|
|
|
|
 |
In part, it's because our approach to doing business differs fundamentally from many companies who have found themselves under siege. These differences keep us strong. And our strength is your financial security. To begin with, Northwestern Mutual maintains a financial cushion, or surplus, that keeps us strong during market downturns.
This is not to say we are immune from investment declines. Rather, it is to say that this cushion gives us flexibility and enables us to absorb market volatility. We don't need to borrow money to maintain our cash flow.
Unlike other companies, we generate the cash flow we need to operate through our mix of business. Our cash flow helps preserve our financial strength and keeps us self-sufficient — so that we will be there when you need us. Our high-quality investment portfolio remains well-diversified.
We invest in all major asset classes and market sectors. Unlike stock companies that must satisfy shareholders, as a mutual company we are not compelled to make risky decisions on the possibility of posting ever-higher returns each quarter. We seek investments that support your financial security over the long term. We prepare for tough times because we have lived through them before.
Our company has endured the Civil War, the Crash of 1929, the Great Depression, two world wars, and nearly three dozen recessions. Our experience informs our strategies. We don't get caught up in gimmicks to sell our products.
We don't use poorly structured minimum guarantees or too-clever options to attract insurance or annuity sales. We put the needs of our current clients first.
We don't use dividend rates as ploys to attract new sales. Instead, we set our dividend rates so that we never jeopardize our promise to the 3.3 million policyowners who already depend on us. This year, we will pay substantially more in life insurance dividends than any other company in the industry. With a 6.5% dividend interest rate, the expected 2009 dividend payout to policyowners totals more than $4.5 billion, the third largest in our history. Doing the right thing governs all we do
The same philosophy applies to those who serve you on a personal level. - Among the most highly credentialed in the industry, our financial representatives help you work toward complete financial security.
- They ask you to focus on faraway goals in the midst of the here-and-now.
- They encourage you to protect against life's unforeseen risks.
- They also guide you to invest for the long term — using a comparable approach to the one we take with our general account investment portfolio.
- They urge you to look into the future, recommending the right products and services at the right time.
These can be difficult conversations and difficult decisions. Yet they fall under the heading of doing the right thing. They safeguard your future. |
|
|
|
|
|