10-Q 1 d10q.htm QUARTERLY REPORT Quarterly Report
Table of Contents

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 10-Q

 

 

 

x

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2009

or

 

¨

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from              to             

Commission File Number: 1-12785

 

 

LOGO

NATIONWIDE FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   31-1486870
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)   (IRS Employer Identification No.)
One Nationwide Plaza, Columbus, Ohio   43215
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

(614) 249-7111

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).

Yes  ¨    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer  x    Accelerated filer  ¨

Non-accelerated filer  ¨    (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)    Smaller reporting company  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes  ¨    No  x

As of May 7, 2009, the registrant had 100 shares of its common stock outstanding (par value $0.01 per share).

 

 

 


Table of Contents

NATIONWIDE FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

FORM 10-Q

FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED MARCH 31, 2009

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

   1

ITEM 1 Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

   1

ITEM 2 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

   51

ITEM 3 Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

   83

ITEM 4 Controls and Procedures

   83

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

   83

ITEM 1 Legal Proceedings

   83

ITEM 1A Risk Factors

   83

ITEM 2 Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

   83

ITEM 3 Defaults Upon Senior Securities

   83

ITEM 4 Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

   83

ITEM 5 Other Information

   83

ITEM 6 Exhibits

   84

SIGNATURE

   85


Table of Contents

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1 Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

NATIONWIDE FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of (Loss) Income

(Unaudited)

(in millions)

 

     Three months ended
March 31,
 
     2009     2008  

Revenues:

    

Policy charges

   $ 286.3     $ 345.1  

Premiums

     118.1       109.1  

Net investment income

     484.7       519.5  

Net realized investment gains (losses)

     365.2       (110.5 )

Other-than-temporary impairment losses (consisting of $683.7 of total other-than-temporary impairment losses, net of $356.7 recognized in other comprehensive income, for the three months ended March 31, 2009)

     (327.0 )     (88.4 )

Other income

     98.4       141.5  
                

Total revenues

     1,025.7       916.3  
                

Benefits and expenses:

    

Interest credited to policyholder accounts

     283.6       312.6  

Benefits and claims

     322.7       183.5  

Policyholder dividends

     21.4       23.9  

Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs

     303.0       66.4  

Amortization of value of business acquired and other intangible assets

     7.0       9.2  

Interest expense

     26.0       27.7  

Other operating expenses

     254.5       270.7  
                

Total benefits and expenses

     1,218.2       894.0  
                

(Loss) income from continuing operations before federal income tax benefit

     (192.5 )     22.3  

Federal income tax benefit

     (74.1 )     (10.8 )
                

(Loss) income from continuing operations

     (118.4 )     33.1  

Discontinued operations, net of taxes

     —         0.9  
                

Net (loss) income

     (118.4 )     34.0  

Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest

     11.0       10.5  
                

Net (loss) income attributable to NFS

   $ (107.4 )   $ 44.5  
                

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

NATIONWIDE FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(in millions, except for share amounts)

 

     March 31,
2009
    December 31,
2008
 
     (Unaudited)        

Assets

    

Investments:

    

Securities available-for-sale, at fair value:

    

Fixed maturity securities (amortized cost $26,703.5 and $25,825.7)

   $ 23,726.9     $ 23,069.7  

Equity securities (amortized cost $49.9 and $68.7)

     47.6       60.7  

Mortgage loans on real estate, net

     7,728.5       7,888.2  

Short-term investments, including amounts managed by a related party

     2,385.4       3,055.0  

Other investments

     2,069.9       2,146.3  
                

Total investments

     35,958.3       36,219.9  

Cash

     132.8       165.5  

Accrued investment income

     417.3       352.1  

Deferred policy acquisition costs

     4,286.0       4,523.8  

Value of business acquired

     321.9       334.0  

Goodwill

     246.5       246.5  

Other assets

     4,246.4       3,790.1  

Separate account assets

     45,525.2       48,840.7  
                

Total assets

   $ 91,134.4     $ 94,472.6  
                

Liabilities and Shareholder’s Equity

    

Liabilities:

    

Future policy benefits and claims

   $ 35,720.7     $ 35,720.0  

Short-term debt

     312.6       295.7  

Long-term debt

     1,726.0       1,725.9  

Other liabilities

     4,401.6       4,415.5  

Separate account liabilities

     45,525.2       48,840.7  
                

Total liabilities

     87,686.1       90,997.8  
                

Shareholder’s equity:

    

Common stock ($0.01 par value; authorized, issued and outstanding - 100 and 0)

     —         —    

Class A common stock ($0.01 par value; authorized - 0 and 750,000,000 shares; issued - 0 and 72,100,000 shares; outstanding - 0 and 46,300,000 shares)

     —         0.7  

Class B common stock ($0.01 par value; authorized - 0 and 750,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding - 0 and 91,800,000 shares)

     —         1.0  

Additional paid-in capital

     1,824.7       1,807.1  

Retained earnings

     2,764.1       3,884.0  

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (1,545.5 )     (1,370.8 )

Treasury stock, at cost (0 and 25,800,000 shares)

     —         (1,262.5 )

Other, net

     —         (1.3 )
                

Total shareholder’s equity

     3,043.3       3,058.2  

Noncontrolling interest

     405.0       416.6  
                

Total equity

     3,448.3       3,474.8  
                

Total liabilities and equity

   $ 91,134.4     $ 94,472.6  
                

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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NATIONWIDE FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity

Three Months Ended March 31, 2009 and 2008

(Unaudited)

(in millions)

 

    Common
stock
  Class A
common
stock
    Class B
common
stock
    Additional
paid-in
capital
  Retained
earnings
    Accumulated
other
comprehensive
loss
    Treasury
stock
    Other,
net
    Total
shareholder’s
equity
    Non-
controlling
interest
    Total
equity
 

Balance as of December 31, 2007

  $ —     $ 0.7     $ 1.0     $ 1,782.4   $ 4,853.0     $ (81.5 )   $ (1,229.6 )   $ (1.4 )   $ 5,324.6     $ 467.6     $ 5,792.2  

Cash dividends declared

    —       —         —         —       (39.9 )     —         —         —         (39.9 )     —         (39.9 )

Common shares repurchased under announced program

    —       —         —         —       —         —         (32.9 )     —         (32.9 )     —         (32.9 )

Stock options exercised

    —       —         —         2.6     —         —         —         —         2.6       —         2.6  

Member contributions to noncontrolling interest

    —       —         —         —       —         —         —         —         —         10.8       10.8  

Other, net

    —       —         —         1.8     —         —         —         0.1       1.9       0.9       2.8  

Comprehensive loss:

                     

Net income (loss)

    —       —         —         —       44.5       —         —         —         44.5       (10.5 )     34.0  

Other comprehensive loss, net of taxes

    —       —         —         —       —         (296.9 )     —         —         (296.9 )     —         (296.9 )
                                       

Total comprehensive loss

                    (252.4 )     (10.5 )     (262.9 )
                                                                                   

Balance as of March 31, 2008

  $ —     $ 0.7     $ 1.0     $ 1,786.8   $ 4,857.6     $ (378.4 )   $ (1,262.5 )   $ (1.3 )   $ 5,003.9     $ 468.8     $ 5,472.7  
                                                                                   

Balance as of December 31, 2008

  $ —     $ 0.7     $ 1.0     $ 1,807.1   $ 3,884.0     $ (1,370.8 )   $ (1,262.5 )   $ (1.3 )   $ 3,058.2     $ 416.6     $ 3,474.8  

Cumulative effect of adoption of accounting principle, net of taxes

    —       —         —         —       249.7       (249.7 )     —         —         —         —         —    

Retirement of shares (see Note 2)

    —       (0.7 )     (1.0 )     1.4     (1,262.2 )     —         1,262.5       —         —         —         —    

Other, net

    —       —         —         16.2     —         —         —         1.3       17.5       (0.6 )     16.9  

Comprehensive loss:

                     

Net loss

    —       —         —         —       (107.4 )     —         —         —         (107.4 )     (11.0 )     (118.4 )

Other comprehensive gain, net of taxes

    —       —         —         —       —         75.0       —         —         75.0       —         75.0  
                                       

Total comprehensive loss

                    (32.4 )     (11.0 )     (43.4 )
                                                                                   

Balance as of March 31, 2009

  $ —     $ —       $ —       $ 1,824.7   $ 2,764.1     $ (1,545.5 )   $ —       $ —       $ 3,043.3     $ 405.0     $ 3,448.3  
                                                                                   

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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NATIONWIDE FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(Unaudited)

(in millions)

 

     Three months ended
March 31,
 
     2009     2008  

Cash flows from operating activities:

    

Net (loss) income attributable to NFS

   $ (107.4 )   $ 44.5  

Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash provided by operating activities:

    

Net realized investment (gains) losses

     (365.2 )     110.5  

Other-than-temporary impairment losses

     327.0       88.4  

Interest credited to policyholder accounts

     283.6       312.6  

Capitalization of deferred policy acquisition costs

     (123.5 )     (154.5 )

Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs

     303.0       66.4  

Amortization and depreciation, excluding debt extinguishment costs

     26.7       15.1  

Increase in other assets

     (190.8 )     (110.6 )

Increase (decrease) in policy and other liabilities

     130.6       (127.4 )

Decrease (increase) in derivative assets

     109.8       (155.9 )

Increase in derivative liabilities

     46.0       141.9  

Other, net

     29.6       (21.6 )
                

Net cash provided by operating activities

     469.4       209.4  
                

Cash flows from investing activities:

    

Proceeds from maturity of securities available-for-sale

     1,495.4       1,098.4  

Proceeds from sale of securities available-for-sale

     1,185.7       554.6  

Proceeds from repayments or sales of mortgage loans on real estate

     205.6       234.2  

Cost of securities available-for-sale acquired

     (4,042.3 )     (1,700.4 )

Cost of mortgage loans on real estate originated or acquired

     (108.3 )     (75.0 )

Net decrease (increase) in short-term investments

     669.6       (161.1 )

Collateral paid, net

     (300.7 )     (13.6 )

Other, net

     48.7       (54.1 )
                

Net cash used in investing activities

     (846.3 )     (117.0 )
                

Cash flows from financing activities:

    

Net increase in short-term debt

     16.9       18.3  

Net proceeds from issuance of long-term debt

     —         55.0  

Cash dividends paid

     —         (36.1 )

Investment and universal life insurance product deposits and other additions

     1,178.9       703.1  

Investment and universal life insurance product withdrawals and other deductions

     (1,025.9 )     (977.6 )

Common shares repurchased under announced program

     —         (32.9 )

Net increase in customer bank deposits

     140.3       172.7  

Other, net

     34.0       4.5  
                

Net cash provided by (used) in financing activities

     344.2       (93.0 )
                

Net decrease in cash

     (32.7 )     (0.6 )

Cash, beginning of period

     165.5       73.6  
                

Cash, end of period

   $ 132.8     $ 73.0  
                

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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NATIONWIDE FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

March 31, 2009 and 2008

 

(1)

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc. and subsidiaries (NFS, or collectively, the Company) have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. The financial information included herein reflects all adjustments (all of which are normal and recurring in nature) which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of financial position and results of operations. Operating results for all periods presented are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and related notes for the year ended December 31, 2008 included in the Company’s 2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates.

The Company determined that certain cash flows related to future policy benefits and claims totaling $116.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2008, which were included as cash flows provided by operating activities on the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows in the applicable Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, should have been presented as financing activities. The net cash provided by operating activities for the three months ended March 31, 2008 as originally filed and revised was $325.6 million and $209.4 million, respectively. The net cash used in financing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2008 as originally filed and revised was $209.2 million and $93.0 million, respectively. The condensed consolidated statements of cash flows for 2008 included in this filing reflect the revised presentation described above.

Certain items in the condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation.

 

(2)

Merger Transaction

On January 1, 2009, all of the outstanding Class A common stock of the Company not owned by Nationwide Corporation was acquired for $52.25 per share in cash by Nationwide Corporation through a merger of the Company with NWM Merger Sub., Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nationwide Corporation. On that date, all 100 shares of NWM Merger Sub’s issued and outstanding common stock became the issued and outstanding common stock of the Company and all such shares are held by Nationwide Corporation. The newly issued and outstanding shares of common stock of the Company were recorded as an addition to common stock at a par value of $0.01 per share.

Upon closing of the merger transaction, the Company retired its shares of Class A common stock, Class B common stock and treasury stock. In accordance with applicable accounting guidance, the previously existing balances of Class A common stock of $0.7 million and Class B common stock of $1.0 million were reclassified to additional-paid in capital. Additionally, the previously existing treasury stock balance of $1.26 billion was reclassified to retained earnings for the amount of excess of purchase price over par value and the par value was reclassified to additional-paid in capital.

 

(3)

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

A complete summary of the Company’s significant accounting policies is included in Note 2 to the audited consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s 2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K. There have been no material changes to these policies since December 31, 2008 except as noted below.

 

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NATIONWIDE FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), Continued

March 31, 2009 and 2008

 

Share-Based Payments

As part of the merger transaction, all outstanding stock options were cancelled on January 1, 2009 in exchange for $52.25 per option, less exercise price, for all options with an exercise price not in excess of $52.25. The total unrecognized share-based payment cost related to nonvested stock options of $2.5 million, net of taxes, was recognized on the merger date.

Deferred stock units (DSUs) were available through the Director Stock Retainer Plan for payment to non-management directors of all or a portion of their annual retainer. At the date of the merger transaction, there were approximately 41,000 DSUs outstanding. As part of the merger transaction, each DSU was cancelled and converted into the right to receive $52.25 in cash and credited to a deferral account for each director. The liability for the outstanding DSUs was transferred to Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company (NMIC) and treated as a capital contribution in the first quarter of 2009 and will be paid in cash to the non-management directors in a future period.

 

(4)

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

In April 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued FASB Staff Position (FSP) Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) 115-2 and FAS 124-2, Recognition and Presentation of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments, (FSP FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2). FSP FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2 provides guidance designed to create greater clarity and consistency in accounting for and presenting impairment losses on debt and equity securities. FSP FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2 is effective for interim and annual periods ending after June 15, 2009, with early adoption permitted for interim and annual periods ending after March 15, 2009. As of the beginning of the interim period of adoption, FSP FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2 requires a cumulative-effect adjustment to reclassify the non-credit component of a previously recognized other-than-temporary impairment loss from retained earnings to other comprehensive income. The Company elected to early adopt FSP FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2 as of the period ending March 31, 2009. The adoption of FSP FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2 resulted in a cumulative-effect adjustment of $249.7 million, net of taxes, as an adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings with a corresponding adjustment to accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI).

In April 2009, the FASB issued FSP FAS 157-4, Determining Fair Value When the Volume and Level of Activity for the Asset or Liability Have Significantly Decreased and Identifying Transactions That Are Not Orderly (FSP FAS 157-4). FSP FAS 157-4 provides guidelines for making fair value measurements more consistent with the principles presented in Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (SFAS 157). FSP FAS 157-4 is effective for interim and annual periods ending after June 15, 2009, with early adoption permitted for interim and annual periods ending after March 15, 2009. The Company elected to early adopt FSP FAS 157-4 as of the period ending March 31, 2009.

In April 2009, the FASB issued FSP FAS 107-1 and Accounting Principles Bulletin (APB) 28-1, Interim Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments, (FSP FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1). FSP FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1 amends FASB Statement No. 107, Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments (SFAS 107), to require disclosures about fair value of financial instruments within the scope of FAS 107 for interim reporting periods of publicly traded companies as well as in annual financial statements. FSP FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1 is effective for interim periods ending after June 15, 2009, with early adoption permitted for interim periods ending after March 15, 2009. The Company will adopt FSP FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1 and include the required disclosures in the financial statements for the interim period ending June 30, 2009.

In November 2008, the FASB Board ratified the Emerging Issues Task Force’s (EITF) consensus EITF 08-7, Accounting for Defensive Intangible Assets (EITF 08-7). EITF 08-7 requires defensive intangible assets acquired in a business combination or asset acquisition to be accounted for as a separate unit of accounting. In doing so, the asset should not be included as part of the cost of an entity’s existing intangible asset(s) because the defensive intangible asset is separately identifiable. EITF 08-7 is effective for intangible assets acquired on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008. The Company adopted EITF 08-7 effective January 1, 2009. On the date of adoption, there was no impact to the Company’s financial position or results of operations. The Company will apply EITF 08-7 prospectively for intangible assets acquired on or after January 1, 2009.

 

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NATIONWIDE FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), Continued

March 31, 2009 and 2008

 

In November 2008, the FASB Board ratified the EITF’s consensus EITF 08-6, Equity Method Investment Accounting Considerations (EITF 08-6). EITF 08-6 clarifies how to account for certain transactions and impairment considerations involving equity method investments. Specifically, EITF 08-6 notes: 1) an entity shall measure its equity method investment initially at cost 2) an equity method investor is required to recognize other-than-temporary impairments of an equity method investment in accordance with paragraph 19(h) of Opinion 18 and an equity method investor shall not separately test an investee’s underlying indefinite-lived intangible asset(s) for impairment 3) an equity method investor shall account for a share issuance by an investee as if the investor had sold a proportionate share of its investment and any gain or loss to the investor resulting from an investee’s share issuance shall be recognized in earnings. This EITF is effective on a prospective basis in fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2008, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company adopted EITF 08-6 effective January 1, 2009. On the date of adoption, there was no impact to the Company’s financial position or results of operations. The Company will apply EITF 08-6 prospectively as is required.

In April 2008, the FASB issued FSP FAS 142-3, Determination of the Useful Life of Intangible Assets (FSP FAS 142-3). FSP FAS 142-3 amends the factors that should be considered in developing renewal or extension assumptions used to determine the useful life of a recognized intangible asset under SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (SFAS 142). FSP FAS 142-3 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2008. The amended factors that should be considered in developing renewal or extension assumptions used to determine the useful life of a recognized intangible asset under SFAS 142 are to be applied prospectively to intangible assets acquired after the effective date. The Company adopted FSP 142-3 effective January 1, 2009. On the date of adoption, there was no impact to the Company’s financial position or results of operations. The Company will apply FSP FAS 142-3 prospectively to intangible assets acquired after January 1, 2009 as is required.

In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133 (SFAS 161). SFAS 161 amends and expands the disclosure requirements of SFAS No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, (SFAS 133) with the intent to provide users of financial statements with an enhanced understanding of how and why an entity uses derivative instruments, how derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for under SFAS 133 and its related interpretations, and how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect an entity’s financial position, financial performance and cash flows. SFAS 161 requires qualitative disclosures about objectives and strategies for using derivatives, quantitative disclosures about derivative instrument fair values and related gains and losses, and disclosures about credit-risk-related contingent features in derivative agreements. SFAS 161 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008. The Company adopted SFAS 161 effective March 31, 2009.

In February 2008, the FASB issued FSP FAS 157-2, Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157 (FSP FAS 157-2). This FSP delays the effective date of SFAS 157 for nonfinancial assets and liabilities until fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008. FSP FAS 157-2 applies to nonfinancial assets and liabilities, except for items that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the Company’s financial statements on a recurring basis (at least annually), and is effective upon issuance. The Company adopted FSP FAS 157-2 effective January 1, 2009. On the date of adoption, there was no impact to the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

 

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NATIONWIDE FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), Continued

March 31, 2009 and 2008

 

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141 (revised 2007), Business Combinations (SFAS 141R), which replaces SFAS No. 141, Business Combinations (SFAS 141). The objective of SFAS 141R is to improve the relevance, representational faithfulness, and comparability of the information that a reporting entity provides in its financial reports about a business combination and its effects. Accordingly, SFAS 141R establishes principles and requirements for how the acquirer: 1) recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree; 2) recognizes and measures the goodwill acquired in the business combination or a gain from a bargain purchase; and 3) determines what information to disclose to enable users of the financial statements to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination. SFAS 141R applies to all transactions or other events in which an entity obtains control of one or more businesses and retains the fundamental requirements in SFAS 141 that the acquisition method of accounting be used for all business combinations and for an acquirer to be identified for each business combination. SFAS 141R defines the acquirer as the entity that obtains control of one or more businesses in the business combination and establishes the acquisition date as the date that the acquirer achieves control. SFAS 141R is applicable prospectively to business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008. Earlier application is prohibited. The Company adopted SFAS 141R effective January 1, 2009. The Company will apply SFAS 141R prospectively to any business combination on or after January 1, 2009 as is required.

In April 2009, the FASB issued FSP FAS 141R-1, Accounting for Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed in a Business Combination That Arise from Contingencies (FSP FAS 141R-1). FSP FAS 141R-1 amends the guidance of FAS 141R related to contingencies. First, FSP FAS 141R-1 requires the acquirer to recognize the contingency at fair value, at the acquisition date, if the acquisition-date fair value of that asset or liability can be determined during the measurement period. Second, if the first criteria is not applicable as the fair value of the asset or liability cannot be determined during the measurement period, then the contingency shall be recognized if both A) Information available before the end of the measurement period indicates that it is probable that an asset existed or that a liability had been incurred at the acquisition date and B) the amount of the asset or liability can be reasonably estimated. If neither of these acquisition date recognition criterion apply, the acquirer shall not recognize an asset or liability as of the acquisition date. In periods after the acquisition date, the acquirer shall account for an asset or a liability arising from a contingency that does not meet the recognition criteria at the acquisition date in accordance with other applicable GAAP, including Statement 5, Accounting for Contingencies, as appropriate. The Company will apply SFAS 141R-1 prospectively to any business combination on or after January 1, 2009 as is required.

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements, an Amendment of ARB No. 51 (SFAS 160). The objective of SFAS 160 is to improve the relevance, comparability, and transparency of the financial information that a reporting entity provides in its consolidated financial statements by establishing accounting and reporting standards for the noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary. SFAS 160 also amends certain consolidation procedures prescribed by Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51, Consolidated Financial Statements, for consistency with the requirements of SFAS 141R. SFAS 160 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning on or after December 15, 2008. Earlier adoption is prohibited. The Company adopted SFAS 160 effective January 1, 2009. The required presentation of noncontrolling interests is reflected in the consolidated financial statements. As a result of the adoption of SFAS 160, the Company reclassified $416.6 million from other liabilities to equity as of December 31, 2008, representing the noncontrolling interest of low-income-housing tax credit funds (LIHTC Funds). See Note 11 for further discussion on the LIHTC Funds. The accounting requirements of SFAS 160 will be applied to any acquisitions or dispositions of noncontrolling interests on or after January 1, 2009 as is required.

 

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NATIONWIDE FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), Continued

March 31, 2009 and 2008

 

(5)

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Option

The Company adopted SFAS 159 effective January 1, 2008 and elected SFAS 159 fair value treatment for commercial mortgage loans held for sale. Accordingly, the Company now records in earnings all market fluctuations associated with this portfolio. The Company previously recorded such loans at the lower of cost or market value. Balances for these loans will be measured at fair value prospectively with unrealized gains and losses included as a component of net realized investment gains and losses. The Company will assess the fair value option election for new financial assets or liabilities on a prospective basis.

Fair Value Hierarchy

The Company adopted SFAS 157 effective January 1, 2008. SFAS 157 defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. In determining fair value, the Company uses various methods including market, income and cost approaches. The Company utilizes valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs.

In accordance with SFAS 157, the Company categorized its financial instruments into a three level hierarchy based on the priority of the inputs to the valuation technique. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). If the inputs used to measure fair value fall within different levels of the hierarchy, the category level is based on the lowest priority level input that is significant to the fair value measurement of the instrument in its entirety.

The Company categorizes financial assets and liabilities recorded at fair value in the condensed consolidated balance sheets as follows:

 

   

Level 1 – Unadjusted quoted prices accessible in active markets for identical assets or liabilities at the measurement date. The types of assets and liabilities utilizing Level 1 valuations include U.S. Treasury and agency securities, residential mortgage-backed securities, equity securities listed in active markets, investments in publicly traded mutual funds with quoted market prices and listed derivatives.

 

   

Level 2 – Unadjusted quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets or inputs (other than quoted prices) that are observable or that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data through correlation or other means. The types of assets and liabilities utilizing Level 2 valuations generally include U.S. Government agency securities, municipal bonds, structured notes, residential mortgage-backed securities, commercial mortgage-backed securities, collateralized debt obligations, other asset-backed securities (ABSs), certain corporate debt, certain private placement investments and certain derivatives, including certain cross-currency interest rate swaps and credit default swaps.

 

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NATIONWIDE FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), Continued

March 31, 2009 and 2008

 

   

Level 3 – Prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement. Inputs reflect management’s best estimate about the assumptions market participants would use at the measurement date in pricing the asset or liability. Consideration is given to the risk inherent in both the method of valuation and the valuation inputs. Generally, the types of assets and liabilities utilizing Level 3 valuations are certain residential mortgage-backed securities, commercial mortgage-backed securities, collateralized debt obligations, other ABSs, certain corporate debt, certain private placement investments, certain mutual fund holdings and certain derivatives, including embedded derivatives associated with living benefit contracts.

Included in Level 3 financial assets are investments that the Company utilizes internal pricing models to assist in determining the estimated fair values. For certain residential mortgage-backed securities backed by Prime, Sub-prime and Alt-A collateral, the estimated fair value is determined by using a weighting of internal pricing models and independent pricing services. As of December 31, 2008, these investments were priced solely with the assistance of independent pricing services. As a result of continued decline in the level of activity in these markets during the first quarter of 2009, and in accordance with FSP FAS 157-4, management did not believe that prices were necessarily representative of the investment’s fair value, which would be the price that would be received in selling the investment in an orderly transaction (that is, not a forced liquidation or distressed sale) between market participants at the measurement date. It is the Company’s judgment that a weighting of internal pricing models and independent pricing services represents a better estimate of the investment’s fair value and complies with FSP FAS 157-4.

As such, management determined that the use of multiple valuation techniques, considering both an income approach (that maximizes the use of relevant observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs) and a market approach (that observes quotes provided by independent pricing services) produces a result more representative of a investment’s fair value than the market approach valuation technique used at prior measurement dates. The income approach incorporates cash flows for each investment adjusted for expected losses in different interest rate and housing scenarios. The adjusted cash flows are then discounted using a risk premium that market participants would demand because of the risk in the cash flows. The risk premium is reflective of an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date under current market conditions and includes items such as liquidity and structure risk.

These internally-generated prices were then reviewed in light of the prices obtained from multiple independent pricing services. The results of these internal prices were then weighted with the prices obtained from the independent pricing services, considering the relative range of values suggested by the indications, to determine the estimated fair value.

In addition, certain of the Company’s holdings in collateralized debt obligations are priced using a weighting of broker quotes and internal pricing models to determine the estimated fair values.

 

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NATIONWIDE FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), Continued

March 31, 2009 and 2008

 

The following table summarizes assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2009:

 

(in millions)

   Level 1     Level 2         Level 3         Total  

Assets

        

Investments:

        

Securities available-for-sale:

        

Fixed maturity securities:

        

U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government corporations and agencies

   $ 587.5     $ 4.3     $ 1.8     $ 593.6  

Obligations of states and political subdivisions

     —         258.7       —         258.7  

Debt securities issued by foreign governments

     —         52.4       —         52.4  

Corporate securities

     2.0       11,978.2       1,416.1       13,396.3  

Residential mortgage-backed securities

     1,458.3       3,107.0       3,166.4       7,731.7  

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

     —         717.3       239.5       956.8  

Collateralized debt obligations

     —         78.5       163.5       242.0  

Other asset-backed securities

     —         365.2       130.2       495.4  
                                

Total fixed maturity securities

     2,047.8       16,561.6       5,117.5       23,726.9  

Equity securities

     7.7       31.7       8.2       47.6  
                                

Total securities available-for-sale

     2,055.5       16,593.3       5,125.7       23,774.5  

Trading assets

     —         15.5       43.6       59.1  

Mortgage loans held for sale1

     —         —         65.9       65.9  

Short-term investments

     208.7       2,176.7       —         2,385.4  
                                

Total investments

     2,264.2       18,785.5       5,235.2       26,284.9  

Cash

     132.8       —         —         132.8  

Derivative assets2

     —         523.9       672.6       1,196.5  

Separate account assets3,5

     9,214.6       34,133.6       2,177.0       45,525.2  
                                

Total assets

   $ 11,611.6     $ 53,443.0     $ 8,084.8     $ 73,139.4  
                                

Liabilities

        

Future policy benefits and claims4

   $ —       $ —       $ (1,476.7 )   $ (1,476.7 )

Derivative liabilities2

     (118.3 )     (405.6 )     (9.5 )     (533.4 )
                                

Total liabilities

   $ (118.3 )   $ (405.6 )   $ (1,486.2 )   $ (2,010.1 )
                                
 
 

1

Carried at fair value as elected under SFAS 159.

 

 

2

Comprised of interest rate swaps, cross-currency interest rate swaps, credit default swaps, other non-hedging instruments, equity option contracts and interest rate futures contracts.

 

 

3

Comprised of public, privately registered and non-registered mutual funds and investments in securities.

 

 

4

Related to embedded derivatives associated with living benefit contracts. The Company’s guaranteed minimum accumulation benefits (GMABs), guaranteed lifetime withdrawal benefits (GLWBs) and hybrid GMABs/GLWBs are considered embedded derivatives under current accounting guidance, resulting in the related liabilities being separated from the host insurance product and recognized at fair value, with changes in fair value reported in earnings. This balance also includes embedded derivatives associated with fixed equity-indexed annuities (EIA) that provide for interest earnings that are linked to the performance of specified equity market indices.

 

 

5

The fair value of separate account liabilities is set to equal the fair value of separate account assets.

 

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NATIONWIDE FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), Continued

March 31, 2009 and 2008

 

The following table summarizes assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2008:

 

(in millions)

   Level 1     Level 2         Level 3         Total  

Assets

        

Investments:

        

Securities available-for-sale:

        

Fixed maturity securities:

        

U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government corporations and agencies

   $ 627.3     $ 4.3     $ 1.9     $ 633.5  

Obligations of states and political subdivisions

     —         262.4       —         262.4  

Debt securities issued by foreign governments

     —         55.5       —         55.5  

Corporate securities

     2.0       11,263.6       1,330.1       12,595.7  

Residential mortgage-backed securities

     1,775.5       2,723.2       3,099.2       7,597.9  

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

     —         752.2       263.4       1,015.6  

Collateralized debt obligations

     —         73.0       250.4       323.4  

Other asset-backed securities

     —         473.9       111.8       585.7  
                                

Total fixed maturity securities

     2,404.8       15,608.1       5,056.8       23,069.7  

Equity securities

     1.4       34.9       24.4       60.7  
                                

Total securities available-for-sale

     2,406.2       15,643.0       5,081.2       23,130.4  

Trading assets

     0.2       21.7       44.2       66.1  

Mortgage loans held for sale1

     —         —         124.5       124.5  

Short-term investments

     165.4       2,889.6       —         3,055.0  
                                

Total investments

     2,571.8       18,554.3       5,249.9       26,376.0  

Cash

     165.5       —         —         165.5  

Derivative assets2

     —         708.5       597.6       1,306.1  

Separate account assets3,5

     9,975.7       36,723.2       2,141.8       48,840.7  
                                

Total assets

   $ 12,713.0     $ 55,986.0     $ 7,989.3     $ 76,688.3  
                                

Liabilities

        

Future policy benefits and claims4

   $ —       $ —       $ (1,739.7 )   $ (1,739.7 )

Derivative liabilities2

     (6.0 )     (385.9 )     (4.2 )     (396.1 )
                                

Total liabilities

   $ (6.0 )   $ (385.9 )   $ (1,743.9 )   $ (2,135.8 )
                                
 
 

1

Carried at fair value as elected under SFAS 159.

 

 

2

Comprised of interest rate swaps, cross-currency interest rate swaps, credit default swaps, other non-hedging instruments, equity option contracts and interest rate futures contracts.

 

 

3

Comprised of public, privately registered and non-registered mutual funds and investments in securities.

 

 

4

Related to embedded derivatives associated with living benefit contracts. The Company’s GMABs, GLWBs and hybrid GMABs/GMWBs are considered embedded derivatives under current accounting guidance, resulting in the related liabilities being separated from the host insurance product and recognized at fair value, with changes in fair value reported in earnings. This balance also includes embedded derivatives associated with fixed EIAs that provide for interest earnings that are linked to the performance of specified equity market indices.

 

 

5

The fair value of separate account liabilities is set to equal the fair value of separate account assets.

 

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NATIONWIDE FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), Continued

March 31, 2009 and 2008

 

The following table summarizes financial instruments for which the Company used significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) to determine fair value measurements for the three months ended March 31, 2009:

 

           Net investment
gains (losses)
                          Change in
unrealized
gains
(losses) in
earnings
due to
  assets still  
held
 

(in millions)

  Balance
as of
December 31,
2008
    In earnings
(realized
and
unrealized)1
    In OCI
(unrealized)2,7
    Purchases,
issuances,
sales and
settlements7
    Transfers
in to
Level 3
  Transfers
out of
Level 3
    Balance
as of
March 31,
2009
   
Assets                

Investments:

               

Securities available-for-sale3:

               

Fixed maturity securities

               

U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government corporations and agencies

  $ 1.9     $ —       $ (0.1 )   $ —       $ —     $ —       $ 1.8     $ —    

Obligations of states and political subdivisions

    —         —         —         (3.8 )     3.8     —         —         —    

Corporate securities

    1,330.1       (56.5 )     (102.2 )     (94.6 )     377.4     (38.1 )     1,416.1       —    

Residential mortgage-backed securities

    3,099.2       (70.7 )     (50.5 )     187.5       18.4     (17.5 )     3,166.4       —    

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

    263.4       (10.5 )     (15.4 )     2.0       —       —         239.5       —    

Collateralized debt obligations

    250.4       (20.7 )     (106.9 )     56.1       0.4     (15.8 )     163.5       —    

Other asset-backed securities

    111.8       (1.1 )     3.3       4.5       16.5     (4.8 )     130.2       —    
                                                             

Total fixed maturity securities

    5,056.8       (159.5 )     (271.8 )     151.7       416.5     (76.2 )     5,117.5       —    

Equity securities

    24.4       —         (0.1 )     0.2       —       (16.3 )     8.2    
                                                             

Total securities
available-for-sale

    5,081.2       (159.5 )     (271.9 )     151.9       416.5     (92.5 )     5,125.7       —    

Trading assets

    44.2       (4.2 )     —         2.2       3.8     (2.4 )     43.6       (4.3 )

Mortgage loans held for sale

    124.5       (9.3 )     —         (49.3 )     —       —         65.9       (4.0 )
                                                             

Total investments

    5,249.9       (173.0 )     (271.9 )     104.8       420.3     (94.9 )     5,235.2       (8.3 )

Derivative assets

    597.6       71.0       (12.1 )     16.1       —       —         672.6       70.6  

Separate account assets4,6

    2,141.8       38.7       —         (6.6 )     4.2     (1.1 )     2,177.0       36.5  
                                                             

Total assets

  $ 7,989.3     $ (63.3 )   $ (284.0 )   $ 114.3     $ 424.5   $ (96.0 )   $ 8,084.8     $ 98.8  
                                                             

Liabilities

               

Future policy benefits and claims5

  $ (1,739.7 )   $ 265.2     $ —       $ (2.2 )   $ —     $ —       $ (1,476.7 )   $ (265.2 )

Derivative liabilities

    (4.2 )     (5.3 )     —         —         —       —         (9.5 )     5.3  
                                                             

Total liabilities

  $ (1,743.9 )   $ 259.9     $ —       $ (2.2 )   $ —     $ —       $ (1,486.2 )   $ (259.9 )
                                                             
 
 

1

Includes gains and losses on sales of financial instruments, changes in market value of certain instruments and other-than-temporary impairments.

 

 

2

Includes changes in market value of certain instruments.

 

 

3

Includes non-investment grade collateralized mortgage obligations, residential mortgage-backed securities, commercial mortgage-backed securities, other ABSs, certain counterparty or internally priced securities and securities that are at or near default based on designations assigned by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) (see Note 7 for a discussion of NAIC designations). Equity securities represent holdings in non-registered mutual funds with significant unobservable inputs.

 

 

4

Comprised of non-registered mutual funds with significant unobservable and/or liquidity restrictions. The net unrealized investment loss on these non-registered mutual funds is attributable to contractholders and, therefore, is not included in the Company’s earnings.

 

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NATIONWIDE FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), Continued

March 31, 2009 and 2008

 

 

5

Relates to GMAB, GLWB and EIA embedded derivatives associated with contracts with living benefit riders. Related derivatives are internally valued. The valuation of guaranteed minimum benefit embedded derivatives is based on capital market and actuarial risk assumptions, including risk margin considerations reflecting policyholder behavior. The Company uses both observable and unobservable inputs, such as published swap rates and historical volatilities as well as implied volatilities, in its capital market assumptions. Actuarial assumptions, including lapse behavior and mortality rates, are either based on annuity experience or pricing assumptions if experience has not yet developed.

 

 

6

The value of separate account liabilities is set to equal the fair value of separate account assets.

 

 

7

Includes $276.2 million of residential mortgage-backed securities, $59.1 million of collateralized debt obligations, $36.9 million of corporate debt securities and $3.8 million of commercial mortgage-backed securities associated with the book value increase with an offsetting change in OCI due to the effects of the cumulative adjustments recorded as of January 1, 2009 with the adoption of FSP FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2.

The following table summarizes financial instruments for which the Company used significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) to determine fair value measurements for the three months ended March 31, 2008:

 

            Net investment gains
(losses)
                            Change in
unrealized
gains
(losses) in
earnings
due to
assets still
held
 

(in millions)

   Balance
as of
December 31,
2007
    In earnings
(realized
and
unrealized)1
    In OCI
(unrealized)2
    Purchases,
issuances,
sales and
settlements
    Transfers
in to
Level 3
   Transfers
out of
Level 3
    Balance
as of
March 31,
2008
    
Assets                   

Investments:

                  

Securities available-for-sale3:

                  

Fixed maturity securities

                  

U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government corporations and agencies

   $ 1.6     $ —       $ —       $ —       $ —      $ —       $ 1.6      $ —    
                  

Corporate securities

     1,520.2       (22.1 )     (28.2 )     (55.3 )     384.9      (113.1 )     1,686.4        —    

Residential mortgage-backed securities

     195.5       (3.8 )     (24.5 )     (3.0 )     12.0      (49.5 )     126.7        —    

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

     87.6       (10.3 )     6.9       (5.1 )     16.9      (61.9 )     34.1     

Collateralized debt obligations

     544.4       (30.0 )     (72.2 )     21.0       158.1      —         621.3     

Other asset-backed securities

     110.5       (7.1 )     (4.9 )     (10.0 )     77.1      (1.7 )     163.9        —    
                                                                

Total fixed maturity securities

     2,459.8       (73.3 )     (122.9 )     (52.4 )     649.0      (226.2 )     2,634.0        —    

Equity securities

     1.4       —         (0.6 )     2.2       2.1      —         5.1        —    
                                                                

Total securities available-for-sale

     2,461.2       (73.3 )     (123.5 )     (50.2 )     651.1      (226.2 )     2,639.1        —    

Trading assets

     15.4       (0.9 )     —         6.4       —        —         20.9        (0.9 )

Mortgage loans held for sale

     86.1       (9.5 )     —         14.0       —        —         90.6        (9.5 )

Short-term investments

     476.7       (7.3 )     (0.9 )     260.0       44.7      —         773.2        —    
                                                                

Total investments

     3,039.4       (91.0 )     (124.4 )     230.2       695.8      (226.2 )     3,523.8        (10.4 )

Derivative assets

     166.6       61.2       3.2       —         —          231.0        61.2  

Separate account assets4,6

     2,258.6       (626.8 )     —         80.7       5.7      (2.7 )     1,715.5        (661.8 )
                                                                

Total assets

   $ 5,464.6     $ (656.6 )   $ (121.2 )   $ 310.9     $ 701.5    $ (228.9 )   $ 5,470.3      $ (611.0 )
                                                                

Liabilities

                  

Future policy benefits and claims5

   $ (128.9 )   $ (193.9 )   $ —       $ (1.8 )   $ —      $ —       $ (324.6 )    $ (193.9 )

Derivative liabilities

     (16.3 )     (3.9 )     —         —         —        —         (20.2 )      (3.9 )
                                                                

Total liabilities

   $ (145.2 )   $ (197.8 )   $ —       $ (1.8 )   $ —      $ —       $ (344.8 )    $ (197.8 )
                                                                
 
 

1

Includes gains and losses on sales of financial instruments, changes in market value of certain instruments and other-than-temporary impairments.

 

2

Includes changes in market value of certain instruments.

 

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NATIONWIDE FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), Continued

March 31, 2009 and 2008

 

 

3

Includes non-investment grade collateralized mortgage obligations, residential mortgage-backed securities, commercial mortgage-backed securities, other ABSs, certain counterparty or internally priced securities and securities that are at or near default based on designations assigned by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) (see Note 7 for a discussion of NAIC designations). Equity securities represent holdings in non-registered mutual funds with significant unobservable inputs.

 

 

4

Comprised of non-registered mutual funds with significant unobservable and/or liquidity restrictions. The net unrealized investment loss on these non-registered mutual funds is attributable to contractholders and, therefore, is not included in the Company’s earnings.

 

 

5

Relates to GMAB, GLWB and EIA embedded derivatives associated with contracts with living benefit riders. Related derivatives are internally valued. The valuation of guaranteed minimum benefit embedded derivatives is based on capital market and actuarial risk assumptions, including risk margin considerations reflecting policyholder behavior. The Company uses both observable and unobservable inputs, such as published swap rates and historical volatilities as well as implied volatilities, in its capital market assumptions. Actuarial assumptions, including lapse behavior and mortality rates, are either based on annuity experience or pricing assumptions if experience has not yet developed.

 

 

6

The value of separate account liabilities is set to equal the fair value of separate account assets.

Transfers

The Company reviews its fair value hierarchy classifications quarterly. Changes in observability of significant valuation inputs identified during these reviews may trigger reclassification of fair value hierarchy levels of financial assets and liabilities. These reclassifications will be reported as transfers in/out of Level 3 in the beginning of the period in which the change occurs. During the first quarter of 2009, transfers into Level 3 were driven by investments in corporate securities and residential mortgage-backed securities, primarily due to ratings downgrades, as well as changes in pricing sources from corporate pricing matrix based to utilizing broker quotes or internal valuation techniques. During the first quarter of 2009, additional observable inputs were obtained on assets previously considered Level 3, which led to transfers out of that category.

Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis

The Company did not have any material assets or liabilities reported at fair value on a nonrecurring basis required to be disclosed under SFAS 157.

 

(6)

Derivative Financial Instruments

Qualitative Disclosures

SFAS 133 requires companies to recognize all of its derivative instruments as either assets or liabilities in the statement of financial position at fair value. The accounting for changes in the fair value (e.g. gains or losses) of a derivative instrument depends on whether it has been designated and qualifies as part of a hedging relationship, and further, on the type of hedging relationship.

For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as a cash flow hedge (e.g. hedging the exposure to variability in expected future cash flows that is attributable to interest rate risk), the effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative instrument is reported as a component of AOCI and reclassified into earnings in the same line item associated with the forecasted transaction and in the same period or periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings (e.g. interest income on a floating rate asset). The remaining gain or loss on the derivative instrument in excess of the cumulative change in the present value of future cash flows of the hedged item, if any (ineffectiveness) or hedge components excluded from the assessment of effectiveness, are recognized in the condensed consolidated statement of (loss) income during the current period.

For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as a fair value hedge (e.g. hedging the exposure to changes in the fair value of an asset or a liability or an identified portion thereof that is attributable to a particular risk), the gain or loss on the derivative instrument as well as the hedged item are both recognized in to net realized investment gains and losses.

 

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NATIONWIDE FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), Continued

March 31, 2009 and 2008

 

For derivative instruments that are not designated as a hedging instrument, the gain or loss on the derivative instrument is recognized in either net realized investment gains and losses or other income.

The Company periodically evaluates the risks within the derivative portfolios due to credit exposure. When evaluating this risk, the Company considers several factors which include, but are not limited to, the counterparty risk associated with derivative receivables, the Company’s own credit as it relates to derivative payables, the collateral thresholds associated with each counterparty, and changes in relevant market data in order to gain insight into the probability of default by the counterparty. In addition, the effect that the Company’s exposure to credit risk could have on the effectiveness of the Company’s hedging relationships is considered. As of March 31, 2009, the impact of the exposure to credit risk on both the fair value measurement of derivative assets and liabilities and the effectiveness of the Company’s hedging relationships was immaterial.

As of March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the Company had received $877.9 million and $1.02 billion, respectively, of cash for derivative collateral, which is in turn invested in short-term investments. The Company also held $31.0 million and $35.4 million of securities as off-balance sheet collateral on derivative transactions as of March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively. As of March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the Company had pledged fixed maturity securities with a fair value of $91.3 million and $24.5 million, respectively, as collateral to various derivative counterparties. There are no contingent features associated with the Company’s derivative instruments which would require additional collateral to be pledged to counterparties. There are no contingent features associated with the Company’s derivative instruments which would require additional collateral to be pledged to counterparties.

The Company is exposed to certain other risks relating to its ongoing business operations. The primary risks managed by using derivative instruments are interest rate risk, foreign currency exchange risk, equity risk and credit risk.

Derivatives Qualifying for Hedge Accounting – Interest Rate Risk Management

The Company periodically purchases variable rate investments (e.g. commercial mortgage loans and corporate bonds). As a result, the Company is exposed to variability in cash flows and investment income due to changes in interest rates. Such variability poses risks to the Company when the assets are funded with fixed rate liabilities. In an effort to manage this risk, the Company may enter into receive fixed/pay variable interest rate swaps.

In using these interest rate swaps, the Company receives fixed interest rate payments and makes variable rate payments. The variable interest paid on the swap is intended to match the variable interest received on the investment, resulting in the Company receiving the fixed interest payments on the swap. The net receipt of a fixed rate will offset the fixed rate paid on the liability. These interest rate swaps are designated as a hedging instrument in a cash flow hedging relationship.

The Company has periodically issued variable U.S. denominated medium-term notes (MTN). The proceeds from these debt issuances is generally used to purchase fixed rate assets (generally available-for-sale corporate or private placement bonds or commercial mortgage loans). In a rising interest rate environment, the Company is exposed to narrowing margins as interest expense will increase while interest income remains constant. To manage this risk, the Company has entered into pay fixed, receive variable interest rate swaps. The interest rate swap agreement utilized by the Company effectively modifies its exposure to interest rate risk by converting the Company’s floating rate medium term notes to a fixed rate, thus reducing the impact of interest rate changes on future interest expense. These interest rate swaps are designated as a hedging instrument in a cash flow hedging relationship.

The Company also enters into fixed rate commercial mortgage loan and private placement commitments or commitments to purchases fixed rate assets (generally available-for-sale corporate or private placement bonds and commercial mortgage loans). The Company is exposed to declining values of the assets due to rising interest rates. In an effort to manage this risk, the Company enters into short U.S. Treasury futures and/or interest rate swaps. As interest rates change, the increase or decrease in the value of the derivative instrument will offset the changes in value of the asset (relative to interest rates). These futures and swaps are designated as a hedging instrument in a fair value hedging relationship.

 

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NATIONWIDE FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), Continued

March 31, 2009 and 2008

 

Derivatives Qualifying for Hedge Accounting – Foreign Currency Risk Management

The Company purchases foreign-denominated fixed rate assets and the associated investment income is exposed to changes in the exchange rates of the foreign currencies. To manage this risk, the Company has entered into pay fixed foreign currency, receive fixed U.S. cross-currency swaps. As foreign exchange rates change, the increase or decrease in the cash flows of the derivative instrument will offset the changes in the functional-currency equivalent cash flows of the asset. These cross currency swaps are designated as a hedging instrument in a cash flow hedging relationship.

The Company also purchases foreign-denominated fixed rate assets, funded with variable rate U.S. denominated MTNs. The value of these investments is exposed to both changes in the exchange rates of the foreign currencies and changes in interest rates. To manage this risk, the Company has entered into pay fixed foreign currency, receive variable U.S. cross-currency interest rate swaps. As foreign exchange rates and interest rates change, the increase or decrease in the value of the derivative instrument will offset the changes in the asset’s value (relative to foreign currency and interest rate changes). These cross-currency interest rate swaps are designated as a hedging instrument in a fair value hedging relationship.

In addition, the Company has periodically issued fixed rate foreign-denominated MTNs, and the value of these liabilities is exposed to both changes in the exchange rates of the foreign currencies and changes in interest rates. To manage this risk, the Company has entered into receive fixed foreign currency, pay variable U.S. cross-currency interest rate swaps. As foreign exchange rates and interest rates change, the increase or decrease in the value of the derivative instrument will offset the changes in the liability’s value (relative to foreign currency and interest rate changes). These cross-currency interest rate swaps are designated as a hedging instrument in a fair value hedging relationship.

Derivatives Not Qualifying for Hedge Accounting – Interest Rate Risk Management

The Company enters into commercial mortgage loan commitments that are held for sale, which exposes the Company to changes in the fair value of such commitments due to changes in interest rates during the commitment period prior to the loans being funded. In an effort to manage this risk, the Company enters into short U.S. Treasury futures and/or pay fixed interest rate swaps during the commitment period. If interest rates rise or fall, the gains or losses on short U.S. Treasury futures will offset the change in fair value of the commitment attributable to the change in interest rates.

The Company may use pay fixed, receive variable interest rate swaps to hedge the value of a portfolio of fixed-rate assets, relative to changes in interest rates. The interest rate swaps mitigate the risk of a loss of value due to increasing interest rates, with the fluctuations in the fair values of the derivatives offsetting changes in the fair values of the portfolios resulting from changes in interest rates.

The Company offers a variety of variable annuity programs with a guaranteed minimum balance or guaranteed withdrawal benefits, and options are utilized to economically hedge a portion of these products. See Derivatives Not Qualifying for Hedge Accounting – Equity Market Risk Management below for further explanation. As interest rates are a component of the option’s value, the effectiveness of economically hedging the annuity products may be adversely affected by changes in interest rates. The Company enters into interest rate swaps to mitigate this risk. The fluctuation in the fair values of the derivatives offsets the changes in the fair values of the options resulting from changes in interest rates.

The Company periodically enters into basis swaps (receive one variable rate, pay another variable rate) to better match the cash flows received from the specific variable-rate investments with the variable rate paid on a group of liabilities. While the pay-side terms of the basis swap will be consistent with the terms of the asset, the Company is not able to match the receive-side terms of the derivative to a specific liability. Therefore, basis swaps do not receive hedge accounting treatment.

Derivatives Not Qualifying for Hedge Accounting – Foreign Currency Risk Management

The Company has periodically issued variable rate foreign-denominated MTNs As such, the cash flows related to these MTNs are exposed to changes in the exchange rates of the foreign currencies. Because the Company desires to retain the variable interest rate, it has entered into receive variable foreign currency, pay variable U.S. cross-currency basis swaps. The basis swap converts the debt instrument to a U.S. variable rate, thereby eliminating foreign exchange risk. While the receive-side terms of the basis swap will be consistent with the terms of the liability, the Company is not able to match the pay-side terms of the derivative to a specific asset. Therefore, these basis swaps do not receive hedge accounting treatment.

 

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NATIONWIDE FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), Continued

March 31, 2009 and 2008

 

Derivatives Not Qualifying for Hedge Accounting – Equity Market Risk Management

The Company offers a variety of variable annuity programs with a guaranteed minimum balance or guaranteed withdrawal benefits. The contract holders may elect to invest in equity funds. Adverse changes in the equity markets exposes the company to losses if the change results in contractholder’s account balances falling below the guaranteed minimum. To mitigate a portion of this risk associated with these liabilities, the Company enters into equity index futures and options. The changes in value of the futures and options will offset the changes in the annuity accounts relative to changes in the equity market.

The Company offers a variety of variable annuity programs with a guaranteed minimum balance or guaranteed withdrawal benefits, where the contractholder elects to invest is funds with a foreign equity index. Adverse changes in the foreign equity index exposes the company to losses if the change results in contract holder’s account balances falling below the guaranteed minimum. To mitigate this risk, the Company enters into total return swaps, where the company pays the total return on the foreign index and receives one-month LIBOR. The changes in cash flows of the total return swap will offset the changes in the annuity accounts relative to changes in the foreign index.

The Company’s living benefit riders represent an embedded derivative in a variable annuity contract that is required to be separated from, and valued apart from, the host variable annuity contract. The embedded derivatives are carried at fair value. Subsequent changes in the fair value of the embedded derivatives are recognized in earnings as a component of net realized investment gains and losses. The fair value of the embedded derivatives is calculated based on a combination of capital market and actuarial assumptions. Projections of cash flows inherent in the valuation of the embedded derivative incorporate numerous assumptions including, but not limited to, expectations of contractholder persistency, contractholder withdrawal patterns, risk neutral market returns, correlations of market returns and market return volatility. The Company does not expect any meaningful level of claims under the living benefit features for several years and believes any such claims would be mitigated by its economic hedging program.

Derivatives Not Qualifying for Hedge Accounting – Credit Risk

The Company enters into two distinct types of credit derivative contracts (or credit default swaps) which allows the Company to either sell or buy credit protection on a specific creditor or credit index.

The Company sells credit default protection to counterparties on selected debt instruments with specific creditor or credit index exposure and combines the credit default swap with selected assets the Company owns to enhance spreads. These selected assets may have sufficient duration for the related liability, but do not earn a sufficient credit spread. When the Company sells these instruments, it receives periodic premium payments similar to the risk premium received on an equivalent maturity bond from the same creditor. In return, the Company agrees to provide for losses if a credit event occurs during the lifetime of the contract, by buying a pre-determined cash bond from the counterparty at face value. In such a contract, a credit event will be defined in the trade settlement documentation and may include, but not be limited to, creditor bankruptcy or restructuring. The combined credit default swap and investments provide cash flows with the duration and credit spread targeted by the Company.

The Company also has purchased credit default protection on selected debt instruments exposed to short-term credit concerns, or because the combination of the corporate bond and purchased default protection provides sufficient spread and duration targeted by the Company.

 

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NATIONWIDE FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), Continued

March 31, 2009 and 2008

 

Quantitative Disclosures

The following table presents the fair value of derivative instruments, location of the related instruments in the condensed consolidated balance sheets and the related notional amounts of the derivative instruments as of March 31, 2009:

 

     Derivative assets    Derivative liabilities

(in millions)

   Balance sheet
location
   Fair value    Notional    Balance sheet
location
   Fair value    Notional

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:

                 

Interest rate contracts

   Other assets    $ 5.8    $ 101.4    Other liabilities    $ 105.9    $ 1,466.4

Currency/interest rate swap

   Other assets      47.4      208.9    Other liabilities      31.0      176.0
                                 

Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments

        53.2      310.3         136.9      1,642.4

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:

                 

Interest rate contracts

   Other assets      438.9      4,447.0    Other liabilities      203.4      4,985.4

Currency/interest rate swaps

   Other assets      26.0      209.6    Other liabilities      26.1      209.6

Credit default swaps

   Other assets      0.9      23.3    Other liabilities      17.6      238.8

Total return swaps

   Other assets      4.9      146.0    Other liabilities      21.5      315.0

Equity contracts

   Other assets      672.7      1,753.7    Other liabilities      118.3      1,878.3

Embedded derivatives on guaranteed benefit annuity programs

   Other assets      —        —      Future policy
    benefits and claims
     1,476.7      —  

Other embedded derivatives

   Other assets      —        —      Future policy
    benefits and claims
     9.4      —  
                                 

Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments

        1,143.4      6,579.6         1,873.0      7,627.1
                                 

Total derivatives

      $ 1,196.6    $ 6,889.9       $ 2,009.9    $ 9,269.5
                                 

 

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NATIONWIDE FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), Continued

March 31, 2009 and 2008

 

The following table presents the gains (losses) for derivative instruments designated and qualifying as hedging instruments in fair value hedges under SFAS 133 and the location of these instruments in the condensed consolidated financial statements for the quarter ended March 31, 2009:

 

(in millions)

  

Location of gain (loss) recognized on

derivatives

   Amount of
gain (loss)
recognized on
derivatives
 

Derivatives in fair value hedging relationships:

     

Interest rate contracts

   Net realized investment gains (losses)    $ 5.3  

Currency/interest rate swap

   Net realized investment gains (losses)      1.0  
           

Total

      $ 6.3  
           

Underlying fair value hedge relationship:

     

Interest rate contracts

   Net realized investment gains (losses)    $ (9.9 )

Currency/interest rate swap

   Net realized investment gains (losses)      (0.9 )
           

Total

      $ (10.8 )
           

The following table presents the gains (losses) for derivative instruments designated and qualifying as hedging instruments in cash flow hedges under SFAS 133 and location of these instruments in the condensed consolidated financial statements for the quarter ended March 31, 2009:

 

(in millions)

   Amount of
gain (loss)
recognized
in AOCI on
derivatives
   

Location of gain (loss) reclassified

from AOCI into income1

   Amount of
gain (loss)
reclassified
from AOCI
into income1
  

Location of gain (loss)
recognized

in income on derivatives2

   Amount of
gain (loss)
recognized
in income
on
derivatives2
 

Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships:

             

Interest rate contracts

   $ 2.7    

Interest credited to policyholder accounts

   $ 1.2   

Net realized investment
gains (losses)

   $ —    

Currency/interest rate swap

     0.5    

Net realized investment
gains (losses)

     —     

Net realized investment
gains (losses)

     (0.2 )

Currency

     5.3    

Net realized investment
gains (losses)

     —     

Net realized investment
gains (losses)

     0.4  

Other embedded derivatives

     (12.0 )  

NA

     —     

NA

     —    
                             

Total

   $ (3.5 )      $ 1.2       $ 0.2  
                             
 
 

1

Effective portion.

 

 

2

Ineffective portion and amounts excluded from the measurement of ineffectiveness.

 

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NATIONWIDE FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), Continued

March 31, 2009 and 2008

 

The following table presents the gains (losses) for derivative instruments not designated and qualifying as hedging instruments under SFAS 133 and location of these instruments in the condensed consolidated financial statements for the quarter ended March 31, 2009:

 

(in millions)

  

Location of gain (loss) in income on

derivatives

   Amount of gain
(loss) recognized
in income on
derivatives1
 

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:

     

Interest rate contracts

   Net realized investment gains (losses)    $ (190.5 )

Currency/interest rate swaps

   Net realized investment gains (losses)      2.9  

Credit default swaps

   Net realized investment gains (losses)      (7.0 )

Equity total return swaps

   Net realized investment gains (losses)      (2.0 )

Equity contracts

   Net realized investment gains (losses)      230.4  

Embedded derivatives on guaranteed

    benefit annuity programs

   Net realized investment gains (losses)      261.0  

Other embedded derivatives

   Net realized investment gains (losses)      (5.2 )
           

Total

      $ 289.6  
           
 
 

1

Excludes $66.5 million of net interest settlements and $11.2 million of other revenue on embedded derivatives on guaranteed benefit annuity programs that are recorded in net realized investment gains (losses).

 

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NATIONWIDE FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), Continued

March 31, 2009 and 2008

 

Credit Derivatives

The Company had exposure to credit protection contracts for the periods ended March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008. The Company had experienced no losses on credit protection contracts as of March 31, 2009 and 2008. The following table presents the Company’s outstanding exposure to credit protection contracts, all of which are related to corporate debt instruments, as of the dates indicated, by contract maturity and industry exposure:

 

     Less than or equal
to one year
    One
to three years
    Three
to five years
    Total  

(in millions)

   Maximum
potential
risk
   Estimated
fair
value
    Maximum
potential
risk
   Estimated
fair
value
    Maximum
potential
risk
   Estimated
fair
value
    Maximum
potential
risk
   Estimated
fair
value
 

March 31, 2009:

                    

Single sector exposure:

                    

Consumer goods

   $ —      $ —       $ 3.0    $ (0.8 )   $ —      $ —       $ 3.0    $ (0.8 )

Financial

     —        —         38.0      (11.9 )     13.0      (2.4 )     51.0      (14.3 )

Oil & gas pipelines

     15.0      (0.5 )     —        —         —        —         15.0      (0.5 )

Services

     —        —         —        —         35.0      (1.0 )     35.0      (1.0 )

Utilities

     4.5      —         —        —         —        —         4.5      —    
                                                            

Total single sector exposure

     19.5      (0.5 )     41.0      (12.7 )     48.0      (3.4 )     108.5      (16.6 )

Index exposure:

                    

Corporate bonds

     —        —         —        —         110.9      (1.0 )     110.9      (1.0 )
                                                            

Total index exposure

     —        —         —        —         110.9      (1.0 )     110.9      (1.0 )
                                                            

Total

   $ 19.5    $ (0.5 )   $ 41.0    $ (12.7 )   $ 158.9    $ (4.4 )   $ 219.4    $ (17.6 )
                                                            

December 31, 2008:

                    

Single sector exposure:

                    

Consumer goods

   $ —      $ —       $ 6.0    $ (0.8 )   $ —      $ —       $ 6.0    $ (0.8 )

Financial

     —        —         35.0      (5.8 )     13.0      (0.5 )     48.0      (6.3 )

Oil & gas pipelines

     10.0      —         15.0      (0.8 )     —        —         25.0      (0.8 )

Services

     —        —         —        —         35.0      (3.0 )     35.0      (3.0 )

Utilities

     4.5      —         —        —         —        —         4.5      —    
                                                            

Total single sector exposure

     14.5      —         56.0      (7.4 )     48.0      (3.5 )     118.5      (10.9 )

Index exposure:

                    

Corporate bonds

     —        —         —        —         110.9      (0.3 )     110.9      (0.3 )
                                                            

Total index exposure

     —        —         —        —         110.9      (0.3 )     110.9      (0.3 )
                                                            

Total

   $ 14.5    $ —       $ 56.0    $ (7.4 )   $ 158.9    $ (3.8 )   $ 229.4    $ (11.2 )
                                                            

 

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NATIONWIDE FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), Continued

March 31, 2009 and 2008

 

(7)

Investments

Fixed Maturity Securities and Equity Securities Available-for-Sale

The following table summarizes the amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses, and estimated fair values of securities available-for-sale as of the dates indicated:

 

(in millions)

   Amortized
cost
   Gross
  unrealized  
gains
   Gross
  unrealized  
losses
   Estimated
fair value

March 31, 2009:

           

Fixed maturity securities:

           

U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government corporations

   $ 95.0    $ 23.5    $ —      $ 118.5

U.S. Government agencies1

     398.2      76.9      —        475.1

Obligations of states and political subdivisions

     267.3      2.9      11.5      258.7

Debt securities issued by foreign governments

     50.1      2.4      0.1      52.4

Corporate securities

           

Public

     9,844.3      120.3      1,015.6      8,949.0

Private

     4,910.9      37.2      500.8      4,447.3

Residential mortgage-backed securities

     8,505.7      160.0      934.0      7,731.7

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

     1,458.2      1.0      502.4      956.8

Collateralized debt obligations

     589.9      5.4      353.3      242.0

Other asset-backed securities

     583.9      2.7      91.2      495.4
                           

Total fixed maturity securities

     26,703.5      432.3      3,408.9      23,726.9

Equity securities

     49.9      0.1      2.4      47.6
                           

Total securities available-for-sale

   $ 26,753.4    $ 432.4    $ 3,411.3    $ 23,774.5
                           

December 31, 2008:

           

Fixed maturity securities:

           

U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government corporations

   $ 94.3    $ 25.4    $ —      $ 119.7

U.S. Government agencies1

     420.5      93.3      —        513.8

Obligations of states and political subdivisions

     271.3      1.6      10.5      262.4

Debt securities issued by foreign governments

     50.1      5.4      —        55.5

Corporate securities

           

Public

     8,881.9      109.9      1,040.7      7,951.1

Private

     5,002.8      45.2      403.4      4,644.6

Residential mortgage-backed securities

     8,369.1      109.8      881.0      7,597.9

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

     1,488.9      0.6      473.9      1,015.6

Collateralized debt obligations

     557.7      6.4      240.7      323.4

Other asset-backed securities

     689.1      3.6      107.0      585.7
                           
           

Total fixed maturity securities

     25,825.7      401.2      3,157.2      23,069.7

Equity securities

     68.7      0.8      8.8      60.7
                           

Total securities available-for-sale

   $ 25,894.4    $ 402.0    $ 3,166.0    $ 23,130.4
                           
 
 

1

Includes $121.3 million and $146.5 million of securities explicitly backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government as of March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively.

 

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NATIONWIDE FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), Continued

March 31, 2009 and 2008

 

The market value of the Company’s general account investments may fluctuate significantly in response to changes in interest rates, investment quality ratings and credit spreads. The Company does not have the intent to sell nor is it more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell debt securities in unrealized loss positions that are not other-than-temporarily impaired before recovery, it may realize investment losses to the extent its liquidity needs require the disposition of general account fixed maturity securities in unfavorable interest rate, liquidity or credit spread environments.

For securities available-for-sale as of the dates indicated, the following table summarizes the Company’s gross unrealized losses based on the amount of time each type of security has been in an unrealized loss position:

 

     Less than or equal
to one year
   More
than one year
   Total

(in millions, except number of securities)

   Estimated
fair value
   Gross
  unrealized  
losses
   Number
of
securities
   Estimated
fair value
   Gross
  unrealized  
losses
   Number
of
securities
   Estimated
fair value
   Gross
  unrealized  
losses
   Number
of
securities

March 31, 2009:

                          

Fixed maturity securities:

                          

U.S. Government agencies

   $ 0.4    $ —      1    $ —      $ —      —      $ 0.4    $ —      1

Obligations of states and political subdivisions

     103.3      6.9    49      32.4      4.6    14      135.7      11.5    63

Debt securities issued by foreign governments

     20.5      0.1    2      1.2      —      1      21.7      0.1    3

Corporate securities

                          

Public

     4,062.9      662.1    658      1,285.9      353.5    279      5,348.8      1,015.6    937

Private

     2,419.3      334.5    247      956.9      166.3    107      3,376.2      500.8    354

Residential mortgage-backed securities

     1,035.9      205.8    147      2,399.2      728.2    330      3,435.1      934.0    477

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

     544.9      230.9    93      399.1      271.5    96      944.0      502.4    189

Collateralized debt obligations

     130.5      136.6    23      90.2      216.7    49      220.7      353.3    72

Other asset-backed securities

     263.8      32.1    35      191.4      59.1    24      455.2      91.2    59
                                                        

Total fixed maturity securities

     8,581.5      1,609.0    1,255      5,356.3      1,799.9    900      13,937.8      3,408.9    2,155

Equity securities

     13.0      2.2    78      0.1      0.2    5      13.1      2.4    83
                                                        

Total

   $ 8,594.5    $ 1,611.2    1,333    $ 5,356.4    $ 1,800.1    905    $ 13,950.9    $ 3,411.3    2,238
                                                        

% of total gross unrealized losses

        47%    60%         53%    40%         

December 31, 2008:

                          

Fixed maturity securities:

                          

Obligations of states and political subdivisions

   $ 127.6    $ 6.1    71    $ 33.4    $ 4.4    15    $ 161.0    $ 10.5    86

Corporate securities

                          

Public

     4,109.4      676.9    692      1,350.3      363.8    289      5,459.7      1,040.7    981

Private

     2,259.4      282.1    231      999.1      121.3    105      3,258.5      403.4    336

Residential mortgage-backed securities

     1,093.1      199.8    158      2,305.4      681.2    327      3,398.5      881.0    485

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

     592.0      209.0    99      410.9      264.9    96      1,002.9      473.9    195

Collateralized debt obligations

     151.0      100.8    24      122.6      139.9    36      273.6      240.7    60

Other asset-backed securities

     333.8      43.2    38      228.7      63.8    26      562.5      107.0    64
                                                        

Total fixed maturity securities

     8,666.3      1,517.9    1,313      5,450.4      1,639.3    894    $ 14,116.7    $ 3,157.2    2,207

Equity securities

     19.2      8.6    81      3.4      0.2    6      22.6      8.8    87
                                                        

Total

   $ 8,685.5    $ 1,526.5    1,394    $ 5,453.8    $ 1,639.5    900    $ 14,139.3    $ 3,166.0    2,294
                                                        

% of gross unrealized losses

        48%    61%         52%    39%         

 

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NATIONWIDE FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), Continued

March 31, 2009 and 2008

 

As of March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, gross unrealized losses on fixed maturity securities that have been in an unrealized loss position for more than one year totaled $1.80 billion, or 53%, and $1.64 billion, or 52%, respectively, of the Company’s total gross unrealized losses on fixed maturity securities. Of these totals, $1.51 billion, or 84%, as of March 31, 2009 and $1.39 billion or 85%, as of December 31, 2008 were classified as investment grade securities, as defined by the NAIC. Of the Company’s investments in unrealized loss positions classified as non-investment grade, 44% and 50%, respectively, have been in an unrealized loss position for less than one year.

The table below summarizes the amortized cost and estimated fair values of fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, by maturity, as of March 31, 2009. Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.

 

(in millions)

   Amortized
cost
   Estimated
fair value

Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale:

     

Due in one year or less

   $ 1,075.2    $ 1,043.7

Due after one year through five years

     7,615.7      7,117.8

Due after five years through ten years

     3,746.1      3,552.9

Due after ten years

     3,128.8      2,586.6
             

Subtotal

     15,565.8      14,301.0

Residential mortgage-backed securities

     8,505.7      7,731.7

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

     1,458.2      956.8

Collateralized debt obligations

     589.9      242.0

Other asset-backed securities

     583.9      495.4
             

Total

   $ 26,703.5    $ 23,726.9
             

The NAIC assigns securities quality ratings and uniform valuations (called NAIC designations), which are used by insurers when preparing their annual statements. For most securities, NAIC ratings are derived from ratings received from nationally recognized rating agencies. The NAIC also assigns ratings to securities that do not receive public ratings. The designations assigned by the NAIC range from class 1 (highest quality) to class 6 (lowest quality). Of the Company’s general account fixed maturity securities, 94% and 93% were in the two highest NAIC designations as of March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively.

The following table shows the equivalent ratings between the NAIC and nationally recognized rating agencies and summarizes the credit quality, as determined by NAIC Designation, of the Company’s general account fixed maturity securities portfolio as of the dates indicated:

 

(in millions)

   March 31, 2009    December 31, 2008

NAIC

designation1

  

Rating agency equivalent designation2

   Amortized
cost
   Estimated
fair value
   Amortized
cost
   Estimated
fair value

1

  

Aaa/Aa/A

   $ 17,846.5    $ 16,249.5    $ 17,087.2    $ 15,612.2

2

  

Baa

     6,817.3      5,941.0      6,633.9      5,821.6

3

  

Ba

     1,192.2      922.2      1,233.3      990.0

4

  

B

     572.5      413.3      571.4      397.2

5

  

Caa and lower

     182.1      131.0      190.5      148.2

6

  

In or near default

     92.9      69.9      109.4      100.5
                              
  

Total

   $ 26,703.5    $ 23,726.9    $ 25,825.7    $ 23,069.7
                              
 
 

1

NAIC designations are assigned at least annually. Some designations for securities shown have been assigned to securities not yet assigned an NAIC Designation in a manner approximating equivalent public rating categories.

 

 

2

Comparisons between NAIC and Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (Moody’s) designations are published by the NAIC. If no Moody’s rating is available, the Company assigns internal ratings corresponding to public ratings.

 

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NATIONWIDE FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), Continued

March 31, 2009 and 2008

 

Other-Than-Temporary Impairment Evaluations

When evaluating whether a residential mortgage-backed security, commercial mortgage-backed security, collateralized debt obligation and other asset-backed securities are other-than-temporarily impaired, the Company examines characteristics of the underlying collateral, such as delinquency and default rates, the quality of the underlying borrower, the type of collateral in the pool, the vintage year of the collateral, subordination levels within the structure of the collateral pool, the quality of any credit guarantors, the Company’s intent to sell the security and whether it more likely than not will be required to sell the security before the recovery of its amortized cost basis.

In assessing corporate debt securities for other-than-temporary impairment, the Company evaluates the ability of the issuer to meet its debt obligations and the value of the company or specific collateral securing the debt position.

For all debt securities evaluated for other-than-temporary impairment (for which the Company does not have the intent to sell and it is not more likely than not that it will be required to sell the security before the recovery of its amortized cost basis), the Company considers the timing and amount of the cash flows.

To the extent that the present value of the cash flows generated by a security is less than the amortized cost, or the reference amount if the security is accounted for under EITF No. 99-20, an other-than-temporary impairment is recognized through earnings. It is reasonably possible that further declines in estimated fair values of such investments, or changes in assumptions or estimates of anticipated recoveries and/or cash flows, may cause further other-than-temporary impairments in the near term, which could be significant.

Equity securities may experience other-than-temporary impairment in the future based on the prospects for full recovery in value in a reasonable period of time and the Company’s ability and intent to hold the security to recovery. In addition, the Company evaluates other asset-backed securities for other-than-temporary impairment by examining similar characteristics referenced above for residual mortgage-backed securities, commercial mortgage-backed securities and collateralized debt obligations. The Company also evaluates U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government corporations, U.S. Government agencies, obligations of states and political subdivisions, and debt securities issued by foreign governments for other-than-temporary impairment by examining similar characteristics referenced above for corporate debt securities.

As a result of the Company’s early adoption of FSP FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2 in the first quarter of 2009, securities that become other-than-temporarily impaired (where the Company does not intend to sell the security and it is not more likely than not that it will be required to sell the security prior to recovery of the security’s amortized cost) are bifurcated with the credit portion of the impairment loss being recognized in earnings and the non-credit loss portion of the impairment being recognized in other comprehensive income, net of applicable taxes and other offsets. For securities that are other-than-temporarily impaired, a discussion of the valuation of the credit loss portion of the other-than-temporarily impaired security recognized in earnings is provided, as applicable in the respective section of this footnote.

 

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NATIONWIDE FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), Continued

March 31, 2009 and 2008

 

Corporate Securities

Corporate debt securities include conventional bonds, private placement fixed maturity securities, syndicated corporate bank loans and securities with both debt and equity-like features. For these corporate securities, the following table summarizes, as of the dates indicated, the Company’s gross unrealized loss position categorized as investment grade vs. non-investment grade, as defined by the NAIC, for the period of time indicated, and based on the ratio of estimated fair value to amortized cost (in millions):

 

     Period of time for which unrealized loss has existed
     Investment Grade    Non-Investment Grade    Total

Ratio of estimated fair value to amortized cost

   Less
than or
equal to
one year
   More
than
one
year
   Total    Less
than or
equal to
one year
   More
than
one
year
   Total    Less
than or
equal to
one year
   More
than
one
year
   Total

March 31, 2009:

                          

99.9% - 80.0%

   $ 273.8    $ 97.7    $ 371.5    $ 33.4    $ 39.3    $ 72.7    $ 307.2    $ 137.0    $ 444.2

79.9% - 50.0%

     319.2      138.4      457.6      115.3      60.4      175.7      434.5      198.8      633.3

Below 50.0%

     234.0      114.8      348.8      20.9      69.2      90.1      254.9      184.0      438.9
                                                              

Total

   $ 827.0    $ 350.9    $ 1,177.9    $ 169.6    $ 168.9    $ 338.5    $ 996.6    $ 519.8    $ 1,516.4
                                                              

December 31, 2008:

                          

99.9% - 80.0%

   $ 355.6    $ 116.9    $ 472.5    $ 31.0    $ 23.4    $ 54.4    $ 386.6    $ 140.3    $ 526.9

79.9% - 50.0%

     327.5      124.3      451.8      118.4      126.0      244.4      445.9      250.3      696.2

Below 50.0%

     79.3      41.5      120.8      47.2      53.0      100.2      126.5      94.5      221.0
                                                              

Total

   $ 762.4    $ 282.7    $ 1,045.1    $ 196.6    $ 202.4    $ 399.0    $ 959.0    $ 485.1    $ 1,444.1
                                                              

Judgments regarding whether a corporate debt security is other-than-temporarily impaired include analyzing the issuer’s financial condition whether there has been a decline in the overall value of the issuer or its ability to service the specific security. The total enterprise value of the company issuing the security is determined through asset coverage, cash flow multiples, or other industry standards. Several factors assessed when determining the enterprise value include, but are not limited to, credit quality ratings, cash flow sustainability, liquidity, strength, industry, and market position. Sources of information include, but are not limited to, management projections, independent consultants, street research, peer analysis, and internal analysis.

If the company has concerns regarding the viability of the issuer or its ability to service the specific security after this analysis, a recovery value analysis is prepared to determine if the recovery value has declined below the amortized cost of the security. This analysis to determine an estimate of ultimate recovery value is combined with the estimated timing to recovery and any other applicable cash flows that are expected. If a recovery estimate is not feasible, then the market’s view of cash flows implied by the current fair value, market discount rates, and effective yield are the primary factors used to estimate recovery.

The Company held securities issued by institutions in the financial sector with both debt and equity-type features, classified as corporate fixed maturity securities, with estimated fair values of $453.3 million and $661.2 million, and gross unrealized losses of $424.4 million and $379.9 million, as of March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively. Of these securities in an unrealized loss position as of March 31, 2009, $72.5 million, or 18%, were in an unrealized loss position for more than one year compared to $106.3 million, or 18%, as of December 31, 2008. The Company evaluates such securities for other-than-temporary impairment using the criteria of either a debt or an equity security depending on the facts and circumstances of the individual issuer and security.

Declines in the creditworthiness of the issuer requires the use of the equity model in analyzing the security for other-than-temporary impairment. For the three months ended March 31, 2009, the Company recognized $147.1 million in other-than-temporary impairments related to these securities.

 

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NATIONWIDE FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), Continued

March 31, 2009 and 2008

 

The Company invests in private placement fixed maturity securities because of the generally higher nominal yield available compared to comparably rated public fixed maturity securities, more restrictive financial and business covenants available in private fixed maturity security loan agreements, and stronger prepayment protection. Although private placement fixed maturity securities are not registered with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and generally are less liquid than public fixed maturity securities, restrictive financial and business covenants included in private placement fixed maturity security loan agreements generally are designed to compensate for the impact of increased liquidity risk. A significant portion of the private placement fixed maturity securities that the Company holds are participations in issues that are also owned by other investors. In addition, some of these securities are rated by nationally recognized rating agencies, and substantially all have been assigned a rating designation by the NAIC, as shown in a previous table in this footnote summarizing the credit quality of the Company’s general account fixed maturity securities portfolio.

Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities

Residential mortgage-backed securities is a type of fixed income security in which residential mortgage loans are sold into a trust or special purpose vehicle, and thereby securitizing the cash flows of the mortgage loans. The following tables summarize the distribution by collateral classification of the Company’s general account residential mortgage-backed securities as of dates indicated:

 

     As of March 31, 2009    As of December 31, 2008

in millions

   Amortized
cost
   Estimated
fair value
   % of
estimated
fair value
total
   Amortized
cost
   Estimated
fair value
   % of
estimated
fair value
total

Government agency

   $ 3,668.5    $ 3,800.6    49.2%    $ 4,297.1    $ 4,387.3    57.8%

Prime

     1,385.6      1,116.4    14.4%      1,396.3      1,085.3    14.3%

Alt-A

     2,025.5      1,511.5    19.5%      1,871.3      1,469.5    19.3%

Sub-prime

     660.1      526.2    6.8%      678.6      530.5    7.0%

Other residential mortgage collateral

     766.0      777.0    10.1%      125.8      125.3    1.6%
                                     

Total

   $ 8,505.7    $ 7,731.7    100.0%    $ 8,369.1    $ 7,597.9    100.0%
                                     

The Company considers Alt-A collateral to be mortgages whose underwriting standards do not qualify the mortgage for regular conforming or jumbo loan programs. Typical underwriting characteristics that cause a mortgage to fall into the Alt-A classification may include, but are not limited to, inadequate loan documentation of a borrower’s financial information, debt-to-income ratios above normal lending limits, loan-to-value ratios above normal lending limits that do not have primary mortgage insurance, a borrower who is a temporary resident, and loans securing non-conforming types of real estate. Alt-A mortgages are generally issued to borrowers having higher Fair Isaac Credit Organization (FICO) scores, and the lender typically issues a slightly higher interest rate for such mortgages.

The Company considers Sub-prime collateral to be mortgages that are first or second lien mortgage loans issued to Sub-prime borrowers, as demonstrated by recent delinquent rent or housing payments or substandard FICO scores. Second-lien mortgage loans are also considered Sub-prime. The Company considers Prime collateral to be mortgages whose underwriting standards do qualify the mortgage for regular conforming or jumbo loan programs. In addition, government agency collateral is considered to be mortgages securitized by government agencies both implicitly and explicitly backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government.

 

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NATIONWIDE FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), Continued

March 31, 2009 and 2008

 

For residential and mortgage-backed securities, the following table summarizes as of the dates indicated the Company’s gross unrealized loss position categorized as investment grade vs. non-investment grade, as defined by the NAIC, for the period of time indicated, and based on the ratio of estimated fair value to amortized cost (in millions):

 

     Period of time for which unrealized loss has existed
     Investment Grade    Non-Investment Grade    Total

Ratio of estimated fair value to amortized cost

   Less
than or
equal to
one year
   More
than
one
year
   Total    Less
than or
equal to

one year
   More
than
one
year
   Total    Less
than or
equal to
one year
   More
than
one
year
   Total

March 31, 2009:

                          

99.9% - 80.0%

   $ 61.8    $ 162.1    $ 223.9    $ 13.3    $ 8.2    $ 21.5    $ 75.1    $ 170.3    $ 245.4

79.9% - 50.0%

     84.8      382.3      467.1      39.2      67.3      106.5      124.0      449.6      573.6

Below 50.0%

     3.2      104.1      107.3      3.5      4.2      7.7      6.7      108.3      115.0
                                                              

Total

   $ 149.8    $ 648.5    $ 798.3    $ 56.0    $ 79.7    $ 135.7    $ 205.8    $ 728.2    $ 934.0
                                                              

December 31, 2008:

                          

99.9% - 80.0%

   $ 55.2    $ 129.0    $ 184.2    $ 6.0    $ 10.3    $ 16.3    $ 61.2    $ 139.3    $ 200.5

79.9% - 50.0%

     91.7      442.5      534.2      21.5      22.2      43.7      113.2      464.7      577.9

Below 50.0%

     13.0      74.4      87.4      12.4      2.8      15.2      25.4      77.2      102.6
                                                              

Total

   $ 159.9    $ 645.9    $ 805.8    $ 39.9    $ 35.3    $ 75.2    $ 199.8    $ 681.2    $ 881.0
                                                              

The Company evaluates its residential mortgage-backed securities for other-than-temporary impairment using multiple inputs. Loan level defaults are estimated using an option pricing approach in which the probability of borrower default increases as home equity declines. Other factors which influence the probability of default are debt-servicing, missed refinancing opportunities and geography. Loan level characteristics such as issuer, FICO, payment terms, level of documentation, residency type, dwelling type and loan purpose are also utilized in the model along with historical performance, to estimate or measure the loan’s propensity to default. Additionally, the model takes into account loan age, seasonality, payment changes and exposure to refinancing as additional drivers of default. For transactions where loan level data is not available, the model uses a proxy based on the collateral characteristics. Loss severity in the model is a function of multiple factors including but not limited to the unpaid balance, interest rate, mortgage insurance ratios, assessed property value at origination, change in property valuation and loan-to-value ratio at origination. Prepayment speeds, both actual and estimated, are also considered. The cash flows generated by the collateral securing these securities are then determined with these default, loss severity and prepayment assumptions. These collateral cash flows are then utilized, along with consideration for the issue’s position in the overall structure, to determine the cash flows associated with the residential mortgage-backed security held by the Company.

As of March 31, 2009, 40% and 78% of securities containing Alt-A and Sub-prime collateral, respectively, were rated AA or better. In addition, 67% and 78% of Alt-A and Sub-prime collateral, respectively, was originated in 2005 or earlier.

 

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NATIONWIDE FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), Continued

March 31, 2009 and 2008

 

Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities

The Company owns and manages commercial mortgage-backed securities, which are trust certificates or bonds offered to investors that are collateralized by a pool of commercial mortgage loans from which the principal and interest paid on those mortgages flows to investors. These investments in commercial mortgage-backed securities are generally characterized by securities that are collateralized by static, heterogeneous pools of mortgages on commercial real estate properties. Deals are generally diversified across property types, geography, borrowers, tenants, loan size, coupon and vintages. For commercial mortgage-backed securities, the following tables summarize as of the dates indicated the Company’s gross unrealized loss position categorized as investment grade vs. non-investment grade, as defined by the NAIC, for the period of time indicated, and based on the ratio of estimated fair value to amortized cost (in millions):

 

     Period of time for which unrealized loss has existed
     Investment Grade    Non-Investment Grade    Total

Ratio of estimated fair value to amortized cost

   Less
than or
equal to
one year
   More
than
one
year
   Total    Less
than or
equal to

one year
   More
than
one
year
   Total    Less
than or
equal to
one year
   More
than
one
year
   Total

March 31, 2009:

                          

99.9% - 80.0%

   $ 17.4    $ 27.3    $ 44.7    $ —      $ —      $ —      $ 17.4    $ 27.3    $ 44.7

79.9% - 50.0%

     127.6      42.4      170.0      —        —        —        127.6      42.4      170.0

Below 50.0%

     85.9      201.8      287.7      —        —        —        85.9      201.8      287.7
                                                              

Total

   $ 230.9    $ 271.5    $ 502.4    $ —      $ —      $ —      $ 230.9    $ 271.5    $ 502.4
                                                              

December 31, 2008:

                          

99.9% - 80.0%

   $ 19.8    $ 36.6    $ 56.4    $ —      $ —      $ —      $ 19.8    $ 36.6    $ 56.4

79.9% - 50.0%

     148.3      40.9      189.2      —        —        —        148.3      40.9      189.2

Below 50.0%

     40.9      187.4      228.3      —        —        —        40.9      187.4      228.3
                                                              

Total

   $ 209.0    $ 264.9    $ 473.9    $ —      $ —      $ —      $ 209.0    $ 264.9    $ 473.9
                                                              

Commercial mortgage-backed securities cash flows are generated by an industry standard platform for the commercial mortgage-backed securities secondary market. In addition, a third party default model is utilized within this service to apply loan specific probability of default, prepayment speed, refinance risk and loss severity ratios to generate cash flows. Default and prepayment assumptions are deal specific and include, but are not limited to, delinquency history, property type, loan size, debt service coverage ratio, loan to value ratios, and loan age.

 

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NATIONWIDE FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), Continued

March 31, 2009 and 2008

 

Collateralized Debt Obligations

Collateralized debt obligations are asset-backed securities whose value is derived from corporate credit. For collateralized debt obligations, the following tables summarize as of the dates indicated the Company’s gross unrealized loss position categorized as investment grade vs. non-investment grade, as defined by the NAIC, for the period of time indicated, and based on the ratio of estimated fair value to amortized cost (in millions):

 

     Period of time for which unrealized loss has existed
     Investment Grade    Non-Investment Grade    Total

Ratio of estimated fair value to amortized cost

   Less
than or
equal to
one year
   More
than
one
year
   Total    Less
than or
equal to

one year
   More
than
one
year
   Total    Less
than or
equal to
one year
   More
than
one
year
   Total

March 31, 2009:

                          

99.9% - 80.0%

   $ 3.6    $ 0.9    $ 4.5    $ 0.1    $ —      $ 0.1    $ 3.7    $ 0.9    $ 4.6

79.9% - 50.0%

     15.6      24.5      40.1      0.1      0.5      0.6      15.7      25.0      40.7

Below 50.0%

     115.3      157.8      273.1      1.9      33.0      34.9      117.2      190.8      308.0
                                                              

Total

   $ 134.5    $ 183.2    $ 317.7    $ 2.1    $ 33.5    $ 35.6    $ 136.6    $ 216.7    $ 353.3
                                                              

December 31, 2008:

                          

99.9% - 80.0%

   $ 7.0    $ 0.2    $ 7.2    $ 0.1    $ 0.6    $ 0.7    $ 7.1    $ 0.8    $ 7.9

79.9% - 50.0%

     25.8      37.2      63.0      —        —        —        25.8      37.2      63.0

Below 50.0%

     66.5      99.8      166.3      1.4      2.1      3.5      67.9      101.9      169.8
                                                              

Total

   $ 99.3    $ 137.2    $ 236.5    $ 1.5    $ 2.7    $ 4.2    $ 100.8    $ 139.9    $ 240.7
                                                              

To generate the expected cash flows, agency ratings of the underlying corporate securities were used to develop default probabilities. Historical and forecasted loss severities given default were then applied to develop each deal’s collateral pool the expected losses. An independent data provider is then used to model each security’s structure and waterfall to determine cash flows at the security level. If a recovery estimate is not feasible, then the market’s view of cash flows implied by the current fair value, market discount rates, and effective yield are the primary factors used to estimate recovery.

Within the collateralized debt obligations security type are Pooled Trust Preferreds. Pooled Trust Preferreds are collateralized debt obligations where the collateral is regional bank and insurance company preferred securities. All banks in the pools were screened using data provided by U.S. Bank Rating service. The rating service score is a combination of the bank’s liquidity, asset quality, capital adequacy and profitability. The results of the analysis, as well as, management’s evaluation of the results, are used to generate default rates, which are modeled to create cash flows from the entire collateral pool underlying each pooled trust preferred security. An independent data provider is then used to model each security’s structure and waterfall to determine cash flows at the security level.

 

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NATIONWIDE FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), Continued

March 31, 2009 and 2008

 

Unrealized Gains and Losses

The following table presents the components of net unrealized losses on securities available-for-sale, as of the dates indicated:

 

(in millions)

   March 31,
2009
    December 31,
2008
 

Net unrealized losses, before adjustments and taxes

   $ (2,978.9 )   $ (2,764.0 )

Change in fair value attributable to fixed maturity securities designated in fair value hedging relationships

     (48.2 )     (57.7 )
                

Total net unrealized losses, before adjustments and taxes

     (3,027.1 )     (2,821.7 )

Adjustment to deferred policy acquisition costs

     558.5       615.9  

Adjustment to value of business acquired

     3.6       9.6  

Adjustment to future policy benefits and claims

     30.0       46.9  

Adjustment to policyholder dividend obligation

     94.7       74.9  

Deferred federal income tax benefit

     819.3       726.1  
                

Net unrealized losses

   $ (1,521.0 )   $ (1,348.3 )
                

The following table presents an analysis of the net increase in net unrealized losses on securities available-for-sale before adjustments and taxes for the periods indicated:

 

     Three months ended
March 31,
 

(in millions)

   20091     2008  

Fixed maturity securities

   $ (220.6 )   $ (390.9 )

Equity securities

     5.7       (7.7 )
                

Net increase

   $ (214.9 )   $ (398.6 )
                
 
 

1

Includes the $384.2 million cumulative adoption of accounting principle as of January 1, 2009 for the adoption of FSP FAS 115-2 and FAS 124.2.

The following table summarizes the Company’s other comprehensive losses recognized on debt securities which have credit losses in earnings, based on the early adoption of FSP FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2. before federal income tax benefit, for the three months ended March 31, 2009:

 

(in millions)

      

Cumulative adoption of accounting principle as of January 1, 2009

   $ (384.2 )

Net unrealized losses in the period

     (189.4 )
        

Total

   $ (573.6 )
        

 

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NATIONWIDE FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), Continued

March 31, 2009 and 2008

 

Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Securitization and Real Estate

As of March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the carrying value of commercial mortgage loans on real estate considered specifically impaired was $12.2 million and $39.9 million, respectively, for which a $2.4 million and $14.4 million valuation allowance had been established, respectively. No valuation allowance exists for collateral dependent commercial mortgage loans for which the fair value of the collateral is estimated to be greater than the carrying value.

The following table summarizes activity in the valuation allowance account for mortgage loans on real estate as of the dates indicated:

 

(in millions)

   March 31,
2009
    December 31,
2008

Allowance, beginning of period

   $ 42.4     $ 24.8

Net change in allowance

     (10.9 )     17.6
              

Allowance, end of period

   $ 31.5     $ 42.4
              

The Company has securitized commercial mortgage loans on real estate to third parties. The Company, as the transferor, has continuing involvement in these loans which consists of receiving servicing fees on loans which the Company has transferred.

The Company did not participate in any securitization arrangements during the three months ended March 31, 2009 and the year ended December 31, 2008. During the periods ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, the Company received $0.2 million and $0.1 million, respectively, in servicing fees related to financial assets where there is a continuing involvement from the securitization of commercial mortgage loans on real estate.

The Company provided a representations and warranties letter to the transferee for each securitization arrangement. If it is found that the Company made a misrepresentation, it could be required to provide financial support to the transferee or its beneficial interest holders. For the three months ended March 31, 2009 and the year ended December 31, 2008, the Company was not required to provide any financial or other support that it was not previously contractually required to provide to the transferee or its beneficial interest holders.

Real estate held for use was $9.6 million and $9.8 million as of March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively. These assets are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation, which was $2.3 million and $2.1 million as of March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively. The carrying value of real estate held for sale was $6.8 million as of March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008.

Securities Lending

The Company, through an agent, lends certain portfolio holdings and in turn receives cash collateral with the objective of increasing the yield on its investments. The cash collateral is invested in high-quality, short-term and long-term investments. The Company’s policy requires the maintenance of collateral of a minimum of 102% of the fair value of the securities loaned. Net returns on the investments, after payment of a rebate to the borrower, are shared between the Company and its agent. Both the borrower and the Company can request or return the loaned securities at any time. The Company maintains ownership of the loaned securities at all times and is entitled to receive from the borrower any payments for interest or dividends received on such securities during the loan term. In 2008, the Company recognized loaned securities as part of its investments available-for-sale. The Company also recognizes the short-term and other long-term investments acquired with the cash collateral and its obligation to return such collateral to the borrower in short-term and other long-term investments and other liabilities, respectively.

As of March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the Company had received $277.0 million and $419.9 million, respectively, of cash collateral on securities lending. The Company had not received any non-cash collateral on securities lending as of March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008. As of March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the Company had loaned securities with a fair value of $269.1 million and $407.1 million, respectively.

 

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Table of Contents

NATIONWIDE FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), Continued

March 31, 2009 and 2008

 

Assets on Deposit, Held in Trust and Pledged as Collateral

Fixed maturity securities with an amortized cost of $21.0 million and $28.0 million were on deposit with various regulatory agencies as required by law as of March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008 respectively. Additionally, fixed maturity securities with an amortized cost of $870.8 million and $838.3 million were pledged to secure public deposits, repurchase agreements, borrowings from the Federal Home Loan Bank and for other purposes as required or permitted by law.

Net Investment Income

The following table summarizes net investment income from continuing operations by investment type for the periods indicated:

 

     Three months ended
March 31,

(in millions)

   2009    2008

Securities available-for-sale:

     

Fixed maturity securities

   $ 372.5    $ 397.3

Equity securities

     0.6      1.8

Trading assets

     2.2      1.4

Mortgage loans on real estate

     116.4      130.8

Short-term investments

     2.9      4.1

Other

     3.3      0.5
             

Gross investment income

     497.9      535.9

Less: investment expenses

     13.2      16.4
             

Net investment income

   $ 484.7    $ 519.5
             

Net Realized Investment Gains and Losses

The following table summarizes net realized investment gains (losses) from continuing operations by source for the periods indicated:

 

     Three months ended
March 31,
 

(in millions)

   2009     2008  

Total realized gains (losses) on sales, net of hedging losses

   $ 51.5     $ (1.4 )

Total realized losses on sales, net of hedging gains

     (48.5 )     (25.8 )

Credit default swaps

     (7.0 )     (4.2 )

Derivatives and embedded derivatives associated with living benefit contracts

     365.2       (74.8 )

Derivatives associated with death benefit contracts

     82.9       —    

Other derivatives

     (77.8 )     (4.4 )

Trading asset valuation loss

     (1.5 )     —    
                

Total realized gains (losses) before adjustments

     364.8       (110.6 )

Amounts credited to policyholder dividend obligation

     0.4       (0.2 )

Other

     —         0.3  
                

Net realized investment gains (losses)

   $ 365.2     $ (110.5 )
                

Proceeds from the sale of securities available-for-sale during the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008 were $1.19 billion and $554.6 million, respectively. During the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, gross gains of $50.8 million and $8.2 million, respectively, and gross losses of $19.8 million and $6.9 million, respectively, were realized on those sales.

 

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Table of Contents

NATIONWIDE FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), Continued

March 31, 2009 and 2008

 

Other-Than-Temporary and Other Investment Impairment Losses

The following table summarizes other-than-temporary and other investment impairments by asset type for the periods indicated:

 

(in millions)

   Gross    Included in
OCI
    Net

Three months ended March 31, 2009:

       

Fixed maturity securities:

       

Corporate securities1

       

Public

   $ 179.2    $ (8.2 )   $ 171.0

Private

     22.1      (0.6 )     21.5

Residential mortgage-backed securities

     327.4      (254.2 )     73.2

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

     12.7      —         12.7

Collateralized debt obligations

     116.8      (93.7 )     23.1

Other asset-backed securities

     16.2      —         16.2
                     

Total fixed maturity securities

     674.4      (356.7 )     317.7

Equity securities

     7.1      —         7.1

Other

     2.2      —         2.2
                     

Other-than-temporary impairment losses

   $ 683.7    $ (356.7 )   $ 327.0
                     

(in millions)

              Total
impairments

Three months ended March 31, 2008:

       

Fixed maturity securities:

       

Corporate securities

       

Public

        $ 10.4

Private

          12.6

Residential mortgage-backed securities

          25.4

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

          10.0

Collateralized debt obligations

          30.0
           

Other-than-temporary impairment losses

        $ 88.4
           
 
 

1

Declines in the creditworthiness of the issuer of debt securities with both debt and equity-like features requires the use of the equity model in analyzing the security for other-than-temporary impairment. For the three months ended March 31, 2009, the Company recognized $147.1 million in other-than-temporary impairments related to these securities.

 

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NATIONWIDE FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), Continued

March 31, 2009 and 2008

 

The following table summarizes the cumulative amounts related to the Company’s credit loss portion of the other-than-temporary-impairment losses on debt securities held as of March 31, 2009 that the Company does not intend to sell and it is not more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the security prior to recovery of the amortized cost basis and for which the non-credit portion of the loss is included in other comprehensive income:

 

(in millions)

      

Cumulative credit loss as of January 1, 20091

   $ 507.5  

New credit losses

     114.0  

Incremental credit losses2

     48.4  
        

Subtotal

     669.9  

Less:

  

Losses related to securities included in the beginning balance sold or paid down during the period

     (30.6 )

Losses related to securities included in the beginning balance for which there was a change in intent3

     (26.8 )

Increases in cash flows expected to be collected for securities included in the beginning balance

     —    
        

Cumulative credit loss as of March 31, 20091

   $ 612.5  
        
 
 

1

The cumulative credit loss amount excludes other-than-temporary-impairment losses on securities held as of the periods indicated that the Company intends to sell or it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the security before the recovery of the amortized cost basis.

 

 

2

On securities included in the beginning balance.

 

 

3

Securities for which an other-than-temporary impairment loss was previously recorded that the Company now intends to sell or it is more likely that not will be required to sell before recovery of the amortized cost basis and has transferred the portion of loss previously recorded in other comprehensive income to earnings during the period. Also includes securities that had previously been evaluated for other-than-temporary impairment based on the criteria as a debt security, but in the current period are evaluated as an equity security.

 

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NATIONWIDE FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), Continued

March 31, 2009 and 2008

 

(8)

Variable Annuity Contracts

The Company issues traditional variable annuity contracts through its separate accounts, for which investment income and gains and losses on investments accrue directly to, and investment risk is borne by, the contractholder. The Company also issues non-traditional variable annuity contracts in which the Company provides various forms of guarantees to benefit the related contractholders. The Company provides five primary guarantee types under non-traditional variable annuity contracts: (1) guaranteed minimum death benefits (GMDB); (2) GMAB; (3) guaranteed minimum income benefits (GMIB); (4) GLWB; and (5) a hybrid guarantee with GMAB and GLWB.

The GMDB provides a specified minimum return upon death. Many of these death benefits are spousal, whereby a death benefit will be paid upon death of the first spouse. The survivor has the option to terminate the contract or continue it and have the death benefit paid into the contract and a second death benefit paid upon the survivor’s death. The Company has offered six primary GMDB types:

 

   

Return of premium – provides the greater of account value or total deposits made to the contract less any partial withdrawals and assessments, which is referred to as “net premiums.” There are two variations of this benefit. In general, there is no lock-in age for this benefit. However, for some contracts the GMDB reverts to the account value at a specified age, typically age 75.

 

   

Reset – provides the greater of a return of premium death benefit or the most recent five-year anniversary (prior to lock-in age) account value adjusted for withdrawals. For most contracts, this GMDB locks in at age 86 or 90, and for others the GMDB reverts to the account value at age 75, 85, 86 or 90.

 

   

Ratchet – provides the greater of a return of premium death benefit or the highest specified “anniversary” account value (prior to age 86) adjusted for withdrawals. Currently, there are three versions of ratchet, with the difference based on the definition of anniversary: monthaversary – evaluated monthly; annual – evaluated annually; and five-year – evaluated every fifth year.

 

   

Rollup – provides the greater of a return of premium death benefit or premiums adjusted for withdrawals accumulated at generally 5% simple interest up to the earlier of age 86 or 200% of adjusted premiums. There are two variations of this benefit. For certain contracts, this GMDB locks in at age 86, and for others the GMDB reverts to the account value at age 75.

 

   

Combo – provides the greater of annual ratchet death benefit or rollup death benefit. This benefit locks in at either age 81 or 86.

 

   

Earnings enhancement – provides an enhancement to the death benefit that is a specified percentage of the adjusted earnings accumulated on the contract at the date of death. There are two versions of this benefit: (1) the benefit expires at age 86, and a credit of 4% of account value is deposited into the contract; and (2) the benefit does not have an end age, but has a cap on the payout and is paid upon the first death in a spousal situation. Both benefits have age limitations. This benefit is paid in addition to any other death benefits paid under the contract.

The GMAB, offered in the Company’s Capital Preservation Plus contract rider, is a living benefit that provides the contractholder with a guaranteed return of premium, adjusted proportionately for withdrawals, after a specified time period (5, 7 or 10 years) selected by the contractholder at the issuance of the variable annuity contract. In some cases, the contractholder also has the option, after a specified time period, to drop the rider and continue the variable annuity contract without the GMAB. In general, the GMAB requires a minimum allocation to guaranteed term options or adherence to limitations required by an approved asset allocation strategy.

The GMIB is a living benefit that provides the contractholder with a guaranteed annuitization value. The GMIB types are:

 

   

Ratchet – provides an annuitization value equal to the greater of account value, net premiums or the highest one-year anniversary account value (prior to age 86) adjusted for withdrawals.

 

   

Rollup – provides an annuitization value equal to the greater of account value and premiums adjusted for withdrawals accumulated at 5% compound interest up to the earlier of age 86 or 200% of adjusted premiums.

 

   

Combo – provides an annuitization value equal to the greater of account value, ratchet GMIB benefit or rollup GMIB benefit.

 

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NATIONWIDE FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), Continued

March 31, 2009 and 2008

 

See Note 5 to the audited consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s 2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K for a complete description of the Company’s hybrid GMAB/GLWB offered through its Capital Preservation Plus Lifetime Income contract rider. All GMAB contracts with the hybrid GMAB/GLWB rider are included with GMAB contracts in the following tables.

The following table summarizes the account values and net amount at risk, net of reinsurance, for variable annuity contracts with guarantees invested in both general and separate accounts as of the dates indicated:

 

     March 31, 2009    December 31, 2008

(in millions)

   Account
value
   Net amount
at risk1
   Wtd. avg.
attained age
   Account
value
   Net amount
at risk1
   Wtd. avg.
attained age

GMDB:

                 

Return of premium

   $ 5,501.2    $ 578.5    61    $ 5,994.3    $ 440.6    60

Reset

     11,705.9      2,903.1    64      12,542.1      2,477.7    64

Ratchet

     11,917.7      4,260.4    67      12,423.4      3,775.3    67

Rollup

     264.6      30.0    72      290.4      25.9    72

Combo

     1,574.8      690.9    69      1,704.1      621.2    69
                                     

Subtotal

     30,964.2      8,462.9    66      32,954.3      7,340.7    66

Earnings enhancement

     308.7      5.1    64      333.5      7.2    63
                                     

Total - GMDB

   $ 31,272.9    $ 8,468.0    66    $ 33,287.8    $ 7,347.9    66
                                     

GMAB2:

                 

5 Year

   $ 2,768.1    $ 615.0    N/A    $ 2,867.6    $ 499.0    N/A

7 Year

     2,128.8      603.5    N/A      2,265.9      482.9    N/A

10 Year

     623.1      176.6    N/A      677.9      132.2    N/A
                                     

Total - GMAB

   $ 5,520.0    $ 1,395.1    N/A    $ 5,811.4    $ 1,114.1    N/A
                                     

GMIB3:

                 

Ratchet

   $ 223.5    $ 10.3    N/A    $ 244.7    $ 5.6    N/A

Rollup

     601.3      4.0    N/A      659.5      1.3    N/A

Combo

     0.1      —      N/A      0.1      —      N/A
                                     

Total - GMIB

   $ 824.9    $ 14.3    N/A    $ 904.3    $ 6.9    N/A
                                     

GLWB:

                 

L.inc

   $ 3,727.0    $ 665.9    N/A    $ 3,320.8    $ 571.5    N/A
                                     
 
 

1

Net amount at risk is calculated on a seriatum basis and equals the respective guaranteed benefit less the account value (or zero if the account value exceeds the guaranteed benefit). As it relates to GMIB, net amount at risk is calculated as if all policies were eligible to annuitize immediately, although all GMIB options have a waiting period of at least 7 years from issuance.

 

 

2

GMAB contracts with the hybrid GMAB/GLWB rider had account values of $4.44 billion and $4.59 billion as of March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively.

 

 

3

The weighted average period remaining until expected annuitization is not meaningful and has not been presented because there is currently no material GMIB exposure.

Net amount at risk is highly sensitive to changes in financial market movements. See Note 6 for a discussion of the Company’s risk management practices with respect to declining financial market exposure.

 

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NATIONWIDE FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), Continued

March 31, 2009 and 2008

 

The following table summarizes account balances of variable annuity contracts that were invested in separate accounts as of the dates indicated:

 

(in millions)

   March 31,
2009
   December 31,
2008

Mutual funds:

     

Bond

   $ 4,170.5    $ 4,370.3

Domestic equity

     17,259.4      18,676.2

International equity

     2,141.2      2,421.4
             

Total mutual funds

     23,571.1      25,467.9

Money market funds

     2,062.3      2,146.4
             

Total

   $ 25,633.4    $ 27,614.3
             

The Company’s GMDB claim reserves are determined by estimating the expected value of death benefits on contracts that trigger a policy benefit and recognizing the excess ratably over the accumulation period based on total expected assessments. GMIB claim reserves are determined each period by estimating the expected value of annuitization benefits in excess of the projected account balance at the date of annuitization and recognizing the excess ratably over the accumulation period based on total assessments. The Company regularly evaluates its GMDB and GMIB claim reserve estimates and adjusts the additional liability balances as appropriate, with a related charge or credit to other benefits and claims in the period of evaluation if actual experience or other evidence suggests that earlier assumptions should be revised. The assumptions used in calculating GMIB claim reserves are consistent with those used for calculating GMDB claim reserves. In addition, the calculation of GMIB claim reserves assumes benefit utilization ranges from a low of 3% when the contractholder’s annuitization value is at least 10% in the money to 100% utilization when the contractholder is 90% or more in the money.

The Company’s living benefit riders represent an embedded derivative in a variable annuity contract that is required to be separated from, and valued apart from, the host variable annuity contract. The embedded derivatives are carried at fair value. Subsequent changes in the fair value of the embedded derivatives are recognized in earnings as a component of net realized investment gains and losses. The fair value of the embedded derivatives is calculated based on a combination of capital market and actuarial assumptions. Projections of cash flows inherent in the valuation of the embedded derivative incorporate numerous assumptions including, but not limited to, expectations of contractholder persistency, contractholder withdrawal patterns, risk neutral market returns, correlations of market returns and market return volatility. As of March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the net balance of the embedded derivatives for living benefits was a liability of $1.44 billion and a liability of $1.70 billion, respectively. The Company does not expect any meaningful level of claims under the living benefit features for several years and believes any such claims would be mitigated by its economic hedging program.

During the first quarter of 2009, the Company recorded net realized investment gains on living benefit embedded derivatives and related economic hedging gains of $365.2 million. These gains where comprised of $261.0 million of net realized investment gains on living benefit embedded derivatives and $104.2 million of related economic hedging gains and revenue. Despite the market declines in the first quarter, the net realized investment gains on living benefit embedded derivatives primarily resulted from higher interest rates, lower volatility assumptions and an increase to the nonperformance component of the discount rate. The net realized investment gains on embedded derivatives increased amortization of DAC by $266.7 million in the current year quarter, which is included in the Corporate and Other segment.

The following assumptions and methodology were used to determine the GMDB claim reserves as of March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008:

 

   

Data used was based on a combination of historical numbers and future projections generally involving 50 probabilistically generated economic scenarios

 

   

Mean gross equity performance – 8.1%

 

   

Equity volatility – 18.7%

 

   

Mortality – 100% of Annuity 2000 table

 

   

Asset fees – equivalent to mutual fund and product loads

 

   

Discount rate – approximately 7.0%

Lapse rate assumptions vary by duration as shown below:

 

Duration (years)

   1    2    3    4    5    6    7    8    9    10+

Minimum

   1.00%    2.00%    2.00%    3.00%    4.50%    6.00%    7.00%    7.00%    11.50%    11.50%

Maximum

   1.50%    2.50%    4.00%    4.50%    40.00%    41.50%    21.50%    35.00%    35.00%    18.50%

 

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Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), Continued

March 31, 2009 and 2008

 

(9)

Shareholder’s Equity and Dividend Restrictions

Comprehensive Gain (Loss)

The Company’s comprehensive loss includes net income and certain items that are reported directly within separate components of shareholder’s equity that are not recorded in net (loss) income (other comprehensive income or loss).

The following table summarizes the Company’s other comprehensive gain (loss), before and after federal income tax benefit, for the periods indicated:

 

     Three months ended
March 31,
 

(in millions)

         2009                 2008        

Net unrealized gains (losses) on securities available-for-sale arising during the period:

    

Net unrealized gains (losses) before adjustments

   $ 71.0     $ (547.4 )

Net non-credit losses

     (189.4 )     —    

Net adjustment to deferred policy acquisition costs

     (57.5 )     85.0  

Net adjustment to value of business acquired

     (6.0 )     (0.8 )

Net adjustment to future policy benefits and claims

     (16.9 )     (31.4 )

Net adjustment to policyholder dividend obligation

     19.8       1.8  

Related federal income tax (expense) benefit

     62.7       172.5  
                

Net unrealized gains (losses)

     (116.3 )     (320.3 )
                

Reclassification adjustment for net realized losses on securities available-for-sale realized during the period:

    

Net unrealized losses

     297.4       87.1  

Related federal income tax benefit

     (104.1 )     (30.5 )
                

Net reclassification adjustment

     193.3       56.6  
                

Other comprehensive gain (loss) on securities available-for-sale

     77.0       (263.7 )
                

Accumulated net holding losses on cash flow hedges:

    

Unrealized holding losses

     (2.3 )     (43.0 )

Related federal income tax benefit

     0.8       15.1  
                

Other comprehensive loss on cash flow hedges

     (1.5 )     (27.9 )
                

Other unrealized (losses) gains:

    

Net unrealized (losses) gains

     (0.8 )     4.9  

Related federal income tax benefit (expense)

     0.3       (1.7 )
                

Other net unrealized (losses) gains

     (0.5 )     3.2  
                

Unrecognized amounts on pension plans:

    

Net unrecognized amounts

     —         (13.1 )

Related federal income tax benefit

     —         4.6  
                

Other comprehensive loss on unrecognized pension amounts

     —         (8.5 )
                

Total other comprehensive gain (loss)

   $ 75.0     $ (296.9 )
                

 

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NATIONWIDE FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), Continued

March 31, 2009 and 2008

 

The adjustments to DAC and value of business acquired (VOBA) represent the changes in amortization of DAC and VOBA that would have been required as a charge or credit to operations had such unrealized amounts been realized and allocated to the product lines. The adjustment to future policy benefits and claims represents the increase in policy reserves from using a discount rate that would have been required had such unrealized amounts been realized and the proceeds reinvested at then current market interest rates, which were lower than the then current effective portfolio rate.

The adoption of FSP FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2 resulted in a cumulative-effect adjustment of $249.7 million, net of taxes, to reclassify the non-credit component of previously recognized other-than-temporary impairment losses from the beginning balance of retained earnings to AOCI.

Adjustments for net realized gains and losses on the ineffective portion of cash flow hedges were immaterial during the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008.

Dividend Restrictions

As an insurance holding company, NFS’ ability to meet debt service obligations and pay operating expenses and dividends depends primarily on the receipt of sufficient funds from its primary operating subsidiary, Nationwide Life Insurance Company (NLIC). The inability of NLIC to pay dividends to NFS in an amount sufficient to meet debt service obligations and pay operating expenses and dividends would have a material adverse effect on the Company. The payment of dividends by NLIC is subject to restrictions set forth in the insurance laws and regulations of the State of Ohio, its domiciliary state. The State of Ohio insurance laws require Ohio-domiciled life insurance companies to seek prior regulatory approval to pay a dividend or distribution of cash or other property if the fair market value thereof, together with that of other dividends or distributions made in the preceding 12 months, exceeds the greater of (1) 10% of statutory-basis policyholders’ surplus as of the prior December 31 or (2) the statutory-basis net income of the insurer for the prior year. NLIC’s statutory capital and surplus as of December 31, 2008 was $2.26 billion and statutory net loss for the year ended December 31, 2008 was $898.3 million. As of May 1, 2009, NLIC was able to pay dividends to NFS totaling $219.3 million upon providing prior notice to the Ohio Department of Insurance (ODI). The benefits from the use of permitted practices approved by the ODI may not be considered when determining capital and surplus available for dividends. See Note 15 to the audited consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s 2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion.

The State of Ohio insurance laws also require insurers to seek prior regulatory approval for any dividend paid from other than earned surplus. Earned surplus is defined under the State of Ohio insurance laws as the amount equal to the Company’s unassigned funds as set forth in its most recent statutory financial statements, including net unrealized capital gains and losses or revaluation of assets. Additionally, following any dividend, an insurer’s policyholder surplus must be reasonable in relation to the insurer’s outstanding liabilities and adequate for its financial needs. The payment of dividends by NLIC may also be subject to restrictions set forth in the insurance laws of the State of New York that limit the amount of statutory profits on NLIC’s participating policies (measured before dividends to policyholders) available for the benefit of the Company and its shareholders.

The ability of Nationwide Life Insurance Company of America (NLICA) to pay dividends to NFS is subject to regulation under Pennsylvania insurance law. Under Pennsylvania insurance laws, unless the Pennsylvania Insurance Department either approves or does not disapprove payment within 30 days after being notified, NLICA may not pay any cash dividends or other non-stock distributions to NFS during any 12-month period if the total payments exceed the greater of (1) 10% of statutory-basis policyholders’ surplus as of the prior December 31 or (2) the statutory-basis net income of the insurer for the prior year. NLICA’s statutory capital and surplus as of December 31, 2008 was $488.4 million and statutory net income for the year ended December 31, 2008 was $27.8 million. As of May 1, 2009, NLICA could not pay dividends to NFS without obtaining prior approval.

NFS currently does not expect such regulator requirements to impair the ability of its insurance company subsidiaries to pay sufficient dividends in order for NFS to have the necessary funds available to meet its obligations.

 

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Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), Continued

March 31, 2009 and 2008

 

(10)

Contingencies

Legal Matters

The Company is a party to litigation and arbitration proceedings in the ordinary course of its business. It is often not possible to determine the ultimate outcome of the pending investigations and legal proceedings or to provide reasonable ranges of potential losses with any degree of certainty. Some matters, including certain of those referred to below, are in very preliminary stages, and the Company does not have sufficient information to make an assessment of the plaintiffs’ claims for liability or damages. In some of the cases seeking to be certified as class actions, the court has not yet decided whether a class will be certified or (in the event of certification) the size of the class and class period. In many of the cases, the plaintiffs are seeking undefined amounts of damages or other relief, including punitive damages and equitable remedies, which are difficult to quantify and cannot be defined based on the information currently available. The Company does not believe, based on information currently known by management, that the outcomes of such pending investigations and legal proceedings are likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position. However, given the large and/or indeterminate amounts sought in certain of these matters and inherent unpredictability of litigation, it is possible that an adverse outcome in certain matters could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations in a particular period.

In recent years, life insurance companies have been named as defendants in lawsuits, including class action lawsuits relating to life insurance and annuity pricing and sales practices. A number of these lawsuits have resulted in substantial jury awards or settlements against life insurers other than the Company.

The financial services industry, including mutual fund, variable annuity, retirement plan, life insurance and distribution companies, has also been the subject of increasing scrutiny on a broad range of issues by regulators, legislators and the media over the past few years. Numerous regulatory agencies, including the SEC, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority and the New York State Attorney General, have commenced industry-wide investigations on such issues as late trading and market timing in connection with mutual funds and variable insurance contracts, and have commenced enforcement actions against some mutual fund and life insurance companies on those issues. The Company has responded to information requests and/or subpoenas from the SEC in 2003 and the New York State Attorney General in 2005 in connection with investigations regarding market timing in certain mutual funds offered in insurance products sponsored by the Company. The Company is not aware of any further action on these matters.

In addition, state and federal regulators and other governmental bodies have commenced investigations, proceedings or inquiries relating to compensation and bidding arrangements and possible anti-competitive activities between insurance producers and brokers and issuers of insurance products, and unsuitable sales and replacements by producers on behalf of the issuer. Also under investigation are compensation and revenue sharing arrangements between the issuers of variable insurance contracts and mutual funds or their affiliates, fee arrangements in retirement plans, the use of side agreements and finite reinsurance agreements, funding agreements issued to back MTN programs, recordkeeping and retention compliance by broker/dealers, and supervision of former registered representatives. Related investigations, proceedings or inquiries may be commenced in the future. The Company and/or its affiliates have been contacted by or received subpoenas from state and federal regulatory agencies and other governmental bodies, state securities law regulators and state attorneys general for information relating to certain of these investigations, including those relating to compensation, revenue sharing and bidding arrangements, anti-competitive activities, unsuitable sales or replacement practices, fee arrangements in retirement plans, the use of side agreements and finite reinsurance agreements, and funding agreements backing the NLIC MTN program. The Company is cooperating with regulators in connection with these inquiries and will cooperate with NMIC in responding to these inquiries to the extent that any inquiries encompass NMIC’s operations.

A promotional and marketing arrangement associated with the Company’s offering of a retirement plan product and related services in Alabama is under investigation by the Alabama Securities Commission. The Company currently expects that any damages paid to settle this matter will not have a material adverse impact on its consolidated financial position. It is not possible to predict what effect, if any, the outcome of this investigation may have on the Company’s retirement plan operations with respect to promotional and marketing arrangements in general in the future.

 

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Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), Continued

March 31, 2009 and 2008

 

These proceedings are expected to continue in the future and could result in legal precedents and new industry-wide legislation, rules and regulations that could significantly affect the financial services industry, including mutual fund, retirement plan, life insurance and annuity companies. These proceedings also could affect the outcome of one or more of the Company’s litigation matters. There can be no assurance that any such litigation or regulatory actions will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations in the future.

NFS, NMIC, NMFIC, Nationwide Corporation and the directors of NFS have been named as defendants in several class actions brought by NFS shareholders. These lawsuits arose following the announcement of the joint offer by NMIC, NMFIC and Nationwide Corporation to acquire all of the outstanding shares of NFS’ Class A common stock. The defendants deny any and all allegations of wrongdoing and have defended these lawsuits vigorously. On August 6, 2008, NFS and NMIC, NMFIC and Nationwide Corporation announced that they had entered into a definitive agreement for the acquisition of all of the outstanding shares of NFS’ Class A common stock for $52.25 per share by Nationwide Corporation, subject to the satisfaction of specific closing conditions. Simultaneously, the plaintiffs and defendants entered into a memorandum of understanding for the settlement of these lawsuits. The memorandum of understanding provides, among other things, for the settlement of the lawsuits and release of the defendants and, in exchange for the release and without admitting any wrongdoing, defendant NMIC shall acknowledge that the pending lawsuits were a factor, among others, that led it to offer an increased share price in the transaction. NMIC shall agree to pay plaintiffs’ attorneys’ fees and the costs of notifying the class members of the settlement. The memorandum of understanding is conditioned upon court approval of the proposed settlement. The court has scheduled the fairness hearing for approval of the proposed settlement for June 23, 2009. The lawsuits are pending in multiple jurisdictions and allege that the offer price was inadequate, that the process for reviewing the offer was procedurally unfair and that the defendants have breached their fiduciary duties to the holders of the NFS Class A common stock. NFS continues to defend these lawsuits vigorously.

On November 20, 2007, NLIC and Nationwide Retirement Solutions, Inc. (NRS) were named in a lawsuit filed in the Circuit Court of Jefferson County, Alabama entitled Ruth A. Gwin and Sandra H. Turner, and a class of similarly situated individuals v Nationwide Life Insurance Company, Nationwide Retirement Solutions, Inc., Alabama State Employees Association, PEBCO, Inc. and Fictitious Defendants A to Z. On December 2, 2008, the plaintiffs filed an amended complaint. The plaintiffs claim to represent a class of all participants in the Alabama State Employees Association (ASEA) Plan, excluding members of the Deferred Compensation Committee, members of the Board of Control, ASEA’s directors, officers and board members, and PEBCO’s directors, officers and board members. The class period is from November 20, 2001, to the date of trial. In the amended class action complaint, the plaintiffs allege breach of fiduciary duty, wantonness and breach of contract. The amended class action complaint seeks a declaratory judgment, an injunction, an appointment of an independent fiduciary to protect Plan participants, disgorgement of amounts paid, reformation of Plan documents, compensatory damages and punitive damages, plus interest, attorneys’ fees and costs and such other equitable and legal relief to which plaintiffs and class members may be entitled. Also, on December 2, 2008, the plaintiffs filed a motion for preliminary injunction seeking an order requiring periodic payments made by NRS and/or NLIC to ASEA or PEBCO to be held in a trust account for the benefit of Plan participants. This motion was denied on April 25, 2009. On December 4, 2008, the Alabama State Personnel Board and the State of Alabama by, and through the State Personnel Board, filed a motion to intervene and a complaint in intervention. On December 16, 2008, the Companies filed their Answer. On February 4, 2009, the court provisionally agreed to add the State of Alabama, by and through the State Personnel Board as a party. On April 28, 2009, the court denied the plaintiffs’ motion for preliminary injunction. NRS and NLIC continue to defend this case vigorously.

 

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NATIONWIDE FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), Continued

March 31, 2009 and 2008

 

On July 11, 2007, NLIC was named in a lawsuit filed in the United States District Court for the Western District of Washington at Tacoma entitled Jerre Daniels-Hall and David Hamblen, Individually and on behalf of All Others Similarly Situated v. National Education Association, NEA Member Benefits Corporation, Nationwide Life Insurance Company, Security Benefit Life Insurance Company, Security Benefit Group, Inc., Security Distributors, Inc., et. al. The plaintiffs seek to represent a class of all current or former National Education Association (NEA) members who participated in the NEA Valuebuilder 403(b) program at any time between January 1, 1991 and the present (and their heirs and/or beneficiaries). The plaintiffs allege that the defendants violated the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (ERISA) by failing to prudently and loyally manage plan assets, by failing to provide complete and accurate information, by engaging in prohibited transactions, and by breaching their fiduciary duties when they failed to prevent other fiduciaries from breaching their fiduciary duties. The complaint seeks to have the defendants restore all losses to the plan, restoration of plan assets and profits to participants, disgorgement of endorsement fees, disgorgement of service fee payments, disgorgement of excessive fees charged to plan participants, other unspecified relief for restitution, declaratory and injunctive relief, and attorneys’ fees. On May 23, 2008, the Court granted the defendants’ motion to dismiss. On June 19, 2008, the plaintiffs filed a notice of appeal. This case has been fully briefed. NLIC continues to defend this lawsuit vigorously.

On November 15, 2006, NFS, NLIC and NRS were named in a lawsuit filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio entitled Kevin Beary, Sheriff of Orange County, Florida, In His Official Capacity, Individually and On Behalf of All Others Similarly Situated v. Nationwide Life Insurance Co., Nationwide Retirement Solutions, Inc. and Nationwide Financial Services, Inc. The plaintiff seeks to represent a class of all sponsors of 457(b) deferred compensation plans in the United States that had variable annuity contracts with the defendants at any time during the class period, or in the alternative, all sponsors of 457(b) deferred compensation plans in Florida that had variable annuity contracts with the defendants during the class period. The class period is from January 1, 1996 until the class notice is provided. The plaintiff alleges that the defendants breached their fiduciary duties by arranging for and retaining service payments from certain mutual funds. The complaint seeks an accounting, a declaratory judgment, a permanent injunction and disgorgement or restitution of the service fee payments allegedly received by the defendants, including interest. On January 25, 2007, NFS, NLIC and NRS filed a motion to dismiss. On September 17, 2007, the Court granted the motion to dismiss. On October 1, 2007, the plaintiff filed a motion to vacate judgment and for leave to file an amended complaint. On September 15, 2008, the Court denied the plaintiffs’ motion to vacate judgment and for leave to file an amended complaint. On October 15, 2008, the plaintiffs filed a notice of appeal, and on March 27, 2009 the plaintiffs filed their brief. NFS, NLIC and NRS continue to defend this lawsuit vigorously.

On February 11, 2005, NLIC was named in a class action lawsuit filed in Common Pleas Court, Franklin County, Ohio entitled Michael Carr v. Nationwide Life Insurance Company. The complaint seeks recovery for breach of contract, fraud by omission, violation of the Ohio Deceptive Trade Practices Act and unjust enrichment. The complaint also seeks unspecified compensatory damages, disgorgement of all amounts in excess of the guaranteed maximum premium and attorneys’ fees. On February 2, 2006, the court granted the plaintiff’s motion for class certification on the breach of contract and unjust enrichment claims. The court certified a class consisting of all residents of the United States and the Virgin Islands who, during the class period, paid premiums on a modal basis to NLIC for term life insurance policies issued by NLIC during the class period that provide for guaranteed maximum premiums, excluding certain specified products. Excluded from the class are NLIC; any parent, subsidiary or affiliate of NLIC; all employees, officers and directors of NLIC; and any justice, judge or magistrate judge of the State of Ohio who may hear the case. The class period is from February 10, 1990 through February 2, 2006, the date the class was certified. On January 26, 2007, the plaintiff filed a motion for summary judgment. On April 30, 2007, NLIC filed a motion for summary judgment. On February 4, 2008, the Court granted the class’s motion for summary judgment on the breach of contract claims arising from the term policies in 43 of 51 jurisdictions. The Court granted NLIC’s motion for summary judgment on the breach of contract claims on all decreasing term policies. On November 7, 2008, the parties reached settlement on this case. A hearing on the proposed settlement is scheduled for June 5, 2009.

 

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NATIONWIDE FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), Continued

March 31, 2009 and 2008

 

On April 13, 2004, NLIC was named in a class action lawsuit filed in Circuit Court, Third Judicial Circuit, Madison County, Illinois, entitled Woodbury v. Nationwide Life Insurance Company. NLIC removed this case to the United States District Court for the Southern District of Illinois on June 1, 2004. On December 27, 2004, the case was transferred to the United States District Court for the District of Maryland and included in the multi-district proceeding entitled In Re Mutual Funds Investment Litigation. In response, on May 13, 2005, the plaintiff filed the first amended complaint purporting to represent, with certain exceptions, a class of all persons who held (through their ownership of an NLIC annuity or insurance product) units of any NLIC sub-account invested in mutual funds that included foreign securities in their portfolios and that experienced market timing or stale price trading activity. The first amended complaint purports to disclaim, with respect to market timing or stale price trading in NLIC’s annuities sub-accounts, any allegation based on NLIC’s untrue statement, failure to disclose any material fact, or usage of any manipulative or deceptive device or contrivance in connection with any class member’s purchases or sales of NLIC annuities or units in annuities sub-accounts. The plaintiff claims, in the alternative, that if NLIC is found with respect to market timing or stale price trading in its annuities sub-accounts, to have made any untrue statement, to have failed to disclose any material fact or to have used or employed any manipulative or deceptive device or contrivance, then the plaintiff purports to represent a class, with certain exceptions, of all persons who, prior to NLIC’s untrue statement, omission of material fact, use or employment of any manipulative or deceptive device or contrivance, held (through their ownership of an NLIC annuity or insurance product) units of any NLIC sub-account invested in mutual funds that included foreign securities in their portfolios and that experienced market timing activity. The first amended complaint alleges common law negligence and seeks to recover damages not to exceed $75,000 per plaintiff or class member, including all compensatory damages and costs. On June 1, 2006, the District Court granted NLIC’s motion to dismiss the plaintiff’s complaint. On January 30, 2009, the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit affirmed that dismissal. On April 30, 2009, plaintiffs filed an appeal with the U.S. Supreme Court. NLIC continues to defend this lawsuit vigorously.

On August 15, 2001, NFS and NLIC were named in a lawsuit filed in the United States District Court for the District of Connecticut entitled Lou Haddock, as trustee of the Flyte Tool & Die, Incorporated Deferred Compensation Plan, et al v. Nationwide Financial Services, Inc. and Nationwide Life Insurance Company. Currently, the plaintiffs’ fifth amended complaint, filed March 21, 2006, purports to represent a class of qualified retirement plans under ERISA that purchased variable annuities from NLIC. The plaintiffs allege that they invested ERISA plan assets in their variable annuity contracts and that NLIC and NFS breached ERISA fiduciary duties by allegedly accepting service payments from certain mutual funds. The complaint seeks disgorgement of some or all of the payments allegedly received by NFS and NLIC, other unspecified relief for restitution, declaratory and injunctive relief, and attorneys’ fees. To date, the District Court has rejected the plaintiffs’ request for certification of the alleged class. On September 25, 2007, NFS’ and NLIC’s motion to dismiss the plaintiffs’ fifth amended complaint was denied. On October 12, 2007, NFS and NLIC filed their answer to the plaintiffs’ fifth amended complaint and amended counterclaims. On November 1, 2007, the plaintiffs filed a motion to dismiss NFS’ and NLIC’s amended counterclaims. On November 15, 2007, the plaintiffs filed a motion for class certification. On February 8, 2008, the Court denied the plaintiffs’ motion to dismiss the amended counterclaim, with the exception that it was tentatively granting the plaintiffs’ motion to dismiss with respect to NFS’ and NLIC’s claim that it could recover any “disgorgement remedy” from plan sponsors. On April 25, 2008, NFS and NLIC filed their opposition to the plaintiffs’ motion for class certification. On September 29, 2008, the plaintiffs filed their reply to NFS’ and NLIC’s opposition to class certification. On February 27, 2009, the Court heard oral argument on the plaintiffs’ motion for class certification. NFS and NLIC continue to defend this lawsuit vigorously.

Tax Matters

Management has established tax reserves in accordance with current accounting guidance, which prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. These reserves are reviewed regularly and are adjusted as events occur that management believes impact its liability for additional taxes, such as lapsing of applicable statutes of limitations; conclusion of tax audits or substantial agreement on the deductibility/nondeductibility of uncertain items; additional exposure based on current calculations; identification of new issues; release of administrative guidance; or rendering of a court decision affecting a particular tax issue. Management believes its tax reserves reasonably provide for potential assessments that may result from Internal Revenue Service (IRS) examinations and other tax-related matters for all open tax years.

 

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NATIONWIDE FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), Continued

March 31, 2009 and 2008

 

The separate account dividends received deduction (DRD) is a significant component of the Company’s federal income tax provision. On August 16, 2007, the IRS issued Revenue Ruling 2007-54. This ruling took a position with respect to the DRD that could have significantly reduced the Company’s DRD. The Company believes that the position taken by the IRS in the ruling was contrary to existing law and the relevant legislative history.

In Revenue Ruling 2007-61, released September 25, 2007, the IRS and the U.S. Department of the Treasury suspended Revenue Ruling 2007-54 and informed taxpayers of their intention to address certain issues in connection with the DRD in future tax regulations. Final tax regulations could impact the Company’s DRD in periods subsequent to their effective date.

 

(11)

Variable Interest Entities

In the normal course of business, the Company has relationships with variable interest entities (VIEs). The Company’s VIEs are conduits that assist the Company in structured products transactions involving the sale of LIHTC Funds to third party investors, other structured product issuances, and private equity investments.

The Company considers many factors when determining whether it is (or is not) the primary beneficiary of a VIE. There is a review of the entity’s contract and other deal related information, such as 1) the entity’s equity investment at risk, decision-making abilities, obligations to absorb economic risks and right to receive economic rewards of the entity, 2) whether the contractual or ownership interest in the entity changes with the change in fair value of the entity, and 3) the extent to which, through the variable interest, the Company shares in the entity’s expected losses and residual returns.

The Company was not required to provide financial or other support outside previous contractual requirements to any VIE.

LIHTC Funds

The Company provides guarantees to limited partners related to the amount of tax credits that will be generated by the funds. The results of operations and financial position of each VIE of which the Company is the primary beneficiary are consolidated along with corresponding noncontrolling interest in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements.

The Company had relationships with 19 LIHTC Funds that are considered VIEs as of March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, where the company was the primary beneficiary. Net assets of these consolidated VIEs were $405.0 million and $416.0 million as of March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively. The following table summarizes the components of net assets as of the dates indicated:

 

(in millions)

   March 31,
2009
    December 31,
2008
 

Other long-term investments

   $ 361.3     $ 371.1  

Short-term investments

     19.2       20.9  

Other assets

     39.9       41.6  

Other liabilities

     (15.4 )     (17.6 )
                

The Company’s total loss exposure from consolidated VIEs was immaterial as of March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008 (except for the impact of guarantees disclosed in Note 20 to the audited consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s 2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K). Creditors (or beneficial interest holders) of the consolidated VIEs have no recourse to the general credit of the Company.

These LIHTC Funds are financed through the sale of these funds into the secondary market. The proceeds from these sales are used to participate in low-income housing projects that provide tax benefits to the investors.

In addition to the consolidated VIEs described above, the Company holds variable interests, in other LIHTC Funds that qualify as VIEs where the Company is not the primary beneficiary. The carrying amount of these unconsolidated VIEs was $121.2 million and $156.3 million as of March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively. The total exposure to loss on these unconsolidated VIEs was $139.6 million and $179.6 million as of March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively. The total exposure to loss is determined by adding any unfunded commitments to the carrying amount of the VIEs.

 

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NATIONWIDE FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), Continued

March 31, 2009 and 2008

 

Structured Products

The Company had relationships with one structured product investment that is considered a VIE as of March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, where the Company was the primary beneficiary. Net assets of this consolidated VIE were $8.9 million as of March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively. Creditors (or beneficial interest holders) of the consolidated VIE have no recourse to the general credit of the Company. There are no arrangements that would require the Company to provide financial support to the VIE.

As of both March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the Company was invested in 12 structured product investments that are considered VIEs but where the Company is not the primary beneficiary. These structured products are in the form of synthetic collateralized debt obligations and collateralized lease obligations. The carrying amount on these unconsolidated VIEs was $14.4 million and $17.8 million as of March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively. The total exposure to loss on these unconsolidated VIEs is determined to be the carrying amount of the VIEs.

Private Equity Investments

The Company had a relationship with one private equity investment that is considered a VIE as of March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, where the Company was the primary beneficiary. Net assets of this consolidated VIE were $12.6 million and $18.6 million as of March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively. Creditors (or beneficial interest holders) of the consolidated VIE have no recourse to the general credit of the Company. There are no arrangements that would require the Company to provide financial support to the VIE.

As of March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the Company does not have any private equity investments considered to be a VIE where the Company is not the primary beneficiary.

 

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NATIONWIDE FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), Continued

March 31, 2009 and 2008

 

(12)

Segment Information

Management views the Company’s business primarily based on its underlying products and uses this basis to define its four reportable segments: Individual Investments, Retirement Plans, Individual Protection, and Corporate and Other.

The primary segment profitability measure that management uses is pre-tax operating earnings (loss), which is calculated by adjusting income from continuing operations before federal income taxes and discontinued operations to exclude: (1) net realized investment gains and losses, except for operating items (periodic net amounts paid or received on interest rate swaps that do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment, trading portfolio realized gains and losses, trading portfolio valuation changes, net realized gains and losses related to hedges on GMDB contracts and securitizations); (2) other-than-temporary impairment losses; (3) the adjustment to amortization of DAC and VOBA related to net realized investment gains and losses; and (4) net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest.

Individual Investments

The Individual Investments segment consists of individual The BEST of AMERICA® and private label deferred variable annuity products, deferred fixed annuity products, income products and investment advisory services. Individual deferred annuity contracts provide the customer with tax-deferred accumulation of savings and flexible payout options including lump sum, systematic withdrawal or a stream of payments for life. In addition, individual variable annuity contracts provide the customer with access to a wide range of investment options and asset protection features, while individual fixed annuity contracts generate a return for the customer at a specified interest rate fixed for prescribed periods.

Retirement Plans

The Retirement Plans segment is comprised of the Company’s private and public sector retirement plans business. The private sector primarily includes Internal Revenue Code (IRC) Section 401 fixed and variable group annuity business generated through NLIC and trust and custodial services through Nationwide Trust Company, FSB a division of Nationwide Bank. Also included in the private sector is Registered Investment Advisors Services, Inc. d/b/a RIA Services Inc., which facilitates professional money management of participant assets by registered investment advisors. The public sector primarily includes IRC Section 457 and Section 401(a) business in the form of full-service arrangements that provide plan administration and fixed and variable group annuities as well as administration-only business.

Individual Protection

The Individual Protection segment consists of investment life insurance products, including individual variable, COLI and BOLI products; traditional life insurance products; and universal life insurance products. Life insurance products provide a death benefit and generally allow the customer to build cash value on a tax-advantaged basis.

Corporate and Other

The Corporate and Other segment includes the MTN program; the retail operations of Nationwide Bank; structured products business; revenues and expenses of the Company’s retail asset management and non-insurance subsidiaries not reported in other segments; non-operating realized gains and losses, including mark-to-market adjustments on embedded derivatives, net of economic hedges, related to products with living benefits; and other revenues and expenses not allocated to other segments.

 

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NATIONWIDE FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), Continued

March 31, 2009 and 2008

 

The following tables summarize the Company’s business segment operating results for the periods indicated:

 

     Three months ended March 31, 2009  

(in millions)

   Individual
Investments
   Retirement
Plans
   Individual
Protection
   Corporate
and Other
    Total  

Revenues:

             

Policy charges

   $ 114.2    $ 20.3    $ 151.8    $ —       $ 286.3  

Premiums

     41.2      —        76.9      —         118.1  

Net investment income

     122.8      161.4      120.4      80.1       484.7  

Non-operating net realized investment gains1

     —        —        —        288.6       288.6  

Other-than-temporary impairment losses

     —        —        —        (327.0 )     (327.0 )

Other income

     86.6      65.7      0.5      22.2       175.0  
                                     

Total revenues

     364.8      247.4      349.6      63.9       1,025.7  
                                     

Benefits and expenses:

             

Interest credited to policyholder accounts

     94.1      105.2      49.6      34.7       283.6  

Benefits and claims

     162.4      —        137.1      23.2       322.7  

Policyholder dividends

     —        —        21.4      —         21.4  

Amortization of DAC

     44.1      7.7      25.8      225.4       303.0  

Amortization of VOBA and other intangible assets

     0.1      0.2      6.3      0.4       7.0  

Interest expense

     —        —        —        26.0       26.0  

Other operating expenses

     47.3      101.0      48.4      57.8       254.5  
                                     

Total benefits and expenses

     348.0      214.1      288.6      367.5       1,218.2  
                                     

Income (loss) from continuing operations before federal income tax expense (benefit)

     16.8      33.3      61.0      (303.6 )   $ (192.5 )
                   

Less: non-operating net realized investment gains1

     —        —        —        (288.6 )  

Less: non-operating net other-than-temporary impairment losses

     —        —        —        327.0    

Less: adjustment to amortization related to net realized investment gains and losses

     —        —        —        249.8    

Less: net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest

     —        —        —        11.0    
                               

Pre-tax operating earnings (loss)

   $ 16.8    $ 33.3    $ 61.0    $ (4.4 )  
                               
 
 

1

Excluding operating items (periodic net amounts paid or received on interest rate swaps that do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment, trading portfolio realized gains and losses, trading portfolio valuation changes, net realized gains and losses related to hedges on GMDB contracts and securitizations).

 

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NATIONWIDE FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), Continued

March 31, 2009 and 2008

 

     Three months ended March 31, 2008  

(in millions)

   Individual
Investments
   Retirement
Plans
   Individual
Protection
   Corporate
and Other
    Total  

Revenues:

             

Policy charges

   $ 160.7    $ 33.0    $ 151.4    $ —       $ 345.1  

Premiums

     34.1      —        75.0      —         109.1  

Net investment income

     137.0      161.7      117.5      103.3       519.5  

Non-operating net realized investment losses1

     —        —        —        (93.7 )     (93.7 )

Other-than-temporary impairment losses

     —        —        —        (88.4 )     (88.4 )

Other income

     7.0      84.4      0.7      32.6       124.7  
                                     

Total revenues

     338.8      279.1      344.6      (46.2 )     916.3  
                                     

Benefits and expenses:

             

Interest credited to policyholder accounts

     96.0      107.6      47.6      61.4       312.6  

Benefits and claims

     54.5      —        129.0      —         183.5  

Policyholder dividends

     —        —        23.9      —         23.9  

Amortization of DAC

     77.7      10.1      26.1      (47.5 )     66.4  

Amortization of VOBA and other intangible assets

     0.8      0.6      7.3      0.5       9.2  

Interest expense

     —        —        —        27.7       27.7  

Other operating expenses

     47.3      106.9      45.8      70.7       270.7  
                                     

Total benefits and expenses

     276.3      225.2      279.7      112.8       894.0  
                                     

Income (loss) from continuing operations before federal income tax benefit

     62.5      53.9      64.9      (159.0 )   $ 22.3  
                   

Less: non-operating net realized investment losses1

     —        —        —        93.7    

Less: non-operating total other-than-temporary impairment losses

     —        —        —        88.4    

Less: adjustment to amortization related to net realized investment gains and losses

     —        —        —        (47.5 )  

Less: net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest

     —        —        —        10.5    
                               

Pre-tax operating earnings (loss)

   $ 62.5    $ 53.9    $ 64.9    $ (13.9 )  
                               
 
 

1

Excluding operating items (periodic net amounts paid or received on interest rate swaps that do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment, trading portfolio realized gains and losses, trading portfolio valuation changes, net realized gains and losses related to hedges on GMDB contracts and securitizations).

 

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Table of Contents

ITEM 2 MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

   52

OVERVIEW

   53

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

   57

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

   58

SALES

   60

BUSINESS SEGMENTS

   63

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

   72

CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS AND COMMITMENTS

   74

OFF-BALANCE SHEET TRANSACTIONS

   74

INVESTMENTS

   75

 

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Table of Contents

Forward-Looking Information

The information included herein contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 with respect to the results of operations and businesses of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc. and subsidiaries (NFS, or collectively, the Company). Whenever used in this report, words such as “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “project,” “target” and other words of similar meaning are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve certain risks and uncertainties. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated or projected, forecast, estimated or budgeted in such forward-looking statements include, among others, the following possibilities:

 

  (i)

NFS’ primary reliance, as a holding company, on dividends from its subsidiaries to meet debt service obligations and the applicable regulatory restrictions on the ability of NFS’ subsidiaries to pay such dividends;

 

  (ii)

the potential impact on the Company’s reported net (loss) income and related disclosures that could result from the adoption of certain accounting and/or financial reporting standards issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board, the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) or other standard-setting bodies;

 

  (iii)

tax law changes impacting the tax treatment of life insurance and investment products;

 

  (iv)

modification of the federal estate tax;

 

  (v)

heightened competition, including specifically the intensification of price competition, the entry of new competitors and the development of new products by new and existing competitors;

 

  (vi)

adverse state and federal legislation and regulation, including limitations on premium levels, increases in minimum capital and reserves, and other financial viability requirements; restrictions on mutual fund distribution payment arrangements such as revenue sharing and 12b-1 payments; and regulation changes resulting from industry practice investigations;

 

  (vii)

failure to expand distribution channels in order to obtain new customers or failure to retain existing customers;

 

  (viii)

inability to carry out marketing and sales plans, including, among others, development of new products and/or changes to certain existing products and acceptance of the new and/or revised products in the market;

 

  (ix)

changes in interest rates and the equity markets causing a reduction of investment income and/or asset fees, an acceleration of the amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs (DAC) and/or value of business acquired (VOBA), a reduction in separate account assets or a reduction in the demand for the Company’s products; increased liabilities related to living benefits and death benefit guarantees;

 

  (x)

reduction in the value of the Company’s investment portfolio as a result of changes in interest rates, yields and liquidity in the market as well as geopolitical conditions and the impact of political, regulatory, judicial, economic or financial events, including terrorism, affecting the market generally and companies in the Company’s investment portfolio specifically; corresponding impact on the ultimate realizability of deferred tax assets;

 

  (xi)

general economic and business conditions which are less favorable than expected;

 

  (xii)

competitive, regulatory or tax changes that affect the cost of, or demand for, the Company’s products;

 

  (xiii)

unanticipated changes in industry trends and ratings assigned by nationally recognized rating organizations;

 

  (xiv)

settlement of tax liabilities for amounts that differ significantly from those recorded on the balance sheets;

 

  (xv)

deviations from assumptions regarding future persistency, mortality (including as a result of the outbreak of a pandemic illness), morbidity and interest rates used in calculating reserve amounts and in pricing the Company’s products;

 

  (xvi)

adverse litigation results and/or resolution of litigation and/or arbitration or investigation results that could result in monetary damages or impact the manner in which the Company conducts its operations; and

 

  (xvii)

adverse consequences, including financial and reputation costs, regulatory problems and potential loss of customers resulting from failure to meet privacy regulations and/or protect the Company’s customers’ confidential information.

 

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Overview

The following analysis of condensed consolidated results of operations and financial condition of the Company should be read in conjunction with the condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere herein.

NFS is the holding company for Nationwide Life Insurance Company (NLIC) and other companies that comprise the domestic life insurance and retirement savings operations of the Nationwide group of companies. This group includes Nationwide Financial Network (NFN), which refers to Nationwide Life Insurance Company of America (NLICA) and subsidiaries, including the affiliated distribution network.

The Company is a leading provider of long-term savings and retirement products in the United States of America. The Company develops and sells a diverse range of products including individual annuities, private and public sector group retirement plans, other investment products sold to institutions, life insurance and investment advisory services. The Company also provides a wide range of banking products and services through Nationwide Bank and mutual funds through Nationwide Funds Group (NFG).

The Company sells its products through a diverse distribution network. Unaffiliated entities that sell the Company’s products to their own customer bases include independent broker/dealers, financial institutions, wirehouse and regional firms, pension plan administrators, and life insurance specialists. Representatives of the Company that market products directly to a customer base include Nationwide Retirement Solutions, Inc. (NRS), an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary; NFN producers; and NFG. The Company also distributes retirement savings products through the agency distribution force of its ultimate parent company, Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company (NMIC).

On January 1, 2009, NMIC acquired through a merger of the Company and a subsidiary of Nationwide Corporation, all of the outstanding Class A common stock of the Company it did not already own for $52.25 per share in cash. The transaction was approved by the Company’s shareholders on December 31, 2008 and closed effective January 1, 2009. As a result of the transaction, Nationwide Corporation owns all of the outstanding capital stock of the Company.

Business Segments

See Part 1 – Financial Information, Item 1 – Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, Note 12 – Segment Information for a discussion of reportable segments, including the components of each segment.

The following table summarizes pre-tax operating earnings (loss) by segment for the periods indicated:

 

     Three months ended March 31,

(in millions)

   2009      2008       Change 

Individual Investments

   $ 16.8     $ 62.5     (73)%

Retirement Plans

         33.3       53.9     (38)%

Individual Protection

         61.0       64.9     (6)%

Corporate and Other

     (4.4)       (13.9)    (68)%

Revenues and Expenses

The Company earns revenues and generates cash primarily from policy charges, life insurance premiums and net investment income. Policy charges include asset fees, which are earned primarily from separate account values generated from the sale of individual and group variable annuities and investment life insurance products; cost of insurance charges earned on all life insurance products except traditional, which are assessed on the amount of insurance in force in excess of the related policyholder account value; administrative fees, which include fees charged per contract on a variety of the Company’s products and premium loads on universal life insurance products; and surrender fees, which are charged as a percentage of premiums withdrawn during a specified period for annuity and certain life insurance contracts. Net investment income includes earnings on investments supporting fixed annuities, the MTN program and certain life insurance products, and earnings on invested assets not allocated to product segments, all net of related investment expenses. Other income includes asset fees, administrative fees, commissions and other income earned by subsidiaries of the Company that provide administrative, marketing, distribution and retail asset management services.

 

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Table of Contents

Management makes decisions concerning the sale of invested assets based on a variety of market, business, tax and other factors. All realized gains and losses generated by these sales, charges related to other-than-temporary impairments of available-for-sale securities and other investments, and changes in valuation allowances on mortgage loans on real estate are reported in net realized investment gains and losses. Also included are changes in the fair values of derivatives qualifying as fair value hedges and the related changes in the fair values of hedged items; the ineffective, or excluded, portion of cash flow hedges; changes in the fair values of derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment, the mark-to-market of embedded derivatives, net of economic hedges; and periodic net amounts paid or received on interest rate swaps that do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment.

The Company’s primary expenses include interest credited to policyholder accounts, life insurance and annuity benefits, amortization of DAC and general business operating expenses. Interest credited principally relates to individual and group fixed annuities, funding agreements backing the NLIC MTN program and certain life insurance products. Life insurance and annuity benefits include policyholder benefits in excess of policyholder accounts for universal life and individual deferred annuities and net claims and provisions for future policy benefits for traditional life insurance products and immediate annuities.

The Company regularly evaluates and adjusts the DAC balance when actual gross profits in a given reporting period vary from management’s initial estimates, with a corresponding charge or credit to current period earnings. This process is referred to by the Company as a “true-up”, which generally is performed, and the resulting impact recognized, on a quarterly basis. Additionally, the Company regularly evaluates its assumptions regarding the future estimated gross profits used as a basis for amortization of DAC and adjusts the total amortization recorded to date by a charge or credit to earnings if evidence suggests that these future assumptions and estimates should be revised. The Company refers to this process as “unlocking”, which generally is performed on an annual basis with any corresponding charge or credit reflected in the second quarter. In addition, the Company regularly monitors its actual experience and evaluates relevant internal and external information impacting its assumptions and may unlock more frequently than annually if such information and analysis warrants.

Profitability

The Company’s profitability largely depends on its ability to effectively price and manage risk on its various products, administer customer funds and control operating expenses. Lapse rates on existing contracts also impact profitability. The lapse rate and distribution of lapses affect surrender charges and impact DAC amortization assumptions when lapse experience changes significantly.

In particular, the Company’s profitability is driven by fee income on separate account products, general and separate account asset levels, and management’s ability to manage interest spread income. While asset fees are largely at guaranteed annual rates, amounts earned vary directly with the underlying performance of the separate accounts. Interest spread income is comprised of net investment income, excluding any applicable allocated charges for invested capital, less interest credited to policyholder accounts. Interest spread income can vary depending on crediting rates offered by the Company; performance of the investment portfolio, including the rate of prepayments; changes in market interest rates and the level of invested assets; the competitive environment; and other factors.

In addition, life insurance profits are significantly impacted by mortality, morbidity and persistency experience. Asset impairments and the tax position of the Company also impact profitability.

Discontinued Operations

During 2008, the Company completed the sale of its interest in TBG Insurance Services Corporation d/b/a TBG Financial (TBG Financial) for $41.3 million in cash and potential additional consideration in the form of an earnout provision. Accordingly, the results of operations of TBG Financial are reflected as discontinued operations in the condensed consolidated statements of (loss) income for 2008.

Fair Value Measurements

As described in Part 1 – Financial Information, Item 1 – Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, Note 5 – Fair Value Measurements, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (SFAS 157) effective January 1, 2008. SFAS 157 defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. In determining fair value, the Company uses various methods including market, income and cost approaches. The Company utilizes valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs.

 

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In accordance with SFAS 157, the Company categorized its financial instruments based on the priority of the inputs to the valuation technique. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). If the inputs used to measure fair value fall within different levels of the hierarchy, the category level is based on the lowest priority level input that is significant to the fair value measurement of the instrument in its entirety.

The Company categorizes financial assets and liabilities recorded at fair value in the condensed consolidated balance sheets as Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3 depending on the observability of inputs used to measure fair value.

Investments

For fixed maturity and marketable equity securities for which active market quotations generally are available, the Company generally uses independent pricing services to assist in determining the fair value measurement. For certain fixed maturity securities not priced by independent services (e.g. private placement securities without quoted market prices), an internally developed pricing model or “corporate pricing matrix” is most often used. The corporate pricing matrix is developed by obtaining private spreads versus the U.S. Treasury yield for corporate securities with varying weighted average lives and bond ratings. The weighted average life and bond rating of a particular fixed maturity security to be priced using the corporate matrix are important inputs into the model and are used to determine a corresponding spread that is added to the U.S. Treasury yield to create an estimated market yield for that bond. The estimated market yield and other relevant factors are then used to estimate the fair value of the particular fixed maturity security. The Company also utilized broker quotes to assist in pricing securities or to validate modeled prices.

Pricing services, broker quotes and internal valuations are also considered in valuing securities when the volume and level of activity for such assets have significantly decreased (e.g. when the markets for those securities are considered inactive).

As of March 31, 2009, 67% of the prices of fixed maturity securities were valued with assistance of independent pricing services, 10% were valued with assistance of the Company’s pricing matrices, 5% were valued with assistance of broker quotes, 17% were valued with the assistance of the Company’s internal pricing processes and 1% were valued from other sources compared to 80%, 11%, 4%, 4% and 1%, respectively, as of December 31, 2008.

Available-for-sale securities valued using significant Level 3 inputs includes investments in markets which the Company considers inactive, the Company’s non-investment grade holdings in residential mortgage-backed securities, commercial mortgage-backed securities, collateralized debt obligations and other asset-backed securities certain broker-quoted or internally priced securities and securities that are at or near default based on designations assigned by the NAIC. As of March 31, 2009, Level 3 investments comprised 20% of total investments measured at fair value compared to 20% as of December 31, 2008.

Inactive Markets

Recent market conditions have led to illiquidity in certain markets for financial instruments, causing the Company to consider such markets inactive. Examples of the criterion used by the Company to determine that a market is inactive include, but are not limited to, few recent transactions, price quotations are not based on current information, price quotations vary substantially either over time or among market makers, indexes previously highly correlated have become uncorrelated, significant increase in implied liquidity risk premiums, wide bid-ask spreads, significant decline or absence of a market for new issuances, and little information is released publicly.

 

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As of March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the Company had investments in markets that it considered inactive with an amortized cost of $5.02 billion and $4.87 billion, respectively, and an estimated fair value of $3.54 billion and $3.56 billion, respectively, which represents 15% of the estimated fair value of all fixed maturity securities available-for-sale in both periods. Of these investments in markets that are considered inactive, 89% were priced using a weighting of internal pricing models and independent pricing services, 7% were valued with the assistance of independent pricing services, and 4% were priced using a weighting of broker quotes and internal pricing models to determine the estimated fair values as of March 31, 2009, in comparison to 0%, 94%, and 6%, respectively, as of December 31, 2008.

The investments that were priced using a weighting of internal pricing models and independent pricing services were certain residential mortgage-backed securities backed by Prime, Sub-prime and Alt-A collateral. As of December 31, 2008, these investments were priced solely with the assistance of independent pricing services. As a result of continued decline in the level of activity in these markets during the first quarter of 2009, management did not believe that prices were necessarily representative of the investment’s fair value, which would be the price that would be received in selling the investment in an orderly transaction (that is, not a forced liquidation or distressed sale) between market participants at the measurement date. It is the Company’s judgment that a weighting of internal pricing models and independent pricing services represents a better estimate of the investment’s fair value.

As such, management determined that the use of multiple valuation techniques, considering both an income approach (that maximizes the use of relevant observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs) and a market approach (that observes quotes provided by independent pricing services) produces a better representation of an investment’s fair value than reliance only on the market approach valuation technique used at prior measurement dates. The income approach incorporates cash flows for each investment adjusted for expected losses in different interest rate and housing scenarios. The adjusted cash flows are then discounted using a risk premium that market participants would demand because of the risk in the cash flows. The risk premium is reflective of an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date under current market conditions and includes items such as liquidity and structure risk.

These internally-generated prices were then reviewed in light of the prices obtained from multiple independent pricing services. The results of these internal prices were then weighted with the prices obtained from the independent pricing services, considering the relative range of values suggested by the indications, to determine the estimated fair value. If the prices provided from the multiple independent pricing services used for benchmarking had been used for these investments, the estimated fair value of the securities would have ranged from an increase of $93.4 million to a decrease of $274.6 million as of March 31, 2009.

The Company’s holdings in securities that were priced using a weighting of broker quotes and internal pricing models to determine the estimated fair values were immaterial to the overall investment portfolio as of March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, as they represented 1% of the estimated fair value of fixed maturity securities available-for-sale for both periods.

Counterparty Risk Associated with Derivatives

The Company’s derivative activities primarily are with financial institutions and corporations. To attempt to minimize credit risk, the Company enters into master netting agreements, which reduce risk by permitting the closeout and netting of transactions with the same counterparty upon occurrence of certain events. In addition, the Company attempts to reduce credit risk by obtaining collateral from counterparties. The determination of the need for and the levels of collateral vary based on an assessment of the credit risk of the counterparty. Generally, the Company accepts collateral in the form of cash, U.S. Treasury securities and other marketable securities.

As of March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the Company had received $877.9 million and $1.02 billion, respectively, of cash for derivative collateral, which is in turn invested in short-term investments. The Company also held $31.0 million and $35.4 million of securities as off-balance sheet collateral on derivative transactions as of March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively. As of March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the Company had pledged fixed maturity securities with a fair value of $91.3 million and $24.5 million, respectively, as collateral to various derivative counterparties.

The Company periodically evaluates the risks within the derivative portfolios due to credit exposure. When evaluating this risk, the Company considers several factors which include, but are not limited to, the counterparty risk associated with derivative receivables, the Company’s own credit as it relates to derivative payables, the collateral thresholds associated with each counterparty, and changes in relevant market data in order to gain insight into the probability of default by the counterparty. In addition, the effect that the Company’s exposure to credit risk could have on the effectiveness of the hedges is considered. As of March 31, 2009, the impact of the exposure to credit risk on both the fair value measurement of derivative assets and liabilities and the effectiveness of the Company’s hedging relationships was immaterial.

 

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Future Policy Benefits and Claims

The fair value measurements for future policy benefits and claims relate to embedded derivatives associated with contracts with living benefit riders (guaranteed minimum accumulation benefits (GMABs), guaranteed lifetime withdrawal benefits (GLWBs) and equity-indexed annuities). Related derivatives are internally valued. The valuation of guaranteed minimum benefit embedded derivatives is based on capital market and actuarial risk assumptions, including risk margin considerations reflecting policyholder behavior. The Company uses observable inputs, such as published swap rates, in its capital market assumptions. Actuarial assumptions, including lapse behavior and mortality rates, are based on actual experience.

During the first quarter of 2009, the Company recorded net realized investment gains on living benefit embedded derivatives and related economic hedging gains of $365.2 million. These gains where comprised of $261.0 million of net realized investment gains on living benefit embedded derivatives and $104.2 million of related economic hedging gains and revenue. Despite the market declines in the first quarter, the net realized investment gains on living benefit embedded derivatives primarily resulted from higher interest rates, lower volatility assumptions and an increase to the nonperformance component of the discount rate. The net realized investment gains on embedded derivatives increased amortization of DAC by $266.7 million in the current year quarter, which is included in the Corporate and Other segment.

Critical Accounting Policies and Recently Issued Accounting Standards

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates.

The Company’s most critical estimates include, but are not limited to, those used to determine the following: the balance, recoverability and amortization of DAC; whether an available-for-sale security is other-than-temporarily impaired; valuation allowances for mortgage loans on real estate; derivative instruments; the liability for future policy benefits and claims; and federal income tax provision.

Note 2 to the audited consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s 2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K provides a summary of significant accounting policies. See Part 1 – Financial Information, Item 1 – Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, Note 3 – Recently Issued Accounting Standards for a discussion of recently issued accounting standards. The Company’s critical accounting policies have not changed materially from those disclosed in the Company’s 2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

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Results of Operations

First Quarter – 2009 Compared to 2008

The following table summarizes the Company’s consolidated results of operations for the periods indicated:

 

     Three months ended March 31,

(in millions)

   2009    2008       Change   

Revenues:

        

Policy charges:

        

Asset fees

   $ 120.9     $ 183.9     (34)%

Cost of insurance charges

     118.2       109.5     8 %

Administrative fees

     29.1       32.9     (12)%

Surrender fees

     18.1       18.8     (4)%
                  

Total policy charges

     286.3       345.1     (17)%

Premiums

     118.1       109.1     8 %

Net investment income

     484.7       519.5     (7)%

Net realized investment gains (losses)

     365.2       (110.5)    NM

Other-than-temporary impairment losses (consisting of $683.7 of total

     (327.0)      (88.4)    270%

other-than-temporary impairment losses, net of $356.7 recognized in other comprehensive income, for the three months ended March 31, 2009)

        

Other income

     98.4       141.5     (30)%
                  

Total revenues

     1,025.7       916.3     12 %
                  

Benefits and expenses:

        

Interest credited to policyholder accounts

     283.6       312.6     (9)%

Benefits and claims

     322.7       183.5     76 %

Policyholder dividends

     21.4       23.9     (10)%

Amortization of DAC

     303.0       66.4     356%

Amortization of VOBA

     7.0       9.2     (24)%

Interest expense

     26.0       27.7     (6)%

Other operating expenses

     254.5       270.7     (6)%
                  

Total benefits and expenses

     1,218.2       894.0     36 %
                  

(Loss) income from continuing operations before federal income tax benefit

     (192.5)      22.3     NM

Federal income tax benefit

     (74.1)      (10.8)    NM
                  

(Loss) income from continuing operations

     (118.4)      33.1     NM

Discontinued operations, net of taxes

     —         0.9     NM
                  

Net (loss) income

     (118.4)      34.0     NM

Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest

     11.0       10.5     5 %
                  

Net (loss) income attributable to NFS

   $ (107.4)    $ 44.5     NM
                  

The Company recorded a net loss for the first quarter of 2009 compared to net income in the prior year primarily due to increases in other-than-temporary impairment losses, higher benefits and claims and lower asset fees. Additionally, lower other income contributed to the overall decline. The overall decline was partially offset by net realized investments gains for the first quarter of 2009 compared to losses in the prior year quarter. Lastly, the Company recorded a federal income tax benefit for the current year quarter primarily due to the aforementioned declines in net income.

Other-than-temporary impairment losses increased by $238.6 million primarily due to increases in fixed maturity security impairments of $229.3 million as a result of challenging market conditions.

 

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Benefits and claims increased in the Individual Investments segment primarily due to higher exposure on GMDB contracts driven by unfavorable market conditions which increased benefits and claims by $99.6 million.

The decrease in asset fees primarily was driven by lower average separate account values across all segments due to unfavorable market performance.

Lower other income primarily was driven by a $19.6 million decline in retail asset management revenues attributable to a decrease in customer funds managed and administered and lower other asset fees and mutual fund revenues of $10.1 million and $8.1 million, respectively, in the Retirement Plans segment due to lower average non-insurance assets.

During the first quarter of 2009, the Company recorded net realized investment gains on living benefit embedded derivatives and related economic hedging gains of $365.2 million. These gains where comprised of $261.0 million of net realized investment gains on living benefit embedded derivatives and $104.2 million of related economic hedging gains and revenue. Despite the market declines in the first quarter, the net realized investment gains on living benefit embedded derivatives primarily resulted from higher interest rates, lower volatility assumptions and an increase to the nonperformance component of the discount rate. The net realized investment gains on embedded derivatives increased amortization of DAC by $266.7 million in the current year quarter, which is included in the Corporate and Other segment.

 

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Sales

The Company regularly monitors and reports a production volume metric titled “sales.” Sales or similar measures are commonly used in the insurance industry as a measure of the volume of new and renewal business generated in a period.

Sales are not derived from any specific GAAP income statement accounts or line items and should not be viewed as a substitute for any financial measure determined in accordance with GAAP, including sales as it relates to non-insurance companies. Additionally, the Company’s definition of sales may differ from that used by other companies. As used in the insurance industry, sales, or similarly titled measures, generate customer funds managed and administered, which ultimately drive revenues.

As calculated and analyzed by management, statutory premiums and deposits on individual and group annuities and life insurance products calculated in accordance with accounting practices prescribed or permitted by regulatory authorities and deposits on administration-only group retirement plans and the advisory services program are adjusted as described below to arrive at sales.

Life insurance premiums determined on a GAAP basis are significantly different than statutory premiums and deposits. Life insurance premiums determined on a GAAP basis are recognized as revenue when due, as calculated on an accrual basis in proportion to the service provided and performance rendered under the contract. In addition, many life insurance and annuity products involve an initial deposit or a series of deposits from customers. These deposits are accounted for as such on a GAAP basis and therefore are not reflected in the GAAP income statement. On a statutory basis, life insurance premiums collected (cash basis) and deposits received (cash basis) are aggregated and reported as statutory premiums and annuity consideration revenues.

Sales, as reported by the Company, are stated net of internal replacements, which management believes provides a more meaningful disclosure of production in a given period. In addition, the Company’s definition of sales excludes funding agreements issued under the Company’s MTN program; asset transfers associated with large case BOLI and large case retirement plan acquisitions; and deposits into Nationwide employee and agent benefit plans. Although these products contribute to asset and earnings growth, their production flows potentially can mask trends in the underlying business and thus do not provide meaningful comparisons and analyses.

Management believes that the presentation of sales as measured for management purposes enhances the understanding of the Company’s business and helps depict longer-term trends that may not be apparent in the results of operations due to differences between the timing of sales and revenue recognition.

The Company’s flagship products are marketed under The BEST of AMERICA brand and include individual variable and group annuities, group private sector retirement plans sold through Nationwide Trust Company, FSB, a division of Nationwide Bank (NTC), and variable life insurance. The BEST of AMERICA products allow customers to choose from investment options managed by premier mutual fund managers. The Company has also developed private label variable and fixed annuity products in conjunction with other financial services providers that allow those providers to sell products to their own customer bases under their own brand names.

The Company also markets group deferred compensation retirement plans to employees of state and local governments for use under Internal Revenue Code (IRC) Section 457. The Company utilizes its endorsement by the National Association of Counties, The United States Conference of Mayors and The International Association of Fire Fighters when marketing IRC Section 457 products.

 

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First Quarter – 2009 Compared to 2008

The following table summarizes sales by product and segment for the periods indicated:

 

     Three months ended March 31,

(in millions)

   2009    2008        Change    

Individual Investments

        

Individual variable annuities

   $ 909.2    $ 1,209.1    (25)%

Individual fixed annuities

     150.9      40.6    272%

Income products

     58.4      48.8    20%

Advisory services program

     —        23.2    NM
                  

Total Individual Investments

     1,118.5      1,321.7    (15)%
                  

Retirement Plans

        

Private sector:

        

Group annuity products

     205.0      257.3    (20)%

Group trust products

     1,184.9      1,383.7    (14)%
                  

Total group products

     1,389.9      1,641.0    (15)%

NFN products

     37.7      46.9    (20)%

Other

     4.9      20.8    (76)%
                  

Total private sector

     1,432.5      1,708.7    (16)%
                  

Public sector:

        

IRC Section 457 annuities

     419.3      435.8    (4)%

Administration-only agreements

     646.5      717.2    (10)%
                  

Total public sector

     1,065.8      1,153.0    (8)%
                  

Total Retirement Plans

     2,498.3      2,861.7    (13)%
                  

Individual Protection

        

Corporate-owned life insurance

     112.1      205.5    (45)%

Traditional/universal life insurance

     140.3      152.4    (8)%

Variable life insurance

     120.3      144.8    (17)%
                  

Total Individual Protection

     372.7      502.7    (26)%
                  

Total sales

   $ 3,989.5    $ 4,686.1    (15)%
                  

See Part I – Financial Information, Item 2 – MD&ABusiness Segments for an analysis of sales by product and segment.

 

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The following table summarizes sales by distribution channel for the periods indicated:

 

     Three months ended March 31,

(in millions)

   2009    2008        Change    

Non-affiliated:

        

Independent broker/dealers

   $ 1,326.9    $ 1,561.9    (15)%

Wirehouse and regional firms

     552.4      706.4    (22)%

Financial institutions

     544.4      610.7    (11)%

Life insurance specialists

     112.1      105.6    6 %

Pension plan administrators

     99.9      119.6    (16)%
                  

Total non-affiliated sales

     2,635.7      3,104.2    (15)%
                  

Affiliated:

        

NRS

     1,072.2      1,161.1    (8)%

NFN producers

     281.6      320.9    (12)%

Mullin TBG

     —        99.9    NM
                  

Total affiliated sales

     1,353.8      1,581.9    (14)%
                  

Total sales

   $ 3,989.5    $ 4,686.1    (15)%
                  

The decrease in total sales primarily was due to lower variable product sales, especially individual variable annuity sales in the Individual Investments segment. Volatile market conditions and the continuing economic slowdown have negatively impacted variable product sales industry wide. Economic conditions also contributed to lower private sector group product sales in the Retirement Plans segment through reduced employer discretionary contributions, employee deferrals and plan transfers. Lower corporate-owned life insurance sales in the Individual Protection segment and lower administration-only agreements sales in the Retirement Plans segment were also primarily due to the continuing economic slowdown. The Company exited the advisory services program business in the Individual Investments segment during 2008. Strong sales of individual fixed annuities in the Individual Investments segment partially offset the overall decline.

Lower sales through the independent broker/dealers, wirehouse and regional firms, NRS, financial institutions, NFN producers, and pension plan administrators channels reflect the declines in variable and group product sales mentioned above, partially mitigated by increased sales by life insurance specialists.

The Company exited the Mullin TBG channel in the fourth quarter of 2008 with the sale of TBG Financial.

 

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Business Segments

Individual Investments

First Quarter – 2009 Compared to 2008

The following table summarizes selected financial data for the Company’s Individual Investments segment for the periods indicated:

 

     Three months ended March 31,

(dollars in millions)

   2009    2008        Change    

Statements of Income Data

        

Revenues:

        

Policy charges:

        

Asset fees

   $ 95.2    $ 141.9    (33)%

Administrative fees

     8.6      7.3    18 %

Surrender fees

     10.4      11.5    (10)%
                  

Total policy charges

     114.2      160.7    (29)%

Premiums

     41.2      34.1    21 %

Net investment income

     122.8      137.0    (10)%

Other income

     86.6      7.0    NM
                  

Total revenues

     364.8      338.8    8%
                  

Benefits and expenses:

        

Interest credited to policyholder accounts

     94.1      96.0    (2)%

Benefits and claims

     162.4      54.5    198 %

Amortization of DAC

     44.1      77.7    (43)%

Amortization of VOBA and other intangible assets

     0.1      0.8    (88)%

Other operating expenses

     47.3      47.3    —  
                  

Total benefits and expenses

     348.0      276.3    26 %
                  

Pre-tax operating earnings

   $ 16.8    $ 62.5    (73)%
                  

Other Data

        

Interest spread margin:

        

Net investment income

     4.38%      5.44%   

Interest credited

     3.17%      3.66%   
                

Interest spread on average general account values

     1.21%      1.78%   
                

Sales:

        

Individual variable annuities

   $ 909.2    $ 1,209.1    (25)%

Individual fixed annuities

     150.9      40.6    272 %

Income products

     58.4      48.8    20 %

Advisory services program

     —        23.2    NM
                  

Total sales

   $ 1,118.5    $ 1,321.7    (15)%
                  

Average account values:

        

General account

   $ 11,861.6    $ 10,486.4    13 %

Separate account

     26,623.8      40,617.9    (34)%

Advisory services program

     41.3      625.8    (93)%
                  

Total average account values

   $ 38,526.7    $ 51,730.1    (26)%
                  

Account values as of period end:

        

Individual variable annuities

   $ 30,964.2    $ 42,698.3    (27)%

Individual fixed annuities

     4,420.5      4,468.0    (1)%

Income products

     2,117.5      2,102.5    1 %

Advisory services program

     —        604.4    NM
                  

Total account values

   $ 37,502.2    $ 49,873.2    (25)%
                  

Pre-tax operating earnings to average account values

     0.17%      0.48%   
                

 

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Pre-tax operating earnings declined due to higher benefits and claims, lower asset fees and lower interest spread income, partially offset by higher other income, lower amortization of DAC and higher premiums.

Benefits and claims increased primarily due to higher exposure on GMDB contracts due to unfavorable market conditions which increased benefits and claims by $99.6 million.

The decrease in asset fees primarily was due to lower average separate account values driven by unfavorable market performance.

Interest spread income declined primarily due to lower interest spread margins in the variable annuity business resulting from lower interest rates. Interest spread margins declined to 121 basis points in the three months ended March 31, 2009 compared to 178 basis points in the prior year period, reducing interest spread income by approximately $12.3 million. The current quarter margins included a $0.7 million decrease in income from mortgage loan prepayments and bond call premiums compared to the prior year quarter, which contributed 3 basis points to the margin decline discussed above.

Other income increased due to higher realized gains of $82.9 million on derivatives associated with the Company’s economic hedging program for GMDB contracts.

Amortization of DAC declined primarily due to lower variable annuity gross profits in the current quarter.

Higher premiums were attributable to a 20% increase in income product sales during the quarter as customer demand shifts toward fixed income products.

Lower overall sales primarily were attributable to the individual variable annuity business due to volatile market conditions and the current economic slowdown, partially offset by improved fixed annuity sales. In addition, the decline in advisory services program sales was due to the Company exiting this business during 2008.

The following table summarizes selected information about the Company’s deferred individual fixed annuities, including the fixed option of variable annuities, as of March 31, 2009:

 

      Ratchet    Reset    Market value
adjustment (MVA)
and other
   Total

(dollars in millions)

     Account  
value
    Weighted 
average
crediting
rate
     Account  
value
    Weighted 
average
crediting
rate
     Account  
value
    Weighted 
average
crediting
rate
     Account  
value
    Weighted 
average
crediting
rate

Minimum interest rate of 3.50% or greater

   $ —      NA    $ 875.3    3.73%    $ —      NA    $ 875.3    3.73%

Minimum interest rate of 3.00% to 3.49%

     1,053.9    4.01%      2,645.5    3.10%      —      NA      3,699.4    3.36%

Minimum interest rate lower than 3.00%

     972.9    3.74%      1,148.4    3.69%      190.1    1.36%      2,311.4    3.52%

MVA with no minimum interest rate guarantee

     —      NA      —      NA      2,948.1    2.66%      2,948.1    2.66%
                                               

Total deferred individual fixed annuities

   $ 2,026.8    3.88%    $ 4,669.2    3.37%    $ 3,138.2    2.58%    $ 9,834.2    3.22%
                                               

See Part 1 – Financial Information, Item 1 – Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, Note 8 – Variable Annuity Contracts of this report for further discussion of guarantee types offered on non-traditional variable annuity contacts offered by the Company, which are consistent with the fixed annuity descriptions above.

 

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Retirement Plans

First Quarter – 2009 Compared to 2008

The following table summarizes selected financial data for the Company’s Retirement Plans segment for the periods indicated:

 

     Three months ended March 31,

(dollars in millions)

   2009    2008        Change    

Statements of Income Data

        

Revenues:

        

Policy charges:

        

Asset fees

   $ 17.0    $ 29.2    (42)%

Administrative fees

     2.7      3.3    (18)%

Surrender fees

     0.6      0.5    20%
                  

Total policy charges

     20.3      33.0    (38)%

Net investment income

     161.4      161.7    —  

Other income

     65.7      84.4    (22)%
                  

Total revenues

     247.4      279.1    (11)%
                  

Benefits and expenses:

        

Interest credited to policyholder accounts

     105.2      107.6    (2)%

Amortization of DAC

     7.7      10.1    (24)%

Amortization of VOBA and other intangible assets

     0.2      0.6    (67)%

Other operating expenses

     101.0      106.9    (6)%
                  

Total benefits and expenses

     214.1      225.2    (5)%
                  

Pre-tax operating earnings

   $ 33.3    $ 53.9    (38)%
                  

Other Data

        

Interest spread margin:

        

Net investment income

     5.57%      5.86%   

Interest credited

     3.63%      3.90%   
                

Interest spread on average general account values

     1.94%      1.96%   
                

Sales:

        

Private sector

   $ 1,432.5    $ 1,708.7    (16)%

Public sector

     1,065.8      1,153.0    (8)%
                  

Total sales

   $ 2,498.3    $ 2,861.7    (13)%
                  

Average account values:

        

General account

   $ 11,590.8    $ 11,042.8    5 %

Separate account

     10,259.0      15,791.2    (35)%

Non-insurance assets

     15,648.4      21,315.7    (27)%

Administration-only

     24,427.8      30,396.6    (20)%
                  

Total average account values

   $ 61,926.0    $ 78,546.3    (21)%
                  

Account values as of period end:

        

Private sector

   $ 22,895.2    $ 30,571.0    (25)%

Public sector

     38,158.5      45,975.0    (17)%
                  

Total account values

   $ 61,053.7    $ 76,546.0    (20)%
                  

Pre-tax operating earnings to average account values

     0.22%      0.27%   
                
        

 

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The decrease in pre-tax operating earnings primarily was driven by lower other income and lower asset fees.

The decrease in other income, which includes administrative fees from administration-only plans and asset fees from non-insurance deferred compensation plans and the NTC platform, primarily was driven by lower other asset fees and mutual fund revenues of $10.1 million and $8.1 million, respectively, resulting from lower average non-insurance assets.

Asset fees decreased due to lower average separate account values driven by unfavorable market performance.

Private sector sales drove down overall sales primarily due to reduced employer discretionary contributions, employee deferrals and plan transfers.

 

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Individual Protection

First Quarter – 2009 Compared to 2008

The following table summarizes selected financial data for the Company’s Individual Protection segment for the periods indicated:

 

     Three months ended March 31,

(in millions)

   2009    2008        Change    

Statements of Income Data

        

Revenues:

        

Policy charges:

        

Asset fees

   $ 8.7    $ 12.8    (32)%

Cost of insurance charges

     118.2      109.5    8 %

Administrative fees

     17.8      22.3    (20)%

Surrender fees

     7.1      6.8    4 %
                  

Total policy charges

     151.8      151.4    —  

Premiums

     76.9      75.0    3 %

Net investment income

     120.4      117.5    2 %

Other income

     0.5      0.7    (29)%
                  

Total revenues

     349.6      344.6    1 %
                  

Benefits and expenses:

        

Interest credited to policyholder accounts

     49.6      47.6    4 %

Benefits

     137.1      129.0    6 %

Policyholder dividends

     21.4      23.9    (10)%

Amortization of DAC

     25.8      26.1    (1)%

Amortization of VOBA and other intangible assets

     6.3      7.3    (14)%

Other operating expenses

     48.4      45.8    6 %
                  

Total benefits and expenses

     288.6      279.7    3 %
                  

Pre-tax operating earnings

   $ 61.0    $ 64.9    (6)%
                  

Other Data

        

Sales:

        

Corporate-owned life insurance

   $ 112.1    $ 205.5    (45)%

Traditional/universal life insurance

     140.3      152.4    (8)%

Variable life insurance

     120.3      144.8    (17)%
                  

Total sales

   $ 372.7    $ 502.7    (26)%
                  

Policy reserves as of period end:

        

Individual investment life insurance

   $ 3,873.4    $ 5,776.6    (33)%

Corporate investment life insurance

     8,305.9      8,503.7    (2)%

Traditional life insurance

     4,125.7      4,156.1    (1)%

Universal life insurance

     1,409.2      1,294.0    9 %
                  

Total policy reserves

   $ 17,714.2    $ 19,730.4    (10)%
                  

Insurance in force as of period end:

        

Individual investment life insurance

   $ 54,379.2    $ 57,196.0    (5)%

Corporate investment life insurance

     24,123.1      25,298.9    (5)%

Traditional life insurance

     54,115.8      44,899.4    21 %

Universal life insurance

     11,735.0      10,764.5    9 %
                  

Total insurance in force

   $ 144,353.1    $ 138,158.8    4 %
                  

 

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The decrease in pre-tax operating earnings was driven by higher benefits, lower administrative fees and lower asset fees, offset by higher cost of insurance charges.

Higher benefits primarily were due to adverse mortality in the current year in the universal life insurance business. The average net claim size and the number of claims increased 33% and 14%, respectively, over the prior year.

Administrative fees decreased due to lower universal life sales upon which part of these fees are derived.

Asset fees declined due to lower average separate account values driven by unfavorable market performance.

Cost of insurance charges rose by $4.8 million in the universal life insurance business due to increased fixed life business in force combined with the aging of the individual life business block. The aging of a block generally increases cost of insurance charges as the Company’s related mortality risk also rises. Additionally, cost of insurance charges increased in the COLI business by $3.1 million. The increase was driven by an increase in net amount at risk due to lower average separate account values from the decline in the financial markets.

The decrease in sales primarily was due to lower COLI, traditional/universal life insurance and variable life insurance sales as a result of the current economic slowdown which has reduced corporations’ and individuals’ demand for life insurance products.

 

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Corporate and Other

First Quarter – 2009 Compared to 2008

The following table summarizes selected financial data for the Company’s Corporate and Other segment for the periods indicated:

 

     Three months ended March 31,

(in millions)

   2009     2008        Change   

Statements of Income Data

      

Operating revenues:

      

Net investment income

   $ 80.1     $ 103.3     (22)%

Other income

     22.2       32.6     (32)%
                    

Total operating revenues

     102.3       135.9     (25)%
                    

Benefits and operating expenses:

      

Interest credited to policyholder accounts

     33.7       61.4     (45)%

Interest expense

     26.0       27.7     (6)%

Other operating expenses

     47.0       60.7     (23)%
                    

Total benefits and operating expenses

     106.7       149.8     (29)%
                    

Pre-tax operating loss

     (4.4 )     (13.9 )   (68)%

Add: non-operating net realized investment gains and (losses)1

     288.6       (93.7 )   NM

Add: non-operating net other-than-temporary impairment losses

     (327.0 )    

Add: non-operating total other-than-temporary impairment losses

       (88.4 )  

Add: adjustment to amortization related to net realized investment gains and losses

     (249.8 )     47.5     NM

Add: net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest

     (11.0 )     (10.5 )   5 %
                    

Loss from continuing operations before federal income tax benefit

   $ (303.6 )   $ (159.0 )   91 %
                    

Other Data

      

Customer funds managed and administered:

      

Funding agreements backing medium-term notes

   $ 3,020.1     $ 4,528.7     (33)%

Nationwide Bank deposits

     1,904.3       985.7     93 %

NFG

     1,127.0       1,640.6     (31)%
                    

Total customer funds managed and administered

   $ 6,051.4     $ 7,155.0     (15)%
                    

 

1

Excluding operating items (periodic net amounts paid or received on interest rate swaps that do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment, trading portfolio realized gains and losses, trading portfolio valuation changes and net realized gains and losses related to hedges on GMDB contracts and securitizations).

The Company recorded a lower pre-tax operating loss of $4.4 million in the three ended months March 31, 2009 compared to $13.9 million in the prior year period primarily due to higher interest spread income, partially offset by lower other income .

The increase in interest spread income primarily was driven by higher spread income from Nationwide Bank of $12.0 million due to a 93% increase in customer deposits. The increase was partially offset by lower MTN interest spread income of $3.7 million during the current year quarter. Net investment income and interest credited to policyholder accounts declined significantly primarily due to a in MTN assets as a result of note maturities.

Lower other income primarily was driven by a $19.6 million decline in retail asset management revenues attributable to a decrease in customer funds managed and administered as a result of unfavorable market performance. Other operating expenses for the retail asset management business declined by $15.8 million.

 

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Non-operating net realized investment gains and losses were driven by a $440.0 million increase in realized gains on living benefit embedded derivatives, net of economic hedging activity.

Non-operating other-than-temporary impairments increased $238.6 million due to challenging markets conditions.

The gains on living benefit embedded derivatives, net of economic hedging activity, adversely impacted the adjustment to amortization related to net realized investment gains and losses.

The following table summarizes net realized investment gains (losses) from continuing operations by source for the periods indicated:

 

     Three months ended
March 31,
 

(in millions)

       2009              2008       

Total realized gains (losses) on sales, net of hedging losses

   $ 51.5     $ (1.4 )

Total realized losses on sales, net of hedging gains

     (48.5 )     (25.8 )

Credit default swaps

     (7.0 )     (4.2 )

Derivatives and embedded derivatives associated with living benefit contracts

     365.2       (74.8 )

Derivatives associated with death benefit contracts

     82.9       —    

Other derivatives

     (77.8 )     (4.4 )

Trading asset valuation loss

     (1.5 )     —    
                

Total realized gains (losses) before adjustments

     364.8       (110.6 )

Amounts credited to policyholder dividend obligation

     0.4       (0.2 )

Other

     —         0.3  
                

Net realized investment gains (losses)

   $ 365.2     $ (110.5 )
                

 

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The following table summarizes other-than-temporary and other investment impairments by asset type for the periods indicated:

 

(in millions)

   Gross    Included in
OCI
    Net

Three months ended March 31, 2009:

       

Fixed maturity securities:

       

Corporate securities

       

Public

   $ 179.2    $ (8.2 )   $ 171.0

Private

     22.1      (0.6 )     21.5

Residential mortgage-backed securities

     327.4      (254.2 )     73.2

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

     12.7      —         12.7

Collateralized debt obligations

     116.8      (93.7 )     23.1

Other asset-backed securities

     16.2      —         16.2
                     

Total fixed maturity securities

     674.4      (356.7 )     317.7

Equity securities

     7.1      —         7.1

Other

     2.2      —         2.2
                     

Other-than-temporary impairment losses

   $ 683.7    $ (356.7 )   $ 327.0
                     

(in millions)

              Total
impairments

Three months ended March 31, 2008:

       

Fixed maturity securities:

       

Corporate securities

       

Public

        $ 10.4

Private

          12.6

Residential mortgage-backed securities

          25.4

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

          10.0

Collateralized debt obligations

          30.0
           

Other-than-temporary impairment losses

        $ 88.4
           

The Company has a comprehensive portfolio monitoring process for fixed maturity and equity securities to identify and evaluate the necessity of recording impairment losses for other-than-temporary declines in the fair value of investments.

 

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

Liquidity and capital resources demonstrate the overall financial strength of the Company and its ability to generate cash flows from its operations and borrow funds at competitive rates to meet operating and growth needs.

The Company’s capital structure consists of long-term debt and shareholder’s equity. The following table summarizes the Company’s capital structure as of the dates indicated:

 

(in millions)

   March 31,
2009
    December 31,
2008
 

Long-term debt

   $ 1,726.0     $ 1,725.9  
                

Shareholder’s equity, excluding accumulated other comprehensive income

     4,588.8       4,429.0  

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (1,545.5 )     (1,370.8 )
                

Total shareholder’s equity

     3,043.3       3,058.2  
                

Total capital

   $ 4,769.3     $ 4,784.1  
                

NFS is a holding company whose principal assets are the common stock of NLIC and NLICA. The principal sources of funds for NFS to pay interest, dividends and operating expenses are existing cash and investments and dividends from NLIC, NLICA and other subsidiaries.

See Part 1 – Financial Information, Item 1 – Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, Note 9 – Shareholders’ Equity and Dividend Restrictions for a description of the Company’s dividend restrictions and the resulting impact on liquidity.

Short-Term Debt

The Company has available as a source of funds a $1.00 billion revolving variable rate credit facility entered into by NFS, NLIC and NMIC with a group of national financial institutions. The facility provides for several and not joint liability with respect to any amount drawn by any party. The facility provides covenants, including, but not limited to, requirements that the Company’s debt not exceed 40% of tangible net worth, as defined, and that NLIC maintain statutory surplus, as defined, in excess of $1.67 billion. Additionally, NMIC must maintain a required statutory surplus level, as defined. A breach by any borrower of the financial covenants will impact the availability of the line for the other borrowers and may accelerate payment. As of March 31, 2009, the Company, NLIC and NMIC were in compliance with all covenants. NLIC and NMIC had no amounts outstanding under this agreement as of March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008. NLIC also has an $800.0 million commercial paper program and is required to maintain an available credit facility equal to 50% of any amounts outstanding under the commercial paper program. Therefore, borrowing capacity under the aggregate $1.00 billion revolving credit facility is reduced by 50% of any amounts outstanding under the commercial paper program. NLIC had $150.0 million and $149.9 million of commercial paper outstanding as of March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively.

NLIC has entered into an agreement with its custodial bank to borrow against the cash collateral that is posted in connection with its securities lending program. This is an uncommitted facility contingent on the liquidity of the securities lending program. The borrowing facility was established to fund commercial mortgage loans that were originated with the intent of sale through securitization. The maximum amount available under the agreement is $350.0 million. The borrowing rate on this program is equal to one-month U.S. London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR). NLIC had $99.7 million and $99.8 million outstanding under this agreement as of March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively. As of March 31, 2009, the Company had not provided any guarantees on such borrowings, either directly or indirectly.

The Company also has a wholly-owned banking subsidiary with the ability to borrow from a single financial institution under a $50.0 million line of credit agreement and $500.0 million repurchase-based advance agreement. The borrowings are collateralized by investments owned by the subsidiary and are included in the consolidated balance sheets. The available portion of the credit facilities is limited by the collateral value of loans or securities pledged. The subsidiary had $62.9 million and $46.0 million outstanding under the $500.0 million repurchase-based advance agreement as of March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively. The subsidiary had no amounts outstanding under the $50.0 million line of credit agreement at March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008. As of March 31, 2009, the total additional collateralized borrowing capacity under these agreements was $467.9 million.

 

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The Company also has a wholly-owned subsidiary with a five-year letter of credit issuance agreement with a single financial institution to provide up to $50.0 million in letters of credit. The agreement was effective September 30, 2006 and is guaranteed by NFS. The subsidiary had issued $50.0 million in letters of credit through this facility as of March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008.

Long-Term Debt

Long-term debt primarily is comprised of (1) two separate issuances of $300.0 million in principal amount of senior notes and two separate issuances of $200.0 million in principal amount of senior notes, none of which is subject to any sinking fund payments; (2) a single issuance of $400.0 million in principal amount of fixed-to-floating rate junior subordinated notes; and (3) a single issuance of $100.0 million in principal amount of junior subordinated debentures that are due March 1, 2037 and pay a distribution rate of 7.899%, issued to an unconsolidated subsidiary trust.

The $300.0 million principal of 6.25% senior notes due November 15, 2011 were issued in November 2001 and are not redeemable prior to their maturity date. The $300.0 million principal of 5.90% senior notes due July 1, 2012, issued in June 2002, and the $200.0 million principal of 5.625% senior notes due February 13, 2015, issued in February 2003, are redeemable, in whole or in part, at the option of NFS at any time or from time to time at a redemption price equal to the greater of: (1) 100% of the aggregate principal amount of the notes to be redeemed; or (2) the sum of the present value of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest on the notes, discounted to the redemption date on a semi-annual basis at a prevailing U.S. Treasury rate plus 20 basis points, together in each case with accrued interest payments to the redemption date. The $200.0 million principal of 5.10% senior notes due October 1, 2015 were issued in September 2005 and are redeemable, in whole or in part, at the option of NFS at any time or from time to time at a redemption price equal to the greater of: (1) 100% of the aggregate principal amount of the notes to be redeemed; or (2) the sum of the present value of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest on the notes, discounted to the redemption date on a semi-annual basis at a prevailing U.S. Treasury rate plus 15 basis points, together in each case with accrued interest payments to the redemption date.

The terms of each series of senior notes contain various restrictive business and financial covenants, including limitations on the disposition of subsidiaries. As of March 31, 2009, the Company was in compliance with all such covenants.

On May 18, 2007, NFS issued $400.0 million principal of 6.75% fixed-to-floating rate junior subordinated notes. These notes bear interest at a fixed rate of 6.75% for a 30-year period, after which the notes will bear interest at the rate of three-month U.S. LIBOR plus 2.33%. These notes are redeemable under one of three scenarios. First, these notes are redeemable, in whole or in part, at any time on or after May 15, 2037 at their principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of redemption, provided that in the event of a redemption in part, the principal amount outstanding after such redemption is at least $50.0 million. Next, these notes are redeemable, in whole or in part, prior to May 15, 2037, in cases not involving certain tax or rating agency events, at their principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of redemption or, if greater, the “make-whole price,” provided that in the event of redemption in part the principal amount outstanding after such redemption is at least $50.0 million. “Make-whole price” means the sum of the present values of the outstanding principal (discounted from May 15, 2037) and remaining scheduled payments of interest that would have been payable to and including May 15, 2037 (discounted from their respective interest payment dates) on the notes to be redeemed (not including any portion of such payments of interest accrued to the redemption date) to the redemption date on a semiannual basis at a prevailing U.S. Treasury rate plus 30 basis points, plus accrued and unpaid interest on the principal amount being redeemed to the redemption date. Lastly, these notes are redeemable in whole, but not in part, prior to May 15, 2037, within 90 days after the occurrence of certain tax or rating agency events, at their principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of redemption or, if greater, the “special event make-whole price.” “Special event make-whole price” means the sum of the present values of the outstanding principal (discounted from May 15, 2037) and remaining scheduled payments of interest that would have been payable to and including May 15, 2037 (discounted from their respective interest payment dates) on the notes to be redeemed (not including any portion of such payments of interest accrued to the redemption date) to the redemption date on a semiannual basis at a prevailing U.S. Treasury rate plus 50 basis points, plus accrued and unpaid interest on the principal amount being redeemed to the redemption date. The final maturity date for the notes is May 15, 2067 extendable to 2087.

 

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On March 11, 1997, Nationwide Financial Services Capital Trust I (Trust I) sold, in a public offering, $100.0 million principal of 7.899% capital securities, representing preferred undivided beneficial interests in the assets of Trust I. This sale generated net proceeds of $98.3 million. Concurrent with the sale of the capital securities, NFS sold to Trust I $103.1 million principal of its 7.899% junior subordinated debentures due March 1, 2037. The junior subordinated debentures are the sole assets of Trust I and are redeemable by NFS in whole at any time or in part from time to time at par plus an applicable make-whole premium. The related capital securities will mature or be called simultaneously with the junior subordinated debentures and have a liquidation value of $1,000 per capital security. The capital securities are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by NFS, and there are no related sinking fund requirements. Distributions on the capital securities are cumulative and payable semi-annually in arrears. On February 18, 2009, Trust I delisted the capital securities from the New York Stock Exchange.

In addition, the Company’s wholly-owned banking subsidiary has fixed rate borrowings from various financial institutions that totaled $220.0 million as of March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008. These borrowings have maturity dates ranging from two to twenty years, and all are secured by investments and single family residential loans pledged by the subsidiary.

Contractual Obligations and Commitments

The Company’s contractual obligations and commitments have not changed materially from those disclosed in the Company’s 2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Off-Balance Sheet Transactions

Under the MTN program, NLIC issues funding agreements to an unconsolidated third party trust to secure notes issued to investors by the trust. The funding agreements rank equal with all other insurance claims of the issuing company in the event of liquidation and should be treated as “annuities” under applicable Ohio insurance law. Therefore, the funding agreement obligations are classified as a component of future policy benefits and claims on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. Because the Company is not the primary beneficiary of, and has no ownership interest in, or control over, the third party trust that issues the MTNs, the Company does not include the trust in its condensed consolidated financial statements. Since the notes issued by the trust have a secured interest in the funding agreements issued by the Company, Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (Moody’s) and Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. (S&P), assign the same ratings to the notes and the insurance financial strength of NLIC. See Part 1 – Financial Information, Item 1 – Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, Note 7 – Investments and Part I – Financial Information, Item II – MD&A – Investments – Counterparty Risk Associated with Derivatives for information about off-balance sheet collateral related to the Company’s securities lending program.

 

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Investments

General

The Company’s assets are divided between separate account and general account assets. As of March 31, 2009, $45.53 billion (50%) of the Company’s total assets were held in separate accounts compared to $48.84 billion (52%), as of December 31, 2008 and $45.60 billion (50%) were held in the Company’s general account compared to $44.79 billion (48%), as of December 31, 2008, including $35.96 billion of general account investments compared to $36.22 billion as of December 31, 2008.

Separate account assets primarily consist of investments made with deposits from the Company’s variable annuity and variable life insurance business. Most separate account assets are invested in various mutual funds. After deducting fees or expense charges, the investment performance in the Company’s separate account assets is passed through to the Company’s customers.

The following table summarizes the Company’s consolidated general account investments by asset category as of the dates indicated:

 

     March 31, 2009    December 31, 2008

(dollars in millions)

   Carrying
value
         % of      
total
   Carrying
value
         % of      
total

Fixed maturity securities

   $ 23,726.9    66.0    $ 23,069.7    63.7

Equity securities

     47.6    0.1      60.7    0.2

Trading assets

     59.1    0.2      66.1    0.2

Mortgage loans on real estate, net

     7,728.5    21.5      7,888.2    21.8

Real estate, net

     16.5    0.1      16.5    —  

Policy loans

     1,080.1    3.0      1,095.6    3.0

Other long-term investments

     914.2    2.5      968.1    2.7

Short-term investments

     2,385.4    6.6      3,055.0    8.4
                       

Total

   $ 35,958.3    100.0    $ 36,219.9    100.0
                       

 

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Fixed Maturity Securities and Equity Securities Available-for-Sale

The following table summarizes the amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses, and estimated fair values of securities available-for-sale as of the dates indicated:

 

(in millions)

   Amortized
cost
   Gross
  unrealized  
gains
   Gross
  unrealized  
losses
   Estimated
fair value

March 31, 2009:

           

Fixed maturity securities:

           

U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government corporations

   $ 95.0    $ 23.5    $ —      $ 118.5

U.S. Government agencies1

     398.2      76.9      —        475.1

Obligations of states and political subdivisions

     267.3      2.9      11.5      258.7

Debt securities issued by foreign governments

     50.1      2.4      0.1      52.4

Corporate securities

           

Public

     9,844.3      120.3      1,015.6      8,949.0

Private

     4,910.9      37.2      500.8      4,447.3

Residential mortgage-backed securities

     8,505.7      160.0      934.0      7,731.7

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

     1,458.2      1.0      502.4      956.8

Collateralized debt obligations

     589.9      5.4      353.3      242.0

Other asset-backed securities

     583.9      2.7      91.2      495.4
                           

Total fixed maturity securities

     26,703.5      432.3      3,408.9      23,726.9

Equity securities

     49.9      0.1      2.4      47.6
                           

Total securities available-for-sale

   $ 26,753.4    $ 432.4    $ 3,411.3    $ 23,774.5
                           

December 31, 2008:

           

Fixed maturity securities:

           

U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government corporations

   $ 94.3    $ 25.4    $ —      $ 119.7

U.S. Government agencies1

     420.5      93.3      —        513.8

Obligations of states and political subdivisions

     271.3      1.6      10.5      262.4

Debt securities issued by foreign governments

     50.1      5.4      —        55.5

Corporate securities

           

Public

     8,881.9      109.9      1,040.7      7,951.1

Private

     5,002.8      45.2      403.4      4,644.6

Residential mortgage-backed securities

     8,369.1      109.8      881.0      7,597.9

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

     1,488.9      0.6      473.9      1,015.6

Collateralized debt obligations

     557.7      6.4      240.7      323.4

Other asset-backed securities

     689.1      3.6      107.0      585.7
                           

Total fixed maturity securities

     25,825.7      401.2      3,157.2      23,069.7

Equity securities

     68.7      0.8      8.8      60.7
                           

Total securities available-for-sale

   $ 25,894.4    $ 402.0    $ 3,166.0    $ 23,130.4
                           

 

1

Includes estimated fair values of $121.3 million and $146.5 million of securities explicitly backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government as of March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively.

 

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The following table lists the ten largest securities aggregated by parent exposure and classified as fixed maturity investment holdings by estimated fair value for both investment grade and non-investment grade securities included in the general account as of March 31, 2009 (excluding U.S. Treasury securities, obligations of U.S. Government corporations, agency bonds, and residential mortgage-backed securities, commercial mortgage-backed securities, collateralized debt obligations and other asset-backed securities issued by government agencies explicitly backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S Government):

 

(in millions)

   Rating1    Amortized
cost
   Estimated
fair value
        Rating1    Amortized
cost
   Estimated
fair value

Investment Grade2

            Non-Investment Grade2         

Bank of America Corp.

   BBB+    $ 207.7    $ 160.0    CSX Corp.    BB+    $ 51.7    $ 45.4

AT&T, Inc.

   A      141.0      139.4    AMR Corp.    BB      43.4      33.3

Verizon Communications, Inc.

   BBB+      127.7      130.0    UBS AG    BB+      29.8      28.7

Conoco Phillips

   A      131.3      129.6    Centro Properties Group    B      23.8      26.9

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

   A      134.6      110.3    The Thomson Corp.    CC      24.1      24.0

BHP Billiton, Ltd.

   A+      98.8      99.4    Cemex SA    B-      26.5      23.1

Covidien, Ltd.

   BBB+      95.1      95.7    Rohm & Haas Co.    BB+      21.3      21.4

SAB Miller, Plc.

   BBB+      98.6      95.2    Seminole Tribe of Florida    BB+      27.0      21.1

Wells Fargo & Co.

   A+      110.6      94.1    Buffalo Rock Co., Inc.    BB+      26.4      20.8

Cox Enterprises, Inc.

   BBB-      97.6      93.4    Deluxe Corp.    BB-      23.4      20.7

 

1

Predominant rating based on a weighted average of ratings by Moody’s and S&P.

2

Except for securities aggregated by an issuer or sponsor, no individual issuer of the excluded asset types above meet the threshold to be included in the table above.

Refer to Part 1 – Financial Information, Item 1 – Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, Note 7 – Investments for additional information regarding the nature of the Company’s portfolio of securities available-for-sale, concentration of risks within these portfolios and the methodology and inputs used in evaluating whether the securities is other-than-temporarily impaired.

Collateral Exposure

The Company’s portfolio of residential mortgage-backed securities are comprised of investments securitized by the cash flows of mortgage loans with four primary collateral characteristics: government agency, prime, Alt-A and subprime. In general, recent market activity has negatively impacted the valuation of securities containing Alt-A and Sub-prime collateral.

The Company considers Alt-A collateral to be mortgages whose underwriting standards do not qualify the mortgage for regular conforming or jumbo loan programs. Typical underwriting characteristics that cause a mortgage to fall into the Alt-A classification may include, but are not limited to, inadequate loan documentation of a borrower’s financial information, debt-to-income ratios above normal lending limits, loan-to-value ratios above normal lending limits that do not have primary mortgage insurance, a borrower who is a temporary resident, and loans securing non-conforming types of real estate. Alt-A mortgages are generally issued to borrowers having higher Fair Isaac Credit Organization (FICO) scores, and the lender typically issues a slightly higher interest rate for such mortgages.

The Company considers Sub-prime collateral to be mortgages that are first or second lien mortgage loans issued to Sub-prime borrowers, as demonstrated by recent delinquent rent or housing payments or substandard FICO scores. Second-lien mortgage loans are also considered Sub-prime. The Company considers Prime collateral to be mortgages whose underwriting standards do qualify the mortgage for regular conforming or jumbo loan programs. In addition, government agency collateral is considered to be mortgages securitized by government agencies both implicitly and explicitly backed by the full faith and credit of the United States Government.

Recent conditions in the securities markets, including changes in investment quality ratings, liquidity, credit spreads, interest rates and decreased levels of activity in certain markets, have resulted in declines in the values of investment securities, including corporate debt securities, residential mortgage-backed securities, commercial mortgage-backed securities, collateralized debt obligations and other asset-backed securities.

 

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The Company’s investments in securities that contain Alt-A and Sub-prime collateral are predominantly highly rated. As of March 31, 2009, 40% and 78% of securities containing Alt-A and Sub-prime collateral, respectively, were rated AA or better compared to 76% and 85%, respectively, as of December 31, 2008. In addition, as of March 31, 2009, 67% and 78% of Alt-A and Sub-prime collateral, respectively, was originated in 2005 or earlier compared to 68% and 77%, respectively, as of December 31, 2008.

The following tables summarize the distribution by collateral classification, rating and origination year, respectively, of the Company’s general account RMBSs as of March 31, 2009:

 

(dollars in millions)

   Amortized
cost
   Estimated
fair value
   % of
  estimated  
fair value
total

Government agency

   $ 3,668.5    $ 3,800.6    49.2%

Prime

     1,385.6      1,116.4    14.4%

Alt-A

     2,025.5      1,511.5    19.5%

Sub-prime

     660.1      526.2    6.8%

Other residential mortgage collateral

     766.0      777.0    10.1%
                  

Total

   $ 8,505.7    $ 7,731.7    100.0%
                  

 

     Alt-A    Sub-prime

(dollars in millions)

   Amortized
cost
   Estimated
fair value
   % of
estimated
fair value
total
   Amortized
cost
   Estimated
fair value
   % of
estimated
fair value
total

AAA

   $ 634.4    $ 529.3    35.0%    $ 309.6    $ 268.0    50.9%

AA

     90.3      76.6    5.1%      182.8      140.5    26.7%

A

     89.7      65.2    4.3%      34.7      30.5    5.8%

BBB

     348.4      250.0    16.5%      35.3      25.8    4.9%

BB and below

     862.7      590.4    39.1%      97.7      61.4    11.7%
                                     

Total

   $ 2,025.5    $ 1,511.5    100.0%    $ 660.1    $ 526.2    100.0%
                                     

 

     Alt-A    Sub-prime

(dollars in millions)

   Amortized
cost
   Estimated
fair value
   % of
estimated
fair value
total
   Amortized
cost
   Estimated
fair value
   % of
estimated
fair value
total

Pre-2005

   $ 563.3    $ 489.0    32.4%    $ 425.3    $ 343.3    65.2%

2005

     706.6      524.2    34.7%      76.9      67.4    12.8%

2006

     445.3      286.0    18.9%      138.1      102.5    19.5%

2007

     310.3      212.3    14.0%      19.8      13.0    2.5%
                                     

Total

   $ 2,025.5    $ 1,511.5    100.0%    $ 660.1    $ 526.2    100.0%
                                     

 

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The following tables summarize the distribution by collateral classification, rating and origination year, respectively, of the Company’s general account RMBSs as of December 31, 2008:

 

(dollars in millions)

   Amortized
cost
   Estimated
fair value
   % of
  estimated  
fair value
total

Government agency

   $ 4,297.1    $ 4,387.3    57.8%

Prime

     1,396.3      1,085.3    14.3%

Alt-A

     1,871.3      1,469.5    19.3%

Sub-prime

     678.6      530.5    7.0%

Other residential mortgage collateral

     125.8      125.3    1.6%
                  

Total

   $ 8,369.1    $ 7,597.9    100.0%
                  

 

     Alt-A    Sub-prime

(dollars in millions)

   Amortized
cost
   Estimated
fair value
   % of
estimated
fair value
total
   Amortized
cost
   Estimated
fair value
   % of
estimated
fair value
total

AAA

   $ 1,293.6    $ 1,011.1    68.8%    $ 371.3    $ 315.8    59.5%

AA

     141.4      98.8    6.7%      183.0      134.5    25.4%

A

     92.5      77.2    5.3%      20.6      18.7    3.5%

BBB

     54.4      47.7    3.2%      34.7      20.0    3.8%

BB and below

     289.4      234.7    16.0%      69.0      41.5    7.8%
                                     

Total

   $ 1,871.3    $ 1,469.5    100.0%    $ 678.6    $ 530.5    100.0%
                                     

 

     Alt-A    Sub-prime

(dollars in millions)

   Amortized
cost
   Estimated
fair value
   % of
estimated
fair value
total
   Amortized
cost
   Estimated
fair value
   % of
estimated
fair value
total

Pre-2005

   $ 573.9    $ 486.9    33.1%    $ 431.8    $ 345.3    65.1%

2005

     693.4      519.2    35.4%      80.5      62.6    11.8%

2006

     301.2      248.6    16.9%      142.4      109.9    20.7%

2007

     302.8      214.8    14.6%      23.9      12.7    2.4%
                                     

Total

   $ 1,871.3    $ 1,469.5    100.0%    $ 678.6    $ 530.5    100.0%
                                     

 

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The following table summarizes the distribution of the Company’s general account commercial mortgage-backed securities, collateralized debt obligations and other asset-backed securities collateral by collateral classification, and rating, as of the dates indicated:

 

     Amortized cost    Estimated fair value

( in millions)

   AAA    AA    A and
below
   Total    AAA    AA    A and
below
   Total

March 31, 2009:

                       

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

   $ 1,170.4    $ 169.3    $ 118.5    $ 1,458.2    $ 853.3    $ 65.7    $ 37.8    $ 956.8

Credit cards

     155.4      —        75.9      231.3      143.5      —        65.8      209.3

Collateralized debt obligations

     106.9      42.4      440.6      589.9      93.1      20.2      128.7      242.0

Aviations

     1.1      0.5      106.9      108.5      1.1      0.5      96.0      97.6

Franchise/business loans

     24.6      —        77.2      101.8      23.6      —        35.7      59.3

Automobiles

     24.7      —        7.4      32.1      23.3      —        7.4      30.7

Student loans

     30.0      —        —        30.0      27.6      —        —        27.6

Tobacco

     1.2      —        22.4      23.6      1.2      —        19.9      21.1

Manufactured housing

     4.7      —        3.7      8.4      4.2      —        2.6      6.8

Other

     2.3      4.5      41.4      48.2      2.2      3.9      36.9      43.0
                                                       

Total

   $ 1,521.3    $ 216.7    $ 894.0    $ 2,632.0    $ 1,173.1    $ 90.3    $ 430.8    $ 1,694.2
                                                       

December 31, 2008:

                       

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

   $ 1,203.7    $ 191.4    $ 93.8    $ 1,488.9    $ 909.6    $ 71.5    $ 34.5    $ 1,015.6

Credit cards

     204.1      —        105.0      309.1      179.3      —        94.5      273.8

Collateralized debt obligations

     191.7      73.7      292.3      557.7      128.4      36.7      158.3      323.4

Aviations

     1.3      0.6      97.9      99.8      1.3      0.6      83.6      85.5

Franchise/business loans

     25.3      —        78.4      103.7      24.0      —        44.3      68.3

Automobiles

     39.5      —        10.0      49.5      36.9      —        7.5      44.4

Student loans

     30.0      —        —        30.0      28.5      —        —        28.5

Tobacco

     1.2      —        22.4      23.6      1.2      —        20.1      21.3

Manufactured housing

     5.1      3.8      —        8.9      4.8      2.9      —        7.7

Other

     6.2      1.1      57.2      64.5      5.7      1.0      49.5      56.2
                                                       

Total

   $ 1,708.1    $ 270.6    $ 757.0    $ 2,735.7    $ 1,319.7    $ 112.7    $ 492.3    $ 1,924.7
                                                       

 

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Net Realized Investment Gains (Losses) and Impairment Losses

The following table summarizes for the year ended March 31, 2009 the Company’s largest aggregate losses on sales and net other-than-temporary impairment losses by issuer, the related circumstances giving rise to the losses and the circumstances that may have affected other material investments held:

 

       Fair value  
at sale
(proceeds)
   YTD loss
on sale
   YTD
other-than-temporary
impairment losses
    March 31, 2009  

(in millions)

           Holdings1    Net
unrealized
gain (loss) 3
 

Ownership interest in a perpetual preferred security. An impairment was recognized in the first quarter of 2009 due to an inability to demonstrate that full recovery would occur within a reasonable time period.

   $ —      $ —      $ (40.1 )   $ 24.0    $ —    

Ownership interest in a corporate bond. An impairment was recognized in the first quarter of 2009 due to full recovery not being expected.

     —        —        (19.7 )     16.4      (2.9 )

Ownership interest in a perpetual preferred security. An impairment was recognized in the first quarter of 2009 due to an inability to demonstrate that full recovery would occur within a reasonable time period.

     —        —        (18.6 )     44.9      (10.1 )

Ownership interest in a perpetual preferred security. An impairment was recognized in the first quarter of 2009 due to an inability to demonstrate that full recovery would occur within a reasonable time period.

     —        —        (17.5 )     1.6      —    

Ownership interest in a corporate bond. An impairment was recognized in the first quarter of 2009 due to full recovery not being expected.

     —        —        (15.9 )     24.1      (0.1 )

Ownership interest in a perpetual preferred security. An impairment was recognized in the first quarter of 2009 due to an inability to demonstrate that full recovery would occur within a reasonable time period.

     —        —        (15.6 )     10.1      —    

Ownership interest in a securitization of a fleet of container vessels. An impairment was recognized in the first quarter of 2009 due to expected loss of principal.

     —        —        (13.7 )     13.4      —    

Ownership interest in a subprime residential mortgage-backed security. An impairment was recognized in the first quarter of 2009 due to expected principal loss.2

     —        —        (12.3 )     92.7      (13.6 )

Ownership interest in stripped perpetual debt principal units. An impairment was recognized in the first quarter of 2009 due to an inability to demonstrate that full recovery would occur within a reasonable time period.

     —        —        (6.9 )     9.2      (0.6 )

 

1

Holdings represent amortized cost of fixed maturity securities and cost of equity securities as of the date indicated aggregated for all classes of holdings of the issuer.

 

2

Securities with sub-prime collateral.

 

3

Includes other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in other comprehensive income

No other issuer had aggregate losses on sales and write-downs greater than 2.0% of the Company’s total gross losses on sales and write-downs on fixed maturity and equity securities as of the date indicated.

 

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Mortgage Loans

As of March 31, 2009, general account mortgage loans were $7.73 billion (21%) of the carrying value of consolidated general account investments compared to $7.89 billion (22%) as of December 31, 2008. Substantially all of these loans were commercial mortgage loans. Commitments to fund mortgage loans of $25.1 million were outstanding as of March 31, 2009, compared to $24.9 million as of December 31, 2008.

The table below summarizes the carrying values of mortgage loans by regional exposure and property type as of March 31, 2009:

 

(in millions)

   Office    Warehouse    Retail    Apartment
& Other
   Total  

New England

   $ 133.7    $ 26.1    $ 62.2    $ 104.9    $ 326.9  

Middle Atlantic

     235.0      250.5      333.6      106.7      925.8  

East North Central

     101.3      212.5      532.0      623.5      1,469.3  

West North Central

     10.6      61.0      68.4      137.6      277.6  

South Atlantic

     134.6      470.9      722.9      414.9      1,743.3  

East South Central

     21.8      42.9      116.9      94.7      276.3  

West South Central

     24.5      167.0      179.5      231.0      602.0  

Mountain

     100.9      120.4      135.4      317.4      674.1  

Pacific

     315.1      410.7      415.0      326.9      1,467.7  
                                    

Total principal

   $ 1,077.5    $ 1,762.0    $ 2,565.9    $ 2,357.6      7,763.0  
                              

Valuation allowance

                 (31.5 )

Unamortized premium

                 3.6  

Fair value adjustment on held for sale mortgage loans

              (31.6 )

Cumulative change in fair value of hedged mortgage loans and commitments

           25.0  
                    

Total mortgage loans on real estate, net

               $ 7,728.5  
                    

As of March 31, 2009, the Company’s largest exposure to any single borrower, region and property type was 1%, 22% and 33%, respectively, of the Company’s general account mortgage loan portfolio compared to 2%, 23%, and 33% respectively, as of December 31, 2008.

As of March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the Company’s mortgage loans classified as delinquent, foreclosed and restructured were immaterial as a percentage of the total mortgage loan portfolio.

 

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ITEM 3 QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

The Company’s market risks have not changed materially from those disclosed in the Company’s 2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

ITEM 4 CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

The Company’s President and Chief Operating Officer (its Principal Executive Officer) and Chief Financial Officer have evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934). Based on such evaluation, such officers have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There have been no changes during the Company’s first fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

PART II– OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1 LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

See Part 1 – Financial Information, Item 1 – Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, Note 10 – Contingencies – Legal Matters for a discussion of legal proceedings.

ITEM 1A RISK FACTORS

The Company’s risk factors have not changed materially from those disclosed in the Company’s 2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

ITEM 2 UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

None.

ITEM 3 DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None.

ITEM 4 SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

None.

ITEM 5 OTHER INFORMATION

None.

 

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ITEM 6 EXHIBITS

 

  10.1

Nationwide Long-Term Performance Plan, amended and restated effective January 1, 2009 (previously filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K, Commission File No. 1-12785, filed April 1, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference)

 

  31.1

Certification of Mark R. Thresher pursuant to 18 U.S.C. section 1350, as adopted pursuant to section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

  31.2

Certification of Timothy G. Frommeyer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. section 1350, as adopted pursuant to section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

  32.1

Certification of Mark R. Thresher pursuant to 18 U.S.C. section 1350, as adopted pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (this exhibit is intended to be furnished in accordance with Regulation S-K, Item 601(b)(32)(ii) and shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or incorporated by reference into any document filed under the Securities Act of 1933, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference to such filing)

 

  32.2

Certification of Timothy G. Frommeyer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. section 1350, as adopted pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (this exhibit is intended to be furnished in accordance with Regulation S-K, Item 601(b)(32)(ii) and shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or incorporated by reference into any document filed under the Securities Act of 1933, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference to such filing)

 

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SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

 

 

NATIONWIDE FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC.

(Registrant)

Date: May 7, 2009

 

/s/ Timothy G. Frommeyer

 

Timothy G. Frommeyer,

Senior Vice President — Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial Officer and Duly Authorized Officer)

 

85