Northwestern Mutual Retains A++ Rating from A.M. Best affirms

A.M. Best Company has affirmed the A++ financial strength rating of Northwestern Mutual and Northwestern Long Term Care Insurance Company.

In a release, the company said this is the highest possible rating from A.M. Best.

According to an announcement from A.M. Best, the ratings "reflect Northwestern Mutual's sizable and mature participating ordinary life insurance business, overall positive operating performance and strong risk-adjusted capitalization." Additionally, the ratings agency recognized the "loyalty and productivity of the company's exclusive distribution system, as well as the competitive advantages derived from historically favorable investments, expenses, persistency and mortality experiences in its core business lines."

Market leader

A.M. Best said Northwestern Mutual's competitive advantages lead to greater product value and customer satisfaction. "These advantages allow Northwestern Mutual to consistently provide policyowners with dividend rates that are among the industry's highest, further contributing to the company's excellent persistency and leadership position in the individual life insurance market."

A.M. Best noted that Northwestern Mutual holds the No. 1 position in the individual life insurance market.

Industry's best ratings

Northwestern Mutual said it continues to have the highest financial strength ratings awarded to any life insurer by all four of the major credit rating agencies: A.M. Best Company, A++ (highest), April 2014; Fitch Ratings, AAA (highest), January 2014; Moody's Investors Service, Aaa (highest), January 2014; and Standard & Poor's, AA+ (second highest), June 2013. Ratings are subject to change.

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