgages Public Fixed Income Public Fixed Income LowestPerforming Class 2006 Real Estate Equities HighestPerforming Class Private Fixed Income Real Estate Mortgages Private Mezzanine Private Equities Private Fixed Income Private Mezzanine Real Estate Mortgages Private Fixed Income Private Fixed Income Real Estate Mortgages Public Fixed Income Public High Yield Public Equities Real Estate Equities Public Fixed Income Public Equities Public Fixed Income Public Fixed Income Public High Yield BALANCE AND DIVERSIFICATION Northwestern Mutual’s general account portfolio consists largely of investment-grade fixed income assets, with the balance made up of high-yield bonds and equities. This balanced strategy provides above-average returns through a variety of business cycles and economic conditions. Investment-grade fixed income assets include money market investments, bonds and preferred stock (both public and private) and commercial mortgage loans. The risk portfolio includes high-yield bonds, private mezzanine, commercial real estate equities and private and public common stock. 6 We achieve even greater diversification by selecting a large number of investments within each asset class. Our investment managers also participate in all major asset classes and market sectors because history has proven that no single asset class is always the highest performing. The size of the portfolio, among other factors, allows the company to invest in asset classes that are difficult for individual investors to participate in (for example, commercial real estate, private fixed income and private equity). .
THE POWER OF THE PORTFOLIO BOND PORTFOLIO QUALITY AND DURATION Bond Portfolio Quality Credit quality is defined as the ability of the issuer to pay interest and principal on a timely basis. Investment Grade 30% AAA 5% AA 21% A 33% BBB Bond Portfolio Quality: The general account portfolio of public and private bonds and preferred stock was rated 89 percent investment grade (BBB or greater), and 30 percent held the highest quality rating of AAA at year-end 2014. Bond Portfolio Duration: We maintain a relatively short bond portfolio average duration of five to six years. As a result, the value of our bond holdings is not overly sensitive to changes in the interest rate environment. Duration is a measure of the sensitivity of the price of a fixed income investment to a change in interest rates. For example, a five-year duration means a bond is expected to increase in value by about 5 percent if interest rates fall 1 percent and decrease in value by about 5 percent if interest rates rise 1 percent. Below Investment Grade 5% BB 4% B 2% CCC & Lower These ratings are based on the lower of the credit ratings from Standard & Poor’s, Moody’s Investors Service or Fitch Ratings when available or internal rating evaluations when third-party ratings are not available. 7 . THE POWER OF THE PORTFOLIO INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO BREAKDOWN FIXED INCOME Northwestern Mutual’s fixed income investments serve as the foundation of the overall investment portfolio. Fixed income assets include money market investments, bonds and preferred stock (both public and private) and commercial mortgage loans. The fixed income portfolio is designed to provide liquidity and current income while minimizing loss of principal. Trading of these liquid securities also adds value to the portfolio. Investments in private bonds and private preferred stock provide further diversification to the portfolio and often benefit from higher yields and more attractive terms relative to public issues. We concentrate our mortgage lending in commercial fixed-rate loans greater than $15 million secured by income-producing properties, such as apartments, office buildings, shopping centers and industrial warehouses throughout the nation. Fixed Income Investments: $164.2 billion (statement value) 2014 Year-End 54% Corporate Bonds 17% Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities 17% Commercial Mortgage Loans 4% U.S. Government and Agencies 3% Other 53% C 17% R B 17% C L 4% U a 4% 2% O C B A 2% Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities 2% Asset-Backed Securities 1% Money Market Investments Source: Northwestern Mutual internal investment reporting. 2% 1% 8 M In .
THE POWER OF THE PORTFOLIO EQUITIES Northwestern Mutual’s higher-than-average allocation to equity investments as compared to peers is a distinguishing feature of our investment portfolio.4 Real Estate Equities The equity portfolio is broadly diversified across private equities, real estate equities and public common stock. At year-end 2014, this portfolio represented 8 percent of total managed assets. Over the long term, we expect equities to contribute higher returns and provide incremental diversification to the portfolio. Our allocation to equities has enhanced our dividend-paying capacity and financial strength. Equity Investments: $15 billion (statement value) 2014 Year-End 40% Private Equities 25% Private Equities Real Estate Equities 35% Public Common Stock The private equity portfolio includes direct equity investments in companies and private equity fund investments. Private equity fund investments also generate new opportunities to invest directly with companies in those fund portfolios. 42% 42% Source: Northwestern Mutual internal investment reporting. Commercial real estate equity investments consist primarily of apartment, warehouse and office properties held through both direct and joint venture ownership.
Through partnerships with developers nationwide, we develop apartment communities and warehouse properties and also purchase properties directly. Asset managers operating out of our real estate field offices monitor local markets and actively manage the investment properties, creating additional long-term value. Private Equities Public Common Stock Real Estate The public common stock portfolio invests 16% domestically and internationally across sectors Public Common Stock to create a liquid, diversified portfolio. This asset class offers the potential of attractive total returns and a hedge against inflation.
Having a longterm perspective is a competitive advantage in the public equity markets, allowing for contrary thinking and a focus on the principal drivers of value creation. 4 Based on analysis of 2014 year-end financial statement data available through SNL Financial. 9 . THE POWER OF THE PORTFOLIO DIVERSIFIED INVESTING WITH A LONG-TERM VIEW While bond investments represent the core of the general account portfolio, Northwestern Mutual invests in diversified assets. Here are just a few examples of real estate and private equity investments to help show the diversity of the portfolio.5 Kensington Boston Boston, Massachusetts Encompass Home Health & Hospice In 2007 and 2008, Northwestern Mutual made a minority equity investment together with the lead private equity sponsor in Encompass, a provider of Medicare home nursing services. During the years Northwestern Mutual was an investor in Encompass, the company more than doubled profits, expanded its presence from three to 13 states and completed 33 acquisitions. When the company was sold in 2014, Northwestern Mutual realized approximately a $100 million gain. Terrena Northridge, California Northwestern Mutual joined with two other investment partners in 2011 to provide funding to complete construction of Kensington Boston, a 27-story, 381-unit luxury apartment development.
Construction was complete in 2014, and the building was awarded Silver certification by Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), the nation’s premier green-building rating system. Leasing has been strong to date. Northwestern Mutual in 2014 completed construction on Terrena, a $100 million equity development in the Los Angeles neighborhood of Northridge. The wholly owned, mixed-use development consists of 14,400 square feet of retail space and 416 luxury apartments.
Leasing has been encouraging at this neighborhood-changing project. 5 These are examples of some of the thousands of investments made by Northwestern Mutual each year. Not all investments made by Northwestern Mutual experience similar results. Some investments may result in losses.
In addition, past investment performance by Northwestern Mutual is not necessarily indicative of future investment results. No investment or investment strategy can assure a profit or protect against a loss in a declining market. For more information about Northwestern Mutual investments, see page 15. 10 .
THE POWER OF THE PORTFOLIO ViaWest Bellettini Bellevue, Washington In 2010 and 2011, Northwestern Mutual made a minority equity investment together with the lead private equity sponsor in ViaWest, a North American provider of data center infrastructure, cloud technology and managed IT solutions. During Northwestern Mutual’s investment period, ViaWest expanded its facilities and brought in new customers, growing the company’s profits at more than 15 percent annually. When the company was sold in 2014, Northwestern Mutual realized approximately a $25 million gain. Capitol Hill Washington, D.C. Northwestern Mutual in 2014 funded a $45 million loan on Bellettini, a fivestory, 145-unit independent living facility for seniors. Community amenities include fully equipped kitchens, central heat and air, fully accessible showers with grab bars, and in-unit washers and dryers. Bellettini represents one of the new property types Northwestern Mutual is exploring for future investments. Horizons Industrial Riverside, Missouri Northwestern Mutual in 2014 provided mortgage refinancing on an 11-story, 509,000-square-foot office building located within the central business district of Washington, D.C.
The building is 99 percent leased to the U.S. General Services Administration on behalf of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. In 2012, Northwestern Mutual partnered with NorthPoint Holdings LLC to develop a 155,000-square-foot industrial warehouse northwest of Kansas City, Missouri. Since then, the partnership has developed three additional buildings totaling 706,000 square feet in the 260-acre business park. Leasing has been so successful to date that the partnership has agreed to begin the development of a fifth building. 11 .
THE POWER OF THE PORTFOLIO INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO PERFORMANCE The performance of the general account helps us deliver guaranteed product value and create the financial capacity to pay dividends. INVESTMENT EARNINGS Net Investment Income and Net Capital Gains in millions Net Investment Income Net Capital Gains 2014 $ 9,104 $ 1,674 2013 $ 8,693 $ 1,255 2012 $ 8,625 $ 1,457 2011 $ 8,439 $ 2010 $ 8,306 $ 1,871 2009 $ 7,772 $ 2008 $ 7,835 $ (6,310) 2007 $ 7,568 $ 1,009 2006 $ 7,073 $ 1,355 2005 $ 6,543 The portfolio’s year-by-year earnings show how our investments contribute to our overall financial strength. What matters to you is how those results help us honor our product guarantees and add to our capacity to pay dividends. $ 1 ,117 476 797 5.52% 5.60% 5.51% capital gains are realized and unrealized before taxes and deferrals of interestNet related gains or losses. Not all products benefit directly in the form of dividends from capital gains or other earnings from equities and real estate. PORTFOLIO YIELD Northwestern Mutual General Account Yield (As of December 31, 2014) 6% Actual dividend performance varies based on the product a policyowner owns, but our life insurance dividend payout for 2015 is expected to be more than triple what our nearest competitor will pay.6 5.02% 4.77% Our general account yield reflects the impact of investment income and realized capital gains and losses for the period. It excludes income from policy loans and is net of investment expenses. 5% Over the long term, the added diversification of investments in equities and high-yield bonds makes an important contribution to the overall performance of the portfolio. 4% 3% 2% The general account yield is not the same as the various dividend scale interest rates credited to participating insurance policies or annuity contracts, nor is it a measure of a policy’s internal rate of return.
Please see page 15 for additional information. 1% 0% 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 6 Northwestern Mutual analysis of total policyowner dividends based on 2014 SNL Financial data. 12 . THE POWER OF THE PORTFOLIO EFFICIENT FRONTIER Northwestern Mutual’s greater allocation to real estate, private and public equities and high-yield bonds relative to other insurers is a distinguishing component of the company’s investment portfolio. (Source: SNL Financial, 2014) These investments have a higher risk level and potential for higher returns. be expected to generate the same returns over the long term. Given the characteristics of different types of investments and how they perform relative to one another (covariance), modern portfolio theory says public, private and real estate equities can be mixed with a bond portfolio and, in the process, reduce risk while adding return. It may sound counterintuitive that this strategy has proven to reduce overall portfolio volatility while increasing returns over time. The reason it works can be explained by modern portfolio theory, which includes a concept known as the efficient frontier. If a portfolio consisted of 100 percent stocks, one would expect high returns but with high risk or high volatility of return.
This portfolio would be far too risky for Northwestern Mutual policyowners and, probably, for most other people. This concept is demonstrated in the “Portfolio Performance Perspective” graph below, in which a diversified hypothetical portfolio produced a greater total return with less volatility than a portfolio 100 percent invested in bonds during the 20-year period ending in 2014. During the same period, Northwestern Mutual’s well-diversified investment portfolio supported a dividend scale interest rate (DSIR) that was greater and less volatile than the total return on a portfolio invested in high-quality fixed income instruments only. At the other end of the spectrum is a portfolio composed of 100 percent bonds. Obviously, the risk in this portfolio would be much less than that of an all-stock portfolio but could not Portfolio Performance Perspective 1995-2014 Market Investments Northwestern Mutual’s dividend scale interest rate on its permanent life insurance products* Inflation Average Annual Return/Rate 12% “THE EFFICIENT FRONTIER” 10% 100% Real Estate 8% 100% Bonds 6% 4% Hypothetical 80% Bonds 12% Stocks 8% Real Estate T-Bills 2% 0% 0% 100% Stocks 2% 4% 6% 8% 10% 12% 14% 16% 18% 20% Risk/Volatility (Standard Deviation) * Average annual dividend scale interest rate (DSIR) for unborrowed funds for most permanent life insurance policies with direct recognition for the years 1995-2014. The primary function of permanent life insurance is to provide a death benefit.
The volatility of the DSIR does not reflect that of the underlying assets of the general account portfolio in part because determination of the DSIR in any year considers investment performance over a period of years. The DSIR is not the rate of return on a policy and is only one factor for determining the permanent life insurance dividend. The majority of our life insurance dividend payout is a result of our industry-leading persistency, favorable mortality costs and diligent expense management.
Policy value is best measured by annual studies of long-term performance and not by one component of the dividend scale, such as the DSIR. For more information regarding the DSIR and our dividends, see pages 14 and 15. Source: The market investments performance data above is based on the following investment indices: BarCap US Agg Bond TR USD, S&P 500 TR, NCREIF Property and Ibbotson US 30-Day T-Bill TR. All those points in the graph assume no taxes or transaction costs. 13 .
THE POWER OF THE PORTFOLIO DIVIDENDS AND THE POWER OF THE PORTFOLIO The investment earnings generated by our general account portfolio contribute to our financial success in a number of ways, including our ability to pay dividends on products. When determining the dividends on our flagship, traditional permanent life insurance products, we consider the financial experience of the product, including the level of claims paid (mortality), expenses and the performance of the general account assets that back the product. When actual performance in those areas is better than was assumed in pricing the products, we may choose to pay dividends. When it comes to traditional permanent life insurance, the investment component of the dividend payout is determined by the interest rate we declare (the dividend scale interest rate, or DSIR.) While the DSIR tracks the general account yield, it is not the same. The DSIR rate is declared by us and considers the general account portfolio performance over a period of years in order to reduce volatility in the rate. The DSIR tends to follow new money rates but lags and is less volatile. In other words, it is lower and increases less rapidly than new money rates when new money rates are rising.
It is greater and declines more slowly than new money rates when new money rates are falling. Northwestern Mutual’s Dividend Scale Interest Rate (Past 100 Years) 12% 10% 8% 6% 4% 2% 0% 1916 1925 1935 1945 1955 1965 1975 1985 1995 2005 2015 YEAR For years prior to 1982, this is the highest applicable dividend scale interest rate across all traditional permanent life insurance policies. For 1982 and later, this is the dividend scale interest rate for unborrowed funds for most traditional permanent life insurance policies with direct recognition. 14 . LOOKING FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION? Scan the QR code to link to more investment information, including the 2014 Investment Report and a detailed list of investment holdings. www.northwesternmutual.com > About Us > Financial Information > Our Investments The company’s dividend scale interest rate for unborrowed funds for most traditional permanent life insurance policies reflects the investment performance of the applicable managed assets net of taxes and any contribution to surplus. This rate is used for the determination of the interest component of a policy’s dividend. The rate is applied to unborrowed funds for most traditional permanent life insurance policies after mortality and expense charges have been deducted from policy values. Depending on the terms of a particular policy, a different rate may be applied. For example, either a different rate is credited on borrowed funds to reflect individual policy loan activity, or all funds, both borrowed and unborrowed, are credited with a single rate that reflects the average level of borrowing for all similar policies. Because of the mortality and expense charges, the dividend scale interest rate should not be used as a measure of the policy’s internal rate of return.
The dividend scale and the underlying interest rates are reviewed annually and are subject to change. Future dividends are not guaranteed. Decisions with respect to the determination and allocation of divisible surplus are left to the discretion and sound business judgment of the company’s Board of Trustees. There is no guaranteed specific method or formula for the determination and allocation of divisible surplus. Accordingly, the company’s approach is subject to change. Neither the existence nor the amount of a dividend is guaranteed on any policy in any given policy year. Some policies may not receive any dividends in a particular year or years even while other policies receive dividends.
In its 2015 dividend scale resolution, the Board of Trustees has exercised its discretion to guarantee a minimum amount of dividends to be paid in 2015 to the policyholders as a group. If this guaranteed amount exceeds the aggregate amount of dividends actually paid to individual policyholders in 2015, that excess will be paid out in 2016 pursuant to the 2015 dividend scale resolution. The presence of a guaranteed minimum amount in the 2015 dividend scale resolution does not obligate Northwestern Mutual to declare a dividend in future years or to guarantee any portion of dividends that may be declared in future years. The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company’s operational results, investment holdings and financial position for year-end 2014 are reported in the company’s Consolidated Financial Statements (CFS).
Certain types of investments have been grouped differently for this report than in the CFS. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP is the company’s independent auditor. A copy of Northwestern Mutual’s CFS is available online at www. northwesternmutual.com or by written request to: Northwestern Mutual, Communications Department, 720 E.
Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53202–4797. 15 . PROTECTION AND PERFORMANCE One aspect of how Northwestern Mutual delivers value for our policyowners is “the power of the portfolio.” It’s our well-diversified, long-term approach to investing the company’s general account assets. This is done with a careful eye on risk but with enough tolerance for more rewarding investments. Look inside for more about our investment strategies and how investment results support the promises Northwestern Mutual makes. Northwestern Mutual is the marketing name for The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company, Milwaukee, WI (life and disability insurance, annuities and life insurance with long-term care benefits) and its subsidiaries. 29-4692 (0502) (REV 1015) .
In fact, favorable expense management and claims experience currently contribute nearly two-thirds of our dividend-paying capacity. All of these factors — investment, expense and claims experience — come together to help produce Northwestern Mutual’s overall financial results. Those results allow us to pay an expected $5.5 billion in total dividends to participating policyowners in 2015. 1 The vast majority of the company’s managed assets back most of its life, disability income and Portfolio Income Annuity liabilities. The investment strategies described in this booklet apply to the investment of those assets.
A portion of managed assets back the remaining liabilities (primarily fixed deferred annuities, income plans and long-term care insurance), which have different investment exposures than described in the pages that follow. When purchasing the company’s life insurance and annuity products, clients are not investing in the company’s general account portfolio but purchasing products backed by the financial strength of Northwestern Mutual. Long-term care insurance is issued by Northwestern Long Term Care Insurance Company, Milwaukee, WI, a subsidiary of Northwestern Mutual. 3 . THE POWER OF THE PORTFOLIO LONG-TERM DISCIPLINED INVESTMENT STRATEGY Northwestern Mutual’s general account investment objective is to generate superior returns while maintaining a well-balanced and diversified investment portfolio to preserve our exceptional financial strength. This time-tested strategy fundamentally supports our ability to help deliver lifelong financial security to clients. Consistent with this policy, we invest a significant portion of assets in highquality fixed income instruments and the remainder in high-yield bonds and equity investments. Allocations among these asset classes will change as the portfolio is adjusted in response to market conditions and opportunities, as well as investment risk management considerations. Fixed income investments represent the core of our general account, providing a stable foundation while generating current income. Our portfolio of fixed income investments is largely highly rated and is well diversified within and among fixed income sectors to minimize risk. Fixed income investments allow us to match the cash flow of our assets versus expected liabilities without taking significant interest rate risks. Allocation of Managed Assets (Percentage of 2014 Year-End Total Managed Assets) Investment-Grade Fixed Income 8% Below-Investment-Grade (High Yield) Fixed Income 3% Private Common Stock 3% Real Estate Equities 2% Public Common Stock < 1% Our equity investments include investments in private common stock, real estate equities and public common stock.
Typically, such diversification across different types of equities enables the portfolio to offset weakness in any one area with attractive performance in another. Furthermore, similar to fixed income, equity investments are highly diversified by issue and across countries, industries and other parameters. Our greater allocation to equities and highyield bonds relative to fellow insurers is a distinguishing feature of our general account portfolio.2 Over the long term, the added diversification of investments with a higher risk level and corresponding higher return potential makes an important contribution to the overall performance of the portfolio. Strategic Affiliates 84% Ultimately, the combination of asset diversification, active portfolio management and a long-term perspective supports outstanding product value and enhances our financial strength. Our prudent investment strategy and unique business model have contributed to nearly 160 years of strength and stability. 2 Based on analysis of 2014 year-end financial statement data available through SNL Financial, Northwestern Mutual invested about 16 percent of general account assets in risk assets and high-yield bonds as compared to an industry average of 11 percent.
Risk assets include below investment grade (high-yield) fixed income, public and private common stock, real estate equities and strategic affiliates. 4 . THE POWER OF THE PORTFOLIO NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL’S ADVANTAGE Our core strategic attributes allow us to invest in a steady and consistent manner. They provide the confidence to endure the ups and downs of the investment markets that often produce favorable returns. These attributes include our significant capitalization, mutual company structure and excellent persistency and mortality rates. CAPITAL LEVELS PERSISTENCY AND MORTALITY One measure of financial strength is a company’s total surplus level, which provides a cushion against the volatility of higher-risk assets (which come with the potential for higher rewards) while maintaining the overall strength of the company. Our total surplus, composed of surplus and asset valuation reserve (AVR), remains sound compared to its historical levels (see the chart to the right). Our policyowners stay with us for many years once they buy a policy and, as a group, tend to live longer lives.3 That means we can count on a consistent stream of premium payments coming in the door. In fact, strong, positive cash flow from premiums and investment income allow us to make, on average, more than $1.2 billion per month in new investments.
That lets us seek investments that may be less liquid and provides the potential for additional return. Surplus provides protection against the unexpected, while AVR supports a long-term investment strategy by cushioning surplus against market volatility. It’s our higher level of capital that allows us to take additional risk in the investment portfolio. Policyowners have the opportunity to benefit from the higher expected returns, which increase our dividend-paying capacity, and they avoid the risks because their policy values are guaranteed. Surplus Ratio (Past 40 years) Surplus and asset valuation reserve (AVR) as a percentage of general account insurance reserves (consolidated statutory basis) 15% 12% MUTUAL STRUCTURE Northwestern Mutual’s mutual company structure allows us to take a long-term view of investing.
Because we are not subject to quarter-by-quarter financial pressures faced by public companies, we can invest with patience, ride out downturns in the market and develop opportunities that may not realize their full potential for years. AVR Surplus 9% 6% 3% 0% 1975 1979 1984 1989 1994 1999 2004 2009 2014 YEAR 3 The Society of Actuaries Intercompany Mortality Study, 2008-09 Individual Life Experience Report. 5 . THE POWER OF THE PORTFOLIO Northwestern Mutual General Account Asset Class Performance Rank One-year total returns 2005 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 Private Equities Private Equities Private Equities Public Fixed Income Private Mezzanine Private Equities Real Estate Equities Private Mezzanine Public Equities Private Equities Private Mezzanine Private Mezzanine Private Fixed Income Public High Yield Public Equities Real Estate Mortgages Private Equities Private Equities Public Equities Private Mezzanine Real Estate Equities Public Equities Real Estate Equities Public Equities Real Estate Mortgages Public Fixed Income Public High Yield Private Mezzanine Private Mezzanine Public Equities Public Equities Real Estate Equities Private Equities Private Fixed Income Public High Yield Private Equities Public Equities Real Estate Equities Real Estate Equities Public High Yield Public High Yield Public Fixed Income Real Estate Mortgages Real Estate Mortgages Private Mezzanine Private Fixed Income Real Estate Equities Public High Yield Real Estate Mortgages Private Fixed Income Real Estate Mortgages Private Fixed Income Public High Yield Public Fixed Income Real Estate Equities Public High Yield Private Fixed Income Real Estate Mortgages Public Fixed Income Public Fixed Income LowestPerforming Class 2006 Real Estate Equities HighestPerforming Class Private Fixed Income Real Estate Mortgages Private Mezzanine Private Equities Private Fixed Income Private Mezzanine Real Estate Mortgages Private Fixed Income Private Fixed Income Real Estate Mortgages Public Fixed Income Public High Yield Public Equities Real Estate Equities Public Fixed Income Public Equities Public Fixed Income Public Fixed Income Public High Yield BALANCE AND DIVERSIFICATION Northwestern Mutual’s general account portfolio consists largely of investment-grade fixed income assets, with the balance made up of high-yield bonds and equities. This balanced strategy provides above-average returns through a variety of business cycles and economic conditions. Investment-grade fixed income assets include money market investments, bonds and preferred stock (both public and private) and commercial mortgage loans. The risk portfolio includes high-yield bonds, private mezzanine, commercial real estate equities and private and public common stock. 6 We achieve even greater diversification by selecting a large number of investments within each asset class. Our investment managers also participate in all major asset classes and market sectors because history has proven that no single asset class is always the highest performing. The size of the portfolio, among other factors, allows the company to invest in asset classes that are difficult for individual investors to participate in (for example, commercial real estate, private fixed income and private equity). .
THE POWER OF THE PORTFOLIO BOND PORTFOLIO QUALITY AND DURATION Bond Portfolio Quality Credit quality is defined as the ability of the issuer to pay interest and principal on a timely basis. Investment Grade 30% AAA 5% AA 21% A 33% BBB Bond Portfolio Quality: The general account portfolio of public and private bonds and preferred stock was rated 89 percent investment grade (BBB or greater), and 30 percent held the highest quality rating of AAA at year-end 2014. Bond Portfolio Duration: We maintain a relatively short bond portfolio average duration of five to six years. As a result, the value of our bond holdings is not overly sensitive to changes in the interest rate environment. Duration is a measure of the sensitivity of the price of a fixed income investment to a change in interest rates. For example, a five-year duration means a bond is expected to increase in value by about 5 percent if interest rates fall 1 percent and decrease in value by about 5 percent if interest rates rise 1 percent. Below Investment Grade 5% BB 4% B 2% CCC & Lower These ratings are based on the lower of the credit ratings from Standard & Poor’s, Moody’s Investors Service or Fitch Ratings when available or internal rating evaluations when third-party ratings are not available. 7 . THE POWER OF THE PORTFOLIO INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO BREAKDOWN FIXED INCOME Northwestern Mutual’s fixed income investments serve as the foundation of the overall investment portfolio. Fixed income assets include money market investments, bonds and preferred stock (both public and private) and commercial mortgage loans. The fixed income portfolio is designed to provide liquidity and current income while minimizing loss of principal. Trading of these liquid securities also adds value to the portfolio. Investments in private bonds and private preferred stock provide further diversification to the portfolio and often benefit from higher yields and more attractive terms relative to public issues. We concentrate our mortgage lending in commercial fixed-rate loans greater than $15 million secured by income-producing properties, such as apartments, office buildings, shopping centers and industrial warehouses throughout the nation. Fixed Income Investments: $164.2 billion (statement value) 2014 Year-End 54% Corporate Bonds 17% Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities 17% Commercial Mortgage Loans 4% U.S. Government and Agencies 3% Other 53% C 17% R B 17% C L 4% U a 4% 2% O C B A 2% Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities 2% Asset-Backed Securities 1% Money Market Investments Source: Northwestern Mutual internal investment reporting. 2% 1% 8 M In .
THE POWER OF THE PORTFOLIO EQUITIES Northwestern Mutual’s higher-than-average allocation to equity investments as compared to peers is a distinguishing feature of our investment portfolio.4 Real Estate Equities The equity portfolio is broadly diversified across private equities, real estate equities and public common stock. At year-end 2014, this portfolio represented 8 percent of total managed assets. Over the long term, we expect equities to contribute higher returns and provide incremental diversification to the portfolio. Our allocation to equities has enhanced our dividend-paying capacity and financial strength. Equity Investments: $15 billion (statement value) 2014 Year-End 40% Private Equities 25% Private Equities Real Estate Equities 35% Public Common Stock The private equity portfolio includes direct equity investments in companies and private equity fund investments. Private equity fund investments also generate new opportunities to invest directly with companies in those fund portfolios. 42% 42% Source: Northwestern Mutual internal investment reporting. Commercial real estate equity investments consist primarily of apartment, warehouse and office properties held through both direct and joint venture ownership.
Through partnerships with developers nationwide, we develop apartment communities and warehouse properties and also purchase properties directly. Asset managers operating out of our real estate field offices monitor local markets and actively manage the investment properties, creating additional long-term value. Private Equities Public Common Stock Real Estate The public common stock portfolio invests 16% domestically and internationally across sectors Public Common Stock to create a liquid, diversified portfolio. This asset class offers the potential of attractive total returns and a hedge against inflation.
Having a longterm perspective is a competitive advantage in the public equity markets, allowing for contrary thinking and a focus on the principal drivers of value creation. 4 Based on analysis of 2014 year-end financial statement data available through SNL Financial. 9 . THE POWER OF THE PORTFOLIO DIVERSIFIED INVESTING WITH A LONG-TERM VIEW While bond investments represent the core of the general account portfolio, Northwestern Mutual invests in diversified assets. Here are just a few examples of real estate and private equity investments to help show the diversity of the portfolio.5 Kensington Boston Boston, Massachusetts Encompass Home Health & Hospice In 2007 and 2008, Northwestern Mutual made a minority equity investment together with the lead private equity sponsor in Encompass, a provider of Medicare home nursing services. During the years Northwestern Mutual was an investor in Encompass, the company more than doubled profits, expanded its presence from three to 13 states and completed 33 acquisitions. When the company was sold in 2014, Northwestern Mutual realized approximately a $100 million gain. Terrena Northridge, California Northwestern Mutual joined with two other investment partners in 2011 to provide funding to complete construction of Kensington Boston, a 27-story, 381-unit luxury apartment development.
Construction was complete in 2014, and the building was awarded Silver certification by Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), the nation’s premier green-building rating system. Leasing has been strong to date. Northwestern Mutual in 2014 completed construction on Terrena, a $100 million equity development in the Los Angeles neighborhood of Northridge. The wholly owned, mixed-use development consists of 14,400 square feet of retail space and 416 luxury apartments.
Leasing has been encouraging at this neighborhood-changing project. 5 These are examples of some of the thousands of investments made by Northwestern Mutual each year. Not all investments made by Northwestern Mutual experience similar results. Some investments may result in losses.
In addition, past investment performance by Northwestern Mutual is not necessarily indicative of future investment results. No investment or investment strategy can assure a profit or protect against a loss in a declining market. For more information about Northwestern Mutual investments, see page 15. 10 .
THE POWER OF THE PORTFOLIO ViaWest Bellettini Bellevue, Washington In 2010 and 2011, Northwestern Mutual made a minority equity investment together with the lead private equity sponsor in ViaWest, a North American provider of data center infrastructure, cloud technology and managed IT solutions. During Northwestern Mutual’s investment period, ViaWest expanded its facilities and brought in new customers, growing the company’s profits at more than 15 percent annually. When the company was sold in 2014, Northwestern Mutual realized approximately a $25 million gain. Capitol Hill Washington, D.C. Northwestern Mutual in 2014 funded a $45 million loan on Bellettini, a fivestory, 145-unit independent living facility for seniors. Community amenities include fully equipped kitchens, central heat and air, fully accessible showers with grab bars, and in-unit washers and dryers. Bellettini represents one of the new property types Northwestern Mutual is exploring for future investments. Horizons Industrial Riverside, Missouri Northwestern Mutual in 2014 provided mortgage refinancing on an 11-story, 509,000-square-foot office building located within the central business district of Washington, D.C.
The building is 99 percent leased to the U.S. General Services Administration on behalf of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. In 2012, Northwestern Mutual partnered with NorthPoint Holdings LLC to develop a 155,000-square-foot industrial warehouse northwest of Kansas City, Missouri. Since then, the partnership has developed three additional buildings totaling 706,000 square feet in the 260-acre business park. Leasing has been so successful to date that the partnership has agreed to begin the development of a fifth building. 11 .
THE POWER OF THE PORTFOLIO INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO PERFORMANCE The performance of the general account helps us deliver guaranteed product value and create the financial capacity to pay dividends. INVESTMENT EARNINGS Net Investment Income and Net Capital Gains in millions Net Investment Income Net Capital Gains 2014 $ 9,104 $ 1,674 2013 $ 8,693 $ 1,255 2012 $ 8,625 $ 1,457 2011 $ 8,439 $ 2010 $ 8,306 $ 1,871 2009 $ 7,772 $ 2008 $ 7,835 $ (6,310) 2007 $ 7,568 $ 1,009 2006 $ 7,073 $ 1,355 2005 $ 6,543 The portfolio’s year-by-year earnings show how our investments contribute to our overall financial strength. What matters to you is how those results help us honor our product guarantees and add to our capacity to pay dividends. $ 1 ,117 476 797 5.52% 5.60% 5.51% capital gains are realized and unrealized before taxes and deferrals of interestNet related gains or losses. Not all products benefit directly in the form of dividends from capital gains or other earnings from equities and real estate. PORTFOLIO YIELD Northwestern Mutual General Account Yield (As of December 31, 2014) 6% Actual dividend performance varies based on the product a policyowner owns, but our life insurance dividend payout for 2015 is expected to be more than triple what our nearest competitor will pay.6 5.02% 4.77% Our general account yield reflects the impact of investment income and realized capital gains and losses for the period. It excludes income from policy loans and is net of investment expenses. 5% Over the long term, the added diversification of investments in equities and high-yield bonds makes an important contribution to the overall performance of the portfolio. 4% 3% 2% The general account yield is not the same as the various dividend scale interest rates credited to participating insurance policies or annuity contracts, nor is it a measure of a policy’s internal rate of return.
Please see page 15 for additional information. 1% 0% 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 6 Northwestern Mutual analysis of total policyowner dividends based on 2014 SNL Financial data. 12 . THE POWER OF THE PORTFOLIO EFFICIENT FRONTIER Northwestern Mutual’s greater allocation to real estate, private and public equities and high-yield bonds relative to other insurers is a distinguishing component of the company’s investment portfolio. (Source: SNL Financial, 2014) These investments have a higher risk level and potential for higher returns. be expected to generate the same returns over the long term. Given the characteristics of different types of investments and how they perform relative to one another (covariance), modern portfolio theory says public, private and real estate equities can be mixed with a bond portfolio and, in the process, reduce risk while adding return. It may sound counterintuitive that this strategy has proven to reduce overall portfolio volatility while increasing returns over time. The reason it works can be explained by modern portfolio theory, which includes a concept known as the efficient frontier. If a portfolio consisted of 100 percent stocks, one would expect high returns but with high risk or high volatility of return.
This portfolio would be far too risky for Northwestern Mutual policyowners and, probably, for most other people. This concept is demonstrated in the “Portfolio Performance Perspective” graph below, in which a diversified hypothetical portfolio produced a greater total return with less volatility than a portfolio 100 percent invested in bonds during the 20-year period ending in 2014. During the same period, Northwestern Mutual’s well-diversified investment portfolio supported a dividend scale interest rate (DSIR) that was greater and less volatile than the total return on a portfolio invested in high-quality fixed income instruments only. At the other end of the spectrum is a portfolio composed of 100 percent bonds. Obviously, the risk in this portfolio would be much less than that of an all-stock portfolio but could not Portfolio Performance Perspective 1995-2014 Market Investments Northwestern Mutual’s dividend scale interest rate on its permanent life insurance products* Inflation Average Annual Return/Rate 12% “THE EFFICIENT FRONTIER” 10% 100% Real Estate 8% 100% Bonds 6% 4% Hypothetical 80% Bonds 12% Stocks 8% Real Estate T-Bills 2% 0% 0% 100% Stocks 2% 4% 6% 8% 10% 12% 14% 16% 18% 20% Risk/Volatility (Standard Deviation) * Average annual dividend scale interest rate (DSIR) for unborrowed funds for most permanent life insurance policies with direct recognition for the years 1995-2014. The primary function of permanent life insurance is to provide a death benefit.
The volatility of the DSIR does not reflect that of the underlying assets of the general account portfolio in part because determination of the DSIR in any year considers investment performance over a period of years. The DSIR is not the rate of return on a policy and is only one factor for determining the permanent life insurance dividend. The majority of our life insurance dividend payout is a result of our industry-leading persistency, favorable mortality costs and diligent expense management.
Policy value is best measured by annual studies of long-term performance and not by one component of the dividend scale, such as the DSIR. For more information regarding the DSIR and our dividends, see pages 14 and 15. Source: The market investments performance data above is based on the following investment indices: BarCap US Agg Bond TR USD, S&P 500 TR, NCREIF Property and Ibbotson US 30-Day T-Bill TR. All those points in the graph assume no taxes or transaction costs. 13 .
THE POWER OF THE PORTFOLIO DIVIDENDS AND THE POWER OF THE PORTFOLIO The investment earnings generated by our general account portfolio contribute to our financial success in a number of ways, including our ability to pay dividends on products. When determining the dividends on our flagship, traditional permanent life insurance products, we consider the financial experience of the product, including the level of claims paid (mortality), expenses and the performance of the general account assets that back the product. When actual performance in those areas is better than was assumed in pricing the products, we may choose to pay dividends. When it comes to traditional permanent life insurance, the investment component of the dividend payout is determined by the interest rate we declare (the dividend scale interest rate, or DSIR.) While the DSIR tracks the general account yield, it is not the same. The DSIR rate is declared by us and considers the general account portfolio performance over a period of years in order to reduce volatility in the rate. The DSIR tends to follow new money rates but lags and is less volatile. In other words, it is lower and increases less rapidly than new money rates when new money rates are rising.
It is greater and declines more slowly than new money rates when new money rates are falling. Northwestern Mutual’s Dividend Scale Interest Rate (Past 100 Years) 12% 10% 8% 6% 4% 2% 0% 1916 1925 1935 1945 1955 1965 1975 1985 1995 2005 2015 YEAR For years prior to 1982, this is the highest applicable dividend scale interest rate across all traditional permanent life insurance policies. For 1982 and later, this is the dividend scale interest rate for unborrowed funds for most traditional permanent life insurance policies with direct recognition. 14 . LOOKING FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION? Scan the QR code to link to more investment information, including the 2014 Investment Report and a detailed list of investment holdings. www.northwesternmutual.com > About Us > Financial Information > Our Investments The company’s dividend scale interest rate for unborrowed funds for most traditional permanent life insurance policies reflects the investment performance of the applicable managed assets net of taxes and any contribution to surplus. This rate is used for the determination of the interest component of a policy’s dividend. The rate is applied to unborrowed funds for most traditional permanent life insurance policies after mortality and expense charges have been deducted from policy values. Depending on the terms of a particular policy, a different rate may be applied. For example, either a different rate is credited on borrowed funds to reflect individual policy loan activity, or all funds, both borrowed and unborrowed, are credited with a single rate that reflects the average level of borrowing for all similar policies. Because of the mortality and expense charges, the dividend scale interest rate should not be used as a measure of the policy’s internal rate of return.
The dividend scale and the underlying interest rates are reviewed annually and are subject to change. Future dividends are not guaranteed. Decisions with respect to the determination and allocation of divisible surplus are left to the discretion and sound business judgment of the company’s Board of Trustees. There is no guaranteed specific method or formula for the determination and allocation of divisible surplus. Accordingly, the company’s approach is subject to change. Neither the existence nor the amount of a dividend is guaranteed on any policy in any given policy year. Some policies may not receive any dividends in a particular year or years even while other policies receive dividends.
In its 2015 dividend scale resolution, the Board of Trustees has exercised its discretion to guarantee a minimum amount of dividends to be paid in 2015 to the policyholders as a group. If this guaranteed amount exceeds the aggregate amount of dividends actually paid to individual policyholders in 2015, that excess will be paid out in 2016 pursuant to the 2015 dividend scale resolution. The presence of a guaranteed minimum amount in the 2015 dividend scale resolution does not obligate Northwestern Mutual to declare a dividend in future years or to guarantee any portion of dividends that may be declared in future years. The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company’s operational results, investment holdings and financial position for year-end 2014 are reported in the company’s Consolidated Financial Statements (CFS).
Certain types of investments have been grouped differently for this report than in the CFS. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP is the company’s independent auditor. A copy of Northwestern Mutual’s CFS is available online at www. northwesternmutual.com or by written request to: Northwestern Mutual, Communications Department, 720 E.
Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53202–4797. 15 . PROTECTION AND PERFORMANCE One aspect of how Northwestern Mutual delivers value for our policyowners is “the power of the portfolio.” It’s our well-diversified, long-term approach to investing the company’s general account assets. This is done with a careful eye on risk but with enough tolerance for more rewarding investments. Look inside for more about our investment strategies and how investment results support the promises Northwestern Mutual makes. Northwestern Mutual is the marketing name for The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company, Milwaukee, WI (life and disability insurance, annuities and life insurance with long-term care benefits) and its subsidiaries. 29-4692 (0502) (REV 1015) .
