485BPOS 1 neavaluecomplete.htm NEA VALUEBUILDER neavaluebuilder.htm
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM N-4

REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 File No.  2-75174

Pre Effective Amendment No.
o
   
Post Effective Amendment No. 41
þ

and

REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940File No.  811-3338

Amendment No. 66
þ

(Check appropriate box or boxes.)


NATIONWIDE MULTI-FLEX VARIABLE ACCOUNT
(Exact Name of Registrant)


NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
(Name of Depositor)


One Nationwide Plaza, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(Address of Depositor's Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)


Depositor's Telephone Number, including Area Code
(614) 249-7111



Robert W. Horner, III , Vice President Corporate Governance and Secretary, One Nationwide Plaza, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(Name and Address of Agent for Service)



Approximate Date of Proposed Public Offering
May 1, 200 9


It is proposed that this filing will become effective (check appropriate box)
o      immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b)
þ      on May 1, 200 9 pursuant to paragraph (b)
o      60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)
o      on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)
If appropriate, check the following box:
o      this post-effective amendment designates a new effective date for a previously filed post-effective amendment.

Title of Securities Being Registered
Individual Deferred Variable Annuity Contract


 
 

 

NEA Valuebuilder
Nationwide Life Insurance Company
Individual Deferred Variable Annuity Contracts
Issued by Nationwide Life Insurance Company through its Nationwide Multi-Flex Variable Account
The date of this prospectus is May 1, 2009 .

This prospectus contains basic information you should understand about the contracts before investing   Please read this prospectus carefully and keep it for future reference.
 
Variable annuities are complex investment products with unique benefits and advantages that may be particularly useful in meeting long-term savings and retirement needs. There are costs and charges associated with these benefits and advantages - costs and charges that are different, or do not exist at all, within other investment products. With help from financial consultants and advisers, investors are encouraged to compare and contrast the costs and benefits of the variable annuity described in this prospectus against those of other investment products, especially other variable annuity and variable life insurance products offered by Nationwide and its affiliates. Nationwide offers a wide array of such products, many with different charges, benefit features and underlying investment options. This process of comparison and analysis should aid in determining whether the purchase of the contract described in this prospectus is consistent with your investment objectives, risk tolerance, investment time horizon, marital status, tax situation and other personal characteristics and needs.
 
The Statement of Additional Information (dated May 1, 2009 ) which contains additional information about the contracts and the variable account has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") and is incorporated herein by reference.  The table of contents for the Statement of Additional Information is on page 30.  For general information or to obtain free copies of the Statement of Additional Information call 1-800-NEA-VALU (800-632-8258) or write:
 
One Security Benefit Place
Topeka, Kansas 66636-0001
 
Information about us and the product (including the Statement of Additional Information) may also be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C., or may be obtained, upon payment of a duplicating fee, by writing the Public Reference Section of the SEC, 100 F Street NE, Washington, D.C. 20549-0102.  Additional information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling the SEC at (202) 551-8090.  The SEC also maintains a web site (www.sec.gov) that contains the prospectus, the SAI, material incorporated by reference, and other information.
 
Before investing, understand that annuities and/or life insurance products are not insured by the FDIC or any other Federal government agency, and are not deposits or obligations of, guaranteed by, or insured by the depository institution where offered or any of its affiliates.  Annuities that involve investment risk may lose value.  These securities have not been approved or disapproved by the SEC, nor has the SEC passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of the prospectus.  Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
 
The sub-accounts available under this contract invest in the underlying mutual funds of the companies listed below. For a complete list of the available sub-accounts, please refer to the Appendix A. For more information on the underlying mutual funds, please refer to the prospectus for the mutual fund.
 
AIM Variable Insurance Funds
 
American Century Variable Portfolios, Inc.
 
Dreyfus
 
Dreyfus Variable Investment Fund
 
Fidelity Variable Insurance Products Fund
 
Franklin Templeton Variable Insurance Products Trust
 
Janus Aspen Series
 
Nationwide Variable Insurance Trust
 
Neuberger Berman Advisers Management Trust
 
PIMCO Variable Insurance Trust
 
Royce Capital Fund
 
SBL Fund
 
Wells Fargo Advantage Funds® Variable Trust
 
Purchase payments not invested in the underlying mutual fund options of the Nationwide Multi-Flex Variable Account ("variable account") may be allocated to the fixed account.

 
1

 

 
 
Accumulation unit - An accounting unit of measure used to calculate the contract value allocated to the variable account before the annuitization date.
 
Annuitization date - The date on which annuity payments begin.
 
Annuity commencement date - The date on which annuity payments are scheduled to begin. This date may be changed by the contract owner with Nationwide’s consent.
 
Annuity unit - An accounting unit of measure used to calculate the variable payment annuity payments.
 
Contract value - The sum of the value of all the variable sub-account accumulation units attributable to a contract.
 
Contract year - Each year the contract is in force beginning with the date the contract is issued.
 
Daily Net Assets - A figure that is calculated at the end of each valuation date and represents the sum of all the contract owners’ interests in the variable sub-accounts after the deduction of contract and underlying mutual fund expenses.
 
ERISA - The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended.
 
FDIC - Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.
 
Fixed account - An investment option that is funded by the general account of Nationwide.
 
General account - All assets of Nationwide other than those of the variable account or in other separate accounts that have been or may be established by Nationwide.
 
Individual Retirement Account - An account that qualifies for favorable tax treatment under Section 408(a) of the Internal Revenue Code, but does not include Roth IRAs.
 
Individual Retirement Annuity - An annuity contract that qualifies for favorable tax treatment under Section 408(b) of the Internal Revenue Code, but does not include Roth IRAs.
 
Nationwide - Nationwide Life Insurance Company.
 
Net asset value - The value of one share of an underlying mutual fund at the close of the New York Stock Exchange.
 
Non-Qualified Contract - A contract which does not qualify for favorable tax treatment as a Qualified Plan, Individual Retirement Annuity, Roth IRA, SEP IRA, or Tax Sheltered Annuity.
 
Qualified Plans - Retirement plans which receive favorable tax treatment under Section 401 of the Internal Revenue Code.
 
Roth IRA - An annuity contract which qualifies for favorable tax treatment under Section 408A of the Internal Revenue Code.
 
SEC - Securities and Exchange Commission.
 
SEP IRA - An annuity contract which qualifies for favorable tax treatment under Section 408(k) of the Internal Revenue Code.
 
Sub-accounts - Divisions of the variable account to which accumulation units and annuity units are separately maintained – each sub-account corresponds to a single underlying mutual fund.
 
Tax Sheltered Annuity - An annuity that qualifies for favorable tax treatment under Section 403(b) of the Internal Revenue Code.
 
Valuation date - Each day the New York Stock Exchange is open for business, or any other day during which there is a sufficient degree of trading of underlying mutual fund shares such that the current net asset value of accumulation units or annuity units might be materially affected.  Values of the variable account are determined as of the close of the New York Stock Exchange which generally closes at 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time, but may close earlier on certain days and as conditions warrant.
 
Valuation period - The period of time commencing at the close of a Valuation date and ending at the close of the New York Stock Exchange for the next succeeding Valuation date.
 
Variable account - Nationwide Multi-Flex Variable Account, a separate account of Nationwide that contains variable account allocations.  The variable account is divided into sub-accounts, each of which invests in shares of a separate underlying mutual fund.

 
2

 
 
Table of Contents
Page
Glossary of Special Terms
2
Contract Expenses
5
Underlying Mutual Fund Annual Expenses
6
Example
7
Synopsis of the Contracts
7
Minimum Initial and Subsequent Purchase Payments
 
Dollar Limit Restrictions
 
Purpose of the Contract
 
Charges and Expenses
 
Annuity Payments
 
Taxation
 
Ten Day Free Look
 
Financial Statements
9
Condensed Financial Information
9
Nationwide Life Insurance Company
9
Security Distributors, Inc.
9
Investing in the Contract
9
The Variable Account and Underlying Mutual Funds
 
The Fixed Account
 
The Contract in General
11
Distribution, Promotional and Sales Expense
 
Underlying Mutual Fund Payments
 
Profitability
 
Contract Modification
 
Charges and Deductions
13
Contract Maintenance Charge
 
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge
 
Variable Account Charges for Contracts Issued Before November 3, 1997
 
Variable Account Charges for Contracts Issued On or After November 3, 1997
 
School District Processing Fee
 
Contract Exchange Fee
 
Premium Taxes
 
Contract Ownership
15
Contingent Ownership
 
Annuitant
 
Beneficiary and Contingent Beneficiary
 
Operation of the Contract
15
Minimum Initial and Subsequent Purchase Payments
 
Pricing
 
Allocation of Purchase Payments
 
Determining the Contract Value
 
Transfers
 
Transfer Restrictions
 
Right to Examine and Cancel
19
Surrender (Redemption) Prior to Annuitization
19
Partial Surrenders (Partial Redemptions)
 
Full Surrenders (Full Redemptions)
 
Surrenders Under a Qualified Plan or Tax Sheltered Annuity
 
Surrenders Under a Texas Optional Retirement Program
 
Loan Privilege
20
Minimum and Maximum Loan Amounts
 
Maximum Loan Processing Fee
 
How Loan Requests are Processed
 
Interest
 
Loan Repayment
 
Distributions and Annuity Payments
 
Transferring the Contract
 
 
 
3

 
 
Table of Contents (continued)
Page
Grace Period and Loan Default
 
Assignment
21
Contract Owner Services
21
Asset Rebalancing
 
Dollar Cost Averaging
 
Systematic Withdrawals
 
Annuity Commencement Date
22
Annuitizing the Contract
22
Annuitization Date
 
Annuitization
 
Fixed Payment Annuity
 
Variable Payment Annuity
 
Frequency and Amount of Annuity Payments
 
Annuity Payment Options
 
Death Benefits
24
Death of Contract Owner – Non-Qualified Contracts
 
Death of Annuitant – Non-Qualified Contracts
 
Death of Contract Owner/Annuitant
 
How the Death Benefit Value is Determined
 
Death Benefit Payment
 
Statements and Reports
25
Legal Proceedings
26
Table of Contents of Statement of Additional Information
30
Appendix A: Underlying Mutual Funds
31
Appendix B: Condensed Financial Information
36
Appendix C: Contract Types and Tax Information
45
Appendix D: State Variations Information  
53

 
4

 

 
The following tables describe the fees and expenses that a contract owner will pay when buying, owning, or surrendering the contract.
 
The first table describes the fees and expenses a contract owner will pay at the time the contract is purchased, surrendered, or when cash value is transferred between investment options.
 
Contract Owner Transaction Expenses
Maximum Contingent Deferred Sales Charge ("CDSC") (as a percentage of purchase payments surrendered) 7%1
*Range of CDSC over time:
 
Number of Completed Years from Date of Purchase Payment
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
 
 
CDSC Percentage
7%
6%
5%
4%
3%
2%
1%
0%
 
Some state jurisdictions require a lower CDSC schedule.  Please refer to your contract for state specific information.
Maximum Loan Processing Fee $252
Maximum Premium Tax Charge (as a percentage of purchase payments) 5%3
 
The next table describes the fees and expenses that a contract owner will pay periodically during the life of the contract (not including underlying mutual fund fees and expenses).
 
Recurring or Administrative Contract Expenses
Annual Loan Interest Charge
2.25%4
Maximum Annual Contract Maintenance Charge
Maximum Contract Exchange Fee (when applicable) 
$305
$406
Maximum School District Processing Fee (when applicable) 
Greater of $30 or 0.40% of contract value7
Variable Account Annual Expenses (annualized rate of total variable account charges as a percentage of the D aily N et A ssets)8
 
For contracts issued on or after the later of November 3, 1997 or the date on which state insurance authorities approve applicable contract modifications:
 
Actuarial Risk Fee
1.30%
For contracts issued prior to November 3, 1997 or on a date prior to which state insurance authorities approve applicable contract modifications:
 
Mortality and Expense Risk Charge
1.25%
Administration Charge
0.05%
Total Variable Account Annual Expenses
1.30%
 
 
 
5

 
 
 
The next table provides the minimum and maximum total operating expenses, as of December 31, 2008, charged by the underlying mutual funds that you may pay periodically during the life of the Contract.  More detail concerning each underlying mutual fund’s fees and expenses, including waivers and reimbursements, is contained in the prospectus for each underlying mutual fund.
 
Total Annual Underlying Mutual Fund Operating Expenses
Minimum
Maximum
     
(expenses that are deducted from underlying mutual fund assets, including management fees, distribution (12b-1) fees, and other expenses, as a percentage of average underlying mutual fund assets)
0.28%
1.93%
 
The minimum and maximum underlying mutual fund operating expenses indicated above do not reflect voluntary or contractual reimbursements and/or waivers applied to some underlying mutual funds.  Therefore, actual expenses could be lower.  Refer to the underlying mutual fund prospectuses for specific expense information.
 



 
6

 
 
 
This Example is intended to help contract owners compare the cost of investing in the contract with the cost of investing in other variable annuity contracts.  These costs include contract owner transaction expenses, contract fees, variable account annual expenses, and underlying mutual fund fees and expenses.  The example does not reflect premium taxes which, if reflected, would result in higher expenses.
 
The Example assumes:
·
a $10,000 investment in the contract for the time periods indicated;
·
a 5% return each year;
·
a $30 Contract Maintenance Charge expressed as a percentage of the average account size; and
·
the maximum and the minimum fees and expenses of any of the underlying mutual funds;
·
the CDSC schedule; and
·
the total variable account charges associated with the contract (1.30%).
 
The Example does not reflect the Maximum Contract Exchange Fee or the Maximum School District Processing Fee.
 
 
If you surrender your contract
at the end of the applicable
time period
 
 If you annuitize your contract
at the end of the applicable
time period
 
 
If you do not
surrender
your contract
 
1 Yr.
3 Yrs.
5 Yrs.
10 Yrs.
1 Yr.
3 Yrs.
5 Yrs.
10 Yrs.
1 Yr.
3 Yrs.
5 Yrs.
10 Yrs.
Maximum Total Underlying Mutual Fund Operating Expenses 1.93%
971
1,486
2,082
3,930
*
1,126
1,902
3,930
371
1,126
1,902
3,930
Minimum Total Underlying Mutual Fund Operating Expenses 0.28%
797
970
1,229
2,266
*
610
1,049
2,266
197
610
1,049
2,266
 
*The contracts sold under this prospectus do not permit annuitization during the first two contract years.
Synopsis of the Contracts
 
The contracts described in this prospectus are flexible purchase payment contracts.  The contracts may be issued as either individual or group contracts.  In those states where contracts are issued as group contracts, references throughout this prospectus to "contract(s)" will also mean "certificate(s)" and references to "contract owner" will mean "participant" unless otherwise indicated in the plan.
 
The contracts can be categorized as:
 
·
Individual Retirement Annuities ("IRAs");
 
·
Non-Qualified Contracts;
 
·
Qualified Plans;
 
·
Roth IRAs;
 
·
Simplified Employee Pension IRAs ("SEP IRAs"); and
 
·
Tax Sheltered Annuities.
 
For more detailed information with regard to the differences in contract types, please see "Types of Contracts" in Appendix C.
 
Minimum Initial and Subsequent Purchase Payments
 
Contract
Type
Minimum Initial Purchase Payment
Minimum Subsequent Payments
IRA
$0
$0
Non-Qualified Contracts
$1,500
$10
Qualified Plans
$0
$0
Roth IRA
$0
$0
SEP IRA
$0
$0
Tax Sheltered Annuity*
$0
$0
 
*Only available for individual 403(b) Tax Sheltered Annuity contracts subject to ERISA and certain state Optional Retirement Plans and/or Programs that have purchased at least one individual annuity contract issued by Nationwide prior to September 25, 2007.
 
Nationwide reserves the right to refuse any purchase payment that would result in the cumulative total for all contracts issued by Nationwide on the life of any one annuitant to exceed $1,000,000.    Its decision as to whether or not to accept a purchase payment in excess of that amount will be based on one or more factors, including, but not limited to: age, spouse age (if applicable), annuitant age, state of issue, total purchase payments, optional benefits elected, current market conditions, and current hedging costs. All such decisions will be based on internally established actuarial guidelines and will be applied in a non-discriminatory manner.  In the event that we do not accept a purchase payment under these guidelines, we will immediately return the purchase

 
7

 
 
payment in its entirety in the same manner as it was received.  If we accept the purchase payment, it will be applied to the contract immediately and will receive the next calculated Accumulation unit value.  Any references in this prospectus to purchase payment amounts in excess of $1,000,000 are assumed to have been approved by Nationwide.
 
Dollar Limit Restrictions
 
In addition to the potential purchase payment restriction listed above, certain features of the contract have additional purchase payment and/or Contract value limitations associated with them:
 
Annuitization.   Your annuity payment options will be limited if you submit total purchase payments in excess of $2,000,000.  Furthermore, if the amount to be annuitized is greater than $5,000,000, we may limit both the amount that can be annuitized on a single life and the annuity payment options.
 
Death benefit calculations.   Purchase payments up to $3,000,000 will result in a higher death benefit payment than purchase payments in excess of $3,000,000.  
 
Purpose of the Contract
 
The annuity described in this prospectus is intended to provide benefits to a single individual and his/her beneficiaries.  It is not intended to be used:
 
·
by institutional investors;
·
in connection with other Nationwide contracts that have the same annuitant; or
·
in connection with other Nationwide contracts that have different annuitants, but the same contract owner.
 
By providing these annuity benefits, Nationwide assumes certain risks.  If Nationwide determines that the risks it intended to assume in issuing the contract have been altered by misusing the contract as described above, Nationwide reserves the right to take any action it deems necessary to reduce or eliminate the altered risk, including, but not limited to, rescinding the contract and returning the contract value (less any applicable Contingent Deferred Sales Charge and/or market value adjustment).  Nationwide also reserves the right to take any action it deems necessary to reduce or eliminate altered risk resulting from materially false, misleading, incomplete or otherwise deficient information provided by the contract owner.
 
Charges and Expenses
 
For contracts issued before November 3, 1997 or in states which have not approved applicable contract modifications, Nationwide will deduct:
 
a)
a mortality and expense risk charge equal to an annualized rate of 1.25% of the D aily N et A ssets of the variable account; and
 
b)
an administration charge equal to an annualized rate of 0.05% of the D aily N et A ssets of the variable account.
 
See "Variable Account Charges for Contracts Issued Before November 3, 1997."
 
For contracts issued on or after the later of November 3, 1997 or the date state insurance authorities approve corresponding contract modifications, Nationwide will deduct an actuarial risk fee equal to an annualized rate of 1.30% of the D aily N et A ssets of the variable account for actuarial risks assumed by Nationwide (see "Variable Account Charges for Contracts Issued On or After November 3, 1997").
 
A maximum annual contract maintenance charge of $30 is assessed against each contract on the contract anniversary.  This charge reimburses Nationwide for administrative expenses related to contract issuance and maintenance (see "Contract Maintenance Charge").  Nationwide will waive the contract maintenance charge for:
 
(1)
Tax Sheltered Annuities issued on or after the later of May 1, 1997, or the date state insurance authorities in states having a Unified Billing Authority approve corresponding contract modifications; or
 
(2)
contracts issued to fund Qualified Plans (as defined by Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code) on or after the later of November 3, 1997, or the date on which state insurance authorities approve applicable contract modifications.
 
Nationwide does not deduct a sales charge from purchase payments upon deposit into the contract.  However, Nationwide may deduct a CDSC if any amount is withdrawn from the contract.  This CDSC reimburses Nationwide for sales expenses.  The amount of the CDSC will not exceed 7% of purchase payments surrendered.
 
Underlying Mutual Fund Annual Expenses
 
The underlying mutual funds charge fees and expenses that are deducted from underlying mutual fund assets.  These fees and expenses are in addition to the fees and expenses assessed by the contract.  The prospectus for each underlying mutual fund provides information regarding the fees and expenses applicable to the fund.
 
Short-Term Trading Fees
 
Some underlying mutual funds may assess (or reserve the right to assess) a short-term trading fee in connection with transfers from a sub-account that occur within 60 days after the date of allocation to the Sub-account.  Any short-term trading fee assessed by any underlying mutual fund available in conjunction with the contracts described in this prospectus will equal 1% of the amount determined to be engaged in short-term trading.
 
Annuity Payments
 
Annuity payments begin on the annuitization date and will be based on the annuity payment option chosen prior to annuitization.  Annuity payments will generally be received within 7 to 10 days after each annuity payment date.
 
Taxation
 
How a contract is taxed depends on the type of contract issued and the purpose for which the contract is purchased. Nationwide will charge against the contract any premium taxes levied by any governmental authority.  Premium tax

 
8

 
 
rates currently range from 0% to 5% (see "Federal Tax Considerations" in “Appendix C: Contract Types and Tax Information” and "Premium Taxes").
 
Ten Day Free Look
 
Under state insurance laws, contract owners have the right, during a limited period of time, to examine their contract and decide if they want to keep it or cancel it.  This right is referred to as a “free look” right.  The length of this time period depends on state law and may vary depending on whether your purchase is replacing another annuity contract you own.
 
If the contract owner elects to cancel the contract pursuant to the free look provision, where required by law, Nationwide will return the greater of the Contract value or the amount of purchase payment(s) applied during the free look period, less any applicable federal and state income tax withholding.  Otherwise, Nationwide will return the Contract value, less any applicable federal and state income tax withholding.
 
 
Financial statements for the variable account and the consolidated financial statements for Nationwide are located in the Statement of Additional Information.  A current Statement of Additional Information may be obtained without charge by contacting the NEA Valuebuilder Program at the telephone number listed on page 1 of this prospectus.
 
 
The value of an accumulation unit is determined on the basis of changes in the per share value of the underlying mutual funds and variable account charges which may vary from contract to contract (for more information on the calculation of accumulation unit values, see "Determining Variable Account Value – Valuing an Accumulation Unit").  Please refer to Appendix B for information regarding accumulation units.
 
 
Nationwide is a stock life insurance company organized under Ohio law in March, 1929.  Nationwide is a member of the Nationwide group of companies with its home office at One Nationwide Plaza, Columbus, Ohio 43215. Nationwide is a provider of life insurance, annuities and retirement products.  It is admitted to do business in all states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.
 
Nationwide is a member of the Nationwide group of companies.  Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company and Nationwide Mutual Fire Insurance Company (the "Companies") are the ultimate controlling persons of the Nationwide group of companies.  The Companies were organized under Ohio law in December 1925 and 1933 respectively.  The Companies engage in a general insurance and reinsurance business, except life insurance.
 
Nationwide is relying on the exemption in Rule 12h-7 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “‘34 Act”) relating to its duty to file reports otherwise required by Sections 15(d) and 13(a) of the ‘34 Act.
 
 
The contracts are distributed by the general distributor, Security Distributors, Inc. ("SDI"), One Security Benefit Place, Topeka, Kansas 66636-0001.  SDI is registered as a broker/dealer with the NASD and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Security Benefit Group, Inc., a financial services holding company wholly owned by Security Benefit Life Insurance Company.
 
 
The Variable Account and Underlying Mutual Funds
 
Nationwide Multi-Flex Variable Account is a variable account that invests in the underlying mutual funds listed in Appendix A.  Nationwide established the variable account on October 7, 1981, pursuant to Ohio law.  Although the variable account is registered with the SEC as a unit investment trust pursuant to the Investment Company Act of 1940 ("1940 Act"), the SEC does not supervise the management of Nationwide or the variable account.
 
Income, gains, and losses credited to, or charged against, the variable account reflect the variable account’s own investment experience and not the investment experience of Nationwide’s other assets.  The variable account’s assets are held separately from Nationwide’s assets and are not chargeable with liabilities incurred in any other business of Nationwide.  Nationwide is obligated to pay all amounts promised to contract owners under the contracts.
 
The variable account is divided into sub-accounts, each corresponding to a single underlying mutual fund.  Nationwide uses the assets of each sub-account to buy shares of the underlying mutual funds based on contract owner instructions.
 
Contract owners receive underlying mutual fund prospectuses when they make their initial sub-account allocations and any time they change those allocations. Contract owners can obtain prospectuses for underlying funds at any other time by contacting Nationwide’s home office at the telephone number listed on page 1 of this prospectus.   Contract owners should read these prospectuses carefully before investing.
 
Underlying mutual funds in the variable account are NOT publicly traded mutual funds.  They are only available as investment options in variable life insurance policies or variable annuity contracts issued by life insurance companies, or in some cases, through participation in certain qualified pension or retirement plans.
 
The investment advisers of the underlying mutual funds may manage publicly traded mutual funds with similar names and investment objectives.  However, the underlying mutual funds are NOT directly related to any publicly traded mutual fund.  Contract owners should not compare the performance of a publicly traded fund with the performance of underlying mutual funds participating in the variable account.  The performance of the underlying mutual funds could differ substantially from that of any publicly traded funds.
 
The particular underlying mutual funds available under the contract may change from time to time.  Specifically, underlying mutual funds or underlying mutual fund share classes that are

 
9

 
 
currently available may be removed or closed off to future investment.  New underlying mutual funds or new share classes of currently available underlying mutual funds may be added.  Contract owners will receive notice of any such changes that affect their contract.
 
Voting Rights
 
Contract owners who have allocated assets to the underlying mutual funds are entitled to certain voting rights.  Nationwide will vote contract owner shares at special shareholder meetings based on contract owner instructions.  However, if the law changes and Nationwide is allowed to vote in its own right, it may elect to do so.
 
Contract owners with voting interests in an underlying mutual fund will be notified of issues requiring the shareholders’ vote as soon as possible before the shareholder meeting.  Notification will contain proxy materials and a form with which to give Nationwide voting instructions.  Nationwide will vote shares for which no instructions are received in the same proportion as those that are received.  What this means to you is that when only a small number of contract owners vote, each vote has a greater impact on, and may control the outcome.
 
The number of shares which a contract owner may vote is determined by dividing the cash value of the amount they have allocated to an underlying mutual fund by the net asset value of that underlying mutual fund.  Nationwide will designate a date for this determination not more than 90 days before the shareholder meeting.
 
Material Conflicts
 
The underlying mutual funds may be offered through separate accounts of other insurance companies, as well as through other separate accounts of Nationwide.  Nationwide does not anticipate any disadvantages to this.  However, it is possible that a conflict may arise between the interests of the variable account and one or more of the other separate accounts in which these underlying mutual funds participate.
 
Material conflicts may occur due to a change in law affecting the operations of variable life insurance policies and variable annuity contracts, or differences in the voting instructions of the contract owners and those of other companies.  If a material conflict occurs, Nationwide will take whatever steps are necessary to protect contract owners and variable annuity payees, including withdrawal of the variable account from participation in the underlying mutual fund(s) involved in the conflict.
 
Substitution of Securities
 
Nationwide may substitute, eliminate, or combine shares of another underlying mutual fund for shares already purchased or to be purchased in the future if either of the following occurs:
 
1)
shares of a current underlying mutual fund are no longer available for investment; or
 
2)
further investment in an underlying mutual fund is inappropriate.
 
No substitution, elimination, or combination of shares may take place without the prior approval of the SEC.  All affected contract owners will be notified in the event there is a substitution, elimination or combination of shares.
 
Deregistration of the Separate Account
 
Nationwide may deregister Nationwide Multi-Flex Variable Account under the 1940 Act in the event the separate account meets an exemption from registration under the 1940 Act, if there are no shareholders in the separate account or for any other purpose approved by the SEC.
 
No deregistration may take place without the prior approval of the SEC.  All contract owners will be notified in the event Nationwide deregisters Multi-Flex Variable Account.
 
The Fixed Account
 
The fixed account is an investment option that is funded by assets of Nationwide’s general account.  The general account contains all of Nationwide’s assets other than those in this and other Nationwide separate accounts and is used to support Nationwide’s annuity and insurance obligations.
 
The general account is not subject to the same laws as the variable account and the SEC has not reviewed material in this prospectus relating to the fixed account.
 
Purchase payments will be allocated to the fixed account by election of the contract owner.  Nationwide reserves the right to limit or refuse purchase payments allocated to the fixed account at its sole discretion.  Nationwide reserves the right to refuse transfers into the fixed account if the fixed account value is (or would be after the transfer) equal to or greater than 25% of the contract value at the time the transfer is requested.  Generally, Nationwide will invoke this right when interest rates are low by historical standards.
 
The investment income earned by the fixed account will be allocated to the contracts at varying guaranteed interest rate(s) depending on the following categories of fixed account allocations:
 
·
New Money Rate – The rate credited on the fixed account allocation when the contract is purchased or when subsequent purchase payments are made.  Subsequent purchase payments may receive different New Money Rates than the rate when the contract was issued, since the New Money Rate is subject to change based on market conditions.
 
·
Variable Account to Fixed Rate – Allocations transferred from any of the underlying mutual funds in the variable account to the fixed account may receive a different rate.  The rate may be lower than the New Money Rate.  There may be limits on the amount and frequency of movements from the variable account to the fixed account.
 
·
Renewal Rate – The rate available for maturing fixed account allocations that are entering a new guarantee period.  The contract owner will be notified of this rate in a letter issued with the quarterly statements when any of the money in the contract owner’s fixed account matures.  At that time, the contract owner will have an opportunity to leave the money in the fixed account and receive the Renewal Rate or the contract owner can move the money to any of the underlying mutual fund options.

 
10

 
 
·
Dollar Cost Averaging – From time to time, Nationwide may offer a more favorable rate for an initial purchase payment into a new contract when used in conjunction with a dollar cost averaging program.
 
All of these rates are subject to change on a daily basis; however, once applied to the fixed account, the interest rates are guaranteed until the end of the calendar quarter during which the 12 month anniversary of the fixed account allocation occurs.
 
Credited interest rates are annualized rates – the effective yield of interest over a one-year period.  Interest is credited to each contract on a daily basis.  As a result, the credited interest rate is compounded daily to achieve the stated effective yield.
 
The guaranteed rate for any purchase payment will be effective for not less than twelve months.  Nationwide guarantees that the rate will not be less than the minimum interest rate required by applicable state law.
 
Any interest in excess of the minimum interest rate required by applicable state law will be credited to fixed account allocations at Nationwide’s sole discretion.  The contract owner assumes the risk that interest credited to fixed account allocations may not exceed the minimum interest rate required by applicable state law for any given year.
 
Nationwide guarantees that the fixed account contract value will not be less than the amount of the purchase payments allocated to the fixed account, plus interest credited as described above, less any applicable charges including CDSC.
 
 
Variable annuities are complex investment products with unique benefits and advantages that may be particularly useful in meeting long-term savings and retirement needs.  There are costs and charges associated with these benefits and advantages – costs and charges that are different, or do not exist at all, within other investment products.  With help from financial consultants and advisers, investors are encouraged to compare and contrast the costs and benefits of the variable annuity described in this prospectus against those of other investment products, especially other variable annuity and variable life insurance products offered by Nationwide and its affiliates.
 
Not all benefits, programs, features and investment options described in this prospectus are available or approved for use in every state.  For more detailed information regarding provisions that vary by state, please see “Appendix D: State Variations” later in this prospectus.
 
Nationwide offers a wide array of such products, many with different charges, benefit features and underlying investment options.  This process of comparison and analysis should aid in determining whether the purchase of the contract described in this prospectus is consistent with your investment objectives, risk tolerance, investment time horizon, marital status, tax situation and other personal characteristics and needs.  Not all benefits, programs, features and investment options described in this prospectus are available or approved for use in every state.
 
In order to comply with the USA Patriot Act and rules promulgated thereunder, Nationwide has implemented procedures designed to prevent contracts described in this prospectus from being used to facilitate money laundering or the financing of terrorist activities.
 
In general, deferred variable annuities are long-term investments; they are not intended as short-term investments.  Accordingly, Nationwide has designed the contract to offer features, pricing, and investment options that encourage long-term ownership.  It is very important that contract owners and prospective contract owners understand all the costs associated with owning a contract, and if and how those costs change during the lifetime of the contract.  Contract and optional charges may not be the same in later contract years as they are in early contract years.  The various contract and optional benefit charges are assessed in order to compensate Nationwide for administrative services, distribution and operational expenses, and assumed actuarial risks associated with the contract.
 
Following is a discussion of some relevant factors that may be of particular interest to prospective investors.
 
Distribution, Promotional and Sales Expenses
 
Nationwide pays commissions to the firms that sell the contracts.  The maximum gross commission that Nationwide will pay on the sale of the contracts is 9.2% of purchase payments.  Note that the individual registered representatives typically receive only a portion of this amount; the remainder is retained by the firm.  Nationwide may also, instead of a premium-based commission, pay an asset-based commission (sometimes referred to as "trails" or "residuals"), or a combination of the two.
 
In addition to or partially in lieu of commission, Nationwide may also pay the selling firms a marketing allowance, which is based on the firm’s ability and demonstrated willingness to promote and market Nationwide's products.  How any marketing allowance is spent is determined by the firm, but generally will be used to finance firm activities that may contribute to the promotion and marketing of Nationwide's products.  For more information on the exact compensation arrangement associated with this contract, please consult your registered representative.
 
Underlying Mutual Fund Payments
 
Nationwide’s Relationship with the Underlying Mutual Funds
 
The underlying mutual funds incur expenses each time they sell, administer, or redeem their shares.  The variable account aggregates contract owner purchase, redemption, and transfer requests and submits net or aggregated purchase/redemption requests to each underlying mutual fund daily.   The variable account (and not the contract owners) is the underlying mutual fund shareholder.  When the variable account aggregates transactions, the underlying mutual fund does not incur the expense of processing individual transactions it would normally incur if it sold its shares directly to the public.  Nationwide incurs these expenses instead.

 
11

 
 
Nationwide also incurs the distribution costs of selling the contract (as discussed above), which benefit the underlying mutual funds by providing contract owners with sub-account options that correspond to the underlying mutual funds.
 
An investment adviser or subadviser of an underlying mutual fund or its affiliates may provide Nationwide or its affiliates with wholesaling services that assist in the distribution of the contract and may pay Nationwide or its affiliates to participate in educational and/or marketing activities.  These activities may provide the adviser or subadviser (or their affiliates) with increased exposure to persons involved in the distribution of the contract.
 
Types of Payments Nationwide Receives
 
In light of the above, the underlying mutual funds and their affiliates make certain payments to Nationwide or its affiliates (the “payments”).  The amount of these payments is typically based on a percentage of assets invested in the underlying mutual funds attributable to the contracts and other variable contracts Nationwide and its affiliates issue, but in some cases may involve a flat fee.  These payments may be used by us for any corporate purpose, which include reducing the prices of the contracts, paying expenses that Nationwide or its affiliates incur in promoting, marketing, and administering the contracts and the underlying mutual funds, and achieving a profit.
 
Nationwide or its affiliates receive the following types of payments:
 
 
·
Underlying mutual fund 12b-1 fees, which are deducted from underlying mutual fund assets;
 
 
·
Sub-transfer agent fees or fees pursuant to administrative service plans adopted by the underlying mutual fund, which may be deducted from underlying mutual fund assets; and
 
 
·
Payments by an underlying mutual fund’s adviser or subadviser (or its affiliates).  Such payments may be derived, in whole or in part, from the advisory fee, which is deducted from underlying mutual fund assets and is reflected in mutual fund charges.
 
Furthermore, Nationwide benefits from assets invested in Nationwide’s affiliated underlying mutual funds (i.e., Nationwide Variable Insurance Trust) because its affiliates also receive compensation from the underlying mutual funds for investment advisory, administrative, transfer agency, distribution, and/or other services.  Thus, Nationwide may receive more revenue with respect to affiliated underlying mutual funds than unaffiliated underlying mutual funds.
 
Nationwide took into consideration the anticipated payments from the underlying mutual funds when we determined the charges imposed under the contracts (apart from fees and expenses imposed by the underlying mutual funds).  Without these payments, Nationwide would have imposed higher charges under the contract.
 
Amount of Payments Nationwide Receives
 
For the year ended December 31, 2007, the underlying mutual fund payments Nationwide and its affiliates received from the underlying mutual funds did not exceed 0.65% (as a percentage of the average D aily N et A ssets invested in the underlying mutual funds) offered through this contract or other variable contracts that Nationwide and its affiliates issue.  Payments from investment advisers or subadvisers to participate in educational and/or marketing activities have not been taken into account in this percentage.
 
Most underlying mutual funds or their affiliates have agreed to make payments to Nationwide or its affiliates, although the applicable percentages may vary from underlying mutual fund to underlying mutual fund and some may not make any payments at all.  Because the amount of the actual payments Nationwide and its affiliates receive depends on the assets of the underlying mutual funds attributable to the contract, Nationwide and its affiliates may receive higher payments from underlying mutual funds with lower percentages (but greater assets) than from underlying mutual funds that have higher percentages (but fewer assets).
 
For additional information related to amount of payments Nationwide receives, go to www.nationwide.com.
 
Identification of Underlying Mutual Funds
 
Nationwide may consider several criteria when identifying the underlying mutual funds, including some or all of the following:  investment objectives, investment process, investment performance, risk characteristics, investment capabilities, experience and resources, investment consistency, and fund expenses.  Another factor Nationwide considers during the identification process is whether the underlying mutual fund’s adviser or subadviser is one of our affiliates or whether the underlying mutual fund, its adviser, its subadviser(s), or an affiliate will make payments to us or our affiliates.
 
There may be underlying mutual funds with lower fees, as well as other variable contracts that offer underlying mutual funds with lower fees.  You should consider all of the fees and charges of the contract in relation to its features and benefits when making your decision to invest.   Please note that higher contract and underlying mutual fund fees and charges have a direct effect on and may lower your investment performance.
 
Profitability
 
Nationwide does consider profitability when determining the charges in the contract.  In early contract years, Nationwide does not anticipate earning a profit, since that is a time when administrative and distribution expenses are typically higher.  Nationwide does, however, anticipate earning a profit in later contract years.  In general, Nationwide's profit will be greater the higher the investment return and the longer the contract is held.
 
Contract Modification
 
Nationwide may modify the annuity contracts, but no modification will affect the amount or term of any annuity contract unless a modification is required to conform the annuity contract to applicable federal or state law.  No modification will affect the method by which the Contract Values are determined.

 
12

 
 
 
Contract Maintenance Charge
 
On each contract anniversary (and upon a full surrender of the contract), Nationwide will deduct a contract maintenance charge of $30 to reimburse it for administrative expenses relating to the issuance and maintenance of the contract.
 
For Tax Sheltered Annuities issued on or after the later of May 1, 1997, or the date on which state insurance authorities approve applicable contract modifications, Nationwide will waive the contract maintenance charge for contracts issued in states that use a unified billing authority program (or any similar program) to process purchase payments.
 
Nationwide will also waive the contract maintenance charge for Qualified Plans (as defined by Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code) issued on or after the later of November 3, 1997, or the date state insurance authorities approve applicable contract modifications.
 
The deduction of the contract maintenance charge will be taken proportionately from each sub-account and the fixed account based on the value in each option as compared to the total contract value.
 
Nationwide will not increase the contract maintenance charge.  Nationwide will not reduce or eliminate the contract maintenance charge where it would be discriminatory or unlawful.
 
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge
 
No sales charge deduction is made from the purchase payments when amounts are deposited into the contracts.  However, if any part of the contract is surrendered, Nationwide will deduct a CDSC.  The CDSC will not exceed 7% of the purchase payments surrendered.
 
The CDSC is calculated by multiplying the applicable CDSC percentage (noted below) by the amount of purchase payments surrendered.
 
For purposes of calculating the CDSC, surrenders are considered to come first from the oldest purchase payment made to the contract, then the next oldest purchase payment, and so forth.  Earnings are not subject to the CDSC, but may not be distributed prior to the distribution of all purchase payments.  (For tax purposes, a surrender is usually treated as a withdrawal of earnings first.)
 
The CDSC applies as follows:
 
Number of Completed Years from Date of Purchase Payment
CDSC
Percentage
0
7%
1
6%
2
5%
3
4%
4
3%
5
2%
6
1%
7
0%
 
The CDSC is used to cover sales expenses, including commissions, production of sales material, and other promotional expenses.  If expenses are greater than the CDSC, the shortfall will be made up from Nationwide’s general account, which may indirectly include portions of the Contract Maintenance Charge and the Mortality and Expense Risk Charge or, if applicable, the Actuarial Risk Fee, since Nationwide may generate a profit from these charges.
 
Contract owners taking withdrawals before age 59½ may be subject to a 10% tax penalty.  In addition, all or a portion of the withdrawal may be subject to federal income taxes (see "Non-Qualified Contracts - Natural Persons as Contract Owners").
 
Waiver of Contingent Deferred Sales Charge
 
Beginning with the second contract year, the contract owner may withdraw without a CDSC the greater of:
 
(a)
10% of each purchase payment; or
 
(b)
any amount withdrawn to meet minimum distribution requirements under the Internal Revenue Code.
 
This CDSC-free privilege is non-cumulative.  Free amounts not taken during any given contract year cannot be taken as free amounts in a subsequent contract year.
 
Purchase payments surrendered under the CDSC-free withdrawal privilege are not, for purposes of calculating the maximum amount that can be withdrawn annually without a CDSC in subsection (a) above and for determining the waiver of CDSC for partial surrenders discussed later in this prospectus, considered a surrender of purchase payments.
 
In addition, no CDSC will be deducted:
 
(1)
upon the annuitization of contracts which have been in force for at least two years;
 
(2)
upon payment of a death benefit; or
 
(3)
from any values which have been held under a contract for at least 7 years.
 
For Tax Sheltered Annuities, Qualified Contracts and SEP IRAs, Nationwide will waive the CDSC when:
 
·
the plan participant has participated in the contract for 10 years of active deferrals;
 
·
the plan participant dies;
 
·
the plan participant experiences a hardship (as provided in Internal Revenue Code Section 403(b) and as defined by Internal Revenue Code Section 401(k)), provided that any hardship surrender may not include any income from salary reduction contributions;
 
·
the plan participant annuitizes after completing 2 years in the contract;
 
·
the plan participant separates from service (as defined in Internal Revenue Code Section 401(k)(2)(B)) and has participated in the contract for 5 years; or
 
·
the plan participant becomes disabled (within the meaning of Internal Revenue Code Section 72(m)(7)).

 
13

 
 
No CDSC applies to transfers among sub-accounts or between or among the fixed account and/or the variable account.
 
The CDSC will not be eliminated if to do so would be unfairly discriminatory or prohibited by state law.
 
This contract is not designed for and does not support active trading strategies.  In order to protect investors in this contract that do not utilize such strategies, Nationwide may initiate certain exchange offers intended to provide contract owners that meet certain criteria with an alternate variable annuity designed to accommodate active trading.  If this contract is exchanged as part of an exchange offer, the exchange will be made on the basis of the relative net asset values of the exchanged contract.  Furthermore, no CDSC will be assessed on the exchanged assets and Nationwide will "tack" the contract’s CDSC schedule onto the new contract.  This means that the CDSC schedule will not start anew on the exchanged assets in the new contract; rather, the CDSC schedule from the exchanged contract will be applied to the exchanged assets both in terms of percentages and the number of completed contract years.  This enables the contract owner to exchange into the new contract without having to start a new CDSC schedule on exchanged assets.  However, if subsequent purchase payments are made to the new contract, they will be subject to any applicable CDSC schedule that is part of the new contract.
 
Variable Account Charges for Contracts Issued Before November 3, 1997 (or Before the Date State Insurance Authorities Approve applicable Contract Modifications)
 
Mortality and Expense Risk Charges
 
Nationwide deducts a Mortality and Expense Risk Charge from the variable account.  This amount is computed on a daily basis and is equal to an annual rate of 1.25% of the D aily N et A ssets of the variable account.
 
The Mortality Risk Charge (0.80%) compensates Nationwide for guaranteeing the annuity rate of the contracts.  This guarantee ensures that the annuity rates will not change regardless of the death rates of annuity payees or the general population.
 
The Expense Risk Charge (0.45%) compensates Nationwide for guaranteeing that administration charges will not increase regardless of actual expenses.
 
If the Mortality and Expense Risk Charge is insufficient to cover actual expenses, the loss is borne by Nationwide.  Nationwide may realize a profit from this charge.
 
Administration Charge
 
Nationwide deducts an Administration Charge from the variable account.  This amount is computed on a daily basis and is equal to an annual rate of 0.05% of the D aily N et A ssets of the variable account.
 
The Administration Charge compensates Nationwide for administrative expenses.
 
If this charge is insufficient to cover actual expenses, the loss is borne by Nationwide.
 
Variable Account Charges for Contracts Issued On or After November 3, 1997 (or the Date on which State Insurance Authorities Approve applicable Contract Modifications)
 
Actuarial Risk Fee
 
Nationwide deducts an Actuarial Risk Fee from the variable account.  This amount is computed on a daily basis and is equal to an annual rate of 1.30% of the D aily N et A ssets of the variable account.
 
The Actuarial Risk Fee compensates Nationwide for actuarial risks, including administration expenses relating to contract issuance and maintenance, and mortality risk expenses.  Nationwide may realize a profit from this charge.
 
School District Processing Fee
 
For contracts issued on or after the later of November 3, 1997 or the date state insurance authorities approve applicable contract modifications, Nationwide may charge against the contract any charges assessed to Nationwide by individual school districts for the processing of employee payroll deductions.
 
This charge will not exceed the greater of $30 or 0.40% of the contract value.  This charge will never exceed the exact amount billed to Nationwide by school districts for this service.
 
Nationwide will deduct these charges from the contract:
 
(1)
at the time the contract is surrendered;
 
(2)
annually;
 
(3)
at annuitization; or
 
(4)
on any other date Nationwide becomes subject to these charges.
 
Nationwide will determine the method that will be used to recoup these expenses.  It will be at Nationwide’s sole discretion and may be changed without notice to contract owners.
 
Contract Exchange Fee
 
If a contract owner chooses to exchange the contract for another Nationwide contract (or a contract of any of its affiliates), Nationwide will make a determination as to the eligibility of such an exchange.  In making the determination, Nationwide will apply its rules and regulations, which may include assessing a reasonable processing fee for the exchange.  This fee will never exceed $40.  The contract exchange fee will be in addition to any contract maintenance charge that may be applicable.
 
Premium Taxes
 
Nationwide will charge against the Contract value any premium taxes levied by a state or other government entity.  Premium tax rates currently range from 0% to 5%.  This range is subject to change.  Nationwide will assess premium taxes to the contract at the time Nationwide is assessed the premium taxes by the state.  Premium tax requirements vary from state to state.
 
Premium taxes may be deducted from death benefit proceeds.

 
14

 
 
 
The contract owner has all rights under the contract.  Purchasers who name someone other than themselves as the contract owner will have no rights under the contract.
 
Contract owners of Non-Qualified Contracts may name a new contract owner at any time before the annuitization date.  Any change of contract owner automatically revokes any prior contract owner designation.  Changes in contract ownership may result in federal income taxation and may be subject to state and federal gift taxes.
 
A change in contract ownership must be submitted in writing and recorded at Nationwide’s home office.  Once recorded, the change will be effective as of the date signed.  No change will be effective unless and until it is received and recorded at Nationwide's home office.  However, the change will not affect any payments made or actions taken by Nationwide before it was recorded.
 
The contract owner may also request a change in the annuitant, contingent annuitant, contingent owner, beneficiary, or contingent beneficiary before the annuitization date.  These changes must be:
 
·
on a Nationwide form;
 
·
signed by the contract owner; and
 
·
received at Nationwide’s home office before the annuitization date.
 
Nationwide must review and approve any change requests.  If the contract owner is not a natural person and there is a change of the annuitant, distributions will be made as if the contract owner died at the time of the change.
 
On the annuitization date, the annuitant will become the contract owner.
 
Contingent Ownership
 
The contingent owner is entitled to certain benefits under the contract if a contract owner who is not the annuitant dies before the annuitization date.
 
The contract owner may name or change a contingent owner at any time before the annuitization date.  To change the contingent owner, a written request must be submitted to Nationwide.  Once Nationwide has recorded the change, it will be effective as of the date it was signed.  The change will not affect any action taken by Nationwide before the change was recorded.
 
Annuitant
 
The annuitant is the person who will receive annuity payments and upon whose continuation of life any annuity payment involving life contingencies depends.  This person must be age 78 or younger at the time of contract issuance, unless Nationwide approves a request for an annuitant of greater age.  The annuitant may be changed before the annuitization date with Nationwide’s consent.

 
Beneficiary and Contingent Beneficiary
 
The beneficiary is the person who is entitled to the death benefit if the annuitant dies before the annuitization date.  The contract owner can name more than one beneficiary.  Multiple beneficiaries will share the death benefit equally, unless otherwise specified.
 
The contract owner may change the beneficiary or contingent beneficiary during the annuitant’s lifetime by submitting a written request to Nationwide.  Once recorded, the change will be effective as of the date the request was signed, whether or not the annuitant was living at the time it was recorded.  The change will not affect any action taken by Nationwide before the change was recorded.
 
 
Minimum Initial and Subsequent Purchase Payments
 
Contract
Type
Minimum Initial Purchase Payment
Minimum Subsequent Payments
IRA
$0
$0
Non-Qualified Contracts
$1,500
$10
Qualified Plans
$0
$0
Roth IRA
$0
$0
SEP IRA
$0
$0
Tax Sheltered Annuity*
$0
$0
 
*Only available for individual 403(b) Tax Sheltered Annuity contracts subject to ERISA and certain state Optional Retirement Plans and/or Programs that have purchased at least one individual annuity contract issued by Nationwide prior to September 25, 2007.
 
Pricing
 
Initial purchase payments allocated to sub-accounts will be priced at the accumulation unit value determined no later than 2 business days after receipt of an order to purchase if the application and all necessary information are complete.  If the application is not complete, Nationwide may retain a purchase payment for up to 5 business days while attempting to complete it.  If the application is not completed within 5 business days, the prospective purchaser will be informed of the reason for the delay.  The purchase payment will be returned unless the prospective purchaser specifically allows Nationwide to hold the purchase payment until the application is completed.
 
Subsequent purchase payments will be priced based on the next available accumulation unit value after the payment is received. The cumulative total of all purchase payments under contracts issued by Nationwide on the life of any one annuitant cannot exceed $1,000,000 without Nationwide’s prior consent.
 
Any references in this prospectus to purchase payment amounts in excess of $1,000,000 are assumed to have been approved by Nationwide. If a subsequent purchase payment is received at Nationwide's home office (along with all necessary

 
15

 
 
information) after the close of the New York Stock Exchange, it will be priced at the Accumulation unit value determined on the following valuation day.
 
Nationwide prohibits subsequent purchase payments made after death of the contract owner(s), the annuitant or co-annuitant. If upon notification of death of the contract owner(s), the annuitant or co-annuitant, it is determined that death occurred prior to a subsequent purchase payment being made, Nationwide reserves the right to return the purchase payment subject to investment performance.
 
Except on the days listed below and on weekends, purchase payments, transfers and surrenders are priced every day.  Purchase payments will not be priced when the New York Stock Exchange is closed or on the following nationally recognized holidays:
 
·New Year’s Day
·Independence Day
·Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
·Labor Day
·Presidents’ Day
·Thanksgiving
·Good Friday
·Christmas
·Memorial Day
 
 
Nationwide also will not price purchase payments if:
 
(1)
trading on the New York Stock Exchange is restricted;
 
(2)
an emergency exists making disposal or valuation of securities held in the variable account impracticable; or
 
(3)
the SEC, by order, permits a suspension or postponement for the protection of security holders.
 
Rules and regulations of the SEC will govern as to when the conditions described in (2) and (3) exist.  If Nationwide is closed on days when the New York Stock Exchange is open, Contract value may change and contract owners will not have access to their accounts.
 
Allocation of Purchase Payments
 
Nationwide allocates purchase payments to sub-accounts and/or the fixed account as instructed by the contract owner.  Shares of the underlying mutual funds allocated to the sub-accounts are purchased at net asset value, then converted into accumulation units.  Nationwide reserves the right to limit or refuse purchase payments allocated to the fixed account at its sole discretion.
 
Contract owners can change allocations or make exchanges among the sub-accounts and the fixed account.  However, no change may be made that would result in an amount less than 1% of the purchase payments being allocated to any sub-account.  Certain transactions may be subject to conditions imposed by the underlying mutual funds, as well as those set forth in the contract.
 
Determining the Contract Value
 
The contract value is the sum of:
 
(1)
the value of amounts allocated to the sub-accounts of the variable account; and
 
(2)
amounts allocated to the fixed account.
 
If part or all of the contract value is surrendered, or charges are assessed against the contract value, Nationwide will deduct a proportionate amount from each sub-account and the fixed account based on current cash values.
 
Determining Variable Account Value – Valuing an Accumulation Unit
 
Purchase payments or transfers allocated to sub-accounts are accounted for in accumulation units.  Accumulation unit values (for each sub-account) are determined by calculating the net investment factor for the underlying mutual funds for the current valuation period and multiplying that result with the accumulation unit values determined on the previous valuation period.
 
Nationwide uses the net investment factor as a way to calculate the investment performance of a sub-account from valuation period to valuation period.  For each sub-account, the net investment factor shows the investment performance of the underlying mutual fund in which a particular sub-account invests, including the charges assessed against that sub-account for a valuation period.
 
The net investment factor for any particular  sub-account is determined by dividing (a) by (b), and then subtracting (c) from the result, where:
 
(a)
is the sum of:
 
 
(1)
the net asset value of the underlying mutual fund as of the end of the current valuation period; and
 
 
(2)
the per share amount of any dividend or income distributions made by the underlying mutual fund (if the date of the dividend or income distribution occurs during the current valuation period).
 
(b)
is the net asset value of the underlying mutual fund determined as of the end of the preceding valuation period.
 
(c)
is a factor representing the daily variable account charges.  The factor is equal to an annual rate of 1.30% of the D aily N et A ssets of the variable account.
 
Based on the change in the net investment factor, the value of an accumulation unit may increase or decrease.  Changes in the net investment factor may not be directly proportional to changes in the net asset value of the underlying mutual fund shares because of the deduction of variable account charges.
 
Though the number of accumulation units will not change as a result of investment experience, the value of an accumulation unit may increase or decrease from valuation period to valuation period.
 
Determining Fixed Account Value
 
Nationwide determines the value of the fixed account by:
 
(1)
adding all amounts allocated to the fixed account, minus amounts previously transferred or withdrawn; and
 
(2)
adding any interest earned on the amounts allocated.

 
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Transfers
 
Transfers from the Fixed Account to the Variable Account
 
Contract owners may request to have fixed account allocations transferred to the variable account only upon reaching the end of an interest rate guarantee period.  Normally, Nationwide will permit 100% of such fixed account allocations to be transferred to the variable account; however Nationwide may, under certain economic conditions and at its discretion, limit the maximum transferable amount.  Under no circumstances will the maximum transferable amount be less than 10% of the fixed account allocation reaching the end of an interest rate guarantee period.  Transfers of the fixed account allocations must be made within 45 days after reaching the end of an interest rate guarantee period.
 
Contract owners who use dollar cost averaging may transfer from the fixed account to the variable account under the terms of that program (see "Dollar Cost Averaging").
 
Transfers to the Fixed Account
 
Contract owners may request to have variable account allocations transferred to the fixed account at any time.  Normally, Nationwide will not restrict transfers from the variable account to the fixed account; however, Nationwide may establish a maximum transfer limit from the variable account to the fixed account.  Except as noted below, the transfer limit will not be less than 10% of the current value of the variable account at the time the transfer is requested.  Nationwide also reserves the right to refuse transfers to the fixed account if the fixed account value is (or would be after the transfer) equal to or greater than 25% of the contract value at the time transfer is requested.  Generally, Nationwide will invoke this right when rates are low by historical standards.
 
Transfers Among Sub-Accounts
 
A contract owner may request to transfer allocations among the Sub-accounts at any time, subject to terms and conditions imposed by this prospectus and the underlying mutual funds.
 
Transfers After Annuitization
 
After annuitization, transfers may only be made on the anniversary of the annuitization date.
 
Transfer Requests
 
Contract owners may submit transfer requests in writing, over the telephone, or via the internet.  Nationwide will use reasonable procedures to confirm that instructions are genuine and will not be liable for following instructions that it reasonably determined to be genuine.  Nationwide may restrict or withdraw the telephone and/or internet transfer privilege at any time.
 
Generally, sub-account transfers will receive the accumulation unit value next computed after the transfer request is received.  However, if a contract that is limited to submitting transfer requests via U.S. mail submits a transfer request via the internet or telephone pursuant to Nationwide's one-day delay policy, the transfer will be executed on the next business day after the exchange request is received by Nationwide (see "Managers of Multiple Contracts").
 
Interest Rate Guarantee Period
 
The interest rate guarantee period is the period of time that the fixed account interest rate is guaranteed to remain the same.  Within 45 days of the end of an interest rate guarantee period, transfers may be made from the fixed account to the variable account.  Nationwide will determine the amount that may be transferred and will declare this amount at the end of the guarantee period.  This amount will not be less than 10% of the amount in the fixed account that is maturing.
 
For new purchase payments allocated to the fixed account, or transfers to the fixed account from the variable account, this period begins on the date of deposit or transfer and ends on the one year anniversary of the deposit or transfer.  The guaranteed interest rate period may last for up to 3 months beyond the 1 year anniversary because guaranteed terms end on the last day of a calendar quarter.
 
During an interest rate guarantee period, transfers cannot be made from the fixed account, and amounts transferred to the fixed account must remain on deposit.
 
Transfer Restrictions
 
Neither the contracts described in this prospectus nor the underlying mutual funds are designed to support active trading strategies that require frequent movement between or among sub-accounts (sometimes referred to as "market-timing" or "short-term trading").  A contract owner who intends to use an active trading strategy should consult his/her registered representative and request information on other Nationwide variable annuity contracts that offer underlying mutual funds that are designed specifically to support active trading strategies.
 
Nationwide discourages (and will take action to deter) short-term trading in this contract because the frequent movement between or among sub-accounts may negatively impact other investors in the contract.  Short-term trading can result in:
 
·
the dilution of the value of the investors’ interests in the underlying mutual fund;
 
·
underlying mutual fund managers taking actions that negatively impact performance (keeping a larger portion of the underlying mutual fund assets in cash or liquidating investments prematurely in order to support redemption requests); and/or
 
·
increased administrative costs due to frequent purchases and redemptions.
 
To protect investors in this contract from the negative impact of these practices, Nationwide has implemented, or reserves the right to implement, several processes and/or restrictions aimed at eliminating the negative impact of active trading strategies.  Nationwide makes no assurances that all risks associated with short-term trading will be completely eliminated by these processes and/or restrictions.
 
Nationwide cannot guarantee that its attempts to deter active trading strategies will be successful.  If we are unable to deter active trading strategies, the performance of the sub-accounts that are actively traded may be adversely impacted.

 
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U.S. Mail Restrictions
 
Nationwide monitors transfer activity in order to identify those who may be engaged in harmful trading practices.  Transaction reports are produced and examined.  Generally, a contract may appear on these reports if the contract owner (or a third party acting on their behalf) engages in a certain number of "transfer events" in a given period.  A "transfer event" is any transfer, or combination of transfers, occurring on a given trading day (valuation period).  For example, if a contract owner executesmultiple transfers involving 10 underlying mutual funds in one day, this counts as one transfer event.  A single transfer occurring on a given trading day and involving only 2 underlying mutual funds (or one underlying mutual fund if the transfer is made to or from the fixed account) will also count as one transfer event.
 
As a result of this monitoring process, Nationwide may restrict the method of communication by which transfer orders will be accepted.  In general, Nationwide will adhere to the following guidelines:
 
Trading Behavior
Nationwide's Response
6 or more transfer events in one calendar quarter
Nationwide will mail a letter to the contract owner notifying them that:
(1)they have been identified as engaging in harmful trading practices; and
(2)if their transfer events exceed 11 in 2 consecutive calendar quarters or 20 in one calendar year, the contract owner will be limited to submitting transfer requests via U.S. mail on a Nationwide issued form.
More than 11 transfer events in 2 consecutive calendar quarters
OR
More than 20 transfer events in one calendar year
Nationwide will automatically limit the contract owner to submitting transfer requests via U.S. mail on a Nationwide issued form .
 
Each January 1st, Nationwide will start the monitoring anew, so that each contract starts with 0 transfer events each January 1.  See, however, the "Other Restrictions" provision below.
 
Managers of Multiple Contracts
 
Some investment advisers/representatives manage the assets of multiple Nationwide contracts pursuant to trading authority granted or conveyed by multiple contract owners.  These multi-contract advisers will generally be required by Nationwide to submit all transfer requests via U.S. mail.
 
Nationwide may, as an administrative practice, implement a "one-day delay" program for these multi-contract advisers, which they can use in addition to or in lieu of submitting transfer requests via U.S. mail.  The one-day delay option permits multi-contract advisers to continue to submit transfer requests via the internet or telephone.  However, transfer requests submitted by multi-contract advisers via the internet or telephone will not receive the next available accumulation unit value.  Rather, they will receive the accumulation unit value that is calculated on the following business day.  Transfer requests submitted under the one-day delay program are irrevocable.  Multi-contract advisers will receive advance notice of being subject to the one-day delay program.
 
Other Restrictions
 
Contract owners that are required to submit transfer requests via U.S. mail will be required to use a Nationwide issued form for their transfer request.  Nationwide will refuse transfer requests that either do not use the Nationwide issued form for their transfer request or fail to provide accurate and complete information on their transfer request form.  In the event that a contract owner’s transfer request is refused by Nationwide, they will receive notice in writing by U.S. Mail and will be required to resubmit their transfer request on a Nationwide issued form.
 
Nationwide reserves the right to refuse or limit transfer requests, or take any other action it deems necessary, in order to protect contract owners, annuitants, and beneficiaries from the negative investment results that may result from short-term trading or other harmful investment practices employed by some contract owners (or third parties acting on their behalf).  In particular, trading strategies designed to avoid or take advantage of Nationwide's monitoring procedures (and other measures aimed at curbing harmful trading practices) that are nevertheless determined by Nationwide to constitute harmful trading practices, may be restricted.
 
Any restrictions that Nationwide implements will be applied consistently and uniformly.
 
Underlying Mutual Fund Restrictions and Prohibitions
 
Pursuant to regulations adopted by the SEC, Nationwide is required to enter into written agreements with the underlying mutual funds which allow the underlying mutual funds to:
 
(1)
request the taxpayer identification number, international taxpayer identification number, or other government issued identifier of any Nationwide contract owner;
 
(2)
request the amounts and dates of any purchase, redemption, transfer or exchange request (“transaction information”); and
 
(3)
instruct Nationwide to restrict or prohibit further purchases or exchanges by contract owners that violate policies established by the underlying mutual fund (whose policies may be more restrictive than Nationwide’s policies).
 
Nationwide is required to provide such transaction information to the underlying mutual funds upon their request.  In addition, Nationwide is required to restrict or prohibit further purchases or exchange requests upon instruction from the underlying mutual fund.  Nationwide and any affected contract owner may not have advance

 
18

 
 
notice of such instructions from an underlying mutual fund to restrict or prohibit further purchases or exchange requests.  If an underlying mutual fund refuses to accept a purchase or exchange request submitted by Nationwide, Nationwide will keep any affected contract owner in their current underlying mutual fund allocation.
 
 
If the contract owner elects to cancel the contract, he/she may return it to Nationwide’s home office within a certain period of time known as the “free look” period.  Depending on the state in which the contract was purchased (and, in some states, if the contract is purchased as a replacement for another annuity contract), the free look period may be 10 days or longer.  For ease of administration, Nationwide will honor any free look cancellation that is received at Nationwide’s home office or postmarked within 30 days after the contract issue date.  For contracts issued in the State of California, Nationwide will honor any free look cancellation that is received at Nationwide’s home office or postmarked within 35 days after the contract issue date.  The contract issue date is the next business day after the initial purchase payment is applied to the contract.
 
If the contract owner elects to cancel the contract pursuant to the free look provision, where required by law, Nationwide will return the greater of the contract value or the amount of purchase payment(s) applied during the free look period, less any applicable federal and state income tax withholding.  Otherwise, Nationwide will return the contract value, less any applicable federal and state income tax withholding.
 
Where state law requires the return of purchase payments upon cancellation of the contract during the free look period, Nationwide will allocate initial purchase payments allocated to sub-accounts to the money market sub-account during the free look period.  For contracts issued in the State of California, Nationwide will allocate initial purchase payments allocated to sub-accounts to the fixed account during the free look period. After the free look period, Nationwide will reallocate the contract value among the sub-accounts based on the instructions contained on the application.  Where state law requires the return of contract value upon cancellation of the contract during the free look period, Nationwide will immediately allocate initial purchase payments to the investment options based on the instructions contained on the application.  In other states, Nationwide will immediately allocate initial purchase payments to the investment options based on the instructions contained on the application.
 
Liability of the variable account under this provision is limited to the contract value in each sub-account on the date of revocation.  Any additional amounts refunded to the contract owner will be paid by Nationwide.
 
 
Contract owners may surrender some or all of their contract value before the earlier of the annuitization date or the annuitant’s death.  Surrender requests must be in writing and Nationwide may require additional information.  When taking a full surrender, the contract must accompany the written request.  Nationwide may require a signature guarantee.
 
Nationwide will pay any amounts surrendered from the sub-accounts within 7 days.  However, Nationwide may suspend or postpone payment when it is unable to price a purchase payment or transfer (See “Pricing”).  Surrenders from the contract may be subject to federal income tax and/or a penalty tax.  See "Federal Income Taxes" in Appendix C.
 
Partial Surrenders (Partial Redemptions)
 
Nationwide will surrender accumulation units from the sub-accounts and an amount from the fixed account.  The amount withdrawn from each investment option will be in proportion to the value in each option at the time of the surrender request.
 
A CDSC may apply.  The contract owner may direct Nationwide to deduct the CDSC from either:
 
(a)
the amount requested; or
 
(b)
the contract value remaining after the contract owner has received the amount requested.
 
If the contract owner does not make a specific election, any applicable CDSC will be taken from the contract value remaining after the contract owner has received the amount requested.
 
Partial Surrenders to Pay Investment Advisory Fees
 
Some contract owners utilize an investment advisor(s) to manage their assets, for which the investment advisor assesses a fee.  Investment advisors are not endorsed or affiliated with Nationwide and Nationwide makes no representation as to their qualifications.  The fees for these investment advisory services are specified in the respective account agreements and are separate from and in addition to the contract fees and expenses described in this prospectus.  Some contract owners authorize their investment advisor to take a partial surrender(s) from the contract in order to collect investment advisory fees.  Surrenders taken from this contract to pay advisory or investment management fees are subject to the CDSC provisions of the contract and may be subject to income tax and/or tax penalties.
 
Full Surrenders (Full Redemptions)
 
The contract value upon full surrender may be more or less than the total of all purchase payments made to the contract.  The contract value will reflect:
 
·
variable account charges;
 
·
a $30 Contract Maintenance Charge;
 
·
underlying mutual fund charges;
 
·
the investment performance of the underlying mutual funds;
 
·
any outstanding loan balance plus accrued interest; and
 
·
amounts allocated to the fixed account and any interest credited.
 
A CDSC may apply.
 
Nationwide is required by state law to reserve the right to postpone payment of assets in the fixed account for a period of up to six months from the date of the surrender request.

 
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Surrenders Under a Qualified Plan or Tax Sheltered Annuity
 
Contract owners of a Qualified Plan or Tax Sheltered Annuity may surrender part or all of their contract value before the earlier of the annuitization date or the annuitant’s death, except as provided below:
 
(A)
Contract value attributable to contributions made under a qualified cash or deferred arrangement (within the meaning of Internal Revenue Code Section 402(g)(3)(A)), a salary reduction agreement (within the meaning of Internal Revenue Code Section 402(g)(3)(C)), or transfers from a Custodial Account (described in Section 403(b)(7) of the Internal Revenue Code), may be surrendered only:
 
 
(1)
when the contract owner reaches age 59½, separates from service, dies, or becomes disabled (within the meaning of Internal Revenue Code Section 72(m)(7)); or
 
 
(2)
in the case of hardship (as defined for purposes of Internal Revenue Code Section 401(k)), provided that any such hardship surrender may not include any income earned on salary reduction contributions.
 
(B)
The surrender limitations described in Section A also apply to:
 
 
(1)
salary reduction contributions to Tax Sheltered Annuities made for plan years beginning after December 31, 1988;
 
 
(2)
earnings credited to such contracts after the last plan year beginning before January 1, 1989, on amounts attributable to salary reduction contributions; and
 
 
(3)
all amounts transferred from 403(b)(7) custodial accounts (except that earnings and employer contributions as of December 31, 1988 in such custodial accounts may be withdrawn in the case of hardship).
 
(C)
Any distribution other than the above, including a ten day free look cancellation of the contract (when available) may result in taxes, penalties, and/or retroactive disqualification of a Qualified Contract or Tax Sheltered Annuity.
 
In order to prevent disqualification of a Tax Sheltered Annuity after a ten day free look cancellation, Nationwide will transfer the proceeds to another Tax Sheltered Annuity upon proper direction by the contract owner.
 
These provisions explain Nationwide's understanding of current withdrawal restrictions.  These restrictions may change.
 
Distributions pursuant to Qualified Domestic Relations Orders will not violate the restrictions stated above.
 
When the contract is issued to fund a Qualified Plan, plan terms and the Internal Revenue Code may modify these surrender provisions.
 
Surrenders Under a Texas Optional Retirement Program
 
Redemption restrictions apply to contracts issued under the Texas Optional Retirement Program.
 
The Texas Attorney General has ruled that participants in contracts issued under the Texas Optional Retirement Program may only take withdrawals if:
 
·
the participant dies;
 
·
the participant retires;
 
·
the participant terminates employment due to total disability; or
 
·
the participant that works in a Texas public institution of higher education terminates employment.
 
Due to the restrictions described above, a participant under this plan will not be able to withdraw cash values from the contract unless one of the applicable conditions is met.  However, contract value may be transferred to other carriers, subject to any CDSC.
 
Nationwide issues this contract to participants in the Texas Optional Retirement Program in reliance upon and in compliance with Rule 6c-7 of the Investment Company Act of 1940.
 
 
The loan privilege is only available to owners of Qualified Contracts and Tax Sheltered Annuities.  These contract owners can take loans from the contract value beginning 30 days after the contract is issued up to the annuitization date.  Loans are subject to the terms of the contract, the plan, and the Internal Revenue Code.  Nationwide may modify the terms of a loan to comply with changes in applicable law.
 
Minimum and Maximum Loan Amounts
 
Contract owners may borrow a minimum of $1,000, unless Nationwide is required by law to allow a lesser minimum amount.  Each loan must individually satisfy the contract minimum amount.
 
Nationwide will calculate the maximum nontaxable loan amount based upon information provided by the participant or the employer.  Loans may be taxable if a participant has additional loans from other plans.  The total of all outstanding loans must not exceed the following limits:
 
 
Contract Values
Maximum Outstanding Loan Balance Allowed
Non-ERISA Plans
up to $20,000
up to 80% of contract value (not more than $10,000)
 
$20,000 and over
up to 50% of contract value (not more than $50,000*)
ERISA Plans
All
up to 50% of contract value (not more than $50,000*)
 
 
*The $50,000 limits will be reduced by the highest outstanding balance owed during the previous 12 months.
 
For salary reduction Tax Sheltered Annuities, loans may be secured only by the contract value.
 
Maximum Loan Processing Fee
 
Nationwide may charge a loan processing fee at the time each new loan is processed.  The loan processing fee, if assessed, will not exceed $25 per loan processed.  This fee compensates

 
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Nationwide for expenses related to administering and processing loans.
 
The fee is taken from the sub-accounts and the fixed account in proportion to the contract value at the time the loan is processed.
 
How Loan Requests are Processed
 
All loans are made from the collateral fixed account.  Nationwide transfers accumulation units in proportion to the assets in each sub-account to the collateral fixed account until the requested amount is reached.  If there are not enough accumulation units available in the contract to reach the requested loan amount, Nationwide next transfers contract value from the fixed account.  No CDSC will be deducted on transfers related to loan processing.
 
Interest
 
The outstanding loan balance in the collateral fixed account is credited with interest until the loan is repaid in full.  The interest rate will be 2.25% less than the loan interest rate fixed by Nationwide.  The interest rate is guaranteed never to fall below the minimum interest rate required by applicable state law.
 
Specific loan terms are disclosed at the time of loan application or issuance.
 
Loan Repayment
 
Loans must be repaid in five years.  However, if the loan is used to purchase the contract owner’s principal residence, the contract owner has 15 years to repay the loan.
 
Contract owners must identify loan repayments as loan repayments or they will be treated as purchase payments and will not reduce the outstanding loan.  Payments must be substantially level and made at least quarterly.
 
Loan repayments will consist of principal and interest in amounts set forth in the loan agreement.  Repayments are allocated to the sub-accounts in accordance with the contract, unless Nationwide and the contract owner have agreed to amend the contract at a later date on a case by case basis.
 
Distributions and Annuity Payments
 
Distributions made from the contract while a loan is outstanding will be reduced by the amount of the outstanding loan plus accrued interest if:
 
·
the contract is surrendered;
 
·
the contract owner/annuitant dies;
 
·
the contract owner who is not the annuitant dies prior to annuitization; or
 
·
annuity payments begin.
 
Transferring the Contract
 
Nationwide reserves the right to restrict any transfer of the contract while the loan is outstanding.
 
Grace Period and Loan Default
 
If a loan payment is not made when due, interest will continue to accrue.  A grace period may be available (please refer to the terms of the loan agreement).  If a loan payment is not made by the end of the applicable grace period, the entire loan will be treated as a deemed distribution and will be taxable to the borrower.  This deemed distribution may also be subject to an early withdrawal tax penalty by the Internal Revenue Service.
 
After default, interest will continue to accrue on the loan.  Defaulted amounts, plus interest, are deducted from the contract value when the participant is eligible for a distribution of at least that amount.  Additional loans are not available while a previous loan is in default.
 
 
Contract rights are personal to the contract owner and may not be assigned without Nationwide’s written consent.
 
A Non-Qualified Contract owner may assign some or all rights under the contract.  An assignment must occur before annuitization while the annuitant is alive.  Once proper notice of assignment is recorded by Nationwide’s home office, the assignment will become effective as of the date the written request was signed.
 
IRAs, Roth IRAs, SEP IRAs, Qualified Contracts and Tax Sheltered Annuities may not be assigned, pledged or otherwise transferred except where allowed by law.
 
Nationwide is not responsible for the validity or tax consequences of any assignment.  Nationwide is not liable for any payment or settlement made before the assignment is recorded.  Assignments will not be recorded until Nationwide receives sufficient direction from the contract owner and the assignee regarding the proper allocation of contract rights.
 
Amounts pledged or assigned will be treated as distributions and will be included in gross income to the extent that the cash value exceeds the investment in the contract for the taxable year in which it was pledged or assigned.  Amounts assigned may be subject to a tax penalty equal to 10% of the amount included in gross income.
 
Assignment of the entire contract value may cause the portion of the contract value exceeding the total investment in the contract and previously taxed amounts to be included in gross income for federal income tax purposes each year that the assignment is in effect.
 
 
Asset Rebalancing
 
Asset Rebalancing is the automatic reallocation of contract values to the sub-accounts on a predetermined percentage basis.  Asset Rebalancing is not available for assets held in the fixed account.  Each Asset Rebalancing reallocation is considered a transfer event.  Requests for Asset Rebalancing must be on a Nationwide form.  Once Asset Rebalancing is elected, it will only be terminated upon specific instruction from the contract owner; manual transfers will not automatically terminate the program.
 
Asset Rebalancing occurs every three months or on another frequency if permitted by Nationwide.  If the last day of the three-month period falls on a Saturday, Sunday, recognized holiday, or any other day when the New York Stock Exchange

 
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is closed, Asset Rebalancing will occur on the next business day.  Asset Rebalancing may be subject to employer limitations or restrictions for contracts issued to a Qualified Plan or Tax Sheltered Annuity plan.  Contract owners should consult a financial adviser to discuss the use of Asset Rebalancing.
 
Nationwide reserves the right to stop establishing new Asset Rebalancing programs.  Nationwide also reserves the right to assess a processing fee for this service.
 
Dollar Cost Averaging
 
Dollar Cost Averaging is a long-term transfer program that allows you to make regular, level investments over time.  It involves the automatic transfer of a specified amount from the fixed account and certain sub-accounts into other sub-accounts.  Contract owners may participate in this program if their contract value is $5,000 or more.  Nationwide does not guarantee that this program will result in profit or protect contract owners from loss.
 
Contract owners direct Nationwide to automatically transfer specified amounts from the fixed account, Fidelity Variable Insurance Products Fund – VIP High Income Portfolio: Initial Class, NVIT – Federated NVIT High Income Bond Fund: Class I, NVIT Government Bond Fund: Class I, and NVIT Money Market Fund: Class I to any other underlying mutual fund.  Dollar Cost Averaging transfers may not be directed to the fixed account.
 
Transfers occur monthly or on another frequency if permitted by Nationwide.  Dollar Cost Averaging transfers are not considered transfer events.  Nationwide will process transfers until either the value in the originating investment option is exhausted, or the contract owner instructs Nationwide in writing to stop the transfers.
 
Nationwide reserves the right to stop establishing new dollar cost averaging programs.  Nationwide also reserves the right to assess a processing fee for this service.
 
Dollar Cost Averaging from the Fixed Account
 
Transfers from the fixed account must be equal to or less than 1/30th of the fixed account value at the time the program is requested.  A Dollar Cost averaging program which transfers amounts from the fixed account to the variable account is not the same as an Enhanced Rate Dollar Cost Averaging program.
 
Contract owners that wish to utilize dollar cost averaging from the fixed account should first inquire whether any Enhanced Rate Dollar Cost Averaging programs are available.
 
Enhanced Rate Dollar Cost Averaging
 
Nationwide may, from time to time, offer Enhanced Rate Dollar Cost Averaging programs.  Only new purchase payments to the contract are eligible to participate in this program. Nationwide reserves the right to require a minimum balance to establish the Enhanced Rate Dollar Cost Averaging Program.  Dollar Cost Averaging transfers for this program may only be made from the fixed account.  Such Enhanced Rate Dollar Cost Averaging programs allow the contract owner to earn a higher rate of interest on assets in the fixed account than would normally be credited when not participating in the program.  Each enhanced interest rate is guaranteed for as long as the corresponding program is in effect.  Nationwide will process transfers until either amounts in the enhanced rate fixed account are exhausted, or the contract owner instructs Nationwide in writing to stop the transfers.  For this program only, when a written request to discontinue transfers is received, Nationwide will automatically transfer the remaining amount in the enhanced rate fixed account to the money market sub-account.
 
Systematic Withdrawals
 
Systematic withdrawals allow contract owners to receive a specified amount (of at least $100) on a monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, or annual basis.  Requests for systematic withdrawals and requests to discontinue systematic withdrawals must be in writing.
 
The withdrawals will be taken from the sub-accounts and the fixed account proportionately unless Nationwide is instructed otherwise.
 
Nationwide will withhold federal income taxes from systematic withdrawals unless otherwise instructed by the contract owner.  The Internal Revenue Service may impose a 10% penalty tax if the contract owner is under age 59½ unless the contract owner has made an irrevocable election of distributions of substantially equal payments.
 
A CDSC may apply to amounts taken through systematic withdrawals. If the contract owner takes systematic withdrawals, the maximum amount that can be withdrawn annually without a CDSC is the greater of:
 
(1)
10% of all purchase payments made to the contract as of the withdrawal date; or
 
(2)
an amount withdrawn to meet minimum distribution requirements under the Internal Revenue Code.
 
The CDSC-free withdrawal privilege for systematic withdrawals is non-cumulative.  Free amounts not taken during any contract year cannot be taken as free amounts in a subsequent contract year.
 
Nationwide reserves the right to stop establishing new systematic withdrawal programs.  Systematic withdrawals are not available before the end of the ten-day free look period (see "Right to Examine and Cancel").
 
 
The annuity commencement date is the date on which annuity payments are scheduled to begin. The contract owner may change the annuity commencement date before annuitization.  This change must be in writing and approved by Nationwide.
 
 
Annuitization Date
 
The annuitization date is the date that annuity payments begin.   Annuity payments will not begin until the contract owner affirmatively elects to begin annuity payments.   The annuitization date will be the first day of a calendar month

 
22

 
 
unless otherwise agreed.  The annuitization date must be at least 2 years after the contract is issued, but may not be later than either:
 
·
the age (or date) specified in your contract; or
 
·
the age (or date) specified by state law, where applicable.
 
If the contract is issued to fund a Tax Sheltered Annuity, annuitization may occur during the first 2 years subject to Nationwide’s approval.
 
The Internal Revenue Code may require that distributions be made prior to the annuitization dates specified above (see "Required Distributions" in Appendix C).
 
Annuitization
 
Annuitization is the period during which annuity payments are received.  It is irrevocable once payments have begun.  Upon arrival of the annuitization date, the annuitant must choose:
 
(1)
an annuity payment option; and
 
(2)
either a fixed payment annuity, variable payment annuity, or an available combination.
 
Nationwide guarantees that each payment under a fixed payment annuity will be the same throughout annuitization.  Under a variable payment annuity, the amount of each payment will vary with the performance of the underlying mutual funds chosen by the contract owner.
 
Fixed Payment Annuity
 
A fixed payment annuity is an annuity where the amount of the annuity payment remains level.
 
The first payment under a fixed payment annuity is determined on the annuitization date based on the annuitant’s age (in accordance with the contract) by:
 
(1)
deducting applicable premium taxes from the total contract value; then
 
(2)
applying the contract value amount specified by the contract owner to the fixed payment annuity table for the annuity payment option elected.
 
Subsequent payments will remain level unless the annuity payment option elected provides otherwise. Nationwide does not credit discretionary interest during annuitization.
 
Variable Payment Annuity
 
A variable payment annuity is an annuity where the amount of the annuity payments will vary depending on the performance of the underlying mutual funds selected.   Variable annuity payments will vary depending on the performance of the underlying mutual funds selected.  The underlying mutual funds available during annuitization are those underlying mutual funds shown in the Appendix A.
 
The first payment under a variable payment annuity is determined on the annuitization date based on the annuitant’s age (in accordance with the contract) by:
 
(1)
deducting applicable premium taxes from the total contract value; then
 
(2)
applying the contract value amount specified by the contract owner to the variable payment annuity table for the annuity payment option elected.
 
The dollar amount of the first payment is converted into a set number of annuity units that will represent each monthly payment.  This is done by dividing the dollar amount of the first payment by the value of an annuity unit as of the annuitization date. The number of annuity units comprising each variable annuity payment, on a Sub-account basis, will remain constant, unless the contract owner transfers value from one underlying mutual fund to another. After annuitization, transfers among sub-accounts may only be made on the anniversary of the annuitization date.
 
The second and subsequent payments are determined by multiplying the fixed number of annuity units by the annuity unit value for the valuation period in which the payment is due.  The amount of the second and subsequent payments will vary with the performance of the selected underlying mutual funds.  Nationwide guarantees that variations in mortality experience from assumptions used to calculate the first payment will not affect the dollar amount of the second and subsequent payments.
 
Value of an Annuity Unit
 
Annuity unit values for sub-accounts are determined by:
 
(1)
multiplying the annuity unit value for the immediately preceding valuation period by the net investment factor for the subsequent valuation period (see "Determining the Contract Value"); and then
 
(2)
multiplying the result from (1) by an interest factor to neutralize the assumed investment rate of 3.5% per year built into the purchase rate basis for variable payment annuities.
 
Assumed Investment Rate
 
An assumed investment rate is the percentage rate of return assumed to determine the amount of the first payment under a variable payment annuity.  Nationwide uses the assumed investment rate of 3.5% to calculate the first annuity payment and to calculate the investment performance of an underlying mutual fund in order to determine subsequent payments under a variable payment annuity.  An assumed investment rate is the percentage rate of return required to maintain level variable annuity payments.  Subsequent variable annuity payments may be more or less than the first payment based on whether actual investment performance of the underlying mutual funds is higher or lower than the assumed investment rate of 3.5%.
 
Exchanges among Underlying Mutual Funds
 
Exchanges among underlying mutual funds during annuitization must be requested in writing. Exchanges will occur on each anniversary of the annuitization date.
 
Frequency and Amount of Annuity Payments
 
Payments are made based on the annuity payment option selected, unless:
 
 
23

 
 
·
the amount to be distributed is less than $500, in which case Nationwide may make one lump sum payment of the contract value; or
 
·
an annuity payment would be less than $20, in which case Nationwide can change the frequency of payments to intervals that will result in payments of at least $20.  Payments will be made at least annually.
 
Annuity payments will generally be received within 7 to 10 days after each annuity payment date.
 
Annuity Payment Options
 
Contract owners must elect an annuity payment option before the annuitization date.  If the annuitant does not elect an annuity payment option, a variable payment life annuity with a guarantee period of 240 months will be assumed as the automatic form of payment upon annuitization.  Once elected or assumed, the annuity payment option may not be changed.
 
The annuity payment options are:
 
(1)
Life Annuity - An annuity payable periodically, but at least annually, for the lifetime of the annuitant.  Payments will end upon the annuitant’s death.  For example, if the annuitant dies before the second annuity payment date, the annuitant will receive only one annuity payment.  The annuitant will only receive two annuity payments if he or she dies before the third annuity payment date, and so on.
 
 
(2)
Joint and Survivor Annuity - An annuity payable periodically, but at least annually, during the joint lifetimes of the annuitant and a designated second individual.  If one of these parties dies, payments will continue for the lifetime of the survivor.  Payments end upon the death of the last surviving party, regardless of the number of payments received.  As is the case of the Life annuity payment option, there is no guaranteed number of payments. Therefore, it is possible that if the annuitant dies before the second annuity payment date, the annuitant will receive only one annuity payment. No death benefit payment will be paid.
 
(3)
Life Annuity with 120 or 240 Monthly Payments Guaranteed - An annuity payable monthly during the lifetime of the annuitant.  If the annuitant dies before all of the guaranteed payments have been made, payments will continue to the end of the guaranteed period and will be paid to a designee chosen by the annuitant at the time the annuity payment option was elected.
 
The designee may elect to receive the present value of the remaining guaranteed payments in a lump sum.  The present value will be computed as of the date Nationwide receives the notice of the annuitant’s death.
 
Not all of the annuity payment options may be available in all states.  Contract owners may request other options before the annuitization date.  These options are subject to Nationwide’s approval.
 
No distribution for Non-Qualified Contracts will be made until an annuity payment option has been elected.  Qualified Contracts, IRAs, SEP IRAs and Tax Sheltered Annuities are subject to the "minimum distribution" requirements set forth in the plan, contract, and the Internal Revenue Code.
 
 
Death of Contract Owner - Non-Qualified Contracts
 
If the contract owner who is not the annuitant dies before the annuitization date, the contingent owner becomes the contract owner.  If no contingent owner is named, the annuitant becomes the contract owner, unless the contract owner at the time of application, named his or her estate to receive the contract.
 
If the contract owner and annuitant are the same, and the contract owner/annuitant dies before the annuitization date, the contingent owner will not have any rights in the contract unless the contingent owner is also the beneficiary.
 
Distributions under Non-Qualified Contracts will be made pursuant to the "Required Distributions for Non-Qualified Contracts" provision in Appendix C.
 
Death of Annuitant - Non-Qualified Contracts
 
If the annuitant who is not the contract owner dies before the annuitization date, a death benefit is payable to the beneficiary unless a contingent annuitant is named.  If a contingent annuitant is named, the contingent annuitant becomes the annuitant and no death benefit is payable.
 
If no beneficiaries survive the annuitant, the contingent beneficiary(ies) receives the death benefit.  Contingent beneficiaries will share the death benefit equally, unless otherwise specified.
 
If no beneficiaries or contingent beneficiaries survive the annuitant, the contract owner or the last surviving contract owner’s estate will receive the death benefit.
 
If the annuitant dies after the annuitization date, any benefit that may be payable will be paid according to the selected annuity payment option.
 
Death of Contract Owner/Annuitant
 
If a contract owner who is also the annuitant dies before the annuitization date, a death benefit is payable according to the "Death of the Annuitant – Non-Qualified Contracts" provision.
 
If the contract owner/annuitant dies after the annuitization date, any benefit that may be payable will be paid according to the selected annuity payment option.
 
How the Death Benefit Value is Determined
 
The beneficiary may elect to receive the death benefit:
 
(1)
in a lump sum;
 
(2)
as an annuity; or
 
(3)
in any other manner permitted by law and approved by Nationwide.
 
If the recipient of the death benefit does not elect the form in which to receive the death benefit payment, Nationwide will pay the death benefit in a lump sum.

 
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The death benefit value is determined as of the date Nationwide receives:
 
(1)
proper proof of the annuitant’s death;
 
(2)
an election specifying the distribution method; and
 
(3)
any state required form(s).
 
If the contract has multiple beneficiaries entitled to receive a portion of the death benefit, the contract value will continue to be allocated according to the most recent allocation instructions until the first beneficiary provides Nationwide with instructions for payment of death benefit proceeds.    After the first beneficiary provides these instructions, the contract value for all beneficiaries will be allocated to the available money market sub-account until instructions are received from the beneficiary(ies) to allocate their contract value in another manner.
 
Death Benefit Payment
 
Nationwide will pay (or will begin to pay) the death benefit upon receiving proof of death and the instructions as to the payment of the death benefit.
 
For contracts issued on or after the later of November 3, 1997, or the date on which state insurance authorities approve applicable contract modifications, if the annuitant dies before the first day of the calendar month following his or her 75th birthday, the death benefit will be the greatest of:
 
(1)
the contract value;
 
(2)
the total of all purchase payments, less an adjustment for amounts surrendered; or
 
(3)
the highest contract value as of the most recent five year contract anniversary before the annuitant’s 75th birthday, less an adjustment for amounts surrendered, plus purchase payments received after that five year contract anniversary.
 
The adjustment for amounts surrendered will reduce items (2) and (3) above in the same proportion that the contract value was reduced on the date(s) of the partial surrenders.
 
For contracts issued before November 3, 1997 or before the date on which state insurance authorities approve applicable contract modifications, if the annuitant dies before the first day of the calendar month following his or her 75th birthday, the death benefit will be the greater of:
 
(1)
the total of all purchase payments, increased at an annual rate of 5% simple interest from the date of each purchase payment for each full year the payment has been in force, less any amounts surrendered; or
 
(2)
the contract value.
 
Insurance regulations in the states of New York and North Carolina prohibit the death benefit described immediately above.  For contracts issued in the states of New York and North Carolina, the death benefit will be the greater of:
 
(1)
the sum of all purchase payments, less any amounts previously surrendered; or
 
(2)
the contract value.
 
For Tax Sheltered Annuities issued on or after the later of May 1, 1997, or the date on which state insurance authorities approve applicable contract modifications and before May 1, 1998, or the date insurance authorities approve applicable contract modifications, in states that use a Unified Billing Authority to process purchase payments, the death benefit will be the greater of:
 
(1)
the total of all purchase payments, less any amounts surrendered; or
 
(2)
the contract value.
 
For Tax Sheltered Annuities issued on or after May 1, 1998, or the date on which insurance authorities approve applicable contract modifications in states that use a Unified Billing Authority to process purchase payments, the death benefit will be the greater of;
 
(1)
the total of all purchase payments, less an adjustment for amounts surrendered; or
 
(2)
the contract value.
 
The adjustment for amounts surrendered will reduce item (1) above in the same proportion that the contract value was reduced on the date(s) of the partial surrender(s).
 
For all contracts issued, if the annuitant dies after the first day of the calendar month following his or her 75th birthday and before the annuitization date, the death benefit will equal the contract value.
 
If the annuitant dies after the annuitization date, payment will be determined according to the selected annuity payment option.
 
 
Nationwide will mail contract owners statements and reports.  Therefore, contract owners should promptly notify Nationwide of any address change.
 
These mailings will contain:
 
·
statements showing the contract’s quarterly activity;
 
·
confirmation statements showing transactions that affect the contract's value.  Confirmation statements will not be sent for recurring transactions (i.e., dollar cost averaging or salary reduction programs).  Instead, confirmation of recurring transactions will appear in the contract’s quarterly statements; and
 
·
semi-annual and annual reports of allocated underlying mutual funds.
 
Contract owners should review statements and confirmations carefully.  All errors or corrections must be reported to Nationwide immediately to assure proper crediting to the contract.  Unless Nationwide is notified within 30 days of receipt of the statement, Nationwide will assume statements and confirmation statements are correct.

 
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IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING DELIVERY OF SECURITY HOLDER DOCUMENTS
 
When multiple copies of the same disclosure document(s), such as prospectuses, supplements, proxy statements and semi-annual and annual reports are required to be mailed to multiple contract owners in the same household, Nationwide will mail only one copy of each document, unless notified otherwise by the contract owner(s).  Household delivery will continue for the life of the contracts.  Please call 1-866-223-0303 to resume regular delivery.  Please allow 30 days for regular delivery to resume.
 
 
Nationwide Financial Services, Inc. (NFS, or collectively with its subsidiaries, the Company) was formed in November 1996. NFS is the holding company for Nationwide Life Insurance Company (NLIC), Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance Company (NLAIC) and other companies that comprise the life insurance and retirement savings operations of the Nationwide group of companies (Nationwide). This group includes Nationwide Financial Network (NFN), which refers to Nationwide Life Insurance Company of America (NLICA), Nationwide Life and Annuity Company of America (NLACA) and subsidiaries, including the affiliated distribution network. NFS is incorporated in Delaware and maintains its principal executive offices in Columbus, Ohio.
 
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 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 regarding 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 been contacted by or received subpoenas from the SEC and the New York State Attorney General, who are investigating market timing in certain mutual funds offered in insurance products sponsored by the Company. The Company has cooperated with these investigations. Information requests from the New York State Attorney General and the SEC with respect to investigations into late trading and market timing were last responded to by the Company and its affiliates in December 2003 and June 2005, respectively, and no further information requests have been received with respect to 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 medium-term note (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 Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company (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

 
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investigation may have on the Company’s retirement plan operations with respect to promotional and marketing arrangements in general in the future.
 
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.
 
Nationwide Financial Services, Inc. (NFS), NMIC, Nationwide Mutual Fire Insurance Company (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, Nationwide Retirement Solutions, Inc. (NRS) and NLIC 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. 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. NRS and NLIC continue to defend this case vigorously.
 
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. On October 17, 2008, the plaintiffs filed their opening brief. On December 19, 2008 the defendants filed their briefs. On January 26, 2009, the plaintiffs filed Appellants’ Reply Brief. 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

 
27

 
 
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. 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 case was settled.
 
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. 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

 
28

 
 
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. The Court has set a hearing on the class certification motion for February 27, 2009. NFS and NLIC continue to defend this lawsuit vigorously.
 
Security Distributors, Inc., the principal underwriter of the Contract (“SDI”), has  been named, among several others, as defendants in a class action filed in federal court in the Western District of Washington, captioned as Daniels-Hall et al., v. National Education Association, et al., No. C 07-5339 RBL, challenging under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) payments made by to MBC under the NEA Valuebuilder Program. The other defendants include other affiliates of SDI and, unaffiliated companies, and individuals. Plaintiffs claim that all of the defendants, among other things, failed to prudently and loyally manage plan assets, failed to provide complete and accurate information, engaged in prohibited transactions, and breached their fiduciary duty under ERISA in connection with the payments described above. SDI and the other defendants filed motions to dismiss the complaint based primarily on the grounds that ERISA does not apply to the matters alleged in the complaint. The District Court granted defendants’ motion to dismiss.  The plaintiffs have appealed.  SDI does not believe that the class action claims have merit and intends to continue to defend against the claims vigorously.
 
The general distributor, Security Distributors, Inc. does not believe that these claims are likely to have a material adverse effect on its ability to perform its duties as principal underwriter of the Contract.

 
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Page
 
General Information and History                                                                                                                                                      
1
Services                                                                                                                                                      
1
Purchase of Securities Being Offered                                                                                                                                                      
2
Underwriters                                                                                                                                                      
2
Advertising                                                                                                                                                      
2
Annuity Payments                                                                                                                                                      
2
Financial Statements                                                                                                                                                      
3
 
To learn more about this product, you should read the Statement of Additional Information (the "SAI") dated the same date as this prospectus.  For a free copy of the SAI and to request other information about this product please call 1-800-NEA-VALU (800-632-8258) or write to : NEA Valuebuilder Program, One Security Benefit Place, Topeka, Kansas, 66636-0001.  The SAI has been filed with the SEC and is incorporated by reference into this prospectus. The SEC maintains an Internet website (http://www.sec.gov) that contains the SAI and other information about us and the product.  Information about us and the product (including the SAI) may also be reviewed and copied at the SEC's Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C., or may be obtained, upon payment of a duplicating fee, by writing the Public Reference Section of the SEC, 100 F Street NE, Washington, D.C. 20549-0102. Additional information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling the SEC at (202) 551-8090.

Investment Company Act of 1940 Registration File No. 811-3338
Securities Act of 1933 Registration File No. 2-75174

 
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The underlying mutual funds listed below are designed primarily as investments for variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies issued by insurance companies.  There is no guarantee that the investment objectives will be met.
 
Please refer to the prospectus for each underlying mutual fund for more detailed information
 
AIM Variable Insurance Funds - AIM V.I. Capital Appreciation Fund: Series I Shares
This underlying mutual fund is only available in contracts for which good order applications were received before May 1, 2008
Investment Adviser:
Invesco Aim Advisors, Inc.
Sub-adviser:
Invesco Trimark Investment Management, Inc.; Invesco Global Asset
 
Management (N.A.), Inc.; Invesco Institutional (N.A.), Inc.; Invesco Senior
 
Secured Management, Inc.; Invesco Hong Kong Limited; Invesco Asset
 
Management Limited; Invesco Asset Management (Japan) Limited; Invesco
 
Asset Management Deutschland, GmbH; and Invesco Australia Limited
Investment Objective:
Growth of capital.
 
This underlying mutual fund or sub-account may invest in other funds.  Therefore, a proportionate share of the fees and expenses of any acquired funds are indirectly borne by investors.  As a result, investors may incur higher charges in this underlying mutual fund or sub-account than a fund that does not invest in other funds.
 
AIM Variable Insurance Funds - AIM V.I. Global Health Care Fund: Series I Shares
Investment Adviser:
Invesco Aim Advisors, Inc.
Sub-adviser:
Invesco Trimark Investment Management, Inc.; Invesco Global Asset
 
Management (N.A.), Inc.; Invesco Institutional (N.A.), Inc.; Invesco Senior
 
Secured Management, Inc.; Invesco Hong Kong Limited; Invesco Asset
 
Management Limited; Invesco Asset Management (Japan) Limited; Invesco
 
Asset Management Deutschland, GmbH; and Invesco Australia Limited
Investment Objective:
Capital growth.
 
This underlying mutual fund or sub-account may invest in other funds.  Therefore, a proportionate share of the fees and expenses of any acquired funds are indirectly borne by investors.  As a result, investors may incur higher charges in this underlying mutual fund or sub-account than a fund that does not invest in other funds.
 
AIM Variable Insurance Funds - AIM V.I. Global Real Estate Fund: Series I Shares
Investment Adviser:
Invesco Aim Advisors, Inc.
Sub-adviser:
Invesco Trimark Investment Management, Inc.; Invesco Global Asset
 
Management (N.A.), Inc.; Invesco Institutional (N.A.), Inc.; Invesco Senior
 
Secured Management, Inc.; Invesco Hong Kong Limited; Invesco Asset
 
Management Limited; Invesco Asset Management (Japan) Limited; Invesco
 
Asset Management Deutschland, GmbH; and Invesco Australia Limited
Investment Objective:
High total return through growth of capital and current income.
 
This underlying mutual fund or sub-account may invest in lower quality debt securities commonly referred to as junk bonds.
 
AIM Variable Insurance Funds - AIM V.I. International Growth Fund: Series I Shares
This underlying mutual fund is only available in contracts for which good order applications were received before May 1, 2008
Investment Adviser:
Invesco Aim Advisors, Inc.
Sub-adviser:
Invesco Trimark Investment Management, Inc.; Invesco Global Asset
 
Management (N.A.), Inc.; Invesco Institutional (N.A.), Inc.; Invesco Senior
 
Secured Management, Inc.; Invesco Hong Kong Limited; Invesco Asset
 
Management Limited; Invesco Asset Management (Japan) Limited; Invesco
 
Asset Management Deutschland, GmbH; and Invesco Australia Limited
Investment Objective:
Long-term growth of capital.
 
This underlying mutual fund or sub-account may invest in other funds.  Therefore, a proportionate share of the fees and expenses of any acquired funds are indirectly borne by investors.  As a result, investors may incur higher charges in this underlying mutual fund or sub-account than a fund that does not invest in other funds.
 
American Century Variable Portfolios, Inc. - American Century VP Balanced Fund: Class I
Investment Adviser:
American Century Investment Management, Inc.
Investment Objective:
Long-term capital growth and income.
 
This underlying mutual fund or sub-account may invest in lower quality debt securities commonly referred to as junk bonds.

 
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American Century Variable Portfolios, Inc. - American Century VP Capital Appreciation Fund: Class I
This underlying mutual fund is only available in contracts for which good order applications were received before September 27, 1999
Investment Adviser:
American Century Investment Management, Inc.
Investment Objective:
Capital growth.
 
American Century Variable Portfolios, Inc. - American Century VP Income & Growth Fund: Class I
Investment Adviser:
American Century Investment Management, Inc.
Investment Objective:
Capital growth by investing in common stocks.  Income is a secondary
 
objective.
 
Dreyfus Socially Responsible Growth Fund, Inc.: Initial Shares
This underlying mutual fund is only available in contracts for which good order applications were received before May 1, 2008
Investment Adviser:
The Dreyfus Corporation
Sub-adviser:
Boston Company Asset Management
Investment Objective:
Capital growth with current income as a secondary goal.
 
Dreyfus Stock Index Fund, Inc.: Initial Shares
Investment Adviser:
The Dreyfus Corporation
Sub-adviser:
Mellon Capital Management
Investment Objective:
To match performance of the S&P 500.
 
Dreyfus Variable Investment Fund - Appreciation Portfolio: Initial Shares
Investment Adviser:
The Dreyfus Corporation
Sub-adviser:
Fayez Sarofim
Investment Objective:
Long-term capital growth consistent with the preservation of capital.
 
Dreyfus Variable Investment Fund - Developing Leaders Portfolio: Initial Shares
Investment Adviser:
The Dreyfus Corporation
Sub-adviser:
Franklin Portfolio Associates
Investment Objective:
Capital growth.
 
Dreyfus Variable Investment Fund - Quality Bond Portfolio: Initial Shares
Investment Adviser:
The Dreyfus Corporation
Sub-adviser:
Standish Mellon
Investment Objective:
Maximum total return.
 
Fidelity Variable Insurance Products Fund - VIP Contrafund® Portfolio: Service Class 2
This underlying mutual fund is only available in contracts for which good order applications were received before May 1, 2008
Investment Adviser:
Fidelity Management & Research Company (FMR)
Sub-adviser:
Fidelity Management & Research Co., Inc. (FMR Co., Inc.); Fidelity Research
 
 & Analysis Company (FRAC)
Investment Objective:
Long-term capital appreciation.
 
This underlying mutual fund or sub-account may invest in lower quality debt securities commonly referred to as junk bonds.
 
Fidelity Variable Insurance Products Fund - VIP Equity-Income Portfolio: Initial Class
Investment Adviser:
Fidelity Management & Research Company (FMR)
Sub-adviser:
Fidelity Management & Research Co., Inc. (FMR Co., Inc.); Fidelity Research
 
 & Analysis Company (FRAC)
Investment Objective:
Reasonable income.
 
This underlying mutual fund or sub-account may invest in lower quality debt securities commonly referred to as junk bonds.
 
Fidelity Variable Insurance Products Fund - VIP High Income Portfolio: Initial Class
Investment Adviser:
Fidelity Management & Research Company (FMR)
Sub-adviser:
Fidelity Management & Research Co., Inc. (FMR Co., Inc.); Fidelity Research
 
 & Analysis Company (FRAC)
Investment Objective:
High level of current income.
 
This underlying mutual fund or sub-account may invest in lower quality debt securities commonly referred to as junk bonds.

 
32

 
 
Franklin Templeton Variable Insurance Products Trust - Templeton Foreign Securities Fund: Class 1
This underlying mutual fund is only available in contracts for which good order applications were received before May 1, 2009
Investment Adviser:
Templeton Investment Counsel, LLC
Investment Objective:
Long-term capital growth.
 
This underlying mutual fund or sub-account may invest in other funds.  Therefore, a proportionate share of the fees and expenses of any acquired funds are indirectly borne by investors.  As a result, investors may incur higher charges in this underlying mutual fund or sub-account than a fund that does not invest in other funds.

This underlying mutual fund or sub-account may invest in lower quality debt securities commonly referred to as junk bonds.
 
Janus Aspen Series - Overseas Portfolio: Institutional Shares (formerly, International Growth Portfolio: Institutional Shares)
Investment Adviser:
Janus Capital Management LLC
Investment Objective:
Seeks long-term growth of capital.
 
This underlying mutual fund or sub-account may invest in lower quality debt securities commonly referred to as junk bonds.
 
Nationwide Variable Insurance Trust - Federated NVIT High Income Bond Fund: Class I
Investment Adviser:
Nationwide Fund Advisors
Sub-adviser:
Federated Investment Management Company
Investment Objective:
High current income.
 
This underlying mutual fund or sub-account may invest in lower quality debt securities commonly referred to as junk bonds.
 
Nationwide Variable Insurance Trust - Neuberger Berman NVIT Multi Cap Opportunities Fund: Class I
Investment Adviser:
Nationwide Fund Advisors
Sub-adviser:
Neuberger Berman Management Inc.
Investment Objective:
The fund seeks long-term capital growth.
 
Nationwide Variable Insurance Trust - Neuberger Berman NVIT Socially Responsible Fund: Class I
Investment Adviser:
Nationwide Fund Advisors
Sub-adviser:
Neuberger Berman Management Inc.
Investment Objective:
The Fund seeks long-term growth of capital by investing primarily in
 
securities of companies that meet the fund's financial criteria and social policy.
 
Nationwide Variable Insurance Trust - NVIT Government Bond Fund: Class I
Investment Adviser:
Nationwide Fund Advisors
Sub-adviser:
Nationwide Asset Management, LLC
Investment Objective:
To provide a high level of income as is consistent with the preservation of
 
capital.
 
Nationwide Variable Insurance Trust - NVIT Money Market Fund: Class I
Investment Adviser:
Nationwide Fund Advisors
Sub-adviser:
Federated Investment Management Company
Investment Objective:
The fund seeks as high a level of current income as is consistent with
 
preserving capital and maintaining liquidity.
 
Nationwide Variable Insurance Trust - NVIT Multi-Manager Large Cap Growth Fund: Class I
Investment Adviser:
Nationwide Fund Advisors
Sub-adviser:
Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P.; Neuberger Berman Management
 
Inc.; Wells Capital Management, Inc.
Investment Objective:
The fund seeks long-term capital growth.
 
Nationwide Variable Insurance Trust - NVIT Multi-Manager Mid Cap Growth Fund: Class I
Investment Adviser:
Nationwide Fund Advisors
Sub-adviser:
Neuberger Berman Management Inc. and American Century Investment
 
Management Inc.
Investment Objective:
The fund seeks long-term capital growth.
 
Nationwide Variable Insurance Trust - NVIT Multi-Manager Mid Cap Value Fund: Class II
Investment Adviser:
Nationwide Fund Advisors
Sub-adviser:
American Century Investment Management; RiverSource Investment
 
Management; Thompson, Siegel & Walmsley, Inc.
Investment Objective:
The fund seeks long-term capital growth.
 


 
33

 
 
Nationwide Variable Insurance Trust - NVIT Nationwide Fund: Class I
Investment Adviser:
Nationwide Fund Advisors
Sub-adviser:
Aberdeen Asset Management, Inc.
Investment Objective:
Total return through a flexible combination of capital appreciation and current
 
income.
 
Nationwide Variable Insurance Trust - Oppenheimer NVIT Large Cap Growth Fund: Class I
Investment Adviser:
Nationwide Fund Advisors
Sub-adviser:
OppenheimerFunds, Inc.
Investment Objective:
Seeks long-term capital growth.
 
This underlying mutual fund or sub-account may invest in lower quality debt securities commonly referred to as junk bonds.
 
Neuberger Berman Advisers Management Trust - AMT Balanced Portfolio: I Class
Investment Adviser:
Neuberger Berman Management LLC.
Sub-adviser:
Neuberger Berman, LLC
Investment Objective:
Growth of capital and reasonable current income without undue risk to
 
principal.
 
This underlying mutual fund or sub-account may invest in lower quality debt securities commonly referred to as junk bonds.
 
Neuberger Berman Advisers Management Trust - AMT Partners Portfolio: I Class
This underlying mutual fund is only available in contracts for which good order applications were received before May 1, 2008
Investment Adviser:
Neuberger Berman Management LLC.
Sub-adviser:
Neuberger Berman, LLC
Investment Objective:
Capital growth.
 
This underlying mutual fund or sub-account may invest in lower quality debt securities commonly referred to as junk bonds.
 
PIMCO Variable Insurance Trust - Real Return Portfolio: Administrative Class
Investment Adviser:
Pacific Investment Management Company LLC
Investment Objective:
Maximum real return consistent with preservation of real capital and prudent
 
investment management.
 
PIMCO Variable Insurance Trust - Total Return Portfolio: Administrative Class
Investment Adviser:
Pacific Investment Management Company LLC
Investment Objective:
Maximum total return consistent with preservation of capital and prudent
 
investment management.
 
Royce Capital Fund - Royce Micro-Cap Portfolio: Investment Class
Investment Adviser:
Royce & Associates, LLC
Investment Objective:
Long-term capital growth.
 
SBL Fund - Series D (Global Series)
Investment Adviser:
Security Investors, LLC
Sub-adviser:
Security Global Investors, LLC
Investment Objective:
Long-term capital growth.
 
This underlying mutual fund or sub-account may invest in lower quality debt securities commonly referred to as junk bonds.
 
SBL Fund - Series J (Mid Cap Growth Series)
Investment Adviser:
Security Investors, LLC
Investment Objective:
Capital appreciation.
 
SBL Fund - Series N (Managed Asset Allocation Series)
Investment Adviser:                                                          Security Investors, LLC
Sub-adviser:
T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc.
Investment Objective:
High level of total return.
 
This underlying mutual fund or sub-account may invest in lower quality debt securities commonly referred to as junk bonds.
 
SBL Fund - Series O (Equity Income Series)
Investment Adviser:
Security Investors, LLC
Sub-adviser:
T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc.
Investment Objective:
Substantial dividend income and capital appreciation.
 
This underlying mutual fund or sub-account may invest in lower quality debt securities commonly referred to as junk bonds.

 
34

 
 
SBL Fund - Series P (High Yield Series)
Investment Adviser:
Security Investors, LLC
Investment Objective:
High current income and capital appreciation as a secondary objective.
 
This underlying mutual fund or sub-account may invest in lower quality debt securities commonly referred to as junk bonds.
 
SBL Fund - Series Q (Small Cap Value Series)
Investment Adviser:
Security Investors, LLC
Sub-adviser:
Wells Capital Management Incorporated
Investment Objective:
Long-term capital appreciation.
 
This underlying mutual fund or sub-account may invest in lower quality debt securities commonly referred to as junk bonds.
 
SBL Fund - Series V (Mid Cap Value Series)
Investment Adviser:
Security Investors, LLC
Investment Objective:
Long-term growth of capital.
 
SBL Fund - Series X (Small Cap Growth Series)
Investment Adviser:
Security Investors, LLC
Sub-adviser:
RS Investment Management, L.P.
Investment Objective:
Long-term growth of capital.
 
This underlying mutual fund or sub-account may invest in lower quality debt securities commonly referred to as junk bonds.
 
SBL Fund - Series Y (Select 25 Series)
Investment Adviser:
Security Investors, LLC
Investment Objective:
Long-term growth of capital.
 
Wells Fargo Advantage Funds® Variable Trust - VT Opportunity Fund
This underlying mutual fund is only available in contracts for which good order applications were received before May 1, 2008
Investment Adviser:
Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC
Sub-adviser:
Wells Capital Management Incorporated
Investment Objective:
Long-term capital appreciation.
 
This underlying mutual fund or sub-account may invest in other funds.  Therefore, a proportionate share of the fees and expenses of any acquired funds are indirectly borne by investors.  As a result, investors may incur higher charges in this underlying mutual fund or sub-account than a fund that does not invest in other funds.



 
35

 

 
The following tables list the Condensed Financial Information (the Accumulation unit value information for accumulation units outstanding) for contracts with no optional benefits (the minimum variable account charge of 1.30%) and contracts with all optional benefits available on December 31, 200 8 (the maximum variable account charge of 1.30%).  The term "Period" is defined as a complete calendar year, unless otherwise noted.  Those Periods with an asterisk (*) reflect Accumulation unit information for a partial year only.  Should the Variable account charges applicable to your contract fall between the maximum and minimum charges, AND you wish to see a copy of the Condensed Financial Information applicable to your contract, such information can be obtained in the Statement of Additional Information FREE OF CHARGE by:
 

calling:                 1-800-848-6331, TDD 1-800-238-3035
writing:                 Nationwide Life Insurance Company
5100 Rings Road, RR1-04-F4
Dublin, Ohio 43017-1522
checking
on-line at:             www.nationwide.com
 
The following funds were added to the variable account effective May 1, 200 9 , therefore, no Condensed Financial Information is available:
 
Nationwide Variable Insurance Trust
 
·
Oppenheimer NVIT Large Cap Growth Fund-Class I
 
Sub-Accounts
Accumulation Unit Value at Beginning of Period
Accumulation Unit Value at End of Period
Percentage Change in Accumulation Unit Value
Number of Accumulation Units at End of Period
Period
           
AIM Variable Insurance Funds - AIM V.I. Capital Appreciation Fund: Series I Shares - Q/NQ
13.303730
7.550916
-43.24%
4,515
2008
12.034161
13.303730
10.55%
4,792
2007
11.469653
12.034161
4.92%
5,424
2006
10.676868
11.469653
7.43%
6,623
2005
10.145261
10.676868
5.24%
4,575
2004
7.936045
10.145261
27.84%
8,471
2003
10.629714
7.936045
-25.34%
5,920
2002
14.039112
10.629714
-24.28%
6,381
2001
15.964823
14.039112
-12.06%
489,105
2000
11.184821
15.964823
42.74%
177,522
1999
           
AIM Variable Insurance Funds - AIM V.I. Global Health Care Fund: Series I Shares - Q/NQ
11.786725
8.303907
-29.55%
1,789
2008
10.677037
11.786725
10.39%
1,790
2007
10.000000
10.677037
6.77%
0
2006*
         
           
AIM Variable Insurance Funds - AIM V.I. Global Real Estate Fund: Series I Shares - Q/NQ
11.888124
6.494699
-45.37%
109
2008
12.751928
11.888124
-6.77%
103
2007
10.000000
12.751928
27.52%
97
2006*
         

 
36

 


Sub-Accounts
Accumulation Unit Value at Beginning of Period
Accumulation Unit Value at End of Period
Percentage Change in Accumulation Unit Value
Number of Accumulation Units at End of Period
Period
           
AIM Variable Insurance Funds - AIM V.I. International Growth Fund: Series I Shares - Q/NQ
20.521458
12.075540
-41.16%
931
2008
18.125204
20.521458
13.22%
848
2007
14.320119
18.125204
26.57%
587
2006
12.302542
14.320119
16.40%
476
2005
10.051603
12.302542
22.39%
419
2004
7.890688
10.051603
27.39%
589
2003
9.480766
7.890688
-16.77%
137
2002
12.562930
9.480766
-24.53%
64
2001
17.293870
12.562930
-27.36%
60,445
2000
11.300603
17.293870
53.03%
18,221
1999
           
American Century Variable Portfolios, Inc. - American Century VP Balanced Fund: Class I -Q/NQ
12.808596
10.071610
-21.37%
2,669
2008
12.367801
12.808596
3.56%
2,909
2007
11.430683
12.367801
8.20%
4,203
2006
11.036175
11.430683
3.57%
4,800
2005
10.185550
11.036175
8.35%
1,645
2004
8.638585
10.185550
17.91%
2,500
2003
9.677376
8.638585
-10.73%
3,317
2002
10.165458
9.677376
-4.80%
1,187
2001
10.579044
10.165458
-3.91%
345,957
2000
10.000000
10.579044
5.79%
3,482
1999*
           
American Century Variable Portfolios, Inc. - American Century VP Capital Appreciation Fund: Class I - Q/NQ
35.001098
18.590776
-46.89%
3,866
2008
24.323239
35.001098
43.90%
3,699
2007
21.022816
24.323239
15.70%
4,209
2006
17.448933
21.022816
20.48%
4,300
2005
16.432489
17.448933
6.19%
3,566
2004
13.819339
16.432489
18.91%
4,043
2003
17.768711
13.819339
-22.23%
3,504
2002
25.029137
17.768711
-29.01%
4,124
2001
23.256156
25.029137
7.62%
631,044
2000
14.321327
23.256156
62.39%
1,434,464
1999
           
American Century Variable Portfolios, Inc. - American Century VP Income & Growth Fund: Class I - Q/NQ
16.152841
10.428550
-35.44%
4,796
2008
16.377810
16.152841
-1.37%
5,220
2007
14.171369
16.377810
15.57%
5,351
2006
13.722025
14.171369
3.27%
5,345
2005
12.304086
13.722025
11.52%
5,602
2004
9.637195
12.304086
27.67%
5,818
2003
12.110099
9.637195
-20.42%
5,859
2002
13.389004
12.110099
-9.55%
5,479
2001
15.175314
13.389004
-11.77%
605,490
2000
13.027526
15.175314
16.49%
602,532
1999
           

 
37

 


Sub-Accounts
Accumulation Unit Value at Beginning of Period
Accumulation Unit Value at End of Period
Percentage Change in Accumulation Unit Value
Number of Accumulation Units at End of Period
Period
           
The Dreyfus Socially Responsible Growth Fund, Inc.: Initial Shares - Q/NQ
23.854205
15.438795
-35.28%
10,361
2008
22.424260
23.854205
6.38%
11,097
2007
20.804638
22.424260
7.78%
10,831
2006
20.342381
20.804638
2.27%
12,171
2005
19.405114
20.342381
4.83%
12,672
2004
15.603132
19.405114
24.37%
14,346
2003
22.249122
15.603132
-29.87%
15,461
2002
29.117547
22.249122
-23.59%
15,744
2001
33.157285
29.117547
-12.18%
1,869,572
2000
25.825425
33.157285
28.39%
1,800,636
1999
           
Dreyfus Stock Index Fund, Inc.: Initial Shares - Q/NQ
33.236639
20.619961
-37.96%
26,474
2008
31.995347
33.236639
3.88%
28,167
2007
28.065915
31.995347
14.00%
32,765
2006
27.160283
28.065915
3.33%
31,864
2005
24.871495
27.160283
9.20%
31,683
2004
19.630772
24.871495
26.70%
31,624
2003
25.618669
19.630772
-23.37%
30,033
2002
29.558751
25.618669
-13.33%
28,508
2001
33.009632
29.558751
-10.45%
2,776,840
2000
27.730490
33.009632
19.04%
3,729,677
1999
           
Dreyfus Variable Investment Fund - Appreciation Portfolio: Initial Shares - Q/NQ
16.228100
11.283698
-30.47%
2,186
2008
15.348290
16.228100
5.73%
2,132
2007
13.350131
15.348290
14.97%
2,156
2006
12.958165
13.350131
3.02%
4,467
2005
12.498159
12.958165
3.68%
6,659
2004
10.450363
12.498159
19.60%
5,296
2003
12.713043
10.450363
-17.80%
4,940
2002
14.203768
12.713043
-10.50%
5,474
2001
14.484129
14.203768
-1.94%
736,682
2000
13.166473
14.484129
10.01%
856,104
1999
           
Dreyfus Variable Investment Fund - Developing Leaders Portfolio: Initial Shares - Q/NQ
22.575208
13.905033
-38.41%
22,783
2008
25.718654
22.575208
-12.22%
23,909
2007
25.109832
25.718654
2.42%
23,605
2006
24.044779
25.109832
4.43%
27,397
2005
21.880107
24.044779
9.89%
28,483
2004
16.833459
21.880107
29.98%
31,860
2003
21.088243
16.833459
-20.18%
32,398
2002
22.760162
21.088243
-7.35%
30,441
2001
20.350320
22.760162
11.84%
4,088,865
2000
16.742421
20.350320
21.55%
4,068,163
1999
           

 
38

 


Sub-Accounts
Accumulation Unit Value at Beginning of Period
Accumulation Unit Value at End of Period
Percentage Change in Accumulation Unit Value
Number of Accumulation Units at End of Period
Period
           
Dreyfus Variable Investment Fund - Quality Bond Portfolio: Initial Shares - Q/NQ
16.402300
15.512440
-5.43%
3,596
2008
16.050943
16.402300
2.19%
3,519
2007
15.601357
16.050943
2.88%
4,083
2006
15.423994
15.601357
1.15%
4,534
2005
15.117949
15.423994
2.02%
5,784
2004
14.595705
15.117949
3.58%
5,064
2003
13.722374
14.595705
6.36%
4,728
2002
13.032134
13.722374
5.30%
5,233
2001
11.873090
13.032134
9.76%
512,373
2000
12.008318
11.873090
-1.13%
532,313
1999
10.000000
10.493309
4.93%
9,827
1995*
           
Fidelity Variable Insurance Products Fund - VIP Contrafund® Portfolio: Service Class 2 - Q/NQ
12.775920
7.226417
-43.44%
11,987
2008
11.035607
12.775920
15.77%
7,490
2007
10.000000
11.035607
10.36%
28
2006*
         
         
           
Fidelity Variable Insurance Products Fund - VIP Equity-Income Portfolio: Initial Class - Q/NQ
34.399609
19.469675
-43.40%
31,400
2008
34.329754
34.399609
0.20%
34,870
2007
28.937089
34.329754
18.64%
36,384
2006
27.692797
28.937089
4.49%
35,818
2005
25.156955
27.692797
10.08%
35,286
2004
19.556483
25.156955
28.64%
32,773
2003
23.857464
19.556483
-18.03%
32,901
2002
25.434075
23.857464
-6.20%
32,904
2001
23.766053
25.434075
7.02%
3,479,950
2000
22.645632
23.766053
4.95%
5,782,562
1999
           
Fidelity Variable Insurance Products Fund - VIP High Income Portfolio: Initial Class - Q/NQ
16.203802
11.997168
-25.96%
9,927
2008
15.973333
16.203802
1.44%
11,645
2007
14.548340
15.973333
9.79%
11,557
2006
14.351788
14.548340
1.37%
11,337
2005
13.267980
14.351788
8.17%
11,638
2004
10.562700
13.267980
25.61%
11,371
2003
10.345574
10.562700
2.10%
11,484
2002
11.875950
10.345574
-12.89%
12,606
2001
15.519485
11.875950
-23.48%
1,520,751
2000
14.538235
15.519485
6.75%
1,617,225
1999
           

 
39

 


Sub-Accounts
Accumulation Unit Value at Beginning of Period
Accumulation Unit Value at End of Period
Percentage Change in Accumulation Unit Value
Number of Accumulation Units at End of Period
Period
           
Franklin Templeton Variable Insurance Products Trust - Templeton Foreign Securities Fund: Class 1 - Q/NQ
30.507646
17.995541
-41.01%
6,879
2008
26.696591
30.507646
14.28%
8,623
2007
22.224937
26.696591
20.12%
10,216
2006
20.381609
22.224937
9.04%
10,685
2005
17.371469
20.381609
17.33%
12,753
2004
13.277855
17.371469
30.83%
11,884
2003
16.487526
13.277855
-19.47%
10,350
2002
19.829322
16.487526
-16.85%
9,000
2001
20.538218
19.829322
-3.45%
1,810,275
2000
16.833378
20.538218
22.01%
1,970,610
1999
           
Janus Aspen Series - Overseas Portfolio: Institutional Shares - Q/NQ
35.885918
16.960749
-52.74%
11,774
2008
28.336913
35.885918
26.64%
11,348
2007
19.526904
28.336913
45.12%
10,496
2006
14.954107
19.526904
30.58%
10,659
2005
12.737304
14.954107
17.40%
7,559
2004
9.565195
12.737304
33.16%
9,453
2003
13.023294
9.565195
-26.55%
8,192
2002
17.190144
13.023294
-24.24%
7,954
2001
20.718419
17.190144
-17.03%
1,216,855
2000
11.516019
20.718419
79.91%
712,979
1999
           
Neuberger Berman Advisers Management Trust - AMT Balanced Portfolio - Q/NQ
29.340225
17.621624
-39.94%
5,352
2008
25.716074
29.340225
14.09%
5,118
2007
23.542486
25.716074
9.23%
5,201
2006
21.845873
23.542486
7.77%
4,287
2005
20.248421
21.845873
7.89%
4,530
2004
17.643073
20.248421
14.77%
4,898
2003
21.576158
17.643073
2.10%
5,692
2002
25.233374
21.576158
-18.23%
5,950
2001
26.782503
25.233374
-5.78%
892,564
2000
20.316082
26.782503
31.83%
1,821,436
1999
           
Neuberger Berman Advisers Management Trust - AMT Partners Portfolio: I Class - Q/NQ
12.323057
5.790128
-53.01%
0
2008
11.420115
12.323057
7.91%
0
2007
10.000000
11.420115
14.20%
0
2006*
         
         
           

 
40

 


Sub-Accounts
Accumulation Unit Value at Beginning of Period
Accumulation Unit Value at End of Period
Percentage Change in Accumulation Unit Value
Number of Accumulation Units at End of Period
Period
           
NVIT Federated NVIT High Income Bond Fund: Class I - Q/NQ
15.165895
10.778990
-28.93%
1,229
2008
14.899690
15.165895
1.79%
1,230
2007
13.648215
14.899690
9.17%
1,231
2006
13.505990
13.648215
1.05%
1,259
2005
12.428955
13.505990
8.67%
1,273
2004
10.298837
12.428955
20.68%
185
2003
10.108455
10.298837
-1.88%
164
2002
9.827966
10.108455
2.85%
0
2001
10.855151
9.827966
-9.46%
25,431
2000
10.658111
10.855151
1.85%
32,624
1999
           
NVIT - Neuberger Berman NVIT Multi Cap Opportunities Fund : Class I
10.000000
5.137150
-48.63%
0
2008*
         
         
         
         
           
NVIT - Neuberger Berman NVIT Socially Responsible Fund: Class I
10.000000
6.124558
-38.75%
0
2008*
         
         
         
         
           
NVIT NVIT Government Bond Fund: Class I - NQ
49.056784
52.156832
6.32%
0
2008
46.385889
49.056784
5.76%
0
2007
45.475702
46.385889
2.00%
0
2006
44.616924
45.475702
1.92%
0
2005
43.776516
44.616924
1.92%
0
2004
43.483340
43.776516
0.67%
0
2003
39.695887
43.483340
9.54%
0
2002
37.500904
39.695887
5.85%
0
2001
33.759140
37.500904
11.08%
24,140
2000
35.026017
33.759140
-3.62%
225,941
1999
           
NVIT NVIT Government Bond Fund: Class I - Q
49.038674
52.137572
6.32%
4,007
2008
46.368773
49.038674
5.76%
3,260
2007
45.458911
46.368773
2.00%
3,616
2006
44.600457
45.458911
1.92%
3,839
2005
43.760351
44.600457
1.92%
4,009
2004
43.467280
43.760351
0.67%
5,997
2003
39.681226
43.467280
-9.54%
4,764
2002
37.487059
39.681226
5.85%
4,337
2001
33.746688
37.487059
11.08%
406,146
2000
35.013105
33.746688
-3.62%
770,147
1999
           

 
41

 


Sub-Accounts
Accumulation Unit Value at Beginning of Period
Accumulation Unit Value at End of Period
Percentage Change in Accumulation Unit Value
Number of Accumulation Units at End of Period
Period
           
NVIT NVIT Money Market Fund: Class I - NQ
28.185866
28.390775
0.73%
0
2008
27.252995
28.185866
3.42%
0
2007
26.414319
27.252995
3.18%
0
2006
26.065818
26.414319
1.34%
0
2005
26.196581
26.065818
-0.50%
0
2004
26.376600
26.196581
-0.68%
0
2003
26.404135
26.376600
0.10%
0
2002
25.823320
26.404135
2.25%
0
2001
24.674569
25.823320
4.66%
17,608
2000
23.843612
24.674569
3.49%
53,830
1999
           
NVIT NVIT Money Market Fund: Class I - Q
25.941461
26.130055
0.73%
9,101
2008
25.082875
25.941461
3.42%
3,385
2007
24.310982
25.082875
3.18%
4,818
2006
23.990230
24.310982
1.34%
1,808
2005
24.110582
23.990230
-0.50%
1,030
2004
24.276265
24.110582
-0.68%
1,420
2003
24.301609
24.276265
0.10%
3,253
2002
23.767044
24.301609
2.25%
3,114
2001
22.709765
23.767044
4.66%
314,167
2000
21.944976
22.709765
3.49%
450,327
1999
           
NVIT - NVIT Multi-Manager Large Cap Growth Fund: Class I
10.000000
6.309071
-36.91%
0
2008*
         
         
         
         
           
NVIT - NVIT Multi-Manager Mid Cap Growth Fund: Class I
10.000000
6.224956
-37.75%
0
2008*
         
         
         
         
           
NVIT - NVIT Multi-Manager Mid Cap Value Fund: Class I
10.000000
6.698993
-33.01%
0
2008*
         
         
         
         
           

 
42

 


Sub-Accounts
Accumulation Unit Value at Beginning of Period
Accumulation Unit Value at End of Period
Percentage Change in Accumulation Unit Value
Number of Accumulation Units at End of Period
Period
           
NVIT NVIT Nationwide® Fund: Class I - NQ
112.670062
64.992222
-42.32%
163
2008
105.528470
112.670062
6.77%
165
2007
94.091731
105.528470
12.15%
165
2006
88.724843
94.091731
6.05%
165
2005
81.906372
88.724843
8.32%
165
2004
65.079111
81.906372
25.86%
165
2003
79.782323
65.079111
-18.43%
168
2002
91.675550
79.782323
-12.97%
168
2001
94.888344
91.675550
-3.39%
30,236
2000
89.896489
94.888344
5.55%
41,363
1999
           
NVIT NVIT Nationwide® Fund: Class I - Q
116.006751
66.916953
-42.32%
9,456
2008
108.653662
116.006751
6.77%
10,695
2007
96.878249
108.653662
12.15%
11,521
2006
91.352418
96.878249
6.05%
12,706
2005
84.332018
91.352418
8.32%
13,146
2004
67.006421
84.332018
25.86%
13.687
2003
82.145061
67.006421
-18.43%
14,516
2002
94.390507
82.145061
-12.97%
14,126
2001
97.698445
94.390507
-3.39%
785,762
2000
92.558757
97.698445
5.55%
1,191,087
1999
           
PIMCO Variable Insurance Trust - Real Return Portfolio: Administrative Class - Q/NQ
11.064532
10.153568
-8.23%
38
2008
10.132387
11.064532
9.20%
0
2007
10.000000
10.132387
1.32%
0
2006*
         
           
PIMCO Variable Insurance Trust - Total Return Portfolio: Administrative Class - Q/NQ
11.139136
11.516424
3.39%
1,414
2008
10.379205
11.139136
7.32%
959
2007
10.000000
10.379205
3.79%
0
2006*
         
           
Royce Capital Fund - Royce Micro-Cap Portfolio - Investment Class - Q/NQ
11.291953
6.322436
-44.01%
259
2008
11.003808
11.291953
2.62%
2,197
2007
10.000000
11.003808
10.04%
168
2006*
           
SBL Fund - Series D (Global Series) - Q/NQ
12.478455
7.588414
-39.19%
0
2008
11.611969
12.478455
7.46%
0
2007
10.000000
11.611969
16.12%
0
2006*
           
SBL Fund - Series J (Mid Cap Growth Series) - Q/NQ
9.126180
5.407517
-40.75%
0
2008
10.323790
9.126180
-11.60%
0
2007
10.000000
10.323790
3.24%
0
2006*
           

 
43

 


Sub-Accounts
Accumulation Unit Value at Beginning of Period
Accumulation Unit Value at End of Period
Percentage Change in Accumulation Unit Value
Number of Accumulation Units at End of Period
Period
           
SBL Fund - Series N (Managed Asset Allocation Series) - Q/NQ
11.526482
8.282144
-28.15%
0
2008
11.014106
11.526482
4.65%
0
2007
10.000000
11.014106
10.14%
0
2006*
           
SBL Fund - Series O (Equity Income Series) - Q/NQ
11.564367
7.027887
-39.23%
0
2008
11.396634
11.564367
1.47%
476
2007
10.000000
11.396634
13.97%
476
2006*
           
SBL Fund - Series P (High Yield Series) - Q/NQ
10.659200
7.366516
-30.89%
0
2008
10.580725
10.659200
0.74%
0
2007
10.000000
10.580725
5.81%
0
2006*
           
SBL Fund - Series Q (Small Cap Value Series) - Q/NQ
11.760475
7.128610
-39.39%
2,392
2008
10.808181
11.760475
8.81%
216
2007
10.000000
10.808181
8.08%
0
2006*
           
SBL Fund - Series V (Mid Cap Value Series) - Q/NQ
10.812208
7.633907
-29.40%
276
2008
10.755372
10.812208
0.53%
142
2007
10.000000
10.755372
7.55%
134
2006*
           
SBL Fund - Series X (Small Cap Growth Series) - Q/NQ
10.789150
5.619860
-47.91%
0
2008
10.351888
10.789150
4.22%
0
2007
10.000000
10.351888
3.52%
0
2006*
           
SBL Fund - Series Y (Select 25 Series) - Q/NQ
10.024404
6.226170
-37.89%
0
2008
10.826374
10.024404
-7.41%
0
2007
10.000000
10.826374
8.26%
0
2006*
           
Wells Fargo Advantage Funds ® Variable Trust - VT Opportunity Fund - Q/NQ
31.871542
18.843111
-40.88%
11,844
2008
30.284724
31.871542
5.24%
13,680
2007
27.341650
30.284724
10.76%
14,001
2006
25.676197
27.341650
6.49%
15,970
2005
22.004891
25.676197
16.68%
17,147
2004
16.272524
22.004891
35.23%
19,662
2003
22.529233
16.272524
-27.77%
16,856
2002
23.651845
22.529233
-4.75%
17,267
2001
22.530007
23.651845
4.98%
1,629,261
2000
16.920120
22.530007
33.16%
1,531,477
1999
10.000000
10.456863
4.57%
15,811
1995*
           
 


 
44

 

 
Types of Contracts
 
The contracts described in this prospectus are classified according to the tax treatment to which they are subject under the Internal Revenue Code.  Following is a general description of the various contract types.  Eligibility requirements, tax benefits (if any), limitations, and other features of the contracts will differ depending on contract type.
 
Investment Only (Qualified Plans)
 
Contracts that are owned by Qualified Plans are not intended to confer tax benefits on the beneficiaries of the plan; they are used as investment vehicles for the plan.  The income tax consequences to the beneficiary of a Qualified Plan are controlled by the operation of the plan, not by operation of the assets in which the plan invests.
 
Beneficiaries of Qualified Plans should contact their employer and/or trustee of the plan to obtain and review the plan, trust, summary plan description and other documents for the tax and other consequences of being a participant in a Qualified Plan.
 
Individual Retirement Annuities (IRAs)
 
IRAs are contracts that satisfy the provisions of Section 408(b) of the Internal Revenue Code, including the following requirements:
 
·
the contract is not transferable by the owner;
 
·
the premiums are not fixed;
 
·
if the contract owner is younger than age 50, the annual premium cannot exceed $5,000; if the contract owner is age 50 or older, the annual premium cannot exceed $6,000 (although rollovers of greater amounts from qualified plans, Tax Sheltered Annuities and other IRAs can be received);
 
·
certain minimum distribution requirements must be satisfied after the owner attains the age of 70½;
 
·
the entire interest of the owner in the contract is nonforfeitable; and
 
·
after the death of the owner, additional distribution requirements may be imposed to ensure distribution of the entire balance in the contract within the statutory period of time.
 
Depending on the circumstance of the owner, all or a portion of the contributions made to the account may be deducted for federal income tax purposes.
 
IRAs may receive rollover contributions from other Individual Retirement Accounts, other Individual Retirement Annuities, Tax Sheltered Annuities, certain 457 governmental plans and qualified retirement plans (including 401(k) plans).
 
When the owner of an IRA attains the age of 70½, the Internal Revenue Code requires that certain minimum distributions be made.  In addition, upon the death of the owner of an IRA, mandatory distribution requirements are imposed by the Internal Revenue Code to ensure distribution of the entire contract value within the required statutory period.  Due to recent changes in Treasury Regulations, the amount used to compute the mandatory distributions may exceed the contract value.
 
Failure to make the mandatory distributions can result in an additional penalty tax of 50% of the excess of the amount required to be distributed over the amount that was actually distributed.
 
For further details regarding IRAs, please refer to the disclosure statement provided when the IRA was established and the annuity contract's IRA endorsement.
 
Non-Qualified Contracts
 
A Non-Qualified Contract is a contract that does not qualify for certain tax benefits under the Internal Revenue Code, and which is not an IRA, a Roth IRA, a SEP IRA, or a Tax Sheltered Annuity.
 
Upon the death of the owner of a Non-Qualified Contract, mandatory distribution requirements are imposed to ensure distribution of the entire balance in the contract within a required period.
 
Non-Qualified contracts that are owned by natural persons allow the deferral of taxation on the income earned in the contract until it is distributed or deemed to be distributed.  Non-Qualified contracts that are owned by non-natural persons, such as trusts, corporations and partnerships are generally subject to current income tax on the income earned inside the contract, unless the non-natural person owns the contract as an “agent” of a natural person.
 
Roth IRAs
 
Roth IRA contracts are contracts that satisfy the provisions of Section 408A of the Internal Revenue Code, including the following requirements:
 
·
the contract is not transferable by the owner;
 
·
the premiums are not fixed;
 
·
if the contract owner is younger than age 50, the annual premium cannot exceed $5,000; if the contract owner is age 50 or older, the annual premium cannot exceed $6,000 (although rollovers of greater amounts from other Roth IRAs and IRAs can be received);
 
·
the entire interest of the owner in the contract is nonforfeitable; and
 
·
after the death of the owner, certain distribution requirements may be imposed to ensure distribution of the entire balance in the contract within the statutory period of time.
 
A Roth IRA can receive a rollover from an IRA or another eligible retirement plan ; however, the amount rolled over from the IRA or other eligible retirement plan to the Roth IRA is required to be included in the owner's federal gross income at the time of the rollover, and will be subject to federal income tax.

 
45

 
 
There are income limitations on eligibility to participate in a Roth IRA and additional income limitations for eligibility to rollover amounts from an IRA or other eligible retirement plan to a Roth IRA.
 
For further details regarding Roth IRAs, please refer to the disclosure statement provided when the Roth IRA was established and the annuity contract's IRA endorsement.
 
Simplified Employee Pension IRAs (SEP IRA)
 
A SEP IRA is a written plan established by an employer for the benefit of employees which permits the employer to make contributions to an IRA established for the benefit of each employee.
 
An employee may make deductible contributions to a SEP IRA subject to the same restrictions and limitations as an IRA.  In addition, the employer may make contributions to the SEP IRA, subject to dollar and percentage limitations imposed by both the Internal Revenue Code and the written plan.
 
A SEP IRA plan must satisfy:
 
·
minimum participation rules;
 
·
top-heavy contribution rules;
 
·
nondiscriminatory allocation rules; and
 
·
requirements regarding a written allocation formula.
 
In addition, the plan cannot restrict withdrawals of non-elective contributions, and must restrict withdrawals of elective contributions before March 15th of the following year.
 
When the owner of a SEP IRA attains the age of 70½, the Internal Revenue Code requires that certain minimum distributions be made.  Due to recent changes in Treasury Regulations, the amount used to compute the minimum distributions may exceed the contract value. In addition, upon the death of the owner of a SEP IRA, mandatory distribution requirements are imposed by the Internal Revenue Code to ensure distribution of the entire contract value within the required statutory period.
 
Tax Sheltered Annuities
 
Final 403(b) Regulations issued by the Internal Revenue Service impose certain restrictions on non-taxable transfers or exchanges of one 403(b) Tax Sheltered Annuity contract for another. Nationwide will no longer issue or accept applications for new and/or in-service transfers to new or existing Nationwide individual 403(b) Tax Sheltered Annuity contracts used for salary reduction plans not subject to ERISA.  Nationwide will continue to accept applications and in-service transfers for individual 403(b) Tax Sheltered Annuity contracts used for 403(b) plans that are subject to ERISA and certain state Optional Retirement Plans and/or Programs that have purchased at least one individual annuity contract issued by Nationwide prior to September 25, 2007.
 
Certain tax-exempt organizations (described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code) and public school systems may establish a plan under which annuity contracts can be purchased for their employees.  These annuity contracts are often referred to as Tax Sheltered Annuities.
 
Purchase payments made to Tax Sheltered Annuities are excludable from the income of the employee, up to statutory maximum amounts.  These amounts should be set forth in the plan adopted by the employer.
 
Tax Sheltered Annuities may receive rollover contributions from Individual Retirement Accounts, Individual Retirement Annuities, other Tax Sheltered Annuities, certain 457 governmental plans, and qualified retirement plans (including 401(k) plans).
 
The owner's interest in the contract is nonforfeitable (except for failure to pay premiums) and cannot be transferred.
 
When the owner of a Tax Sheltered Annuity attains the age of 70½, the Internal Revenue Code requires that certain minimum distributions be made.  Due to recent changes in Treasury Regulations, the amount used to compute the minimum distributions may exceed the contract value.  In addition, upon the death of the owner of a Tax Sheltered Annuity, mandatory distribution requirements are imposed by the Internal Revenue Code to ensure distribution of the entire contract value within the required statutory period.
 
Commencing in 2009, Tax Sheltered Annuities must be issued pursuant to a written plan, and the plan must satisfy various administrative requirements.  You should check with your employer to ensure that these requirements will be satisfied in a timely manner.
 
Federal Tax Considerations
 
Federal Income Taxes
 
The tax consequences of purchasing a contract described in this prospectus will depend on:
 
·
the type of contract purchased;
 
·
the purposes for which the contract is purchased; and
 
·
the personal circumstances of individual investors having interests in the contracts.
 
Existing tax rules are subject to change, and may affect individuals differently depending on their situation.  Nationwide does not guarantee the tax status of any contracts or any transactions involving the contracts.
 
Representatives of the Internal Revenue Service have informally suggested, from time to time, that the number of underlying mutual funds available or the number of transfer opportunities available under a variable product may be relevant in determining whether the product qualifies for the desired tax treatment.  In 2003, the Internal Revenue Service issued formal guidance, in Revenue Ruling 2003-91, that indicates that if the number of underlying mutual funds available in a variable insurance product does not exceed 20, the number of underlying mutual funds alone would not cause the contract to not qualify for the desired tax treatment.  The Internal Revenue Service has also indicated that exceeding 20 investment options may be considered a factor, along with other factors including the number of transfer opportunities available under the contract, when determining whether the contract qualifies for the desired tax treatment.  The revenue

 
46

 
 
ruling did not indicate the actual number of underlying mutual funds that would cause the contract to not provide the desired tax treatment.  Should the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury issue additional rules or regulations limiting the number of underlying mutual funds, transfers between underlying mutual funds, exchanges of underlying mutual funds or changes in investment objectives of underlying mutual funds such that the contract would no longer qualify for tax deferred treatment under Section 72 of the Internal Revenue Code, Nationwide will take whatever steps are available to remain in compliance.
 
If the contract is purchased as an investment of certain retirement plans (such as qualified retirement plans, Individual Retirement Accounts, and custodial accounts as described in Sections 401 and 408(a) of the Internal Revenue Code), tax advantages enjoyed by the contract owner and/or annuitant may relate to participation in the plan rather than ownership of the annuity contract.  Such plans are permitted to purchase investments other than annuities and retain tax-deferred status.
 
The following is a brief summary of some of the federal income tax considerations related to the contracts.  In addition to the federal income tax, distributions from annuity contracts may be subject to state and local income taxes.  The tax rules across all states and localities are not uniform and therefore will not be discussed in this prospectus.  Tax rules that may apply to contracts issued in U.S. territories such as Puerto Rico and Guam are also not discussed.  Nothing in this prospectus should be considered to be tax advice.  Contract owners and prospective contract owners should consult a financial consultant, tax adviser or legal counsel to discuss the taxation and use of the contracts.
 
IRAs and SEP IRAs
 
Distributions from IRAs and SEP IRAs are generally taxed as ordinary income when received.  If any of the amount contributed to the Individual Retirement Annuity was nondeductible for federal income tax purposes, then a portion of each distribution is excludable from income.
 
If distributions of income from an IRA are made prior to the date that the owner attains the age of 59½ years, the income is subject to the regular income tax, and an additional penalty tax of 10% is generally applicable.  The 10% penalty tax can be avoided if the distribution is:
 
·
made to a beneficiary on or after the death of the owner;
 
·
attributable to the owner becoming disabled (as defined in the Internal Revenue Code);
 
·
part of a series of substantially equal periodic payments made not less frequently than annually made for the life (or life expectancy) of the owner, or the joint lives (or joint life expectancies) of the owner and his or her designated beneficiary;
 
·
used for qualified higher education expenses; or
 
·
used for expenses attributable to the purchase of a home for a qualified first-time buyer.
 
If the contract owner dies before the contract is completely distributed, the balance will be included in the contract owner’s gross estate for tax purposes.
 
Roth IRAs
 
Distributions of earnings from Roth IRAs are taxable or nontaxable depending upon whether they are "qualified distributions" or "non-qualified distributions."  A "qualified distribution" is one that satisfies the five-year rule and meets one of the following requirements:
 
·
it is made on or after the date on which the contract owner attains age 59½;
 
·
it is made to a beneficiary (or the contract owner’s estate) on or after the death of the contract owner;
 
·
it is attributable to the contract owner’s disability; or
 
·
it is used for expenses attributable to the purchase of a home for a qualified first-time buyer.
 
The five-year rule generally is satisfied if the distribution is not made within the five year period beginning with the first taxable year in which a contribution is made to any Roth IRA established for the owner.
 
A qualified distribution is not included in gross income for federal income tax purposes.
 
A non-qualified distribution is not includable in gross income to the extent that the distribution, when added to all previous distributions, does not exceed the total amount of contributions made to the Roth IRA.  Any non-qualified distribution in excess of total contributions is includable in the contract owner’s gross income as ordinary income in the year that it is distributed to the contract owner.
 
Special rules apply for Roth IRAs that have proceeds received from an IRA prior to January 1, 1999 if the owner elected the special 4-year income averaging provisions that were in effect for 1998.
 
If non-qualified distributions of income from a Roth IRA are made prior to the date that the owner attains the age of 59½ years, the income is subject to both the regular income tax and an additional penalty tax of 10%.  The penalty tax can be avoided if the distribution is:
 
·
made to a beneficiary on or after the death of the owner;
 
·
attributable to the owner becoming disabled (as defined in the Internal Revenue Code);
 
·
part of a series of substantially equal periodic payments made not less frequently than annually made for the life (or life expectancy) of the owner, or the joint lives (or joint life expectancies) of the owner and his or her designated beneficiary;
 
·
for qualified higher education expenses; or
 
·
used for expenses attributable to the purchase of a home for a qualified first-time buyer.
 
If the contract owner dies before the contract is completely distributed, the balance will be included in the contract owner’s gross estate for tax purposes.

 
47

 
 
Tax Sheltered Annuities
 
Distributions from Tax Sheltered Annuities are generally taxed when received.  A portion of each distribution after the annuitization date is excludable from income based on a formula established pursuant to the Internal Revenue Code.  The formula excludes from income the amount invested in the contract divided by the number of anticipated payments until the full investment in the contract is recovered.  Thereafter all distributions are fully taxable.
 
If a distribution of income is made from a Tax Sheltered Annuity prior to the date that the owner attains the age of 59½ years, the income is subject to both the regular income tax and an additional penalty tax of 10%.  The penalty tax can be avoided if the distribution is:
 
·
made to a beneficiary on or after the death of the owner;
 
·
attributable to the owner becoming disabled (as defined in the Internal Revenue Code);
 
·
part of a series of substantially equal periodic payments made not less frequently than annually made for the life (or life expectancy) of the owner, or the joint lives (or joint life expectancies) of the owner and his or her designated beneficiary; or
 
·
made to the owner after separation from service with his or her employer after age 55.
 
A loan from a Tax Sheltered Annuity generally is not considered to be a distribution, and is therefore generally not taxable.  However, if the loan is not repaid in accordance with the repayment schedule, the entire balance of the loan would be treated as being in default, and the defaulted amount would be treated as being distributed to the participant as a taxable distribution.
 
If the contract owner dies before the contract is completely distributed, the balance will be included in the contract owner’s gross estate for tax purposes.
 
Non-Qualified Contracts - Natural Persons as Contract Owners
 
Generally, the income earned inside a Non-Qualified Annuity Contract that is owned by a natural person is not taxable until it is distributed from the contract.
 
Distributions before the annuitization date are taxable to the contract owner to the extent that the cash value of the contract exceeds the contract owner’s investment in the contract at the time of the distribution.  In general, the investment in the contract is equal to the purchase payment s made with after-tax dollars.  Distributions, for this purpose, include full and partial surrenders, any portion of the contract that is assigned or pledged, amounts borrowed from the contract, or any portion of the contract that is transferred by gift.  For these purposes, a transfer by gift may occur upon annuitization if the contract owner and the annuitant are not the same individual.
 
With respect to annuity distributions on or after the annuitization date, a portion of each annuity payment is excludable from taxable income.  The amount excludable from each annuity payment is determined by multiplying the annuity payment by a fraction which is equal to the contract owner’s investment in the contract, divided by the expected return on the contract.  Once the entire investment in the contract is recovered, all distributions are fully includable in income.  The maximum amount excludable from income is the investment in the contract.  If the annuitant dies before the entire investment in the contract has been excluded from income, and as a result of the annuitant's death no more payments are due under the contract, then the unrecovered investment in the contract may be deducted on his or her final tax return.
 
In determining the taxable amount of a distribution, all annuity contracts issued after October 21, 1988 by the same company to the same contract owner during the same calendar year will be treated as one annuity contract.
 
A special rule applies to distributions from contracts that have investments that were made prior to August 14, 1982.  For those contracts, distributions that are made prior to the annuitization date are treated first as a recovery of the investment in the contract as of that date.  A distribution in excess of the amount of the investment in the contract as of August 14, 1982, will be treated as taxable income.
 
The Internal Revenue Code imposes a penalty tax if a distribution is made before the contract owner reaches age 59½.  The amount of the penalty is 10% of the portion of any distribution that is includable in gross income.  The penalty tax does not apply if the distribution is:
 
·
the result of a contract owner’s death;
 
·
the result of a contract owner’s disability, (as defined in the Internal Revenue Code);
 
·
one of a series of substantially equal periodic payments made over the life (or life expectancy) of the contract owner or the joint lives (or joint life expectancies) of the contract owner and the beneficiary selected by the contract owner to receive payment under the annuity payment option selected by the contract owner; or
 
·
is allocable to an investment in the contract before August 14, 1982.
 
If the contract owner dies before the contract is completely distributed, the balance will be included in the contract owner’s gross estate for tax purposes.
 
Non-Qualified Contracts - Non-Natural Persons as Contract Owners
 
The previous discussion related to the taxation of Non-Qualified Contracts owned by individuals.  Different rules (the so-called "non-natural persons" rules) apply if the contract owner is not a natural person.
 
Generally, contracts owned by corporations, partnerships, trusts, and similar entities are not treated as annuity contracts under the Internal Revenue Code.  Therefore, income earned under a Non-Qualified Contract that is owned by a non-natural person is taxed as ordinary income during the taxable year that it is earned.  Taxation is not deferred, even if the income is not distributed out of the contract.  The income is taxable as ordinary income, not capital gain.

 
48

 
 
The non-natural persons rules do not apply to all entity-owned contracts.  For purposes of the non-natural persons rule, a contract that is owned by a non-natural person as an agent of an individual is treated as owned by the individual.  This would cause the contract to be treated as an annuity under the Internal Revenue Code, allowing tax deferral.  However, this exception does not apply when the non-natural person is an employer that holds the contract under a non-qualified deferred compensation arrangement for one or more employees.
 
The non-natural persons rules also do not apply to contracts that are:
 
·
acquired by the estate of a decedent by reason of the death of the decedent;
 
·
issued in connection with certain qualified retirement plans and individual retirement plans;
 
·
purchased by an employer upon the termination of certain qualified retirement plans; or
 
·
immediate annuities within the meaning of Section 72(u) of the Internal Revenue Code.
 
If the annuitant dies before the contract is completely distributed, the balance may be included in the annuitant’s gross estate for tax purposes, depending on the obligations that the non-natural owner may have owed to the annuitant.
 
Exchanges
 
As a general rule, federal income tax law treats exchanges of property in the same manner as a sale of the property.  However, pursuant to Section 1035 of the Code , an annuity contract may be exchange d tax-free for another annuity, provided that the oblige e (the person to whom the annuity obligation is owed) is the same for both contracts .   If the exchange includes the receipt of property in addition to another annuity contract, such as cash, special rules may cause a portion of the transaction to be taxable.
 
In March 2008, the IRS issued Rev. Proc. 2008-24, which addresses the income tax consequences of the direct transfer of a portion of the cash value of an annuity contract in exchange for the issuance of a second annuity contract, sometimes referred to as a “partial exchange.”  A direct transfer that satisfies the revenue procedure will be treated as a tax-free exchange under section 1035 of the Internal Revenue Code if, for a period of at least 12 months from the date of the direct transfer, there are no distributions or surrenders from either annuity contract involved in the exchange.  In addition, the tax-free status of the exchange may still be preserved despite a distribution or surrender from either contract if the contract owner can show that between the date of the direct transfer and the distribution or surrender, one of the conditions described under section 72(q)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code that would exempt the distribution from the 10% early distribution penalty (such as turning age 59½, or becoming disabled; but not a series of substantially equal periodic payments or an immediate annuity) or “other similar life event” such as divorce or loss of employment occurred.  Absent a showing of such an occurrence, Rev. Proc. 2008-24 concludes that the direct transfer would fail to qualify as a tax-free 1035 exchange, and the full amount transferred from the original contract would be treated as a taxable distribution, followed by the purchase of a new annuity contract.  Rev. Proc. 2008-24 applies to direct transfers completed on or after June 30, 2008.
 
Withholding
 
Pre-death distributions from the contracts are subject to federal income tax.  Nationwide will withhold the tax from the distributions unless the contract owner requests otherwise.  If the distribution is from a Tax Sheltered Annuity, it will be subject to mandatory 20% withholding that cannot be waived, unless:
 
·
the distribution is made directly to another Tax Sheltered Annuity, qualified pension or profit-sharing plan described in Section 401(a), an eligible deferred compensation plan described in Section 457(b) which is maintained by an eligible employer described in section 457(e)(1)(A) or IRA; or
 
·
the distribution satisfies the minimum distribution requirements imposed by the Internal Revenue Code.
 
In addition, under some circumstances, the Internal Revenue Code will not permit contract owners to waive withholding.  Such circumstances include:
 
·
if the payee does not provide Nationwide with a taxpayer identification number; or
 
·
if Nationwide receives notice from the Internal Revenue Service that the taxpayer identification number furnished by the payee is incorrect.
 
If a contract owner is prohibited from waiving withholding, as described above, the distribution will be subject to mandatory back-up withholding.  The mandatory back-up withholding rate is established by Section 3406 of the Internal Revenue Code and is applied against the amount of income that is distributed.
 
Non-Resident Aliens
 
Generally, a pre-death distribution from a contract to a non-resident alien is subject to federal income tax at a rate of 30% of the amount of income that is distributed.  Nationwide is required to withhold this amount and send it to the Internal Revenue Service.  Some distributions to non-resident aliens may be subject to a lower (or no) tax if a treaty applies.  In order to obtain the benefits of such a treaty, the non-resident alien must:
 
(1)
provide Nationwide with a properly completed withholding certificate claiming the treaty benefit of a lower tax rate or exemption from tax; and
 
(2)
provide Nationwide with an individual taxpayer identification number.
 
If the non-resident alien does not meet the above conditions, Nationwide will withhold 30% of income from the distribution.
 
Another exemption from the 30% withholding is for the non-resident alien to provide Nationwide with sufficient evidence that:
 
 
 
49

 
 
(1)
the distribution is connected to the non-resident alien’s conduct of business in the United States;
 
(2)
the distribution is includable in the non-resident alien’s gross income for United States federal income tax purposes; and
 
(3)
provide Nationwide with a properly completed withholding certificate claiming the exemption.
 
Note that for the preceding exemption, the distributions would be subject to the same withholding rules that are applicable to payments to United States persons, including back-up withholding, which is currently at a rate of 28%, if a correct taxpayer identification number is not provided.
 
Federal Estate, Gift and Generation Skipping Transfer Taxes
 
The following transfers may be considered a gift for federal gift tax purposes:
 
·
a transfer of the contract from one contract owner to another; or
 
·
a distribution to someone other than a contract owner.
 
Upon the contract owner’s death, the value of the contract may be subject to estate taxes, even if all or a portion of the value is also subject to federal income taxes.
 
Section 2612 of the Internal Revenue Code may require Nationwide to determine whether a death benefit or other distribution is a "direct skip" and the amount of the resulting generation skipping transfer tax, if any.  A direct skip is when property is transferred to, or a death benefit or other distribution is made to:
 
a)
an individual who is two or more generations younger than the contract owner; or
 
b)
certain trusts, as described in Section 2613 of the Internal Revenue Code (generally, trusts that have no beneficiaries who are not 2 or more generations younger than the contract owner).
 
If the contract owner is not an individual, then for this purpose only, "contract owner" refers to any person:
 
·
who would be required to include the contract, death benefit, distribution, or other payment in his or her federal gross estate at his or her death; or
 
·
who is required to report the transfer of the contract, death benefit, distribution, or other payment for federal gift tax purposes.
 
If a transfer is a direct skip, Nationwide will deduct the amount of the transfer tax from the death benefit, distribution or other payment, and remit it directly to the Internal Revenue Service.
 
Charge for Tax
 
Nationwide is not required to maintain a capital gain reserve liability on Non-Qualified Contracts.  If tax laws change requiring a reserve, Nationwide may implement and adjust a tax charge.
 
Diversification
 
Internal Revenue Code Section 817(h) contains rules on diversification requirements for variable annuity contracts.  A variable annuity contract that does not meet these diversification requirements will not be treated as an annuity, unless:
 
·
the failure to diversify was accidental;
 
·
the failure is corrected; and
 
·
a fine is paid to the Internal Revenue Service.
 
The amount of the fine will be the amount of tax that would have been paid by the contract owner if the income, for the period the contract was not diversified, had been received by the contract owner.
 
If the violation is not corrected, the contract owner will be considered the owner of the underlying securities and will be taxed on the earnings of his or her contract.  Nationwide believes that the investments underlying this contract meet these diversification requirements.
 
Tax Changes
 
The foregoing tax information is based on Nationwide’s understanding of federal tax laws.  It is NOT intended as tax advice.  All information is subject to change without notice.  You should consult with your personal tax and/or financial adviser for more information.
 
In 2001, the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act (EGTRRA) was enacted.  EGTRRA made numerous changes to the Internal Revenue Code, including the following:
 
·
generally lowering federal income tax rates;
 
·
increasing the amounts that may be contributed to various retirement plans, such as IRAs, Tax Sheltered Annuities and Qualified Plans;
 
·
increasing the portability of various retirement plans by permitting IRAs, Tax Sheltered Annuities, Qualified Plans and certain governmental 457 plans to "roll" money from one plan to another;
 
·
eliminating and/or reducing the highest federal estate tax rates;
 
·
increasing the estate tax credit; and
 
·
for persons dying after 2009, repealing the estate tax.
 
In 2006, the Pension Protection Act of 2006 made permanent the EGTRRA provisions noted above that increase the amounts that may be contributed to various retirement plans and that increase the portability of various retirement plans. However, all of the other changes resulting from EGTRRA are scheduled to "sunset," or become ineffective, after December 31, 2010 unless they are extended by additional legislation.  If changes resulting from EGTRRA are not extended, beginning January 1, 2011, the Internal Revenue Code will be restored to its pre-EGTRRA form.

 
50

 
 
This creates uncertainty as to future tax requirements and implications.  Please consult a qualified tax or financial adviser for further information relating to EGTRRA and other tax issues.
 
Required Distributions
 
Any distribution paid that is NOT due to payment of the death benefit may be subject to a CDSC.
 
The Internal Revenue Code requires that certain distributions be made from the contracts issued in conjunction with this prospectus.  Following is an overview of the required distribution rules applicable to each type of contract.  Please consult a qualified tax or financial adviser for more specific required distribution information.
 
Required Distributions – General Information
 
In general, a beneficiary is an individual or other entity that the contract owner designates to receive death proceeds upon the contract owner’s death.  The distribution rules in the Internal Revenue Code make a distinction between "beneficiary" and "designated beneficiary" when determining the life expectancy that may be used for payments that are made from IRAs, SEP IRAs, Roth IRAs and Tax Sheltered Annuities after the death of the annuitant, or that are made from Non-Qualified Contracts after the death of the contract owner.  A designated beneficiary is a natural person who is designated by the contract owner as the beneficiary under the contract.  Non-natural beneficiaries (e.g. charities or certain trusts) are not designated beneficiaries for the purpose of required distributions and the life expectancy of such a beneficiary is zero.
 
Life expectancies and joint life expectancies will be determined in accordance with the relevant guidance provided by the Internal Revenue Service and the Treasury Department, including but not limited to Treasury Regulation 1.72-9 and Treasury Regulation 1.401(a)(9)-9.
 
Required distributions paid upon the death of the contract owner are paid to the beneficiary or beneficiaries stipulated by the contract owner.  How quickly the distributions must be made may be determined with respect to the life expectancies of the beneficiaries.  For Non-Qualified Contracts, the beneficiaries used in the determination of the distribution period are those in effect on the date of the contract owner’s death.  For contracts other than Non-Qualified Contracts, the beneficiaries used in the determination of the distribution period do not have to be determined until September 30 of the year following the contract owner’s death.  If there is more than one beneficiary, the life expectancy of the beneficiary with the shortest life expectancy is used to determine the distribution period.  Any beneficiary that is not a designated beneficiary has a life expectancy of zero.
 
Required Distributions for Non-Qualified Contracts
 
Internal Revenue Code Section 72(s) requires Nationwide to make certain distributions when a contract owner dies.  The following distributions will be made in accordance with the following requirements:
 
(1)
If any contract owner dies on or after the annuitization date and before the entire interest in the contract has been distributed, then the remaining interest must be distributed at least as rapidly as the distribution method in effect on the contract owner's death.
 
(2)
If any contract owner dies before the annuitization date, then the entire interest in the contract (consisting of either the death benefit or the contract value reduced by charges set forth elsewhere in the contract) will be distributed within 5 years of the contract owner’s death, provided however:
 
 
(a)
any interest payable to or for the benefit of a designated beneficiary may be distributed over the life of the designated beneficiary or over a period not longer than the life expectancy of the designated beneficiary.  Payments must begin within one year of the contract owner's death unless otherwise permitted by federal income tax regulations; and
 
 
(b)
if the designated beneficiary is the surviving spouse of the deceased contract owner, the spouse can choose to become the contract owner instead of receiving a death benefit.  Any distributions required under these distribution rules will be made upon that spouse’s death.
 
In the event that the contract owner is not a natural person (e.g., a trust or corporation), for purposes of these distribution provisions:
 
(a)
the death of the annuitant will be treated as the death of a contract owner;
 
(b)
any change of annuitant will be treated as the death of a contract owner; and
 
(c)
in either case, the appropriate distribution will be made upon the death or change, as the case may be.
 
These distribution provisions do not apply to any contract exempt from Section 72(s) of the Internal Revenue Code by reason of Section 72(s)(5) or any other law or rule.
 
Required Distributions for Tax Sheltered Annuities, IRAs, SEP IRAs, and Roth IRAs
 
Distributions from a Tax Sheltered Annuity, IRA or SEP IRA must begin no later than April 1 of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the contract owner reaches age 70½.  Distributions may be paid in a lump sum or in substantially equal payments over:
 
(a)
the life of the contract owner or the joint lives of the contract owner and the contract owner’s designated beneficiary; or
 
(b)
a period not longer than the period determined under the table in Treasury Regulation 1.401(a)(9)-9, which is the deemed joint life expectancy of the contract owner and a person 10 years younger than the contract owner.  If the designated beneficiary is the spouse of the contract owner, the period may not exceed the longer of the period determined under such table or the joint life expectancy of the contract owner and the contract owner’s spouse, determined in accordance with Treasury Regulation 1.72-9, or such additional guidance as may be provided pursuant to Treasury Regulation 1.401(a)(9)-9.

 
51

 
 
For Tax Sheltered Annuities, required distributions do not have to be withdrawn from this contract if they are being withdrawn from another Tax Sheltered Annuity of the contract owner.
 
For IRAs and SEP IRAs, required distributions do not have to be withdrawn from this contract if they are being withdrawn from another IRA or SEP IRA of the contract owner.
 
The Worker, Retiree, and Employer Recovery Act of 2008 provides that the normal required distribution rules will not be applicable to defined contribution plans (which generally includes IRAs, TSAs and SEP IRAs) during 2009.  However, annuitized distributions from such plans may not receive the same exception and should continue to be made.  Consequently, if you desire to forego the distribution that would be required to be made to you during 2009, you should consult with your advisor and notify us of your decision.
 
If the contract owner’s entire interest in a Tax Sheltered Annuity, IRA or SEP IRA will be distributed in equal or substantially equal payments over a period described in (a) or (b) above, the payments must begin on or before the required beginning date.  The required beginning date is April 1 of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the contract owner reaches age 70½.  The rules for Roth IRAs do not require distributions to begin during the contract owner’s lifetime, therefore, the required beginning date is not applicable to Roth IRAs.
 
Due to recent changes in Treasury Regulations, the amount used to compute the minimum distribution requirement may exceed the contract value.
 
If the contract owner dies before the required beginning date (in the case of a Tax Sheltered Annuity, IRA, or SEP IRA) or before the entire contract value is distributed (in the case of Roth IRAs), any remaining interest in the contract must be distributed over a period not exceeding the applicable distribution period, which is determined as follows:
 
(a)
if the designated beneficiary is the contract owner’s spouse, the applicable distribution period is the surviving spouse’s remaining life expectancy using the surviving spouse’s birthday for each distribution calendar year after the calendar year of the contract owner’s death.  For calendar years after the death of the contract owner’s surviving spouse, the applicable distribution period is the greater of (a) the contract owner’s remaining life expectancy using the contract owner’s birthday in the calendar  year of the contract owner’s death, reduced by one for each year therafter; or (b) the spouse’s remaining life expectancy using the spouse’s age in the calendar year of the spouse’s death, reduced by one for each calendar year that elapsed since the calendar year immediately following the calendar year of the spouse’s death;
 
(b)
if the designated beneficiary is not the contract owner’s surviving spouse, the applicable distribution period is the greater of (a) the contract owner’s remaining life expectancy using the contract owner’s birthday in the calendar  year of the contract owner’s death, reduced by one for each year therafter; or (b) the designated beneficiary’s remaining life expectancy using the designated beneficiary’s birthday in the calendar year immediately following the calendar year of the contract owner’s death, reduced by one for each calendar year that elapsed thereafter; and
 
(c)
if there is no designated beneficiary, the entire balance of the contract must be distributed by December 31 of the fifth year following the contract owner’s death.
 
If the contract owner dies on or after the required beginning date, the interest in the Tax Sheltered Annuity, IRA or SEP IRA must be distributed over a period not exceeding the applicable distribution period, which is determined as follows:
 
(a)
For calendar years after the death of the contract owner’s surviving spouse, the applicable distribution period is the greater of (a) the contract owner’s remaining life expectancy using the contract owner’s birthday in the calendar year of the contract owner’s death, reduced by one for each year thereafter; or (b) spouse’s remaining life expectancy using the spouse’s age in the calendar year of the spouse’s death, reduced by one for each calendar year that elapsed since the calendar year immediately following the calendar year of the spouse’s death;
 
(b)
if the designated beneficiary is not the contract owner’s surviving spouse, the applicable distribution period is the greater of (a) the contract owner’s remaining life expectancy; or using the contract owner’s birthday in the calendar year of the contract owner’s death, reduced by one for each year thereafter (b) designated beneficiary’s remaining life expectancy using the designated beneficiary’s birthday in the calendar year immediately following the calendar year of the contract owner’s death, reduced by one for each calendar year that elapsed thereafter; and
 
(c)
if there is no designated beneficiary, the applicable distribution period is the contract owner’s remaining life expectancy using the contract owner’s birthday in the calendar year of the contract owner’s death, reduced by one for each year thereafter.
 
If distribution requirements are not met, a penalty tax of 50% is levied on the difference between the amount that should have been distributed for that year and the amount that actually was distributed for that year.
 
For IRAs and SEP IRAs, all or a portion of each distribution will be included in the recipient’s gross income and taxed at ordinary income tax rates.  The portion of a distribution that is taxable is based on the ratio between the amount by which non-deductible purchase payments exceed prior non-taxable distributions and total account balances at the time of the distribution.  The owner of an IRA or SEP IRA must annually report the amount of non-deductible purchase payments, the amount of any distribution, the amount by which non-deductible purchase payments for all years exceed non taxable distributions for all years, and the total balance of all IRAs or SEP IRAs.
 
Distributions from Roth IRAs may be either taxable or nontaxable, depending upon whether they are "qualified distributions" or "non-qualified distributions."



 
52

 
 
 
Described below are the variations to certain prospectus disclosures resulting from state law or the instruction provided by state insurance authorities as of the date of this prospectus.   Information regarding a state’s requirements does not mean that Nationwide currently offers contracts within that jurisdiction. These variations are subject to change without notice and additional variations may be imposed as required by specific states.
 
Maryland - Guaranteed Term Options are not available.   See “ Investing in the Contract” subsection “Guaranteed Term Options” earlier in this prospectus for more information.
 
Massachusetts – The Long-Term Care Facility Provisions is not available.   See “ Optional Contract Benefits, Charges and Deductions” subsection “Optional Death Benefits” earlier in this prospectus for more information.
 
Purchase payments, if any, after the initial purchase payment must be at least $25 and made within three years of the initial Purchase payment.  See “Synopsis of the Contracts” subsection “Minimum Initial and Subsequent Purchase Payment” earlier in this prospectus for more information.
 
The waiver of CDSC attributable to disability under the “Additional Withdrawal Without Charge and Disability Waiver” is not available.  See “Optional Contract Benefits, Charges and Deductions” subsection “CDSC Options and Charges” earlier in this prospectus for more information.
 
The 10 Year and Disability Waiver of CDSC under the “Additional CDSC Waiver Options for Tax Sheltered Annuities” is not available.  See “Optional Contract Benefits, Charges and Deductions” subsection “CDSC Options and Charges” earlier in this prospectus for more information.
 
The Hardship Waiver under the “Additional CDSC Waiver Options for Tax Sheltered Annuities” is not available.  See “Optional Contract Benefits, Charges and Deductions” subsection “CDSC Options and Charges” earlier in this prospectus for more information.
 
New Jersey - Charitable Remainder Trust contract type is not available.   See “Synopsis of the Contracts ” earlier in this prospectus for more information.
 
Guaranteed Term Options are not available.   See “ Investing in the Contract” subsection “Guaranteed Term Options” earlier in this prospectus for more information.
 
The Long-Term Care Facility Provisions is not available.   See “ Optional Contract Benefits, Charges and Deductions” subsection “Optional Death Benefits” earlier in this prospectus for more information.
 
A percentage of the contract value based on the contract owner's age is not included in the calculation to determine the withdrawal amount that may be surrendered without CDSC under the Systematic Withdrawals program. See “ Contract Owner Services” subsection “Systematic Withdrawals” earlier in this prospectus for more information.
 
Joint owners are not limited to spouses.  See “Contract Ownership” subsection “Joint Ownership” earlier in this prospectus for more information.
 
Contract loans are not available. See “Loan Privilege” earlier in this prospectus for more   information .
 
Pennsylvania - Guaranteed Term Options are not available.   See “ Investing in the Contract” subsection “Guaranteed Term Options” earlier in this prospectus for more information.
 
Joint owners are not limited to spouses.  See “Contract Ownership” subsection “Joint Ownership” earlier in this prospectus for more information.
 
The Long-Term Care Facility Provisions is not available.   See “ Optional Contract Benefits, Charges and Deductions” subsection “Optional Death Benefits” earlier in this prospectus for more information.

 
53

 
 
Texas - The $25 loan processing fee is not applicable.  See “Loan Privilege” subsection “Maximum Loan Processing Fee” earlier in the prospectus for more information.
 
The dollar limitation on the net amount to be annuitized is $2,000 and the payment limit is $20.  See “Annuitizing the Contract” subsection “Frequency and Amount of Annuity Payments” earlier in this prospectus for more information.
 
Washington - Guaranteed Term Options are not available.   See “ Investing in the Contract” subsection “Guaranteed Term Options” earlier in this prospectus for more information.
 
The Fixed Account is not available.  See “Investing in the Contract” subsection “The Fixed Account” earlier in the prospectus for more information.
 
The Optional 5% Enhanced Death Benefit is not available.  See “Optional Contract Benefits, Charges and Deductions” subsection “Optional Death Benefits” earlier in this prospectus for more information.
 
Wisconsin - Contract loans are not available. See “Loan Privilege” earlier in this prospectus for more information.


 
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sai.htm
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
May 1, 200 9
Individual Deferred Variable Annuity Contracts
Issued by Nationwide Life Insurance Company
through its Nationwide Multi-Flex Variable Account
 
This Statement of Additional Information is not a prospectus.  It contains information in addition to and more detailed than set forth in the prospectus and should be read in conjunction with the prospectus dated May 1, 200 9 .  The prospectus may be obtained from NEA Valuebuilder Program, One Security Benefit Place, Topeka, Kansas 66636-0001, or calling 1-800-632-8258.

Table of Contents of Statement of Additional Information
Page
General Information and History                                                                                                                                                      
1
Services                                                                                                                                                      
1
Purchase of Securities Being Offered                                                                                                                                                      
2
Underwriters                                                                                                                                                      
2
Advertising                                                                                                                                                      
2
Annuity Payments                                                                                                                                                      
2
Financial Statements                                                                                                                                                      
3

 
Nationwide Multi-Flex Variable is a separate investment account of Nationwide Life Insurance Company ("Nationwide").  Nationwide is a member of the Nationwide group of companies.  All of Nationwide's common stock is owned by Nationwide Financial Services, Inc. ("NFS"), a holding company.   The Nationwide group of companies is one of America's largest insurance and financial services family of companies, with combined assets of over $ 135 billion as of December 31, 2008 .
 
 
Nationwide, which has responsibility for administration of the contracts and the variable account, maintains records of the name, address, taxpayer identification number, and other pertinent information for each contract owner and the number and type of contract issued to each contract owner and records with respect to the contract value.
 
The custodian of the assets of the variable account is Nationwide.  Nationwide will maintain a record of all purchases and redemptions of shares of the underlying mutual funds.  Nationwide, or its affiliates may have entered into agreements with the underlying mutual funds and/or their affiliates.  The agreements relate to services furnished by Nationwide or an affiliate of Nationwide.  Some of the services provided include distribution of underlying fund prospectuses, semi-annual and annual fund reports, proxy materials and fund communications, as well as maintaining the websites and voice response systems necessary for contract owners to execute trades in the funds.  Nationwide also acts as a limited agent for the fund for purposes of accepting the trades.
 
See “Underlying Mutual Fund Payments” located in the prospectus.
 
Distribution, Promotional, and Sales Expenses
 
In addition to or partially in lieu of commission, Nationwide may pay the selling firms a marketing allowance, which is based on the firm’s ability and demonstrated willingness to promote and market Nationwide's products.  How any marketing allowance is spent is determined by the firm, but generally will be used to finance firm activities, such as training and education, that may contribute to the promotion and marketing of Nationwide's products.  Nationwide makes certain assumptions about the amount of marketing allowance it will pay and takes these assumptions into consideration when it determines the charges that will be assessed under the contracts.  For the contracts described in the prospectus, Nationwide assumed 0. 75 % (of the daily net assets of the variable account) for marketing allowance when determining the charges for the contracts.  The actual amount of the marketing allowance may be higher or lower than this assumption.  If the actual amount of marketing allowance paid is more than what was assumed, Nationwide will fund the difference.  Nationwide generally does not profit from any excess marketing allowance if the amount assumed was higher than what is actually paid.  Any excess would be spent on additional marketing for the contracts.  For more information about marketing allowance or how a particular selling firm uses marketing allowances, please consult with your registered representative.
 
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 
The financial statements of Nationwide Multi –Flex Variable Account and the consolidated financial statements and schedules of Nationwide Life Insurance Company and subsidiaries for the periods indicated have been included herein in reliance upon the reports of KPMG LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, appearing elsewhere herein, and upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.  The audit report of KPMG LLP covering the December 31, 2008 consolidated financial statements and schedules of Nationwide Life Insurance Company and subsidiaries contains an explanatory paragraph that states that Nationwide Life Insurance Company and subsidiaries adopted the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants' Statement of Position 05-1, Accounting by Insurance Enterprises for Deferred Acquisition Costs in Connection with Modifications or Exchanges of Insurance Contracts, in 2007.  KPMG LLP is located at 191 West Nationwide Blvd., Columbus, Ohio 43215.

 
 

 
 
 
The contracts will be sold by licensed insurance agents in the states where the contracts may be lawfully sold. Such agents will be registered representatives of broker-dealers registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 who are members of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority ("FINRA”).
 
 
Effective November 10, 2000, the contracts, which are offered continuously, are distributed by Security Distributors, Inc. ("SDI"), One Security Benefit Place, Topeka, Kansas 66636 – 0001.  Prior to November 14, 2000, the contracts were distributed by Nationwide Investment Services Corporation ("NISC"), One Nationwide Plaza, Columbus, Ohio 43215, a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide.  During the fiscal years ended December 31, 200 8 , 200 7 , and 200 6 , no underwriting commissions were paid by Nationwide to SDI.
 
 
Money Market Yields
 
Nationwide may advertise the "yield" and "effective yield" for the money market sub-account.  Yield and effective yield are annualized, which means that it is assumed that the underlying mutual fund generates the same level of net income throughout a year.
 
Yield is a measure of the net dividend and interest income earned over a specific seven-day period (which period will be stated in the advertisement) expressed as a percentage of the offering price of the underlying mutual fund’s units.  The effective yield is calculated similarly, but reflects assumed compounding, calculated under rules prescribed by the SEC.  Thus, effective yield will be slightly higher than yield, due to the compounding.
 
Historical Performance of the Sub-Accounts
 
Nationwide will advertise historical performance of the sub-accounts in accordance with SEC prescribed calculations.  Performance information is annualized.  However, if a sub-account has been available in the variable account for less than one year, the performance information for that sub-account is not annualized.
 
Performance information is based on historical earnings and is not intended to predict or project future results.
 
 
Standardized performance will reflect the maximum variable account charges possible under the contract, the Contract Maintenance Charge, and the standard CDSC schedule.  Non-standardized performance, which will be accompanied by standardized performance, will reflect other expense structures contemplated under the contract.  The expense assumptions will be stated in the advertisement.
 
Additional Materials
 
Nationwide may provide information on various topics to contract owners and prospective contract owners in advertising, sales literature or other materials.
 
Performance Comparisons
 
Each sub-account may, from time to time, include in advertisements the ranking of its performance figures compared with performance figures of other annuity contracts’ sub-accounts with the same investment objectives which are created by Lipper Analytical Services, Morningstar, Inc. or other recognized ranking services.
 
 
See "Frequency and Amount of Annuity Payments" located in the prospectus.

 
 

 

 

Multi Flex

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors of Nationwide Life Insurance Company and

Contract Owners of Nationwide Multi-Flex Variable Account:

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets, liabilities and contract owners’ equity of Nationwide Multi-Flex Variable Account (comprised of the sub-accounts listed in note 1(b) (collectively, “the Accounts”)) as of December 31, 2008, and the related statements of operations and changes in contract owners’ equity, and the financial highlights for each of the periods indicated herein. These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Accounts’ management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial highlights based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of December 31, 2008, by correspondence with the transfer agents of the underlying mutual funds. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Accounts as of December 31, 2008, and the results of their operations, changes in contract owners’ equity, and financial highlights for each of the periods indicated herein, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

/s/    KPMG LLP

Columbus, Ohio

March 13, 2009


NATIONWIDE MULTI-FLEX VARIABLE ACCOUNT

STATEMENT OF ASSETS, LIABILITIES AND CONTRACT OWNERS’ EQUITY

December 31, 2008

 

Assets:

  

Investments at fair value:

  

AIM VIF - Capital Appreciation Fund - Series I (AVCA)

  

102,909 shares (cost $2,240,697)

   $ 1,738,145

AIM VIF - Global Health Care Fund - Series I (IVHS)

  

13,678 shares (cost $261,719)

     170,558

AIM VIF - Global Real Estate Fund - Series I (IVRE)

  

59,278 shares (cost $1,226,081)

     547,133

AIM VIF - International Growth Fund - Series I (AVIE)

  

87,126 shares (cost $2,512,681)

     1,698,089

American Century VP - Balanced Fund - Class I (ACVB)

  

746,803 shares (cost $5,128,317)

     3,943,122

American Century VP - Capital Appreciation Fund - Class I (ACVCA)

  

1,127,291 shares (cost $10,634,095)

     8,950,690

American Century VP - Income & Growth Fund - Class I (ACVIG)

  

737,246 shares (cost $4,882,951)

     3,553,527

Dreyfus Stock Index Fund, Inc. - Initial Class (DSIF)

  

1,532,677 shares (cost $44,166,398)

     35,220,915

Dreyfus VIF - Appreciation Portfolio - Initial Class (DCAP)

  

176,046 shares (cost $6,301,120)

     5,084,216

Dreyfus VIF - Developing Leaders Portfolio - Initial Class (DSC)

  

1,486,791 shares (cost $53,975,494)

     28,263,901

Dreyfus VIF - Quality Bond Portfolio - Initial Class (DQBP)

  

640,239 shares (cost $7,186,197)

     6,472,810

Fidelity(R) VIP - Equity-Income Portfolio - Initial Class (FEIP)

  

3,082,573 shares (cost $70,105,012)

     40,628,308

Fidelity(R) VIP - High Income Portfolio - Initial Class (FHIP)

  

2,530,494 shares (cost $14,924,672)

     10,020,757

Fidelity(R) VIP II - Contrafund(R) Portfolio - Service Class 2 (FC2)

  

197,712 shares (cost $5,576,685)

     2,993,346

Franklin Templeton VIP - Foreign Securities Fund - Class 1 (TIF)

  

1,553,109 shares (cost $20,808,002)

     17,006,543

Janus Aspen Series - International Growth Portfolio - Institutional Class (JAIG)

  

463,239 shares (cost $15,831,393)

     12,243,414

Nationwide VIT - Federated High Income Bond Fund - Class I (HIBF)

  

123,096 shares (cost $922,453)

     614,254

Nationwide VIT - Government Bond Fund - Class I (GBF)

  

2,687,554 shares (cost $31,713,766)

     32,277,518

Nationwide VIT - Growth Fund - Class I (CAF)

  

401,258 shares (cost $4,183,529)

     3,555,145

Nationwide VIT - Money Market Fund - Class I (SAM)

  

15,633,622 shares (cost $15,633,622)

     15,633,622

Nationwide VIT - Multi-Manager Large Cap Growth Fund - Class I (NVMLG1)

  

1,862 shares (cost $18,311)

     12,553

Nationwide VIT - Multi-Manager Mid Cap Growth Fund - Class I (NVMMG1)

  

1,177 shares (cost $11,083)

     7,765

(Continued)

 

2


NATIONWIDE MULTI-FLEX VARIABLE

STATEMENT OF ASSETS, LIABILITIES AND CONTRACT OWNERS’ EQUITY, Continued

 

Nationwide VIT - Multi-Manager Mid Cap Value Fund - Class II (NVMMV2)

  

898 shares (cost $8,827)

   $ 6,349

Nationwide VIT - Nationwide Fund - Class I (TRF)

  

9,445,902 shares (cost $99,120,673)

     61,587,283

Nationwide VIT - Neuberger Berman Multi-Cap Opportunities Fund - Class I (NVNMO1)

  

335 shares (cost $2,125)

     1,857

Neuberger Berman AMT - Balanced Portfolio - Class I (AMBP)

  

1,315,442 shares (cost $12,725,242)

     9,971,049

Neuberger Berman AMT - Partners Portfolio - Class I (AMTP)

  

86,279 shares (cost $1,101,322)

     613,441

PIMCO VIT - Real Return Portfolio - Administrative Class (PMVRRA)

  

101,721 shares (cost $1,283,099)

     1,145,382

PIMCO VIT - Total Return Portfolio - Administrative Class (PMVTRA)

  

205,549 shares (cost $2,171,898)

     2,119,217

Royce Capital Fund - Micro Cap Portfolio (ROCMC)

  

145,447 shares (cost $1,762,576)

     877,044

SBL Fund - Series D (Global Series) (SBLD)

  

83,409 shares (cost $917,187)

     617,225

SBL Fund - Series J (Mid Cap Growth Series) (SBLJ)

  

12,641 shares (cost $342,750)

     212,487

SBL Fund - Series N (Managed Asset Allocation Series) (SBLN)

  

21,163 shares (cost $402,939)

     303,056

SBL Fund - Series O (All Cap Value Series) (SBLO)

  

136,074 shares (cost $2,909,689)

     1,958,103

SBL Fund - Series P (High Yield Series) (SBLP)

  

31,695 shares (cost $593,190)

     425,659

SBL Fund - Series Q (Small Cap Value Series) (SBLQ)

  

55,304 shares (cost $1,487,079)

     978,891

SBL Fund - Series V (Mid Cap Value Series) (SBLV)

  

64,008 shares (cost $2,993,482)

     2,181,383

SBL Fund - Series X (Small Cap Growth Series) (SBLX)

  

29,380 shares (cost $496,458)

     315,543

SBL Fund - Series Y (Select 25 Series) (SBLY)

  

1,999 shares (cost $16,499)

     12,794

The Dreyfus Socially Responsible Growth Fund, Inc. - Initial Shares (DSRG)

  

669,931 shares (cost $17,509,747)

     13,304,835

Wells Fargo AVT - Opportunity Fund(SM) (SVOF)

  

1,685,797 shares (cost $32,092,373)

     17,127,692
      

Total Investments

     344,395,621

Total Assets

     344,395,621

Accounts Payable

     16,749
      
   $ 344,378,872
      

Contract Owners’ Equity:

  

Accumulation units

     344,206,281

Contracts in payout (annuitization) period

     172,591
      

Total Contract Owners’ Equity (note 5)

   $ 344,378,872
      

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

3


NATIONWIDE MULTI-FLEX VARIABLE ACCOUNT

STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

Year Ended December 31, 2008

 

Investment Activity:    Total     AVCA     IVHS     IVRE     AVIE     ACVB     ACVCA     ACVIG  
                                                  

Reinvested dividends

   $ 10,600,111     -         -         48,806     12,814     129,115     -         100,245  

Mortality and expense risk charges (note 2)

     (6,153,513 )   (30,657 )   (2,798 )   (11,483 )   (27,154 )   (61,952 )   (186,343 )   (61,600 )
                                                  

Net investment income (loss)

     4,446,598     (30,657 )   (2,798 )   37,323     (14,340 )   67,163     (186,343 )   38,645  
                                                  

Proceeds from mutual fund shares sold

     83,302,036     312,108     194,806     385,735     728,516     943,296     2,639,789     729,455  

Cost of mutual fund shares sold

     (87,006,830 )   (216,764 )   (212,803 )   (702,297 )   (620,974 )   (1,097,770 )   (1,792,100 )   (693,985 )
                                                  

Realized gain (loss) on investments

     (3,704,794 )   95,344     (17,997 )   (316,562 )   107,542     (154,474 )   847,689     35,470  

Change in unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     (237,539,256 )   (1,388,372 )   (105,596 )   (316,396 )   (1,237,200 )   (1,412,354 )   (10,316,605 )   (2,733,472 )
                                                  

Net gain (loss) on investments

     (241,244,050 )   (1,293,028 )   (123,593 )   (632,958 )   (1,129,658 )   (1,566,828 )   (9,468,916 )   (2,698,002 )
                                                  

Reinvested capital gains

     32,392,523     -         45,728     75,430     30,984     374,116     1,211,260     600,559  
                                                  

Net increase (decrease) in contract owners’ equity resulting from operations

   $ (204,404,929 )   (1,323,685 )   (80,663 )   (520,205 )   (1,113,014 )   (1,125,549 )   (8,443,999 )   (2,058,798 )
                                                  
Investment Activity:    DSIF     DCAP     DSC     DQBP     FEIP     FHIP     FC2     TIF  
                                                  

Reinvested dividends

   $ 1,046,319     151,323     374,184     358,468     1,503,947     1,132,281     34,153     662,121  

Mortality and expense risk charges (note 2)

     (630,866 )   (88,423 )   (513,530 )   (91,898 )   (787,069 )   (168,065 )   (50,676 )   (314,392 )
                                                  

Net investment income (loss)

     415,453     62,900     (139,346 )   266,570     716,878     964,216     (16,523 )   347,729  
                                                  

Proceeds from mutual fund shares sold

     6,418,691     1,887,109     4,860,458     1,612,305     8,660,561     1,853,917     904,724     3,255,429  

Cost of mutual fund shares sold

     (6,054,108 )   (1,752,314 )   (6,662,212 )   (1,758,948 )   (10,289,186 )   (2,248,642 )   (1,321,324 )   (2,573,876 )
                                                  

Realized gain (loss) on investments

     364,583     134,795     (1,801,754 )   (146,643 )   (1,628,625 )   (394,725 )   (416,600 )   681,553  

Change in unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     (23,298,424 )   (3,174,156 )   (18,521,520 )   (514,098 )   (32,040,737 )   (4,183,102 )   (1,903,223 )   (15,908,994 )
                                                  

Net gain (loss) on investments

     (22,933,841 )   (3,039,361 )   (20,323,274 )   (660,741 )   (33,669,362 )   (4,577,827 )   (2,319,823 )   (15,227,441 )
                                                  

Reinvested capital gains

     -         563,684     2,242,065     -         66,544     -         117,956     2,395,802  
                                                  

Net increase (decrease) in contract owners’ equity resulting from operations

   $ (22,518,388 )   (2,412,777 )   (18,220,555 )   (394,171 )   (32,885,940 )   (3,613,611 )   (2,218,390 )   (12,483,910 )
                                                  

(Continued)

 

4


NATIONWIDE MULTI-FLEX VARIABLE ACCOUNT

STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS, Continued

Year Ended December 31, 2008

 

Investment Activity:    JAIG     HIBF     GBF     CAF     SAM     NVMLG1     NVMMG1     NVMMV2  
                                                  

Reinvested dividends

   $ 577,645     89,002     1,376,578     14,445     301,813     42     -         68  

Mortality and expense risk charges (note 2)

     (262,739 )   (12,532 )   (423,728 )   (69,561 )   (191,866 )   (94 )   (49 )   (49 )
                                                  

Net investment income (loss)

     314,906     76,470     952,850     (55,116 )   109,947     (52 )   (49 )   19  
                                                  

Proceeds from mutual fund shares sold

     2,678,959     580,529     6,791,060     1,606,157     6,110,072     -         -         -      

Cost of mutual fund shares sold

     (1,248,957 )   (673,900 )   (6,828,086 )   (1,412,598 )   (6,110,072 )   -         -         -      
                                                  

Realized gain (loss) on investments

     1,430,002     (93,371 )   (37,026 )   193,559     -         -         -         -      

Change in unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     (18,599,558 )   (269,301 )   1,069,294     (2,711,007 )   -         (5,758 )   (3,318 )   (2,477 )
                                                  

Net gain (loss) on investments

     (17,169,556 )   (362,672 )   1,032,268     (2,517,448 )   -         (5,758 )   (3,318 )   (2,477 )
                                                  

Reinvested capital gains

     2,970,809     -         -         -         -         -         -         -      
                                                  

Net increase (decrease) in contract owners’ equity resulting from operations

   $ (13,883,841 )   (286,202 )   1,985,118     (2,572,564 )   109,947     (5,810 )   (3,367 )   (2,458 )
                                                  
Investment Activity:    TRF     NVNMO1     NVNSR1     AMBP     AMTP     PMVRRA     PMVTRA     ROCMC  
                                                  

Reinvested dividends

   $ 1,355,295     -         5     533,947     4,603     33,057     84,551     35,550  

Mortality and expense risk charges (note 2)

     (1,252,301 )   (19 )   (15 )   (188,559 )   (5,091 )   (12,012 )   (23,975 )   (15,081 )
                                                  

Net investment income (loss)

     102,994     (19 )   (10 )   345,388     (488 )   21,045     60,576     20,469  
                                                  

Proceeds from mutual fund shares sold

     18,310,855     -         -         2,267,625     126,586     378,692     803,631     203,005  

Cost of mutual fund shares sold

     (19,688,750 )   -         -         (1,994,215 )   (191,091 )   (369,102 )   (790,238 )   (290,322 )
                                                  

Realized gain (loss) on investments

     (1,377,895 )   -         -         273,410     (64,505 )   9,590     13,393     (87,317 )

Change in unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     (63,012,624 )   (267 )   -         (7,547,301 )   (481,327 )   (153,607 )   (78,630 )   (756,494 )
                                                  

Net gain (loss) on investments

     (64,390,519 )   (267 )   -         (7,273,891 )   (545,832 )   (144,017 )   (65,237 )   (843,811 )
                                                  

Reinvested capital gains

     15,444,898     -         -         -         145,226     1,795     42,378     148,978  
                                                  

Net increase (decrease) in contract owners’ equity resulting from operations

   $ (48,842,627 )   (286 )   (10 )   (6,928,503 )   (401,094 )   (121,177 )   37,717     (674,364 )
                                                  

(Continued)

 

5


NATIONWIDE MULTI-FLEX VARIABLE ACCOUNT

STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS, Continued

Year Ended December 31, 2008

 

Investment Activity:    SBLD     SBLJ     SBLN     SBLO     SBLP     SBLQ     SBLV     SBLX  
                                                  

Reinvested dividends

   $ -         -         -         -         -         -         -         -      

Mortality and expense risk charges (note 2)

     (10,291 )   (3,331 )   (6,199 )   (27,015 )   (7,437 )   (15,113 )   (34,664 )   (4,221 )
                                                  

Net investment income (loss)

     (10,291 )   (3,331 )   (6,199 )   (27,015 )   (7,437 )   (15,113 )   (34,664 )   (4,221 )
                                                  

Proceeds from mutual fund shares sold

     198,962     55,034     419,861     463,403     203,551     189,350     1,144,190     58,645  

Cost of mutual fund shares sold

     (219,847 )   (86,781 )   (439,917 )   (544,429 )   (218,344 )   (208,313 )   (1,221,878 )   (68,447 )
                                                  

Realized gain (loss) on investments

     (20,885 )   (31,747 )   (20,056 )   (81,026 )   (14,793 )   (18,963 )   (77,688 )   (9,802 )

Change in unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     (356,910 )   (106,631 )   (114,165 )   (954,459 )   (174,036 )   (550,714 )   (835,497 )   (191,573 )
                                                  

Net gain (loss) on investments

     (377,795 )   (138,378 )   (134,221 )   (1,035,485 )   (188,829 )   (569,677 )   (913,185 )   (201,375 )
                                                  

Reinvested capital gains

     -         -         -         -         -         -         -         -      
                                                  

Net increase (decrease) in contract owners’ equity resulting from operations

   $ (388,086 )   (141,709 )   (140,420 )   (1,062,500 )   (196,266 )   (584,790 )   (947,849 )   (205,596 )
                                                  
Investment Activity:    SBLY     DSRG     SVOF                                
                              

Reinvested dividends

   $ -         138,666     501,068            

Mortality and expense risk charges (note 2)

     (289 )   (229,872 )   (330,504 )          
                              

Net investment income (loss)

     (289 )   (91,206 )   170,564            
                              

Proceeds from mutual fund shares sold

     17,528     1,980,224     3,327,218            

Cost of mutual fund shares sold

     (19,341 )   (2,048,385 )   (4,336,514 )          
                              

Realized gain (loss) on investments

     (1,813 )   (68,161 )   (1,009,296 )          

Change in unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     (3,257 )   (7,345,250 )   (17,300,140 )          
                              

Net gain (loss) on investments

     (5,070 )   (7,413,411 )   (18,309,436 )          
                              

Reinvested capital gains

     -         -         5,914,311            
                              

Net increase (decrease) in contract owners’ equity resulting from operations

   $ (5,359 )   (7,504,617 )   (12,224,561 )          
                              

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

6


NATIONWIDE MULTI-FLEX VARIABLE ACCOUNT

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN CONTRACT OWNERS’ EQUITY

Years Ended December 31, 2008 and 2007

 

     Total     AVCA     IVHS     IVRE  
                          
     2008     2007     2008     2007     2008     2007     2008     2007  
                                                  

Investment activity:

                

Net investment income (loss)

   $ 4,446,598     2,489,103     (30,657 )   (42,207 )   (2,798 )   (2,003 )   37,323     62,981  

Realized gain (loss) on investments

     (3,704,794 )   18,711,565     95,344     238,263     (17,997 )   8,019     (316,562 )   56,156  

Change in unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     (237,539,256 )   (17,418,495 )   (1,388,372 )   139,232     (105,596 )   8,986     (316,396 )   (406,471 )

Reinvested capital gains

     32,392,523     29,689,003     -         -         45,728     -         75,430     183,059  
                                                  

Net increase (decrease) in contract owners’ equity resulting from operations

     (204,404,929 )   33,471,176     (1,323,685 )   335,288     (80,663 )   15,002     (520,205 )   (104,275 )
                                                  

Equity transactions:

                

Purchase payments received from contract owners (note 3)

     16,924,655     21,202,860     127,840     153,467     20,712     30,286     68,861     77,019  

Transfers between funds

     (5,479,490 )   (2,469,224 )   (57,779 )   (125,567 )   (92,822 )   231,295     (154,575 )   871,105  

Redemptions (note 3)

     (57,624,788 )   (89,972,455 )   (198,400 )   (502,648 )   (37,572 )   (12,583 )   (88,864 )   (157,015 )

Annuity benefits

     (63,849 )   (82,563 )   -         -         -         -         -         -      

Contract maintenance charges (note 2)

     (805,443 )   (941,915 )   (3,868 )   (4,797 )   (229 )   (128 )   (1,108 )   (1,148 )

Contingent deferred sales charges (note 2)

     (84,783 )   (217,432 )   (198 )   (2,052 )   (7 )   (224 )   (133 )   (610 )

Adjustments to maintain reserves

     (20,889 )   (46,179 )   621     364     154     (79 )   50     58  
                                                  

Net equity transactions

     (47,154,587 )   (72,526,908 )   (131,784 )   (481,233 )   (109,764 )   248,567     (175,769 )   789,409  
                                                  

Net change in contract owners’ equity

     (251,559,516 )   (39,055,732 )   (1,455,469 )   (145,945 )   (190,427 )   263,569     (695,974 )   685,134  

Contract owners’ equity beginning of period

     595,938,388     634,994,120     3,193,521     3,339,466     361,057     97,488     1,243,255     558,121  
                                                  

Contract owners’ equity end of period

   $ 344,378,872     595,938,388     1,738,052     3,193,521     170,630     361,057     547,281     1,243,255  
                                                  

CHANGES IN UNITS:

                

Beginning units

     18,851,449     20,483,604     240,113     277,593     30,772     9,171     103,865     43,468  

Units purchased

     2,888,418     3,435,809     23,375     58,752     11,422     28,710     28,573     116,422  

Units redeemed

     (4,104,747 )   (5,067,964 )   (33,283 )   (96,232 )   (21,569 )   (7,109 )   (48,755 )   (56,025 )
                                                  

Ending units

     17,635,120     18,851,449     230,205     240,113     20,625     30,772     83,683     103,865  
                                                  

(Continued)

 

7


NATIONWIDE MULTI-FLEX VARIABLE ACCOUNT

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN CONTRACT OWNERS’ EQUITY, Continued

Years Ended December 31, 2008 and 2007

 

     AVIE     ACVB     ACVCA     ACVIG  
                          
     2008     2007     2008     2007     2008     2007     2008     2007  
                                                  

Investment activity:

                

Net investment income (loss)

   $ (14,340 )   (21,033 )   67,163     49,892     (186,343 )   (218,543 )   38,645     41,952  

Realized gain (loss) on investments

     107,542     346,818     (154,474 )   79,380     847,689     1,341,862     35,470     340,194  

Change in unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     (1,237,200 )   (31,119 )   (1,412,354 )   (219,771 )   (10,316,605 )   4,989,994     (2,733,472 )   (443,105 )

Reinvested capital gains

     30,984     -         374,116     309,100     1,211,260     -         600,559     -      
                                                  

Net increase (decrease) in contract owners’ equity resulting from operations

     (1,113,014 )   294,666     (1,125,549 )   218,601     (8,443,999 )   6,113,313     (2,058,798 )   (60,959 )
                                                  

Equity transactions:

                

Purchase payments received from contract owners (note 3)

     137,416     116,001     115,946     176,805     335,926     355,285     210,970     379,978  

Transfers between funds

     620,393     100,837     (159,929 )   169,387     (935,490 )   799,623     (131,880 )   (260,944 )

Redemptions (note 3)

     (236,115 )   (330,465 )   (577,086 )   (1,037,754 )   (1,279,578 )   (2,367,299 )   (545,523 )   (875,403 )

Annuity benefits

     -         -         -         (26 )   (3,148 )   (3,313 )   -         -      

Contract maintenance charges (note 2)

     (2,808 )   (2,793 )   (7,171 )   (8,182 )   (23,649 )   (25,575 )   (7,551 )   (9,443 )

Contingent deferred sales charges
(note 2)

     (248 )   (1,000 )   (808 )   (3,891 )   (1,095 )   (3,890 )   (669 )   (6,499 )

Adjustments to maintain reserves

     864     (745 )   (797 )   (498 )   1,129     1,576     1,389     (1,932 )
                                                  

Net equity transactions

     519,502     (118,165 )   (629,845 )   (704,159 )   (1,905,905 )   (1,243,593 )   (473,264 )   (774,243 )
                                                  

Net change in contract owners’ equity

     (593,512 )   176,501     (1,755,394 )   (485,558 )   (10,349,904 )   4,869,720     (2,532,062 )   (835,202 )

Contract owners’ equity beginning of period

     2,292,270     2,115,769     5,697,834     6,183,392     19,300,692     14,430,972     6,086,401     6,921,603  
                                                  

Contract owners’ equity end of period

   $ 1,698,758     2,292,270     3,942,440     5,697,834     8,950,788     19,300,692     3,554,339     6,086,401  
                                                  

CHANGES IN UNITS:

                

Beginning units

     111,709     116,700     444,810     499,893     551,004     592,823     376,866     422,565  

Units purchased

     79,951     66,387     31,654     87,626     36,045     100,384     27,148     43,884  

Units redeemed

     (51,034 )   (71,378 )   (84,979 )   (142,709 )   (105,939 )   (142,203 )   (63,233 )   (89,583 )
                                                  

Ending units

     140,626     111,709     391,485     444,810     481,110     551,004     340,781     376,866  
                                                  

(Continued)

 

8


NATIONWIDE MULTI-FLEX VARIABLE ACCOUNT

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN CONTRACT OWNERS’ EQUITY, Continued

Years Ended December 31, 2008 and 2007

 

     DSIF     DCAP     DSC     DQBP  
                          
     2008     2007     2008     2007     2008     2007     2008     2007  
                                                  

Investment activity:

                

Net investment income (loss)

   $ 415,453     284,188     62,900     28,227     (139,346 )   (304,378 )   266,570     340,440  

Realized gain (loss) on investments

     364,583     2,257,387     134,795     362,520     (1,801,754 )   177,785     (146,643 )   (104,909 )

Change in unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     (23,298,424 )   187,977     (3,174,156 )   118,160     (18,521,520 )   (15,241,675 )   (514,098 )   (22,252 )

Reinvested capital gains

     -         -         563,684     -         2,242,065     8,217,467     -         -      
                                                  

Net increase (decrease) in contract owners’ equity resulting from operations

     (22,518,388 )   2,729,552     (2,412,777 )   508,907     (18,220,555 )   (7,150,801 )   (394,171 )   213,279  
                                                  

Equity transactions:

                

Purchase payments received from contract owners (note 3)

     2,257,447     2,834,712     362,526     440,514     1,983,404     2,558,626     277,249     411,446  

Transfers between funds

     (2,037,286 )   (2,778,366 )   (1,046,240 )   260,391     (2,200,160 )   (3,763,637 )   (598,374 )   (744,463 )

Redemptions (note 3)

     (5,156,760 )   (9,014,000 )   (902,430 )   (1,247,950 )   (3,859,579 )   (8,505,536 )   (934,975 )   (1,701,829 )

Annuity benefits

     -         -         -         -         -         -         -         -      

Contract maintenance charges (note 2)

     (85,967 )   (103,383 )   (11,269 )   (13,019 )   (88,704 )   (114,231 )   (11,370 )   (13,411 )

Contingent deferred sales charges (note 2)

     (7,951 )   (25,830 )   (1,208 )   (5,478 )   (5,891 )   (26,292 )   (899 )   (4,325 )

Adjustments to maintain reserves

     (5,602 )   (3,537 )   (2,602 )   (21 )   (449 )   7,065     202     (701 )
                                                  

Net equity transactions

     (5,036,119 )   (9,090,404 )   (1,601,223 )   (565,563 )   (4,171,379 )   (9,844,005 )   (1,268,167 )   (2,053,283 )
                                                  

Net change in contract owners’ equity

     (27,554,507 )   (6,360,852 )   (4,014,000 )   (56,656 )   (22,391,934 )   (16,994,806 )   (1,662,338 )   (1,840,004 )

Contract owners’ equity beginning of period

     62,775,318     69,136,170     9,096,652     9,153,308     50,665,634     67,660,440     8,134,080     9,974,084  
                                                  

Contract owners’ equity end of period

   $ 35,220,811     62,775,318     5,082,652     9,096,652     28,273,700     50,665,634     6,471,742     8,134,080  
                                                  

CHANGES IN UNITS:

                

Beginning units

     1,888,564     2,160,533     560,484     596,307     2,243,833     2,630,656     495,980     621,438  

Units purchased

     127,492     144,924     43,239     94,638     139,526     152,540     39,165     123,660  

Units redeemed

     (307,966 )   (416,893 )   (153,134 )   (130,461 )   (350,734 )   (539,363 )   (117,883 )   (249,118 )
                                                  

Ending units

     1,708,090     1,888,564     450,589     560,484     2,032,625     2,243,833     417,262     495,980  
                                                  

(Continued)

 

9


NATIONWIDE MULTI-FLEX VARIABLE ACCOUNT

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN CONTRACT OWNERS’ EQUITY, Continued

Years Ended December 31, 2008 and 2007

 

     FEIP     FHIP     FC2     TIF  
                          
     2008     2007     2008     2007     2008     2007     2008     2007  
                                                  

Investment activity:

                

Net investment income (loss)

   $ 716,878     412,215     964,216     1,069,203     (16,523 )   (13,553 )   347,729     292,943  

Realized gain (loss) on investments

     (1,628,625 )   1,964,545     (394,725 )   (111,325 )   (416,600 )   23,000     681,553     1,971,100  

Change in unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     (32,040,737 )   (8,587,827 )   (4,183,102 )   (707,506 )   (1,903,223 )   (663,794 )   (15,908,994 )   620,405  

Reinvested capital gains

     66,544     6,824,225     -         -         117,956     1,241,253     2,395,802     1,455,952  
                                                  

Net increase (decrease) in contract owners’ equity resulting from operations

     (32,885,940 )   613,158     (3,613,611 )   250,372     (2,218,390 )   586,906     (12,483,910 )   4,340,400  
                                                  

Equity transactions:

                

Purchase payments received from contract owners (note 3)

     2,279,353     2,944,433     590,703     705,066     311,589     322,052     886,370     1,090,464  

Transfers between funds

     (2,861,704 )   (1,072,499 )   (578,014 )   (512,767 )   422,796     2,177,641     (813,366 )   (1,108,920 )

Redemptions (note 3)

     (6,670,790 )   (11,634,738 )   (1,506,339 )   (1,873,276 )   (420,691 )   (578,942 )   (2,715,906 )   (4,675,252 )

Annuity benefits

     (2,682 )   (3,430 )   -         -         -         -         -         -      

Contract maintenance charges
(note 2)

     (101,005 )   (126,849 )   (27,192 )   (29,162 )   (4,876 )   (4,602 )   (41,169 )   (48,034 )

Contingent deferred sales charges (note 2)

     (6,680 )   (31,213 )   (2,387 )   (4,186 )   (652 )   (785 )   (5,097 )   (10,302 )

Adjustments to maintain reserves

     (323 )   120     5,905     (110 )   144     (1,519 )   1,742     (1,719 )
                                                  

Net equity transactions

     (7,363,831 )   (9,924,176 )   (1,517,324 )   (1,714,435 )   308,310     1,913,845     (2,687,426 )   (4,753,763 )
                                                  

Net change in contract owners’ equity

     (40,249,771 )   (9,311,018 )   (5,130,935 )   (1,464,063 )   (1,910,080 )   2,500,751     (15,171,336 )   (413,363 )

Contract owners’ equity beginning of period

     80,878,803     90,189,821     15,153,799     16,617,862     4,902,349     2,401,598     32,181,989     32,595,352  
                                                  

Contract owners’ equity end of period

   $ 40,629,032     80,878,803     10,022,864     15,153,799     2,992,269     4,902,349     17,010,653     32,181,989  
                                                  

CHANGES IN UNITS:

                

Beginning units

     2,350,913     2,626,831     935,417     1,040,565     385,075     218,327     1,054,802     1,220,801  

Units purchased

     132,892     169,678     53,845     67,105     169,693     295,115     57,214     64,165  

Units redeemed

     (397,176 )   (445,596 )   (154,021 )   (172,253 )   (139,219 )   (128,367 )   (166,978 )   (230,164 )
                                                  

Ending units

     2,086,629     2,350,913     835,241     935,417     415,549     385,075     945,038     1,054,802  
                                                  

(Continued)

 

10


NATIONWIDE MULTI-FLEX VARIABLE ACCOUNT

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN CONTRACT OWNERS’ EQUITY, Continued

Years Ended December 31, 2008 and 2007

 

     JAIG     HIBF     GBF     CAF  
                          
     2008     2007     2008     2007     2008     2007     2008     2007  
                                                  

Investment activity:

                

Net investment income (loss)

   $ 314,906     (160,297 )   76,470     72,322     952,850     1,056,986     (55,116 )   (82,474 )

Realized gain (loss) on investments

     1,430,002     2,712,817     (93,371 )   (12,699 )   (37,026 )   42,065     193,559     553,495  

Change in unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     (18,599,558 )   3,335,740     (269,301 )   (38,165 )   1,069,294     793,451     (2,711,007 )   722,023  

Reinvested capital gains

     2,970,809     -         -         -         -         -         -         -      
                                                  

Net increase (decrease) in contract owners’ equity resulting from operations

     (13,883,841 )   5,888,260     (286,202 )   21,458     1,985,118     1,892,502     (2,572,564 )   1,193,044  
                                                  

Equity transactions:

                

Purchase payments received from contract owners (note 3)

     779,711     816,295     44,132     52,323     627,958     790,655     79,649     92,709  

Transfers between funds

     (398,779 )   (67,809 )   34,841     7,759     (473,612 )   883,298     (221,305 )   (91,609 )

Redemptions (note 3)

     (1,439,815 )   (2,886,965 )   (271,623 )   (225,596 )   (4,342,206 )   (4,678,467 )   (535,199 )   (1,576,369 )

Annuity benefits

     -         -         -         -         (1,277 )   (1,459 )   (2,744 )   (2,968 )

Contract maintenance charges (note 2)

     (26,941 )   (30,659 )   (1,384 )   (1,524 )   (48,607 )   (48,963 )   (10,333 )   (12,133 )

Contingent deferred sales charges (note 2)

     (1,911 )   (6,965 )   (1,505 )   (510 )   (3,536 )   (6,653 )   (928 )   (4,187 )

Adjustments to maintain reserves

     (3,000 )   209     (209 )   251     243     231     (8,175 )   (110 )
                                                  

Net equity transactions

     (1,090,735 )   (2,175,894 )   (195,748 )   (167,297 )   (4,241,037 )   (3,061,358 )   (699,035 )   (1,594,667 )
                                                  

Net change in contract owners’ equity

     (14,974,576 )   3,712,366     (481,950 )   (145,839 )   (2,255,919 )   (1,168,856 )   (3,271,599 )   (401,623 )

Contract owners’ equity beginning of period

     27,216,991     23,504,625     1,096,225     1,242,064     34,533,932     35,702,788     6,826,707     7,228,330  
                                                  

Contract owners’ equity end of period

   $ 12,242,415     27,216,991     614,275     1,096,225     32,278,013     34,533,932     3,555,108     6,826,707  
                                                  

CHANGES IN UNITS:

                

Beginning units

     758,346     829,381     72,263     83,360     703,984     769,710     329,004     410,944  

Units purchased

     94,346     138,160     29,318     23,844     68,599     77,997     56,850     30,089  

Units redeemed

     (130,852 )   (209,195 )   (44,598 )   (34,941 )   (153,700 )   (143,723 )   (102,544 )   (112,029 )
                                                  

Ending units

     721,840     758,346     56,983     72,263     618,883     703,984     283,310     329,004  
                                                  

(Continued)

 

11


NATIONWIDE MULTI-FLEX VARIABLE ACCOUNT

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN CONTRACT OWNERS’ EQUITY, Continued

Years Ended December 31, 2008 and 2007

 

     SAM     NVMLG1    NVMMG1    NVMMV2
                      
     2008     2007     2008         2007        2008         2007        2008         2007    
                                              

Investment activity:

                  

Net investment income (loss)

   $ 109,947     447,618     (52 )   -        (49 )   -        19     -    

Realized gain (loss) on investments

     -         -         -         -        -         -        -         -    

Change in unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     -         -         (5,758 )   -        (3,318 )   -        (2,477 )   -    

Reinvested capital gains

     -         -         -         -        -         -        -         -    
                                              

Net increase (decrease) in contract owners’ equity resulting from operations

     109,947     447,618     (5,810 )   -        (3,367 )   -        (2,458 )   -    
                                              

Equity transactions:

                  

Purchase payments received from contract owners (note 3)

     446,125     810,707     28     -        1,680     -        4     -    

Transfers between funds

     6,607,386     3,244,824     19,230     -        9,879     -        9,130     -    

Redemptions (note 3)

     (5,016,090 )   (3,979,310 )   -         -        -         -        -         -    

Annuity benefits

     (17,102 )   (13,089 )   -         -        -         -        -         -    

Contract maintenance charges (note 2)

     (19,832 )   (17,833 )   (10 )   -        (2 )   -        -         -    

Contingent deferred sales charges (note 2)

     (8,070 )   (3,619 )   -         -        -         -        -         -    

Adjustments to maintain reserves

     883     (11,984 )   (887 )   -        (434 )   -        (324 )   -    
                                              

Net equity transactions

     1,993,300     29,696     18,361     -        11,123     -        8,810     -    
                                              

Net change in contract owners’ equity

     2,103,247     477,314     12,551     -        7,756     -        6,352     -    

Contract owners’ equity beginning of period

     13,514,595     13,037,281     -         -        -         -        -         -    
                                              

Contract owners’ equity end of period

   $ 15,617,842     13,514,595     12,551     -        7,756     -        6,352     -    
                                              

CHANGES IN UNITS:

                  

Beginning units

     511,715     512,094     -         -        -         -        -         -    

Units purchased

     373,702     329,705     2,447     -        1,504     -        1,193     -    

Units redeemed

     (295,993 )   (330,084 )   (458 )   -        (257 )   -        (245 )   -    
                                              

Ending units

     589,424     511,715     1,989     -        1,247     -        948     -    
                                              

(Continued)

 

12


NATIONWIDE MULTI-FLEX VARIABLE ACCOUNT

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN CONTRACT OWNERS’ EQUITY, Continued

Years Ended December 31, 2008 and 2007

 

     TRF     NVNMO1    NVNSR1    AMBP  
                        
     2008     2007         2008             2007            2008             2007        2008     2007  
                                                

Investment activity:

                  

Net investment income (loss)

   $ 102,994     (351,189 )   (19 )   -        (10 )   -        345,388     (25,593 )

Realized gain (loss) on investments

     (1,377,895 )   4,686,040     -         -        -         -        273,410     669,243  

Change in unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     (63,012,624 )   (1,580,170 )   (267 )   -        -         -        (7,547,301 )   1,726,704  

Reinvested capital gains

     15,444,898     6,417,152     -         -        -         -        -         -      
                                                

Net increase (decrease) in contract owners’ equity resulting from operations

     (48,842,627 )   9,171,833     (286 )   -        (10 )   -        (6,928,503 )   2,370,354  
                                                

Equity transactions:

                  

Purchase payments received from contract owners (note 3)

     1,712,495     2,245,106     1,860     -        1     -        413,747     480,463  

Transfers between funds

     (4,365,173 )   (3,475,908 )   1,010     -        461     -        146,826     (200,667 )

Redemptions (note 3)

     (13,498,996 )   (20,549,271 )   -         -        -         -        (1,361,773 )   (2,593,981 )

Annuity benefits

     (36,730 )   (58,062 )   -         -        -         -        (166 )   (216 )

Contract maintenance charges (note 2)

     (156,374 )   (189,441 )   (1 )   -        -         -        (25,010 )   (28,246 )

Contingent deferred sales charges (note 2)

     (24,494 )   (39,080 )   -         -        -         -        (944 )   (4,202 )

Adjustments to maintain reserves

     2,705     (47,690 )   (727 )   -        (452 )   -        (606 )   (1,913 )
                                                

Net equity transactions

     (16,366,567 )   (22,114,346 )   2,142     -        10     -        (827,926 )   (2,348,762 )
                                                

Net change in contract owners’ equity

     (65,209,194 )   (12,942,513 )   1,856     -        -         -        (7,756,429 )   21,592  

Contract owners’ equity beginning of period

     126,795,760     139,738,273     -         -        -         -        17,726,790     17,705,198  
                                                

Contract owners’ equity end of period

   $ 61,586,566     126,795,760     1,856     -        -         -        9,970,361     17,726,790  
                                                

CHANGES IN UNITS:

                  

Beginning units

     1,097,211     1,290,474     -         -        -         -        604,146     688,370  

Units purchased

     33,521     38,278     670     -        294     -        67,283     39,392  

Units redeemed

     (206,835 )   (231,541 )   (309 )   -        (294 )   -        (105,624 )   (123,616 )
                                                

Ending units

     923,897     1,097,211     361     -        -         -        565,805     604,146  
                                                

(Continued)

 

13


NATIONWIDE MULTI-FLEX VARIABLE ACCOUNT

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN CONTRACT OWNERS’ EQUITY, Continued

Years Ended December 31, 2008 and 2007

 

     AMTP     PMVRRA     PMVTRA     ROCMC  
                          
     2008     2007     2008     2007     2008     2007     2008     2007  
                                                  

Investment activity:

                

Net investment income (loss)

   $ (488 )   (1,260 )   21,045     19,336     60,576     23,459     20,469     6,671  

Realized gain (loss) on investments

     (64,505 )   (1,035 )   9,590     (10,930 )   13,393     3,525     (87,317 )   18,115  

Change in unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     (481,327 )   (8,298 )   (153,607 )   32,262     (78,630 )   24,896     (756,494 )   (139,147 )

Reinvested capital gains

     145,226     30,622     1,795     -         42,378     1,400     148,978     107,444  
                                                  

Net increase (decrease) in contract owners’ equity resulting from operations

     (401,094 )   20,029     (121,177 )   40,668     37,717     53,280     (674,364 )   (6,917 )
                                                  

Equity transactions:

                

Purchase payments received from contract owners (note 3)

     27,128     18,570     50,236     39,265     109,409     35,734     85,696     90,252  

Transfers between funds

     762,477     181,293     995,107     (72,478 )   1,656,714     445,667     344,488     803,518  

Redemptions (note 3)

     (54,140 )   (54,033 )   (147,551 )   (125,546 )   (505,231 )   (51,262 )   (128,208 )   (82,987 )

Annuity benefits

     -         -         -         -         -         -         -         -      

Contract maintenance charges (note 2)

     (622 )   (294 )   (1,183 )   (661 )   (2,260 )   (647 )   (1,186 )   (915 )

Contingent deferred sales charges (note 2)

     (245 )   (51 )   (240 )   (27 )   (347 )   (15 )   (189 )   (67 )

Adjustments to maintain reserves

     132     47     (15,674 )   6,535     (3,443 )   (1,287 )   (912 )   378  
                                                  

Net equity transactions

     734,730     145,532     880,695     (152,912 )   1,254,842     428,190     299,689     810,179  
                                                  

Net change in contract owners’ equity

     333,636     165,561     759,518     (112,244 )   1,292,559     481,470     (374,675 )   803,262  

Contract owners’ equity beginning of period

     280,021     114,460     385,402     497,646     826,451     344,981     1,251,283     448,021  
                                                  

Contract owners’ equity end of period

   $ 613,657     280,021     1,144,920     385,402     2,119,010     826,451     876,608     1,251,283  
                                                  

CHANGES IN UNITS:

                

Beginning units

     22,803     10,058     34,815     49,126     74,518     33,396     110,927     40,766  

Units purchased

     101,190     21,664     135,082     65,345     212,614     69,810     54,635     97,789  

Units redeemed

     (17,640 )   (8,919 )   (57,097 )   (79,656 )   (102,394 )   (28,688 )   (26,639 )   (27,628 )
                                                  

Ending units

     106,353     22,803     112,800     34,815     184,738     74,518     138,923     110,927  
                                                  

(Continued)

 

14


NATIONWIDE MULTI-FLEX VARIABLE ACCOUNT

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN CONTRACT OWNERS’ EQUITY, Continued

Years Ended December 31, 2008 and 2007

 

     SBLD     SBLJ     SBLN     SBLO  
                          
     2008     2007     2008     2007     2008     2007     2008     2007  
                                                  

Investment activity:

                

Net investment income (loss)

   $ (10,291 )   (10,911 )   (3,331 )   (3,060 )   (6,199 )   (6,457 )   (27,015 )   (19,560 )

Realized gain (loss) on investments

     (20,885 )   67,400     (31,747 )   1,157     (20,056 )   34,596     (81,026 )   102,083  

Change in unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     (356,910 )   9,097     (106,631 )   (30,569 )   (114,165 )   (6,008 )   (954,459 )   (58,223 )

Reinvested capital gains

     -         -         -         -         -         -         -         -      
                                                  

Net increase (decrease) in contract owners’ equity resulting from operations

     (388,086 )   65,586     (141,709 )   (32,472 )   (140,420 )   22,131     (1,062,500 )   24,300  
                                                  

Equity transactions:

                

Purchase payments received from contract owners (note 3)

     72,504     94,668     33,867     19,166     34,624     36,753     136,835     124,212  

Transfers between funds

     49,624     318,250     69,499     131,150     (222,481 )   456,344     1,733,262     425,396  

Redemptions (note 3)

     (81,244 )   (115,145 )   (14,588 )   (18,813 )   (121,180 )   (50,075 )   (250,697 )   (164,030 )

Annuity benefits

     -         -         -         -         -         -         -         -      

Contract maintenance charges (note 2)

     (946 )   (893 )   (358 )   (292 )   (510 )   (483 )   (2,766 )   (1,690 )

Contingent deferred sales charges (note 2)

     (90 )   (106 )   (15 )   -         (23 )   (3 )   (786 )   (106 )

Adjustments to maintain reserves

     320     (421 )   (10 )   (181 )   (213 )   6,678     (351 )   343  
                                                  

Net equity transactions

     40,168     296,353     88,395     131,030     (309,783 )   449,214     1,615,497     384,125  
                                                  

Net change in contract owners’ equity

     (347,918 )   361,939     (53,314 )   98,558     (450,203 )   471,345     552,997     408,425  

Contract owners’ equity beginning of period

     965,127     603,188     265,690     167,132     753,249     281,904     1,404,966     996,541  
                                                  

Contract owners’ equity end of period

   $ 617,209     965,127     212,376     265,690     303,046     753,249     1,957,963     1,404,966  
                                                  

CHANGES IN UNITS:

                

Beginning units

     77,458     51,999     29,261     16,258     65,443     25,651     121,957     87,799  

Units purchased

     27,787     71,999     120,538     21,933     12,626     88,589     226,958     114,214  

Units redeemed

     (23,819 )   (46,540 )   (110,324 )   (8,930 )   (41,425 )   (48,797 )   (69,206 )   (80,056 )
                                                  

Ending units

     81,426     77,458     39,475     29,261     36,644     65,443     279,709     121,957  
                                                  

(Continued)

 

15


NATIONWIDE MULTI-FLEX VARIABLE ACCOUNT

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN CONTRACT OWNERS’ EQUITY, Continued

Years Ended December 31, 2008 and 2007

 

     SBLP     SBLQ     SBLV     SBLX  
                          
     2008     2007     2008     2007     2008     2007     2008     2007  
                                                  

Investment activity:

                

Net investment income (loss)

   $ (7,437 )   (9,214 )   (15,113 )   (10,131 )   (34,664 )   (35,372 )   (4,221 )   (2,588 )

Realized gain (loss) on investments

     (14,793 )   38,798     (18,963 )   20,070     (77,688 )   91,018     (9,802 )   4,083  

Change in unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     (174,036 )   (25,794 )   (550,714 )   23,649     (835,497 )   (70,857 )   (191,573 )   4,303  

Reinvested capital gains

     -         -         -         -         -         -         -         -      
                                                  

Net increase (decrease) in contract owners’ equity resulting from operations

     (196,266 )   3,790     (584,790 )   33,588     (947,849 )   (15,211 )   (205,596 )   5,798  
                                                  

Equity transactions:

                

Purchase payments received from contract owners (note 3)

     34,590     38,823     96,808     78,176     227,210     268,545     36,056     17,768  

Transfers between funds

     14,988     181,002     473,245     696,607     (446,017 )   1,873,153     281,277     139,085  

Redemptions (note 3)

     (122,977 )   (187,028 )   (93,460 )   (80,472 )   (264,726 )   (383,812 )   (42,122 )   (17,428 )

Annuity benefits

     -         -         -         -         -         -         -         -      

Contract maintenance charges (note 2)

     (697 )   (817 )   (1,415 )   (813 )   (3,316 )   (3,112 )   (432 )   (222 )

Contingent deferred sales charges (note 2)

     (128 )   (101 )   (225 )   (19 )   (111 )   (402 )   (101 )   -      

Adjustments to maintain reserves

     128     (15 )   215     254     (765 )   844     256     (63 )
                                                  

Net equity transactions

     (74,096 )   31,864     475,168     693,733     (487,725 )   1,755,216     274,934     139,140  
                                                  

Net change in contract owners’ equity

     (270,362 )   35,654     (109,622 )   727,321     (1,435,574 )   1,740,005     69,338     144,938  

Contract owners’ equity beginning of period

     696,237     660,583     1,089,029     361,708     3,616,835     1,876,830     246,440     101,502  
                                                  

Contract owners’ equity end of period

   $ 425,875     696,237     979,407     1,089,029     2,181,261     3,616,835     315,778     246,440  
                                                  

CHANGES IN UNITS:

                

Beginning units

     65,313     62,437     92,999     33,616     335,513     175,077     22,946     9,845  

Units purchased

     24,824     62,346     74,477     93,879     135     267,295     46,606     19,160  

Units redeemed

     (32,352 )   (59,470 )   (29,541 )   (34,496 )   (49,018 )   (106,859 )   (13,163 )   (6,059 )
                                                  

Ending units

     57,785     65,313     137,935     92,999     286,630     335,513     56,389     22,946  
                                                  

(Continued)

 

16


NATIONWIDE MULTI-FLEX VARIABLE ACCOUNT

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN CONTRACT OWNERS’ EQUITY, Continued

Years Ended December 31, 2008 and 2007

 

     SBLY     DSRG     SVOF  
                    
     2008     2007     2008     2007     2008     2007  
                                      

Investment activity:

            

Net investment income (loss)

   $ (289 )   (276 )   (91,206 )   (169,211 )   170,564     (230,020 )

Realized gain (loss) on investments

     (1,813 )   597     (68,161 )   332,761     (1,009,296 )   407,571  

Change in unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     (3,257 )   (1,672 )   (7,345,250 )   1,313,629     (17,300,140 )   (3,186,580 )

Reinvested capital gains

     -         -         -         -         5,914,311     4,901,329  
                                      

Net increase (decrease) in contract owners’ equity resulting from operations

     (5,359 )   (1,351 )   (7,504,617 )   1,477,179     (12,224,561 )   1,892,300  
                                      

Equity transactions:

            

Purchase payments received from contract owners (note 3)

     2,126     3,160     858,139     1,084,698     1,045,725     1,368,658  

Transfers between funds

     (1,205 )   1,575     (789,651 )   (1,107,451 )   (1,146,281 )   (1,485,339 )

Redemptions (note 3)

     -         (5,360 )   (1,585,015 )   (2,860,984 )   (2,617,339 )   (4,770,831 )

Annuity benefits

     -         -         -         -         -         -      

Contract maintenance charges (note 2)

     (24 )   (21 )   (38,824 )   (44,526 )   (44,474 )   (52,973 )

Contingent deferred sales charges (note 2)

     -         (71 )   (3,256 )   (10,804 )   (3,716 )   (13,867 )

Adjustments to maintain reserves

     (1,638 )   (21 )   10,861     (421 )   (1,239 )   3,835  
                                      

Net equity transactions

     (741 )   (738 )   (1,547,746 )   (2,939,488 )   (2,767,324 )   (4,950,517 )
                                      

Net change in contract owners’ equity

     (6,100 )   (2,089 )   (9,052,363 )   (1,462,309 )   (14,991,885 )   (3,058,217 )

Contract owners’ equity beginning of period

     18,878     20,967     22,347,303     23,809,612     32,116,823     35,175,040  
                                      

Contract owners’ equity end of period

   $ 12,778     18,878     13,294,940     22,347,303     17,124,938     32,116,823  
                                      

CHANGES IN UNITS:

            

Beginning units

     1,884     1,936     936,992     1,061,979     1,007,744     1,161,657  

Units purchased

     6,525     460     55,048     70,925     58,412     78,946  

Units redeemed

     (6,358 )   (512 )   (130,968 )   (195,912 )   (157,191 )   (232,859 )
                                      

Ending units

     2,051     1,884     861,072     936,992     908,965     1,007,744  
                                      

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

17


NATIONWIDE MULTI-FLEX VARIABLE ACCOUNT

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2008 and 2007

(1) Background and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

(a) Organization and Nature of Operations

The Nationwide Multi-Flex Variable Account (the Account) was established pursuant to a resolution of the Board of Directors of Nationwide Life Insurance Company (the Company) on October 7, 1981. The Account is registered as a unit investment trust under the Investment Company Act of 1940. The Company offers tax qualified and non-tax qualified Individual Deferred Variable annuity Contracts through the Account. The primary distribution for the contracts is through Company agents and an affiliated sales organization; however, other distributors may be utilized.

Effective July 1, 2000, the Company entered into a reinsurance agreement with Security Benefit Life Insurance Company (SBL) to sell, transfer and cede on an indemnity basis all of its obligations in connection with annuity contracts issued pursuant to the NEA Valuebuilder Annuity program (Program). Under the agreement, the Company continued to provide administrative and support services for contracts issued under the Program until September 2001. Thereafter, SBL assumed full responsibility for servicing the contracts and receives all fees and charges of the contracts. The Company is paid a Supplemental Capital Charge by SBL to meet the capital needs of the reinsured contracts. The ceding of risk does not discharge the Company from its primary obligation, including regulatory record keeping and reporting, to the contract owners of the Account.

(b) The Contracts

Only contracts without a front-end sales charge, but with a contingent deferred sales charge and certain other fees, are offered for purchase. See note 2 for a discussion of contract expenses. With certain exceptions, contract owners in either the accumulation or payout phase may invest in any of the following:

Portfolios of the AIM Variable Insurance Funds (AIM VIF);

AIM VIF - Capital Appreciation Fund - Series I (AVCA)

AIM VIF - Global Health Care Fund - Series I (IVHS)

AIM VIF - Global Real Estate Fund - Series I (IVRE)

AIM VIF - International Growth Fund - Series I (AVIE)

Portfolios of the American Century Variable Portfolios, Inc. (American Century VP);

American Century VP - Advantage (ACVA)*

American Century VP - Balanced Fund - Class I (ACVB)

American Century VP - Capital Appreciation Fund - Class I (ACVCA)

American Century VP - Income & Growth Fund - Class I (ACVIG)

Dreyfus Stock Index Fund, Inc. - Initial Class (DSIF)

Portfolios of the Dreyfus Variable Investment Fund (Dreyfus VIF);

Dreyfus VIF - Appreciation Portfolio - Initial Class (DCAP)

Dreyfus VIF - Developing Leaders Portfolio - Initial Class (DSC)

Dreyfus VIF - Quality Bond Portfolio - Initial Class (DQBP)

Portfolios of the Fidelity(R) Variable Insurance Products Fund (Fidelity(R) VIP);

Fidelity(R) VIP - Equity-Income Portfolio - Initial Class (FEIP)

Fidelity(R) VIP - High Income Portfolio - Initial Class (FHIP)

Portfolios of the Fidelity(R) Variable Insurance Products Fund II (Fidelity(R) VIP II);

Fidelity(R) VIP II - Contrafund(R) Portfolio - Service Class 2 (FC2)

Portfolios of the Franklin Templeton Variable Insurance Products Trust (Franklin Templeton VIP);

Franklin Templeton VIP - Foreign Securities Fund - Class 1 (TIF)

Portfolios of the Janus Aspen Series;

Janus Aspen Series - International Growth Portfolio - Institutional Class (JAIG)

Portfolios of the Nationwide Variable Insurance Trust (Nationwide VIT);

Nationwide VIT - Federated High Income Bond Fund - Class I (HIBF)

Nationwide VIT - Government Bond Fund - Class I (GBF)

Nationwide VIT - Growth Fund - Class I (CAF)

Nationwide VIT - Money Market Fund - Class I (SAM)

Nationwide VIT - Multi-Manager Large Cap Growth Fund - Class I (NVMLG1)

Nationwide VIT - Multi-Manager Mid Cap Growth Fund - Class I (NVMMG1)

Nationwide VIT - Multi-Manager Mid Cap Value Fund - Class II (NVMMV2)

Nationwide VIT - Nationwide Fund - Class I (TRF)

Nationwide VIT - Neuberger Berman Multi-Cap Opportunities Fund - Class I (NVNMO1)

Nationwide VIT - Neuberger Berman Socially Responsible Fund - Class I (NVNSR1)*

(Continued)

 

18


NATIONWIDE MULTI-FLEX VARIABLE ACCOUNT (NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, Continued)

Portfolios of the Neuberger Berman Advisers Management Trust (Neuberger Berman AMT);

Neuberger Berman AMT - Balanced Portfolio - Class I (AMBP)

Neuberger Berman AMT - Partners Portfolio - Class I (AMTP)

Portfolios of the PIMCO Variable Insurance Trust (PIMCO VIT);

PIMCO VIT - Real Return Portfolio - Administrative Class (PMVRRA)

PIMCO VIT - Total Return Portfolio - Administrative Class (PMVTRA)

Royce Capital Fund - Micro Cap Portfolio (ROCMC)

SBL Fund - Series D (Global Series) (SBLD)

SBL Fund - Series J (Mid Cap Growth Series) (SBLJ)

SBL Fund - Series N (Managed Asset Allocation Series) (SBLN)

SBL Fund - Series O (All Cap Value Series) (SBLO) (formerly Series O (Equity Income Series))

SBL Fund - Series P (High Yield Series) (SBLP)

SBL Fund - Series Q (Small Cap Value Series) (SBLQ)

SBL Fund - Series V (Mid Cap Value Series) (SBLV)

SBL Fund - Series X (Small Cap Growth Series) (SBLX)

SBL Fund - Series Y (Select 25 Series) (SBLY)

The Dreyfus Socially Responsible Growth Fund, Inc. - Initial Shares (DSRG)

Portfolios of the Wells Fargo Advantage Variable Trust Funds(SM) (Wells Fargo AVT);

Wells Fargo AVT - Opportunity Fund(SM) (SVOF)

 

  * At December 31, 2008, contract owners were not invested in this fund.

The contract owners’ equity is affected by the investment results of each fund, equity transactions by contract owners and certain contract expenses (see note 2). The accompanying financial statements include only contract owners’ purchase payments pertaining to the variable portions of their contracts and exclude any purchase payments for fixed dollar benefits, the latter being included in the accounts of the Company.

A contract owner may choose from among a number of different underlying mutual fund options. The underlying mutual fund options are not available to the general public directly. The underlying mutual funds are available as investment options in variable life insurance policies or variable annuity contracts issued by life insurance companies or, in some cases, through participation in certain qualified pension or retirement plans.

Some of the underlying mutual funds have been established by investment advisers which manage publicly traded mutual funds having similar names and investment objectives. While some of the underlying mutual funds may be similar to, and may in fact be modeled after, publicly traded mutual funds, the underlying mutual funds are not otherwise directly related to any publicly traded mutual fund. Consequently, the investment performance of publicly traded mutual funds and any corresponding underlying mutual funds may differ substantially.

(c) Security Valuation, Transactions and Related Investment Income

Investments in underlying mutual funds are valued on the closing net asset value per share at December 31, 2008 of such funds, which value their investment securities at fair value. The cost of investments sold is determined on a first in – first out basis. Investment transactions are accounted for on the trade date (date the order to buy or sell is executed), and dividends and capital gain distributions are accrued as of the ex-dividend date and are reinvested in the underlying mutual funds.

(d) Federal Income Taxes

Operations of the Account form a part of, and are taxed with, operations of the Company which is taxed as a life insurance company under the Internal Revenue Code.

The Company does not provide for income taxes within the Account. Taxes are generally the responsibility of the contract owner upon termination or withdrawal.

(e) Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles may require management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, if any, at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

(Continued)

 

19


NATIONWIDE MULTI-FLEX VARIABLE ACCOUNT (NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, Continued)

(f) Calculation of Annuity Reserves

Annuity reserves are computed for contracts in the variable payout stage according to industry standard mortality tables. The assumed investment return is 3.5% unless the annuitant elects otherwise, in which case the rate may vary from 3.5% to 7%, as regulated by the laws of the respective states. The mortality risk is fully borne by the Company and may result in additional amounts being transferred into the Account by the Company to cover greater longevity of annuitants than expected. Conversely, if reserves exceed amounts required, transfers may be made to the Company.

(g) Recently Issued Accounting Standard

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (SFAS 157). SFAS 157 provides enhanced guidance for using fair value to measure assets and liabilities and requires new disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS 157 also provides guidance regarding the extent to which companies measure assets and liabilities at fair value, the information used to measure fair value, and the effect of fair value measurements on earnings. For assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis in periods subsequent to initial recognition, the reporting entity shall disclose information that enables financial statement users to assess the inputs used to develop those measurements. SFAS 157 applies whenever other standards require (or permit) assets or liabilities to be measured at fair value but does not expand the use of fair value in any new circumstances. SFAS 157 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, and interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. The Company adopted SFAS 157 effective January 1, 2008. The adoption of SFAS 157 did not have a material impact on the Account’s financial position or results of operations.

(2) Expenses

The Company does not deduct a sales charge from purchase payments received from the contract owners. However, if any part of the contract value of such contracts is redeemed, the Company will, with certain exceptions, deduct from a contract owners’ contract value a contingent deferred sales charge. For contracts issued prior to February 1, 1989, the contingent deferred sales charge will be equal to 5% of the lesser of the total of all purchase payments or the amount redeemed. For contracts issued on or after February 1, 1989, the Company will deduct a contingent deferred sales charge not to exceed 7% of purchase payments redeemed. This charge declines 1% per year. For both contracts, after the purchase payment has been held in the contract for 7 years, the charge is 0%. No sales charges are deducted on redemptions used to purchase units in the fixed investment options of the Company. The following additional contract charges are deducted by the Company: (a) an annual contract maintenance charge of up to $30, dependent upon contract type and issue date, which is satisfied by redeeming units; and (b) a mortality and expense risk charge assessed through a reduction of unit value equal to an annualized rate of 1.30%; for NEA Valuebuilder Annuity contracts issued before November 3, 1997, or in states which have not approved the applicable contract modifications, a mortality and expense risk charge assessed through a reduction of unit values equal to an annualized rate of 1.30%; for NEA Valuebuilder Annuity contracts issued on or after the later of November 3, 1997, or the date on which state insurance authorities approve corresponding contract modifications, an actuarial risk charge assessed through a reduction of unit values equal to an annualized rate of 1.30%.

(3) Related Party Transactions

The Company performs various services on behalf of the mutual fund companies in which the Account invests and may receive fees for the services performed. These services include, among other things, shareholder communications, postage, fund transfer agency and various other record keeping and customer service functions. These fees are paid to an affiliate of the Company. Contract owners may, with certain restrictions, transfer their assets between the Account and a fixed dollar contract (fixed account) maintained in the accounts of the Company. The fixed account assets are not reflected in the accompanying financial statements. In addition, the Account portion of contract owner loans is transferred to the accounts of the Company for administration and collection. Loan repayments are transferred to the Account at the direction of the contract owner. For the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, total transfers to the Account from the fixed account were $279,943 and $408,826, respectively, and total transfers from the Account to the fixed account were $2,289,723 and $1,160,974, respectively. Transfers from the Account to the fixed account, and transfers to the Account from the fixed account are included in transfers between funds (including fixed account), net, on the accompanying Statements of Changes in Contract Owners’ Equity.

(Continued)

 

20


NATIONWIDE MULTI-FLEX VARIABLE ACCOUNT (NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, Continued)

(4) Fair Value Measurement

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 Account generally uses the market approach as the valuation technique due to the nature of the mutual fund investments offered in the Account. This technique maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs.

In accordance with SFAS 157, the Account 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 recorded at fair value as follows:

 

   

Level 1 – Unadjusted quoted prices accessible in active markets for identical assets at the measurement date. The assets utilizing Level 1 valuations represent investments in publicly-traded registered mutual funds with quoted market prices.

 

   

Level 2 – Unadjusted quoted prices for similar assets 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 assets utilizing Level 2 valuations represent investments in privately-traded registered mutual funds only offered through insurance products.

 

   

Level 3 – Prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement. The Account invests only in funds with fair value measurements in the first two levels of the fair value hierarchy.

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

 

     Level 1    Level 2    Level 3    Total

Separate Account Investments

   0    $ 344,395,621    0    $ 344,395,621

Accounts Payable of $16,749 are measured at settlement value which approximates the fair value due to the short-term nature of such liabilities.

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

(Continued)

 

21


NATIONWIDE MULTI-FLEX VARIABLE ACCOUNT (NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, Continued)

(5) Financial Highlights

The following is a summary of units, unit fair values and contract owners’ equity outstanding for variable annuity contracts as of the end of the periods indicated, and the contract expense rate, investment income ratio and total return for each of the periods in the five-year period ended December 31, 2008. The Account includes contracts administered by Security Benefit Life Insurance Company under a reinsurance agreement discussed in note 1. The mutual fund and product options of the contracts so administered are identified by those unit fair values presented below using two decimal places.

 

     Contract
Expense
Rate*
    Units   

Unit

Fair Value

   Contract
Owners’ Equity
   Investment
Income
Ratio**
    Total
Return***
    Initial Offering
Date^
                                         

AIM VIF - Capital Appreciation Fund - Series I (AVCA)

 

 
2008    1.30 %   4,515    $ 7.550916    $ 34,092    0.00 %   -43.24 %  
2008    1.30 %   225,690      7.55      1,703,960    0.00 %   -43.24 %  
2007    1.30 %   4,791      13.303730      63,738    0.00 %   10.55 %  
2007    1.30 %   235,322      13.30      3,129,783    0.00 %   10.55 %  
2006    1.30 %   5,425      12.034161      65,285    0.05 %   4.92 %  
2006    1.30 %   272,168      12.03      3,274,181    0.05 %   4.92 %  
2005    1.30 %   6,623      11.469653      75,964    0.06 %   7.43 %  
2005    1.30 %   324,460      11.47      3,721,556    0.06 %   7.43 %  
2004    1.30 %   4,575      10.676868      48,847    0.00 %   5.24 %  
2004    1.30 %   373,290      10.68      3,985,480    0.00 %   5.24 %  

AIM VIF - Global Health Care Fund - Series I (IVHS)

 

 
2008    1.30 %   1,789      8.303907      14,856    0.00 %   -29.55 %  
2008    1.30 %   18,836      8.27      155,774    0.00 %   -29.55 %  
2007    1.30 %   1,790      11.786725      21,098    0.00 %   10.39 %  
2007    1.30 %   28,982      11.73      339,959    0.00 %   10.39 %  
2006    1.30 %   9,171      10.63      97,488    0.00 %   6.30 %   6/8/2006

AIM VIF - Global Real Estate Fund - Series I (IVRE)

 

 
2008    1.30 %   110      6.494699      714    5.32 %   -45.37 %  
2008    1.30 %   83,573      6.54      546,567    5.32 %   -45.37 %  
2007    1.30 %   103      11.888124      1,224    8.52 %   -6.77 %  
2007    1.30 %   103,762      11.97      1,242,031    8.52 %   -6.77 %  
2006    1.30 %   97      12.751928      1,237    1.82 %   27.52 %   6/9/2006
2006    1.30 %   43,371      12.84      556,884    1.82 %   28.40 %   6/8/2006

AIM VIF - International Growth Fund - Series I (AVIE)

 

 
2008    1.30 %   931      12.075540      11,242    0.69 %   -41.16 %  
2008    1.30 %   139,695      12.08      1,687,516    0.69 %   -41.16 %  
2007    1.30 %   848      20.521458      17,402    0.43 %   13.22 %  
2007    1.30 %   110,861      20.52      2,274,868    0.43 %   13.22 %  
2006    1.30 %   588      18.125204      10,658    1.00 %   26.57 %  
2006    1.30 %   116,112      18.13      2,105,111    1.00 %   26.57 %  
2005    1.30 %   475      14.320119      6,802    0.75 %   16.40 %  
2005    1.30 %   118,566      14.32      1,697,865    0.75 %   16.40 %  
2004    1.30 %   420      12.302542      5,167    0.73 %   22.39 %  
2004    1.30 %   77,644      12.30      955,224    0.73 %   22.39 %  

American Century VP - Balanced Fund - Class I (ACVB)

 

 
2008    1.30 %   115,299      10.071610      1,161,247    2.72 %   -21.37 %  
2008    1.30 %   276,186      10.07      2,781,193    2.72 %   -21.37 %  
2007    1.30 %   129,830      12.808596      1,662,940    2.14 %   3.56 %  
2007    1.30 %   314,980      12.81      4,034,894    2.14 %   3.56 %  
2006    1.30 %   140,798      12.367801      1,741,361    2.08 %   8.20 %  
2006    1.30 %   359,095      12.37      4,442,005    2.08 %   8.20 %  
2005    1.30 %   172,160      11.430683      1,967,906    1.71 %   3.57 %  
2005    1.30 %   476,771      11.43      5,449,493    1.71 %   3.57 %  
2004    1.30 %   212,190      11.036175      2,341,766    1.60 %   8.35 %  
2004    1.30 %   410,602      11.04      4,531,541    1.60 %   8.35 %  

(Continued)

 

22


NATIONWIDE MULTI-FLEX VARIABLE ACCOUNT (NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, Continued)

 

     Contract
Expense
Rate*
    Units   

Unit

Fair Value

   Contract
Owners’ Equity
   Investment
Income
Ratio**
    Total
Return***
    Initial Offering
Date^
                                         

American Century VP - Capital Appreciation Fund - Class I (ACVCA)

 

 
2008    1.30 %   181,538    $ 18.590776    $ 3,374,932    0.00 %   -46.89 %  
2008    1.30 %   299,572      18.59      5,569,043    0.00 %   -46.89 %  
2007    1.30 %   211,010      35.001098      7,385,582    0.00 %   43.90 %  
2007    1.30 %   339,994      35.00      11,899,790    0.00 %   43.90 %  
2006    1.30 %   233,127      24.323239      5,670,404    0.00 %   15.70 %  
2006    1.30 %   359,696      24.32      8,747,807    0.00 %   15.70 %  
2005    1.30 %   262,293      21.022816      5,514,137    0.00 %   20.48 %  
2005    1.30 %   407,891      21.02      8,573,869    0.00 %   20.48 %  
2004    1.30 %   333,321      17.448933      5,816,096    0.00 %   6.19 %  
2004    1.30 %   436,634      17.45      7,618,830    0.00 %   6.19 %  

American Century VP - Income & Growth Fund - Class I (ACVIG)

 

 
2008    1.30 %   4,796      10.428550      50,015    2.60 %   -35.44 %  
2008    1.30 %   335,985      10.43      3,504,324    2.60 %   -35.44 %  
2007    1.30 %   5,220      16.152841      84,318    1.93 %   -1.37 %  
2007    1.30 %   371,646      16.15      6,002,083    1.93 %   -1.37 %  
2006    1.30 %   5,352      16.377810      87,654    1.86 %   15.57 %  
2006    1.30 %   417,213      16.38      6,833,949    1.86 %   15.57 %  
2005    1.30 %   5,345      14.171369      75,746    2.05 %   3.27 %  
2005    1.30 %   487,914      14.17      6,913,741    2.05 %   3.27 %  
2004    1.30 %   5,602      13.722025      76,871    1.41 %   11.52 %  
2004    1.30 %   563,471      13.72      7,731,662    1.41 %   11.52 %  

Dreyfus Stock Index Fund, Inc. - Initial Class (DSIF)

 

 
2008    1.30 %   134,265      20.619961      2,768,539    2.42 %   -37.96 %  
2008    1.30 %   1,573,825      20.62      32,452,272    2.42 %   -37.96 %  
2007    1.30 %   163,342      33.236639      5,428,939    1.72 %   3.88 %  
2007    1.30 %   1,725,222      33.24      57,346,379    1.72 %   3.88 %  
2006    1.30 %   190,451      31.995347      6,093,546    1.63 %   14.00 %  
2006    1.30 %   1,970,082      32.00      63,042,624    1.63 %   14.00 %  
2005    1.30 %   225,414      28.065915      6,326,451    1.57 %   3.33 %  
2005    1.30 %   2,251,965      28.07      63,212,658    1.57 %   3.33 %  
2004    1.30 %   284,122      27.160283      7,716,834    1.76 %   9.20 %  
2004    1.30 %   2,504,458      27.16      68,022,077    1.76 %   9.20 %  

Dreyfus VIF - Appreciation Portfolio - Initial Class (DCAP)

 

 
2008    1.30 %   2,186      11.283698      24,666    2.41 %   -30.47 %  
2008    1.30 %   448,403      11.28      5,057,986    2.41 %   -30.47 %  
2007    1.30 %   2,133      16.228100      34,615    1.54 %   5.73 %  
2007    1.30 %   558,351      16.23      9,062,037    1.54 %   5.73 %  
2006    1.30 %   2,155      15.348290      33,075    1.56 %   14.97 %  
2006    1.30 %   594,152      15.35      9,120,233    1.56 %   14.97 %  
2005    1.30 %   4,469      13.350131      59,662    0.02 %   3.02 %  
2005    1.30 %   701,643      13.35      9,366,934    0.02 %   3.02 %  
2004    1.30 %   6,659      12.958165      86,288    1.65 %   3.68 %  
2004    1.30 %   799,651      12.96      10,361,822    1.65 %   3.68 %  

Dreyfus VIF - Developing Leaders Portfolio - Initial Class (DSC)

 

 
2008    1.30 %   22,783      13.905033      316,798    1.06 %   -38.41 %  
2008    1.30 %   2,009,842      13.91      27,956,902    1.06 %   -38.41 %  
2007    1.30 %   23,910      22.575208      539,773    0.79 %   -12.22 %  
2007    1.30 %   2,219,923      22.58      50,125,861    0.79 %   -12.22 %  
2006    1.30 %   23,604      25.718654      607,063    0.41 %   2.42 %  
2006    1.30 %   2,607,052      25.72      67,053,377    0.41 %   2.42 %  
2005    1.30 %   27,397      25.109832      687,934    0.00 %   4.43 %  
2005    1.30 %   2,986,667      25.11      74,995,208    0.00 %   4.43 %  
2004    1.30 %   28,484      24.044779      684,891    0.19 %   9.89 %  
2004    1.30 %   3,399,091      24.04      81,730,521    0.19 %   9.89 %  

(Continued)

 

23


NATIONWIDE MULTI-FLEX VARIABLE ACCOUNT (NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, Continued)

 

     Contract
Expense
Rate*
    Units   

Unit

Fair Value

   Contract
Owners’ Equity
   Investment
Income
Ratio**
    Total
Return***
    Initial Offering
Date^
                                         

Dreyfus VIF - Quality Bond Portfolio - Initial Class (DQBP)

 

 
2008    1.30 %   3,597    $ 15.512440    $ 55,798    4.63 %   -5.43 %  
2008    1.30 %   413,665      15.51      6,415,944    4.63 %   -5.43 %  
2007    1.30 %   3,519      16.402300      57,720    5.09 %   2.19 %  
2007    1.30 %   492,461      16.40      8,076,360    5.09 %   2.19 %  
2006    1.30 %   4,082      16.050943      65,520    4.51 %   2.88 %  
2006    1.30 %   617,356      16.05      9,908,564    4.51 %   2.88 %  
2005    1.30 %   4,534      15.601357      70,737    3.58 %   1.15 %  
2005    1.30 %   606,761      15.60      9,465,472    3.58 %   1.15 %  
2004    1.30 %   5,783      15.423994      89,197    4.01 %   2.02 %  
2004    1.30 %   639,652      15.42      9,865,893    4.01 %   2.02 %  

Fidelity(R) VIP - Equity-Income Portfolio - Initial Class (FEIP)

 

 
2008    1.30 %   266,318      19.469675      5,185,125    2.72 %   -43.40 %  
2008    1.30 %   1,820,311      19.47      35,441,455    2.72 %   -43.40 %  
2007    1.30 %   321,446      34.399609      11,057,617    1.81 %   0.20 %  
2007    1.30 %   2,029,467      34.40      69,813,665    1.81 %   0.20 %  
2006    1.30 %   357,186      34.329754      12,262,108    3.28 %   18.64 %  
2006    1.30 %   2,269,645      34.33      77,916,913    3.28 %   18.64 %  
2005    1.30 %   417,174      28.937089      12,071,801    1.64 %   4.49 %  
2005    1.30 %   2,582,899      28.94      74,749,097    1.64 %   4.49 %  
2004    1.30 %   467,815      27.692797      12,955,106    1.52 %   10.08 %  
2004    1.30 %   2,880,508      27.69      79,769,188    1.52 %   10.08 %  

Fidelity(R) VIP - High Income Portfolio - Initial Class (FHIP)

 

 
2008    1.30 %   9,927      11.997168      119,096    8.46 %   -25.96 %  
2008    1.30 %   825,314      12.00      9,903,768    8.46 %   -25.96 %  
2007    1.30 %   11,645      16.203802      188,693    8.01 %   1.44 %  
2007    1.30 %   923,772      16.20      14,965,106    8.01 %   1.44 %  
2006    1.30 %   11,556      15.973333      184,588    7.40 %   9.79 %  
2006    1.30 %   1,029,009      15.97      16,433,274    7.40 %   9.79 %  
2005    1.30 %   11,336      14.548340      164,920    14.68 %   1.37 %  
2005    1.30 %   1,163,744      14.55      16,932,475    14.68 %   1.37 %  
2004    1.30 %   11,638      14.351788      167,026    8.16 %   8.17 %  
2004    1.30 %   1,303,796      14.35      18,711,955    8.16 %   8.17 %  

Fidelity(R) VIP II - Contrafund(R) Portfolio - Service Class 2 (FC2)

 

 
2008    1.30 %   11,987      7.226417      86,623    0.84 %   -43.44 %  
2008    1.30 %   403,562      7.20      2,905,646    0.84 %   -43.44 %  
2007    1.30 %   7,490      12.775920      95,692    1.00 %   15.77 %  
2007    1.30 %   377,585      12.73      4,806,657    1.00 %   15.77 %  
2006    1.30 %   28      11.035607      309    1.16 %   10.36 %   6/9/2006
2006    1.30 %   218,299      11.00      2,401,289    1.16 %   10.00 %   6/8/2006

Franklin Templeton VIP - Foreign Securities Fund - Class 1 (TIF)

 

 
2008    1.30 %   6,879      17.995541      123,791    4.02 %   -41.01 %  
2008    1.30 %   938,159      18.00      16,886,862    4.02 %   -41.01 %  
2007    1.30 %   8,622      30.507646      263,037    2.17 %   14.28 %  
2007    1.30 %   1,046,180      30.51      31,918,952    2.17 %   14.28 %  
2006    1.30 %   10,216      26.696591      272,732    1.41 %   20.12 %  
2006    1.30 %   1,210,585      26.70      32,322,620    1.41 %   20.12 %  
2005    1.30 %   10,685      22.224937      237,474    1.28 %   9.04 %  
2005    1.30 %   1,383,634      22.22      30,744,347    1.28 %   9.04 %  
2004    1.30 %   12,755      20.381609      259,967    1.13 %   17.33 %  
2004    1.30 %   1,552,956      20.38      31,651,786    1.13 %   17.33 %  

(Continued)

 

24


NATIONWIDE MULTI-FLEX VARIABLE ACCOUNT (NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, Continued)

 

     Contract
Expense
Rate*
    Units   

Unit

Fair Value

   Contract
Owners’ Equity
   Investment
Income
Ratio**
    Total
Return***
    Initial Offering
Date^
                                         

Janus Aspen Series - International Growth Portfolio - Institutional Class (JAIG)

 

 
2008    1.30 %   11,774    $ 16.960749    $ 199,696    4.49 %   -52.74 %  
2008    1.30 %   710,066      16.96      12,042,719    4.49 %   -52.74 %  
2007    1.30 %   11,348      35.885918      407,233    0.62 %   26.64 %  
2007    1.30 %   746,998      35.89      26,809,758    0.62 %   26.64 %  
2006    1.30 %   10,496      28.336913      297,424    1.99 %   45.12 %  
2006    1.30 %   818,885      28.34      23,207,201    1.99 %   45.12 %  
2005    1.30 %   10,659      19.526904      208,137    1.13 %   30.58 %  
2005    1.30 %   837,125      19.53      16,349,051    1.13 %   30.58 %  
2004    1.30 %   7,558      14.954107      113,023    0.88 %   17.40 %  
2004    1.30 %   904,311      14.95      13,523,531    0.88 %   17.40 %  

Nationwide VIT - Federated High Income Bond Fund - Class I (HIBF)

 

 
2008    1.30 %   1,229      10.778990      13,247    8.93 %   -28.93 %  
2008    1.30 %   55,754      10.78      601,028    8.93 %   -28.93 %  
2007    1.30 %   1,230      15.165895      18,654    7.49 %   1.79 %  
2007    1.30 %   71,033      15.17      1,077,571    7.49 %   1.79 %  
2006    1.30 %   1,231      14.899690      18,342    7.20 %   9.17 %  
2006    1.30 %   82,129      14.90      1,223,722    7.20 %   9.17 %  
2005    1.30 %   1,259      13.648215      17,183    7.87 %   1.05 %  
2005    1.30 %   106,997      13.65      1,460,509    7.87 %   1.05 %  
2004    1.30 %   1,273      13.505990      17,193    7.21 %   8.67 %  
2004    1.30 %   92,960      13.51      1,255,505    7.21 %   8.67 %  

Nationwide VIT - Government Bond Fund - Class I (GBF)

 

 

Tax qualified

                 
2008    1.30 %   255,132      52.14      13,302,582    4.08 %   6.32 %  
2008    1.30 %   247,023      52.137572      12,879,179    4.08 %   6.32 %  
2007    1.30 %   289,290      49.04      14,186,782    4.27 %   5.76 %  
2007    1.30 %   280,226      49.038674      13,741,911    4.27 %   5.76 %  
2006    1.30 %   304,367      46.37      14,113,498    3.96 %   2.00 %  
2006    1.30 %   316,072      46.368773      14,655,871    3.96 %   2.00 %  
2005    1.30 %   355,478      45.46      16,160,030    3.66 %   1.92 %  
2005    1.30 %   389,643      45.458911      17,712,746    3.66 %   1.92 %  
2004    1.30 %   390,334      44.60      17,409,051    5.45 %   1.92 %  
2004    1.30 %   440,719      44.600457      19,656,269    5.45 %   1.92 %  

Non-tax qualified

            
2008    1.30 %   9,570      52.16      499,171    4.08 %   6.32 %  
2008    1.30 %   107,158      52.156832      5,589,022    4.08 %   6.32 %  
2007    1.30 %   10,473      49.06      513,805    4.27 %   5.76 %  
2007    1.30 %   123,995      49.056784      6,082,796    4.27 %   5.76 %  
2006    1.30 %   11,152      46.39      517,341    3.96 %   2.00 %  
2006    1.30 %   138,119      46.385889      6,406,773    3.96 %   2.00 %  
2005    1.30 %   14,440      45.48      656,731    3.66 %   1.92 %  
2005    1.30 %   170,568      45.475702      7,756,700    3.66 %   1.92 %  
2004    1.30 %   16,561      44.62      738,948    5.45 %   1.92 %  
2004    1.30 %   186,649      44.616924      8,327,704    5.45 %   1.92 %  

Nationwide VIT - Growth Fund - Class I (CAF)

 

 
2008    1.30 %   5,317      12.54      66,675    0.27 %   -39.50 %  
2008    1.30 %   277,993      12.537313      3,485,285    0.27 %   -39.50 %  
2007    1.30 %   5,363      20.72      111,121    0.17 %   17.98 %  
2007    1.30 %   323,641      20.724395      6,707,264    0.17 %   17.98 %  
2006    1.30 %   5,762      17.57      101,238    0.05 %   4.79 %  
2006    1.30 %   405,182      17.565687      7,117,301    0.05 %   4.79 %  
2005    1.30 %   8,925      16.76      149,583    0.08 %   5.12 %  
2005    1.30 %   493,701      16.762531      8,275,678    0.08 %   5.12 %  
2004    1.30 %   10,388      15.95      165,642    0.31 %   6.75 %  
2004    1.30 %   560,763      15.946096      8,941,980    0.31 %   6.75 %  

(Continued)

 

25


NATIONWIDE MULTI-FLEX VARIABLE ACCOUNT (NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, Continued)

 

     Contract
Expense
Rate*
    Units   

Unit

Fair Value

   Contract
Owners’ Equity
   Investment
Income
Ratio**
    Total
Return***
    Initial Offering
Date^
                                         
Nationwide VIT - Money Market Fund - Class I (SAM)      

Tax qualified

            
2008    1.30 %   214,939    $ 26.130055    $ 5,616,368    2.03 %   0.73 %  
2008    1.30 %   300,340      26.14      7,850,888    2.03 %   0.73 %  
2007    1.30 %   205,855      25.95      5,341,937    4.66 %   3.42 %  
2007    1.30 %   227,256      25.941461      5,895,353    4.66 %   3.42 %  
2006    1.30 %   177,042      25.09      4,441,984    4.38 %   3.18 %  
2006    1.30 %   266,444      25.082875      6,683,182    4.38 %   3.18 %  
2005    1.30 %   185,497      24.31      4,509,432    2.60 %   1.34 %  
2005    1.30 %   256,685      24.310982      6,240,264    2.60 %   1.34 %  
2004    1.30 %   199,857      24.02      4,801,048    0.78 %   -0.50 %  
2004    1.30 %   295,209      23.990230      7,082,132    0.78 %   -0.50 %  

Non-tax qualified

            
2008    1.30 %   2,474      28.40      70,262    2.03 %   0.73 %  
2008    1.30 %   71,671      28.390775      2,034,795    2.03 %   0.73 %  
2007    1.30 %   1,070      28.19      30,163    4.66 %   3.42 %  
2007    1.30 %   77,534      28.185866      2,185,363    4.66 %   3.42 %  
2006    1.30 %   2,617      27.26      71,339    4.38 %   3.18 %  
2006    1.30 %   65,991      27.252995      1,798,452    4.38 %   3.18 %  
2005    1.30 %   2,464      26.41      65,074    2.60 %   1.34 %  
2005    1.30 %   77,310      26.414319      2,042,091    2.60 %   1.34 %  
2004    1.30 %   2,425      26.07      63,210    0.78 %   -0.50 %  
2004    1.30 %   91,737      26.065818      2,391,200    0.78 %   -0.50 %  
Nationwide VIT - Multi-Manager Large Cap Growth Fund - Class I (NVMLG1)    
2008    1.30 %   1,989      6.31      12,551    0.34 %   -36.91 %  
Nationwide VIT - Multi-Manager Mid Cap Growth Fund - Class I (NVMMG1)
2008    1.30 %   1,247      6.22      7,756    0.00 %   -37.75 %  
Nationwide VIT - Multi-Manager Mid Cap Value Fund - Class II (NVMMV2)
2008    1.30 %   948      6.70      6,352    1.14 %   -33.01 %  
Nationwide VIT - Nationwide Fund - Class I (TRF)

Tax qualified

            
2008    1.30 %   344,150      66.92      23,030,518    1.53 %   -42.32 %  
2008    1.30 %   400,606      66.916953      26,807,333    1.53 %   -42.32 %  
2007    1.30 %   391,236      116.01      45,387,288    1.05 %   6.77 %  
2007    1.30 %   491,429      116.006751      57,009,082    1.05 %   6.77 %  
2006    1.30 %   447,327      108.65      48,602,079    1.05 %   12.15 %  
2006    1.30 %   590,790      108.653662      64,191,497    1.05 %   12.15 %  
2005    1.30 %   513,899      96.88      49,786,535    0.89 %   6.05 %  
2005    1.30 %   716,402      96.878249      69,403,771    0.89 %   6.05 %  
2004    1.30 %   581,247      91.35      53,098,368    1.24 %   8.32 %  
2004    1.30 %   824,356      91.352418      75,306,914    1.24 %   8.32 %  

Non-tax qualified

            
2008    1.30 %   7,157      64.99      465,133    1.53 %   -42.32 %  
2008    1.30 %   171,984      64.992222      11,177,622    1.53 %   -42.32 %  
2007    1.30 %   7,720      112.67      869,812    1.05 %   6.77 %  
2007    1.30 %   206,826      112.670062      23,303,098    1.05 %   6.77 %  
2006    1.30 %   9,133      105.53      963,805    1.05 %   12.15 %  
2006    1.30 %   243,224      105.528470      25,667,057    1.05 %   12.15 %  
2005    1.30 %   11,726      94.09      1,103,299    0.89 %   6.05 %  
2005    1.30 %   280,082      94.091731      26,353,400    0.89 %   6.05 %  
2004    1.30 %   13,863      88.72      1,229,912    1.24 %   8.32 %  
2004    1.30 %   327,664      88.724843      29,071,937    1.24 %   8.32 %  
Nationwide VIT - Neuberger Berman Multi-Cap Opportunities Fund - Class I (NVNMO1)
2008    1.30 %   361      5.14      1,856    0.00 %   -48.63 %  

(Continued)

 

26


NATIONWIDE MULTI-FLEX VARIABLE ACCOUNT (NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, Continued)

 

     Contract
Expense
Rate*
    Units   

Unit

Fair Value

   Contract
Owners’ Equity
   Investment
Income
Ratio**
    Total
Return***
    Initial Offering
Date^
                                         
Neuberger Berman AMT - Balanced Portfolio - Class I (AMBP)
2008    1.30 %   152,000    $ 17.621624    $ 2,678,487    4.10 %   -39.94 %  
2008    1.30 %   413,805      17.62      7,291,244    4.10 %   -39.94 %  
2007    1.30 %   168,163      29.340225      4,933,940    1.15 %   14.09 %  
2007    1.30 %   435,983      29.34      12,791,741    1.15 %   14.09 %  
2006    1.30 %   195,611      25.716074      5,030,347    0.78 %   9.23 %  
2006    1.30 %   492,759      25.72      12,673,761    0.78 %   9.23 %  
2005    1.30 %   216,420      23.542486      5,095,065    0.92 %   7.77 %  
2005    1.30 %   552,138      23.54      12,997,329    0.92 %   7.77 %  
2004    1.30 %   268,004      21.845873      5,854,781    1.19 %   7.89 %  
2004    1.30 %   633,839      21.85      13,846,737    1.19 %   7.89 %  
Neuberger Berman AMT - Partners Portfolio - Class I (AMTP)
2008    1.30 %   106,353      5.77      613,657    1.08 %   -53.01 %  
2007    1.30 %   22,803      12.28      280,021    0.99 %   7.91 %  
2006    1.30 %   10,058      11.38      114,460    1.04 %   13.80 %   6/8/2006
PIMCO VIT - Real Return Portfolio - Administrative Class (PMVRRA)
2008    1.30 %   38      10.153568      386    3.56 %   -8.23 %  
2008    1.30 %   112,762      10.15      1,144,534    3.56 %   -8.23 %  
2007    1.30 %   34,815      11.07      385,402    6.00 %   9.28 %  
2006    1.30 %   49,126      10.13      497,646    5.11 %   1.30 %   6/8/2006
PIMCO VIT - Total Return Portfolio - Administrative Class (PMVTRA)
2008    1.30 %   1,414      11.516424      16,284    4.47 %   3.39 %  
2008    1.30 %   183,324      11.47      2,102,726    4.47 %   3.39 %  
2007    1.30 %   959      11.139136      10,682    5.43 %   7.32 %  
2007    1.30 %   73,559      11.09      815,769    5.43 %   7.32 %  
2006    1.30 %   33,396      10.33      344,981    2.90 %   3.30 %   6/8/2006
Royce Capital Fund - Micro Cap Portfolio (ROCMC)
2008    1.30 %   259      6.322436      1,638    2.95 %   -44.01 %  
2008    1.30 %   138,664      6.31      874,970    2.95 %   -44.01 %  
2007    1.30 %   2,196      11.291953      24,797    2.22 %   2.62 %  
2007    1.30 %   108,731      11.28      1,226,486    2.22 %   2.62 %  
2006    1.30 %   168      11.003808      1,849    0.31 %   10.04 %   6/9/2006
2006    1.30 %   40,598      10.99      446,172    0.31 %   9.90 %   6/8/2006
SBL Fund - Series D (Global Series) (SBLD)
2008    1.30 %   81,426      7.58      617,209    0.00 %   -39.19 %  
2007    1.30 %   77,458      12.46      965,127    0.00 %   7.41 %  
2006    1.30 %   51,999      11.60      603,188    0.00 %   16.00 %   6/8/2006
SBL Fund - Series J (Mid Cap Growth Series) (SBLJ)
2008    1.30 %   39,475      5.38      212,376    0.00 %   -40.75 %  
2007    1.30 %   29,261      9.08      265,690    0.00 %   -11.67 %  
2006    1.30 %   16,258      10.28      167,132    0.00 %   2.80 %   6/8/2006
SBL Fund - Series N (Managed Asset Allocation Series) (SBLN)
2008    1.30 %   36,644      8.27      303,046    0.00 %   -28.15 %  
2007    1.30 %   65,443      11.51      753,249    0.00 %   4.73 %  
2006    1.30 %   25,651      10.99      281,904    0.00 %   9.90 %   6/8/2006
SBL Fund - Series O (All Cap Value Series) (SBLO)
2008    1.30 %   279,709      7.00      1,957,963    0.00 %   -39.23 %  
2007    1.30 %   476      11.564367      5,505    0.00 %   1.47 %  
2007    1.30 %   121,481      11.52      1,399,461    0.00 %   1.47 %  
2006    1.30 %   476      11.396634      5,425    0.00 %   13.97 %   6/9/2006
2006    1.30 %   87,323      11.35      991,116    0.00 %   13.50 %   6/8/2006
SBL Fund - Series P (High Yield Series) (SBLP)
2008    1.30 %   57,785      7.37      425,875    0.00 %   -30.89 %  
2007    1.30 %   65,313      10.66      696,237    0.00 %   0.76 %  
2006    1.30 %   62,437      10.58      660,583    0.00 %   5.80 %   6/8/2006

(Continued)

 

27


NATIONWIDE MULTI-FLEX VARIABLE ACCOUNT (NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, Continued)

 

     Contract
Expense
Rate*
    Units    Unit
Fair Value
   Contract
Owners’ Equity
   Investment
Income
Ratio**
    Total
Return***
    Initial Offering
Date^

SBL Fund - Series Q (Small Cap Value Series) (SBLQ)

 

 
2008    1.30 %   2,392    $ 7.128610    $ 17,052    0.00 %   -39.39 %  
2008    1.30 %   135,543      7.10      962,355    0.00 %   -39.39 %  
2007    1.30 %   217      11.760475      2,552    0.00 %   8.81 %  
2007    1.30 %   92,782      11.71      1,086,477    0.00 %   8.81 %  
2006    1.30 %   33,616      10.76      361,708    0.00 %   7.60 %   6/8/2006

SBL Fund - Series V (Mid Cap Value Series) (SBLV)

 

 
2008    1.30 %   276      7.633907      2,107    0.00 %   -29.40 %  
2008    1.30 %   286,354      7.61      2,179,154    0.00 %   -29.40 %  
2007    1.30 %   143      10.812208      1,546    0.00 %   0.53 %  
2007    1.30 %   335,370      10.78      3,615,289    0.00 %   0.53 %  
2006    1.30 %   134      10.755372      1,441    0.00 %   7.55 %   6/9/2006
2006    1.30 %   174,943      10.72      1,875,389    0.00 %   7.20 %   6/8/2006

SBL Fund - Series X (Small Cap Growth Series) (SBLX)

 

 
2008    1.30 %   56,389      5.60      315,778    0.00 %   -47.91 %  
2007    1.30 %   22,946      10.74      246,440    0.00 %   4.17 %  
2006    1.30 %   9,845      10.31      101,502    0.00 %   3.10 %   6/8/2006

SBL Fund - Series Y (Select 25 Series) (SBLY)

 

 
2008    1.30 %   2,051      6.23      12,778    0.00 %   -37.89 %  
2007    1.30 %   1,884      10.02      18,878    0.00 %   -7.48 %  
2006    1.30 %   1,936      10.83      20,967    0.00 %   8.30 %   6/8/2006

The Dreyfus Socially Responsible Growth Fund, Inc. - Initial Shares (DSRG)

 

 
2008    1.30 %   9,659      15.438795      149,123    0.74 %   -35.28 %  
2008    1.30 %   851,413      15.44      13,145,817    0.74 %   -35.28 %  
2007    1.30 %   10,396      23.854205      247,988    0.55 %   6.38 %  
2007    1.30 %   926,596      23.85      22,099,315    0.55 %   6.38 %  
2006    1.30 %   10,128      22.424260      227,113    0.11 %   7.78 %  
2006    1.30 %   1,051,851      22.42      23,582,499    0.11 %   7.78 %  
2005    1.30 %   11,469      20.804638      238,608    0.00 %   2.27 %  
2005    1.30 %   1,209,055      20.80      25,148,344    0.00 %   2.27 %  
2004    1.30 %   11,970      20.342381      243,498    0.38 %   4.83 %  
2004    1.30 %   1,399,512      20.34      28,469,396    0.38 %   4.83 %  

Wells Fargo AVT - Opportunity Fund(SM) (SVOF)

 

 
2008    1.30 %   11,844      18.843111      223,178    2.54 %   -40.88 %  
2008    1.30 %   897,121      18.84      16,901,760    2.54 %   -40.88 %  
2007    1.30 %   13,680      31.871542      436,003    0.62 %   5.24 %  
2007    1.30 %   994,064      31.87      31,680,820    0.62 %   5.24 %  
2006    1.30 %   14,003      30.284724      424,077    0.00 %   10.76 %  
2006    1.30 %   1,147,654      30.28      34,750,963    0.00 %   10.76 %  
2005    1.30 %   15,971      27.341650      436,674    0.00 %   6.49 %  
2005    1.30 %   1,352,035      27.34      36,964,637    0.00 %   6.49 %  
2004    1.30 %   17,147      25.676197      440,270    0.00 %   16.68 %  
2004    1.30 %   1,554,663      25.68      39,917,873    0.00 %   16.68 %  
2008    Reserves for annuity contracts in payout phase:      172,591       
2008    Contract owners’ equity    $ 344,378,872       
2007    Reserves for annuity contracts in payout phase:      329,169       
2007    Contract owners’ equity    $ 595,938,388       
2006    Reserves for annuity contracts in payout phase:      399,932       
2006    Contract owners’ equity    $ 634,994,120       
2005    Reserves for annuity contracts in payout phase:      439,260       
2005    Contract owners’ equity    $ 642,652,380       
2004    Reserves for annuity contracts in payout phase:      341,469       
2004    Contract owners’ equity    $ 687,491,626       

 

* This represents the annual contract expense rate of the variable account for the period indicated and includes only those expenses that are charged through a reduction in the unit values. Excluded are expenses of the underlying mutual funds and charges made directly to contract owner accounts through the redemption of units.

(Continued)

 

28


NATIONWIDE MULTI-FLEX VARIABLE ACCOUNT (NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, Continued)

 

** This represents the dividends for the period indicated, excluding distributions of capital gains, received by the subaccount from the underlying mutual fund, net of management fees assessed by the fund manager, divided by average net assets. The ratios exclude those expenses, such as mortality and expense charges or contract maintenance charges, that result in direct reductions to the contractholder accounts either through reductions in unit values or redemption of units. The recognition of investment income by the subaccount is affected by the timing of the declaration of dividends by the underlying fund in which the subaccounts invest.
*** This represents the total return for the period indicated and includes a deduction only for expenses assessed through a reduction in the unit values. The total return does not include any expenses assessed through the redemption of units; inclusion of these expenses in the calculation would result in a reduction in the total return presented. Total return is not annualized if the underlying mutual fund option is initially offered, funded, or both, during the period presented.
^ This represents the date the underlying mutual fund option was initially added and funded. Total returns presented in years of initial offering represent the return for the period from the initial offering through year end.

 

29

Unassociated Document
 
The Board of Directors and Shareholder
 
Nationwide Life Insurance Company:
 
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Nationwide Life Insurance Company and subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, and the related consolidated statements of (loss) income, changes in shareholder’s equity and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2008. In connection with our audits of the consolidated financial statements, we also have audited the financial statement schedules as listed in the accompanying index. These consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedules are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedules based on our audits.
 
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Nationwide Life Insurance Company and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2008, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also in our opinion, the related financial statement schedules, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, present fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.
 
As discussed in Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company adopted the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants’ Statement of Position 05-1, Accounting by Insurance Enterprises for Deferred Acquisition Costs in Connection with Modifications or Exchanges of Insurance Contracts, in 2007.
 
 
 
 
/s/ KPMG LLP
Columbus, Ohio
March 2, 2009
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
(a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)
 
Consolidated Statements of (Loss) Income
 
(in millions)
 
 
 
                       
     Years ended December 31,
     2008     2007     2006
Revenues:
 
                      
Policy charges
 
   $ 1,168.0     $ 1,208.3     $ 1,132.6
Premiums
 
     283.5       291.7       308.3
Net investment income
 
     1,687.0       1,975.8       2,058.5
Net realized investment (losses) gains
 
     (1,439.3 )     (166.2 )     7.1
Other income
 
     6.4       7.5       0.2
                        
Total revenues
 
     1,705.6       3,317.1       3,506.7
                        
Benefits and expenses:
 
                      
Interest credited to policyholder accounts
 
     1,130.6       1,262.6       1,330.1
Benefits and claims
 
     660.3       479.3       450.3
Policyholder dividends
 
     26.4       24.5       25.6
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs
 
     674.5       368.5       450.3
Interest expense, primarily with Nationwide Financial Services, Inc. (NFS)
 
     61.8       70.0       65.5
Other operating expenses
 
     516.1       529.5       536.8
                        
Total benefits and expenses
 
     3,069.7       2,734.4       2,858.6
                        
(Loss) income from continuing operations before federal income tax (benefit) expense
 
     (1,364.1 )     582.7       648.1
Federal income tax (benefit) expense
 
     (534.3 )     128.5       28.7
                        
(Loss) income from continuing operations
 
     (829.8 )     454.2       619.4
Cumulative effect of adoption of accounting principle, net of taxes
 
     —         (6.0 )     —  
                        
Net (loss) income
 
   $ (829.8 )   $ 448.2     $ 619.4
                        
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
(a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets
 
(in millions, except per share amounts)
 
 
 
                 
     December 31,  
     2008     2007  
Assets
 
                
Investments:
 
                
Securities available-for-sale, at fair value:
 
                
Fixed maturity securities (amortized cost $21,820.9 and $24,021.2)
 
   $ 19,247.2     $ 23,933.4  
Equity securities (amortized cost $30.9 and $69.6)
 
     26.5       72.9  
Mortgage loans on real estate, net
 
     7,189.9       7,615.4  
Short-term investments, including amounts managed by a related party
 
     2,780.9       959.1  
Other investments
 
     1,305.5       1,330.8  
                  
Total investments
 
     30,550.0       33,911.6  
     
Cash
 
     36.7       1.3  
Accrued investment income
 
     300.9       314.3  
Deferred policy acquisition costs
 
     4,423.9       3,997.4  
Other assets
 
     2,564.0       1,638.9  
Separate account assets
 
     46,936.9       69,676.5  
                  
Total assets
 
   $ 84,812.4     $ 109,540.0  
                  
Liabilities and Shareholder’s Equity
 
                
Liabilities:
 
                
Future policy benefits and claims
 
   $ 32,536.3     $ 31,998.4  
Short-term debt
 
     249.7       285.3  
Long-term debt, payable to NFS
 
     700.0       700.0  
Other liabilities
 
     2,110.5       2,642.6  
Separate account liabilities
 
     46,936.9       69,676.5  
                  
Total liabilities
 
     82,533.4       105,302.8  
                  
Shareholder’s equity:
 
                
Common stock ($1 par value; authorized - 5.0 shares; issued and outstanding - 3.8 shares)
 
     3.8       3.8  
Additional paid-in capital
 
     613.2       274.4  
Retained earnings
 
     2,973.2       4,049.5  
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
 
     (1,311.2 )     (90.5 )
                  
Total shareholder’s equity
 
     2,279.0       4,237.2  
                  
Total liabilities and shareholder’s equity
 
   $ 84,812.4     $ 109,540.0  
                  
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
(a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)
 
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholder’s Equity
 
(in millions)
 
 
 
                                     
     Capital
shares
   Additional
paid-in
capital
   Retained
earnings
    Accumlated
other
comprehensive
income (loss)
    Total
shareholder’s
equity
 
Balance as of December 31, 2005
 
     3.8      274.4      3,894.4       93.6       4,266.2  
           
Dividends to NFS
 
     —        —        (375.0 )     —         (375.0 )
           
Comprehensive income:
 
                                      
Net income
 
     —        —        619.4       —         619.4  
Other comprehensive loss, net of taxes
 
     —        —        —         (64.9 )     (64.9 )
                                        
Total comprehensive income
 
                                   554.5  
                                        
Balance as of December 31, 2006
 
     3.8      274.4      4,138.8       28.7       4,445.7  
           
Dividends to NFS
 
     —        —        (537.5 )     —         (537.5 )
           
Comprehensive income:
 
                                      
Net income
 
     —        —        448.2       —         448.2  
Other comprehensive loss, net of taxes
 
     —        —        —         (119.2 )     (119.2 )
                                        
Total comprehensive income
 
                                   329.0  
                                        
Balance as of December 31, 2007
 
   $ 3.8    $ 274.4    $ 4,049.5     $ (90.5 )   $ 4,237.2  
           
Dividends to NFS
 
                   (246.5 )             (246.5 )
Capital contributed by NFS
 
            338.8                      338.8  
           
Comprehensive income:
 
                                      
Net loss
 
                   (829.8 )             (829.8 )
Other comprehensive loss, net of taxes
 
                           (1,220.7 )     (1,220.7 )
                                        
Total comprehensive loss
 
                                   (2,050.5 )
                                        
Balance as of December 31, 2008
 
   $ 3.8    $ 613.2    $ 2,973.2     $ (1,311.2 )   $ 2,279.0  
                                        
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
(a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
 
(in millions)
 
 
 
                         
     Years ended December 31,  
     2008     2007     2006  
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
                        
Net (loss) income
 
   $ (829.8 )   $ 448.2     $ 619.4  
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
                        
Net realized investment losses (gains)
 
     1,439.3       166.2       (7.1 )
Interest credited to policyholder accounts
 
     1,130.6       1,262.6       1,330.1  
Capitalization of deferred policy acquisition costs
 
     (572.2 )     (612.6 )     (569.6 )
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs
 
     674.5       368.5       450.3  
Amortization and depreciation
 
     6.7       22.3       46.6  
Decrease (increase) in other assets
 
     64.5       557.4       (336.2 )
(Decrease) increase in policy and other liabilities
 
     (226.1 )     (331.8 )     54.1  
(Increase) decrease in derivative assets
 
     (1,030.7 )     (146.9 )     38.2  
Increase in derivative liabilities
 
     153.9       101.5       174.7  
Other, net
 
     3.7       8.5       0.1  
                          
Net cash provided by operating activities
 
     814.4       1,843.9       1,800.6  
                          
Cash flows from investing activities:
 
                        
Proceeds from maturity of securities available-for-sale
 
     3,935.6       4,379.8       5,128.6  
Proceeds from sale of securities available-for-sale
 
     4,185.2       4,657.5       2,267.3  
Proceeds from repayments or sales of mortgage loans on real estate
 
     763.1       2,467.7       2,430.8  
Cost of securities available-for-sale acquired
 
     (6,831.8 )     (8,008.3 )     (5,658.9 )
Cost of mortgage loans on real estate originated or acquired
 
     (358.7 )     (1,887.0 )     (2,180.4 )
Net decrease (increase) in short-term investments
 
     (1,827.0 )     762.9       (125.4 )
Collateral received (paid), net
 
     603.4       (175.6 )     (332.6 )
Other, net
 
     (34.0 )     (68.6 )     52.1  
                          
Net cash provided by investing activities
 
     435.8       2,128.4       1,581.5  
                          
Cash flows from financing activities:
 
                        
Net increase (decrease) in short-term debt
 
     (35.6 )     210.1       (167.1 )
Capital contributed by NFS
 
     153.4       —         —    
Cash dividends paid to NFS
 
     (181.8 )     (537.5 )     (375.0 )
Investment and universal life insurance product deposits and other additions
 
     3,511.1       3,586.1       3,400.8  
Investment and universal life insurance product withdrawals and other deductions
 
     (4,795.9 )     (7,230.2 )     (6,241.2 )
Other, net
 
     134.0       —         —    
                          
Net cash used in financing activities
 
     (1,214.8 )     (3,971.5 )     (3,382.5 )
                          
Net increase (decrease) in cash
 
     35.4       0.8       (0.4 )
Cash, beginning of period
 
     1.3       0.5       0.9  
                          
Cash, end of period
 
   $ 36.7     $ 1.3     $ 0.5  
                          
Supplemental Non-cash Disclosure:
 
                        
Dividends paid to NFS
 
   $ (64.6 )   $ —       $ —    
Capital contributed by NFS
 
     185.4       —         —    
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
(a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
 
 
 
(1)
Nature of Operations
 
Nationwide Life Insurance Company (NLIC, or collectively with its subsidiaries, the Company) was incorporated in 1929 and is an Ohio stock legal reserve life insurance company. The Company is a member of the Nationwide group of companies (Nationwide), which is comprised of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company (NMIC) and all of its subsidiaries and affiliates.
 
All of the outstanding shares of NLIC’s common stock are owned by NFS, a holding company formed by Nationwide Corporation (Nationwide Corp.), a majority-owned subsidiary of NMIC.
 
On August 6, 2008, NFS entered into a definitive agreement for NMIC, and Nationwide Corporation (Nationwide Corp.)., to acquire all of the outstanding publicly held Class A common shares of NFS for $52.25 per share in cash. The transaction closed on January 1, 2009 and NFS became a privately held subsidiary of Nationwide Corp.
 
Wholly-owned subsidiaries of NLIC as of December 31, 2008 include Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance Company (NLAIC) and Nationwide Investment Services Corporation (NISC). NLAIC offers universal life insurance, variable universal life insurance, corporate-owned life insurance (COLI) and individual annuity contracts on a non-participating basis. NISC is a registered broker/dealer.
 
The Company is a leading provider of long-term savings and retirement products in the United States of America (U.S.). 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 advisory services.
 
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 affiliates who market products directly to a customer base include Nationwide Retirement Solutions, Inc. (NRS), and Nationwide Financial Network (NFN) producers. The Company also distributes products through the agency distribution force of its ultimate parent company, NMIC.
 
As of December 31, 2008 and 2007, the Company did not have a significant concentration of financial instruments in a single investee, industry or geographic region of the U.S. Also, the Company did not have a concentration of business transactions with a particular customer, lender, distribution source, market or geographic region of the U.S. in which business is conducted that makes it overly vulnerable to a single event which could cause a severe impact to the Company’s financial position.
 
 
 
(2)
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
 
The Company’s significant accounting policies that materially affect financial reporting are summarized below. The accompanying consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).
 
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’s most significant estimates include those used to determine the following: the balance, recoverability and amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs (DAC); whether an available-for-sale security is other-than-temporarily impaired, valuation allowances for mortgage loans on real estate; valuation of derivatives; the liability for future policy benefits and claims, including the valuation of embedded derivative resulting from living benefit contracts; and federal income tax provision. Although some variability is inherent in these estimates, recorded amounts reflect management’s best estimates based on facts and circumstances as of the balance sheet date. Management believes the amounts provided are appropriate.
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
(a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
 
December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
 
 
 
The Company determined that certain cash flows related to future policy benefits and claims totaling $111.9 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 $351.1 million and $239.2 million, respectively. The net cash used in financing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2008 as originally filed and revised was $368.9 million and $257.0 million, respectively. They will be presented in that manner on a comparative basis in the 2009 filings. The consolidated statement of cash flows for 2008 included in this filing reflects the revised presentation described above.
 
Certain items in the 2007 and 2006 consolidated financial statements and related notes have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation.
 
(a) Consolidation Policy
 
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of NLIC and companies in which NLIC directly or indirectly has a controlling financial interest. Minority interest expense is included in other operating expenses in the consolidated statements of (loss) income, and the minority interest liability is included in other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. All significant intercompany balances and transactions were eliminated in consolidation.
 
(b) Valuation of Investments, Investment Income and Related Gains and Losses
 
The Company is required to classify its fixed maturity securities and marketable equity securities as held-to-maturity, available-for-sale or trading. All fixed maturity and marketable equity securities are classified as available-for-sale. Available-for-sale securities are stated at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses, net of adjustments to DAC, future policy benefits and claims, and deferred federal income taxes reported as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income (AOCI) in shareholder’s equity. The adjustment to DAC represents the changes in amortization of DAC 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.
 
For fixed maturity and marketable equity securities for which 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 (generally 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 in pricing securities or to validate modeled prices.
 
For mortgage-backed securities (MBSs), the Company recognizes income using a constant effective yield method based on prepayment assumptions and the estimated economic life of the securities. When estimated prepayments differ significantly from anticipated prepayments, the effective yield is recalculated to reflect actual payments to date and anticipated future payments. Any resulting adjustment is included in net investment income. All other investment income is recorded using the interest method without anticipating the impact of prepayments.
 
Management regularly reviews each investment in its fixed maturity and equity securities portfolios to evaluate the necessity of recording impairment losses for other-than-temporary declines in the fair value of investments.
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
(a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
 
December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
 
 
 
For debt securities not subject to Emerging Issues Task Force Issue (EITF) No. 99-20, Recognition of Interest Income and Impairment on Purchased and Retained Beneficial Interests in Securitized Financial Assets, as amended by Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Staff Position (FSP) EITF 99-20-1 (EITF 99-20), as well as debt securities subject to EITF 99-20, an other-than-temporary impairment charge is taken when the Company does not have the ability and intent to hold the security until the forecasted recovery or if it is probable that the Company will not recover all contractual amounts when due. Furthermore, equity securities may experience other-than-temporary impairments based on prospects of recovery in a reasonable period of time. Many criteria are considered during this process including, but not limited to, specific credit issues and financial prospects related to the issuer, the quality of the underlying collateral, management’s intent and ability to hold the security until recovery, current economic conditions that could affect the creditworthiness of the issuer in the future, the current fair value as compared to the amortized cost of the security, the extent and duration of the unrealized loss, and the rating of the affected security. Other-than-temporary impairment losses result in a permanent reduction to the cost basis of the underlying investment.
 
In addition to the above, for certain beneficial interests in securitized financial assets with contractual cash flows, including asset-backed securities (ABSs), EITF 99-20 also requires the Company to periodically update its best estimate of cash flows over the life of the security. If the fair value of a securitized financial asset is not greater than or equal to its carrying value based on current information and events, and if there has been , or if it is probable that, an adverse change in estimated cash flows since the last revised estimate (considering both timing and amount), then the Company recognizes an other-than-temporary impairment and writes down the investment to fair value.
 
The Company provides valuation allowances for impairments of mortgage loans on real estate based on a review by portfolio managers. Mortgage loans on real estate are considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. When management determines that a loan is impaired, a provision for loss is established equal to either the difference between the carrying value and the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent. In addition to the valuation allowance on specific loans, the Company maintains an allowance not yet specifically identified by loan for probable losses inherent in the loan portfolio as of the balance sheet date. The valuation allowance account for mortgage loans on real estate reflects management’s best estimate of probable credit losses, including losses incurred at the balance sheet date but not yet identified by specific loan. Management’s periodic evaluation of the adequacy of the allowance for losses is based on past loan loss experience, known and inherent risks in the portfolio, adverse situations that may affect the borrower’s ability to repay, the estimated value of the underlying collateral, composition of the loan portfolio, current economic conditions and other relevant factors. Changes in the valuation allowance are recorded in net realized investment gains and losses. Loans in foreclosure are placed on non-accrual status. Interest received on non-accrual status mortgage loans on real estate is included in net investment income in the period received.
 
Real estate to be held and used is carried at cost less accumulated depreciation. Real estate designated as held for disposal is not depreciated and is carried at the lower of the carrying value at the time of such designation or fair value less cost to sell. Other long-term investments are carried on the equity method of accounting.
 
Impairment losses are recorded on investments in long-lived assets used in operations when indicators of impairment are present and the undiscounted cash flows estimated to be generated by those assets are less than the assets’ carrying amounts.
 
Realized gains and losses on the sale of investments are determined on the basis of specific security identification. Changes in the Company’s mortgage loan valuation allowance and recognition of impairment losses for other-than-temporary declines in the fair values of applicable investments are included in net realized investment gains and losses.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
(a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
 
December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
 
 
 
(c) Derivative Instruments
 
Derivatives are carried at fair value. On the date the derivative contract is entered into, the Company designates the derivative as a hedge of the fair value of a recognized asset or liability or of an unrecognized firm commitment (fair value hedge); a hedge of a forecasted transaction or the variability of cash flows to be received or paid related to a recognized asset or liability (cash flow hedge); a foreign currency fair value or cash flow hedge (foreign currency hedge); or a non-hedge transaction. The Company formally documents all relationships between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as its risk-management objective and strategy for entering into various hedge transactions. This process includes linking all derivatives that are designated as fair value, cash flow or foreign currency hedges to specific assets and liabilities on the balance sheet or to specific firm commitments or forecasted transactions. The Company also formally assesses, both at the hedge’s inception and on an ongoing basis, whether the derivatives that are used for hedging transactions are expected to be and, for ongoing hedging relationships, have been highly effective in offsetting changes in fair values or cash flows of hedged items. When it is determined that a derivative is not, or is not expected to be, highly effective as a hedge or that it has ceased to be a highly effective hedge, the Company discontinues hedge accounting prospectively.
 
The Company enters into interest rate swaps, cross-currency swaps or Euro futures to hedge the fair value of existing fixed rate assets and liabilities. In addition, the Company uses short U.S. Treasury future positions to hedge the fair value of bond and mortgage loan commitments. Typically, the Company is hedging the risk of changes in fair value attributable to changes in benchmark interest rates. Derivative instruments classified as fair value hedges are carried at fair value, with changes in fair value recorded in net realized investment gains and losses. Changes in the fair value of the hedged item that are attributable to the risk being hedged are also recorded in net realized investment gains and losses.
 
The Company enters into interest rate swaps to hedge the variability in cash flows and investment income due to changes in the benchmark interest rates on variable rate assets and liabilities. The Company also enters into cross-currency interest rate swaps to eliminate the currency risk on variable rate and fixed rate foreign denominated assets. Derivative instruments classified as cash flow hedges are carried at fair value, with the effective portion of changes in fair value recorded in other comprehensive income and the ineffective portion recorded in net realized investment gains and losses.
 
Accrued interest receivable or payable under interest rate and foreign currency swaps are recognized as an adjustment to net investment income or interest credited to policyholder accounts consistent with the nature of the hedged item, except for interest rate swaps hedging the anticipated sale of investments where amounts receivable or payable under the swaps are recorded as net realized investment gains and losses, and except for interest rate swaps hedging the anticipated purchase of investments where amounts receivable or payable under the swaps are initially recorded in AOCI to the extent the hedging relationship is effective.
 
The Company periodically may enter into a derivative transaction that will not qualify for hedge accounting. The Company does not enter into speculative positions. Although these transactions do not qualify for hedge accounting, or have not been designated in hedging relationships by the Company, they are part of its overall risk management strategy. For example, the Company may sell credit default protection through a credit default swap. Although the credit default swap is not effective in hedging specific investments, the income stream allows the Company to manage overall investment yields while exposing the Company to acceptable credit risk. The Company may enter into a cross-currency basis swap (pay a variable U.S. rate and receive a variable foreign-denominated rate) to eliminate the foreign currency exposure of a variable rate foreign-denominated liability. Although basis swaps may qualify for hedge accounting, the Company has chosen not to designate these derivatives as hedging instruments due to the difficulty in assessing and monitoring effectiveness for both sides of the basis swap. Derivative instruments that do not qualify for hedge accounting or are not designated as hedging instruments are carried at fair value, with changes in fair value recorded in net realized investment gains and losses.
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
(a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
 
December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
 
 
 
(d) Revenues and Benefits
 
Investment and Universal Life Insurance Products: Investment products consist primarily of individual and group variable and fixed deferred annuities. Universal life insurance products include universal life insurance, variable universal life insurance, corporate-owned life insurance (COLI), bank-owned life insurance (BOLI) and other interest-sensitive life insurance policies. Revenues for investment products and universal life insurance products consist of net investment income, asset fees, cost of insurance charges, administrative fees and surrender charges that have been earned and assessed against policy account balances during the period. The timing of revenue recognition as it relates to fees assessed on investment contracts and universal life contracts is determined based on the nature of such fees. Asset fees, cost of insurance charges and administrative fees are assessed on a daily or monthly basis and recognized as revenue when assessed and earned. Certain amounts assessed that represent compensation for services to be provided in future periods are reported as unearned revenue and recognized in income over the periods benefited. Surrender charges are recognized upon surrender of a contract in accordance with contractual terms. Policy benefits and claims that are charged to expense include interest credited to policyholder accounts and benefits and claims incurred in the period in excess of related policyholder accounts.
 
Traditional Life Insurance Products: Traditional life insurance products include those products with fixed and guaranteed premiums and benefits, and primarily consist of whole life insurance, limited-payment life insurance, term life insurance and certain annuities with life contingencies. Premiums for traditional life insurance products are recognized as revenue when due. Benefits and expenses are associated with earned premiums so that profits are recognized over the life of the contract. This association is accomplished through the provision for future policy benefits and the deferral and amortization of policy acquisition costs.
 
(e) Cash and Cash Equivalents
 
Cash and cash equivalents consist of short-term highly liquid investments with original maturities of less than three months at the time of purchase. The Company carries cash and cash equivalents at cost, which approximates fair value.
 
(f) Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs
 
Investment and universal life insurance products. The Company has deferred certain costs of acquiring investment and universal life insurance products business, principally commissions, certain expenses of the policy issue and underwriting department, and certain variable sales expenses that relate to and vary with the production of new and renewal business. In addition, the Company defers sales inducements, such as interest credit bonuses and jumbo deposit bonuses. Investment products primarily consist of individual and group variable and fixed deferred annuities in the Individual Investments and Retirement Plans segments. Universal life insurance products include universal life insurance, variable universal life insurance, COLI, BOLI and other interest-sensitive life insurance policies in the Individual Protection segment. DAC is subject to recoverability testing in the year of policy issuance and loss recognition testing at the end of each reporting period.
 
For investment and universal life insurance products, the Company amortizes DAC with interest over the lives of the policies in relation to the present value of estimated gross profits from projected interest margins, asset fees, cost of insurance charges, administrative fees, surrender charges, and net realized investment gains and losses less policy benefits and policy maintenance expenses. The Company adjusts the DAC asset related to investment and universal life insurance products to reflect the impact of unrealized gains and losses on fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, as described in Note 2(b).
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
(a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
 
December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
 
 
 
The assumptions used in the estimation of future gross profits are based on the Company’s current best estimates of future events and are reviewed as part of an annual process during the second quarter. During the annual process, the Company performs a comprehensive study of assumptions, including mortality and persistency studies, maintenance expense studies, and an evaluation of projected general and separate account investment returns. The most significant assumptions that are involved in the estimation of future gross profits include future net separate account investment performance, surrender/lapse rates, interest margins and mortality. Currently, the Company’s long-term assumption for net separate account investment performance is approximately 7% growth per year and varies by product. The Company reviews this assumption, like others, as part of its annual process. If this assumption were unlocked, the date of the unlocking could become the anchor date used in the reversion to the mean process (defined below). Variances from the long-term assumption are expected since the majority of the investments in the underlying separate accounts are in equity securities, which strongly correlate in the aggregate with the Standard & Poor’s (S&P) 500 Index. The Company bases its reversion to the mean process on actual net separate account investment performance from the anchor date to the valuation date. The Company then assumes different performance levels over the next three years such that the separate account mean return measured from the anchor date to the end of the life of the product equals the long-term assumption. The assumed net separate account investment performance used in the DAC models is intended to reflect what is anticipated. However, based on historical returns of the S&P 500 Index, and as part of its pre-set parameters, the Company’s reversion to the mean process generally limits net separate account investment performance to 0-15% during the three-year reversion period. See below for a discussion of 2008 and 2007 assumption changes that impacted DAC amortization and related balances.
 
Changes in assumptions can have a significant impact on the amount of DAC reported for investment and universal life insurance products and their related amortization patterns. In the event actual experience differs from assumptions or future assumptions are revised, the Company is required to record an increase or decrease in DAC amortization expense, which could be significant. In general, increases in the estimated long-term general and separate account returns result in increased expected future profitability and may lower the rate of DAC amortization, while increases in long-term lapse/surrender and mortality assumptions reduce the expected future profitability of the underlying business and may increase the rate of DAC amortization.
 
In addition to the comprehensive annual study of assumptions, management evaluates the appropriateness of the individual variable annuity DAC balance quarterly within pre-set parameters. These parameters are designed to appropriately reflect the Company’s long-term expectations with respect to individual variable annuity contracts while also evaluating the potential impact of short-term experience on the Company’s recorded individual variable annuity DAC balance. If the recorded balance of individual variable annuity DAC falls outside of these parameters for a prescribed period, or if the recorded balance falls outside of these parameters and management determines it is not reasonably possible to get back within the parameters during a given period, assumptions are required to be unlocked, and DAC is recalculated using revised best estimate assumptions. When DAC assumptions are unlocked and revised, the Company continues to use the reversion to the mean process. See below for a discussion of 2008 and 2007 assumption changes that impacted DAC amortization and related balances.
 
During the second quarter of 2007, the Company conducted its annual comprehensive review of model assumptions used to project DAC and other related balances, including sales inducement assets, unearned revenue reserves, and guaranteed minimum death and income benefit reserves. This review included all assumptions, including expected separate account investment returns during the three-year reversion period, lapse rates, mortality and expenses. The Company determined as part of this annual review that the overall separate account returns were expected to exceed previous estimates due to favorable financial market trends. Additionally, while the Company estimated that the overall profitability of its variable products had improved, it expected the long-term net growth in separate account investment performance to moderate.
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
(a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
 
December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
 
 
 
Accordingly, the second quarter 2007 unlocking process included changes in several assumptions, including assumptions affecting net separate account investment performance. This unlocking resulted in a net increase in DAC and a benefit to DAC amortization and other related balances totaling $221.6 million pre-tax, which was reported in the following segments in the pre-tax amounts indicated: Individual Investments - $196.4 million; Retirement Plans - $10.5 million; and Individual Protection - $14.7 million. First, the Company reset the anchor date for its reversion to the mean calculations, which increased the annual net separate account growth rate to 7% during the first three years of the projection period from 0% (which was the rate of return for the three-year reversion period required from the previous anchor date). Second, as a result of its current analysis, including its evaluation of ongoing trends and expectations regarding financial market performance, the Company unlocked and reset its long-term assumption for net separate account growth rates to 7% from 8%. This decreased the net separate account growth rate by 1% to 7% for all years subsequent to the three-year reversion period. The combination of resetting these two factors resulted in a $167.0 million increase in DAC and benefit to DAC amortization and other related balances. The impact of changing the annual net separate account growth rate from 0% to 7% during the three-year reversion period had a much larger effect on the DAC balance when compared to the 1% incremental change in the long-term assumption for net separate account investment performance. The remainder of the increase in DAC and benefit to DAC amortization and other related balances resulting from the DAC unlocking process primarily was related to the recorded balance of individual variable annuity DAC falling outside the Company’s preset parameters for the prescribed period, which was driven by favorable market performance in excess of the assumed net separate account returns. Accordingly, the Company recalculated DAC using revised best estimate assumptions, which resulted in a $78.8 million increase in DAC and benefit to DAC amortization and other related balances. This was partially offset by a $24.2 million decrease in DAC and increase in DAC amortization and other related balances due to increasing estimated lapse rates for fixed annuity and BOLI products.
 
During the second quarter of 2007, the Company added a new feature to its existing guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefit rider, Lifetime Income (L.inc). This new feature resulted in a substantial change in the existing contracts and, therefore, an extinguishment of the DAC associated with those contracts pursuant to the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants’ (AICPA) Statement of Position (SOP) 05-1, Accounting by Insurance Enterprises for Deferred Acquisition Costs in Connection with Modifications or Exchanges of Insurance Contracts (SOP 05-1). As a result, the Company eliminated existing DAC and other related balances resulting in a $135.0 million pre-tax charge.
 
At the end of the second quarter of 2008, the Company determined as part of its comprehensive annual study of assumptions that certain assumptions should be unlocked. The unlocked assumptions primarily related to lapse and spread assumptions in the Individual Investments segment, the assumed growth rate on deposits per contract in the Retirement Plans segment, and mortality and lapse assumptions in the Individual Protection segment. Therefore, in the second quarter of 2008, the Company recorded the following pre-tax adjustments: 1) a decrease in DAC and additional DAC amortization of $13.4 million; 2) a decrease in other assets and additional benefits and claims of $0.6 million; and 3) a decrease in unearned revenue liability and additional administrative fees of $3.1 million. The net impact of this activity was a $10.9 million unfavorable pre-tax adjustment to net income in the second quarter of 2008, which was reported in the following segments in the pre-tax amounts indicated: Individual Investments - $9.4 million unfavorable; Retirement Plans - $2.3 million unfavorable; and Individual Protection - $0.8 million favorable.
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
(a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
 
December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
 
 
 
During the third quarter of 2008, the Company’s recorded balance of individual variable annuity DAC fell outside the Company’s preset parameters for the prescribed period, which primarily was driven by unfavorable market performance compared to the assumed net separate account returns. Accordingly, the Company recalculated DAC using revised best estimate assumptions, which resulted in a decrease in DAC and an increase in DAC amortization and other related balances totaling $177.2 million pre-tax in the Individual Investments segment. During the fourth quarter of 2008, the Company’s recorded balance of individual variable annuity DAC fell outside the Company’s preset parameters, which primarily was driven by continued unfavorable market performance compared to assumed net separate account returns. Management made a determination that it was not reasonably possible to get back within the preset parameters during the remaining prescribed period. Accordingly, the Company recalculated DAC using revised best estimate assumptions, which resulted in a decrease in DAC and an increase in DAC amortization and other related balances of $243.1 million pre-tax in the Individual Investments segment. The Company continues to use the reversion to the mean process with the anchor date that was reset during the second quarter 2007 unlocking as described above. The Company evaluated the assumed separate account performance level over the next three years and determined that the assumptions inherent in the reversion period were reasonable. The annual net separate account growth rate for the mean reversion period is 15%, the maximum rate under the Company’s parameters. Accordingly, future periods may incur additional amortization of DAC if the Company’s actual returns are less than assumed.
 
Traditional life insurance products. Generally, DAC related to traditional life insurance products is amortized with interest over the premium-paying period of the related policies in proportion to the ratio of actual annual premium revenue to the anticipated total premium revenue. Such anticipated premium revenue is estimated using the same assumptions as those used for computing liabilities for future policy benefits at issuance. Under existing accounting guidance, the concept of DAC unlocking does not apply to traditional life insurance products, although evaluations of DAC for recoverability at the time of policy issuance and loss recognition testing at each reporting period are required.
 
(g) Separate Accounts
 
Separate account assets and liabilities represent contractholders’ funds that have been legally segregated into accounts with specific investment objectives. Separate account assets are recorded at fair value primarily based on market quotations of the underlying securities. Investment income and realized investment gains or losses of these accounts accrue directly to the contractholders. The activity of the separate accounts is not reflected in the consolidated statements of (loss) income except for (1) the fees the Company receives, which are assessed on a daily or monthly basis and recognized as revenue when assessed and earned, and (2) the activity related to contract guarantees, which are riders to existing variable annuity contracts.
 
(h) Future Policy Benefits and Claims
 
The process of calculating reserve amounts for a life insurance organization involves the use of a number of assumptions, including those related to persistency (how long a contract stays with a company), mortality (the relative incidence of death in a given time), morbidity (the relative incidence of disability resulting from disease or physical impairment) and interest rates (the rates expected to be paid or received on financial instruments, including insurance or investment contracts).
 
The Company calculates its liability for future policy benefits and claims for investment products in the accumulation phase and universal life and variable universal life insurance policies as the policy account balance, which represents participants’ net premiums and deposits plus investment performance and interest credited less applicable contract charges.
 
The Company’s liability for funding agreements to an unrelated third party trust related to the Company’s medium-term note (MTN) program equals the balance that accrues to the benefit of the contractholder, including interest credited. The funding agreements constitute insurance obligations and are considered annuity contracts under Ohio insurance laws.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
(a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
 
December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
 
 
 
The liability for future policy benefits and claims for traditional life insurance policies was determined using the net level premium method using interest rates varying from 2.0% to 10.5% and estimates of mortality, morbidity, investment yields and withdrawals that were used or being experienced at the time the policies were issued.
 
The liability for future policy benefits for payout annuities was calculated using the present value of future benefits and maintenance costs discounted using interest rates varying generally from 3.0% to 13.0%.
 
(i) Participating Business
 
Participating business, which refers to policies that participate in profits through policyholder dividends, represented approximately 5% of the Company’s life insurance in force in 2008 (6% in 2007 and 8% in 2006), 44% of the number of life insurance policies in force in 2008 (48% in 2007 and 50% in 2006) and 7% of life insurance statutory premiums in 2008 (7% in 2007 and 5% in 2006). The provision for policyholder dividends was based on the current dividend scales and has been included in future policy benefits and claims in the consolidated balance sheets.
 
(j) Federal Income Taxes
 
The Company provides for federal income taxes based on amounts the Company believes it ultimately will owe. Inherent in the provision for federal income taxes are estimates regarding the deductibility of certain items and the realization of certain tax credits. In the event the ultimate deductibility of certain items or the realization of certain tax credits differs from estimates, the Company may be required to significantly change the provision for federal income taxes recorded in the consolidated financial statements. Any such change could significantly affect the amounts reported in the consolidated statements of (loss) income. Management has established reserves in accordance with FIN 48 based on current facts and circumstances regarding tax exposure items where the ultimate deductibility is open to interpretation. Management evaluates the appropriateness of such reserves quarterly based on any new developments specific to their fact patterns. Information considered includes results of completed tax examinations, Technical Advice Memorandums and other rulings issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or the tax courts.
 
The Company utilizes the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. Under this method, the effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. Valuation allowances are established when it is determined that it is more likely than not that the deferred tax asset will not be fully realized.
 
(k) Reinsurance Ceded
 
Reinsurance premiums ceded and reinsurance recoveries on benefits and claims incurred are deducted from the respective income and expense accounts. Assets and liabilities related to reinsurance ceded generally are reported in the consolidated balance sheets on a gross basis, separately from the related future policy benefits and claims of the Company. The ceding of risk does not discharge the original insurer from its primary obligation to the policyholder.
 
(l) Change in Accounting Principle
 
Historically, the Company accrued for legal costs associated with litigation defense and regulatory investigations by estimating the ultimate costs of such activity. Beginning April 1, 2007, the Company’s accrual for such legal expenses includes only the amount for services that have been provided but not yet paid. The Company believes the newly adopted accounting principle is preferable because it more accurately reflects expenses in the periods in which they are incurred. The Company continues to estimate and accrue the ultimate amounts expected to be paid for litigation and regulatory investigation loss contingencies. The Company has presented its consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes as applicable for all periods presented to retroactively apply the adoption of this change in accounting principle.
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
(a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
 
December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
 
 
 
The following table summarizes the impact of the change in accounting principle described above for the years ended December 31:
 
 
 
                 
(in millions)
 
   2007     2006  
Other operating expenses
 
   $ 2.8     $ 5.0  
Net income
 
     (1.9 )     (3.1 )
The cumulative effect of the change on retained earnings as of January 1, 2006 was an $11.0 million increase.
 
 
 
(3)
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
 
In January 2009, the FASB issued FSP EITF 99-20-1, Amendments to the Impairment Guidance of EITF Issue No. 99-20 (FSP EITF 99-20-1). FSP EITF 99-20-1 amends the impairment guidance in EITF Issue No. 99-20, Recognition of Interest Income and Impairment on Purchased Beneficial Interests and Beneficial Interests That Continue to Be Held by a Transferor in Securitized Financial Assets, to achieve more consistent determination of whether an other-than-temporary impairment has occurred. FSP EITF 99-20-1 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods ending after December 15, 2008, and will be applied prospectively. Retrospective application to a prior interim or annual reporting period is not permitted. The Company will adopt FSP EITF 99-20-1 effective December 31, 2008 and will apply the standard prospectively, as is required.
 
In December 2008, the FASB issued FSP FAS 132R-1, Employers’ Disclosures about Postretirement Benefit Plan Assets (FSP FAS 132R-1). FSP FAS 132R-1 amends FASB Statement No. 132 revised 2003, Employers’ Disclosures about Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits, to provide guidance on an employer’s disclosures about plan assets of a defined benefit pension or other postretirement plan. The portion of FSP FAS 132R-1 related to the disclosures about plan assets is effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2009. FSP FAS 132R-1 will have no impact on the Company’s disclosures.
 
In December 2008, the FASB issued FSP FAS 140-4 and FIN 46R-8, Disclosures by Public Entities (Enterprises) about Transfers of Financial Assets and Interests in Variable Interest Entities, (FSP FAS 140-4 and FIN 46R-8). FSP FAS 140-4 and FIN 46R-8 amends FASB Statement No. 140, Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities, to require public entities to provide additional disclosures about transfers of financial assets. It also amends FASB Interpretation No. 46 (revised December 2003), Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, to require public enterprises, including sponsors that have a variable interest in a variable interest entity, to provide additional disclosures about their involvement with variable interest entities. This FSP will be effective for the first reporting period (interim or annual) ending after December 15, 2008. The Company adopted FSP FAS 140-4 and FIN 46R-8 effective December 31, 2008. See Note 17 for the required disclosures.
 
In November 2008, the FASB Board ratified the Emerging Issues Task Force’s 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. EITF 08-7 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations upon adoption. The Company will adopt EITF 08-7 effective January 1, 2009 and will apply it prospectively for intangible assets acquired on or after that date.
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
(a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
 
December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
 
 
 
In November 2008, the FASB Board ratified the Emerging Issues Task Force’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 Issue shall be 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 will adopt EITF 08-6 effective January 1, 2009 and will apply the standard prospectively, as is required.
 
In October 2008, the FASB issued FSP FAS 157-3, Determining the Fair Value of a Financial Asset When the Market for That Asset Is Not Active (FSP FAS 157-3). FSP FAS 157-3 clarifies the application of SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (SFAS 157), in a market that is not active and provides an example to illustrate key considerations in determining the fair value of a financial asset when the market for that financial asset is not active. FSP FAS 157-3 was effective upon issuance and was adopted by the Company effective September 30, 2008. The adoption of FSP FAS 157-3 did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.
 
In September 2008, the FASB issued FSP FAS 133-1 and FIN 45-4, Disclosures about Credit Derivatives and Certain Guarantees: An Amendment of FASB Statement No. 133 and FASB Interpretation No. 45; and Clarification of the Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 161 (FSP FAS 133-1 and FIN 45-4). FSP FAS 133-1 and FIN 45-4 requires additional disclosure about credit derivatives including their nature, potential amount of future payments, fair value, recourse provisions and current status of the payment/performance risk. FSP FAS 133-1 and FIN 45-4 also requires the disclosure of the current status of the payment/performance risk of a guarantee subject to FASB Interpretation (FIN) No. 45, Guarantor’s Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others – an interpretation of FASB Statements No. 5, 57, and 107 and rescission of FASB Interpretation No. 34. FSP FAS 133-1 and FIN 45-4 is effective for reporting periods ending after November 15, 2008. The Company adopted FSP FAS 133-1 and FIN 45-4 effective for the December 31, 2008 reporting period. See Note 5 for the required disclosures
 
In May 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 162, The Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (SFAS 162). SFAS 162 identifies the sources of accounting principles and the framework for selecting the principles to be used in the preparation of financial statements of nongovernmental entities that are presented in conformity with U.S. GAAP (the GAAP hierarchy). SFAS 162 will be effective 60 days following the approval by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board amendments to AU Section 411, The Meaning of Present Fairly in Conformity With Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. The adoption of SFAS 162 did not the C result in a change in its current practices.
 
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 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 currently is evaluating the new disclosures required under SFAS 161 and will adopt it March 31, 2009.
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
(a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
 
December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
 
 
 
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 has not yet applied the provisions of SFAS 157 to the nonfinancial assets and liabilities within the scope of FSP FAS 157-2. However, the Company does not expect such application to have a material impact on its financial position or results of operations.
 
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 will adopt SFAS 141R effective January 1, 2009 and will apply it to any business combination on or after that date.
 
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 will adopt SFAS 160 effective January 1, 2009 and will apply it to any acquisitions or dispositions of noncontrolling interests on or after that date.
 
In June 2007, the Accounting Standards Executive Committee (AcSEC) of the AICPA issued SOP 07-1, Clarification of the Scope of the Audit and Accounting Guide Investment Companies and Accounting by Parent Companies and Equity Method Investors for Investments in Investment Companies (SOP 07-1). SOP 07-1 provides guidance for determining whether an entity is within the scope of the AICPA Audit and Accounting Guide Investment Companies (the Guide). For those entities that are investment companies under SOP 07-1, this SOP also addresses whether the specialized industry accounting principles of the Guide (i.e., fair value accounting) should be retained by a parent company in consolidation or by an investor that has the ability to exercise significant influence over the investment company and applies the equity method of accounting to its investment in the entity (referred to as an equity method investor). In addition, SOP 07-1 includes certain disclosure requirements for parent companies and equity method investors in investment companies that retain investment company accounting in the parent company’s consolidated financial statements or the financial statements of an equity method investor. The provisions of SOP 07-1 were to be effective for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2007. On February 14, 2008, the FASB issued FSP SOP 07-1-1, which delays indefinitely the effective date of SOP 07-1. The Company will monitor the FASB and AICPA deliberations regarding this standard.
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
(a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
 
December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
 
 
 
In April 2007, the FASB issued FSP FIN 39-1, An Amendment of FASB Interpretation No. 39 (FSP FIN 39-1). FSP FIN 39-1 addresses whether a reporting entity that is party to a master netting arrangement can offset fair value amounts recognized for the right to reclaim cash collateral (a receivable) or the obligation to return cash collateral (a payable) against fair value amounts recognized for derivative instruments that have been offset under the same master netting arrangement in accordance with paragraph 10 of Interpretation 39. FSP FIN 39-1 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, with early application permitted. The Company adopted FSP FIN 39-1 effective January 1, 2008. The Company elected to present the fair value of cash collateral received separate from the obligation to return the collateral. The adoption of FSP FIN 39-1 did not impact the Company’s financial position or results of operations.
 
In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, Including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115 (SFAS 159). SFAS 159 permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value that are not currently required to be measured at fair value. The objective is to improve financial reporting by providing entities with the opportunity to mitigate volatility in reported earnings caused by measuring related assets and liabilities differently without having to apply complex hedge accounting provisions. SFAS 159 is expected to expand the use of fair value measurement, which is consistent with the FASB’s long-term measurement objectives for accounting for financial instruments. SFAS 159 also establishes presentation and disclosure requirements designed to facilitate comparisons between entities that choose different measurement attributes for similar types of assets and liabilities. SFAS 159 does not affect any existing accounting literature that requires certain assets and liabilities to be carried at fair value. In addition, SFAS 159 does not establish requirements for recognizing and measuring dividend income, interest income or interest expense, nor does it eliminate disclosure requirements included in other accounting standards, including requirements for disclosures about fair value measurements included in SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (SFAS 157), and SFAS No. 107, Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments. SFAS 159 is effective as of the beginning of an entity’s first fiscal year beginning after November 15, 2007. The Company adopted SFAS 159 for commercial mortgage loans held for sale effective January 1, 2008, which did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations. The Company will assess the fair value election for new financial assets or liabilities on a prospective basis. See Note 4 for disclosures required by SFAS 159.
 
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 158, Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans – an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106, and 132(R) (SFAS 158). SFAS 158 requires an employer to recognize the overfunded or underfunded status of a defined benefit postretirement plan (other than a multiemployer plan) as an asset or liability on its balance sheet and to recognize changes in that funded status in the year in which the changes occur through comprehensive income. SFAS 158 also requires an employer to measure the funded status of a plan as of the date of its year-end balance sheet, with limited exceptions. An employer with publicly traded equity securities is required to initially recognize the funded status of a defined benefit postretirement plan and to provide the required disclosures as of the end of the fiscal year ending after December 15, 2006. The requirement to measure plan assets and benefit obligations as of the date of the employer’s fiscal year-end balance sheet is effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2008. The Company adopted SFAS 158 effective December 31, 2006. The adoption of SFAS 158 did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.
 
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS 157. SFAS 157 provides enhanced guidance for using fair value to measure assets and liabilities and requires new disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS 157 also provides guidance regarding the extent to which companies measure assets and liabilities at fair value, the information used to measure fair value, and the effect of fair value measurements on earnings. For assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis in periods subsequent to initial recognition, the reporting entity shall disclose information that enables financial statement users to assess the inputs used to develop those measurements. For recurring fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs, the reporting entity shall disclose the effect of the measurements on earnings for the period. SFAS 157 applies whenever other standards require (or permit) assets or liabilities to be measured at fair value but does not expand the use of fair value in any new circumstances. SFAS 157 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, and interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. The Company adopted SFAS 157 effective January 1, 2008. The adoption of SFAS 157 did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations. See Note 4 for disclosures required by SFAS 157.
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
(a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
 
December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
 
 
 
In September 2006, the SEC issued Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) No. 108 (SAB 108). SAB 108 addresses how the effects of prior year uncorrected misstatements should be considered when quantifying misstatements in current-year financial statements. SAB 108 requires registrants to quantify misstatements using both the balance sheet and income-statement approaches and to evaluate whether either approach results in quantifying an error that is material in light of relevant quantitative and qualitative factors. SAB 108 does not change the SEC’s previous guidance in SAB No. 99 on evaluating the materiality of misstatements. The Company adopted SAB 108 effective December 31, 2006. SAB 108 did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations upon adoption.
 
In June 2006, the FASB issued FIN No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, an Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes (FIN 48). FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprise’s financial statements in accordance with FASB Statement No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes. FIN 48 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. FIN 48 also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition. FIN 48 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. The Company adopted FIN 48 effective January 1, 2007. FIN 48 did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations upon adoption.
 
In March 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 156, Accounting for Servicing of Financial Assets (SFAS 156). SFAS 156 amends SFAS No. 140, Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities (SFAS 140). SFAS 156 requires that all separately recognized servicing assets and servicing liabilities be initially measured at fair value, if practicable. SFAS 156 permits, but does not require, the subsequent measurement of separately recognized servicing assets and servicing liabilities at fair value. An entity that uses derivative instruments to mitigate the risks inherent in servicing assets and servicing liabilities is required to account for those derivative instruments at fair value. Under SFAS 156, an entity can elect subsequent fair value measurement to account for its separately recognized servicing assets and servicing liabilities. By electing that option, an entity may simplify its accounting because SFAS 156 permits income statement recognition of the potential offsetting changes in fair value of those servicing assets and servicing liabilities and derivative instruments in the same accounting period. SFAS 156 is effective for fiscal years beginning after September 15, 2006. The Company adopted SFAS 156 effective January 1, 2007. SFAS 156 did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations upon adoption.
 
In February 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 155, Accounting for Certain Hybrid Financial Instruments (SFAS 155). SFAS 155 amends SFAS No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (SFAS 133), and SFAS 140. SFAS 155 also resolves issues addressed in SFAS 133 Implementation Issue No. D1, Application of Statement 133 to Beneficial Interests in Securitized Financial Assets. In summary, SFAS 155: (1) permits an entity to make an irrevocable election to measure any hybrid financial instrument that contains an embedded derivative that otherwise would require bifurcation at fair value in its entirety, with changes in fair value recognized in earnings; (2) clarifies which interest-only strips and principal-only strips are not subject to the requirements of SFAS 133; (3) establishes a requirement to evaluate interests in securitized financial assets to identify interests that are freestanding derivatives or that are hybrid financial instruments that contain an embedded derivative requiring bifurcation; (4) clarifies that concentrations of credit risk in the form of subordination are not embedded derivatives; and (5) amends SFAS 140 to eliminate the prohibition on a qualifying special purpose entity from holding a derivative financial instrument that pertains to a beneficial interest other than another derivative financial instrument. SFAS 155 is effective for all financial instruments acquired or issued after the beginning of an entity’s first fiscal year that begins after September 15, 2006. Provisions of SFAS 155 may be applied to instruments that an entity holds at the date of adoption on an instrument-by-instrument basis. The Company adopted SFAS 155 effective January 1, 2006. On the date of adoption, there was no impact to the Company’s financial position or results of operations.
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
(a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
 
December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
 
 
 
In September 2005, AcSEC issued SOP 05-1. SOP 05-1 provides guidance on accounting by insurance enterprises for deferred acquisition costs on internal replacements of insurance and investment contracts other than those specifically described in SFAS No. 97, Accounting and Reporting by Insurance Enterprises for Certain Long-Duration Contracts and for Realized Gains and Losses from the Sale of Investments, issued by the FASB. SOP 05-1 defines an internal replacement as a modification in product benefits, features, rights or coverages that occurs as a result of the exchange of a contract for a new contract, or by amendment, endorsement or rider to a contract, or by the election of a new feature or coverage within a contract. SOP 05-1 is effective for internal replacements occurring in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. Retrospective application of SOP 05-1 to previously issued financial statements is not permitted. Initial application of SOP 05-1 is required as of the beginning of an entity’s fiscal year. The Company adopted SOP 05-1 effective January 1, 2007, which resulted in a $6.0 million charge, net of taxes, as the cumulative effect of adoption of this accounting principle.
 
In May 2005, the FASB issued SFAS No. 154, Accounting Changes and Error Corrections (SFAS 154), which replaces Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 20, Accounting Changes, and SFAS No. 3, Reporting Accounting Changes in Interim Financial Statements. SFAS 154 applies to all voluntary changes in accounting principle as well as to changes required by an accounting pronouncement in the unusual instance that the pronouncement does not include specific transition provisions. SFAS 154 is effective for accounting changes and corrections of errors made in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2005, with earlier adoption permitted. The Company adopted SFAS 154 effective January 1, 2006. SFAS 154 did not have any impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations upon adoption.
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
(a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
 
December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
 
 
 
(4)
Fair Value Measurements
 
Fair Value Option
 
As described in Note 3, 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
 
As described in Note 3, 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 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, 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 securities not backed by the full faith of the government, municipal bonds, structured notes and certain MBSs and ABSs, certain corporate debt, certain private placement investments, and certain derivatives, including basis swaps and commodity total return swaps.
 
 
 
   
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 MBSs and ABSs, certain corporate debt, certain private placement investments, certain mutual fund holdings, and certain derivatives, including embedded derivatives associated with living benefit contracts.
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
(a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
 
December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
 
 
 
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
 
   $ 561.3     $ 10.0     $ —       $ 571.3  
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
 
     —         217.1       —         217.1  
Debt securities issued by foreign governments
 
     —         38.9       —         38.9  
Corporate securities
 
     —         10,135.7       1,220.8       11,356.5  
Mortgage-backed securities
 
     520.8       1,936.4       2,219.6       4,676.8  
Asset-backed securities
 
     —         1,218.4       1,168.2       2,386.6  
                                  
Total fixed maturity securities
 
     1,082.1       13,556.5       4,608.6       19,247.2  
Equity securities
 
     1.4       15.2       9.9       26.5  
                                  
Total securities available-for-sale
 
     1,083.5       13,571.7       4,618.5       19,273.7  
         
Mortgage loans held for sale1
 
     —         —         124.5       124.5  
Short-term investments
 
     36.2       2,744.7       —         2,780.9  
                                  
Total investments
 
     1,119.7       16,316.4       4,743.0       22,179.1  
         
Cash
 
     36.7       —         —         36.7  
Derivative assets2
 
     —         708.5       597.6       1,306.1  
Separate account assets3.5
 
     9,530.3       35,270.0       2,136.6       46,936.9  
                                  
Total assets
 
   $ 10,686.7     $ 52,294.9     $ 7,477.2     $ 70,458.8  
                                  
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 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 value of separate account liabilities is set to equal the fair value of separate account assets
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
(a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
 
December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
 
 
 
The following table summarizes financial instruments for which the Company used significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) to determine fair value measurements for the year ended December 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
December 31,
2008
   
Assets
 
                                                             
Investments:
 
                                                             
Securities available-for-sale3 :
 
                                                             
Fixed maturity securities
 
                                                             
Corporate securities
 
  $ 1,429.5     $ (179.4 )   $ (230.7 )   $ (360.3 )   $ 816.6   $ (254.9 )   $ 1,220.8     $ —    
Mortgage-backed securities
 
    176.6       (283.4 )     (556.9 )     (139.8 )     3,029.4     (6.3 )     2,219.6       —    
Asset-backed securities
 
    754.4       (382.4 )     (539.0 )     11.3       1,469.8     (145.9 )     1,168.2       —    
                                                               
Total fixed maturity securities
 
    2,360.5       (845.2 )     (1,326.6 )     (488.8 )     5,315.8     (407.1 )     4,608.6       —    
Equity securities
 
    1.4       (54.9 )     (5.7 )     28.7       40.4     —         9.9       —    
                                                               
Total securities available-for-sale
 
    2,361.9       (900.1 )     (1,332.3 )     (460.1 )     5,356.2     (407.1 )     4,618.5       —    
Mortgage loans held for sale
 
    86.1       (49.3 )     —         87.7       —       —         124.5       (49.3 )
Short-term investments
 
    371.9       —         —         —         —       (371.9 )     —         —    
                                                               
Total investments
 
    2,819.9       (949.4 )     (1,332.3 )     (372.4 )     5,356.2     (779.0 )     4,743.0       (49.3 )
                 
Derivative assets
 
    166.6       405.4       4.4       21.2       —       —         597.6       394.0  
Separate account assets4.6
 
    2,258.3       310.1       —         509.4       16.8     (958.0 )     2,136.6       333.9  
                                                               
Total assets
 
  $ 5,244.8     $ (233.9 )   $ (1,327.9 )   $ 158.2     $ 5,373.0   $ (1,737.0 )   $ 7,477.2     $ 678.6  
                                                               
Liabilities
 
                                                             
Future policy benefits and claims5
 
  $ (128.9 )   $ (1,602.1 )   $ —       $ (8.7 )   $ —     $ —       $ (1,739.7 )   $ 1,602.1  
Derivative liabilities
 
    (16.3 )     3.9       —         8.2       —       —         (4.2 )     (12.0 )
                                                               
Total liabilities
 
  $ (145.2 )   $ (1,598.2 )   $ —       $ (0.5 )   $ —     $ —       $ (1,743.9 )   $ 1,590.1  
                                                               
 
 
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, MBSs and ABSs, ABS trust preferred notes, 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 5 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, GMWB 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 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.
 
 
6
 
The value of separate account liabilities is set to equal the fair value of separate account assets
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
(a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
 
December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
 
 
 
Transfers
 
The Company will review 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 2008, certain of the Company’s investments in corporate securities, MBSs and ABSs were considered to be in inactive markets, due to concerns in the securities markets and resulting lack of liquidity. As a result, there have been significant changes in certain inputs which led to transfers into Level 3. During 2008, 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.
 
Financial Instruments Not Carried at Fair Value
 
SFAS No. 107, Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments (SFAS 107) requires additional disclosures of fair value information of financial instruments. The following include disclosures for the other financial instruments not carried at fair value and not included in the above SFAS 157 disclosure.
 
In estimating fair value for its SFAS 107 disclosures, the Company used the following methods and assumptions:
 
Mortgage loans on real estate, net: The fair values of mortgage loans on real estate are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses based on interest rates currently being offered for similar loans to borrowers with similar credit ratings. Loans with similar characteristics are aggregated for purposes of the calculations. Estimated fair value is based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective market interest rate. In the current year, mortgage loans held for sale are included in the above SFAS 157 disclosure, as the Company elected to carry these assets at fair value under SFAS 159 (effective January 1, 2008).
 
Policy loans: The carrying amount reported in the consolidated balance sheets approximates fair value.
 
Investment contracts: The fair values of the Company’s liabilities under investment type contracts are based on one of two methods. For investment contracts without defined maturities, fair value is the amount payable on demand, net of certain surrender charges. For investment contracts with known or determined maturities, fair value is estimated using discounted cash flow analysis. Interest rates used in this analysis are similar to currently offered contracts with maturities consistent with those remaining for the contracts being valued.
 
Short-term debt: The carrying amount reported in the consolidated balance sheets approximates fair value.
 
Long-term debt: The fair values for senior notes are based on quoted market prices. The fair values of the junior subordinated debentures issued to a related party are based on quoted market prices of the capital securities of Nationwide Financial Services Capital Trust I (Trust I), which approximate the fair value of this obligation.
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
(a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
 
December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
 
 
 
The following table summarizes the carrying values and estimated fair values of financial instruments subject to disclosure requirements as of December 31:
 
 
 
                                 
     2008     2007  
(in millions)
 
   Carrying
value
    Estimated
fair value
    Carrying
value
    Estimated
fair value
 
Assets
 
                                
Investments:
 
                                
Mortgage loans on real estate, net
 
   $ 7,065.4     $ 6,335.3     $ 7,615.4     $ 7,659.9  
Policy loans
 
     767.4       767.4       687.9       687.9  
         
Liabilities
 
                                
Investment contracts
 
     (24,978.2 )     (18,905.4 )     (24,671.0 )     (23,084.7 )
Short-term debt
 
     (249.7 )     (249.7 )     (285.3 )     (285.3 )
Long-term debt, payable to NFS
 
     (700.0 )     (568.7 )     (700.0 )     (751.3 )
 
 
(5)
Derivative Financial Instruments
 
Qualitative Disclosure
 
Interest Rate Risk Management
 
The Company periodically purchases fixed rate investments to back variable rate liabilities. As a result, the Company can be exposed to interest rate risk due to the mismatch between variable rate liabilities and fixed rate assets. In an effort to mitigate the risk from this mismatch, the Company enters into various types of derivative instruments, with fluctuations in the fair values of the derivatives offsetting changes in the fair values of the investments resulting from changes in interest rates. The Company principally uses pay fixed/receive variable interest rate swaps to manage this risk.
 
Under these interest rate swaps, the Company receives variable interest rate payments and makes fixed rate payments. The fixed interest paid on the swap offsets the fixed interest received on the investment, resulting in the Company receiving the variable interest payments on the swap, generally 3-month U.S. London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR), and the credit spread on the investment. The net receipt of a variable rate will then more closely match the variable rate paid on the liability.
 
As a result of entering into fixed rate commercial mortgage loan and private placement commitments, the Company is exposed to changes in the fair value of such commitments due to changes in interest rates during the commitment period prior to funding of the loans. 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. With short U.S. Treasury futures or pay fixed interest rate swaps, if interest rates rise/fall, the gains/losses on the futures will offset the change in fair value of the commitment attributable to the change in interest rates.
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
(a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
 
December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
 
 
 
The Company periodically purchases variable rate investments such as commercial mortgage loans and corporate bonds. As a result, the Company can be 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 offsets the variable interest received on the investment, resulting in the Company receiving the fixed interest payments on the swap and the credit spread on the investment. The net receipt of a fixed rate will then more closely match the fixed rate paid on the liability.
 
The Company manages interest rate risk at the segment level. Different segments may simultaneously hedge interest rate risks associated with owning fixed and variable rate investments considering the risk relevant to a particular segment.
 
Foreign Currency Risk Management
 
In conjunction with the Company’s MTN program, the Company periodically issues both fixed and variable rate liabilities denominated in foreign currencies. As a result, the Company is exposed to changes in the fair value of liabilities due to changes in foreign currency exchange rates and related interest rates. In an effort to manage these risks, the Company enters into cross-currency interest rate swaps.
 
The Company is exposed to changes in the fair value of fixed rate investments denominated in a foreign currency due to changes in foreign currency exchange rates and related interest rates. In an effort to manage this risk, the Company uses cross-currency interest rate hedges to swap these asset characteristics to variable U.S. dollar rate instruments. Cross-currency interest rate swaps on assets are structured to pay a fixed rate, in a foreign currency, and receive a variable U.S. dollar rate, generally 3-month U.S. LIBOR. These derivative instruments are designated as a fair value hedge of a fixed rate foreign denominated asset.
 
Cross-currency interest rate swaps on variable rate investments are structured to pay a variable rate, in a foreign currency, and receive a fixed U.S. dollar rate. The terms of the foreign currency paid on the swap will exactly match the terms of the foreign currency received on the asset, thus eliminating currency risk. These derivative instruments are designated as a cash flow hedge.
 
Equity Market Risk Management
 
Asset fees calculated as a percentage of separate account assets are a significant source of revenue to the Company. As of December 31, 2008, approximately 71% of separate account assets were invested in equity mutual funds (approximately 82% as of December 31, 2007). Gains and losses in the equity markets result in corresponding increases and decreases in the Company’s separate account assets and asset fee revenue. In addition, a decrease in separate account assets may decrease the Company’s expectations of future profit margins due to a decrease in asset fee revenue and/or an increase in guaranteed contract claims, which also may require the Company to accelerate amortization of DAC.
 
The Company’s long-term assumption for net separate account returns is 7% annual growth. If equity markets were unchanged throughout a given year, the Company estimates that its net earnings per diluted share, calculated using current weighted average diluted shares outstanding, would be approximately $0.05 to $0.10 less than if the Company’s long-term assumption for net separate account returns were realized. This analysis assumes no other factors change and that an unlocking of DAC assumptions would not be required. However, as it does each quarter, the Company would evaluate its DAC balance and underlying assumptions to determine the need for unlocking. The Company can provide no assurance that the experience of flat equity market returns would not result in changes to other factors affecting profitability, including the possibility of unlocking of DAC assumptions.
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
(a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
 
December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
 
 
 
Many of the Company’s individual variable annuity contracts offer GMDB features. A GMDB generally provides a benefit if the annuitant dies and the contract value is less than a specified amount, which may be based on premiums paid less amounts withdrawn or contract value on a specified anniversary date. A decline in the stock market causing the contract value to fall below this specified amount, which varies from contract to contract based on the date the contract was entered into as well as the GMDB feature elected, will increase the net amount at risk, which is the GMDB in excess of the contract value. This could result in additional GMDB claims.
 
In an effort to mitigate this risk, the Company implemented a GMDB economic hedging program for certain new and existing business. Prior to implementation of the GMDB hedging program in 2000, the Company managed this risk primarily by entering into reinsurance arrangements. The GMDB economic hedging program is designed to offset changes in the economic value of the designated GMDB obligation. Currently the program shorts S&P 500 Index futures, which provides an offset to changes in the value of the designated obligation. The futures are not designated as hedges and, therefore, hedge accounting is not applied. The Company’s economic and accounting hedges are not perfectly offset. Therefore, the economic hedging activity is likely to lead to earnings volatility. As of December 31, 2008 and 2007, the Company’s net amount at risk was $8,718.7 million and $519.9 million before reinsurance, respectively, and $7,329.9 million and $317.2 million net of reinsurance, respectively. As of December 31, 2008 and 2007, the Company’s reserve for GMDB claims was $247.9 million and $38.9 million, respectively.
 
The Company also offers certain variable annuity products with guaranteed minimum accumulation benefit (GMAB), guaranteed lifetime withdrawal benefit (GLWB) and hybrid GMAB/GLWB riders (collectively referred to as living benefits). A GMAB 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 time of issuance of a variable annuity contract. In some cases, the contractholder also has the option, after a specified time, to drop the rider and continue the variable annuity contract without the GMAB. The design of the GMAB rider limits the risk to the Company in a variety of ways including asset allocation requirements, which serve to reduce the Company’s potential exposure to underlying fund performance risks. Specifically, the terms in the GMAB rider limit policyholder asset allocation by either (1) requiring partial allocation of assets to a guaranteed term option (a fixed rate investment option) and excluding certain funds that are highly volatile or difficult to hedge or (2) requiring all assets be allocated to one of the approved asset allocation funds or models defined by the Company.
 
Beginning in March 2005, the Company began offering a hybrid GMAB/GLWB through its Capital Preservation Plus Lifetime Income (CPPLI) contract rider. This living benefit combines a GMAB feature in its first 5-10 years with a lifetime withdrawal benefit election at the end of the GMAB feature. Upon maturity of the GMAB, the contractholder can elect the lifetime withdrawal benefit, which would continue for the duration of the insured’s life; elect a new CPPLI rider; or drop the rider completely and continue the variable annuity contract without any rider. If the lifetime withdrawal benefit is elected and the insured’s contract value is exhausted through such withdrawals and market conditions, the Company will continue to fund future withdrawals at a pre-defined level until the insured’s death. In some cases, the contractholder has the right to drop the GLWB portion of this rider or periodically reset the guaranteed withdrawal basis to a higher level. This benefit requires a minimum allocation to guaranteed term options or adherence to limitations required by an approved asset allocation strategy as previously described above.
 
In March 2006, the Company added Lifetime Income (L.inc), a stand-alone GLWB, to complement CPPLI in its product offerings. This rider is very similar to the hybrid benefit discussed above in that L.inc and CPPLI both have guaranteed withdrawal rates that increase based on the age at which the contractholder begins taking income. The withdrawal rates are applied to a benefit base to determine the guaranteed lifetime income amount available to a contractholder. The benefit base is equal to the variable annuity premium at contract issuance and may increase as a result of a ratchet feature that is driven by account performance and a roll-up feature that is driven by policy duration. Generally, the longer the contractholder waits before commencing withdrawals, the greater the guaranteed lifetime income. One key difference between L.inc and CPPLI is that the charge associated with L.inc is assessed against the benefit base. This is a risk mitigation feature as it alleviates much of the uncertainty around account performance and customer withdrawal patterns, both of which can lead to lower than expected revenue streams if the charge were assessed on account value. In June 2007, the Company added a feature to L.inc to allow for a lump settlement in lieu of lifetime withdrawals in certain situations.
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
(a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
 
December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
 
 
 
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 December 31, 2008 and 2007, the net balance of the embedded derivatives for living benefits was a liability of $1.70 billion and $91.9 million, 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.
 
Similar to the Company’s economic hedging for GMDBs, the living benefits features are also being economically hedged. The primary risks being hedged are the exposures associated with declining equity market returns and downward interest rate movements. The Company employs a variety of instruments to mitigate this exposure including S&P 500 Index futures, U.S. Treasury futures, interest rate swaps and long-dated over-the-counter put options. The positions used in the economic hedging program are not designated as hedges and, therefore, hedge accounting is not applied. The living benefits hedging program is designed to offset changes in the economic value of the living benefits obligation to contractholders. Changes in the fair value of the embedded derivatives are likely to create volatility in earnings. The hedging activity associated with changes in the economic value of the living benefits obligations will likely mitigate a portion of this earnings volatility.
 
Other Non-Hedging Derivatives
 
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.
 
The Company sells credit default protection on selected debt instruments and combines the credit default swap with selected assets the Company owns to replicate a higher yielding bond. These selected assets may have sufficient duration for the related liability, but do not earn a sufficient credit spread. The combined credit default swap and investments provide cash flows with the duration and credit spread targeted by the Company. The credit default swaps do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment.
 
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. The purchased credit default protection is not designated for hedge accounting treatment.
 
Quantitative Disclosure
 
Fair Value Hedges
 
During the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, a net gain of $8.3 million, a net loss of $2.4 million and a net gain of $2.9 million, respectively, were recognized in net realized investment gains and losses related to the ineffective portion of fair value hedging relationships. There were no gains or losses attributable to the portion of the derivative instruments’ changes in fair value excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness. There were also no gains or losses recognized in earnings as a result of hedged firm commitments no longer qualifying as fair value hedges.
 
Cash Flow Hedges
 
For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, the ineffective portion of cash flow hedges was a net gain of $3.1 million, a net loss of $1.4 million and a net loss of $1.5 million, respectively. There were no net gains or losses attributable to the portion of the derivative instruments’ changes in fair value excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness.
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
(a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
 
December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
 
 
 
In general, the maximum length of time over which the Company is hedging its exposure to the variability in future cash flows associated with forecasted transactions, other than those relating to variable interest on existing financial instruments, is twelve months or less. However, in 2003 the Company entered into a hedge of a forecasted purchase of shares of a mutual fund tied to the S&P 500 Index where delivery of the shares will occur in 2033.
 
During 2008, the Company did not discontinue any cash flow hedges because the original forecasted transaction was no longer probable. Additionally, no amounts were reclassified from AOCI into earnings due to the probability that a forecasted transaction would not occur.
 
Other Derivative Instruments, Including Embedded Derivatives
 
Net realized investment gains and losses for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 included a net gain of $58.2 million, a net loss of $12.4 million and a net loss of $0.5 million, respectively, related to other derivative instruments, including embedded derivatives, not designated in hedging relationships. In addition, variable annuity contracts resulted in net losses of $442.5 million, $51.8 million, $11.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006, respectively, related to other derivative instruments, including embedded derivatives, not designated in hedging relationships.
 
For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, net losses of $3.6 million, $0.5 million and $10.6 million, respectively, were recorded in net realized investment gains and losses reflecting the change in fair value of cross-currency interest rate swaps hedging variable rate MTNs denominated in foreign currencies. No additional net gains were recorded to reflect the change in spot rates of foreign currency denominated obligations during the year ended December 31, 2008 compared to none for the year ended December 31, 2007, and a net gain of $14.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2006.
 
The following table summarizes the notional amount of derivative financial instruments outstanding as of December 31:
 
 
 
             
(in millions)
 
   2008      2007
Interest rate swaps:
 
               
Pay fixed/receive variable rate swaps hedging investments
 
   $ 1,218.4      $ 1,692.9
Pay variable/receive fixed rate swaps hedging investments
 
     924.5        21.0
Pay variable/receive variable rate swaps hedging liabilities
 
     200.0        —  
Pay fixed/receive variable rate swaps hedging liabilities
 
     1,993.7        1,120.7
Pay variable/receive fixed rate swaps hedging liabilities
 
     3,856.3        343.1
Cross-currency interest rate swaps:
 
               
Hedging foreign currency denominated investments
 
     343.7        375.5
Hedging foreign currency denominated liabilities
 
     463.4        1,144.1
Credit default swaps
 
     271.2        300.3
Other non-hedging instruments
 
     431.0        518.1
Equity option/futures contracts
 
     3,675.3        2,361.8
Interest rate futures contracts
 
     281.1        371.3
                 
Total
 
   $ 13,658.6      $ 8,248.8
                 
The notional value is the amount upon which exchanges of interest are based. Exposure to a counterparty arises if the net expected cash flows are positive, as calculated based on forward interest rate curves and notional contract values.
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
(a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
 
December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
 
 
 
Credit Derivatives
 
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. When the Company sells credit protection against a specific creditor or credit index to a counterparty, 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. There are no recourse provisions associated with these contracts.
 
The Company had exposure to credit protection contracts for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 and experienced losses of $18.8 million in 2008 and no losses in 2007 or 2006, on such contracts. The following table presents the Company’s outstanding exposure to credit protection contracts, all of which are related to corporate debt instruments, as of December 31, 2008 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
 
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 )
                                                             
 
 
 
 
 

 
NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
(a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
 
December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
 
 
 
(6)
Investments
 
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
December 31, 2008:
 
                           
Fixed maturity securities:
 
                           
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government corporations
 
   $ 77.3    $ 20.1    $ —      $ 97.4
U. S. Government agencies1
 
     384.6      89.3      —        473.9
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
 
     223.0      1.5      7.4      217.1
Debt securities issued by foreign governments
 
     33.9      5.0      —        38.9
Corporate securities
 
                           
Public
 
     8,042.9      85.4      1,040.3      7,088.0
Private
 
     4,589.0      49.5      370.0      4,268.5
Mortgage-backed securities
 
     5,248.2      68.2      639.6      4,676.8
Asset-backed securities
 
     3,222.0      19.7      855.1      2,386.6
                             
Total fixed maturity securities
 
     21,820.9      338.7      2,912.4      19,247.2
Equity securities
 
     30.9      0.7      5.1      26.5
                             
Total securities available-for-sale
 
   $ 21,851.8    $ 339.4    $ 2,917.5    $ 19,273.7
                             
December 31, 2007:
 
                           
Fixed maturity securities:
 
                           
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government corporations
 
   $ 110.8    $ 14.3    $ 0.4    $ 124.7
U. S. Government agencies
 
     406.1      61.2      —        467.3
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
 
     245.3      1.6      2.7      244.2
Debt securities issued by foreign governments
 
     40.0      2.5      0.1      42.4
Corporate securities
 
                           
Public
 
     8,253.8      133.4      161.6      8,225.6
Private
 
     5,474.2      131.7      57.6      5,548.3
Mortgage-backed securities
 
     5,855.9      31.3      98.4      5,788.8
Asset-backed securities
 
     3,635.1      31.2      174.2      3,492.1
                             
Total fixed maturity securities
 
     24,021.2      407.2      495.0      23,933.4
Equity securities
 
     69.6      4.8      1.5      72.9
                             
Total securities available-for-sale
 
   $ 24,090.8    $ 412.0    $ 496.5    $ 24,006.3
                             
 
 
1
 
Includes $134.7 million of securities explicitly backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government.
 
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. While the Company has the ability and intent to hold available-for-sale debt securities in unrealized loss positions that are not other-than-temporarily impaired until recovery, it may experience realized 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.
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
(a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
 
December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
 
 
 
Debt securities accounted for under EITF 99-20 may experience other-than-temporary impairment in future periods in the event an adverse change in cash flows is anticipated or probable. Furthermore, equity securities may experience other-than-temporary impairment in the future based on the prospects for recovery in value in a reasonable period. In addition, debt securities may experience other-than-temporary impairment in the future based on the probability that that Company may not be able to receive all contractual payments when due.
 
The Company held securities issued by institutions in the financial sector with equity-type features, classified as fixed maturity, with estimated fair values of $634.2 million and $674.4 million, and gross unrealized losses of $366.6 million and $28.3 million, as of December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively. Of these securities in an unrealized loss position as of December 31, 2008, $104.7 million, or 18%, were in an unrealized loss position for more than one year compared to $149.3 million, or 39%, as of December 31, 2007. 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.
 
The table below summarizes the amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, by maturity, as of December 31, 2008. 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
 
   $ 1,086.7    $ 1,081.9
Due after one year through five years
 
     6,697.6      6,173.1
Due after five years through ten years
 
     2,704.5      2,537.5
Due after ten years
 
     2,861.9      2,391.4
               
Subtotal
 
     13,350.7      12,183.9
Mortgage-backed securities
 
     5,248.2      4,676.7
Asset-backed securities
 
     3,222.0      2,386.6
               
Total
 
   $ 21,820.9    $ 19,247.2
               
The following table presents the components of net unrealized losses on securities available-for-sale as of December 31:
 
 
 
                 
(in millions)
 
   2008     2007  
Net unrealized losses, before adjustments and taxes
 
   $ (2,578.1 )   $ (84.5 )
Change in fair value attributable to fixed maturity securities designated in fair value hedging relationships
 
     (57.8 )     —    
                  
Total net unrealized losses, before adjustments and taxes
 
     (2,635.9 )     (84.5 )
Adjustment to deferred policy acquisition costs
 
     615.9       87.1  
Adjustment to future policy benefits and claims
 
     43.8       (77.7 )
Deferred federal income tax benefit
 
     691.7       26.1  
                  
Net unrealized losses
 
   $ (1,284.5 )   $ (49.0 )
                  
 
 
 
 

 
 
NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
(a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
 
December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
 
 
 
The following table presents an analysis of the net increase in net unrealized (losses) gains on securities available-for-sale before adjustments and taxes for the years ended December 31:
 
 
 
                         
(in millions)
 
   2008     2007     2006  
Fixed maturity securities
 
   $ (2,485.9 )   $ (166.0 )   $ (161.0 )
Equity securities
 
     (7.7 )     (2.6 )     (1.1 )
                          
Net increase
 
   $ (2,493.6 )   $ (168.6 )   $ (162.1 )
                          
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
(a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
 
December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
 
 
 
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)
 
   Estimated
fair value
   Gross
unrealized
losses
   Estimated
fair value
   Gross
unrealized
losses
   Estimated
fair value
   Gross
unrealized
losses
December 31, 2008:
 
                                         
Fixed maturity securities:
 
                                         
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
 
   $ 94.9    $ 3.5    $ 29.3    $ 3.9    $ 124.2    $ 7.4
Corporate securities
 
                                         
Public
 
     3,678.8      700.8      1,233.6      339.5      4,912.4      1,040.3
Private
 
     2,108.1      262.1      838.6      107.9      2,946.7      370.0
Mortgage-backed securities
 
     592.1      149.1      1,694.3      490.6      2,286.4      639.7
Asset-backed securities
 
     1,026.9      248.6      1,171.4      606.4      2,198.3      855.0
                                           
Total fixed maturity securities
 
     7,500.8      1,364.1      4,967.2      1,548.3      12,468.0      2,912.4
Equity securities
 
     11.2      4.9      3.4      0.2      14.6      5.1
                                           
Total
 
   $ 7,512.0    $ 1,369.0    $ 4,970.6    $ 1,548.5    $ 12,482.6    $ 2,917.5
                                           
% of total gross unrealized losses
 
            47%             53%              
             
December 31, 2007:
 
                                         
Fixed maturity securities:
 
                                         
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government corporations
 
   $ 16.4    $ 0.4    $ 2.6    $ —      $ 19.0    $ 0.4
U.S. Government agencies
 
     —        —        13.9      —        13.9      —  
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
 
     15.4      0.1      149.6      2.6      165.0      2.7
Debt securities issued by foreign governments
 
     11.5      0.1      —        —        11.5      0.1
Corporate securities
 
                                         
Public
 
     2,354.0      95.2      1,966.8      66.4      4,320.8      161.6
Private
 
     680.6      17.1      1,814.7      40.5      2,495.3      57.6
Mortgage-backed securities
 
     1,227.8      23.7      2,466.4      74.7      3,694.2      98.4
Asset-backed securities
 
     1,453.8      127.1      1,078.1      47.1      2,531.9      174.2
                                           
Total fixed maturity securities
 
     5,759.5      263.7      7,492.1      231.3      13,251.6      495.0
Equity securities
 
     17.1      1.5      0.1      —        17.2      1.5
                                           
Total
 
   $ 5,776.6    $ 265.2    $ 7,492.2    $ 231.3    $ 13,268.8    $ 496.5
                                           
% of total gross unrealized losses
 
            53%             47%              
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
(a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
 
December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
 
 
 
The Company has fixed maturity securities that have been in an unrealized loss position for more than one year that are not other-than-temporarily impaired. The Company reviews assets in unrealized loss positions and evaluates whether or not the losses are other-than-temporary. Many criteria are considered during this process including, but not limited to, specific credit issues and financial prospects related to the issuer, the quality of the underlying collateral, management’s intent and ability to hold the security until recovery, current economic conditions that could affect the creditworthiness of the issuer in the future, the current fair value as compared to the amortized cost of the security, the extent and duration of the unrealized loss, and the rating of the affected security.
 
As of December 31, 2008, fixed maturity securities that have been in an unrealized loss position for more than one year totaled $1.55 billion, or 53% of the Company’s total unrealized losses on fixed maturity securities. Of this total, $1.31 billion, or 85%, were classified as investment grade securities, as defined by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC).
 
As of December 31, 2008, 1,913, or 65%, of the Company’s investments in fixed maturity securities were in an unrealized loss position, in comparison to 1,725, or 53%, as of December 31, 2007.
 
The majority of the increases in the Company’s unrealized losses from December 31, 2007 to 2008 were attributable to corporate securities, MBSs and ABSs. These increased unrealized loss positions primarily were driven by the combined impact of volatility in investment quality ratings and credit spreads, illiquid markets, and interest rate movements. In particular, exposure to the financial sector, including through structured securities such as trust preferred, collateralized loan obligations and collateralized debt obligations, have been significantly affected by negative circumstances in those sectors. 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.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
(a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
 
December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
 
 
 
For fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, 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 as of December 31, 2008
     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
Corporate securities - public and private
99.9% - 95.0%
 
   $ 50.0    $ 16.4    $ 66.4    $ 1.7    $ 0.1    $ 1.8    $ 51.7    $ 16.5    $ 68.2
94.9% - 90.0%
 
     94.0      28.3      122.3      5.2      6.2      11.4      99.2      34.5      133.7
89.9% - 85.0%
 
     82.8      32.2      115.0      7.9      7.3      15.2      90.7      39.5      130.2
84.9% - 80.0%
 
     94.1      27.2      121.3      14.5      7.1      21.6      108.6      34.3      142.9
Below 80.0%
 
     453.1      150.5      603.6      159.6      172.1      331.7      612.7      322.6      935.3
                                                                
Total
 
     774.0      254.6      1,028.6      188.9      192.8      381.7      962.9      447.4      1,410.3
                                                                
 
Mortgage-backed securities
99.9% - 95.0%
 
     1.1      2.9      4.0      —        —        —        1.1      2.9      4.0
94.9% - 90.0%
 
     5.7      14.4      20.1      0.1      —        0.1      5.8      14.4      20.2
89.9% - 85.0%
 
     13.8      23.9      37.7      5.7      —        5.7      19.5      23.9      43.4
84.9% - 80.0%
 
     14.0      40.0      54.0      17.1      10.0      27.1      31.1      50.0      81.1
Below 80.0%
 
     91.5      377.4      468.9      —        22.0      22.0      91.5      399.4      490.9
                                                                
Total
 
     126.1      458.6      584.7      22.9      32.0      54.9      149.0      490.6      639.6
                                                                
 
Asset-backed securities
99.9% - 95.0%
 
     4.9      2.0      6.9      0.4      —        0.4      5.3      2.0      7.3
94.9% - 90.0%
 
     15.5      18.6      34.1      1.0      —        1.0      16.5      18.6      35.1
89.9% - 85.0%
 
     23.3      27.5      50.8      0.3      0.8      1.1      23.6      28.3      51.9
84.9% - 80.0%
 
     15.3      33.7      49.0      0.1      1.0      1.1      15.4      34.7      50.1
Below 80.0%
 
     171.0      513.0      684.0      16.9      9.8      26.7      187.9      522.8      710.7
                                                                
Total
 
     230.0      594.8      824.8      18.7      11.6      30.3      248.7      606.4      855.1
                                                                
 
Other fixed maturity securities1
99.9% - 95.0%
 
     1.3      —        1.3      —        —        —        1.3      —        1.3
94.9% - 90.0%
 
     2.2      —        2.2      —        —        —        2.2      —        2.2
89.9% - 85.0%
 
     —        3.9      3.9      —        —        —        —        3.9      3.9
84.9% - 80.0%
 
     —        —        —        —        —        —        —        —        —  
Below 80.0%
 
     —        —        —        —        —        —        —        —        —  
                                                                
Total
 
     3.5      3.9      7.4      —        —        —        3.5      3.9      7.4
                                                                
 
Total fixed maturity securities available-for-sale
99.9% - 95.0%
 
     57.3      21.3      78.6      2.1      0.1      2.2      59.4      21.4      80.8
94.9% - 90.0%
 
     117.4      61.3      178.7      6.3      6.2      12.5      123.7      67.5      191.2
89.9% - 85.0%
 
     119.9      87.5      207.4      13.9      8.1      22.0      133.8      95.6      229.4
84.9% - 80.0%
 
     123.4      100.9      224.3      31.7      18.1      49.8      155.1      119.0      274.1
Below 80.0%
 
     715.6      1,040.9      1,756.5      176.5      203.9      380.4      892.1      1,244.8      2,136.9
                                                                
Total
 
   $ 1,133.6    $ 1,311.9    $ 2,445.5    $ 230.5    $ 236.4    $ 466.9    $ 1,364.1    $ 1,548.3    $ 2,912.4
                                                                
 
 
1        Includes U.S. Treasury securities, obligations of U.S. Government corporations, U.S. Government agency securities, obligations of state and political subdivisions, and debt issued by foreign governments.
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
(a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
 
December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
 
 
 
                                                       
     Period of time for which unrealized loss has existed as of December 31, 2007
     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
Corporate securities - public and private
99.9% - 95.0%
 
   $ 21.2    $ 43.6    $ 64.8    $ 12.9    $ 5.2    $ 18.1    $ 34.1    $ 48.8    $ 82.9
94.9% - 90.0%
 
     18.0      30.3      48.3      13.3      4.5      17.8      31.3      34.8      66.1
89.9% - 85.0%
 
     16.5      10.7      27.2      3.1      6.3      9.4      19.6      17.0      36.6
84.9% - 80.0%
 
     2.1      0.4      2.5      3.0      0.2      3.2      5.1      0.6      5.7
Below 80.0%
 
     7.5      —        7.5      14.7      5.7      20.4      22.2      5.7      27.9
                                                                
Total
 
     65.3      85.0      150.3      47.0      21.9      68.9      112.3      106.9      219.2
                                                                
 
Mortgage-backed securities
99.9% - 95.0%
 
     18.6      35.3      53.9      —        —        —        18.6      35.3      53.9
94.9% - 90.0%
 
     5.1      39.4      44.5      —        —        —        5.1      39.4      44.5
89.9% - 85.0%
 
     —        —        —        —        —        —        —        —        —  
84.9% - 80.0%
 
     —        —        —        —        —        —        —        —        —  
Below 80.0%
 
     —        —        —        —        —        —        —        —        —  
                                                                
Total
 
     23.7      74.7      98.4      —        —        —        23.7      74.7      98.4
                                                                
 
Asset-backed securities
99.9% - 95.0%
 
     14.7      13.2      27.9      0.2      —        0.2      14.9      13.2      28.1
94.9% - 90.0%
 
     26.9      13.7      40.6      —        —        —        26.9      13.7      40.6
89.9% - 85.0%
 
     18.0      8.6      26.6      —        —        —        18.0      8.6      26.6
84.9% - 80.0%
 
     14.2      5.8      20.0      —        —        —        14.2      5.8      20.0
Below 80.0%
 
     53.0      5.8      58.8      0.1      —        0.1      53.1      5.8      58.9
                                                                
Total
 
     126.8      47.1      173.9      0.3      —        0.3      127.1      47.1      174.2
                                                                
 
Other fixed maturity securities1
99.9% - 95.0%
 
     0.6      1.4      2.0      —        —        —        0.6      1.4      2.0
94.9% - 90.0%
 
     —        1.2      1.2      —        —        —        —        1.2      1.2
89.9% - 85.0%
 
     —        —        —        —        —        —        —        —        —  
84.9% - 80.0%
 
     —        —        —        —        —        —        —        —        —  
Below 80.0%
 
     —        —        —        —        —        —        —        —        —  
                                                                
Total
 
     0.6      2.6      3.2      —        —        —        0.6      2.6      3.2
                                                                
 
Total fixed maturity securities available-for-sale
99.9% - 95.0%
 
     55.1      93.5      148.6      13.1      5.2      18.3      68.2      98.7      166.9
94.9% - 90.0%
 
     50.0      84.6      134.6      13.3      4.5      17.8      63.3      89.1      152.4
89.9% - 85.0%
 
     34.5      19.3      53.8      3.1      6.3      9.4      37.6      25.6      63.2
84.9% - 80.0%
 
     16.3      6.2      22.5      3.0      0.2      3.2      19.3      6.4      25.7
Below 80.0%
 
     60.5      5.8      66.3      14.8      5.7      20.5      75.3      11.5      86.8
                                                                
Total
 
   $ 216.4    $ 209.4    $ 425.8    $ 47.3    $ 21.9    $ 69.2    $ 263.7    $ 231.3    $ 495.0
                                                                
 
1        Includes U.S. Treasury securities, obligations of U.S. Government corporations, U.S. Government agency securities, obligations of state and political subdivisions, and debt issued by foreign governments.
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
(a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
 
December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
 
 
 
As of December 31, 2008, 27% of the Company’s investments in an unrealized loss position had ratios of estimated fair value to amortized cost of at least 80%. In addition, 84% of the Company’s investments in an unrealized loss position were classified as investment grade, as defined by the NAIC. Of the Company’s investments in unrealized loss positions classified as non-investment grade, 49% have been in an unrealized loss position for less than one year.
 
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, 92% and 94% were in the two highest NAIC Designations as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, 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 December 31:
 
 
 
                             
(in millions)          2008    2007
NAIC
designation1
 
  
Rating agency equivalent designation2
 
   Amortized
cost
   Estimated
fair value
   Amortized
cost
   Estimated
fair value
1
 
   Aaa/Aa/A    $ 13,870.1    $ 12,497.7    $ 16,765.5    $ 16,662.7
2
 
   Baa      5,961.0      5,210.2      5,730.3      5,784.3
3
 
   Ba      1,192.9      953.8      1,101.6      1,078.3
4
 
   B      529.7      366.5      325.0      316.8
5
 
   Caa and lower      166.9      128.9      60.2      52.7
6
 
   In or near default      100.3      90.1      38.6      38.6
                                  
           Total    $ 21,820.9    $ 19,247.2    $ 24,021.2    $ 23,933.4
                                  
 
 
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 designations are published by the NAIC. If no Moody’s rating is available, the Company assigns internal ratings corresponding to public ratings.
 
Recent conditions in the securities markets, including changes in investment quality ratings, liquidity, credit spreads and interest rates, have resulted in declines in the values of investment securities, including corporate debt securities, MBSs and ABSs. When evaluating whether these securities are other-than-temporarily impaired, the Company considers 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, expected future cash flows, and the Company’s ability and intent to hold the security to recovery. These and other factors also affect the estimated fair value of these securities.
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
(a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
 
December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
 
 
 
The Company’s investments in MBSs and ABSs include securities that are supported by 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-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 amortized cost and estimated fair value of the Company’s investments in securities containing Alt-A collateral totaled $1,718.7 million and $1,335.8 million, respectively, and the amortized cost and estimated fair value of the Company’s investments in securities containing Sub-prime collateral totaled $612.7 million and $480.2 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2008, 75% and 84% of securities containing Alt-A and Sub-prime collateral, respectively, were rated AA or better. In addition, 68% and 76% of Alt-A and Sub-prime collateral, respectively, was originated in 2005 or earlier.
 
In addition, recent market activity has negatively impacted the Company’s investments in commercial mortgage-backed securities (CMBS). These investments in CMBS 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. As of December 31, 2008, the amortized cost and estimated fair value of the Company’s investments in CMBS totaled $1.26 billion and $853.0 million, respectively, while the December 31, 2007 amortized cost was $1.10 billion and estimated fair value was $1.08 billion.
 
Proceeds from the sale of securities available-for-sale during 2008, 2007 and 2006 were $4.19 billion, $4.65 billion and $2.27 billion, respectively. During 2008, gross gains of $32.9 million ($70.0 million and $61.6 million in 2007 and 2006, respectively) and gross losses of $23.9 million ($70.2 million and $64.1 million in 2007 and 2006, respectively) were realized on those sales.
 
Real estate held for use was $9.8 million and $17.8 million as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. These assets are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation, which was $2.1 million and $3.6 million as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The carrying value of real estate held for sale was $6.8 million as of December 31, 2008 (compared to no real estate held for sale as of December 31, 2007.)
 
The Company grants mainly commercial mortgage loans on real estate to customers throughout the U.S. As of December 31, 2008, the Company’s largest exposure to any single borrower, region and property type was 2%, 23% and 34%, respectively, of the Company’s general account mortgage loan portfolio, compared to 2%, 24% and 33%, respectively, as of December 31, 2007.
 
As of December 31, 2008 and 2007, the carrying value of commercial mortgage loans on real estate considered specifically impaired was $35.4 million and $7.4 million, respectively, for which a $13.6 million and $3.0 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.
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
(a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
 
December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
 
 
 
The following table summarizes activity in the valuation allowance account for mortgage loans on real estate for the years ended December 31:
 
 
 
                     
(in millions)
 
   2008      2007      2006
Allowance, beginning of period
 
   $ 23.1      $ 34.3      $ 31.1
Net change in allowance
 
     16.4        (11.2 )      3.2
                          
Allowance, end of period
 
   $ 39.5      $ 23.1      $ 34.3
                          
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 2008. During 2008, the Company received $0.6 million in servicing fees related to financial assets where there is a continuing involvement from the securitization of commercial mortgage loans on real estate. During 2007, the Company received proceeds of $928.0 million from the securitization of commercial mortgage loans on real estate to third parties, experienced realized losses of $7.3 million on these loans, and received $0.7 million in servicing fees related to loans securitized in 2007 and before. During 2006, the Company received proceeds of $545.0 million from the securitization of commercial mortgage loans on real estate to third parties, experienced realized gains of $5.3 million on these loans, and received $0.4 million in servicing fees related to loans securitized in 2006 and before.
 
The Company provides a representations and warranties letter to the transferee for each securitization arrangement. If it is found that the Company has made a misrepresentation, it could be required to provide financial support to the transferee or its beneficial interest holders. In 2008 and 2007, 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.
 
The following table summarizes net realized investment (losses) gains from continuing operations by source for the years ended December 31:
 
 
 
                         
(in millions)
 
   2008     2007     2006  
Total realized gains on sales, net of hedging losses
 
   $ 1.9     $ 65.4     $ 88.8  
Total realized losses on sales, net of hedging gains
 
     (93.1 )     (79.9 )     (64.8 )
Total other-than-temporary and other investment impairments
 
     (1,051.4 )     (116.4 )     (17.1 )
Credit default swaps
 
     (9.8 )     (7.5 )     (1.1 )
Derivatives and embedded derivatives associated with living benefit contracts
 
     (500.7 )     (26.7 )     —    
Derivatives associated with death benefits contracts
 
     109.4       —         —    
Other derivatives
 
     104.4       (1.1 )     1.3  
                          
Net realized investment (losses) gains
 
   $ (1,439.3 )   $ (166.2 )   $ 7.1  
                          
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
(a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
 
December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
 
 
 
The following table summarizes other-than-temporary and other investment impairments by asset type for the years ended December 31:
 
 
 
                   
(in millions)
 
   2008      2007      2006
Fixed maturity securities:
 
                        
Corporate securities
 
                        
Public
 
   $ 191.1      $ 10.5      $ 4.6
Private
 
     77.0        62.7        0.5
Mortgage-backed securities
 
     313.5        —          —  
Asset-backed securities
 
     392.4        35.1        2.1
                          
Total fixed maturity securities
 
     974.0        108.3        7.2
       
Equity securities
 
     60.2        —          —  
Other
 
     17.2        8.1        9.9
                          
Total other-than-temporary and other investment impairments
 
   $ 1,051.4      $ 116.4      $ 17.1
                          
                          
The following table summarizes net investment income from continuing operations by investment type for the years ended December 31:
 
 
 
                     
(in millions)
 
   2008     2007    2006
Securities available-for-sale:
 
                     
Fixed maturity securities
 
   $ 1,334.5     $ 1,370.5    $ 1,419.2
Equity securities
 
     4.9       4.0      2.6
Mortgage loans on real estate
 
     459.3       512.6      535.4
Short-term investments
 
     16.1       28.7      47.3
Other
 
     (74.3 )     124.3      120.9
                       
Gross investment income
 
     1,740.5       2,040.1      2,125.4
Less investment expenses
 
     53.5       64.3      66.9
                       
Net investment income
 
   $ 1,687.0     $ 1,975.8    $ 2,058.5
                       
Fixed maturity securities with an amortized cost of $15.0 million and $8.3 million as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively, were on deposit with various regulatory agencies as required by law.
 
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.
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
(a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
 
December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
 
 
 
As of December 31, 2008 and 2007, the Company had received $378.3 million and $551.9 million, respectively, of cash collateral on securities lending. The Company had not received any non-cash collateral on securities lending as of December 31, 2008 and 2007. As of December 31, 2008 and 2007, the Company had loaned securities with a fair value of $367.2 million and $541.2 million, respectively.
 
As of December 31, 2008 and 2007, the Company had received $1,022.5 million and $245.4 million, respectively, of cash for derivative collateral, which is in turn invested in short-term investments. The Company also held $35.4 million and $18.5 million of securities as off-balance sheet collateral on derivative transactions as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. As of December 31, 2008, the Company had pledged fixed maturity securities with a fair value of $24.5 million as collateral to various derivative counterparties compared to $18.8 million as of December 31, 2007.
 
 
 
(7)
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs
 
The following table presents a reconciliation of DAC for the years ended December 31:
 
 
 
                 
(in millions)
 
   2008     2007  
Balance at beginning of period
 
   $ 3,997.4     $ 3,758.0  
Capitalization of DAC
 
     572.2       612.5  
Amortization of DAC
 
     (674.5 )     (368.5 )
Adjustments to unrealized gains and losses on securities available-for-sale and other
 
     528.8       4.4  
Cumulative effect of adoption of accounting principle
 
     —         (9.0 )
                  
Balance at end of period
 
   $ 4,423.9     $ 3,997.4  
                  
See Note 2(f) for information on the Company’s DAC policies.
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
(a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
 
December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
 
 
 
(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) 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.
 
 

 
 
 

 
 
 
NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
(a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
 
December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
 
 
 
See Note 5 for a complete description of the Company’s hybrid GMAB/GLWB offered through its CPPLI 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 December 31:
 
 
 
                                 
     2008    2007
(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
 
   $ 5,991.9    $ 440.6    60    $ 9,082.6    $ 18.7    59
Reset
 
     12,468.7      2,468.0    64      17,915.0      61.1    63
Ratchet
 
     12,352.3      3,767.2    67      15,789.2      132.2    66
Rollup
 
     277.1      25.7    72      467.0      8.4    71
Combo
 
     1,704.1      621.2    69      2,555.5      47.0    68
                                       
Subtotal
 
     32,794.1      7,322.7    65      45,809.3      267.4    64
Earnings enhancement
 
     333.5      7.2    63      519.2      49.8    62
                                       
Total - GMDB
 
   $ 33,127.6    $ 7,329.9    65    $ 46,328.5    $ 317.2    64
                                       
GMAB2 :
 
                                     
5 Year
 
   $ 2,867.6    $ 499.0    N/A    $ 2,985.6    $ 4.6    N/A
7 Year
 
     2,265.9      482.9    N/A      2,644.1      6.2    N/A
10 Year
 
     677.9      132.2    N/A      927.3      1.3    N/A
                                       
Total - GMAB
 
   $ 5,811.4    $ 1,114.1    N/A    $ 6,557.0    $ 12.1    N/A
                                       
GMIB3 :
 
                                     
Ratchet
 
   $ 244.7    $ 5.6    N/A    $ 425.2    $ —      N/A
Rollup
 
     659.5      1.3    N/A      1,119.9      —      N/A
Combo
 
     0.1      —      N/A      0.3      —      N/A
                                       
Total - GMIB
 
   $ 904.3    $ 6.9    N/A    $ 1,545.4    $ —      N/A
                                       
GLWB:
 
                                     
L.inc
 
   $ 3,320.8    $ 571.5    N/A    $ 2,865.8    $ —      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 $4.59 billion and $4.77 billion as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, 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. The increase in net amount at risk during 2008 is primarily due to declines in the financial markets. See Note 5 – Equity Market Risk Management for a discussion of the Company’s risk management practices with respect to declining financial market exposure and related reserve balances.
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
(a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
 
December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
 
 
 
The following table summarizes account balances of variable annuity contracts that were invested in separate accounts as of December 31:
 
 
 
             
(in millions)
 
   2008    2007
Mutual funds:
 
             
Bond
 
   $ 4,350.2    $ 5,143.6
Domestic equity
 
     18,572.8      31,217.7
International equity
 
     2,412.7      3,987.3
               
Total mutual funds
 
     25,335.7      40,348.6
Money market funds
 
     2,132.6      1,728.2
               
Total
 
   $ 27,468.3    $ 42,076.8
               
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.
 
The following assumptions and methodology were used to determine the GMDB claim reserves as of December 31, 2008 and 2007:
 
 
 
   
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%
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
(a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
 
December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
 
 
 
(9)
Short-Term Debt
 
The following table summarizes short-term debt as of December 31:
 
 
 
             
(in millions)
 
   2008    2007
$800.0 million commercial paper program
 
   $ 149.9    $ 199.7
$350.0 million securities lending program facility
 
     99.8      85.6
               
Total short-term debt
 
   $ 249.7    $ 285.3
               
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. As of December 31, 2008, the Company and NLIC were in compliance with all covenants. NLIC and NMIC had no amounts outstanding under this agreement as of December 31, 2008 and 2007. 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 $149.9 million of commercial paper outstanding at December 31, 2008 at a weighted average interest rate of 2.07% and $199.7 million at a weighted average interest rate of 4.39% at December 31, 2007.
 
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. LIBOR (0.44% and 4.60% as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively). NLIC had $99.8 million and $85.6 million outstanding under this agreement as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. As of December 31, 2008, the Company had not provided any guarantees on such borrowings, either directly or indirectly.
 
The Company paid interest on short-term debt totaling $8.3 million, $15.0 million and $11.7 million in 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
 
 
 
(10)
Long-Term Debt
 
The following table summarizes surplus notes payable to NFS as of December 31:
 
 
 
             
(in millions)
 
   2008    2007
8.15% surplus note, due June 27, 2032
 
   $ 300.0    $ 300.0
7.50% surplus note, due December 17, 2031
 
     300.0      300.0
6.75% surplus note, due December 23, 2033
 
     100.0      100.0
               
Total long-term debt
 
   $ 700.0    $ 700.0
               
The Company made interest payments to NFS on surplus notes totaling $53.7 million in 2008, 2007 and 2006. Payments of interest and principal under the notes require the prior approval of the Ohio Department of Insurance (ODI).
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
(a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
 
December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
 
 
 
(11)
Federal Income Taxes
 
In 2008, NFS will file a life/non-life federal income tax return with all of its eligible downstream subsidiaries. Effective January 1, 2009, pursuant to the merger agreement dated August 6, 2008 whereby NMIC and its affiliates purchased all of the NFS common stock they did not already own, Nationwide Corp. will own more than 80% of the value of NFS, meeting the requirements for NFS to join the NMIC consolidated federal income tax return. However, the life insurance company subsidiaries will not be eligible to join the NMIC consolidated federal income tax return until 2014. The members of the NFS consolidated federal income tax return group participate in a tax sharing arrangement, which uses a consolidated approach in allocating the amount of current and deferred expense to the separate financial statements of a subsidiary. This approach provides for a current tax benefit to the subsidary for losses that are utilized in the consoldiated tax return.
 
The following table summarizes the tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant components of the net deferred tax (asset) liability as of December 31:
 
 
 
                 
(in millions)
 
   2008     2007  
Deferred tax assets:
 
                
Future policy benefits and claims
 
   $ 881.0     $ 622.0  
Securities available-for-sale
 
     737.4       83.8  
Derivatives
 
     229.7       —    
Other
 
     238.3       129.4  
                  
Gross deferred tax assets
 
     2,086.4       835.2  
Less valuation allowance
 
     (7.0 )     (7.0 )
                  
Deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance
 
     2,079.4       828.2  
                  
Deferred tax liabilities:
 
                
Deferred policy acquisition costs
 
     1,249.4       1,112.6  
Derivatives
 
     —         15.6  
Other
 
     188.4       115.2  
                  
Gross deferred tax liabilities
 
     1,437.8       1,243.4  
                  
Net deferred tax (asset) liability
 
   $ (641.6 )   $ 415.2  
                  
In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion of the total gross deferred tax assets will not be realized. Future taxable amounts or recovery of federal income taxes paid within the statutory carryback period can offset nearly all future deductible amounts. The valuation allowance was unchanged during 2008, 2007 and 2006. No additional valuation allowances are required to be recognized as the Company has prudent and feasible tax planning strategies that would, if necessary, be implemented to utilize deferred tax assets.
 
The Company’s current federal income tax asset was $127.2 million and $12.7 million as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
 
Total federal income taxes (refunded) paid were $(46.1) million, $99.1 million and $(4.3) million during the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
 
As of December 31, 2008, the Company has $38.9 million of capital loss carryforwards that can carry forward for five tax years and are expected to be fully utilized. In addition, the Company has $41.9 million in low income housing credit carryforwards which can be carried forward for twenty years. The Company expects that they will be fully utilized. The Company has $56.5 million in Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) credit carryforwards, which can be carried forward until utilized. The Company expects to fully realize the AMT credits in the future.
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
(a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
 
December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
 
 
 
During the third quarter of 2008, the Company refined its separate account dividends received deduction (DRD) calculation and estimation process. As a result, the Company reduced its third quarter separate account DRD projection from a federal income tax benefit of $14.3 million to a $4.4 million benefit. This reduction in estimate primarily was driven by the assumptions used in the estimation process regarding future dividend income within the separate accounts. The assumptions used in the separate account DRD calculation are based on the Company’s best estimate of future events.
 
In addition, during 2008, the Company recorded $12.7 million of net federal income tax expense adjustments primarily related to differences between the 2007 estimated tax liability and the amounts expected to be reported on the Company’s 2007 tax returns when filed. These changes in estimates primarily were driven by the Company’s separate account DRD.
 
During the second quarter of 2007, the Company recorded $6.8 million of net federal income tax expense adjustments primarily related to differences between the 2006 estimated tax liability and the amounts the Company reported on its 2006 tax returns. The Company recorded an additional $1.5 million and $0.2 million of such adjustments during the third and fourth quarters of 2007, respectively.
 
Through June 2006, the Company’s federal income tax returns for tax years 2000-2002 were under IRS examination pursuant to a routine audit. In accordance with its regular practice, management established tax reserves based on the current facts and circumstances regarding each tax exposure item for which the ultimate deductibility is open to interpretation. These reserves are reviewed regularly and are adjusted as events occur that management believes impacts the Company’s liability for additional taxes, such as lapsing of applicable statutes of limitations; conclusion of tax audits or substantial agreement on the deductibility/non-deductibility 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. A significant component of the Company’s tax reserve as of December 31, 2005 was related to the separate account dividends received deduction (DRD). See “Tax Matters” in Note 15 for more information regarding DRD.
 
In July 2006, the Company reached substantial agreement with the IRS on all open issues for tax years 2000-2002, including issues related to the DRD. Accordingly, the Company revised its estimate of amounts that may be due in connection with certain tax positions, including the DRD, for all open tax years. As a result of the revised estimate, $110.9 million of tax reserves were released into earnings during the second quarter of 2006.
 
During the third quarter of 2006, the Company recorded $7.8 million of net federal income tax expense adjustments primarily related to differences between the 2005 estimated tax liability and the amounts reported on the Company’s 2005 tax returns.
 
The following table summarizes federal income tax (benefit) expense attributable to (loss) income from continuing operations for the years ended December 31:
 
 
 
                       
(in millions)
 
   2008     2007    2006  
Current
 
   $ (135.5 )   $ 106.5    $ (61.8 )
Deferred
 
     (398.8 )     22.0      90.5  
                         
Federal income tax (benefit) expense
 
   $ (534.3 )   $ 128.5    $ 28.7  
                         
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
(a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
 
December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
 
 
 
Total federal income tax (benefit) expense differs from the amount computed by applying the U.S. federal income tax rate to (loss) income from continuing operations before federal income tax (benefit) expense as follows for the years ended December 31:
 
 
 
                                         
     2008    2007     2006  
(dollars in millions)
 
   Amount     %    Amount     %     Amount     %  
Computed tax (benefit) expense
 
   $ (477.4 )   35.0    $ 204.0     35.0     $ 226.8     35.0  
DRD
 
     (36.7 )   2.7      (61.0 )   (10.5 )     (67.5 )   (10.4 )
Reserve release
 
     —       —        —       —         (110.9 )   (17.1 )
Other, net
 
     (20.2 )   1.5      (14.5 )   (2.4 )     (19.7 )   (3.1 )
                                           
Total
 
   $ (534.3 )   39.2    $ 128.5     22.1     $ 28.7     4.4  
                                           
As noted previously, the Company adopted the provisions of FIN 48 on January 1, 2007. There was no impact to the Company’s retained earnings on adoption of FIN 48. A rollforward of the beginning and ending uncertain tax positions, including permanent and temporary differences, but excluding interest and penalties, is as follows:
 
 
 
               
(in millions)
 
   2008     2007
Balance at beginning of period
 
   $ 8.6     $ 4.6
Additions for current year tax positions
 
     37.4       4.0
Additions for prior years tax positions
 
     0.3       —  
Reductions for prior years tax positions
 
     (2.6 )     —  
                
Balance at end of period
 
   $ 43.7     $ 8.6
                
The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would impact the effective tax rate on December 31, 2008, is $37.4 million.
 
The Company has included tax on permanent uncertain tax positions and interest and penalties on all uncertain tax positions in determining the potential impact on the effective tax rate above. An uncertain tax timing position may result in the acceleration of cash payments to the IRS, but will not impact the effective tax rate.
 
During the years ended December 31, 2008, and 2007, the Company incurred $1.0 million and $0.8 million in interest and penalties, respectively. The Company accrued $2.2 million and $1.2 million for the payment of interest and penalties at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Interest expense and any associated penalties are shown as income tax expense.
 
Management is not aware of any reasonable possibility of a significant increase or decrease to the total of the uncertain tax positions within the next 12 months.
 
The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various state jurisdictions. With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal, state or local income tax examinations by tax authorities for years through 2002. The IRS commenced an examination of the Company’s U.S. income tax returns for 2003 through 2005 in the first quarter of 2007. As of December 31, 2008, the IRS has proposed adjustments which would not result in a material change to the Company’s financial position.
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
(a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
 
December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
 
 
 
(12)
Shareholders’ Equity, Regulatory Risk-Based Capital, Statutory Results and Dividend Restrictions
 
Regulatory Risk-Based Capital
 
The State of Ohio, where NLIC and NLAIC are domiciled, imposes minimum risk-based capital requirements that were developed by the NAIC. The formulas for determining the amount of risk-based capital specify various weighting factors that are applied to financial balances or various levels of activity based on the perceived degree of risk. Regulatory compliance is determined by a ratio of total adjusted capital, as defined by the NAIC, to authorized control level risk-based capital, as defined by the NAIC. Companies below specific trigger points or ratios are classified within certain levels, each of which requires specified corrective action. NLIC and NLAIC each exceeded the minimum risk-based capital requirements for all periods presented herein.
 
Statutory Results
 
The Company and its subsidiary are required to prepare statutory financial statements in conformity with the NAIC’s Accounting Practices and Procedures Manual, subject to any deviations prescribed or permitted by the applicable state department of insurance. Statutory accounting practices focus on insurer solvency and differ from GAAP materially. The principal differences include charging policy acquisition and certain sales inducement costs to expense as incurred, establishing future policy benefits and claims reserves using different actuarial assumptions, excluding certain assets from statutory admitted assets, and valuing investments and establishing deferred taxes on a different basis. The following tables summarize the statutory net (loss) income and statutory capital and surplus for the Company and its insurance subsidiary for the years ended December 31:
 
 
 
                         
(in millions)
 
   20081     2007     2006  
Statutory net (loss) income
 
                        
NLIC
 
   $ (898.3 )   $ 309.0     $ 537.5  
NLAIC
 
     (87.9 )     (13.4 )     (45.6 )
       
Statutory capital and surplus
 
                        
NLIC
 
   $ 2,261.5     $ 2,501.1     $ 2,682.3  
NLAIC
 
     81.7       173.3       158.6  
 
 
1
 
Unaudited as of the date of this report.
 
The Company has received approval from the Ohio Department of Insurance (ODI) regarding the use of a permitted practice related to the statutory accounting provision for the admissibility of deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2008. The permitted practice modifies the practice prescribed by the NAIC by increasing the threshold for admissibility of deferred tax assets from 10% to 15% of statutory capital and surplus. The permitted practice resulted in an increase of the Company’s estimated statutory surplus of $68.9 million (unaudited) as of December 31, 2008. The permitted practice had no impact on the Company’s statutory net income. The benefits of this permitted practice may not be considered by the Company when determining capital and surplus available for dividends. NLAIC did not qualify for the permitted practice.
 
Dividend Restrictions
 
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. During the year ended December 31, 2008, NLIC paid dividends of $246.5 million to NFS after providing prior notice to the ODI. The dividend included $181.9 million in cash and $64.6 million in securities. As of January 1, 2009, NLIC could not pay dividends to NFS without obtaining prior approval.
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
(a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
 
December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
 
 
 
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 shareholder.
 
The Company currently does not expect such regulatory requirements to impair its ability to pay future operating expenses, interest and shareholder dividends.
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
(a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
 
December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
 
 
 
Comprehensive 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 income (other comprehensive income or loss).
 
The following table summarizes the Company’s other comprehensive loss, before and after federal income tax benefit, for the years ended December 31:
 
 
 
                         
(in millions)
 
   2008     2007     2006  
Net unrealized losses on securities available-for-sale arising during the period:
 
                        
Net unrealized losses before adjustments
 
   $ (3,576.6 )   $ (276.3 )   $ (171.3 )
Net adjustment to deferred policy acquisition costs
 
     528.8       3.8       40.9  
Net adjustment to future policy benefits and claims
 
     121.5       5.4       21.5  
Related federal income tax benefit
 
     1,024.4       93.3       38.1  
                          
Net unrealized losses
 
     (1,901.9 )     (173.8 )     (70.8 )
                          
Reclassification adjustment for net realized losses on securities available-for-sale realized during the period:
 
                        
Net unrealized losses
 
     1,025.2       107.7       9.2  
Related federal income tax benefit
 
     (358.8 )     (37.7 )     (3.2 )
                          
Net reclassification adjustment
 
     666.4       70.0       6.0  
                          
Other comprehensive loss on securities available-for-sale
 
     (1,235.5 )     (103.8 )     (64.8 )
                          
Accumulated net holding gains (losses) on cash flow hedges:
 
                        
Unrealized holding gains (losses)
 
     16.5       (17.2 )     (0.2 )
Related federal income tax (expense) benefit
 
     (5.8 )     6.0       0.1  
                          
Other comprehensive income (loss) on cash flow hedges
 
     10.7       (11.2 )     (0.1 )
                          
Other unrealized gains (losses):
 
                        
Net unrealized gains (losses)
 
     6.4       (6.4 )     —    
Related federal income tax (expense) benefit
 
     (2.3 )     2.2       —    
                          
Other net unrealized gains (losses)
 
     4.1       (4.2 )     —    
                          
Total other comprehensive loss
 
   $ (1,220.7 )   $ (119.2 )   $ (64.9 )
                          
Adjustments for net realized gains and losses on the ineffective portion of cash flow hedges were immaterial during the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006.
 
 
 
 

 
NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
(a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
 
December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
 
 
 
(13)
Employee Benefit Plans
 
Defined Benefit Plans
 
The Company and certain affiliated companies participate in a qualified defined benefit pension plan sponsored by NMIC. This plan covers all employees of participating companies who have completed at least one year of service. Plan contributions are invested in a group annuity contract issued by NLIC, and a trust with Bank of New York as the custodian and trustee. All participants are eligible for benefits based on an account balance feature. Participants last hired before 2002 are eligible for benefits based on the highest average annual salary of a specified number of consecutive years of the last ten years of service, if such benefits are of greater value than the account balance feature. The Company funds pension costs accrued for direct employees plus an allocation of pension costs accrued for employees of affiliates whose work benefits the Company. A separate non-qualified defined benefit pension plan sponsored by NMIC covers certain executives with at least one year of service. The Company’s portion of expense relating to these plans was $12.0 million, $13.5 million and $19.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
 
In addition to the NMIC pension plan, the Company and certain affiliated companies participate in life and health care defined benefit plans sponsored by NMIC for qualifying retirees. Postretirement life and health care benefits are contributory. The level of contribution required by a qualified retiree depends on the retiree’s years of service and date of hire. In general, postretirement benefits are available to full-time employees who are credited with 120 months of retiree life and health service. Postretirement health care benefit contributions are adjusted annually and contain cost-sharing features such as deductibles and coinsurance. In addition, there are caps on the Company’s portion of the per-participant cost of the postretirement health care benefits. The Company’s policy is to fund the cost of health care benefits in amounts determined at the discretion of management. Plan assets are invested primarily in a group annuity contract issued by NLIC, and a trust with Bank of New York as the custodian and trustee. All participants are eligible for benefits based on an account balance feature. The Company’s portion of expense relating to these plans was immaterial for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006.
 
Defined Contribution Plans
 
NMIC sponsors a defined contribution retirement savings plan covering substantially all employees of the Company. Employees may make salary deferral contributions of up to 80%. Salary deferrals of up to 6% are subject to a 50% Company match. The Company’s expense for contributions to these plans was $5.6 million, $7.3 million and $6.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
 
 
 
(14)
Related Party Transactions
 
The Company has entered into significant, recurring transactions and agreements with NMIC, other affiliates and subsidiaries as a part of its ongoing operations. These include annuity and life insurance contracts, office space leases, and agreements related to reinsurance, cost sharing, administrative services, marketing, intercompany loans, intercompany repurchases, cash management services and software licensing. Measures used to allocate expenses among companies include individual employee estimates of time spent, special cost studies, the number of full-time employees, commission expense and other methods agreed to by the participating companies.
 
In addition, Nationwide Services Company, LLC (NSC), a subsidiary of NMIC, provides data processing, systems development, hardware and software support, telephone, mail and other services to the Company, based on specified rates for units of service consumed.. For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, the Company made payments to NMIC and NSC totaling $280.8 million, $285.6 million and $261.7 million, respectively.
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
(a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
 
December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
 
 
 
The Company has issued group annuity and life insurance contracts and performs administrative services for various employee benefit plans sponsored by NMIC or its affiliates. Total account values of these contracts were $2.85 billion and $2.90 billion as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Total revenues from these contracts were $137.7 million, $130.8 million and $133.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively, and include policy charges, net investment income from investments backing the contracts and administrative fees. Total interest credited to the account balances was $115.4 million, $109.7 million and $110.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. The terms of these contracts are consistent in all material respects with what the Company offers to unaffiliated parties.
 
The Company leases office space from NMIC. For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, the Company made lease payments to NMIC of $22.9 million, $23.0 million and $19.3 million, respectively.
 
NLIC has a reinsurance agreement with NMIC whereby all of NLIC’s accident and health business not ceded to unaffiliated reinsurers is ceded to NMIC on a modified coinsurance basis. Either party may terminate the agreement on January 1 of any year with prior notice. Under a modified coinsurance agreement, the ceding company retains invested assets, and investment earnings are paid to the reinsurer. Under the terms of NLIC’s agreements, the investment risk associated with changes in interest rates is borne by the reinsurer. The ceding of risk does not discharge the original insurer from its primary obligation to the policyholder. The Company believes that the terms of the modified coinsurance agreements are consistent in all material respects with what the Company could have obtained with unaffiliated parties. Revenues ceded to NMIC for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 were $202.3 million, $317.6 million and $430.8 million, respectively, while benefits, claims and expenses ceded during these years were $218.9 million, $348.1 million and $470.4 million, respectively.
 
Funds of Nationwide Funds Group (NFG), an affiliate, are offered to the Company’s customers as investment options in certain of the Company’s products. As of December 31, 2008 and 2007, customer allocations to NFG funds totaled $17.48 billion and $21.41 billion, respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, NFG paid the Company $74.4 million, $76.9 million and $64.4 million, respectively, for the distribution and servicing of these funds.
 
Under a marketing agreement with NMIC, NLIC makes payments to cover a portion of the agent marketing allowance that is paid to Nationwide agents. These costs cover product development and promotion, sales literature, rent and similar items. Payments under this agreement totaled $8.3 million, $20.1 million and $28.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. The last payment under this agreement was made in 2008.
 
The Company also participates in intercompany repurchase agreements with affiliates whereby the seller transfers securities to the buyer at a stated value. Upon demand or after a stated period, the seller repurchases the securities at the original sales price plus interest. As of December 31, 2008 and 2007, the Company had no outstanding borrowings from affiliated entities under such agreements. During 2008, 2007 and 2006, the most the Company had outstanding at any given time was $151.6 million, $178.2 million and $191.5 million, respectively, and the amounts the Company incurred for interest expense on intercompany repurchase agreements during these years were immaterial.
 
The Company and various affiliates have agreements with Nationwide Cash Management Company (NCMC), an affiliate, under which NCMC acts as a common agent in handling the purchase and sale of short-term securities for the respective accounts of the participants. Amounts on deposit with NCMC for the benefit of the Company were $2.57 billion and $368.2 million as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively, and are included in short-term investments on the consolidated balance sheets.
 
Certain annuity products are sold through affiliated companies, which are also subsidiaries of NFS. Total commissions and fees paid to these affiliates for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 were $52.7 million, $59.5 million and $58.1 million, respectively.
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
(a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
 
December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
 
 
 
An affiliate of the Company is currently developing a browser-based policy administration and online brokerage software application for defined benefit plans. In connection with the development of this application, the Company made net payments, which were expensed, to that affiliate related to development totaling $11.0 million, $9.4 million and $6.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
 
The Company entered into a note purchase agreement with an affiliate on November 17, 2006 to purchase $25.0 million of the affiliate’s 5.6% senior notes due November 16, 2016. The notes are secured by certain pledged mortgage servicing rights. The note is payable in seven equal principal installments of $3.8 million, which begin November 6, 2010. Interest is payable semi-annually on each May 16 and November 16.
 
Through September 30, 2002, the Company filed a consolidated federal income tax return with NMIC, as discussed in more detail in Note 11. Effective October 1, 2002, NLIC began filing a consolidated federal income tax return with NLAIC. Total payments from NMIC were $22.5 million and $15.3 million during the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2006, respectively. These payments related to tax years prior to deconsolidation. There were no payments during 2007.
 
During 2008, NLIC received a $338.8 million capital contribution from NFS. The capital contribution included $157.1 million in securities, $153.4 million in cash and $28.3 million in mortgage loans.
 
In 2008, 2007 and 2006, NLIC paid dividends to NFS totaling $246.5 million, $537.5 million and $375.0 million, respectively.
 
 
 
(15)
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 results in a particular quarterly or annual 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.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
(a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
 
December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
 
 
 
The financial services industry, including mutual fund, variable annuity, retirement plan, life insurance and distribution companies, has also been the subject of increasing scrutiny 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 regarding 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 been contacted by or received subpoenas from the SEC and the New York State Attorney General, who are investigating market timing in certain mutual funds offered in insurance products sponsored by the Company. The Company has cooperated with these investigations. Information requests from the New York State Attorney General and the SEC with respect to investigations into late trading and market timing were last responded to by the Company and its affiliates in December 2003 and June 2005, respectively, and no further information requests have been received with respect to 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.
 
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 litigation or regulatory actions will not have a material adverse effect on the Company in the future.
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
(a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
 
December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
 
 
 
On November 20, 2007, NRS and NLIC 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. 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. NRS and NLIC continue to defend this case vigorously.
 
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. On October 17, 2008, the plaintiffs filed their opening brief. On December 19, 2008, the defendants filed their briefs. On January 26, 2009, the plaintiffs filed Appellants’ Reply Brief. 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. NFS, NLIC and NRS continue to defend this lawsuit vigorously.
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
(a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
 
December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
 
 
 
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 case was settled.
 
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. NLIC continues to defend this lawsuit vigorously.
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
(a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
 
December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
 
 
 
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. The Court has set a hearing on the class certification motion for February 27, 2009. 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 IRS examinations and other tax-related matters for all open tax years.
 
The separate account 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.
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
(a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
 
December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
 
 
 
(16)
Guarantees
 
Since 2002, the Company has sold $677.4 million of credit enhanced equity interests in Low-Income-Housing Tax Credit Funds (LIHTC Funds) to unrelated third parties. The Company has guaranteed cumulative after-tax yields to the third party investors ranging from 3.75% to 5.25% over periods ending between 2002 and 2022. As of December 31, 2008 and 2007, the Company held guarantee reserves totaling $5.1 million and $6.0 million, respectively, on these transactions. These guarantees are in effect for periods of approximately 15 years each. The LIHTC Funds provide a stream of tax benefits to the investors that will generate a yield and return of capital. If the tax benefits are not sufficient to provide these cumulative after-tax yields, then the Company must fund any shortfall, which is mitigated by stabilization collateral set aside by the Company at the inception of the transactions. The maximum amount of undiscounted future payments that the Company could be required to pay the investors under the terms of the guarantees is $1.10 billion. The Company does not anticipate making any material payments related to these guarantees.
 
As of December 31, 2008, the Company held stabilization reserves of $0.8 million as collateral for certain properties owned by the LIHTC Funds that had not met all of the criteria necessary to generate tax credits. Such criteria include completion of construction and the leasing of each unit to a qualified tenant, among others. Properties meeting the necessary criteria are considered to have “stabilized.” The properties are evaluated regularly, and the collateral is released when stabilized. In 2008, $0.8 million of the stabilization reserve was released into income. In 2007, the stabilization reserve was increased by $2.4 million and $3.1 million was released into income.
 
To the extent there are cash deficits in any specific property owned by the LIHTC Funds, property reserves, property operating guarantees and reserves held by the LIHTC Funds are exhausted before the Company is required to perform under its guarantees. To the extent the Company is ever required to perform under its guarantees, it may recover any such funding out of the cash flow distributed from the sale of the underlying properties of the LIHTC Funds. This cash flow distribution would be paid to the Company prior to any cash flow distributions to unrelated third party investors.
 
 
 
(17)
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 low-income-housing tax credit funds (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) through the variable interest, if 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.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
(a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
 
December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
 
 
 
LIHTC Funds
 
The Company provides guarantees to limited partners related to the amount of tax credits that will be generated by the funds (see Note 16). The results of operations and financial position of each VIE of which the Company is the primary beneficiary are consolidated along with corresponding minority interest liabilities in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
 
The Company had relationships with 19 LIHTC Funds that are considered VIEs as of December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007, where the company was the primary beneficiary. Net assets of these consolidated VIEs were $416.1 million and $465.7 million as of December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively. The following table summarizes the components of net assets as of December 31:
 
 
 
                 
(in millions)
 
   2008     2007  
Other long-term investments
 
   $ 371.1     $ 434.1  
Short-term investments
 
     20.9       31.9  
Other assets
 
     41.6       38.1  
Other liabilities
 
     (17.5 )     (38.4 )
The Company’s total loss exposure from consolidated VIEs was immaterial as of December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007 (except for the impact of guarantees disclosed in Note 16). 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 the form of LIHTC Funds that qualify as VIEs but of which the Company is not the primary beneficiary. The carrying amount on these unconsolidated VIEs was $78.9 million and $79.3 million as of December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively. The total exposure to loss on these unconsolidated VIEs was $93.4 million and $108.5 million as of December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively. The total exposure to loss is determined by adding any unfunded commitments to the carrying amount of the VIEs.
 
Structured Products
 
The Company had relationships with one structured product investment that is considered a VIE as of December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007, where the Company was the primary beneficiary. Net assets of this consolidated VIE were $8.9 million and $20.1 million as of December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007, 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 December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007, the Company was invested in 11 structured product investments that are considered VIEs but that 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 $13.7 million and $84.0 million as of December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively. The total exposure to loss on these unconsolidated VIEs is determined to be the carrying amount of the VIEs.
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
(a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
 
December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
 
 
 
Private Equity Investments
 
The Company had relationships with one private equity investment that is considered a VIE as of December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007, where the Company was the primary beneficiary. Net assets of this consolidated VIE were $18.6 million and $5.0 million as of December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007, 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 December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007, the Company does not have any private equity investments considered to be a VIE where the Company is not the primary beneficiary.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
(a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
 
December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
 
 
 
(18)
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, which is calculated by adjusting income from continuing operations before federal income taxes to exclude (1) net realized investment gains and losses, except for periodic net amounts paid or received on interest rate swaps that do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment, net realized gains and losses related to hedges on GMDB contracts and net realized gains and losses related to securitizations and (2) the adjustment to amortization of DAC related to net realized investment gains and losses.
 
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 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 IRC Section 401 business, and the public sector primarily includes IRC Section 457 and Section 401(a) business, both 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; structured products business; non-operating realized gains and losses, including mark-to-market adjustments on embedded derivatives, net of economic hedges, related to products with living benefits included in the Individual Investments segment; and other revenues and expenses not allocated to other segments.
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
(a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
 
December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
 
 
 
The following tables summarize the Company’s business segment operating results for the years ended December 31:
 
 
 
                                     
(in millions)
 
   Individual
Investments
    Retirement
Plans
   Individual
Protection
   Corporate
and Other
    Total  
2008
 
                                      
Revenues:
 
                                      
Policy charges
 
   $ 599.0     $ 115.6    $ 453.4    $ —       $ 1,168.0  
Premiums
 
     119.5       —        164.0      —         283.5  
Net investment income
 
     506.3       638.2      343.9      198.6       1,687.0  
Non-operating net realized investment losses1
 
     —         —        —        (1,478.2 )     (1,478.2 )
Other income
 
     109.5       0.9      —        (65.1 )     45.3  
                                        
Total revenues
 
     1,334.3       754.7      961.3      (1,344.7 )     1,705.6  
                                        
Benefits and expenses:
 
                                      
Interest credited to policyholder accounts
 
     361.8       425.9      181.5      161.4       1,130.6  
Benefits and claims
 
     377.0       —        295.0      (11.7 )     660.3  
Policyholder dividends
 
     —         —        26.4      —         26.4  
Amortization of DAC
 
     647.7       39.7      113.5      (126.4 )     674.5  
Interest expense
 
     —         —        —        61.8       61.8  
Other operating expenses
 
     188.1       147.0      138.0      43.0       516.1  
                                        
Total benefits and expenses
 
     1,574.6       612.6      754.4      128.1       3,069.7  
                                        
Income (loss) from continuing operations before federal income tax expense
 
     (240.3 )     142.1      206.9      (1,472.8 )   $ (1,364.1 )
                                        
Less: non-operating net realized investment losses1
 
     —         —        —        1,478.2          
Less: adjustment to amortization related to net realized investment gains and losses
 
     —         —        —        (138.5 )        
                                        
Pre-tax operating (loss) earnings
 
   $ (240.3 )   $ 142.1    $ 206.9    $ (133.1 )        
                                        
Assets as of year end
 
   $ 41,902.1     $ 21,671.1    $ 16,563.2    $ 4,676.0     $ 84,812.4  
                                        
 
 
1
 
Excluding periodic net amounts paid or received on interest rate swaps that do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment and net realized gains and losses related to hedges on GMDB contracts and securitizations.
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
(a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
 
December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
 
 
 
                                   
(in millions)
 
   Individual
Investments
   Retirement
Plans
   Individual
Protection
   Corporate
and Other
    Total  
2007
 
                                     
Revenues:
 
                                     
Policy charges
 
   $ 656.9    $ 139.5    $ 411.9    $ —       $ 1,208.3  
Premiums
 
     133.1      —        158.6      —         291.7  
Net investment income
 
     609.1      639.4      330.2      397.1       1,975.8  
Non-operating net realized investment losses1
 
     —        —        —        (156.0 )     (156.0 )
Other income
 
     3.1      —        —        (5.8 )     (2.7 )
                                       
Total revenues
 
     1,402.2      778.9      900.7      235.3       3,317.1  
                                       
Benefits and expenses:
 
                                     
Interest credited to policyholder accounts
 
     419.7      433.7      178.0      231.2       1,262.6  
Benefits and claims
 
     234.2      —        245.1      —         479.3  
Policyholder dividends
 
     —        —        24.5      —         24.5  
Amortization of DAC
 
     287.1      26.7      80.2      (25.5 )     368.5  
Interest expense
 
     —        —        —        70.0       70.0  
Other operating expenses
 
     191.6      173.6      147.1      17.2       529.5  
                                       
Total benefits and expenses
 
     1,132.6      634.0      674.9      292.9       2,734.4  
                                       
Income (loss) from continuing operations before federal income tax expense
 
     269.6      144.9      225.8      (57.6 )   $ 582.7  
                                       
Less: non-operating net realized investment losses1
 
     —        —        —        156.0          
Less: adjustment to amortization related to net realized investment gains and losses
 
     —        —        —        (25.5 )        
                                       
Pre-tax operating earnings
 
   $ 269.6    $ 144.9    $ 225.8    $ 72.9          
                                       
Assets as of year end
 
   $ 55,692.9    $ 26,912.6    $ 18,251.1    $ 8,683.4     $ 109,540.0  
                                       
 
 
1
 
Excluding periodic net amounts paid or received on interest rate swaps that do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment and net realized gains and losses related to securitizations.
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
(a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
 
December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
 
 
 
                                 
(in millions)
 
   Individual
Investments
   Retirement
Plans
   Individual
Protection
   Corporate
and Other
    Total
2006
 
                                   
Revenues:
 
                                   
Policy charges
 
   $ 581.7    $ 160.2    $ 390.7    $ —       $ 1,132.6
Premiums
 
     142.5      —        165.8      —         308.3
Net investment income
 
     739.5      636.0      328.2      354.8       2,058.5
Non-operating net realized investment gains 1
 
     —        —        —        1.0       1.0
Other income
 
     2.6      —        0.3      3.4       6.3
                                     
Total revenues
 
     1,466.3      796.2      885.0      359.2       3,506.7
                                     
Benefits and expenses:
 
                                   
Interest credited to policyholder accounts
 
     501.7      440.5      179.2      208.7       1,330.1
Benefits and claims
 
     202.8      —        247.5      —         450.3
Policyholder dividends
 
     —        —        25.6      —         25.6
Amortization of DAC
 
     352.7      37.9      69.6      (9.9 )     450.3
Interest expense
 
     —        —        —        65.5       65.5
Other operating expenses
 
     206.3      179.1      142.4      9.0       536.8
                                     
Total benefits and expenses
 
     1,263.5      657.5      664.3      273.3       2,858.6
                                     
Income from continuing operations before federal income tax expense
 
     202.8      138.7      220.7      85.9     $ 648.1
                                     
Less: non-operating net realized investment gains 1
 
     —        —        —        (1.0 )      
Less: adjustment to amortization related to net realized investment gains and losses
 
     —        —        —        (9.9 )      
                                     
Pre-tax operating earnings
 
   $ 202.8    $ 138.7    $ 220.7    $ 75.0        
                                     
Assets as of year end
 
   $ 55,404.6    $ 28,817.2    $ 16,948.8    $ 8,791.8     $ 109,962.4
                                     
 
 
1
 
Excluding periodic net amounts paid or received on interest rate swaps that do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment and net realized gains and losses related to securitizations.
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
(a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)
 
Schedule I         Consolidated Summary of Investments – Other Than Investments in Related Parties
 
As of December 31, 2008 (in millions)
 
 
 
                     
Column A
 
   Column B    Column C    Column D  
Type of investment
 
   Cost    Market
value
   Amount at
which shown
in the
consolidated
balance sheet
 
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale:
 
                      
Bonds:
 
                      
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government corporations
 
   $ 77.3    $ 97.4    $ 97.4  
Agencies not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government
 
     384.6      473.9      473.9  
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
 
     223.0      217.1      217.1  
Foreign governments
 
     33.9      38.9      38.9  
Public utilities
 
     1,667.7      1,578.5      1,578.5  
All other corporate
 
     19,434.4      16,841.4      16,841.4  
                        
Total fixed maturity securities available-for-sale
 
     21,820.9      19,247.2      19,247.2  
                        
Equity securities available-for-sale:
 
                      
Common stocks:
 
                      
Banks, trusts and insurance companies
 
     14.3      9.5      9.5  
Industrial, miscellaneous and all other
 
     —        0.1      0.1  
Nonredeemable preferred stocks
 
     16.6      16.9      16.9  
                        
Total equity securities available-for-sale
 
     30.9      26.5      26.5  
                        
Mortgage loans on real estate, net
 
     7,249.7             7,189.9 1
Real estate, net:
 
                      
Investment properties
 
     11.0             8.5 2
Acquired in satisfaction of debt
 
     9.8             8.0 2
                        
Total real estate, net
 
     20.8             16.5  
                        
Policy loans
 
     767.4             767.4  
Other long-term investments
 
     521.6             521.6  
Short-term investments, including amounts managed by a related party
 
     2,780.9             2,780.9  
                        
Total investments
 
   $ 33,192.2           $ 30,550.0  
                        
 
 
1
 
Difference from Column B primarily is attributable to valuation allowances due to impairments on mortgage loans on real estate (see Note 6 to the audited consolidated financial statements), hedges and commitment hedges on mortgage loans on real estate.
 
 
2
 
Difference from Column B primarily results from adjustments for accumulated depreciation.
 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements and report of independent registered public accounting firm.
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
(a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)
 
Schedule III        Supplementary Insurance Information
 
As of December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 and for each of the years then ended (in millions)
 
 
 
                                 
Column A
 
   Column B    Column C    Column D     Column E    Column F
Year: Segment
 
   Deferred
policy
acquisition
costs
   Future policy
benefits, losses,
claims and
loss expenses
   Unearned
premiums 1
    Other policy
claims and
benefits payable1
   Premium
revenue
2008
 
                                   
Individual Investments
 
   $ 1,883.0    $ 12,026.3                   $ 119.5
Retirement Plans
 
     284.3      11,244.8                     —  
Individual Protection
 
     1,640.7      5,941.2                     164.0
Corporate and Other
 
     615.9      3,324.0                     —  
                                     
Total
 
   $ 4,423.9    $ 32,536.3                   $ 283.5
                                     
2007
 
                                   
Individual Investments
 
   $ 2,078.1    $ 10,748.6                   $ 133.1
Retirement Plans
 
     289.7      10,693.7                     —  
Individual Protection
 
     1,542.5      5,635.9                     158.6
Corporate and Other
 
     87.1      4,920.2                     —  
                                     
Total
 
   $ 3,997.4    $ 31,998.4                   $ 291.7
                                     
2006
 
                                   
Individual Investments
 
   $ 1,945.0    $ 13,004.4                   $ 142.5
Retirement Plans
 
     288.6      10,839.0                     —  
Individual Protection
 
     1,441.0      5,574.1                     165.8
Corporate and Other
 
     83.4      4,991.9                     —  
                                     
Total
 
   $ 3,758.0    $ 34,409.4                   $ 308.3
                                     
           
Column A
 
   Column G    Column H    Column I     Column J    ColumnK
Year: Segment
 
   Net
investment
income2
   Benefits, claims,
losses and
settlement expenses
   Amortization
of deferred policy
acquisition costs
    Other operating
expenses 2
   Premiums
written
2008
 
                                   
Individual Investments
 
   $ 506.3    $ 738.8    $ 647.7     $ 188.1       
Retirement Plans
 
     638.2      425.9      39.7       147.0       
Individual Protection
 
     343.9      502.9      113.5       138.0       
Corporate and Other
 
     198.6      149.7      (126.4 )     104.8       
                                     
Total
 
   $ 1,687.0    $ 1,817.3    $ 674.5     $ 577.9       
                                     
2007
 
                                   
Individual Investments
 
   $ 609.1    $ 653.9    $ 287.1     $ 191.6       
Retirement Plans
 
     639.4      433.7      26.7       173.6       
Individual Protection
 
     330.2      447.6      80.2       147.1       
Corporate and Other
 
     397.1      231.2      (25.5 )     87.1       
                                     
Total
 
   $ 1,975.8    $ 1,766.4    $ 368.5     $ 599.4       
                                     
2006
 
                                   
Individual Investments
 
   $ 739.5    $ 704.5    $ 352.7     $ 206.3       
Retirement Plans
 
     636.0      440.5      37.9       179.1       
Individual Protection
 
     328.2      452.3      69.6       142.4       
Corporate and Other
 
     354.8      208.7      (9.9 )     74.5       
                                     
Total
 
   $ 2,058.5    $ 1,806.0    $ 450.3     $ 602.3       
                                     
 
1
 
Unearned premiums and other policy claims and benefits payable are included in Column C amounts.
 
2
 
Allocations of net investment income and certain operating expenses are based on numerous assumptions and estimates, and reported segment operating results would change if different methods were applied.
 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements and report of independent registered public accounting firm.
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
(a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)
 
Schedule IV        Reinsurance
 
As of December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 and for each of the years then ended (dollars in millions)
 
 
 
                             
Column A
 
   Column B    Column C    Column D    Column E    Column F
     Gross
amount
   Ceded to
other
companies
   Assumed
from other
companies
   Net
amount
   Percentage
of amount
assumed
to net
2008
 
                                
Life insurance in force
 
   $ 167,715.4    $ 58,850.8    $ 3.8    $ 108,868.4    0.0%
                                  
Premiums:
 
                                
Life insurance1
 
   $ 348.2    $ 64.8    $ 0.1    $ 283.5    0.0%
Accident and health insurance
 
     182.9      209.3      26.4      —      NM
                                  
Total
 
   $ 531.1    $ 274.1    $ 26.5    $ 283.5    9.3%
                                  
2007
 
                                
Life insurance in force
 
   $ 156,899.3    $ 58,529.0    $ 4.4    $ 98,374.7    0.0%
                                  
Premiums:
 
                                
Life insurance1
 
   $ 364.2    $ 72.7    $ 0.2    $ 291.7    0.0%
Accident and health insurance
 
     289.2      316.8      27.6      —      NM
                                  
Total
 
   $ 653.4    $ 389.5    $ 27.8    $ 291.7    9.5%
                                  
2006
 
                                
Life insurance in force
 
   $ 151,109.9    $ 58,189.8    $ 7.9    $ 92,928.0    0.0%
                                  
Premiums:
 
                                
Life insurance1
 
   $ 336.4    $ 28.4    $ 0.3    $ 308.3    0.1%
Accident and health insurance
 
     388.9      417.4      28.5      —      NM
                                  
Total
 
   $ 725.3    $ 445.8    $ 28.8    $ 308.3    9.3%
                                  
 
1
 
Primarily represents premiums from traditional life insurance and life-contingent immediate annuities and excludes deposits on investment and universal life insurance products.
 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements and report of independent registered public accounting firm.
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
(a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)
 
Schedule V        Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
 
Years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 (in millions)
 
 
 
                               
Column A
 
   Column B    Column C    Column D    Column E
Description
 
   Balance at
beginning
of period
   Charged
(credited) to
costs and
expenses
   Charged to
other
accounts
   Deductions1    Balance at
end of
period
2008
 
                                  
Valuation allowances - mortgage loans on real estate
 
   $ 23.1    $ 19.6    $ —      $ 3.2    $ 39.5
           
2007
 
                                  
Valuation allowances - mortgage loans on real estate
 
   $ 34.3    $ 1.1    $ —      $ 12.3    $ 23.1
           
2006
 
                                  
Valuation allowances - mortgage loans on real estate
 
   $ 31.1    $ 6.0    $ —      $ 2.8    $ 34.3
 
1
 
Amounts represent transfers to real estate owned and recoveries.
 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements and report of independent registered public accounting firm.
 
 
 
partc.htm
PART C. OTHER INFORMATION
 
Item 24.
Financial Statements and Exhibits
 
 
(a)
Financial Statements:
 
Nationwide Multi-Flex Variable Account:
 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
 
Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Contract
Owners' Equity as of December 31, 2008 .
 
Statements of Operations for the year
ended December 31, 2008 .
 
Statements of Changes in Contract
Owners' Equity for the years ended
December 31, 2008 and 2007 .
 
Notes to Financial Statements.
 
Nationwide Life Insurance Company and subsidiaries:
 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
 
Consolidated Statements of (Loss) Income for the
years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006.
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December
31, 2008 and 2007 .
 
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholder’s
Equity as of December 31, 2008 ,
2007 and 2006 .
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for
the years ended December 31, 2008 , 2007 and 2006 .
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
Financial Statement Schedules .

 
 

 
 
(b) Exhibits
 
 
(1)
Resolution of the Depositor's Board of Directors authorizing the establishment of the Registrant - Filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 22 on April 27, 2007 (File No. 33-23905) and hereby incorporated by reference.
 
 
(2)
Not Applicable
 
 
(3)
Underwriting or Distribution of contracts between the Registrant and SDI as Principal Underwriter. - Filed previously with Post-Effective Amendment No. 30 on November 16, 2000 (File No. 2-75174) and hereby incorporated by reference.
 
 
(4)
The form of the variable annuity contract – Filed previously with Post-Effective Amendment No. 39 on April 27, 2007 (File No. 2-75174).
 
 
(5)
Variable Annuity Application – Filed previously with Post-Effective Amendment No. 39 on April 27, 2007 (File No. 2-75174).
 
 
(6)
Articles of Incorporation of Depositor – Filed previously with Post-Effective Amendment No. 39 on April 27, 2007 (File No. 2-75174).
 
(7)     Not Applicable
 
(8)    Applicable Fund Participation Agreements
 
The following Fund Participation Agreements were previously filed on July 17, 2007 with pre-effective amendment number 1 of registration statement (333-140608) under Exhibit 26(h), and are hereby incorporated by reference.
 
 
(1)
Fund Participation Agreement with AIM Variable Insurance Funds, AIM Advisors, Inc., and AIM Distributors dated January 6, 2003, under document “aimfpa99h1.htm”
 
 
(2)
Amended and Restated Fund Participation and Shareholder Services Agreement with American Century Investment Services, Inc. dated September 15, 2004, as amended, under document “amcentfpa99h2”
 
 
(3)
Restated and Amended Fund Participation Agreement with The Dreyfus Corporation dated January 27, 2000, as amended, under document “dreyfusfpa99h3.htm”
 
 
(4)
Fund Participation Agreement with Fidelity Variable Insurance Products Fund dated May 1, 1988, as amended, including Fidelity Variable Insurance Products Fund IV and Fidelity Variable Insurance Products Fund V, under document “fidifpa99h5.htm”
 
 
(5)
Amended and Restated Fund Participation Agreement with Franklin Templeton Variable Insurance Products Trust and Franklin/Templeton Distributors, Inc. dated May 1, 2003; as amended, under document “frankfpa99h8.htm”
 
 
(6)
Fund Participation Agreement, Service and Institutional Shares, with Janus Aspen Series, dated December 31, 1999, under document “janusfpa99h9a.htm”
 
 
(7)
Fund Participation Agreement with Nationwide Variable Insurance Trust (formerly, Gartmore Variable Insurance Trust) dated February 1,2003, as amended, under document “nwfpa99h12a.htm”
 
 
(8)
Fund Participation Agreement with Neuberger Berman Advisers Management Trust / Lehman Brothers Advisers Management Trust (formerly, Neuberger Berman Advisers Management Trust) dated January 1, 2006, under document “neuberfpa99h13.htm”
 
The following Fund Participation Agreements were previously filed on September 27, 2007 with pre-effective amendment number 3 of registration statement (333-137202) under Exhibit 26(h), and are hereby incorporated by reference.  For information regarding payments Nationwide receives from underlying mutual funds, please see the "Information on Underlying Mutual Fund Payments" section of the prospectus and/or the underlying mutual fund prospectuses.
 
 
(1)
Fund Participation Agreement with PIMCO Variable Insurance Trust and PIMCO Fund Distributors, LLC dated March 28, 2002, as amended, as document “pimcofpa.htm”.
 
 
(2)
Fund Participation Agreement with Royce & Associates dated February 14, 2002, as amended, as document “roycefpa.htm”.

 
 

 
 
 
(3)
Fund Participation Agreement with Wells Fargo Management, LLC, Stephens, Inc. dated November 15, 2004, as amended, as document “wellsfargofpa.htm”.
 
The following Fund Participation Agreements were previously filed and are hereby incorporated by reference.  For information regarding payments Nationwide receives from underlying mutual funds, please see the "Information on Underlying Mutual Fund Payments" section of the prospectus and/or the underlying mutual fund prospectuses.
 
 
(1)
Fund Participation Agreement Security Distributors, Inc. and Security Benefit Life Insurance Company dated June 9, 2006, as amended, as document “sbl_fpa.htm” filed with post-effective amendment number 30 of registration statement 333-28995 on April 22, 2008.
 
 
(9)
Opinion of Counsel – Filed previously with Post-Effective Amendment No. 39 on April 27, 2007 (File No. 2-75174).
 
 
(10)
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm - Attached hereto.
 
  (11) 
Not Applicable
 
  (12)     Not Applicable
 
  (99)   Power of Attorney - Attached hereto.
                                                                                 

 
 

 

Item 25.
Directors and Officers of the Depositor
 
President, Chief Operating Officer and Director
Mark R. Thresher
Executive Vice President and Chief Legal and Governance Officer
Patricia R. Hatler
Executive Vice President-Chief Administrative Officer
Terri L. Hill
Executive Vice President-Chief Information Officer
Michael C. Keller
Executive Vice President-Chief Marketing Officer
James R. Lyski
Executive Vice President-Finance and Director
Lawrence A. Hilsheimer
Senior Vice President and Treasurer
Harry H. Hallowell
Senior Vice President-Associate Services
Robert J. Puccio
Senior Vice President-Chief Compliance Officer
Carol Baldwin Moody
Senior Vice President-Chief Financial Officer and Director
Timothy G. Frommeyer
Senior Vice President-Chief Investment Officer
Gail G. Snyder
Senior Vice President-Chief Litigation Counsel
Randolph C. Wiseman
Senior Vice President-Chief Risk Officer
Michael W. Mahaffey
Senior Vice President-CIO NSC
Robert J. Dickson
Senior Vice President-CIO Strategic Investments
Gary I. Siroko
Senior Vice President-Customer Insight/Analytic
Paul D. Ballew
Senior Vice President-Customer Relationships
David R. Jahn
Senior Vice President-Division General Counsel
Roger A. Craig
Senior Vice President-Division General Counsel
Thomas W. Dietrich
Senior Vice President-Division General Counsel
Sandra L. Neely
Senior Vice President-Government Relations
Jeffrey D. Rouch
Senior Vice President-Head of Taxation
Pamela A. Biesecker
Senior Vice President-Health and Productivity
Holly R. Snyder
Senior Vice President-Human Resources
Kim R. Geyer
Senior Vice President-Individual Investments Business Head
Eric S. Henderson
Senior Vice President-Individual Protection Business Head and Director
Peter A. Golato
Senior Vice President-PCIO Information Technology
Srinivas Koushik
Senior Vice President-NF Marketing
Gordon E. Hecker
Senior Vice President-NF Systems
Susan Gueli
Senior Vice President-NFN Retail Distribution
Michael A. Hamilton
Senior Vice President-Non-Affiliated Sales
John L. Carter
Senior Vice President-NW Retirement Plans
William S. Jackson
Senior Vice President-President – Nationwide Bank
Anne L. Arvia
Senior Vice President-President-Nationwide Funds Group
Michael S. Spangler
Senior Vice President-Property and Casualty Commercial/Farm Product Pricing
W. Kim Austen
Senior Vice President-PCIO Human Resources
Gale V. King
Senior Vice President-Property and Casualty Personal Lines Product Pricing
J. Lynn Greenstein
Senior Vice President
Kai V. Monahan
Associate Vice President – NF Human Resources
Lydia P. Migitz
Associate Vice President-Assistant Secretary
Kathy R. Richards
Director
Stephen S. Rasmussen
 
The business address of the Directors and Officers of the Depositor is:
One Nationwide Plaza, Columbus, Ohio 43215
 
 
 

 

Item 26.
Persons Controlled by or Under Common Control with the Depositor or Registrant.
*
Subsidiaries for which separate financial statements are filed
**
Subsidiaries included in the respective consolidated financial statements
***
Subsidiaries included in the respective group financial statements filed for unconsolidated subsidiaries
****
Other subsidiaries

COMPANY
STATE/COUNTRY OF ORGANIZATION
NO. VOTING SECURITIES (see attached chart unless otherwise indicated)
PRINCIPAL BUSINESS
1492 Capital, LLC
Ohio
 
The company acts as an investment holding company.
 
1717 Brokerage Services, Inc.
Pennsylvania
 
The company is a multi-state licensed insurance agency.
 
AGMC Reinsurance, Ltd.
Turks & Caicos Islands
 
The company is in the business of reinsurance of mortgage guaranty risks.
 
ALLIED General Agency Company
Iowa
 
The company acts as a managing general agent and surplus lines broker for property and casualty insurance products.
 
ALLIED Group, Inc.
Iowa
 
The company is a property and casualty insurance holding company.
 
ALLIED Property and Casualty Insurance Company
Iowa
 
The company underwrites general property and casualty insurance.
 
ALLIED Texas Agency, Inc.
Texas
 
The company acts as a managing general agent to place personal and commercial automobile insurance with Colonial County Mutual Insurance Company for the independent agency companies.
 
AMCO Insurance Company
Iowa
 
The company underwrites general property and casualty insurance.
 
American Marine Underwriters, Inc.
Florida
 
The company is an underwriting manager for ocean cargo and hull insurance.
 
Atlantic Floridian Insurance Company
Ohio
 
The company writes personal lines residential property insurance in the State of Florida.
 
Atlantic Insurance Company
Texas
 
The company operates as a multi-line insurance company.
Audenstar Limited
England
 
The company is an investment holding company.
 
Champions of the Community, Inc.
Ohio
 
The company raises money to enable it to make gifts and grants to charitable organizations.
 
Colonial County Mutual Insurance Company*
Texas
 
The company underwrites non-standard automobile and motorcycle insurance and various other commercial liability coverages in Texas.
 


 
 

 


COMPANY
STATE/COUNTRY OF ORGANIZATION
NO. VOTING SECURITIES (see attached chart unless otherwise indicated)
PRINCIPAL BUSINESS
Crestbrook Insurance Company*
Ohio
 
The company is an Ohio-based multi-line insurance corporation that is authorized to write personal, automobile, homeowners and commercial insurance.
 
Depositors Insurance Company
Iowa
 
The company underwrites general property and casualty insurance.
 
DVM Insurance Agency, Inc.
California
 
The company  places pet insurance business not written by Veterinary Pet Insurance Company outside of California with National Casualty Company.
 
Farmland Mutual Insurance Company
Iowa
 
The company provides property and casualty insurance primarily to agricultural businesses.
 
Nationwide Better Health, Inc.  (fka Future Health Holding Company)
Maryland
 
The company provides population health management.
 
Gates, McDonald & Company*
Ohio
 
The company provides services to employers for managing workers’ and unemployment compensation matters and employee leave administration.
 
Gates, McDonald & Company of New York, Inc.
New York
 
The company provides workers’ compensation and self-insured claims administration services to employers with exposure in New York.
 
GatesMcDonald Health Plus Inc.
Ohio
 
The company provides medical management and cost containment services to employers.
Insurance Intermediaries, Inc.
Ohio
 
The company is an insurance agency and provides commercial property and casualty brokerage services.
Life REO Holdings, LLC
Ohio
 
The company is an investment company.
Lone Star General Agency, Inc.
Texas
 
The company acts as general agent to market nonstandard automobile and motorcycle insurance for Colonial County Mutual Insurance Company.
 
National Casualty Company
Wisconsin
 
The company underwrites various property and casualty coverage, as well as some individual and group accident and health insurance.
 
National Casualty Company of America, Ltd.
England
 
This is a limited liability company organized for the purpose of carrying on the business of insurance, reinsurance, indemnity, and guarantee of various kinds.  The company is currently inactive.
 
Nationwide Advantage Mortgage Company*
Iowa
 
The company makes residential mortgage loans.
 

 
 

 


COMPANY
STATE/COUNTRY OF ORGANIZATION
NO. VOTING SECURITIES (see attached chart unless otherwise indicated)
PRINCIPAL BUSINESS
Nationwide Affinity Insurance Company of America*
Ohio
 
The company is a property and casualty insurer that writes personal lines business.
Nationwide Agribusiness Insurance Company
Iowa
 
The company provides property and casualty insurance primarily to agricultural businesses.
 
Nationwide Arena, LLC*
Ohio
 
The purpose of the company is to develop Nationwide Arena and to engage in related development activity.
 
Nationwide Asset Management Holdings
England and Wales
 
The company operates as an investment holding company.
 
Nationwide Asset Management, LLC
Ohio
 
The company provides investment advisory services as a registered investment advisor to affiliated and non-affiliated clients.
 
Nationwide Assurance Company
Wisconsin
 
The company underwrites non-standard automobile and motorcycle insurance.
 
Nationwide Bank*
 United States
 
This is a federal savings bank chartered by the Office of Thrift Supervision in the United States Department of Treasury to exercise deposit, lending, agency, custody and fiduciary powers and to engage in activities permissible for federal savings banks under the Home Owners’ Loan Act of 1933.
 
Nationwide Better Health Holding Company (fka Nationwide Better Health, Inc.)
Ohio
 
The company provides health management services.
 
Nationwide Cash Management Company
Ohio
 
The company buys and sells investment securities of a short-term nature as the agent for other corporations, foundations and insurance company separate accounts.
 
Nationwide Community Development Corporation, LLC
Ohio
 
The company holds investments in low-income housing funds.
 
Nationwide Corporation
Ohio
 
The company acts primarily as a holding company for entities affiliated with Nationwide Mutual Insurance.
 
Nationwide Document Solutions, Inc.
Iowa
 
The company provides general printing services to its affiliated companies as well as to certain unaffiliated companies.
 
Nationwide Emerging Managers, LLC
Delaware
 
The company acquires and holds interests in registered investment advisors and provides investment management services.
 

 
 

 


COMPANY
STATE/COUNTRY OF ORGANIZATION
NO. VOTING SECURITIES (see attached chart unless otherwise indicated)
PRINCIPAL BUSINESS
Nationwide Exclusive Agent Risk Purchasing Group, LLC
Ohio
 
The company’s purpose is to provide a mechanism for the purchase of group liability insurance for insurance agents operating nationwide.
 
Nationwide Financial Assignment Company
Ohio
 
The company is an administrator of structured settlements.
 
Nationwide Financial Institution Distributors Agency, Inc.
Delaware
 
The company is an insurance agency.
 
Nationwide Financial Services Capital Trust
Delaware
 
The trust’s sole purpose is to issue and sell certain securities representing individual beneficial interests in the assets of the trust.
 
Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.*
Delaware
 
The company acts primarily as a holding company for companies within the Nationwide organization that offer or distribute long-term savings and retirement products.
 
Nationwide Financial Structured Products, LLC
Ohio
 
The company captures and reports the results of the structured products business unit.
 
Nationwide Foundation*
Ohio
 
The company contributes to non-profit activities and projects.
 
Nationwide Fund Advisors (fka Gartmore Mutual Fund Capital Trust)
Delaware
 
The trust acts as a registered investment advisor.
 
Nationwide Fund Distributors LLC (successor to Gartmore Distribution Services, Inc.)
Delaware
 
The company is a limited purpose broker-dealer.
 
Nationwide Fund Management LLC (successor to Gartmore Investors Services, Inc.)
Delaware
 
The company provides administration, transfer and dividend disbursing agent services to various mutual fund entities.
 
Nationwide General Insurance Company
Ohio
 
The company transacts a general insurance business, except life insurance, and primarily provides automobile and fire insurance to select customers.
 
Nationwide Global Funds
Luxembourg
 
The exclusive purpose of the Company is to invest the funds available to it in transferable securities and other assets permitted by law with the aim of spreading investment risks and affording its shareholders the results of the management of its assets.
Nationwide Global Holdings, Inc.
Ohio
 
The company is a holding company for the international operations of Nationwide.
 

 
 

 


COMPANY
STATE/COUNTRY OF ORGANIZATION
NO. VOTING SECURITIES (see attached chart unless otherwise indicated)
PRINCIPAL BUSINESS
Nationwide Global Ventures, Inc.
Delaware
 
The company acts as a holding company.
 
Nationwide Indemnity Company*
Ohio
 
The company is involved in the reinsurance business by assuming business from Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company and other insurers within the Nationwide insurance organization.
 
Nationwide Insurance Company of America
Wisconsin
 
The company is an independent agency personal lines underwriter of property and casualty insurance.
 
Nationwide Insurance Company of Florida*
Ohio
 
The company transacts general insurance business, except life insurance.
 
Nationwide International Underwriters
California
 
The company is a special risks, excess and surplus lines under­writing manager.
 
Nationwide Investment Advisors, LLC
Ohio
 
The company provides investment advisory services.
 
Nationwide Investment Services Corporation**
Oklahoma
 
This is a limited purpose broker-dealer and distributor of variable annuities and variable life products for Nationwide Life Insurance Company and Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance Company. The company also provides educational services to retirement plan sponsors and its participants.
 
Nationwide Life and Annuity Company of America**
Delaware
 
The company provides individual variable and traditional life insurance and other investment products. The company also maintains blocks of individual variable and fixed annuities products.
 
Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance Company**
Ohio
 
The company engages in underwriting life insurance and granting, purchasing and disposing of annuities.
 
Nationwide Life Insurance Company*
Ohio
 
The company pro­vides individual life insurance, group life and health insurance, fixed and variable annuity products and other life insurance products.
 
Nationwide Life Insurance Company of America*
Pennsylvania
 
The company is a financial services provider that sells individual traditional and variable life insurance products, group annuity products and other investment products. The Company also maintains blocks of individual variable and fixed annuities and a block of direct response-marketed life and health insurance products.
Nationwide Lloyds
Texas
 
The company markets commercial and property insurance in Texas.
 

 
 

 


COMPANY
STATE/COUNTRY OF ORGANIZATION
NO. VOTING SECURITIES (see attached chart unless otherwise indicated)
PRINCIPAL BUSINESS
Nationwide Mutual Capital, LLC
Ohio
 
The company acts as a private equity fund investing in companies for investment purposes and to create strategic opportunities for Nationwide.
 
Nationwide Mutual Capital I, LLC*
Delaware
 
The business of the company is to achieve long term capital appreciation through a portfolio of primarily domestic equity investments in financial service and related companies.
 
Nationwide Mutual Fire Insurance Company
Ohio
 
The company engages in a general insurance and reinsurance business, except life insurance.
 
Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company*
Ohio
 
The company engages in a general insurance and reinsurance business, except life insurance.
 
Nationwide Private Equity Fund, LLC
Ohio
 
The company invests in private equity funds.
 
Nationwide Property and Casualty Insurance Company
Ohio
 
The company engages in a general insurance business, except life insurance.
 
Nationwide Property Protection Services, LLC
Ohio
 
The company provides alarm systems and security guard services.
 
Nationwide Provident Holding Company*
Pennsylvania
 
The company is a holding company for non-insurance subsidiaries.
Nationwide Realty Investors, Ltd.*
Ohio
 
The company is engaged in the business of developing, owning and operating real estate and real estate investment.
 
Nationwide Retirement Solutions, Inc.*
Delaware
 
The company markets and administers deferred compensation plans for public employees.
 
Nationwide Retirement Solutions, Inc. of Arizona
Arizona
 
The company markets and administers deferred compensation plans for public employees.
 
Nationwide Retirement Solutions, Inc. of Ohio
Ohio
 
The company provides retirement products, marketing and education and administration to public employees.
 
Nationwide Retirement Solutions, Inc. of Texas
Texas
 
The company markets and administers deferred compensation plans for public employees.
 
Nationwide Retirement Solutions, Insurance Agency, Inc.
Massachusetts
 
The company markets and administers deferred compensation plans for public employees.
 
Nationwide SA Capital Trust
Delaware
 
The trust acts as a registered investment advisor.
 
Nationwide Sales Solutions, Inc.
Iowa
 
The company engages in the direct marketing of property and casualty insurance products.
 

 
 

 


COMPANY
STATE/COUNTRY OF ORGANIZATION
NO. VOTING SECURITIES (see attached chart unless otherwise indicated)
PRINCIPAL BUSINESS
Nationwide Securities, LLC
Delaware
 
The company is a registered broker-dealer and provides investment management and administrative services.
Nationwide Separate Accounts, LLC
Delaware
 
The company has deregistered as an investment advisor and acts as a holding company.
 
Nationwide Services Company, LLC
Ohio
 
The company performs shared services functions for the Nationwide organization.
 
Nationwide Services For You, LLC
Ohio
 
The Company provides consumer services that are related to the business of insurance, including services that help consumers prevent losses and mitigate risks.
 
Newhouse Capital Partners, LLC
Delaware
 
The company is an investment holding company.
 
Newhouse Capital Partners II, LLC
Delaware
 
The company is an investment holding company.
 
Newhouse Special Situations Fund I, LLC
Delaware
 
The company is currently inactive.
 
NF Reinsurance Ltd.*
Bermuda
 
The company serves as a captive reinsurer for Nationwide Life Insurance Company’s universal life, term life and annuity business.
 
NFS Distributors, Inc.
Delaware
 
The company acts primarily as a holding company for Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.’s distribution companies.
 
NMC CPC WT Investment, LLC
 
Delaware
 
The business of the company is to hold and exercise rights in a specific private equity investment.
 
NWD Asset Management Holdings, Inc.
Delaware
 
The company is an investment holding company.
NWD Investment Management, Inc.
Delaware
 
The company acts as a holding company and provides other business services for the NWD Investments group of companies.
 
NWD Management & Research Trust
Delaware
 
The company acts as a holding company for the NWD Investments group of companies and as a registered investment advisor.
 

 
 

 


COMPANY
STATE/COUNTRY OF ORGANIZATION
NO. VOTING SECURITIES (see attached chart unless otherwise indicated)
PRINCIPAL BUSINESS
NWD MGT, LLC
Delaware
 
The company is a passive investment holder in Newhouse Special Situations Fund I, LLC for the purpose of allocation of earnings to the NWD Investments management team as it relates to the ownership and management of Newhouse Special Situations Fund I, LLC.
 
NWM Merger, Sub Inc.
 
Delaware
 
This company was merged with and into Nationwide Financial Services, Inc. on January 1, 2009 as part of the acquisition of the publicly held shares of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.
Pension Associates, Inc.
Wisconsin
 
The company provides pension plan administration and recordkeeping services, and pension plan and compensation consulting.
 
Premier Agency, Inc.
Iowa
 
The company is an insurance agency.
 
Privilege Underwriters, Inc.
Florida
 
The company acts as a holding company for the PURE Group of insurance companies.
Privilege Underwriters, Reciprocal Exchange
Florida
 
The company acts as a reciprocal insurance company.
Pure Insurance Company
Florida
 
The company acts as a captive reinsurance company.
Pure Risk Management, LLC
Florida
 
The company acts as an attorney-in-fact for Privilege Underwriters Reciprocal Exchange.
Registered Investment Advisors Services, Inc.
Texas
 
The company is a technology company that facilitates third-party money management services for registered investment advisors.
 
Retention Alternatives, Ltd.*
Bermuda
 
The company is a captive insurer and writes first dollar insurance policies in workers’ compensation, general liability and automobile liability for its affiliates in the United States.
Riverview International Group, Inc.
Delaware
 
The company is an insurance company.
 
RP&C International, Inc.
Ohio
 
The company is an investment-banking firm that provides specialist advisory services and innovative financial solutions to public and private companies internationally.
Scottsdale Indemnity Company
Ohio
 
The company is engaged in a general insurance business, except life insurance.
 
Scottsdale Insurance Company
Ohio
 
The company primarily provides excess and surplus lines of property and casualty insurance.
 
Scottsdale Surplus Lines Insurance Company
Arizona
 
The company provides excess and surplus lines coverage on a non-admitted basis.
 
TBG Danco Insurance Services Corporation
California
 
The corporation provides life insurance and individual executive estate planning.
 

 
 

 


COMPANY
STATE/COUNTRY OF ORGANIZATION
NO. VOTING SECURITIES (see attached chart unless otherwise indicated)
PRINCIPAL BUSINESS
THI Holdings (Delaware), Inc.*
Delaware
 
The company acts as a holding company for subsidiaries of the Nationwide group of companies.
 
Titan Auto Insurance of New Mexico, Inc.
New Mexico
 
The company is an insurance agency that operates employee agent storefronts.
 
Titan Indemnity Company
Texas
 
The company is a multi-line insurance company and is operating primarily as a property and casualty insurance company.
 
Titan Insurance Company
Michigan
 
The company is a property and casualty insurance company.
 
Titan Insurance Services, Inc.
Texas
 
The company is a Texas grandfathered managing general agency.
 
Veterinary Pet Insurance Company*
California
 
The company provides pet insurance.
 
Victoria Automobile Insurance Company
Indiana
 
The company is a property and casualty insurance company.
 
Victoria Fire & Casualty Company
Ohio
 
The company is a property and casualty insurance company.
 
Victoria National Insurance Company
Ohio
 
The company is a property and casualty insurance company.
 
Victoria Select Insurance Company
Ohio
 
The company is a property and casualty insurance company.
 
Victoria Specialty Insurance Company
Ohio
 
The company is a property and casualty insurance company.
 
VPI Services, Inc.
California
 
The company operates as a nationwide pet registry service for holders of Veterinary Pet Insurance Company policies, including pet indemnification and a lost pet recovery program.
 
Washington Square Administrative Services, Inc.
Pennsylvania
 
The company provides administrative services to Nationwide Life and Annuity Company of America.
 
Western Heritage Insurance Company
Arizona
 
The company underwrites excess and surplus lines of property and casualty insurance.
 
Whitehall Holdings, Inc.
Texas
 
The company acts as a holding company for the Titan group of agencies.
 
W.I. of Florida (d.b.a. Titan Auto Insurance)
Florida
 
The company is an insurance agency and operates as an employee agent storefront for Titan Indemnity Company in Florida.
 


 
 

 


 
COMPANY
STATE/COUNTRY OF ORGANIZATION
NO. VOTING SECURITIES
(see attached chart
 unless otherwise indicated)
PRINCIPAL BUSINESS
*
MFS Variable Account
Ohio
 
Issuer of Annuity Contracts
*
Nationwide Multi-Flex Variable Account
Ohio
 
Issuer of Annuity Contracts
*
Nationwide VA Separate Account-A
Ohio
 
Issuer of Annuity Contracts
*
Nationwide VA Separate Account-B
Ohio
 
Issuer of Annuity Contracts
*
Nationwide VA Separate Account-C
Ohio
 
Issuer of Annuity Contracts
*
Nationwide VA Separate Account-D
Ohio
 
Issuer of Annuity Contracts
*
Nationwide Variable Account
Ohio
 
Issuer of Annuity Contracts
*
Nationwide Variable Account-II
Ohio
 
Issuer of Annuity Contracts
*
Nationwide Variable Account-3
Ohio
 
Issuer of Annuity Contracts
*
Nationwide Variable Account-4
Ohio
 
Issuer of Annuity Contracts
*
Nationwide Variable Account-5
Ohio
 
Issuer of Annuity Contracts
*
Nationwide Variable Account-6
Ohio
 
Issuer of Annuity Contracts
*
Nationwide Variable Account-7
Ohio
 
Issuer of Annuity Contracts
*
Nationwide Variable Account-8
Ohio
 
Issuer of Annuity Contracts
*
Nationwide Variable Account-9
Ohio
 
Issuer of Annuity Contracts
*
Nationwide Variable Account-10
Ohio
 
Issuer of Annuity Contracts
*
Nationwide Variable Account-11
Ohio
 
Issuer of Annuity Contracts
*
Nationwide Variable Account-12
Ohio
 
Issuer of Annuity Contracts
*
Nationwide Variable Account-13
Ohio
 
Issuer of Annuity Contracts
*
Nationwide Variable Account-14
Ohio
 
Issuer of Annuity Contracts
 
Nationwide Variable Account-15
Ohio
 
Issuer of Annuity Contracts
 
Nationwide Variable Account-16
Ohio
 
Issuer of Annuity Contracts
 
Nationwide Variable Account-17
Ohio
 
Issuer of Annuity Contracts
*
Nationwide Provident VA Separate Account 1
Pennsylvania
 
Issuer of Annuity Contracts
*
Nationwide Provident VA Separate Account A
Delaware
 
Issuer of Annuity Contracts
 
Nationwide VL Separate Account-A
Ohio
 
Issuer of Life Insurance Policies
 
Nationwide VL Separate Account-B
Ohio
 
Issuer of Life Insurance Policies
*
Nationwide VL Separate Account-C
Ohio
 
Issuer of Life Insurance Policies
*
Nationwide VL Separate Account-D
Ohio
 
Issuer of Life Insurance Policies
*
Nationwide VL Separate Account-G
Ohio
 
Issuer of Life Insurance Policies
*
Nationwide VLI Separate Account
Ohio
 
Issuer of Life Insurance Policies
*
Nationwide VLI Separate Account-2
Ohio
 
Issuer of Life Insurance Policies
*
Nationwide VLI Separate Account-3
Ohio
 
Issuer of Life Insurance Policies
*
Nationwide VLI Separate Account-4
Ohio
 
Issuer of Life Insurance Policies
*
Nationwide VLI Separate Account-5
Ohio
 
Issuer of Life Insurance Policies
*
Nationwide VLI Separate Account-6
Ohio
 
Issuer of Life Insurance Policies
*
Nationwide VLI Separate Account-7
Ohio
 
Issuer of Life Insurance Policies
*
Nationwide Provident VLI Separate Account 1
Pennsylvania
 
Issuer of Life Insurance Policies
*
Nationwide Provident VLI Separate Account A
Delaware
 
Issuer of Life Insurance Policies


 
 

 



 
 

 
 
 
 

 
 
 

 
Item 27.          Number of Contract Owners
 
The number of contract owners of Qualified and Non-Qualified Contracts as of February 1, 200 9 was 19,994 and 429 respectively.
 
Item 28.          Indemnification
 
Provision is made in Nationwide’s Amended and Restated Code of Regulations and expressly authorized by the General Corporation Law of the State of Ohio, for indemnification by Nationwide of any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative by reason of the fact that such person is or was a director, officer or employee of Nationwide, against expenses, including attorneys fees, judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with such action, suit or proceeding, to the extent and under the circumstances permitted by the General Corporation Law of the State of Ohio.
 
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 ("Act") may be permitted to directors, officers or persons controlling Nationwide pursuant to the foregoing provisions, Nationwide has been informed that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable.  In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
 
Item 29.          Principal Underwriter
 
(a)
Security Distributors, Inc. ("SDI"), a subsidiary of Security Benefit Corporation, serves as principal underwriter and general distributor for contracts issued by the following separate investment accounts of Nationwide Life Insurance Company:
 
Nationwide Multi-Flex Variable Account
Nationwide Variable Account-9
 
SDI also acts as principal underwriter and general distributor for contracts issued by the following separate investment accounts of Security Benefit Life Insurance Company:
 
SBL Variable Annuity Account I
SBL Variable Annuity Account III
SBL Variable Annuity Account IV
SBL Variable Life Insurance Account (Varilife)
Security Varilife Separate Account (Security Elite Benefit)
Security Varilife Separate Account (Security Varilife)
Variable Annuity Account VIII (Variflex Extra Credit)
Variable Annuity Account VIII (Variflex LS)
Variable Annuity Account VIII (Variflex Signature)
Variable Annuity Account IX
Variable Annuity Account XI (Scarborough Advantage Variable Annuity)
SBL Variable Annuity Account XIV (AdvisorDesigns Variable Annuity)
SBL Variable Annuity Account XIV (AEA Variable Annuity)
SBL Variable Annuity Account XIV (AdvanceDesigns Variable Annuity)
SBL Variable Annuity Account XIV (EliteDesigns Variable Annuity)
SBL Variable Annuity Account XIV (NEA Valuebuilder)
SBL Variable Annuity Account XIV (NEA Valuebuilder Retirement Income Director Variable Annuity)
SBL Variable Annuity Account XIV (SecureDesigns Variable Annuity)
SBL Variable Annuity Account XIV (Security Benefit Advisor Variable Annuity)
SBL Variable Annuity Account XVII (Classic Strategies Variable Annuity)
SBL Variable Annuity Account XVII (ThirdFed Variable Annuity)
Parkstone Advantage Variable Annuity
Variflex Separate Account (Variflex)
Variflex Separate Account (Variflex ES)
 
And of First Security Benefit Life Insurance and Annuity Company of New York:
 
Variable Annuity Account A (EliteDesigns Variable Annuity)
Variable Annuity Account A (AdvisorDesigns Variable Annuity)
Variable Annuity Account B (SecureDesigns Variable Annuity)

 
 

 

Variable Annuity Account B (AdvanceDesigns Variable Annuity)
 
SDI also acts as principal underwriter for the following management investment companies for which Security Investors, LLC, an affiliate of SDI, Security Benefit Life Insurance Company, First Security Benefit Life Insurance and Annuity Company of New York, acts as investment adviser:
 
Security Equity Fund
Security Income Fund
Security Large Cap Value Fund
SBL Fund
Security Mid Cap Growth Fund
Security Financial Resources Collective Investments, LLC
 
(b)             Directors and Officers of SDI:
 
Mark J. Carr, President and Director
Thomas R. Kaehr, Treasurer
Amy J. Lee, Secretary and Chief Compliance Officer
Brenda M. Harwood, Vice President, Assistant Treasurer and Director
Jim Schmank,Vice President and Director
Dale W. Martin, Jr., Director
Christopher D. Swickard, Assistant Secretary
Carmen R. Hill, Assistant Vice President
Richard M. Giddman, Director

SDI's principal business address is One Security Benefit Place, Topeka, Kansas 66636-0001, except as indicated.
 
(c)
Name of Principal Underwriter
Net Underwriting Discounts and Commissions for year ending 12/31/07
Compensation on Redemption or Annuitization
Brokerage Commissions
Compensation*
Security Distributors, Inc.
$818,213
 $ 0
$0
$ 818,213
 
*SBL pays SDI an annual payment of 0.75% of all Purchase Payments received under variable annuity contracts issued by the Company to support SDI's ongoing operations.
 
Item 30.           Location of Accounts and Records
 
Timothy G. Frommeyer
Nationwide Life Insurance Company
One Nationwide Plaza
Columbus, OH  43215
 
Item 31.          Management Services
 
Not Applicable
 
Item 32.           Undertakings
 
The Registrant hereby undertakes to:
 
 
(a)
File a post-effective amendment to this registration statement as frequently as is necessary to ensure that the audited financial statements in the registration statement are never more than 16 months old for so long as payments under the variable annuity contracts may be accepted;
 
 
(b)
Include either (1) as part of any application to purchase a contract offered by the prospectus, a space that an applicant can check to request a Statement of Additional Information, or (2) a post card or similar written communication affixed to or included in the prospectus that the applicant can remove to send for a Statement of Additional Information; and
 
 
(c)
Deliver any Statement of Additional Information and any financial statements required to be made available under this form promptly upon written or oral request.
 
The Registrant represents that any of the contracts which are issued pursuant to Section 403(b) of the Internal Revenue Code are issued by Nationwide through the Registrant in reliance upon, and in compliance with a no-action letter issued by the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission to the American Council of Life Insurance (publicly available

 
 

 

November 28, 1988) permitting withdrawal restrictions to the extent necessary to comply with Section 403(b)(11) of the Internal Revenue Code.
 
Nationwide Life Insurance Company represents that the fees and charges deducted under the contract in the aggregate are reasonable in relation to the services rendered, the expenses expected to be incurred, and the risks assumed by Nationwide Life Insurance Company .

 
 

 


SIGNATURES
As required by the Securities Act of 1933, and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Registrant, NATIONWIDE MULTIFLEX VARIABLE ACCOUNT certifies that it meets the requirements of the Securities Act Rule 485(b) for effectiveness of the Registration Statement and has caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf in the City of Columbus, and State of Ohio, on this 24th day of April, 200 9 .
 
NATIONWIDE MULTI-FLEX VARIABLE ACCOUNT
                 (Registrant)
 
NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
                 (Depositor)
 
                                           By /s/              W. MICHAEL STOBART
                 W. Michael Stobart
 
As required by the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities indicated on the 24th day of April, 200 9 .
 
MARK R. THRESHER
 
Mark R. Thresher, Chief Operating Officer, and Director
 
LAWERENCE A. HILSHEIMER
 
Lawrence A. Hilsheimer, Executive Vice President-Finance and Director
 
TIMOTHY G. FROMMEYER
 
Timothy G. Frommeyer, Chief Financial Officer and Director
 
PETER A. GOLATO
 
Peter A. Golato, Senior Vice President-Individual Protection Business Head and Director
 
STEPHEN S. RASMUSSEN
 
Stephen S. Rasmussen, Director
 
   
 
By /s/ W. MICHAEL STOBART
 
W. Michael Stobart
 
Attorney-in-Fact