A.M. Best affirms Northwestern Mutual's high ratings - Pittsburgh Business Times:

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A.M. Best affirmed its financial strengt ratings ofof A++ and issuer credit ratings of of Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Co. and its subsidiary The outlookl for both ratingsis stable, the N.J., ratings organization said Thursday. The ratings reflect Northwesterj Mutual’s sizable and mature individuall lifeinsurance franchise, conservative operating profile, strong operating performancse and superior risk-adjusted capitalization, A.M. Best said. Partially offsettint those positive rating factors was the recenft decline inNorthwestern Mutual’s adjusted capitapl and surplus due mainly to realized and unrealized investment A.M. Best said. A.M.
Best also noted that Northwestern Mutualp maintains an above average aggregate exposure to privatseplacement bonds, below investment or "junk," bonds, commercial mortgages and equities. Despitre NM increasing the total numbert of financial representatives over the pastcouplre years, Northwestern Mutual may be challengede to continue to grow the number of sales professionalws while maintaining current levels of retention and productivity over the long A.M. Best said.