497 1 d497.htm FLEXIBLE PAYMENT VARIABLE ANNUITY Flexible Payment Variable Annuity
Table of Contents

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Table of Contents

Prospectus

 

April 30, 2007

 

Flexible Payment Variable Annuity

Issued by The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company

and NML Variable Annuity Account B

 


 

This prospectus describes an individual flexible payment Variable Annuity Contract (the “Contract”) for:

 

Individual Retirement Annuities (“IRAs”)   457 Deferred Compensation Plan Annuities
Roth IRAs   Tax Deferred Annuities
Simple IRAs   Non-Transferable Annuities
Simplified Employee Pension Plan IRAs   Non-Tax Qualified Annuities

 

The Contract provides for accumulation of Contract Value on a variable and/or a fixed basis and a payment of annuity benefits on a fixed or variable basis. Net Purchase Payments may be invested, pursuant to the Contract, in the following variable and fixed options:

 

Variable Options
Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc.   
Small Cap Growth Stock Portfolio    Asset Allocation Portfolio
T. Rowe Price Small Cap Value Portfolio    Balanced Portfolio
Mid Cap Growth Stock Portfolio    High Yield Bond Portfolio
International Growth Portfolio    Select Bond Portfolio
Franklin Templeton International Equity Portfolio    Money Market Portfolio
AllianceBernstein Mid Cap Value Portfolio    American Century Large Company Value Portfolio
Index 400 Stock Portfolio    Capital Guardian Large Cap Blend Portfolio
Janus Capital Appreciation Portfolio    Index 600 Stock Portfolio
Growth Stock Portfolio    MFS® Research International Core Portfolio
Large Cap Core Stock Portfolio    MFS® Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio
Capital Guardian Domestic Equity Portfolio    Short-Term Bond Portfolio
T. Rowe Price Equity Income Portfolio    PIMCO Long-Term U.S. Government Bond Portfolio
Index 500 Stock Portfolio    American Century Inflation Protection Portfolio

 

Fidelity® Variable Insurance Products

   PIMCO Multi-Sector Bond Portfolio
VIP Mid Cap Portfolio    VIP Contrafund® Portfolio
Neuberger Berman Advisers Management Trust   
Socially Responsive Portfolio   
Russell Investment Funds   
Multi-Style Equity Fund    LifePoints® Moderate Strategy Fund
Aggressive Equity Fund    LifePoints® Balanced Strategy Fund
Non-U.S. Fund    LifePoints® Growth Strategy Fund
Core Bond Fund    LifePoints® Equity Growth Strategy Fund
Real Estate Securities Fund   
Fixed Options
Guaranteed Interest Fund 1    Guaranteed Interest Fund 8

 

The contract and the variable options:

  ·  

are not guaranteed to achieve their goals

  ·  

are not bank deposits

  ·  

are not federally insured

  ·  

are not endorsed by any bank or government agency

 

Please read carefully this prospectus and the accompanying prospectuses for the variable options and keep them for future reference. These prospectuses provide information that you should know before investing in the Contract. No person is authorized to make any representation in connection with the offering of the Contract other than those contained in these prospectuses.

 

The Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) has not approved or disapproved these securities or passed upon the adequacy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense. The Contract may not be available in all states and is only offered where it can be lawfully sold.

 


 

More information about the Contract and NML Variable Annuity Account B (the “Separate Account”) is included in a Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”), dated April 30, 2007, which is incorporated by reference in this prospectus and available free of charge from The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company. The table of contents for the SAI is at the end of this prospectus. To receive a copy of the SAI, call 1-888-455-2232 or send a written request to Northwestern Mutual, Investment Products and Services Department, Room W04SE, 720 East Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53202. Information about the Separate Account (including the SAI) is available on the SEC’s internet site at http://www.sec.gov, or may be obtained, upon payment of a duplicating fee, by writing the Public Reference Section of the SEC, 100 F Street, NE, Washington, DC 20549-0102. This information can also be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. For information on the Public Reference Room’s operation, call the SEC at 1-202-551-8090.

 

LOGO


Table of Contents

 

Contents of this Prospectus

 

     Page

GLOSSARY OF SPECIAL TERMS

   1

FEE AND EXPENSE TABLES

   2

Contract Fees and Expenses

   2

Range of Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses

   3

Examples

   3

CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

   4

THE COMPANY

   4

THE INVESTMENT OPTIONS

   5

Variable Options

   5

Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc.

   5

Fidelity® Variable Insurance Products

   6

Neuberger Berman Advisers Management Trust

   6

Russell Investment Funds

   7

Payments We Receive

   7

Transfers Between Divisions

   7

Short Term and Excessive Trading

   8

Fixed Options

   8

Transfer Limitations

   9

Withdrawal Charge

   9

Market Value Adjustment (GIF 8 Only)

   9

GIF 8 MVA Example

   10

Additional Information

   10

Preservation + Strategy

   11

THE CONTRACT

   11

Generally

   11

Free Look

   11

Contract Values

   11

Purchase Payments Under the Contract

   11

Frequency and Amount

   11

Guaranteed Account Investment Minimums and Maximums

   12

Application of Purchase Payments

   12

Maturity Date

   13

Special Contract for Employers

   13

Access to Your Money

   13

Withdrawals

   13

Benefits Provided Under the Contracts

   13

Amount of the Death Benefit

   13

Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit Examples

   14

Enhanced Death Benefit Examples

   14

Distribution of the Death Benefit

   15

Payment Plans

   15

Generally

   15

Description of Variable Income Plans

   15

Amount of Annuity Payments

   16

Assumed Investment Rate

   16

DEDUCTIONS

   16

Sales Load

   16

Contract Fee

   16
     Page

Mortality Rate and Expense Risk Charges

   16

Nature and Amount of the Charges

   16

Reduction of the Charges

   17

Other Expense Risks

   17

Withdrawal Charges

   17

Withdrawal Charge Rates

   17

Waiver of Withdrawal Charges

   18

Withdrawal Charges and Our Distribution Expenses

   18

Special Withdrawal Charges and Rules Applicable to Guaranteed Accounts

   18

Other Charges

   18

Enhanced Death Benefit Charge

   18

Premium Taxes

   18

Portfolio Expenses and Charges

   18

Prior Contracts

   18

Contracts Issued on or After March 31, 1995 and Prior to March 31, 2000

   18

Contracts Issued After December 16, 1981 and Prior to March 31, 1995

   18

Contracts Issued Prior to December 17, 1981

   19

Certain Non-Tax Qualified Contracts

   19

Dividends for Contracts Issued Prior to March 31, 2000

   19

FEDERAL INCOME TAXES

   19

Qualified and Non-Tax Qualified Plans

   19

Contribution Limitations and General Requirements Applicable to Contracts

   19

Taxation of Contract Benefits

   21

Taxation of Northwestern Mutual

   23

Other Considerations

   23

CONTRACT OWNER SERVICES

   23

Automatic Dollar-Cost Averaging

   23

Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT)

   23

Systematic Withdrawal Plan

   23

Automatic Required Minimum Distributions (RMD)

   23

Special Withdrawal Privilege

   23

Portfolio Rebalancing

   24

Interest Sweeps

   24

Owner Inquiries

   24

Householding

   24

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

   24

The Distributor

   24

The Separate Account

   24

Terminal Illness Benefit

   25

Nursing Home Benefit

   25

Voting Rights

   25

Dividends

   25

Internal Annuity Exchanges

   26

Legal Proceedings

   26

TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

   27

APPENDIX A—Accumulation Unit Values

   28


Table of Contents

This prospectus describes only the Separate Account and the variable provisions of the Contracts, except where there are specific references to the fixed provisions.

 

Glossary of Special Terms

 

Unless otherwise specified in this prospectus, the words “Northwestern Mutual,” “we,” “us,” “our,” and “Company” mean The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company. The words “you” and “your,” unless otherwise specified, mean the Owner. We use a number of special terms in this prospectus, including the following:

 

Accumulation Unit    An accounting unit of measure representing the Contract Value, before the date on which Annuity Payments begin, in one or more Divisions of the Separate Account. The related term “Accumulation Unit Value” means the value of a particular Accumulation Unit at a particular time and is analogous to, but not the same as, the share price of a mutual fund.

 

Annuitant    The person upon whose life the Contract is issued and Contract benefits depend. The Primary Annuitant is the person upon whose life the Contract is initially issued. The Contingent Annuitant is the person who becomes the Annuitant upon the death of the Primary Annuitant.

 

Annuity Payments    Money we pay the Annuitant(s) pursuant to the terms of the Contract. Payments may be paid under one or more of the following three methods: (1) a Variable Income Plan; (2) a Fixed Income Plan; or (3) in cash.

 

Annuity Unit    An accounting unit of measure representing the actuarial value of a Variable Income Plan’s interest in a Division of the Separate Account after Annuity Payments begin.

 

Beneficiary    A person who receives payments under the Contract if all the Owners die before the Maturity Date.

 

Contract    The agreement between you and us described in this variable annuity prospectus. During the Accumulation Period of the Contract, you may invest and any earnings on your investment will accumulate on a tax-deferred basis. During the Annuitization Period, you receive periodic payments based largely on the amounts you accumulate, all or a portion of which will be taxable as ordinary income.

 

Contract Value    The value of your Contract on any Valuation Date is the sum of: (1) the value of your amounts held in the Divisions of the Separate Account on that Valuation Date; and (2) the value of amounts allocated to any Guaranteed Account, plus credited interest; less (3) any withdrawals since that Valuation Date and any applicable Market Value Adjustment or charges under the Contract deducted since that Valuation Date.

 

Division    A sub-account of the Separate Account, the assets of which are invested exclusively in the shares of one of the Portfolios of the underlying Funds.

 

Fund    A Fund is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “Act”) as an open-end management investment company or as a unit investment trust, or is not required to be registered under the Act. A Fund is available as an investment option under the Contract. The assets of each of the Divisions of the Separate Account are used to purchase shares of the corresponding Portfolio of a Fund.

 

General Account    All assets of the Company, other than those held in the Separate Account or in other separate accounts that have been or may be established by the Company.

 

Guaranteed Account    A fixed investment option under the Contract, supported by the assets held in the Company’s General Account, that has a term of a specified duration (called a “Guaranteed Period”).

 

Market Value Adjustment    An amount that may be credited (or charged) upon a withdrawal from a multi-year Guaranteed Account before the end of a Guaranteed Period.

 

Maturity Date    The date, stated on the specifications page of the Contract, on which Purchase Payments cease and Annuity Payments become payable.

 

Owner    The person with the sole right to exercise all rights and privileges under the Contract, except as the Contract otherwise provides.

 

Portfolio    A series of a Fund available for investment under the Contract which corresponds to a particular Division of the Separate Account.

 

Purchase Payments    Money you give us to pay for your Contract. The related term “Net Purchase Payment” refers to Purchase Payments after all applicable deductions.

 

Separate Account    The account the Company has established pursuant to Wisconsin law for those assets, although belonging to the Company, that are reserved for you and other owners of variable annuity contracts supported by the Separate Account.

 

Valuation Date    Any day on which the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) is open for trading and any other day we are required under the Investment Company Act of 1940 to value assets of a Division of the Separate Account.

 

This prospectus describes two versions of the Select Variable Annuity contract: a front-load version (in which a sales charge is assessed when purchase payments are made) and a back-load version (in which a sales charge is assessed if and when amounts are withdrawn).

 

Account B Prospectus

 

1


Table of Contents

Fee and Expense Tables

 

Contract Fees and Expenses

 

The following tables describe the fees and expenses that you will pay when buying, owning, and surrendering the Contract during the Accumulation Period. On the left side of the tables below we show the fees and expenses you will pay at the time that you buy, surrender, or withdraw from the Contract. On the right side of these tables we show the fees and expenses that you will pay daily and periodically during the time that you own the Contract, not including the annual operating expenses of the Portfolios (the range of which is shown in the table that follows). These tables do not include any charge for state premium tax deductions, which we do not charge for at present, but we reserve the right to do so.

Front-Load Contract

Transaction Expenses for Contract Owners
(as a percentage of Purchase Payments)

  

Maximum Sales Load

   4.5%

Withdrawal Charge

   None

Transfer Fee

   None

Annual Expenses of the Separate Account
(as a percentage of average daily Contract value)

  

Maximum Mortality and Expense Risk Fees*

   0.75%

Current Mortality and Expense Risk Fees*

   0.50%

Other Expenses

   None
    

Total Maximum Separate Account Annual Expenses*

   0.75%

Total Current Separate Account Annual Expenses*

   0.50%

Annual Contract Fee

  

$30; waived if the Contract Value equals or exceeds $25,000

  

Annual Charge for Optional Enhanced Death Benefit

  

Maximum Charge (as a percentage of the entire benefit)**

   0.40%

 


 

Back-Load Contract

Transaction Expenses for Contract Owners
(as a percentage of Purchase Payments)

  

Sales Load

   None

Maximum Withdrawal Charge for Sales Expenses

   6%

Transfer Fee

   None

Annual Expenses of the Separate Account
(as a percentage of average daily Contract value)

  

Maximum Mortality and Expense Risk Fees*

   1.50%

Current Mortality and Expense Risk Fees*

   1.25%

Other Expenses

   None
    

Total Maximum Separate Account Annual Expenses*

   1.50%

Total Current Separate Account Annual Expenses*

   1.25%

Annual Contract Fee

  

$30; waived if the Contract Value equals or exceeds $25,000

  

Annual Charge for Optional Enhanced Death Benefit

  

Maximum Charge (as a percentage of the entire benefit)**

   0.40%
* We guarantee the current mortality and expense risk fees for five years from the date of this prospectus. Thereafter, we reserve the right to increase the mortality and expense risk fees to a maximum annual rate of 0.75% for the front-load Contract, 1.50% for the back-load Contract Class B Accumulation Units and 0.75% for back-load Contract Class A Accumulation Units. Under the back-load Contract, we convert Class B Accumulation Units to Class A Accumulation Units on a Contract Anniversary if the Contract Value is at least $25,000 and the Class B Accumulation Units are no longer subject to a withdrawal charge. For further information on Class B and Class A Accumulation Units, see “Mortality Rate and Expense Risk Charges—Reduction of Charges.”
** The maximum charge is for issue age (i.e., the age nearest the Primary Annuitant’s birthday at the time the application is approved) 56 and above. The charge is 0.10% for issue age 45 or less and 0.20% for issue age 46-55.

 

2

 

Account B Prospectus


Table of Contents

Range of Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses

 

The table below shows the minimum and maximum total operating expenses of the Portfolios that you may pay periodically during the time that you own the Contract. The first line of the table lists expenses that do not reflect fee waivers or expense limits and reimbursements, nor do they reflect short-term trading redemption fees, if any, charged by the Portfolios. The information is based on operations for the year ended December 31, 2006. More details concerning these fees and expenses are contained in the attached prospectuses for the Funds.

 

      Minimum     Maximum  

Range of Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses
(expenses include investment advisory fees, distribution (12b-1) fees,
and other expenses as a percentage of average Portfolio assets)*

   0.20 %   2.56 %

Range of Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses After Contractual Fee Waiver or Reimbursement**

   0.20 %   1.50 %

 

* For certain Portfolios, certain expenses were reimbursed or fees waived during 2006. It is anticipated that these voluntary expense reimbursement and fee waiver arrangements will continue past the current year, although they may be terminated at any time. After taking into account these arrangements and any contractual fee waiver or expense reimbursement arrangements, Annual Portfolio operating expenses would have ranged from a minimum of 0.20% to a maximum of 1.50%.
** The “Range of Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses After Contractual Fee Waiver or Reimbursement” line in the above table shows the minimum and maximum fees and expenses charged by all of the Portfolios after taking into account contractual fee waiver or reimbursement arrangements in place. Those contractual arrangements are designed to reduce total annual portfolio operating expenses for Owners and will continue for at least one year from the date of this prospectus. For more information about which Portfolios currently have such contractual reimbursement or fee waiver arrangements in place, see the prospectuses of the underlying Funds.

 

The following Examples are intended to help you 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, Separate Account annual expenses, and the fees and expenses of the underlying Portfolios. The Examples assume that you invest $10,000 in the Contract for the time periods indicated and that your investment has a 5% return each year. The Examples reflect the maximum as well as the minimum fees and expenses of the underlying Portfolios as set forth in the Range of Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses table. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower than those shown below, based on these assumptions, your costs would be as follows:

 

EXAMPLES

 

Front-Load Contract Without the Enhanced Death Benefit (“EDB”)

 

      1 Year    3 Years    5 Years    10 Years

Maximum Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses

   $ 606    $ 1,178    $ 1,823    $ 3,677

Minimum Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses

   $ 519    $ 667    $ 827    $ 1,453

 

Front-Load Contract With the Enhanced Death Benefit—(assuming the maximum EDB charge (i.e., at issue age 56-65))

 

      1 Year    3 Years    5 Years    10 Years

Maximum Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses

   $ 646    $ 1,295    $ 2,015    $ 4,037

Minimum Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses

   $ 559    $ 790    $ 1,040    $ 1,906

 

Back-Load Contract Without the Enhanced Death Benefit—(assuming a surrender or annuitization, just before the end of each time period, to a Fixed Income Plan with a certain period of less than 12 years (i.e., where a withdrawal charge would apply))

 

      1 Year    3 Years    5 Years    10 Years

Maximum Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses

   $ 849    $ 1,615    $ 2,250    $ 4,141

Minimum Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses

   $ 759    $ 1,093    $ 1,251    $ 2,013

 

Back-Load Contract Without the Enhanced Death Benefit—(assuming no surrender, no annuitization, or assuming an annuitization to a Variable Income Plan or to a Fixed Income Plan with a certain period of 12 years or more (i.e., where a withdrawal charge would not apply))

 

      1 Year    3 Years    5 Years    10 Years

Maximum Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses

   $ 249    $ 1,015    $ 1,850    $ 4,141

Minimum Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses

   $ 159    $ 493    $ 851    $ 2,013

 

Back-Load Contract With the Enhanced Death Benefit—(assuming the maximum EDB charge (i.e., at issue age 56-65) and surrender or annuitization, just before the end of each time period, to a Fixed Income Plan with a certain period of less than 12 years (i.e., where a withdrawal charge would apply))

 

      1 Year    3 Years    5 Years    10 Years

Maximum Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses

   $ 890    $ 1,735    $ 2,443    $ 4,484

Minimum Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses

   $ 800    $ 1,220    $ 1,464    $ 2,447

 

Account B Prospectus

 

3


Table of Contents

Back-Load Contract With the Enhanced Death Benefit—(assuming the maximum EDB charge (i.e., at issue age 56-65) and assuming no surrender, no annuitization, or assuming an annuitization to a Variable Income Plan or to a Fixed Income Plan with a certain period of 12 years or more (i.e., where a withdrawal charge would not apply))

 

      1 Year    3 Years    5 Years    10 Years

Maximum Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses

   $ 290    $ 1,135    $ 2,043    $ 4,484

Minimum Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses

   $ 200    $ 620    $ 1,064    $ 2,447

 

The sales load for a front-load Contract depends on the amount of cumulative Purchase Payments. For the back-load Contract, the mortality and expense risk charge and the withdrawal charge depend on the length of time amounts have been held under the Contract and the size of the amounts held. (See “Mortality Rate and Expense Risk Charges—Reduction of the Charges” and “Withdrawal Charges—Withdrawal Charge Rates.”) We guarantee the current mortality and expense risk charges for five years from the date of this prospectus. Thereafter, we reserve the right to increase the mortality and expense risk charges to a maximum annual rate of 0.75% for the front-load Contract and 1.50% for the back-load Contract. The expense numbers shown in the tables reflect the withdrawal charge and the current mortality and expense risk charges at the guaranteed rate for the first five years, and the maximum mortality and expense risk charges after five years. The Contracts may provide for charges for transfers between the Divisions of the Separate Account and for premium taxes, but we are not presently assessing such charges. The charge for the enhanced death benefit (EDB) above was determined by multiplying the maximum EDB percentage charge (.40%) by the entire EDB. The EDB amounts assumed for purposes of this example are equal to the Contract Value at each anniversary. Such hypothetical amounts are for illustrative purposes only. The $30 annual Contract fee is reflected as 0.01% for the front-load Contract and 0.11% for the back-load Contract based on the annual Contract fees collected divided by the average assets attributable to the Contracts for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006.

 

Please remember that the examples are simply illustrations and do not represent past or future expenses. Your actual expenses may be higher or lower than those shown in the examples. Similarly, your rate of return may be more or less than the 5% assumed in the examples.

 


 

Condensed Financial Information

 

The value of an Accumulation Unit is determined on the basis of changes in the per share value of the underlying Portfolios and the assessment of Separate Account charges, which may vary from contract to contract. (For more information on the calculation of underlying account values, see “Application of Purchase Payments.”) Please refer to Appendix A of this prospectus for information regarding the historical Accumulation Unit Values.

 

Financial statements of the Separate Account and the financial statements of Northwestern Mutual appear in the Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”). The financial statements of the Company should only be considered with respect to the Company’s ability to meet its obligations under the Contract and not with respect to the Contract Value held in the Separate Account, which is principally derived from the investment performance of the Portfolios. To receive a free copy of the SAI containing such financial statements, call 1-888-455-2232. Semiannually, we will send you reports containing financial information and schedules of investments for the Portfolios underlying the Divisions in which you invest. We will also send you periodic statements showing the value of your Contract and transactions under the Contract since the last statement. You should promptly review these statements and any confirmations of individual transactions that you receive to verify the accuracy of the information, and should promptly notify us of any discrepancies.

 


 

The Company

 

The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company, or through its subsidiaries and affiliates, offers insurance products, investment products, and advisory services which are designed to address clients’ needs for financial security and protection, wealth accumulation and distribution, and estate preservation. Organized by a special act of the Wisconsin Legislature in 1857, the Company is licensed to conduct a conventional life insurance business in the District of Columbia and in all states of the United States. The Company’s total assets exceeded $144.9 billion as of December 31, 2006. The Home Office of Northwestern Mutual is located at 720 East Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202.

 

4

 

Account B Prospectus


Table of Contents

The Investment Options

 

The Contract offers a variety of variable and fixed investment options for you to choose, depending on your retirement savings goals and your personal risk tolerances. The amounts invested in the variable options are not guaranteed, and because both your principal and any return on your investment are subject to market risk, you can lose your money. The amounts invested in the fixed options earn interest for a specified period at a rate we declare from time to time; the principal and interest rate are guaranteed by the Company and are subject to the claims-paying ability of the Company.

 

Variable Options

 

The assets of each Division of the Separate Account are invested in a corresponding Portfolio that is a series of one of the following mutual fund families: Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc; Fidelity® Variable Insurance Products; Neuberger Berman Advisers Management Trust; and the Russell Investment Funds. The Separate Account buys shares of the Portfolios at their respective net asset values without sales charge. The Portfolios are available for investment only by separate accounts supporting variable insurance products and are not publicly traded. Their performance can differ substantially from publicly traded mutual funds with similar names. The specific Portfolios available under your Contract may change from time to time, and not all Portfolios in which assets of the Separate Account are invested may be available under your Contract.

 

You may choose to allocate the Accumulation Value of your Contract among the Divisions of the Separate Account and you may, subject to certain conditions, transfer values from one Division to another. Amounts you allocate among the Divisions may grow in value, decline in value, or grow less than you expect, depending on the investment performance of the corresponding Portfolio. The investment objectives and types of investments for each Portfolio are set forth below. There can be no assurance that the Portfolios will realize their objectives. For more information about the investment objectives and policies, the attendant risk factors and expenses for each of the Portfolios described below, see the attached prospectuses. Read the prospectuses carefully before you invest.

 

Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc.    The investment adviser for the Northwestern Mutual Series Fund is Mason Street Advisors, LLC (“MSA”), our wholly-owned company. The investment advisory agreements for the respective Portfolios provide that MSA will provide services and bear certain expenses of the Portfolios. MSA employs a staff of investment professionals to manage the assets of the Fund and the other advisory clients of MSA. We provide related facilities and personnel, which MSA uses in performing its investment advisory functions. MSA has retained Templeton Investment Counsel, LLC, Capital Guardian Trust Company, T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc., AllianceBernstein L.P., Janus Capital Management LLC, American Century Investment Management, Inc., Massachusetts Financial Services Company, and Pacific Investment Management Company LLC under investment sub-advisory agreements to provide investment advice to the Portfolios bearing their names or derivatives thereof.

 

Portfolio    Investment Objective    Sub-adviser (if applicable)

Small Cap Growth Stock Portfolio

   Long-term growth of capital    N/A

T. Rowe Price Small Cap Value Portfolio

   Long-term growth of capital    T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc.

Mid Cap Growth Stock Portfolio

   Long-term growth of capital    N/A

International Growth Portfolio

   Long-term growth of capital    N/A

Franklin Templeton International Equity Portfolio

   Long-term growth of capital    Templeton Investment Counsel, LLC

AllianceBernstein Mid Cap Value Portfolio

   Long-term growth of capital; current income is a secondary objective    AllianceBernstein L.P.

Index 400 Stock Portfolio

   Investment results that approximate the performance of the Standard & Poor’s MidCap 400® Index    N/A

Janus Capital Appreciation Portfolio

   Long-term growth of capital    Janus Capital Management LLC

Growth Stock Portfolio

   Long-term growth of capital; current income is a secondary objective    N/A

Large Cap Core Stock Portfolio

   Long-term growth of capital and income    N/A

Capital Guardian Domestic Equity Portfolio

   Long-term growth of capital and income    Capital Guardian Trust Company

T. Rowe Price Equity Income Portfolio

   Long-term growth of capital and income    T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc.

Index 500 Stock Portfolio

   Investment results that approximate the performance of the S&P 500® Index    N/A

Asset Allocation Portfolio

   To realize as high a level of total return as is consistent with reasonable investment risk    N/A

 

Account B Prospectus   5


Table of Contents
Portfolio    Investment Objective    Sub-adviser (if applicable)

Balanced Portfolio

   To realize as high a level of total return as is consistent with prudent investment risk, through income and capital appreciation    N/A

High Yield Bond Portfolio

   High current income and capital appreciation    N/A

Select Bond Portfolio

   To realize as high a level of total return as is consistent with prudent investment risk; a secondary objective is to seek preservation of shareholders’ capital    N/A

Money Market Portfolio

   Maximum current income to the extent consistent with liquidity and stability of capital*    N/A

American Century Large Company Value Portfolio

   Long-term capital growth; income is a secondary objective    American Century Investment Management, Inc.

Capital Guardian Large Cap Blend Portfolio

   Long-term growth of capital and income    Capital Guardian Trust Company

Index 600 Stock Portfolio

   To achieve investment results that approximate the performance of the Standard & Poor’s SmallCap 600 Index’s performance    N/A

MFS® Research International Core Portfolio

   Capital appreciation    Massachusetts Financial Services Company

MFS® Emerging Markets Equity
Portfolio

   Capital appreciation    Massachusetts Financial Services Company

Short-Term Bond Portfolio

   Provide as high a level of current income as is consistent with prudent investment risk    N/A

PIMCO Long-Term U.S. Government Bond Portfolio

   Maximum total return, consistent with preservation of capital and prudent investment management    Pacific Investment Management Company LLC

American Century Inflation Protection Portfolio

   Pursue total return using a strategy that seeks to protect against U.S. inflation    American Century Investment Management, Inc.

PIMCO Multi-Sector Bond Portfolio

   Maximum total return, consistent with prudent investment management    Pacific Investment Management Company LLC

 

* Although the Money Market Portfolio seeks to preserve its value at $1.00 per share, it is possible to lose money by investing in the Money Market Portfolio. An investment in a money market portfolio is neither insured nor guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any government agency. During extended periods of low interest rates, the yield of a money market subaccount may also become extremely low and possibly negative.

 

Fidelity® Variable Insurance Products    The Fidelity® VIP Mid Cap Portfolio and The Fidelity® VIP Contrafund® Portfolio are series of Variable Insurance Products III and Variable Insurance Products Fund II, respectively. The Separate Account buys Service Class 2 shares of the Portfolios, the investment adviser for which is the Fidelity Management & Research Company.

 

Portfolio   Investment Objective   Sub-adviser

VIP Mid Cap Portfolio

  Long-term growth of capital   Fidelity Management & Research Company, Inc.

VIP Contrafund® Portfolio

  Long-term capital appreciation   Fidelity Management & Research Company, Inc.

 

Neuberger Berman Advisers Management Trust    The Neuberger Berman Advisers Management Trust Socially Responsive Portfolio is a series of the Neuberger Berman Advisers Management Trust. The Separate Account buys Class I shares of the Portfolio, the investment adviser for which is Neuberger Berman Management, Inc.

 

Portfolio   Investment Objective   Sub-adviser

Socially Responsive Portfolio

  Long-term growth of capital   Neuberger Berman, LLC

 

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Russell Investment Funds    The assets of each of the Portfolios comprising the Russell Investment Funds are invested by one or more investment management organizations researched and recommended by Frank Russell Company (“Russell”), and an affiliate of Russell, the Russell Investment Management Company (“RIMCo,” formerly known as the “Frank Russell Investment Management Company”). RIMCo also advises, operates, and administers the Russell Investment Funds. Russell is our majority-owned subsidiary.

 

Portfolio   Investment Objective
Multi-Style Equity Fund   Long-term growth of capital
Aggressive Equity Fund   Long-term growth of capital
Non-U.S. Fund   Long-term growth of capital
Core Bond Fund   Current income and the preservation of capital
Real Estate Securities Fund   Current income and long-term growth of capital
LifePoints® Moderate
Strategy Fund
  High current income and moderate long term capital appreciation
LifePoints® Balanced Strategy Fund   Above average capital appreciation and a moderate level of current income
LifePoints® Growth Strategy Fund   High long term capital appreciation with low current income
LifePoints® Equity Growth Strategy Fund   High long term capital appreciation

Payments We Receive    We select the Portfolios offered through this Contract based on several criteria, including asset class coverage, the strength of the investment adviser’s reputation and tenure, brand recognition, performance, and the capability and qualification of each investment firm. Another factor we consider during the selection process is whether the Portfolio’s investment adviser or an affiliate will make payments to us or our affiliates. We review the Portfolios periodically and may remove a Portfolio or limit its availability to new premiums and/or transfers of Contract Value if we determine that the Portfolio no longer meets one or more of the selection criteria, and/or if the Portfolio has not attracted significant allocations from Owners.

 

We do not provide any investment advice and do not recommend or endorse any particular Portfolio. You bear the risk of any decline in the Contract Value of your Contract resulting from the performance of the Portfolio you have chosen.

 

Owners, through their indirect investment in the Portfolios, bear the costs of the investment advisory or management fees that the Portfolios pay to their respective investment advisors (see the Portfolios’ prospectuses for more information). As described above, an investment adviser of a Portfolio, or its affiliates, may make payments to the Company and/or certain of our affiliates. These payments may be derived, in whole or in part, from the advisory fee deducted from Portfolio assets. The amount of the compensation is based on a percentage of assets of the Portfolios attributable to the Contracts and certain other variable insurance products that the Company issues. The percentages differ and some investment advisers (or other affiliates) may pay more than others. The percentages currently range up to 0.25%. These payments may be used for any corporate purpose, including payment of expenses that the Company and/or its affiliates incur in administering the Contracts and, in its role as an intermediary, the Portfolios. The Company and its affiliates may profit from these payments.

 

Certain Portfolios have adopted a Distribution Plan under Rule 12b-1 of the Investment Company Act of 1940. The Distribution Plan is described in more detail in the Portfolios prospectus and later in this prospectus. (See “Additional Information—The Distributor.”) The payments, which may be up to 0.25%, are deducted from assets of the Portfolios and are paid to our distributor, Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC. These payments decrease the Portfolio’s investment return.

 

Additionally, an investment adviser of a Portfolio or its affiliates may provide the Company with wholesaling services that assist in the distribution of the Contracts and may pay the Company and/or certain of our affiliates amounts to participate in sales meetings. These amounts may be significant and may provide the investment adviser (or its affiliate) with increased access to persons involved in the distribution of the Contracts.

 

Transfers Between Divisions    Subject to the short term and excessive trading limitations described below and any frequent trading policies adopted by the Funds that are described in their prospectuses, you may change the allocation of Purchase Payments among the Divisions and transfer values from one Division to another both before and after Annuity Payments begin. In order to take full advantage of these features you should carefully consider, on a continuing basis, which investment options are best suited to your long-term investment needs. See “Owner Inquiries” for more information on how you may change the allocation of Accumulation or Annuity Units among the Divisions. Subject to our requirements and availability, your Financial Representative may provide us with instructions on your behalf involving the allocation and transfer of Accumulation Value of your Contract among the available investment options, subject to our rules, including the restrictions on short term and excessive trading discussed below.

 

We will make the transfer based upon the next valuation of Accumulation or Annuity Units in the affected Divisions after

 

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our receipt of your request for transfer at our Home Office, provided it is in good order. If we receive your request for transfer on or before the close of trading on the New York Stock Exchange (typically, 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time), your request will receive same-day pricing. If we receive your request for transfer after the close of trading on the New York Stock Exchange, we will process the order using the value of the units in the Divisions determined at the close of the next regular trading session of the New York Stock Exchange. We will adjust the number of such units to be credited to reflect the respective value of the units in each of the Divisions. The minimum amount which may be transferred is the lesser of $100 or the entire value of the units in the Division from which the transfer is being made.

 

Before the Maturity Date, you may transfer amounts which you have invested in a Guaranteed Account to any Division of the Separate Account, and you may transfer the value of Accumulation Units in any Division of the Separate Account to a Guaranteed Account for investment on a fixed basis, subject to the restrictions described in the Contract. (See “The Guaranteed Accounts.”)

 

Short Term and Excessive Trading    Short term and excessive trading (sometimes referred to as “market timing”) may present risks to a Portfolio’s long-term investors, such as Owners and other persons who may have material rights under the Contract (e.g., beneficiaries), because it can, among other things, disrupt Portfolio investment strategies, increase Portfolio transaction and administrative costs, require higher than normal levels of cash reserves to fund unusually large or unexpected redemptions, and adversely affect investment performance. These risks may be greater for Portfolios that invest in securities that may be more vulnerable to arbitrage trading including foreign securities and thinly traded securities, such as small cap stocks and non-investment grade bonds. These types of trading activities also may dilute the value of long-term investors’ interests in a Portfolio if it calculates its net asset value using closing prices that are no longer accurate. Accordingly, we discourage market timing activities.

 

To deter short term and excessive trading, we have adopted and implemented policies and procedures which are designed to control abusive trading practices. We seek to apply these policies and procedures uniformly to all Contract Owners. Any exceptions must be either expressly permitted by our policies and procedures or subject to an approval process described in them. We may also be prevented from uniformly applying these policies and procedures under applicable state or federal law or regulation. Because exceptions are permitted, it is possible that investors may be treated differently and, as a result, some may be allowed to engage in trading activity that might be viewed as market timing.

 

Among the steps we have taken to reduce the frequency and effect of these practices are monitoring trading activity and imposing trading restrictions including the prohibition of more than twelve transfers among Divisions under a single Contract during a Contract year. Further, an investor who is identified as having made a transfer in and out of the same Division (“round trip transfer”) in an amount in excess of $10,000 within fourteen calendar days will be restricted from making additional transfers after the third such round trip transfer until the next Contract anniversary date, and sent a letter informing him of the restriction. Thereafter, the same investor will be similarly restricted after the second such round trip transfer. An investor who is identified as having made one or more round trip transfers within thirty calendar days aggregating more than one percent (1%) of the total assets of the Portfolio underlying a Division will be sent a warning letter after the first such round trip transfer and will be restricted from making additional transfers until the next Contract anniversary date after the second such round trip transfer. Thereafter, the same investor will be similarly restricted after the first such round trip transfer. These limitations do not apply to automatic asset transfers, scheduled or systematic transactions involving portfolio rebalancing, dollar cost averaging, interest sweeps, or to initial allocations or changes in allocations. Once a Contract is restricted, we will allow one additional transfer into the Money Market Portfolio until the next Contract anniversary.

 

These policies and procedures may change from time to time in our sole discretion without notice; provided, however, Contract Owners would be given advance, written notice if the policies and procedures were revised to accommodate market timing. Additionally, the Funds may have their own policies and procedures described in their prospectuses that are designed to limit or restrict frequent trading. Such policies and procedures may provide for the imposition of a redemption fee and, upon request from the Fund, require us to provide transaction information to the Fund (including an Owner’s tax identification number) and to restrict or prohibit transfers and other transactions that involve the purchase of shares of a Portfolio(s).

 

If we believe your trading activity is in violation of, or inconsistent with, our policies and procedures or otherwise is potentially disruptive to the interests of other investors, you may be asked to stop such activities and future investments, and allocations or transfers by you may be rejected without prior notice. Because we retain discretion to determine what action is appropriate in a given situation, investors may be treated differently and some may be allowed to engage in activities that might be viewed as market timing.

 

We intend to monitor events and the effectiveness of our policies and procedures in order to identify whether instances of potentially abusive trading practices are occurring. However, we may not be able to identify all instances of abusive trading practices, nor completely eliminate the possibility of such activities, and there may be technological limitations on our ability to impose restrictions on the trading practices of Contract Owners.

 

Fixed Options

 

During the Accumulation phase of your Contract, you may invest on a fixed basis in the following guaranteed accounts of

 

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different durations (“Guaranteed Accounts”), provided they are available in your state: the Guaranteed Interest Fund 1 (“GIF 1”) (formerly referred to as the “Guaranteed Interest Fund”) and the Guaranteed Interest Fund 8 (“GIF 8”). To find out if a Guaranteed Account is available in your state, please contact your Northwestern Mutual Financial Representative or call 1-888-455-2232.

 

GIF 1 is available for investment under both front-load and back-load Contracts. GIF 8 is only available under back-load Contracts. Guaranteed Accounts are not available after annuitization. We reserve the right to discontinue offering all Guaranteed Accounts or a Guaranteed Account of a particular duration. We also reserve the right to offer additional multi-year Guaranteed Accounts from time to time. The effective date of an investment in a Guaranteed Account is determined in the same manner that the effective date for an investment in the Divisions of the Separate Account is determined.

 

You may make an initial investment in a Guaranteed Account by applying all or part of a Net Purchase Payment or an amount transferred from Divisions of the Separate Account or another Guaranteed Account. Subject to the limitations described below, you may make additional investments in GIF 1 at any time prior to the Maturity Date of the Contract. Additional investments in GIF 8 are not permitted without our consent. Currently, we permit additional investments in GIF 8 that represent proceeds from Internal Revenue Code Section 1035 exchanges or rollovers, provided (i) you inform us at the time of your initial investment in the Contract, and (ii) that such proceeds are received by us within 90 days thereafter. Interest will accrue on those proceeds from the date of receipt, but they will be treated for all other purposes the same as your initial investment. Subject to this limited exception, if you direct us to make additional investments in GIF 8, they will be invested in the Money Market Division.

 

Interest is credited and compounded daily on amounts you invest in a Guaranteed Account at a rate that we declare (“Declared Rate”) for a guaranteed period that we specify (“Guaranteed Period”). The Declared Rate will not be less than a minimum guaranteed annual effective rate of 1% (or a higher rate if required by applicable state law). We also guarantee that the cash value of your investment in the Guaranteed Accounts will not be less than a minimum amount determined by a formula that complies with applicable state insurance nonforfeiture law. For GIF 1, the Declared Rate will be effective for a Guaranteed Period equal to the shorter of the following two periods: (i) the twelve month period measured from the end of the month of the investment’s effective date, or (ii) the period remaining until the Maturity Date of the Contract. For GIF 8, the Declared Rate will be effective for a Guaranteed Period ending eight years from the effective date; provided, however, an investment in GIF 8 is not permitted if the Guaranteed Period would extend beyond the Maturity Date of the Contract.

 

Upon expiration of a Guaranteed Period for GIF 1, we will apply a new Declared Rate for a new one-year Guaranteed Period. Upon expiration of a Guaranteed Period for GIF 8, any amounts remaining in that Guaranteed Account will be transferred to the Money Market Division of the Separate Account unless you otherwise instruct us to allocate the amounts to a Division(s) of the Separate Account or a new Guaranteed Period for either GIF 1 or GIF 8.

 

Transfer Limitations    Transfers from Guaranteed Accounts are subject to certain limits. No transfers from GIF 8 are permitted during the first four years following the beginning of a Guaranteed Period. After a transfer is made from a Guaranteed Account, no additional transfers may be made from that Guaranteed Account for a period of 365 days. Further, for GIF 1, no additional transfers may be made into that Guaranteed Account for 90 days. No additional transfers may be made into GIF 8 at any time without our consent. Additionally, the maximum amount of Accumulation Value that may be transferred from a Guaranteed Account in a single transfer may not be more than the greater of (i) 25% of the Accumulation Value of the Guaranteed Account on the preceding Contract anniversary date, or (ii) the amount of the most recent transfer from that Guaranteed Account. (For Contracts issued prior to March 31, 2000, the percentage limit by the terms of the Contract is 20%, but our current practice, which we may change without notice to you, is to permit up to 25%.) In no event may the amount of a single transfer from a Guaranteed Account be less than $1,000, nor greater than $50,000. (The $50,000 limit does not apply in New York.) These limitations on individual transfers do not apply to transfers from GIF 8 at the end of a Guaranteed Period.

 

Withdrawal Charge    Maturity benefits and withdrawals under a back-load Contract are subject to the withdrawal charge described under “Deductions—Withdrawal Charges.” Because the withdrawal charge will affect the amount available for withdrawal, you should carefully consider its effect before investing in, and making a withdrawal from, the Contract.

 

The withdrawal charge applicable to withdrawals from GIF 8 during the first four years of a Guaranteed Period differs from that which is applicable to other withdrawals in several respects. First, the charge applies to withdrawals from GIF 8 during the first four years of each and every Guaranteed Period. Second, during those four years it applies to the Accumulation Value, rather than to Net Purchase Payments. During the first three years of a Guaranteed Period, the withdrawal charge equals 6% of the amount of the Accumulation Value withdrawn. During the fourth year, the charge equals 5% of the amount of the Accumulation Value withdrawn. Net Purchase Payments that are subject to the withdrawal charge are reduced by an amount equal to that portion of the Accumulation Value withdrawn from GIF 8 during the first four years, beginning with the highest withdrawal charge category and rate.

 

Market Value Adjustment (GIF 8 Only)    Transfers and withdrawals (but not payments of Contract fees or payments due to the death of the Primary Annuitant) made from GIF 8 prior to the end of a Guaranteed Period will be charged or credited with a market value adjustment (“MVA”). No MVA will apply if you do not transfer or withdraw amounts from GIF 8 before the end of a Guaranteed Period. The amount of

 

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the MVA will depend upon the difference, if any, between the seven-year Constant Maturity Treasury interest rate in effect on the second-to-last business day of the month preceding the start of the Guaranteed Period and an interest rate, in effect on the second-to-last business day of the month preceding the date of the transfer or withdrawal, equal to the Constant Maturity Treasury interest rate for the period closest to the time remaining in the Guaranteed Period (but not less than one year). If the rate in effect at that time exceeds the seven-year rate preceding the start of the Guaranteed Period, the MVA will be negative and decrease the amount available for transfer or withdrawal from GIF 8. If the opposite is true, the MVA will be positive and increase such amount.

 

In no event will the MVA increase or decrease the amount transferred or withdrawn by more than a proportionate allocation of the excess, if any, of the interest credited to GIF 8 since the beginning of the Guaranteed Period in which such amount is transferred or withdrawn to the date of transfer or withdrawal, over the interest that would have been credited if the Declared Rate had equaled the Nonforfeiture Rate during that same time period. The Nonforfeiture Rate is a rate defined in the Contract and is based on the five-year Constant Maturity Treasury interest rate on the second-to-last business day of the month preceding the start of the Guaranteed Period during which the transfer or withdrawal is made. In general, the longer the period remaining to the end of the Guaranteed Period at the time of a transfer or withdrawal, the larger the MVA. Because a negative MVA can reduce credited interest in excess of the minimum interest rate required to be credited under state law, you should carefully consider its effect before making a transfer or withdrawal from GIF 8 prior to the end of a Guaranteed Period.

 

Set forth below are two examples showing the application of the market value adjustment feature in the case of a withdrawal or transfer from GIF8 before the end of the Guarantee Period. The first example assumes rising interest rates; the second assumes declining interest rates:

 

Guaranteed Interest Fund 8 (GIF8) Market Value Adjustment Example

 

GIF8 Deposit = $50,000

 

Guaranteed Interest Rate = 4.5% for 8 years

 

Market Value Adjustment Calculation assuming 100% withdrawal on the third anniversary from deposit if interest rates increase
Current GIF8 Account Value = $57,058.31
7-year Constant Maturity Treasury Rate = 4.75% (on the second to last business day preceding the month of deposit)
5-year Constant Maturity Treasury Rate = 5.00% (on the second to last business day preceding the month of withdrawal for the term nearest the period remaining in the guarantee period)

Market Value Adjustment =
$57,058.31 x [(1 + 4.75%)
5/(1 + 5.00%)5 – 1] = -$676.04

 

Market Value Adjustment Calculation assuming 100% withdrawal on the third anniversary from deposit if interest rates decrease
Current GIF8 Account Value = $57,058.31
7-year Constant Maturity Treasury Rate = 4.75% (on the second to last business day preceding the month of deposit
5-year Constant Maturity Treasury Rate = 4.25% (on the second to last business day preceding the month of withdrawal for the term nearest the period remaining in the guarantee period)

Market Value Adjustment =
$57,058.31 x [(1 + 4.75%)
5/(1 + 4.25%)5 – 1] = +$1,381.49

 

Note: The market value adjustment will not increase or decrease values by more than the interest credited to GIF8 since the beginning of the guarantee period in which an amount is withdrawn or transferred out to the date of the withdrawal or transfer over the interest that would have been credited if the interest rate declared by the Company had equaled the Nonforfeiture Rate during the same time period.

 

Additional Information    “Portfolio Rebalancing” may not be used with any Guaranteed Account, and “Automatic Dollar Cost Averaging” and “Interest Sweeps” may not be used with a GIF 8. Withdrawals from GIF 8 during the first four years of a Guaranteed Period may be taken in the form of a Variable Income Plan, except for payments for a specified period. (See Option 1 under “Payment Plans”—Description of Variable Income Plans”.)

 

Amounts you invest in a Guaranteed Account become part of our General Account, which represents all of our assets other than those held by us in the Separate Account and other separate accounts. The General Account is used to support all of our annuity and insurance obligations and is available to our general creditors. As part of our General Account, however, the Guaranteed Accounts do not bear any mortality rate and expense charges applicable to the Separate Account under the Contract, nor do they bear expenses of the Portfolios in which the Divisions of the Separate Account invest. Other charges under the Contract apply to the Guaranteed Accounts. (See “Deductions.”) For purposes of allocating and deducting the annual Contract fee, we treat GIF 1 the same as Divisions of the Separate Account; no portion of the annual Contract fee will be deducted from GIF 8 unless insufficient value exists in the Divisions and GIF 1.

 

In reliance on certain exemptions and exclusionary provisions, we have not registered interests in the Guaranteed Accounts under the Securities Act of 1933, nor have we registered the Guaranteed Accounts or the General Account as investment companies under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Accordingly, interests in a Guaranteed Account are not subject to the same laws as interests in the Divisions of the Separate Account, and the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission has not reviewed the disclosure in this prospectus regarding the Guaranteed Accounts.

 

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Preservation+ Strategy    (Back-load Contracts only) Subject to the investment minimums and maximums discussed above, you may elect to allocate all or a portion of your initial Purchase Payment to the Preservation+ Strategy. The Preservation+ Strategy is designed to preserve the principal of the amount that you allocate to the strategy through the crediting of a fixed rate of interest to the portion of that allocation which you invest in GIF 8 for the Guaranteed Period, while permitting you to participate in the stock market by investing in a Division of the Separate Account with potential returns and attendant risk that approximate those of the S&P 500® Index. We use a mathematical formula to determine the part of your total initial Purchase Payment allocated to this strategy that must be invested in GIF 8 to guarantee a return of principal and interest from GIF 8 at the end of the Guaranteed Period equal to your total initial Purchase Payment allocated to the strategy (less any applicable Contract fees charged to GIF 8 during the period). This guarantee is subject to the condition that you make no withdrawals or transfers from GIF 8 during the eight-year Guaranteed Period. The remainder of your initial Purchase Payment that you allocate to the Preservation+ Strategy is invested in the Division of the Separate Account that invests in the Index 500 Stock Portfolio. Under the Preservation+ Strategy, we guarantee the return of the amount you allocate to GIF 8 plus a fixed rate of interest on that amount (less any applicable Contract fees allocated to GIF 8). You assume the risk associated with the amount you invest in the Separate Account. We guarantee the return of your principal amount invested under the strategy. You also assume the risk that your investment in the Preservation+ Strategy may result in the return of only your principal amount invested under the strategy.

 


 

The Contract

 

 

Generally    The Contract is intended for retirement and long-term savings. The Contract provides for a death benefit during the years when funds are being accumulated and for a variety of income options following retirement. During the years when funds are being paid into your Contract, known as the accumulation phase, the earnings accumulate on a tax-deferred basis. The earnings are taxed as income if you make a withdrawal. The income phase begins when you start receiving Annuity Payments under your Contract. Monthly Annuity Payments begin on the date you select. The amount you accumulate under your Contract, including the results of investment performance, will determine the amount of your monthly Annuity Payments.

 

If you are purchasing the Contract through a tax-favored arrangement, including IRAs, Roth IRAs, and SIMPLE IRAs, you should carefully consider the costs and benefits of the Contract before purchasing the Contract, since the tax-favored arrangement itself provides for tax-sheltered growth. Certain provisions of the Contract may be different than the general description in this prospectus, and certain riders, options, or funds may not be available because of legal restrictions in your state. You should consult your Contract, as any such state variations will be included in your Contract or in riders or endorsements attached to your Contract.

 

Free Look    If you return the Contract within ten days after you receive it (or whatever period is required in your state), we will send your money back. There is no charge for our expenses but the amount you receive may be more or less than what you paid, based on actual investment experience following the date we received your purchase payment. In the event applicable state law requires us to return the full amount of your purchase payment, we will do so.

 

Contract Values    The value of your Contract on any Valuation Date is the sum of the following: (i) the value of your amounts held in the Divisions of the Separate Account on that Valuation Date; and (ii) the value of your amounts allocated to any Guaranteed Account, plus credited interest; less (iii) any withdrawals since that Valuation Date and any applicable MVA or charges under the Contract deducted since that Valuation Date. We use the “net investment factor” as a way to calculate the investment performance of a Division from valuation period to valuation period. For each Division, the net investment factor shows the investment performance of the underlying mutual fund Portfolio in which a particular Division invests, including the charges assessed against that Division for a given valuation period. The Portfolios will distribute investment income and realized capital gains to the Divisions, which we will reinvest in additional shares of those same Portfolios. Unrealized capital gains and realized and unrealized capital losses will be reflected by changes in the value of the shares held by the Division.

 

Purchase Payments Under the Contract

 

Frequency and Amount    A Purchase Payment is the money you give us to pay for your Contract. You may make Purchase Payments monthly, quarterly, semiannually, annually, or on any other frequency acceptable to us. For back-load Contracts in non-tax qualified situations, the minimum initial Purchase Payment is $5,000. For all other back-load Contracts, the minimum amount for an initial Purchase Payment is $100, or $25 if payments are made through our Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) Plan. For front-load Contracts, the minimum initial Purchase Payment is $10,000. The minimum amount for each subsequent Purchase Payment for all Contracts is $25, although we may accept lower amounts in certain circumstances. We will accept larger purchase payments than the minimums, but total purchase payments under any Contract may not exceed $5,000,000 without our consent. For all Contracts, Purchase Payments may not exceed the applicable federal income tax limits. (See “Federal Income Taxes.”)

 

In certain situations, we may reduce or waive our minimums. For example, for back-load Contracts in non-tax qualified situations, we may reduce the minimum initial purchase amount from $5,000 to no less than $4,000 provided you elect on your

 

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application to make additional subsequent Purchase Payments such that the total Purchase Payments you make on or before the first anniversary date of your Contract equal or exceed $5,000. We may also reduce or waive our $5,000 minimum if your application is submitted as part of a group of applications, including those being paid for through a multiple-contract billing. For front-load Contracts, we may reduce the minimum initial purchase amount from $10,000 to no less than $5,000 provided you elect on your application to make additional subsequent Purchase Payments such that the total Purchase Payments you make on or before the first anniversary date of your Contract equal or exceed $10,000. Also, when initial Purchase Payments representing proceeds from rollovers or annuity exchanges are determined to satisfy the front-load Contract minimum based on values at the time you sign your application, but the amount subsequently received by us is less than the required minimum due to market value fluctuations and sales or administrative fees charged in connection with the rollover or exchange, we may reduce the required minimum by the sum of any such depreciation and fees, but not below a minimum of $8,000. We may also choose, in our discretion, to reduce or waive minimum purchase payment requirements in some limited situations.

 

Guaranteed Account Investment Minimums and Maximums    Guaranteed Accounts are subject to certain investment minimums and maximums in addition to those described above. Amounts that are applied to GIF 8 are subject to an investment minimum of $10,000, unless we consent to a lesser amount. We also limit the maximum amount that may be invested in the Guaranteed Accounts. Without our prior consent, no investment may cause the Accumulation Value of all Guaranteed Accounts (the sum of all applied amounts and credited interest, less fees and any amounts transferred or withdrawn) to exceed a maximum amount we specify in the Contract. For Contracts currently being issued, the maximum amount specified in the Contract is $100,000 ($50,000 for Contracts issued with a guaranteed minimum Declared Rate of 3%). However, our current practice (which we may change at any time without notice to you) is to permit a maximum amount of up to $1 million ($250,000 for Contracts issued in New York), other than for (i) Contracts issued in New Jersey (where exceptions to the Contract maximum amount are not permitted) and (ii) Contracts issued with a guaranteed minimum Declared Rate of 3%. To the extent that an investment causes these maximum amounts to be exceeded, the excess amount would be invested in the Money Market Division of the Separate Account until you instruct us otherwise. Changes in the investment minimums and maximums will be applied on a prospective basis only and will not affect contract owners invested in the Guaranteed Accounts as of the date of such change. Contract owners who are invested in a Guaranteed Account and whose investment did not meet the new minimum investment requirement or whose investment exceeded the new maximum investment limit may continue to remain invested in the Account and would be able to continue to allocate purchase payments and transfers to that Account.

Application of Purchase Payments    We credit Net Purchase Payments, after deduction of any sales load, to the variable and/or fixed investment options as you direct. The application of Purchase Payments to the Guaranteed Account options are subject to special rules (see “The Investment Options—Fixed Options.”) We invest those assets allocated to the variable options in shares of those Portfolios that correspond to the applicable Division; the term “Accumulation Units” describes the value of this interest in the Separate Account. For the back-load Contracts, there are two types of Accumulation Units: “Class A” and “Class B.” We credit Class B Accumulation Units to your back-load Contract each time you make a Purchase Payment. We convert Class B Accumulation Units to Class A Accumulation Units on a basis that reflects the cumulative amount of Purchase Payments and the length of time that the amounts have been held under a back-load Contract. (See “Mortality Rate and Expense Risk Charges.”) Class B Accumulation Units are subject to a withdrawal charge while Class A Accumulation Units are not subject to such a charge.

 

Initial Net Purchase Payments allocated to a Division will be priced at the Accumulation Unit Value determined no later than two Valuation Dates after we receive at our Home Office or a lockbox facility we have designated both your initial Purchase Payment and your application in good order. “Good order” means that the application is complete and accurate and all applicable requirements are satisfied. If your application is not in good order, we may take up to five Valuation Dates to resolve the problem. If we are unable to resolve the problem within that time, we will notify you in writing of the reasons for the delay. If you revoke the consent given with your application to hold your initial Purchase Payment pending resolution of the problem, we will return your payment. Otherwise, the number of Accumulation Units you receive for your initial Net Purchase Payment will be determined based upon the valuation of the assets of that Division we make not later than two Valuation Dates following the date on which the problem is resolved and your application is put into good order. Subsequent Net Purchase Payments will be priced based on the next determined Accumulation Unit Value after the payment is received in good order either at the Home Office or a lockbox facility we have designated.

 

We deem receipt of a Purchase Payment to occur on a given Valuation Date if receipt occurs on or before the close of trading on the New York Stock Exchange (typically, 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time). If receipt occurs after the close of trading on the New York Stock Exchange, we deem receipt to occur on the following Valuation Date. If you attempt to make a Purchase Payment with a check that is returned to us unpaid due to insufficient funds or for any other reason, or if your Purchase Payment is made by an electronic funds transfer that is later reversed due to lack of funds in the account from which the transfer was made or for any other reason, we will reverse the transaction. Money orders or travelers’ checks will not be accepted in connection with the purchase of a variable product contract. We may reject any application or Purchase Payment for any reason permitted by law. We may also be required to provide additional information about you and your account to government regulators.

 

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The value of an Accumulation Unit in each division varies with the investment experience of the division (which in turn is determined by the investment experience of the corresponding Portfolio). We determine the value by multiplying the value on the immediately preceding valuation date by the net investment factor for the division. The net investment factor takes into account the investment experience of the Portfolio, the deduction for mortality and expense risks we have assumed and a deduction for any applicable taxes or for any expenses resulting from a substitution of securities. Since you bear the investment risk, there is no guarantee as to the aggregate value of your Accumulation Units. That value may be less than, equal to, or more than the cumulative net purchase payments you have made.

 

Maturity Date    Purchase Payments under the Contract may be made until the Maturity Date stated on the Contract’s specifications page. Distributions may be required before the Maturity Date. (See “Minimum Distribution Requirements.”)

 

Special Contract for Employers    The Annuity Payment rates for Variable Income Plans which involve a life contingency (i.e., Plans 2 and 3) are based, in part, on the sex of the Annuitant. For certain situations where the Contracts are to be used in connection with an employer sponsored benefit plan or arrangement, federal law, and the laws of certain states, may require that Purchase Payments and Annuity Payment rates be determined without regard to sex. A special Contract is available for this purpose. You are urged to review any questions in this area with qualified counsel.

 

Access to Your Money

 

Withdrawals    Contract Owners may withdraw some or all of the Accumulation Unit value of their Contract at any time before the Maturity Date. We will not grant a partial withdrawal that would result in a Contract Value of less than $2,000 remaining; we will treat a request for such a partial withdrawal as a request to surrender the entire Contract. You may instruct us how to allocate your partial withdrawal request among your investments in the Divisions and Guaranteed Accounts. If no direction is received, your withdrawal will be deducted proportionately from each of your investments.

 

Withdrawals from the GIF 8 may be subject to special withdrawal charges and an MVA. (See “Investment Options—The Fixed Options.”) Complete or partial withdrawals under back-load Contracts may be subject to a withdrawal charge. (See “Withdrawal Charges.”) Such withdrawals may be prohibited under the terms of your plan, and may also trigger certain tax penalties. (See “Federal Income Taxes.”)

 

Withdrawals may also be made after the Maturity Date. If Annuity Payments are being made under Variable Income Plan 1, the payee may surrender the Contract and receive the value of the Annuity Units credited to his or her Contract, less the applicable withdrawal charge. (See “Withdrawal Charges.”) If Annuity Payments are being made under Variable Income Plan 2 and the payee dies during the certain period (or if both payees die during the certain period of Variable Income Plan 3), the beneficiary may surrender the Contract and receive the withdrawal value of the unpaid payments for the certain period. The withdrawal value is based on the Annuity Unit value on the withdrawal date, with the unpaid payments discounted at the Assumed Investment Rate. (See “Description of Variable Income Plans”.)

 

We may accept a withdrawal request (including an exchange) in writing, subject to our administrative procedures, which may include the proper completion of certain forms, the provision of appropriate identifying information, and other administrative requirements. We will process your request at the accumulation value next determined only after our receipt of your request in good order, which includes satisfaction of all our administrative requirements. Subject to our administrative procedures and our approval, you may request that a withdrawal be processed (or that a payment plan start) on a future date you specify. Otherwise, we will pay the amount of any withdrawal from the Separate Account within seven days after we receive the request in good order unless the suspension of payments or transfers provision is in effect. You may revoke a request for withdrawal on a specified future date anytime prior to such future date.

 

If mandated under applicable law, we may be required to block an Owner’s account and thereby refuse to pay any requests for transfer, partial withdrawal, surrender or death benefits, until instructions are received from the appropriate regulator. We may also be required to provide additional information about an Owner and an Owner’s account to government regulators.

 

Benefits Provided Under the Contracts

 

Subject to the restrictions noted below, we will pay the death benefits of a Contract in a lump sum or under the payment plans described below. We reserve the right to defer determination of the withdrawal value of the Contracts, or the payment of benefits under a Variable Income Plan, until after the end of any period during which the right to redeem shares of a Portfolio is suspended, or payment of the redemption value is postponed pursuant to the provisions of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “Act”) because of one or more of the following: (a) the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) is closed, except for routine closings on holidays or weekends; (b) the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) has determined that trading on the NYSE is restricted; (c) the SEC permits suspension or postponement and so orders; (d) an emergency exists, as defined by the SEC, so that valuation of the assets of the Funds or disposal of securities they hold is not reasonably practical; or (e) such suspension or postponement is otherwise permitted by the Act.

 

Amount of the Death Benefit    If the Annuitant dies before the Maturity Date, the death benefit will not be less than the Contract Value next determined after we receive proof of death at our Home Office. If we receive proof of death on or before the close of trading for the New York Stock Exchange (typically 4:00pm Eastern Time), we will determine the Contract Value using same-day pricing. If we receive proof of death after the close of trading on the New York Stock

 

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Exchange, we will determine the Contract Value based on the value of the units in the Divisions determined at the close of the next regular trading session of the New York Stock Exchange.

 

If the Primary Annuitant dies on or after his or her 75th birthday, the death benefit will be equal to the Contract Value (as described in the above paragraph). If the Primary Annuitant dies before his or her 75th birthday, the death benefit, where permitted by state law, will equal the greater of the Contract Value or the amount of Purchase Payments we received, less an adjustment for every withdrawal. For each withdrawal we reduce the minimum death benefit by the percentage of the Contract Value withdrawn. There is no death benefit after Annuity Payments begin. (See “Payment Plans”.)

 

Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit Examples    Set forth below are two numerical examples illustrating the effect of a withdrawal from the contract upon the minimum death benefit. The first example shows a hypothetical increase in Contract Value and a hypothetical withdrawal amount; the second shows a hypothetical decrease in Contract Value and a different hypothetical withdrawal amount:

 

Total Purchase Payments   $50,000   $50,000
Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit immediately before withdrawal   $50,000   $50,000
Contract Value at the time of withdrawal   $100,000   $40,000
Withdrawal Amount   $25,000   $10,000
Proportionate Adjustment for Withdrawal   ($25,000/$100,000) x $50,000 = $12,500   ($10,000/$40,000) x $50,000 = $12,500
Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit immediately after the withdrawal   $50,000 – $12,500 = $37,500   $50,000 – $12,500 = $37,500

 

An enhanced death benefit (“EDB”) is available at extra cost. The EDB allows an Owner to “lock in” increases in Contract Value as measured on each Contract anniversary date prior to the Primary Annuitant’s 80th birthday, increased by the dollar amount of subsequent Purchase Payments and proportionally reduced for subsequent withdrawals, in determining the death benefit payable. The EDB also guarantees that the death benefit payable under the Contract will never be less than Purchase Payments made under the Contract (adjusted for any withdrawals). The EDB on any Valuation Date equals the greatest of (i) the Contract value on that date, (ii) the amount of Purchase Payments made under the Contract (adjusted for any withdrawals), or (iii) the highest Contract value on any Contract anniversary date prior to the Primary Annuitant’s 80th birthday, increased by any Purchase Payments we received since that Contract anniversary and decreased by the percentage of Contract value withdrawn since that Contract anniversary. We deduct the extra cost for the EDB from the Contract Value on each Contract anniversary while the EDB is in effect. (See “Enhanced Death Benefit Charge.”) The EDB is available through issue age 65 (i.e., the application must be approved no later than six months following the Primary Annuitant’s 65th birthday) and must be elected when the Contract is issued. The EDB will remain in effect until the Maturity Date or the death of the Primary Annuitant or if you ask us to remove it from your Contract. You cannot add it to your Contract again after it has been removed.

 

Enhanced Death Benefit Examples    Set forth below is a numerical example demonstrating the calculation of the enhanced death benefit (assuming an initial purchase payment of $100,000 with no subsequent purchase payments and no withdrawals):

 

Contract Anniversary   Contract Value     Enhanced Death Benefit

First

  $ 120,000     $ 120,000

Second

  $ 130,000     $ 130,000

Third

  $ 110,000     $ 130,000

 

Set forth below is an example showing the calculation of both the death benefit and the enhanced death benefit for a contract with a subsequent purchase payment and a withdrawal (for illustrative purposes, the contract values are hypothetical and no annual fees are taken into account):

 

Date – Activity   Contract Value   Death Benefit   Enhanced Death Benefit
1/1/2007 – $100,000 Initial Purchase Payment   $100,000 (immediately after Purchase Payment)   $100,000   $100,000
1/1/2008 – $50,000 Purchase Payment   $120,000 (immediately before Purchase Payment)   $150,000 (i.e., the sum of the two Purchase Payments)   $170,000 (i.e., the highest anniversary account value plus the $50,000 Purchase Payment)
6/1/2008 – $20,000 withdrawal   $125,000 (immediately before the withdrawal)   (1 – $20,000/$125,000) x $150,000 = $126,000 (immediately after the withdrawal)   (1 – $20,000/$125,000) x $170,000 = $142,800 (immediately after the withdrawal)

 

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Distribution of the Death Benefit    If the Owner is the Annuitant and the Owner dies before the Maturity Date, the Beneficiary automatically becomes the new Owner and Annuitant, and the Contract continues in force unless the Owner elected a payment plan for the Beneficiary. The Beneficiary may also elect to receive the death benefit in a lump sum or under a payment plan (See “Payment Plans.”). In any event, the Beneficiary must take distributions from the Contract pursuant to the applicable minimum distribution requirements. (See “Minimum Distribution Requirements.”) If the Owner is not the Annuitant and the Annuitant dies before the Maturity Date, the contingent Annuitant automatically becomes the new Annuitant and the Contract continues in force. If no contingent Annuitant is named within 60 days after we receive proof of death of the Annuitant, the death benefit becomes payable to the Owner.

 

If the Contract continues in force, we will set the Contract Value at an amount equal to the death benefit (pursuant to the terms of your Contract, the Contract Value will remain invested in the same investment options as those at the time of the Annuitant's death until such time as the Beneficiary elects to transfer to different investment options or to make a withdrawal). If this results in an addition to the Contract Value, we will place the additional amount in the Money Market Division and you may transfer it to the Divisions you choose or to a Guaranteed Account (transfers to a GIF 8 in this circumstance are allowed only if no funds are invested in the GIF 8 on the death of the Annuitant). (See “Transfers Between Divisions” and “Payment Plans”.)

 

Payment Plans

 

Generally    If you decide to begin receiving monthly Annuity Payments from your Contract, you may choose one of three Annuity Payment plans (referred to as “Income Plans”):

 

(1) monthly payments for a specified period;

 

(2) monthly payments for your life (assuming you are the Annuitant), and you may choose to have payments continue to your Beneficiary for the balance of ten or twenty years if you die sooner; or

 

(3) monthly payments for your life and for the life of another person (usually your spouse) selected by you.

 

These Income Plans are available to you on a variable or fixed basis. While no charges are assessed on fixed income plans, we will continue to assess on variable income plans mortality rate and expense risk charges. You will also continue to incur the fees and expenses of the underlying Portfolios in which you direct the assets supporting your Payment Plan be invested. The Fixed Income Plans are not described in this prospectus. If you select a Fixed Income Plan, we will cancel any Accumulation Units credited to your Contract, transfer the withdrawal value of the Contract to our General Account, and you will no longer have any interest in the Separate Account. We may make a withdrawal charge in determining the withdrawal value. (See “Withdrawal Charges.”) Your interest, if any, in our General Account would also include the value of any amounts allocated to any Guaranteed Account, plus credited interest, less any withdrawals you have made and any applicable MVA.

 

A Variable Income Plan means that the amount representing the actuarial liability under the Variable Income Plan will continue to be invested in one or more of the investment choices you select. Your monthly Annuity Payments will vary up or down to reflect continuing investment performance. Under a Variable Income Plan, you bear the entire investment risk, since we make no guarantees of investment return. Accordingly, there is no guarantee of the amount of the variable payments, and you must expect the amount of such payments to change from month to month. A Fixed Income Plan, on the other hand, guarantees the amount you will receive each month. For a discussion of tax considerations and limitations regarding the election of Income Plans, see “Federal Income Taxes.”

 

On the Maturity Date, if you have not elected a permissible Income Plan (i.e., one offered by the Company for your Contract), we will change the Maturity Date to the Contract anniversary nearest the Annuitant’s 98th birthday (if the Maturity Date is not already such date) and, upon that Maturity Date, we will pay the Contract Value in monthly payments for life under a Variable Income Plan with payments certain for ten years, using your investment choices then in effect.

 

Description of Variable Income Plans    The following Variable Income Plans are available:

 

1. Installment Income for a Specified Period.    An annuity payable monthly for a specified period of 10 to 30 years during the first five Contract years and over a specified period of 5 to 30 years beginning with the sixth Contract year.

 

2. Single Life Income with or without Certain Period.    An annuity payable monthly until the payee’s death, or until the expiration of a selected certain period, whichever is later. You may select a certain period of either 10 or 20 years, or you may choose a plan with no certain period. After the payee’s death, we will make any remaining guaranteed payments to the designated beneficiary.

 

3. Joint and Survivor Life Income with Certain Period.    An annuity payable monthly for a certain period of 10 years and thereafter to two persons for their joint lives. On the death of either payee, payments continue for the remainder of the 10 years certain or the remaining lifetime of the survivor, whichever is longer.

 

We may limit the election of a Variable Income Plan to one that results in an initial payment of at least $20. A Variable Income Plan will continue even if payments fall to less than $20 after the plan begins. From time to time we may establish Variable Income Plan rates with greater actuarial value than those stated in the Contract and make them available at the time of settlement. We may also make available other plans, with provisions and rates we publish for those plans.

 

After the effective date of a payment plan which does not involve a life contingency (i.e., Plan 1), a payee may transfer to either form of life annuity (i.e., Plans 2 or 3) at no charge.

 

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We will apply the value of the remaining payments to the new plan selected. We will determine the amount of the first annuity payment under the new plan on the basis of the particular plan selected, the annuity payment rate, and the Annuitant’s adjusted age and sex. Subsequent payments will vary to reflect changes in the value of the Annuity Units credited. We may permit other transfers between payment plans, subject to such limitations we may reasonably determine. Generally, however, we permit neither withdrawals from a payment plan involving a life contingency nor transfer to a payment plan that does not involve the same life contingency. Income plans for Beneficiaries may differ from those offered to Owners.

 

Amount of Annuity Payments    We will determine the amount of the first Annuity Payment on the basis of the particular Variable Income Plan you select, the Annuity Payment rate (i.e., the stream of projected annuity payments based on an actuarial projection of the length of time annuity payments will continue as well as other factors including the assumed investment rate) and, for plans involving life contingencies, the Annuitant’s adjusted age and sex. A contract with Annuity Payment rates that are not based on sex is also available. (See “Special Contract for Employers.”) We will calculate the amount of the first Annuity Payment on a basis that takes into account the length of time over which we expect Annuity Payments to continue. The first payment will be lower for an Annuitant who is younger when payments begin, and higher for an Annuitant who is older, if the Variable Income Plan involves life contingencies. The first payment will be lower if the Variable Income Plan includes a longer certain period. Variable Annuity Payments after the first will vary from month to month to reflect the fluctuating value of the Annuity Units credited to your Contract. Annuity Units represent the actuarial value of a Variable Income Plan’s interest in a Division of the Separate Account after Annuity Payments begin. Class A Accumulation Units become Class A Annuity Units and Class B Accumulation Units become Class B Annuity Units on the Maturity Date.

 

Assumed Investment Rate    The variable annuity rate tables for the Contracts are based upon an Assumed Investment Rate of 3 1/2%. Variable Annuity rate tables based upon an Assumed Investment Rate of 5% are also available where permitted by state law. The Assumed Investment Rate affects both the amount of the first variable payment and the amount by which subsequent payments increase or decrease. The Assumed Investment Rate does not affect the actuarial value of the future payments as of the date when payments begin, though it does affect the actual amount which may be received by an individual Annuitant.

 

Over a period of time, if each Division achieved a net investment result exactly equal to the Assumed Investment Rate applicable to a particular Variable Income Plan, the amount of Annuity Payments would be level. However, if the Division achieved a net investment result greater than the Assumed Investment Rate, the amount of Annuity Payments would increase. Similarly, if the Division achieved a net investment result smaller than the Assumed Investment Rate, the amount of Annuity Payments would decrease. A higher Assumed Investment Rate will result in a larger initial payment but more slowly rising and more rapidly falling subsequent payments than a lower Assumed Investment Rate.

 


 

Deductions

 

We will make the following deductions:

 

Sales Load    For the front-load Contract we deduct a sales load from all Purchase Payments we receive. The sales load compensates us for the costs we incur in selling the Contracts. We will pay any excess of distribution expenses over sales loads from our general assets. These assets may include proceeds from the charge for mortality rate and expense risks described below. We base the deduction on cumulative Purchase Payments we have received and the rates in the table below:

 

Cumulative Purchase Payments Paid Under the Contract

   Rate

First $100,000

   4.5%

Next $400,000

   2.0%

Balance over $500,000

   1.0%

 

Contract Fee    On each Contract anniversary prior to the Maturity Date, we make a deduction of $30 for administrative expenses relating to the Contracts during the prior year. We cannot increase this charge. We make the charge by reducing the number of Accumulation Units credited to the Contract. For purposes of allocating and deducting the annual Contract fee, we consider any investment in a Guaranteed Account as though it were an investment of the same amount in one of the Separate Account Divisions, except that no amount will be taken from a GIF 8 unless insufficient value exists in the GIF 1 and the Separate Account Divisions. This fee is intended only to reimburse us for our actual administrative expenses. We currently are waiving the charge if the Contract Value on the Contract anniversary is $25,000 or more.

 

Mortality Rate and Expense Risk Charges

 

Nature and Amount of the Charges    When we determine the value of Accumulation and Annuity Units, we deduct a charge for mortality rate and expense risks we have assumed. We assume, for example, the risk that Annuity Payments will continue for longer periods than anticipated because the Annuitants as a group live longer than expected. We also assume the risk that the charges we make may be insufficient to cover the actual costs we incur in connection with the Contracts, including other costs such as those related to marketing and distribution. We assume these risks for the duration of the Contract. In case these costs exceed the amount of the charges we collect, the costs will be paid out of our general assets. If the amount of the charge is more than

 

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sufficient to cover the mortality and expense risk, any excess may be used for any Company purpose.

 

For the front-load Contract, the deduction from Accumulation Units and Annuity Units is at a current annual rate of 0.50% of the assets of the Separate Account. For the back-load Contract, the deduction for Class B Accumulation Units and Class B Annuity Units is at a current annual rate of 1.25% of the assets of the Separate Account; the deduction for Class A Accumulation Units and Class A Annuity Units is at a current annual rate of 0.50% of the assets of the Separate Account. While our Board of Trustees may increase or decrease such deductions, in no event may the deduction exceed an annual rate of 0.75% for the front-load Contract, 1.50% for the back-load Contract Class B Accumulation and Annuity Units, and 0.75% for the back-load Contract Class A Accumulation and Annuity Units. We will not increase the deduction for mortality and expense risks for at least five years from the date of this prospectus.

 

Reduction of the Charges    For the back-load Contracts, we convert Class B Accumulation Units to Class A Accumulation Units on a Contract anniversary if the Contract Value is at least $25,000 and the Purchase Payment which paid for the Class B Accumulation Units has reached “Category Zero,” that is, its withdrawal charge rate is 0%. (See “Withdrawal Charges.”) As a result of the conversion, the mortality rate and expense risks charge is reduced from 1.25% to 0.50% on these units based on current rates. The conversion amount includes the purchase payment in Category Zero and a proportionate share of investment earnings. We allocate the conversion amount proportionately to each Division, and we adjust the number of Accumulation Units in each Division to reflect the relative values for Class A and Class B Accumulation Units on the date of the conversion. The same conversion process and a similar result applies to amounts in a Guaranteed Account. We do not convert Class A Accumulation Units back to Class B Accumulation Units even if the value of your Contract falls below $25,000. We do not convert Annuity Units from Class B to Class A.

 

Other Expense Risks    The value of your Contract may reflect a deduction of any reasonable expenses which may result if there were a substitution of other securities for shares of the Portfolios as described under “The Separate Account” and any applicable taxes, (i.e., any tax liability) we have paid or reserved for resulting from the maintenance or operation of a Division of the Separate Account, other than applicable premium taxes which we may deduct directly from considerations. We do not presently anticipate that we will make any deduction for federal income taxes (see “Taxation of Northwestern Mutual”), nor do we anticipate that maintenance or operation of the Separate Account will give rise to any deduction for state or local taxes. However, we reserve the right to charge the appropriate Contracts with their shares of any tax liability which may result under present or future tax laws from the maintenance or operation of the Separate Account or to deduct any such tax liability in the computation of the value of such Contracts. Our right to make deductions for expenses resulting from a substitution of securities may be restricted by the Investment Company Act of 1940.

 

Withdrawal Charges

 

Withdrawal Charge Rates    When not waived (as described below), we assess certain withdrawal charges if you elect to withdraw Class B Accumulation Units for cash. Such charges compensate us for expenses associated with the sales of the Contracts, including sales commissions. We base the withdrawal charge on purchase payments made according to the categories and rates in the following table:

 

Category

   Withdrawal Charge
Rate
 

8,7, 6

   6 %

5

   5 %

4

   4 %

3

   3 %

2

   2 %

1

   1 %

0

   0 %

 

We base the amount in each Category on cumulative Purchase Payments you have made and on the number of Contract anniversaries that have occurred since you made each Purchase Payment. The first $100,000 of total Purchase Payments paid over the life of the Contract start in Category Eight, the next $400,000 start in Category Four, and all additional Purchase Payments paid start in Category Two. As of each Contract anniversary, we move any amount in a Category to the next lower Category until the Contract anniversary on which that amount reaches Category Zero. The total withdrawal charge will be the sum of all the results calculated by multiplying the amount in each Category by the Rate for that Category. The amounts we use will be taken first from the withdrawal charge free amount; next from the Class A Accumulation Units; next from the Class B Accumulation Units in the order that produces the lowest withdrawal charge; and last from any remaining value in the Contract. However, any amounts we use to determine the charge for a partial withdrawal will not be used to determine subsequent withdrawal charges.

 

For example, suppose a back-load contract has an initial Purchase Payment of $400,000 and is allocated among the Division(s) of the Separate Account. The first $100,000 begins in withdrawal charge category 8 and the remaining $300,000 begins in withdrawal charge category 4. Suppose no further Purchase Payments and no withdrawals during the first four years. The $100,000 that was in category 8 at issue would have moved down one category each Contract anniversary such that it would move to category 4 on the fourth Contract anniversary. The $300,000 that was in category 4 at issue would move to category zero. Suppose the Contract value on the fourth anniversary was $600,000. Because 75% of the Purchase Payments ($300,000/$400,000) are moving to category zero, 75% of the Contract value ($450,000) would convert to Class A Accumulation Units and 25% ($150,000) would remain as Class B Accumulation Units. For a withdrawal occurring within the next year, the first $15,000 (10% of $150,000) would be withdrawn from Class B with no withdrawal charge. The next amount withdrawn would be the Contract value attributable to Class A Accumulation Units

 

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with no withdrawal charge. The next $100,000 withdrawn (from Class B) would be subject to a 4% withdrawal charge. A withdrawal charge is not assessed on any earnings.

 

Waiver of Withdrawal Charges    When we receive proof of death of the Primary Annuitant, we will waive withdrawal charges applicable at the date of death by moving Purchase Payments received prior to the date of death to Category Zero. We will also waive the withdrawal charge if the Primary Annuitant has a terminal illness, or is confined to a nursing home or hospital after the first Contract year, in accordance with the terms of the Contract. You may not make Purchase Payments after we are given proof of a terminal illness or confinement.

 

A “withdrawal charge free” amount is available under a Contract if the Contract Value is at least $10,000 on the Contract anniversary preceding the withdrawal. For each Contract year after the first one, the withdrawal charge free amount is 10% of the value of the Class B Accumulation Units on the last Contract anniversary. We will make no withdrawal charge when you select a Variable Income Plan. However, we will make the withdrawal charge if you make a withdrawal, or partial withdrawal, within five years after the beginning of a Variable Income Plan which is not contingent on the payee’s life (i.e., Plan 1).

 

For Fixed Income Plans, the Contract provides for deduction of the withdrawal charge when the Income Plan is selected. By current administrative practice, we will waive the withdrawal charge upon selection of a Fixed Income Plan for a certain period of 12 years or more or any Fixed Income Plan which involves a life contingency if you select the plan after the Contract has been in force for at least one full year.

 

Withdrawal Charges and Our Distribution Expenses    The amount of withdrawal charges we collect from the back-load Contracts as a group will depend on the volume and timing of withdrawal transactions. We are unable to determine in advance whether this amount will be greater or less than the distribution expenses we incur in connection with those Contracts, but based on the information presently available we believe it is more likely than not that distribution expenses we incur will be greater than the withdrawal charges we receive. We bear this risk for the duration of the Contracts. We will pay any excess of distribution expenses over withdrawal charges from our general assets. These assets may include proceeds from the charge for mortality rate and expense risks described above.

 

Special Withdrawal Charges and Rules Applicable to Guaranteed Accounts    See “The Investment Options—Fixed Options” for special withdrawal charges and rules applicable to investments in the GIF 8.

 

Other Charges

 

Enhanced Death Benefit Charge    On each Contract anniversary on which the enhanced death benefit is in effect, we deduct from the Contract Value a charge based on the amount of the enhanced death benefit on the Contract Anniversary and the age of the Annuitant when the Contract was issued. The charge is 0.10% of the amount of the enhanced death benefit for issue age 45 or less, 0.20% for issue age 46-55, and 0.40% for issue age 56-65. This charge is for the risks we assume in guaranteeing the enhanced death benefit. We deduct the charge from the Divisions of the Separate Account and the Guaranteed Accounts in proportion to the amounts you have invested.

 

Premium Taxes    The Contracts provide for the deduction of applicable premium taxes, if any, from Purchase Payments or from Contract benefits. Various jurisdictions levy premium taxes. Premium taxes presently range from 0% to 3.5% of total Purchase Payments. Many jurisdictions presently exempt from premium taxes annuities such as the Contracts. As a matter of current practice, we do not deduct premium taxes from Purchase Payments received under the Contracts or from Contract benefits. However, we reserve the right to deduct premium taxes in the future.

 

Portfolio Expenses and Charges    The expenses borne by the Portfolios in which the assets of the Separate Account are invested are described in the attached mutual fund prospectuses.

 

Prior Contracts

 

Contracts Issued on or After March 31, 1995 and Prior to March 31, 2000    During the period prior to March 31, 2000 and on or after March 31, 1995 we issued both front-load Contracts and back-load Contracts. For the front-load Contracts, the deduction for sales expenses is 4% on the first $100,000, 2% on the next $400,000, 1% the next $500,000, and 0.5% on purchase payments in excess of $1 million, based on total cumulative purchase payments paid under the Contract. The charge against Accumulation Units for mortality and expense risks is 0.4% of the assets of the Separate Account, which we may raise to a maximum rate of 0.75%. The charge against Annuity Units for mortality and expense risks is zero, which we may raise to a maximum rate of 0.75%. For the back-load Contracts, there is a surrender charge of 8% on the first $100,000 of Purchase Payments, 4% on the next $400,000, 2% on the next $500,000, and 1% on Purchase Payments in excess of $1 million, based on total cumulative Purchase Payments paid under the Contract. The surrender charge applicable for each Purchase Payment reduces by 1% on each Contract anniversary. A “withdrawal charge free” amount is available under a Contract if the Contract Value is at least $10,000 on the Contract anniversary preceding the withdrawal. For each Contract year after the first one, the withdrawal charge free amount is 10% of the value of the Contract Value on the last Contract anniversary. The charge for mortality and expense risks for these Contracts is 1.25% of the assets of the Separate Account, which we may raise to a maximum annual rate of 1.50%. The Annual Contract fee is $30. We currently waive the Contract fee if the Contract Value is $25,000 or more. See “Appendix A—Accumulation Unit Values” for the applicable table.

 

Contracts Issued After December 16, 1981 and Prior to March 31, 1995    For Contracts issued prior to March 31, 1995 and after December 16, 1981, there is no front-end sales

 

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load but there is a surrender charge of 8% on the first $25,000 of Purchase Payments, 4% on the next $75,000, and 2% on Purchase Payments in excess of $100,000, based on total cumulative Purchase Payments paid under the Contract. The surrender charge applicable for each Purchase Payment reduces by 1% on each Contract anniversary. A “withdrawal charge free” amount is available under a Contract if the Contract Value is at least $10,000 on the Contract anniversary preceding the withdrawal. For each Contract year after the first one, the withdrawal charge free amount is 10% of the value of the Contract Value on the last Contract anniversary. The charge for mortality and expense risks for those Contracts is 1.25% of the assets of the Separate Account. The annual Contract fee is the lesser of $30 or 1% of the Contract Value. We currently waive the Contract fee if the Contract Value is $25,000 or more. See “Appendix A—Accumulation Unit Values” for the applicable table.

 

Contracts Issued Prior to December 17, 1981    For Contracts issued prior to December 17, 1981 there is no surrender charge, but Purchase Payments are subject to a deduction for sales expenses. The deduction is 8% on the first $5,000 received during a single Contract year as defined in the Contract, 4% on the next $20,000, 2% on the next $75,000 and 1% on the excess over $100,000. The charge for mortality and expense risks for these Contracts is 0.75% of the assets of the Separate Account, which we may raise to a maximum annual rate of 1%. There is no annual Contract fee. See “Appendix A—Accumulation Unit Values” for the applicable table.

 

Certain Non-Tax Qualified Contracts    For non-tax qualified Contracts issued after December 16, 1981 and prior to May 1, 1983, Purchase Payments paid under the Contract are subject to a deduction of 3% on the first $25,000 of Purchase Payments, 2% on the next $75,000, and 1% on amounts in excess of $100,000, based on total cumulative Purchase Payments paid under the Contract. The charge for mortality and expense risks for these Contracts is 0.75% of the assets of the Separate Account, which we may raise to a maximum annual rate of 1%.

 

Dividends for Contracts Issued Prior to March 31, 2000    During the year 2007 we are paying dividends on approximately 36% of the inforce variable annuity contracts we issued prior to March 31, 2000. Dividends are not guaranteed to be paid in future years. The dividend amount is volatile since it is based on the average variable Contract Value which is defined as the value of the Accumulation Units on the last Contract anniversary adjusted to reflect any transactions since that date which increased or decreased the Contract’s interest in the Account. Dividends on these variable annuities arise principally as a result of more favorable expense experience than that which we assumed in determining deductions. Such favorable experience is generated primarily by older and/or larger Contracts, which have a mortality and expense risk charge of at least 0.75%. In general, we are not paying dividends on Contracts with an average variable Contract Value of less than $25,000, and over three-fourths of those with a value above $25,000 will receive dividends. The expected dividend payout for the year 2007 represents about 0.60% of the average variable Contract Value for those Contracts that will receive dividends. The maximum dividend we are paying on a specific Contract is about 0.75%.

 

We pay any dividend for a Contract on the anniversary date of that Contract. We apply the dividend as a net purchase payment unless you elect to have the dividend paid in cash. In the case of a Contract purchased as an individual retirement annuity pursuant to Section 408(b) of the Internal Revenue Code, dividends cannot be paid in cash but must be applied as Net Purchase Payments under the Contract.

 


 

Federal Income Taxes

 

Qualified and Non-Tax Qualified Plans

 

We offer the Contracts for use under the tax-qualified plans (i.e., contributions are generally not taxable) identified below:

 

1. Individual retirement annuities pursuant to the provisions of Section 408 of the Code, including a traditional IRA established under Section 408(b), simplified employee pensions established under Section 408(j) and (k) and SIMPLE IRAs established under Section 408(p).

 

2. Roth IRAs pursuant to the provisions of Section 408A of the Code.

 

3. Tax-deferred annuities pursuant to the provisions of Section 403(b) of the Code for employees of public school systems and tax-exempt organizations described in Section 501(c)(3).

 

4. Deferred compensation plans established pursuant to Section 457 of the Code for employees of state and local governments and tax-exempt organizations.

 

5. Nontransferable annuity contracts issued in exchange for fixed dollar annuities previously issued by Northwestern Mutual or other insurance companies or as distributions of termination or death benefits from tax-qualified pension or profit-sharing plans or trusts or annuity purchase plans.

 

We also offer the Contracts for use in non tax-qualified situations (i.e., contributions are taxable).

 

Contribution Limitations and General Requirements Applicable to Contracts

 

The Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001, enacted on June 7, 2001, made substantial changes to the contribution limits and withdrawal and portability restrictions of tax qualified plans. These changes are reflected below. Although the Act generally became effective on January 1, 2002, many provisions are phased in over a ten-year period. The changes to the contribution limits and to

 

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the withdrawal and portability restrictions on qualified plans were made permanent by the Pension Protection Act of 2006, enacted on August 17, 2006.

 

Traditional IRA    If an individual has earned income, the individual and the individual’s spouse are each permitted to make a maximum contribution of $4,000 for 2007 and $5,000 in 2008 and the limit is indexed thereafter. The contribution limit is reduced by contributions to any Roth IRAs of the Owner. A catch up contribution of $1,000 per year is allowed for Owners who are age 50 or older. Contributions cannot be made after age 70 1/2. Annual contributions are generally deductible unless the Owner or the Owner’s spouse is an “active participant” in another qualified plan during the taxable year. If the Owner is an “active participant” in a plan, the deduction phases out at an adjusted gross income (“AGI”) of between $50,000—$60,000 for single filers and between $75,000—$85,000 (indexed through 2007) for married individuals filing jointly. If the Owner is not an “active participant” in a plan but the Owner’s spouse is, the Owner’s deduction phases out at an AGI of between $150,000—$160,000. After 2006, federal income tax refunds can be directly deposited into an IRA, subject to contribution limits.

 

The Owner may also make tax free rollover and direct transfer contributions to an IRA from the Owner’s other IRAs or tax qualified plans. The surviving spouse can also roll over the deceased Owner’s IRA, tax deferred Annuity or qualified plan to the spouse’s own IRA or any other plan in which the spouse participates that accepts rollovers. Beginning in 2007, a nonspouse beneficiary of the deceased owner’s IRA, tax-deferred annuity or qualified plan may also roll over the proceeds to an inherited IRA in a trustee to trustee transfer, subject to annual minimum required distribution rules.

 

An IRA is nonforfeitable and generally cannot be transferred.

 

SEP    An employer can make a maximum contribution to a SEP for an eligible employee of the lesser of 25% of the employee’s compensation up to $225,000 (indexed for 2007) or $45,000 (indexed for 2007). In a SEP that permits employee contributions, the employee is allowed to contribute up to $15,500 in 2007, indexed thereafter. Employees who are age 50 or over may also make a catch up contribution of $5,000 for 2007, indexed thereafter. The employer is allowed to match the catch up contribution for any taxable year. SEP contributions are subject to certain minimum participation and nondiscrimination requirements. Contributions and earnings thereon are not includible in the employee’s gross income until distributed. The Contracts are nonforfeitable and nontransferable.

 

SIMPLE IRA    A SIMPLE IRA can be established by an employer for any calendar year in which the employer has no more than 100 employees who each earned at least $5,000 during the preceding calendar year and the employer does not maintain another employer sponsored retirement plan. An eligible employee can elect to contribute up to $10,500 (indexed for 2007). The employer must contribute either a matching contribution of up to 3% of the employee’s compensation or non-elective contribution of 2% of the employee’s compensation up to $225,000 (indexed for 2007) for each employee. A catch up contribution of $2,500 for 2007 and indexed thereafter is allowed for employees who are age 50 or older. The employer is allowed to match the catch up contribution for any taxable year. Contributions and earnings thereon are not includible in the employee’s gross income until distributed. SIMPLE IRAs are exempt from the nondiscrimination, top-heavy and reporting rules applicable to qualified plans. The Contracts are nonforfeitable and nontransferable.

 

Roth IRA    If an individual has earned income, the individual and the individual’s spouse are each permitted to make a maximum contribution of $4,000 for year 2007, $5,000 for 2008 and is indexed thereafter. The contribution limit is reduced by contributions to any traditional IRAs of the Owner. A catch up contribution of $1,000 per year is allowed for Owners who are age 50 or older. The maximum contribution is phased out at an adjusted gross income (“AGI”) of between $95,000 and $110,000 for single filers, between $150,000 and $160,000 for married individuals filing jointly and between $0 and $10,000 for married individuals filing separately. Regular contributions to a Roth IRA are not deductible.

 

An IRA, SEP or SIMPLE IRA (after two years of participation in a SIMPLE IRA plan) and, after 2007, employer plans may be rolled over or converted to a Roth IRA if the Owner has an AGI of $100,000 or less for the year (not including the rollover amount) and is not married filing a separate tax return. A rollover to a Roth IRA is fully taxable but is not subject to a 10% premature withdrawal penalty. Special valuation rules may apply to the conversion.

 

Tax Deferred Annuity    Section 403(b) tax deferred annuities can be established for employees of Section 501(c)(3) tax exempt organizations and public educational organizations. The maximum amount that can be contributed depends upon the type(s) of contributions made to the employee’s account and the amount of your includible compensation for your most recent year of service:

 

Elective Deferrals Only:    If there are elective employee deferrals only, the limit is the lesser of two rules: (1) the lesser of 100% of the employee’s compensation up to $225,000 (indexed for 2007) or $45,000 (indexed for 2007) or (2) a flat dollar limit of $15,500 for 2007, indexed thereafter. Employees age 50 or over may make an additional catch up contribution of $5,000 for 2007 and the limit is indexed thereafter.

 

Nonelective Contributions Only:    If the only contributions are nonelective employer contributions, the maximum limit is the lesser of 100% of compensation up to $225,000 (indexed for 2007) or $45,000 (indexed for 2007).

 

Both Employee and Employer Contributions: Employers are allowed to match employee elective deferrals, including the catch up contribution, for any taxable year or to make contributions in a form other than a match. In such a case, the total of employee and employer contributions cannot exceed the lesser of 100% of compensation up to $225,000 (indexed for 2007) or $45,000 (indexed for 2007). Contributions and

 

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earnings thereon are not included in the employee’s gross income until distributed. Tax deferred annuities are nonforfeitable and nontransferable and distributions of salary reduction contributions and earnings thereon (except those held as of December 31, 1988) cannot be withdrawn prior to age 59 1/2 except on account of severance of employment, death, disability or hardship (contributions only).

 

If employer contributions are made to a tax deferred annuity, it subjects the annuity to ERISA and tax rules that apply to qualified plans, including minimum coverage, nondiscrimination and spousal consent requirements. ERISA disclosure rules also apply.

 

Section 457 Plan    A Section 457 deferred compensation plan can be established by a state or local government or tax-exempt organization. Contracts must be owned by a trust for the exclusive benefit of the employees and the employees’ beneficiaries in a governmental plan and by the employer (subject to claims of the employer’s general creditors) in a plan of a tax-exempt organization. An employee can defer under the plan the lesser of 100% of compensation up to $225,000 (indexed for 2007) or $15,500 for 2007 (indexed thereafter). The dollar limit is doubled if the employee is within 3 years of retirement. Unless the employee is within 3 years of retirement, a catch up contribution of $5,000 for 2007 and indexed thereafter is allowed for employees who are age 50 or older. Amounts deferred and earnings thereon are not includible in the employee’s gross income until they are paid or made available to the employee or the employee’s beneficiary or, in the case of a governmental plan, until they are paid.

 

Nontransferable Annuity    Nontransferable Annuity Contracts are Contracts held in a tax-qualified plan or trust and transferred to the employee on the employee’s separation from service or death or the termination of the plan. These Contracts cannot accept additional purchase payments and must comply with the spousal consent requirements.

 

Non-Tax Qualified Contract    There are no limitations on who can purchase a non-tax qualified annuity or the amount that can be contributed to the Contract. Contributions to non-tax qualified Contracts are not deductible. For the Contract to qualify as a non-tax qualified annuity, the Contract death proceeds must be distributed to any non-spouse beneficiary either within five years of the Owner’s death or over the beneficiary’s life or life expectancy commencing within one year of the Owner’s death. The surviving spouse is not subject to any distribution requirements.

 

Taxation of Contract Benefits

 

For Contracts held by individuals, no tax is payable as a result of any increase in the value of a Contract. Except for qualified distributions from Roth IRAs, Contract benefits will be taxable as ordinary income when received in accordance with Section 72 of the Code.

 

IRAs, SEPs, SIMPLE IRAs, TDAs and Section 457 Plans and Nontransferable Annuities    As a general rule, benefits received as Annuity Payments or upon death or withdrawal from these Contracts will be taxable as ordinary income when received. However, in 2007, IRA owners who have attained age 70 1/2 may make distributions of up to $100,000 to qualified charities without including the amount in income.

 

Where nondeductible contributions are made to individual retirement annuities and other tax-qualified plans, the Owner may exclude from income that portion of each Annuity Payment which represents the ratio of the Owner’s “investment in the contract” to the Owner’s “expected return” as defined in Section 72, until the entire “investment in the contract” is recovered. Benefits paid in a form other than Annuity Payments will be taxed as ordinary income when received except for that portion of the payment which represents a pro rata return of the employee’s “investment in the contract.” After the Owner attains age 70 1/2, a 50% penalty may be imposed on payments made from individual retirement annuities, tax-deferred annuities, nontransferable annuity contracts and Section 457 deferred compensation plans to the extent the payments are less than certain required minimum amounts. (See “Minimum Distribution Requirements.”) With certain limited exceptions, including hardship withdrawals and required minimum distributions, benefits from individual retirement annuities, SEPs, tax-deferred annuities, governmental Section 457 plans, and nontransferable annuity contracts are subject to the tax-free roll-over provisions of the Code. However, rollovers of SIMPLE IRAs to individual retirement arrangements within 2 years after the Owner first participates in the SIMPLE IRA plan are fully taxable.

 

A loan transaction, using a Contract purchased under a tax-qualified plan as collateral, will generally have adverse tax consequences. For example, such a transaction destroys the tax status of the individual retirement annuity and results in taxable income equal to the Contract Value.

 

Section 457 Plans may also be subject to special rules that limit distributions to separation from service, death, disability, or specified date or hardship. Violation of these rules will result in current taxation of the deferrals and earnings thereon plus a 20% penalty.

 

Roth IRAs    Qualified distributions from a Roth IRA are not taxable. A qualified distribution is a distribution (1) made at least 5 years after the issuance of the Owner’s first Roth IRA, and (2) made after the Owner has attained age 59 1/2, made to a beneficiary after the Owner’s death, attributable to the Owner being disabled, or used to pay acquisition expenses of a qualified first time home purchase. A nonqualified distribution is taxable as ordinary income only to the extent it exceeds the “investment in the contract” as defined in Section 72. Distributions are not required to be made from a Roth IRA before the Owner’s death.

 

A withdrawal from a Roth IRA of part or all of an IRA rollover contribution within 5 years of the rollover is subject to a 10% premature withdrawal penalty (unless an exception applies). Rollover contributions are treated as withdrawn after regular contributions for this purpose.

 

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A regular or conversion contribution to a Roth IRA can be recharacterized to an IRA in a trustee-to-trustee transfer provided the transfer includes the net income or loss allocable to the contribution and is completed by the due date for filing the Owner’s federal income tax return for the year the contribution was made. The recharacterized amount will be treated for tax purposes as originally made from the IRA. Recharacterized amounts can be reconverted to a Roth IRA once each calendar year. Benefits from a Roth IRA can be rolled over or transferred directed only to another Roth IRA.

 

Nonqualified Contracts    Benefits received as Annuity Payments from non-tax qualified Contracts will be taxable as ordinary income to the extent they exceed that portion of each payment which represents the ratio of the Owner’s “investment in the contract” to the Owner’s “expected return” as defined in Section 72, until the entire “investment in the contract” is recovered. Benefits received in a lump sum from these Contracts will be taxable as ordinary income to the extent they exceed the “investment in the contract.” A partial withdrawal or collateral assignment prior to the Maturity Date will result in the receipt of gross income by the Owner to the extent that the amounts withdrawn or assigned do not exceed the excess (if any) of the total value of Accumulation Units over total purchase payments paid under the Contract less any amounts previously withdrawn or assigned. Thus, any investment gains reflected in the Contract Values are considered to be withdrawn first and are taxable as ordinary income. For Contracts issued after October 21, 1988, investment gains will be determined by aggregating all non-tax qualified deferred Contracts we issue to the Owner during the same calendar year.

 

One or more non-tax qualified Contracts can be wholly or partially exchanged for one or more other Annuity Contracts under Section 1035 of the Code without recognition of gain or loss. However, withdrawals taken within 24 months after partial exchanges may be subject to special tax rules. Certain nonqualified Contracts not held by individuals, such as Contracts purchased by corporate employers in connection with deferred compensation plans, will not be taxed as Annuity Contracts and increases in the value of the Contracts will be taxable in the year earned.

 

Premature Withdrawals    A penalty tax will apply to premature payments of Contract benefits. A penalty tax of 10% of the amount of the payment which is includible in income will be imposed on non-exempt withdrawals under individual retirement annuities, Roth IRAs, tax deferred annuities, nontransferable annuity contracts and nonqualified deferred annuities. The penalty tax increases to 25% for non-exempt withdrawals from SIMPLE IRAs within 2 years after the Owner first participates in the SIMPLE IRA plan. Payments which are exempt from the penalty tax include payments upon disability, after age 59 1/2 and for certain substantially equal periodic payments for life. Additional exceptions for certain large medical expenses, reimbursement of health insurance premiums paid while the Owner was unemployed, qualified education expenses and first time home purchases apply to IRAs and Roth IRAs.

 

Minimum Distribution Requirements    All of the Contracts are required to satisfy some form of minimum distribution requirement. A 50% excise tax applies for each violation of these requirements (except under nonqualified Contracts).

 

1. IRAs, SEPs, Simple IRAs, TDAs, Section 457 Plans and Nontransferable Annuities:    As a general rule, the Owner of these Contracts is required to take certain distributions during the Owner’s life and the beneficiary designated by the Owner is required to take the balance of the Contract Value within certain specified periods following the Owner’s death.

 

The Owner must take the first required distribution by the “required beginning date” and subsequent required distributions by December 31 of that year and each year thereafter. Payments must be made according to the Uniform Lifetime Table provided in IRS regulations, which calculates life expectancy of the Owner and an assumed beneficiary who is ten years younger. The required beginning date for IRAs, SEPs and Simple IRAs is April 1 of the calendar year following the calendar year the Owner attains age 70 1/2. The required beginning date for TDAs, Section 457 plans and nontransferable annuities is April 1 of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the Owner attains age 70 1/2 or retires, if later.

 

Upon the death of the Owner, the Owner’s beneficiary must take distributions under one of two main rules: (1) the life expectancy rule, or (2) the five year rule.

 

(1) Life Expectancy Rule:    A beneficiary may take distributions based on the beneficiary’s life or life expectancy. Generally, distributions must commence by December 31 of the year following the year of the Owner’s death. (See below for exception for spouse beneficiary.)

 

(2) Five Year Rule:    If the Owner dies before the required beginning date, a beneficiary may elect to withdraw the entire account balance over five years, completing distribution no later than December 31 of the year containing the fifth anniversary of the Owner’s death.

 

If the Owner dies on or after the required beginning date, a minimum distribution must be made for the year of death, to the extent not already paid to the Owner.

 

Spousal Exceptions:    If the Owner’s spouse elects the life expectancy rule, distributions do not need to begin until December 31 of the year following the year of the Owner’s death or, if later, by the end of the year the Owner would have attained age 70 1/2. Alternatively, the spouse may roll over the spouse’s interest in the Contract into an IRA owned by the spouse or to any other plan in which the spouse participates that accepts rollovers. The spouse may then defer distributions until the spouse’s own required beginning date.

 

2. Roth IRAs:    The Owner of a Roth IRA is not required to take required minimum distributions during the Owner’s lifetime. However, after the Owner’s death, the beneficiary designated by the Owner is required to take distributions pursuant to the minimum distribution requirements discussed above.

 

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3. Nonqualified Contracts:    The Owner of a non-tax qualified Contract is not required to take required minimum distributions during the Owner’s lifetime. However, the designated beneficiary is required to take distributions pursuant to rules similar to the at death minimum distribution requirements for IRAs, except that the first minimum distribution is due within 12 months of the Owner’s death, instead of by December 31 of the calendar year following the year of death and the surviving spouse is not required to take any distributions during her lifetime.

 

Mandatory Withholding    Generally, benefit payments from tax-deferred annuities, nontransferable annuity contracts, and governmental Section 457 plans will be subject to mandatory 20% withholding unless the payments are rolled over directly to a traditional IRA or to an “eligible employer plan” that accepts rollovers. An “eligible employer plan” includes a plan qualified under Section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code, including a 401(k) plan, profit-sharing plan, defined benefit plan, stock bonus plan, and money purchase plan; a Section 403(a) annuity plan; a Section 403(b) tax-deferred annuity; and a governmental Section 457 plan. Exceptions apply if benefits are paid in substantially equal installments over the life or life expectancy of the employee (or of the employee and the employee’s beneficiary) or over a period of 10 years or more, or are “required minimum distributions” because these payments are not eligible to be rolled over.

 

Taxation of Northwestern Mutual

 

We may charge the appropriate Contracts with their shares of any tax liability which may result from the maintenance or operation of the Divisions of the Separate Account. We are currently making no charge. (See “Deductions.”)

 

Other Considerations

 

You should understand that the tax rules for annuities and qualified plans are complex and cannot be readily summarized. The foregoing discussion does not address special rules applicable in many situations, rules governing Contracts issued or purchase payments made in past years, current legislative proposals, or state or other law. This tax discussion is intended for the promotion of Northwestern Mutual Life products. It does not constitute legal or tax advice, and is not intended to be used and cannot be used to avoid any penalties that may be imposed on a taxpayer. Taxpayers should seek advice based on their particular circumstances from an independent tax advisor. Before you purchase a Contract, we advise you to consult qualified tax counsel.

 


 

Contract Owner Services

 

Automatic Dollar-Cost Averaging    The Dollar-Cost Averaging Plan is an investment strategy designed to reduce the investment risks associated with market fluctuations. The strategy spreads the allocation of money (expressed in whole percentages and in amounts of at least $100) into the Divisions over a period of time by systematically and automatically transferring, on a monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, or annual basis, specified dollar amounts from the Money Market Division into the other Division(s). This allows you to potentially reduce the risk of investing most of your Purchase Payments into the Divisions at a time when prices are high. Transfers will end either when the amount in the Money Market Division is depleted or when you notify us to stop such transfers, whichever is earlier. There is no charge for the Dollar-Cost Averaging Plan. We reserve the right to modify or terminate the Dollar-Cost Averaging Plan at any time.

 

Dollar cost averaging does not assure a profit or protect against loss in a declining market. Carefully consider your willingness to continue payments during periods of low prices.

 

Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT)    Another convenient way to invest using the dollar-cost averaging approach is through our EFT Plan. These automatic withdrawals allow you to add to the Division(s) within your traditional IRA, Roth IRA, SEP IRA, or non-tax qualified Contract on a regular monthly basis through payments drawn directly on your checking account. There is no charge for the EFT service.

 

A program of regular investing cannot assure a profit or protect against loss in a declining market.

 

Systematic Withdrawal Plan    You can arrange to have regular amounts of money sent to you while your Contract is still in the accumulation phase. Our Systematic Withdrawal Plan allows you to automatically redeem Accumulation Units to generate monthly payments. The withdrawals may be taken either proportionately from each investment option or from specific investment options you designate except that proportionate deductions are not made from a multi-year Guaranteed Account unless amounts in the other investment options are insufficient to cover the requested withdrawal. Systematic withdrawals continue until at least one of the following occurs: (1) the amount in any of the selected Portfolios or Guaranteed Accounts is depleted; (2) less than 100 Accumulation Units remain in the Contract; (3) a systematic withdrawal plan terminates; or (4) you terminate systematic withdrawals. We may deduct a withdrawal charge from any amount you withdraw in excess of your free withdrawal amount, and you may have to pay income taxes and tax penalties on amounts you receive. There is no charge for the Systematic Withdrawal Plan service. We reserve the right to modify or terminate this Systematic Withdrawal Plan at any time.

 

Automatic Required Minimum Distributions (RMD)    For IRAs, SEP Plans, SIMPLE IRA Plans, 403(b) Plans and Nontransferable Annuities, you can arrange for annual required minimum distributions to be sent to you automatically once you turn age 70 1/2.

 

Special Withdrawal Privilege    You can withdraw 10% of the Contract’s accumulation value without a surrender charge,

 

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if the Contract has at least a $10,000 balance, beginning on the first Contract anniversary.

 

Portfolio Rebalancing    To help you maintain your asset allocation over time, we offer a rebalancing service. This will automatically readjust your current investment option allocations, on a periodic basis (i.e., monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, or annually), back to the allocation percentages you have selected. There is no charge for this Portfolio Rebalancing feature. We reserve the right to modify or terminate this Portfolio Rebalancing feature at any time.

 

Only Contracts with accumulation values of $10,000 or more are eligible. Portfolio rebalancing may only be used with the variable, not the fixed, investment options. A program of regular investing cannot assure a profit or protect against loss in a declining market.

 

Interest Sweeps    If you select this service we will automatically sweep or transfer interest from the GIF 1 to any combination of Divisions. Interest earnings can be swept monthly, quarterly, semi-annually or annually. Transfers (which must be expressed in whole percentages) will end either on a date you specify or when the amount of interest being transferred is less than $25, whichever is earlier.

 

Only Contracts with $10,000 or more in the GIF 1 are eligible. (Interest sweeps are not available for amounts in the GIF 8.) The amount and timing restrictions that ordinarily apply to transfers between the GIF 1 and the investment Divisions do not apply to interest sweeps. The GIF 1 is ONLY available in the front-load design in the states of NJ, OR, UT, and WA. The GIF 1 is NOT available in either design in the state of MA or NY.

 

Owner Inquiries    Get up-to-date information about your Contract at your convenience with your Contract number and your Personal Identification Number (PIN). Call Northwestern Mutual Express toll-free at 1-800-519-4665 to review contract values and unit values, transfer among investment options, change the allocation and obtain Division performance information. You can also visit our website (www.nmfn.com) to access Fund performance information, forms for routine service, and daily unit values for Contracts you own with your User ID and password. Eligible Contract Owners may also transfer invested assets among Divisions and change the allocation of future contributions online. For enrollment information, please contact us at 1-888-455-2232.

 

Householding    To reduce costs, we now send only a single copy of prospectuses and reports to each consenting household (rather than sending copies to each Owner residing in a household). If you are a member of such a household, you can revoke your consent to “householding” at any time, and can begin receiving your own copy of prospectuses and reports by calling us at 1-888-455-2232.

 


 

Additional Information

 

The Distributor    We sell the Contracts through our Financial Representatives who also are registered representatives of Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC (“NMIS”). NMIS, our wholly-owned company, was organized under Wisconsin law in 1998 and is located at 611 East Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202. NMIS is a registered broker-dealer under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and is a member of the National Association of Securities Dealers. NMIS is the principal underwriter of the Contracts, and has entered into a Distribution Agreement with us.

 

Under the Distribution Agreement, the Company receives all sales loads and withdrawal charges, and pays NMIS an annual fee based upon NMIS’ actual expenses in the performance of the services NMIS performs under the Distribution Agreement, including all compensation payable to its registered representatives. Commissions paid to the agents on sales of the Contracts are calculated partly as a percentage of purchase payments and partly as a percentage of Contract values for each Contract year.

 

The Contracts are currently available exclusively through NMIS and our Financial Representatives, and cannot be held with or transferred to a representative registered with an unaffiliated broker-dealer.

 

Because registered representatives of the Distributor are also our appointed agents, they are eligible for various cash benefits, such as bonuses, insurance benefits, and non-cash compensation programs that we offer, such as conferences, achievement recognition, prizes, and awards. In addition, Distributor's registered representatives who meet certain productivity, persistency and length of service standards and/or their managers may be eligible for additional compensation. Sales of the Contracts may help registered representatives and/or their managers qualify for such benefits. Certain of the Distributor's registered representatives and managers may receive other payments from us for the recruitment and training of personnel, production of promotional literature and similar services. Commissions and other incentives and payments described above are not charged directly to Owners or to the Separate Account. We intend to recoup sales expenses through fees and charges deducted under the Contract.

 

The Separate Account    We established the NML Variable Annuity Account B (the “Separate Account”) on February 14, 1968 by action of our Board of Trustees in accordance with the provisions of the Wisconsin insurance law. The Separate Account is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission as a unit investment trust under the Investment Company Act of 1940.

 

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Separate Account, which corresponds to one of the Portfolios of the Funds also described elsewhere in this prospectus. Under Wisconsin law, the investment operations of the Separate Account are kept separate from our other operations. The values for your Contract supported by the Separate Account will not be affected by income, gains, or losses from the rest of our business. The income, gains or losses, realized or unrealized, for the assets we place in the Separate Account for your Contract will determine the value of your Contract benefits supported by the Separate Account, and will not affect the rest of our business. The assets in the Separate Account are reserved for you and other owners of variable annuity contracts, although the assets belong to us and we do not hold the assets as a trustee. While we and our creditors cannot reach the assets of the Separate Account to satisfy other obligations until our obligations under your Contract have been satisfied, all of our assets (except those we hold in certain other separate accounts) are available to satisfy our obligations under your Contract. The obligations under the variable annuity contracts are obligations of the Company as depositor.

 

 

When permitted by law and subject to any required regulatory approvals or votes by Contract Owners, we reserve the right to:

 

 

Operate the Separate Account or a Division as either a unit investment trust or a management company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, or in any other form allowed by law, if deemed by the Company to be in the best interest of Contract Owners.

 

 

Invest current and future assets of a Division in securities of another Fund as a substitute for shares of a Fund already purchased or to be purchased.

 

 

Register or deregister the Separate Account under the Investment Company Act of 1940 or change its classification under that Act.

 

 

Create new separate accounts.

 

 

Combine the Separate Account with any other separate account.

 

 

Transfer the assets and liabilities of the Separate Account to another separate account.

 

 

Add, delete or make substitutions for the securities and other assets that are held or purchased by the Separate Account.

 

 

Terminate and/or liquidate the Separate Account.

 

 

Restrict or eliminate any voting rights of Contract Owners or other persons who have voting rights as to the Separate Account.

 

 

Make any changes to the Separate Account to conform with, or required by any change in, federal tax law, the Investment Company Act of 1940 and regulations promulgated thereunder, or any other applicable federal or state laws.

 

In the event that we take any of these actions, we may make an appropriate endorsement of your Contract and take other actions to carry out what we have done.

 

Terminal Illness Benefit    Withdrawal charges are waived if the Primary Annuitant is terminally ill (as defined in the Terminal Illness Benefit Rider) and has a life expectancy of 12 months or less.

 

Nursing Home Benefit    Withdrawal charges are waived after the first Contract anniversary if the Primary Annuitant’s confinement is medically necessary for at least 90 consecutive days in a licensed nursing facility or hospital (as defined in the Nursing Home Benefit Rider).

 

The Terminal Illness and Nursing Home Benefits are not available in MA, NJ, and NY.

 

Voting Rights    As long as the Separate Account continues to be registered as a unit investment trust under the Investment Company Act of 1940, and as long as Separate Account assets of a particular Division are invested in shares of a given Portfolio, we will vote the shares of that Portfolio held in the Separate Account in accordance with instructions we receive from (i) the Owners of Accumulation Units supported by assets of that Division; and (ii) the payees receiving payments under Variable Income Plans supported by assets of that Division. Each Owner or payee will receive periodic reports relating to the Portfolios, proxy material and a form with which to give instructions with respect to the proportion of shares of the Portfolio held in the Account corresponding to the Accumulation Units credited to his Contract, or the number of shares of the Portfolio held in the Account representing the actuarial liability under the Variable Income Plan, as the case may be. The number of shares will increase from year to year as additional purchase payments are made by the Contract Owner; after a Variable Income Plan is in effect, the number of shares will decrease from year to year as the remaining actuarial liability declines. We will vote shares for which no instructions have been received and shares held in our General Account in the same proportion as the shares for which instructions have been received from Contract Owners and payees. Because of this proportional voting requirement, it is possible that a small number of Contract Owners and payees could determine the outcome of a particular vote.

 

Dividends    This Contract is eligible to share in the divisible surplus, if any, of the Company, except while payments are being made under a Variable Income Plan. Each year we determine, in our sole discretion, the amount and appropriate allocation of divisible surplus. Divisible surplus credited to your Contract is referred to as a “dividend.” There is no guaranteed method or formula for the determination or allocation of divisible surplus. The Company's approach is subject to change. There is no guarantee of a divisible surplus. Even if there is a divisible surplus, the payment of a dividend on this Contract is not guaranteed. It is not expected that any dividends will be payable on this Contract, except on certain fixed installment plans.

 

We will credit dividends, if any, attributable to your Contract on the Contract anniversary. Dividends, if any, credited prior

 

Account B Prospectus

 

25


Table of Contents

to the Maturity Date will be applied as a Net Purchase Payment on the Contract anniversary unless the Owner elects to have the dividend paid in cash. However, if the New York Stock Exchange is closed on the Contract Anniversary, the amount of any dividend will be applied as of the next Valuation Date after the Contract anniversary. Dividends, if any, applied as a Net Purchase Payment will be allocated to the Divisions of the Separate Account according to the allocation of Net Premiums then in effect.

 

For the back-load Contracts we reduce expense charges by converting Class B Accumulation Units to Class A Accumulation Units on larger, older Contracts. (See “Mortality Rate and Expense Risk Charges.”) The Contracts issued prior to March 31, 2000, do not include this conversion feature, and we currently pay dividends on some of those Contracts. (See “Dividends for Contracts Issued Prior to March 31, 2000.”)

 

Internal Annuity Exchanges    As a matter of current practice, which we may limit or stop at any time in our discretion, we permit owners of certain fixed and variable annuity contracts that we have previously issued to exchange those contracts for front-load or back-load Contracts without paying a second charge for sales expenses. Such exchanges are not intended to be available for all owners, as they may not be in a particular owner’s best interest. We are not presently charging an administrative fee on these transactions. We permit only one such transaction in any 12-month period.

 

In general, amounts exchanged from a contract with a withdrawal charge to a new back-load Contract are not assessed a withdrawal charge when the exchange is effected; rather, premium payments are placed in the same withdrawal charge category under the new back-load Contract as they were before the exchange (any appreciation attributable to the premium payments is not subject to withdrawal charges). A similar rule applies to amounts exchanged from a front-load Contract to a new back-load Contract (i.e., no withdrawal charge is charged on premium payments and any appreciation attributable thereto) and to amounts exchanged from a front-load Contract to a new front-load Contract (i.e., no second front-load will be charged on amounts exchanged from an existing front-load Contract to a new front-load Contract). Fixed Annuity Contracts, which are not described in this prospectus, are available in exchange for the Contracts on a comparable basis.

 

Legal Proceedings    Northwestern Mutual, like other life insurance companies, is ordinarily involved in litigation. Although the outcome of any litigation cannot be predicted with certainty, we believe that, as of the date of this prospectus, there are no pending or threatened lawsuits that will have a materially adverse impact on the ability of Northwestern Mutual to meet its obligations under the Contract, on the Separate Account, or on NMIS and its ability to perform its duties as underwriter for the Separate Account.

 

26

 

Account B Prospectus


Table of Contents

Table of Contents for Statement of Additional Information

 

     Page

DISTRIBUTION OF THE CONTRACTS

   B-3

DETERMINATION OF ANNUITY PAYMENTS

   B-3

Amount of Annuity Payments

   B-3

Annuity Unit Value

   B-3

Illustrations of Variable Annuity Payments

   B-4

VALUATION OF ASSETS OF THE ACCOUNT

   B-4
     Page

TRANSFERABILITY RESTRICTIONS

   B-5

EXPERTS

   B-5

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF THE ACCOUNT

   F-1

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL

   F-24

 

 

TO: The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company

 

Investment Products & Services Department

Room W04SE

720 East Wisconsin Avenue

Milwaukee, WI 53202

 

Please send a Statement of Additional Information for NML Variable Annuity Account B to:

 

Name                                                                                                                                                                                                                

 

Address                                                                                                                                                                                                          

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

 

City                                                                                                                                  State                           Zip                         

 

Account B Prospectus

 

27


Table of Contents

Appendix A—Accumulation Unit Values

 

The tables on the following pages present the Accumulation Unit Values for Contracts offered by means of this prospectus as well as Contracts no longer offered for sale. The Contracts no longer offered for sale are different in certain material respects from Contracts offered currently. The values shown below for back-load version Contracts issued on or after December 17, 1981 and prior to March 31, 2000 are calculated on the same basis as those for the Class B Accumulation Units for the back-load version Contracts described in this prospectus. Accumulation Unit Values set forth below for front-load version Contracts issued on or after March 31, 2000 reflect the values of front-load version Accumulation Units as well as back-load version Class A Accumulation Units. Accumulation Unit Values set forth below for back-load version Contracts issued on or after March 31, 2000 reflect the values of back-load version Class B Accumulation Units. See “Application of Purchase Payments,” “Mortality Rate and Expense Risk Charges—Reduction of the Charges” and “Withdrawal Charges—Withdrawal Charge Rates” for additional information regarding Class A and Class B Accumulation Units under the back-load version Contracts.

 

Accumulation Unit Values

Contracts Issued on or After March 31, 2000

 

Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc.

 

     December 31
     2006    2005    2004    2003    2002    2001    2000

Small Cap Growth Stock Division

                    

Front-Load Version and Back-Load Version Class A

                    

Accumulation Unit Value

   $1.292    $1.217    $1.100    $0.931    $0.703    $0.866    $0.904

Number of Units Outstanding

   35,415,158    30,101,686    24,517,418    19,735,948    17,111,206    13,882,912    7,316,566

Back-Load Version Class B

                    

Accumulation Unit Value

   $2.656    $2.521    $2.296    $1.957    $1.489    $1.848    $1.945

Number of Units Outstanding

   23,161,853    20,416,511    18,719,764    16,083,009    12,979,575    9,860,219    4,277,781

T. Rowe Price Small Cap Value Division

                    

Front-Load Version and Back-Load Version Class A(b)

                    

Accumulation Unit Value

   $1.967    $1.696    $1.590    $1.283    $0.954    $1.015    —  

Number of Units Outstanding

   20,299,779    14,197,448    10,191,647    6,109,525    3,723,284    968,632    —  

Back-Load Version Class B(b)

                    

Accumulation Unit Value

   $1.889    $1.641    $1.550    $1.260    $0.944    $1.012    —  

Number of Units Outstanding

   25,148,640    19,703,866    16,176,274    11,021,518    6,524,843    1,214,673    —  

Mid Cap Growth Stock Division

                    

Front-Load Version and Back-Load Version Class A

                    

Accumulation Unit Value

   $0.873    $0.840    $0.795    $0.700    $0.564    $0.719    $0.902

Number of Units Outstanding

   39,982,374    39,039,697    33,381,264    27,992,902    24,744,380    19,893,765    10,356,483

Back-Load Version Class B

                    

Accumulation Unit Value

   $5.265    $5.106    $4.871    $4.319    $3.507    $4.504    $5.692

Number of Units Outstanding

   10,068,986    10,031,421    9,592,622    8,470,192    6,999,890    5,063,533    2,023,069

International Growth Division

                    

Front-Load Version and Back-Load Version Class A(b)

                    

Accumulation Unit Value

   $1.873    $1.549    $1.319    $1.091    $0.789    $0.904    —  

Number of Units Outstanding

   23,425,596    16,536,974    8,521,806    4,570,532    2,244,917    501,875    —  

Back-Load Version Class B(b)

                    

Accumulation Unit Value

   $1.798    $1.499    $1.286    $1.071    $0.780    $0.901    —  

Number of Units Outstanding

   27,220,834    19,828,404    13,009,472    7,404,623    3,186,044    601,797    —  

Franklin Templeton International Equity Division

                    

Front-Load Version and Back-Load Version Class A

                    

Accumulation Unit Value

   $1.679    $1.289    $1.162    $0.979    $0.700    $0.852    $0.996

Number of Units Outstanding

   67,876,758    49,598,537    33,306,605    22,004,368    16,906,871    13,406,091    5,686,115

Back-Load Version Class B

                    

Accumulation Unit Value

   $3.630    $2.808    $2.550    $2.163    $1.560    $1.912    $2.251

Number of Units Outstanding

   34,179,224    25,910,156    20,065,529    14,221,114    10,599,030    6,860,629    2,537,947

AllianceBernstein Mid Cap Value Division

                    

Front-Load Version and Back-Load Version Class A(a)

                    

Accumulation Unit Value

   $1.873    $1.644    $1.567    $1.327    —      —      —  

Number of Units Outstanding

   6,816,773    4,908,342    2,640,006    963,535    —      —      —  

Back-Load Version Class B(a)

                    

Accumulation Unit Value

   $1.823    $1.612    $1.548    $1.321    —      —      —  

Number of Units Outstanding

   7,446,498    4,896,956    2,684,457    802,201    —      —      —  

 

(a)

The initial investment was made on May 1, 2003.

 

(b)

The initial investments was made on July 31, 2001.

 

28

 

Account B Prospectus


Table of Contents

Accumulation Unit Values

Contracts Issued on or After March 31, 2000 (continued)

 

Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc. (continued)

 

     December 31
     2006    2005    2004    2003    2002    2001    2000

Index 400 Stock Division

                    

Front-Load Version and Back-Load Version Class A

                    

Accumulation Unit Value

   $1.656    $1.512    $1.353    $1.169    $0.870    $1.024    $1.036

Number of Units Outstanding

   27,815,668    25,993,210    22,283,625    18,361,848    15,676,867    11,324,256    4,843,932

Back-Load Version Class B

                    

Accumulation Unit Value

   $1.980    $1.822    $1.642    $1.430    $1.072    $1.271    $1.295

Number of Units Outstanding

   36,837,204    34,052,444    31,408,005    26,857,445    20,322,215    13,127,356    4,692,710

Janus Capital Appreciation Division

                    

Front-Load Version and Back-Load Version Class A(a)

                    

Accumulation Unit Value

   $1.729    $1.657    $1.423    $1.195    —      —      —  

Number of Units Outstanding

   11,850,394    6,925,251    1,559,586    518,814    —      —      —  

Back-Load Version Class B(a)

                    

Accumulation Unit Value

   $1.682    $1.624    $1.405    $1.189    —      —      —  

Number of Units Outstanding

   13,462,586    9,031,039    2,269,975    704,647    —      —      —  

Growth Stock Division

                    

Front-Load Version and Back-Load Version Class A

                    

Accumulation Unit Value

   $0.905    $0.830    $0.774    $0.730    $0.616    $0.783    $0.917

Number of Units Outstanding

   46,700,545    39,674,024    35,020,959    30,217,066    25,303,120    17,374,417    8,814,919

Back-Load Version Class B

                    

Accumulation Unit Value

   $2.738    $2.530    $2.378    $2.258    $1.922    $2.458    $2.902

Number of Units Outstanding

   20,009,379    18,419,410    17,211,320    15,099,499    12,076,113    8,560,047    3,640,112

Large Cap Core Stock Division

                    

Front-Load Version and Back-Load Version Class A

                    

Accumulation Unit Value

   $0.925    $0.834    $0.773    $0.718    $0.582    $0.814    $0.887

Number of Units Outstanding

   29,213,390    22,647,395    18,168,775    14,589,005    12,642,505    10,591,635    3,882,580

Back-Load Version Class B

                    

Accumulation Unit Value

   $2.316    $2.103    $1.963    $1.838    $1.500    $2.116    $2.323

Number of Units Outstanding

   15,000,372    12,870,407    11,170,844    8,666,979    7,080,067    5,243,396    1,644,497

Capital Guardian Domestic Equity Division

                    

Front-Load Version and Back-Load Version Class A(b)

                    

Accumulation Unit Value

   $1.483    $1.279    $1.189    $1.023    $0.765    $0.976    —  

Number of Units Outstanding

   45,349,697    29,643,557    16,304,992    9,477,867    5,903,229    1,363,585    —  

Back-Load Version Class B(b)

                    

Accumulation Unit Value

   $1.424    $1.237    $1.159    $1.005    $0.757    $0.973    —  

Number of Units Outstanding

   43,644,972    30,530,625    20,213,629    12,004,130    6,507,006    1,485,693    —  

T. Rowe Price Equity Income Division

                    

Front-Load Version and Back-Load Version Class A(a)

                    

Accumulation Unit Value

   $1.735    $1.464    $1.412    $1.232    —      —      —  

Number of Units Outstanding

   14,203,522    9,704,382    5,021,856    1,764,492    —      —      —  

Back-Load Version Class B(a)

                    

Accumulation Unit Value

   $1.688    $1.435    $1.394    $1.226    —      —      —  

Number of Units Outstanding

   13,567,927    8,406,892    4,088,760    1,306,298    —      —      —  

 

(a)

The initial investment was made on May 1, 2003.

 

(b)

The initial investment was made on July 31, 2001.

 

Account B Prospectus

 

29


Table of Contents

Accumulation Unit Values

Contracts Issued on or After March 31, 2000 (continued)

 

Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc. (continued)

 

     December 31
     2006    2005    2004    2003    2002    2001    2000

Index 500 Stock Division

                    

Front-Load Version and Back-Load Version Class A

                    

Accumulation Unit Value

   $1.019    $0.886    $0.850    $0.772    $0.604    $0.779    $0.888

Number of Units Outstanding

   90,982,275    77,651,428    61,872,226    47,611,354    37,988,421    29,925,056    15,753,049

Back-Load Version Class B

                    

Accumulation Unit Value

   $4.862    $4.258    $4.116    $3.765    $2.968    $3.857    $4.432

Number of Units Outstanding

   28,368,952    24,291,066    21,293,958    17,486,511    12,797,034    8,434,994    3,225,796

Asset Allocation Division

                    

Front-Load Version and Back-Load Version Class A(b)

                    

Accumulation Unit Value

   $1.335    $1.220    $1.146    $1.047    $0.872    $0.977    —  

Number of Units Outstanding

   35,603,213    31,535,608    24,763,452    14,610,795    8,284,846    1,018,582    —  

Back-Load Version Class B(b)

                    

Accumulation Unit Value

   $1.282    $1.181    $1.117    $1.028    $0.863    $0.974    —  

Number of Units Outstanding

   52,816,574    47,586,088    39,112,607    25,358,428    12,265,921    1,830,932    —  

Balanced Division

                    

Front-Load Version and Back-Load Version Class A

                    

Accumulation Unit Value

   $1.232    $1.121    $1.087    $1.013    $0.863    $0.938    $0.973

Number of Units Outstanding

   141,764,113    137,625,974    115,318,065    88,940,061    68,762,047    47,954,594    17,720,378

Back-Load Version Class B

                    

Accumulation Unit Value

   $8.915    $8.175    $7.990    $7.499    $6.435    $7.047    $7.368

Number of Units Outstanding

   22,276,529    21,497,005    19,495,805    15,788,431    11,764,085    8,427,354    2,559,744

High Yield Bond Division

                    

Front-Load Version and Back-Load Version Class A

                    

Accumulation Unit Value

   $1.544    $1.414    $1.402    $1.249    $0.973    $1.007    $0.963

Number of Units Outstanding

   23,166,531    17,733,956    12,459,872    9,024,728    6,137,852    4,078,758    1,352,168

Back-Load Version Class B

                    

Accumulation Unit Value

   $2.195    $2.024    $2.022    $1.815    $1.424    $1.485    $1.432

Number of Units Outstanding

   17,616,640    14,318,979    11,097,831    8,033,689    4,421,943    2,772,630    680,911

Select Bond Division

                    

Front-Load Version and Back-Load Version Class A

                    

Accumulation Unit Value

   $1.518    $1.470    $1.446    $1.387    $1.321    $1.185    $1.079

Number of Units Outstanding

   117,536,536    83,749,463    55,244,272    38,034,865    27,366,821    13,120,975    3,378,026

Back-Load Version Class B

                    

Accumulation Unit Value

   $10.242    $9.996    $9.902    $9.572    $9.188    $8.300    $7.615

Number of Units Outstanding

   15,961,458    12,615,595    9,265,871    7,243,943    5,161,060    2,097,513    267,017

Money Market Division

                    

Front-Load Version and Back-Load Version Class A

                    

Accumulation Unit Value

   $1.187    $1.138    $1.110    $1.100    $1.092    $1.080    $1.044

Number of Units Outstanding

   29,832,072    21,791,315    20,994,394    20,832,819    25,725,741    21,133,363    10,538,786

Back-Load Version Class B

                    

Accumulation Unit Value

   $2.885    $2.786    $2.739    $2.734    $2.735    $2.724    $2.655

Number of Units Outstanding

   13,064,420    11,894,947    11,071,279    12,115,262    13,766,612    9,317,527    2,855,056

 

(b)

The initial investment was made on July 31, 2001.

 

30

 

Account B Prospectus


Table of Contents

Accumulation Unit Values

Contracts Issued on or After March 31, 2000 (continued)

 

Fidelity® VIP Mid Cap Portfolio

 

     December 31               
     2006    2005    2004    2003               

VIP Mid Cap Division

                    

Front-Load Version and Back-Load Version Class A(a)

                    

Accumulation Unit Value

   $2.284    $2.042    $1.739    $1.402         

Number of Units Outstanding

   16,726,773    9,413,745    4,313,661    745,958         

Back-Load Version Class B(a)

                    

Accumulation Unit Value

   $2.222    $2.002    $1.717    $1.395         

Number of Units Outstanding

   19,211,410    11,269,182    5,622,571    1,627,553         

 

(a)    The initial investment was made on May 1, 2003.

 

Russell Investment Funds

 

                    
     December 31
     2006    2005    2004    2003    2002    2001    2000

Multi-Style Equity Division

                    

Front-Load Version and Back-Load Version Class A

                    

Accumulation Unit Value

   $0.963    $0.859    $0.804    $0.736    $   574    $0.751    $0.880

Number of Units Outstanding

   54,471,464    41,347,076    29,717,223    19,067,020    13,019,470    9,523,304    3,416,461

Back-Load Version Class B

                    

Accumulation Unit Value

   $0.967    $0.869    $0.820    $0.756    $0.594    $0.783    $0.925

Number of Units Outstanding

   48,317,973    40,125,402    31,971,252    22,289,607    14,503,579    9,084,152    3,280,473

Aggressive Equity Division

                    

Front-Load Version and Back-Load Version Class A

                    

Accumulation Unit Value

   $1.455    $1.274    $1.204    $1.055    $0.728    $0.904    $0.930

Number of Units Outstanding

   14,356,072    11,503,738    8,674,632    5,456,830    3,936,448    3,416,050    1,645,007

Back-Load Version Class B

                    

Accumulation Unit Value

   $1.614    $1.423    $1.355    $1.196    $0.832    $1.040    $1.079

Number of Units Outstanding

   12,896,716    10,819,309    9,442,850    6,635,255    4,016,709    2,555,549    962,707

Non-U.S. Division

                    

Front-Load Version and Back-Load Version Class A

                    

Accumulation Unit Value

   $1.261    $1.025    $0.906    $0.770    $0.557    $0.660    $0.851

Number of Units Outstanding

   38,406,866    26,778,925    17,253,283    9,842,979    7,745,475    6,652,947    3,081,050

Back-Load Version Class B

                    

Accumulation Unit Value

   $1.488    $1.219    $1.085    $0.929    $0.678    $0.809    $1.050

Number of Units Outstanding

   30,937,978    24,144,865    17,207,967    10,707,186    7,623,045    4,874,145    2,125,848

Real Estate Securities

                    

Front-Load Version and Back-Load Version Class A

                    

Accumulation Unit Value

   $3.828    $2.832    $2.519    $1.877    $1.375    $1.331    $1.241

Number of Units Outstanding

   22,134,829    17,288,696    12,229,738    7,967,258    6,056,265    3,359,466    970,869

Back-Load Version Class B

                    

Accumulation Unit Value

   $3.408    $2.541    $2.277    $1.710    $1.262    $1.231    $1.156

Number of Units Outstanding

   29,853,034    25,024,611    20,379,598    13,868,204    9,469,037    4,572,402    889,886

Core Bond Division

                    

Front-Load Version and Back-Load Version Class A

                    

Accumulation Unit Value

   $1.433    $1.389    $1.368    $1.314    $1.244    $1.149    $1.075

Number of Units Outstanding

   41,460,777    28,397,468    17,182,654    9,361,016    7,159,196    4,757,265    1,207,021

Back-Load Version Class B

                    

Accumulation Unit Value

   $1.362    $1.329    $1.319    $1.277    $1.218    $1.133    $1.068

Number of Units Outstanding

   35,795,917    26,986,904    18,499,979    11,676,257    7,728,642    4,018,947    1,018,885

 

Account B Prospectus

 

31


Table of Contents

Accumulation Unit Values

Contracts Issued on or After March 31, 1995 and Prior to March 31, 2000

 

Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc.

 

    December
    2006   2005   2004   2003   2002   2001   2000   1999   1998   1997

Small Cap Growth Stock Division

                   

Front-Load Version(c)

                   

Accumulation Unit Value

  $2.835   $2.668   $2.409   $2.036   $1.536   $1.891   $1.973   $1.856   —     —  

Number of Units Outstanding

  8,072,585   9,280,531   10,258,189   11,600,061   12,239,721   15,922,457   16,125,306   5,929,217   —     —  

Back-Load Version(c)

                   

Accumulation Unit Value

  $2.656   $2.521   $2.296   $1.957   $1.489   $1,848   $1.945   $1.846   —     —  

Number of Units Outstanding

  21,454,221   23,442,265   24,369,095   25,653,341   25,390,799   26,051,895   24,929,903   6,829,130   —     —  

T. Rowe Price Small Cap Value Division

                   

Front-Load Version(b)

                   

Accumulation Unit Value

  $1.978   $1.704   $1.596   $1.286   $0.955   $1.016   —     —     —     —  

Number of Units Outstanding

  6,840,738   6,915,845   6,574,927   5,733,203   4,920,040   1,493,941   —     —     —     —  

Back-Load Version(b)

                   

Accumulation Unit Value

  $1.889   $1.641   $1.550   $1.260   $0.944   $1.012   —     —     —     —  

Number of Units Outstanding

  15,926,790   15,290,065   13,638,862   10,683,810   8,559,526   2,002,419   —     —     —     —  

Mid Cap Growth Stock Division

                   

Front-Load Version

                   

Accumulation Unit Value

  $2.740   $2.635   $2.492   $2.191   $1.764   $2.247   $2.815   $2.662   $1.859   $1.735

Number of Units Outstanding

  19,964,909   23,528,621   26,953,401   30,456,618   33,977,551   39,698,939   43,573,219   38,181,332   38,301,039   30,869,455

Back-Load Version

                   

Accumulation Unit Value

  $5.265   $5.106   $4.871   $4.319   $3.507   $4.504   $5.692   $5.428   $3.808   $3.585

Number of Units Outstanding

  34,261,732   39,052,013   43,360,087   46,941,627   49,785,661   54,333,105   55,934,656   50,370,063   50,240,828   42,824,318

International Growth Division

                   

Front-Load Version(b)

                   

Accumulation Unit Value

  $1.883   $1.556   $1.324   $1.093   $0.790   $0.904   —     —     —     —  

Number of Units Outstanding

  6,121,418   5,170,392   3,439,029   2,420,702   1,817,763   893,244   —     —     —     —  

Back-Load Version(b)

                   

Accumulation Unit Value

  $1.798   $1.499   $1.286   $1.071   $0.780   $0.901   —     —     —     —  

Number of Units Outstanding

  15,891,893   12,046,151   7,118,190   4,200,021   2,169,803   477,797   —     —     —     —  

Franklin Templeton International Equity Division

                   

Front-Load Version

                   

Accumulation Unit Value

  $3.293   $2.526   $2.274   $1.913   $1.368   $1.663   $1.941   $1.964   $1.605   $1.537

Number of Units Outstanding

  23,182,016   23,971,278   25,002,389   26,200,049   28,873,593   43,786,596   36,295,316   32,350,775   30,705,368   24,895,817

Back-Load Version

                   

Accumulation Unit Value

  $3.630   $2.808   $2.550   $2.163   $1.560   $1.912   $2.251   $2.298   $1.893   $1.829

Number of Units Outstanding

  54,239,272   55,368,929   55,703.348   57,187,012   59,523,613   63,464,527   65,229,652   59,168,433   58,015,141   49,418,651

AllianceBernstein Mid Cap Value Division

                   

Front-Load Version(a)

                   

Accumulation Unit Value

  $1.880   $1.649   $1.570   $1.328   —     —     —     —     —     —  

Number of Units Outstanding

  1,726,443   1,493,751   1,108.150   566,371   —     —     —     —     —     —  

Back-Load Version(a)

                   

Accumulation Unit Value

  $1.823   $1.612   $1.548   $1.321   —     —     —     —     —     —  

Number of Units Outstanding

  4,517,590   3,773,073   2,379,792   914,679   —     —     —     —     —     —  

 

(a)

The initial investment was made on May 1, 2003.

 

(b)

The initial investment was made on July 31, 2001.

 

(c)

The initial investment was made on April 30, 1999.

 

32

 

Account B Prospectus


Table of Contents

Accumulation Unit Values

Contracts Issued on or After March 31, 1995 and Prior to March 31, 2000 (continued)

 

Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc. (continued)

 

    December 31
    2006   2005   2004   2003   2002   2001   2000   1999   1998   1997

Index 400 Stock Division

                   

Front-Load Version(c)

                   

Accumulation Unit Value

  $2.113   $1.928   $1.723   $1.488   $1.106   $1.300   $1.314   $1.125   —     —  

Number of Units Outstanding

  11,290,118   12,509,762   14,082,068   15,074,031   15,907,140   16,641,763   14,867,219   6,253,334   —     —  

Back-Load Version(c)

                   

Accumulation Unit Value

  $1.980   $1.822   $1.642   $1.430   $1.072   $1.271   $1.295   $1.119   —     —  

Number of Units Outstanding

  30,217,700   32,424,068   33,815.800   33,698,201   32,533,243   27,948,785   22,152,604   7,576,930   —     —  

Janus Capital Appreciation Division

                   

Front-Load Version(a)

                   

Accumulation Unit Value

  $1.735   $1.661   $1.425   $1.196   —     —     —     —     —     —  

Number of Units Outstanding

  2,593,162   2,201,281   780,283   298,705   —     —     —     —     —     —  

Back-Load Version(a)

                   

Accumulation Unit Value

  $1.682   $1.624   $1.405   $1.189   —     —     —     —     —     —  

Number of Units Outstanding

  8,522,880   6,089,877   1,386,151   612,139   —     —     —     —     —     —  

Growth Stock Division

                   

Front-Load Version

                   

Accumulation Unit Value

  $2.794   $2.560   $2.387   $2.246   $1.896   $2.405   $2.815   $2.898   $2.375   $1.883

Number of Units Outstanding

  15,924,282   18,117,289   20,677,902   23,255,037   25,488,985   30,387,726   33,453,807   29,613,096   20,435,890   12,915,731

Back-Load Version

                   

Accumulation Unit Value

  $2.738   $2.530   $2.378   $2.258   $1.922   $2.458   $2.902   $3.013   $2.491   $1.991

Number of Units Outstanding

  41,412,188   47,037,380   52,297,802   56,586,944   59,194,944   63,541,355   65,153,124   58,030,851   43,931,364   30,083,122

Large Cap Core Stock Division

                   

Front-Load Version

                   

Accumulation Unit Value

  $2.363   $2.128   $1.970   $1.828   $1.480   $2.069   $2.253   $2.431   $2.271   $1.852

Number of Units Outstanding

  13,913,425   15,804,032   18,168,256   20,623,381   23,652,881   29,263,116   32,089,215   34,268,909   28,665,538   19,189,183

Back-Load Version

                   

Accumulation Unit Value

  $2.316   $2.103   $1.963   $1.838   $1.500   $2.116   $2.323   $2.528   $2.382   $1.959

Number of Units Outstanding

  41,252,993   46,115,298   50,391,072   54,319,174   57,393,540   65,286,277   67,399,622   69,825,444   60,018,961   43,671,623

Capital Guardian Domestic Equity Division

                   

Front-Load Version(b)

                   

Accumulation Unit Value

  $1.491   $1.284   $1.193   $1.025   $0.766   $0.976   —     —     —     —  

Number of Units Outstanding

  12,985,147   11,450,604   9,423,819   7,381,826   5,595,838   1,938,379   —     —     —     —  

Back-Load Version(b)

                   

Accumulation Unit Value

  $1.424   $1.237   $1.159   $1.005   $0.757   $0.973   —     —     —     —  

Number of Units Outstanding

  27,904,343   22,639,272   17,956,749   13,170,129   9,478,669   2,435,683   —     —     —     —  

T. Rowe Price Equity Income Division

                   

Front-Load Version(a)

                   

Accumulation Unit Value

  $1.742   $1.468   $1.414   $1.233   —     —     —     —     —     —  

Number of Units Outstanding

  3,156,000   2,442,261   1,568,194   794,526   —     —     —     —     —     —  

Back-Load Version(a)

                   

Accumulation Unit Value

  $1.688   $1.435   $1.394   $1.226   —     —     —     —     —     —  

Number of Units Outstanding

  8,981,205   6,905,173   4,292,221   1,741,960   —     —     —     —     —     —  

 

(a)

The initial investment was made on May 1, 2003.

 

(b)

The initial investment was made on July 31, 2001.

 

(c)

The initial investment was made on April 30, 1999.

 

Account B Prospectus

 

33


Table of Contents

Accumulation Unit Values

Contracts Issued on or After March 31, 1995 and Prior to March 31, 2000 (continued)

 

Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc. (continued)

 

    December 31
    2006   2005   2004   2003   2002   2001   2000   1999   1998   1997

Index 500 Stock Division

                   

Front-Load Version

                   

Accumulation Unit Value

  $3.281   $2.849   $2.731   $2.477   $1.936   $2.495   $2.843   $3.128   $2.597   $2.026

Number of Units Outstanding

  31,587,151   36,385,293   41,727,776   46,362,562   51,158,950   59,351,073   65,635,496   64,985,029   49,367,899   32,584,892

Back-Load Version

                   

Accumulation Unit Value

  $4.862   $4.258   $4.116   $3.765   $2.968   $3.857   $4.432   $4.919   $4.037   $3.175

Number of Units Outstanding

  63,143,296   70,634,909   77,595,842   82,632,130   86,075,344   93,733,031   97,164,361   93,536,733   74,933,584   53,900,586

Asset Allocation Division

                   

Front-Load Version(b)

                   

Accumulation Unit Value

  $1.342   $1.226   $1.150   $1.050   $0.874   $0.977   —     —     —     —  

Number of Units Outstanding

  10,235,878   11,468,534   11,145,958   9,419,602   7,155,880   2,155,852   —     —     —     —  

Back-Load Version(b)

                   

Accumulation Unit Value

  $1.282   $1.181   $1.117   $1.028   $0.863   $0.974   —     —     —     —  

Number of Units Outstanding

  25,367,754   25,370,846   22,531,287   18,344,632   10,512,707   2,594,700   —     —     —     —  

Balanced Division

                   

Front-Load Version

                   

Accumulation Unit Value

  $2.681   $2.438   $2.362   $2.198   $1.871   $2.031   $2.106   $2.118   $1.912   $1.615

Number of Units Outstanding

  46,605,191   54,406,835   60,885,085   66,400,831   73,767,182   88,804,688   97,628,015   102,078,367   72,292,495   43,288,762

Back-Load Version

                   

Accumulation Unit Value

  $8.915   $8.175   $7.990   $7.499   $6.435   $7.047   $7.368   $7.473   $6.771   $5.768

Number of Units Outstanding

  39,886,353   44,604,247   48,169,201   50,672,379   52,815,904   57,631,400   60,156,780   60,554,119   50,001,293   37,392,725

High Yield Bond Division

                   

Front-Load Version

                   

Accumulation Unit Value

  $2.273   $2.079   $2.058   $1.833   $1.426   $1.474   $1.409   $1.483   $1.496   $1.530

Number of Units Outstanding

  9,177,777   9,780,962   10,660,018   12,057,111   13,150,685   15,351,843   15,642,373   17,635,247   19,796,158   11,305,194

Back-Load Version

                   

Accumulation Unit Value

  $2.195   $2.024   $2.022   $1.815   $1.424   $1.485   $1.432   $1.520   $1.546   $1.595

Number of Units Outstanding

  21,430,971   23,264,338   24,343,041   25,165,640   25,851,213   27,704,458   28,261,950   31,364,004   34,432,479   22,019,285

Select Bond Division

                   

Front-Load Version

                   

Accumulation Unit Value

  $2.068   $2.001   $1.966   $1.884   $1.793   $1.606   $1.461   $1.331   $1.350   $1.266

Number of Units Outstanding

  25,499,277   25,505,913   26,067,954   29,002,604   33,757,514   31,704,805   28,492,696   29,869,748   22,093,895   12,652,127

Back-Load Version

                   

Accumulation Unit Value

  $10.242   $9.996   $9.902   $9.572   $9.188   $8.300   $7.615   $6.996   $7.088   $6.703

Number of Units Outstanding

  11,244,306   11,005,965   10,695,695   11,538,095   12,269,348   10,113,548   8,458,657   8,674,455   8,005,277   5,418,476

Money Market Division

                   

Front-Load Version

                   

Accumulation Unit Value

  $1.525   $1.460   $1.423   $1.409   $1.397   $1.380   $1.333   $1.259   $1.203   $1.146

Number of Units Outstanding

  16,466,468   14,678,477   15,028,450   21,077,095   42,940,997   38,574,176   58,572,481   57,765,350   27,165,662   16,238,723

Back-Load Version

                   

Accumulation Unit Value

  $2.885   $2.786   $2.739   $2.734   $2.735   $2.724   $2.655   $2.529   $2.431   $2.335

Number of Units Outstanding

  14,880,737   14,378,705   16,070,503   21,524,948   27,441,083   25,637,013   20,230,487   30,818,748   22,512,853   14,615,063

 

(b)

The initial investment was made on July 31, 2001.

 

34

 

Account B Prospectus


Table of Contents

Accumulation Unit Values

Contracts Issued on or After March 31, 1995 and Prior to March 31, 2000 (continued)

 

Fidelity® VIP Mid Cap Portfolio

 

     December 31                    
     2006    2005    2004    2003                    

VIP Mid Cap Division

                       

Front-Load Version(a)

                       

Accumulation Unit Value

   $2.292    $2.047    $1.742    $1.403            

Number of Units Outstanding

   4,342,276    3,650,183    1,802,177    707,975            

Back-Load Version(a)

                       

Accumulation Unit Value

   $2.222    $2.002    $1.717    $1.395            

Number of Units Outstanding

   11,341,345    8,488,159    4,278,279    1,337,182            

 

(a)    The initial investment was made on May 1, 2003.

 

Russell Investment Funds

 

                    
     December 31
     2006    2005    2004    2003    2002    2001    2000    1999

Multi-Style Equity Division

                       

Front-Load Version(c)

                       

Accumulation Unit Value

   $1.032    $0.919    $0.860    $0.787    $0.613    $0.801    $0.938    $1.073

Number of Units Outstanding

   18,420,538    18,470,307    19,989,061    20,288,317    20,046,435    23,334,172    25,693,117    14,702,392

Back-Load Version(c)

                       

Accumulation Unit Value

   $0.967    $0.869    $0.820    $0.756    $0.594    $0.783    $0.925    $1.067

Number of Units Outstanding

   28,369,090    28,812,511    28,757,492    28,254,083    25,858,008    26,373,061    24,591,986    15,268,513

Aggressive Equity Division

                       

Front-Load Version(c)

                       

Accumulation Unit Value

   $1.722    $1.506    $1.422    $1.244    $0.858    $1.064    $1.094    $1.106

Number of Units Outstanding

   6,030,690    6,851,931    7,427,014    7,791,434    7,408,055    7,916,330    8,881,058    4,174,119

Back-Load Version(c)

                       

Accumulation Unit Value

   $1.614    $1.423    $1.355    $1.196    $0.832    $1.040    $1.079    $1.100

Number of Units Outstanding

   9,935,839    10,065,437    10,794,558    10,081,792    8,902,496    8,918,984    8,228,003    4,192,812

Non-U.S. Division

                       

Front-Load Version(c)

                       

Accumulation Unit Value

   $1.588    $1.289    $1.139    $0.966    $0.699    $0.827    $1.065    $1.250

Number of Units Outstanding

   10,748,361    10,136,489    10,406,399    9,930,082    10,489,012    12,452,057    13,438,754    5,811,225

Back-Load Version(c)

                       

Accumulation Unit Value

   $1.488    $1.219    $1.085    $0.929    $0.678    $0.809    $1.050    $1.243

Number of Units Outstanding

   18,696,512    16,336,791    15,446,920    13,585,020    12,428,512    12,691,490    11,778,072    4,937,116

Real Estate Securities Division

                       

Front-Load Version(c)

                       

Accumulation Unit Value

   $3.637    $2.688    $2.389    $1.779    $1.302    $1.259    $1.172    $0.925

Number of Units Outstanding

   7,721,455    7,881,345    7,812,702    7,182,463    7,294,758    6,200,817    5,029,444    2,828,333

Back-Load Version(c)

                       

Accumulation Unit Value

   $3.408    $2.541    $2.277    $1.710    $1.262    $1.231    $1.156    $0.920

Number of Units Outstanding

   19,207,452    19,188,578    18,041,094    15,820,065    13,381,267    7,836,969    4,955,290    2,072,707

Core Bond Division

                       

Front-Load Version(c)

                       

Accumulation Unit Value

   $1.453    $1.407    $1.384    $1.328    $1.256    $1.159    $1.083    $0.989

Number of Units Outstanding

   9,297,246    8,882,719    8,824,119    8,808,106    9,417,461    10,026,718    9,765,167    5,501,177

Back-Load Version(c)

                       

Accumulation Unit Value

   $1.362    $1.329    $1.319    $1.277    $1.218    $1.133    $1.068    $0.983

Number of Units Outstanding

   14,562,468    13,012,513    11,121,921    10,201,541    9,785,769    8,767,348    6,769,585    4,595,473

 

(c)

The initial investment was made on April 30, 1999.

 

Account B Prospectus

 

35


Table of Contents

Accumulation Unit Values

Contracts Issued After December 16, 1981 and Prior to March 31, 1995

 

Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc.

 

    December 31
    2006   2005   2004   2003   2002   2001   2000   1999   1998   1997

Small Cap Growth Stock Division

                   

Accumulation Unit Value(c)

  $2.656   $2.521   $2.296   $1.957   $1.489   $1.848   $1.945   $1.846   —     —  

Number of Units Outstanding

  23,863,756   26,492,552   27,674,537   29,757,334   30,160,090   33,098,672   34,272,180   13,315,327   —     —  

T. Rowe Price Small Cap Value Division

                   

Accumulation Unit Value(b)

  $1.889   $1.641   $1.550   $1.260   $0.944   $1.012   —     —     —     —  

Number of Units Outstanding

  23,566,103   22,651,663   21,144,174   18,087,716   13,871,365   2,822,064   —     —     —     —  

Mid Cap Growth Stock Division

                   

Accumulation Unit Value

  $5.265   $5.106   $4.871   $4.319   $3.507   $4.504   $5.692   $5.428   $3.822   $3.598

Number of Units Outstanding

  62,224,061   71,675,443   80,622,135   89,547,583   98,102,497   109,859,708   118,817,594   118,954,187   142,251,000   157,775,380

International Growth Division

                   

Accumulation Unit Value(b)

  $1.798   $1.499   $1.286   $1.071   $0.780   $0.901   —     —     —     —  

Number of Units Outstanding

  22,376,705   17,034,183   10,789,833   6,595,124   3,340,865   562,207   —     —     —     —  

Franklin Templeton International Equity Division

                   

Accumulation Unit Value

  $3.630   $2.808   $2.550   $2.163   $1.560   $1.912   $2.251   $2.298   $1.893   $1.829

Number of Units Outstanding

  92,865,740   95,439,180   98,792,917   103,922,076   112,474,064   125,486,737   136,785,885   143,590,615   169,478,000   194,160,450

AllianceBernstein Mid Cap Value Division

                   

Accumulation Unit Value(a)

  $1.823   $1.612   $1.548   $1.321   —     —     —     —     —     —  

Number of Units Outstanding

  6,837,099   6,016,068   4,227,052   1,777,682   —     —     —     —     —     —  

Index 400 Stock Division

                   

Accumulation Unit Value(c)

  $1.980   $1.822   $1.642   $1.430   $1.072   $1.271   $1.295   $1.119   —     —  

Number of Units Outstanding

  33,940,067   37,124,828   38,983,861   38,975,371   37,757,306   33,195,315   26,409,862   7,869,853   —     —  

Janus Capital Appreciation Division

                   

Accumulation Unit Value(a)

  $1.682   $1.624   $1.405   $1.189   —     —     —     —     —     —  

Number of Units Outstanding

  11,044,692   7,261,050   2,343,718   1,018,422   —     —     —     —     —     —  

Growth Stock Division

                   

Accumulation Unit Value

  $2.738   $2.530   $2.378   $2.258   $1.922   $2.458   $2.902   $3.013   $2.491   $1.991

Number of Units Outstanding

  37,257,233   42,945,635   48,546,252   54,899,034   58,923,625   66,217,385   71,406,848   66,687,549   55,526,000   45,562,063

 

(a)

The initial investment was made on May 1, 2003.

 

(b)

The initial investment was made on July 31, 2001.

 

(c)

The initial investment was made on April 30, 1999.

 

36

 

Account B Prospectus


Table of Contents

Accumulation Unit Values

Contracts Issued After December 16, 1981 and Prior to March 31, 1995 (continued)

 

Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc. (continued)

 

    December 31
    2006   2005   2004   2003   2002   2001   2000   1999   1998   1997

Large Cap Core Stock Division

                   

Accumulation Unit Value

  $  2.316   $2.103   $1.963   $1.838   $1.500   $2.116   $2.323   $2.528   $2.382   $1.959

Number of Units Outstanding

  37,983,328   41,505,236   45,487,471   51,410,884   56,245,882   67,221,960   71,781,083   83,676,884   87,082,000   80,719,502

Capital Guardian Domestic Equity Division

                   

Accumulation Unit Value(b)

  $  1.424   $1.237   $1.159   $1.005   $0.757   $0.973   —     —     —     —  

Number of Units Outstanding

  40,931,538   34,860,517   27,247,625   20,936,464   15,367,555   2,631,660   —     —     —     —  

T. Rowe Price Equity Income Division

                   

Accumulation Unit Value(a)

  $  1.688   $1.435   $1.394   $1.226   —     —     —     —     —     —  

Number of Units Outstanding

  15,932,280   12,752,650   7,845,763   3,150,164   —     —     —     —     —     —  

Index 500 Stock Division

                   

Accumulation Unit Value

  $  4.862   $4.258   $4.116   $3.765   $2.968   $3.857   $4.432   $4.919   $4.119   $3.240

Number of Units Outstanding

  85,761,291   97,216,770   107,895,325   116,959,562   124,921,338   140,197,508   152,124,600   165,311,237   163,099,000   156,622,110

Asset Allocation Division

                   

Accumulation Unit Value(b)

  $  1.282   $1.181   $1.117   $1.028   $0.863   $0.974   —     —     —     —  

Number of Units Outstanding

  47,364,051   45,797,877   41,084,548   31,855,327   20,094,063   4,917,440   —     —     —     —  

Balanced Division

                   

Accumulation Unit Value

  $  8.915   $8.175   $7.990   $7.499   $6.435   $7.047   $7.368   $7.473   $6.805   $5.796

Number of Units Outstanding

  161,708,513   177,505,772   191,592,109   204,665,975   217,113,399   237,544,475   253,369,070   281,204,060   303,184,000   315,853,927

High Yield Bond Division

                   

Accumulation Unit Value

  $  2.195   $2.024   $2.022   $1.815   $1.424   $1.485   $1.432   $1.520   $1.546   $1.595

Number of Units Outstanding

  19,116,823   19,826,412   20,061,980   20,664,086   18,690,912   20,388,323   20,853,325   25,579,785   32,974,000   28,965,737

Select Bond Division

                   

Accumulation Unit Value

  $10.242   $9.996   $9.902   $9.572   $9.188   $8.300   $7.615   $6.996   $7.157   $6.768

Number of Units Outstanding

  18,012,194   17,240,836   16,400,162   17,983,611   20,033,605   16,893,081   14,469,582   17,090,593   19,458,000   18,885,862

Money Market Division

                   

Accumulation Unit Value

  $  2.885   $2.786   $2.739   $2.734   $2.735   $2.724   $2.655   $2.529   $2.436   $2.340

Number of Units Outstanding

  31,260,090   27,919,836   30,366,614   37,795,665   49,898,646   48,197,528   38,915,842   52,168,990   46,757,000   33,000,108

 

(a)

The initial investment was made on May 1, 2003.

 

(b)

The initial investment was made on July 31, 2001.

 

(c)

The initial investment was made on April 30, 1999.

 

Account B Prospectus

 

37


Table of Contents

Accumulation Unit Values

Contracts Issued After December 16, 1981 and Prior to March 31, 1995 (continued)

 

Fidelity® VIP Mid Cap Portfolio

 

     December 31                    
     2006    2005    2004    2003                    

VIP Mid Cap Division

                       

Accumulation Unit Value(a)

   $2.222    $2.002    $1.717    $1.395            

Number of Units Outstanding

   16,882,736    13,056,210    6,684,332    2,590,329            

 

(a)    The initial investment was made on May 1, 2003.

 

Russell Investment Funds

 

                    
     December 31
     2006    2005    2004    2003    2002    2001    2000    1999

Multi-Style Equity Division

                       

Accumulation Unit Value(c)

   $0.967    $0.869    $0.820    $0.756    $0.594    $0.783    $0.925    $1.067

Number of Units Outstanding

   27,907,794    26,358,967    26,557,419    23,379,383    22,003,517    23,789,522    22,597,286    14,784,953

Aggressive Equity Division

                       

Accumulation Unit Value(c)

   $1.614    $1.423    $1.355    $1.196    $0.832    $1.040    $1.079    $1.100

Number of Units Outstanding

   13,343,055    12,818,269    13,767,174    12,920,683    9,413,073    9,889,843    10,041,175    6,268,375

Non-U.S. Division

                       

Accumulation Unit Value(c)

   $1.488    $1.219    $1.085    $0.929    $0.678    $0.809    $1.050    $1.243

Number of Units Outstanding

   22,678,222    18,647,220    16,878,528    14,034,395    13,476,704    13,605,076    14,090,409    7,403,677

Real Estate Securities Division

                       

Accumulation Unit Value(c)

   $3.408    $2.541    $2.277    $1.710    $1.262    $1.231    $1.156    $0.920

Number of Units Outstanding

   25,441,363    24,169,371    23,286,251    19,386,720    16,346,912    9,256,072    5,199,881    2,245,122

Core Bond Division

                       

Accumulation Unit Value(c)

   $1.362    $1.329    $1.319    $1.277    $1.218    $1.134    $1.068    $0.983

Number of Units Outstanding

   17,939,708    15,507,401    12,950,950    11,930,275    10,480,759    7,626,070    4,950,184    3,415,035

 

(c)

The initial investment was made on April 30, 1999.

 

38

 

Account B Prospectus


Table of Contents

Accumulation Unit Values

Contracts Issued Prior to December 17, 1981

 

Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc.

 

    December 31
    2006   2005   2004   2003   2002   2001   2000   1999   1998   1997

Small Cap Growth Stock Division

                   

Accumulation Unit Value(c)

  $  2.760   $  2.607   $  2.362   $  2.003   $  1.517   $1.873   $1.961   $1.852   —     —  

Number of Units Outstanding

  296,466   270,687   287,684   262,401   312,568   380,998   403,484   215,103   —     —  

T. Rowe Price Small Cap Value Division

                   

Accumulation Unit Value(b)

  $  1.941   $  1.678   $  1.577   $  1.275   $  0.951   $1.014   —     —     —     —  

Number of Units Outstanding

  299,368   236,440   282,499   316,276   185,108   —     —     —     —     —  

Mid Cap Growth Stock Division

                   

Accumulation Unit Value

  $  5.706   $  5.506   $  5.227   $  4.611   $  3.725   $4.760   $5.986   $5.680   $3.980   $3.728

Number of Units Outstanding

  421,373   568,879   671,433   742,127   801,249   947,094   1,013,120   987,587   1,033,099   1,476,370

International Growth Division

                   

Accumulation Unit Value(b)

  $  1.848   $  1.532   $  1.308   $  1.084   $  0.786   $0.903   —     —     —     —  

Number of Units Outstanding

  285,651   121,597   171,949   76,331   16,888   —     —     —     —     —  

Franklin Templeton International Equity Division

                   

Accumulation Unit Value

  $  3.887   $  2.992   $  2.703   $  2.282   $  1.637   $1.997   $2.339   $2.376   $1.947   $1.872

Number of Units Outstanding

  1,023,722   974,637   1,040,750   1,034,947   1,093,077   1,273,380   1,337,231   1,529,763   1,521,122   2,125,863

AllianceBernstein Mid Cap Value Division

                   

Accumulation Unit Value(a)

  $  1.856   $  1.633   $  1.561   $  1.325   —     —     —     —     —     —  

Number of Units Outstanding

  73,272   66,515   37,139   24,525   —     —     —     —     —     —  

Index 400 Stock Division

                   

Accumulation Unit Value(c)

  $  2.058   $  1.884   $  1.689   $  1.464   $  1.092   $1.288   $1.306   $1.123   —     —  

Number of Units Outstanding

  443,155   571,158   512,107   469,538   505,240   477,933   361,009   67,233   —     —  

Janus Capital Appreciation Division

                   

Accumulation Unit Value(a)

  $  1.713   $  1.646   $  1.417   $  1.193   —     —     —     —     —     —  

Number of Units Outstanding

  101,025   43,022   13,012   8,285   —     —     —     —     —     —  

Growth Stock Division

                   

Accumulation Unit Value

  $  2.917   $  2.682   $  2.509   $  2.369   $  2.007   $2.554   $3.000   $3.100   $2.549   $2.027

Number of Units Outstanding

  364,773   454,704   484,126   594,959   516,914   656,290   677,369   595,016   334,810   263,014

Large Cap Core Stock Division

                   

Accumulation Unit Value

  $  2.467   $  2.229   $  2.071   $  1.929   $  1.567   $2.198   $2.402   $2.601   $2.438   $1.995

Number of Units Outstanding

  261,735   374,365   467,642   408,926   427,477   543,635   566,163   645,397   433,265   551,213

Capital Guardian Domestic Equity Division

                   

Accumulation Unit Value(b)

  $  1.463   $  1.265   $  1.179   $  1.017   $  0.762   $0.976   —     —     —     —  

Number of Units Outstanding

  594,970   371,732   337,931   292,728   255,652   —     —     —     —     —  

T. Rowe Price Equity Income Division

                   

Accumulation Unit Value(a)

  $  1.720   $  1.454   $  1.406   $  1.230   —     —     —     —     —     —  

Number of Units Outstanding

  204,867   276,998   277,502   67,139   —     —     —     —     —     —  

Index 500 Stock Division

                   

Accumulation Unit Value

  $  5.269   $  4.591   $  4.417   $  4.020   $  3.153   $4.077   $4.661   $5.147   $4.289   $3.357

Number of Units Outstanding

  5,337,076   6,058,003   6,906,397   7,432,375   7,721,073   8,786,560   9,313,735   9,855,509   10,167,099   11,228,774

Asset Allocation Division

                   

Accumulation Unit Value(b)

  $  1.317   $  1.207   $  1.137   $  1.041   $  0.869   $0.976   —     —     —     —  

Number of Units Outstanding

  472,247   615,379   294,535   287,438   296,634   6,089   —     —     —     —  

Balanced Division

                   

Accumulation Unit Value

  $10.101   $  9.217   $  8.963   $  8.370   $  7.147   $7.788   $8.102   $8.176   $7.408   $6.278

Number of Units Outstanding

  2,583,762   2,894,206   3,202,135   3,376,987   3,566,290   4,202,216   4,691,117   5,215,538   3,072,434   6,272,328

High Yield Bond Division

                   

Accumulation Unit Value

  $  2.338   $  2.146   $  2.132   $  1.905   $  1.487   $1.543   $1.480   $1.563   $1.582   $1.624

Number of Units Outstanding

  158,076   126,518   133,178   129,698   121,683   88,091   110,541   128,688   139,262   251,003

Select Bond Division

                   

Accumulation Unit Value

  $11.608   $11.273   $11.111   $10.688   $10.207   $9.175   $8.376   $7.657   $7.794   $7.334

Number of Units Outstanding

  453,777   502,702   539,744   609,489   663,785   684,173   744,251   843,819   956,838   1,078,985

Money Market Division

                   

Accumulation Unit Value

  $  3.269   $  3.141   $  3.073   $  3.052   $  3.038   $3.011   $2.919   $2.767   $2.652   $2.535

Number of Units Outstanding

  263,697   316,335   399,612   416,901   730,638   1,043,992   1,001,631   1,359,352   1,060,152   997,887

 

(a)

The initial investment was made on May 1, 2003.

 

(b)

The initial investment was made on July 31, 2001.

 

(c)

The initial investment was made on April 30, 1999.

 

Account B Prospectus

 

39


Table of Contents

Accumulation Unit Values

Contracts Issued Prior to December 17, 1981 (continued)

 

Fidelity® VIP Mid Cap Portfolio

 

     December 31                    
     2006    2005    2004    2003                    

VIP Mid Cap Division

                       

Accumulation Unit Value(a)

   $2.263    $2.029    $1.732    $1.400            

Number of Units Outstanding

   208,473    109,634    108,320    68,513            

 

(a)    The initial investment was made on May 1, 2003.

 

Russell Investment Funds

 

                       
     December 31
     2006    2005    2004    2003    2002    2001    2000    1999

Multi-Style Equity Division

                       

Accumulation Unit Value(c)

   $1.005    $0.898    $0.844    $0.774    $0.605    $0.794    $0.932    $1.071

Number of Units Outstanding

   568,621    270,330    282,814    321,409    274,017    271,869    147,669    244,293

Aggressive Equity Division

                       

Accumulation Unit Value(c)

   $1.677    $1.472    $1.394    $1.224    $0.847    $1.054    $1.088    $1.104

Number of Units Outstanding

   210,950    95,467    101,400    122,192    168,449    153,998    231,115    107,734

Non-U.S. Division

                       

Accumulation Unit Value(c)

   $1.546    $1.260    $1.117    $0.951    $0.690    $0.820    $1.059    $1.247

Number of Units Outstanding

   266,274    126,906    96,390    111,953    100,239    114,897    94,720    34,751

Real Estate Securities Division

                       

Accumulation Unit Value(c)

   $3.542    $2.627    $2.343    $1.750    $1.285    $1.247    $1.165    $0.923

Number of Units Outstanding

   379,773    290,249    306,767    235,279    185,154    28,139    6,452    2.135

Core Bond Division

                       

Accumulation Unit Value(c)

   $1.415    $1.374    $1.357    $1.307    $1.240    $1.148    $1.077    $0.986

Number of Units Outstanding

   178,283    80,834    38,272    5,724    24,997    10,497    2,034    2,029

 

(c)

The initial investment was made on April 30, 1999.

 

40

 

Account B Prospectus


Table of Contents

LOGO


Table of Contents

STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

April 30, 2007

FLEXIBLE PAYMENT VARIABLE ANNUITY

An individual flexible payment Variable Annuity Contract (the “Contract”) for:

 

Individual Retirement Annuities (“IRAs”)

  457 Deferred Compensation Plan Annuities

Roth IRAs

  Tax Deferred Annuities

Simple IRAs

  Non-Transferable Annuities

Simplified Employee Pension Plan IRAs

  Nontax-Qualified Annuities

Issued by The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company

and

NML Variable Annuity Account B

 


This Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) is not a prospectus, but supplements and should be read in conjunction with the prospectus for the Contract identified above and dated the same date as this SAI. A copy of the prospectus may be obtained by writing The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company, Investment Products and Services Department, Room W04SE, 720 East Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202, calling telephone number 1-888-455-2232, or visiting the website www.nmfn.com.

 


288568

 

B-1


Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

     Page

DISTRIBUTION OF THE CONTRACTS

   B-3

DETERMINATION OF ANNUITY PAYMENTS

   B-3

Amount of Annuity Payments

   B-3

Annuity Unit Value

   B-3

Illustrations of Variable Annuity Payments

   B-4

VALUATION OF ASSETS OF THE ACCOUNT

   B-4

TRANSFERABILITY RESTRICTIONS

   B-5

EXPERTS

   B-5

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF THE ACCOUNT

   F-1

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL

   F-24

 

B-2


Table of Contents

DISTRIBUTION OF THE CONTRACTS

The Contracts are offered on a continuous basis exclusively through individuals who, in addition to being life insurance agents of Northwestern Mutual, are registered representatives of Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC (“NMIS”).

NMIS is considered the underwriter of the Contracts for purposes of the federal securities laws. We paid the following amounts to NMIS with respect to sales of the Contracts, including commissions on sales of variable annuity contracts to corporate pension plans, during each of the last three years representing commission payments NMIS made to our agents and related benefits. None of these amounts was retained by NMIS and no amounts were paid to other underwriters or broker-dealers. We also paid additional amounts to NMIS in reimbursement for other expenses related to the distribution of variable annuity contracts.

 

Year

   Amount

2006

   $ 41,642,588

2005

   $ 34,762,961

2004

   $ 29,827,016

DETERMINATION OF ANNUITY PAYMENTS

The following discussion of the method for determining the amount of monthly annuity payments under a variable payment plan is intended to be read in conjunction with these sections of the prospectus for the Contracts: “Variable Payment Plans,” including “Description of Payment Plans,” “Amount of Annuity Payments,” and “Assumed Investment Rate”; “Dividends”; “Net Investment Factor”; and “Deductions.”

Amount of Annuity Payments The amount of the first annuity payment under a variable Payment Plan will be determined on the basis of the particular Payment Plan selected, the annuity payment rate and, for plans involving life contingencies, the Annuitant’s adjusted age and sex. The amount of the first payment is the sum of the payments from each Division of the Account determined by applying the appropriate annuity payment rate to the product of the number of Accumulation Units in the Division on the effective date of the Payment Plan and the Accumulation Unit value for the Division on that date. Annuity rates currently in use are based on the 1983 a Table with Projection Scale G and age adjustment.

Variable annuity payments after the first will vary from month to month and will depend upon the number and value of Annuity Units credited to the Annuitant. After the effective date of a Payment Plan a Contract will not share in the divisible surplus of Northwestern Mutual. The number of Annuity Units in each Division is determined by dividing the amount of the first annuity payment from the Division by the value of an Annuity Unit on the effective date of the Payment Plan. The number of Annuity Units thus credited to the Annuitant in each Division remains constant throughout the annuity period. However, the value of Annuity Units in each Division will fluctuate with the investment experience of the Division.

The amount of each variable annuity payment after the first is the sum of payments from each Division determined by multiplying this fixed number of Annuity Units each month by the value of an Annuity Unit for the Division on (a) the fifth valuation date prior to the payment due date if the payment due date is a valuation date, or (b) the sixth valuation date prior to the payment due date if the payment due date is not a valuation date. To illustrate, if a payment due date falls on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday, the amount of the payment will normally be based upon the Annuity Unit value calculated on the preceding Friday. The preceding Friday would be the fifth valuation date prior to the Friday due date, and the sixth valuation date prior to the Saturday or Sunday due dates.

Annuity Unit Value The value of an Annuity Unit for each Division was established at $1.00 as of the date operations began for that Division. The value of an Annuity Unit on any later date varies to reflect the investment experience of the Division, the Assumed Investment Rate on

 

B-3


Table of Contents

which the annuity rate tables are based, and the deduction for mortality rate and expense risks assumed by Northwestern Mutual.

The Annuity Unit value for each Division on any valuation date is determined by multiplying the Annuity Unit value on the immediately preceding valuation date by two factors: (a) the net investment factor for the current period for the Division; and (b) an adjustment factor to neutralize the Assumed Investment Rate used in calculating the annuity rate tables.

Illustrations of Variable Annuity Payments To illustrate the manner in which variable annuity payments are determined consider this example. Item (4) in the example shows the applicable monthly payment rate for a male, adjusted age 65, who has elected a life annuity Payment Plan with a certain period of 10 years with an Assumed Investment Rate of 3-1/2% (Plan 2, as described in the prospectus). The example is for a Contract with sex-distinct rates.

 

(1)    Assumed number of Accumulation Units in Balanced Division on maturity date      25,000
(2)    Assumed Value of an Accumulation Unit in Balanced Division at maturity    $ 2.000000
(3)    Cash Value of Contract at maturity, (1) X (2)    $ 50,000
(4)    Assumed applicable monthly payment rate per $1,000 from annuity rate table    $ 5.35
(5)    Amount of first payment from Balanced Division, (3) X (4) divided by $1,000    $ 267.50
(6)    Assumed Value of Annuity Unit in Balanced Division at maturity    $ 1.500000
(7)    Number of Annuity Units credited in Balanced Division, (5) divided by (6)      178.33

The $50,000 value at maturity provides a first payment from the Balanced Division of $267.50, and payments thereafter of the varying dollar value of 178.33 Annuity Units. The amount of subsequent payments from the Balanced Division is determined by multiplying 178.33 units by the value of an Annuity Unit in the Balanced Division on the applicable valuation date. For example, if that unit value is $1.501000, the monthly payment from the Division will be 178.33 multiplied by $1.501000, or $267.68.

However, the value of the Annuity Unit depends entirely on the investment performance of the Division. Thus in the example above, if the net investment rate for the following month was less than the Assumed Investment Rate of 3-1/2%, the Annuity Unit would decline in value. If the Annuity Unit value declined to $1.499000 the succeeding monthly payment would then be 178.33 X $1.499000, or $267.32.

For the sake of simplicity the foregoing example assumes that all of the Annuity Units are in the Balanced Division. If there are Annuity Units in two or more Divisions, the annuity payment from each Division is calculated separately, in the manner illustrated, and the total monthly payment is the sum of the payments from the Divisions.

VALUATION OF ASSETS OF THE ACCOUNT

The value of Portfolio or Fund shares held in each Division of the Account at the time of each valuation is the redemption value of such shares at such time. If the right to redeem shares of a Portfolio

 

B-4


Table of Contents

or Fund has been suspended, or payment of redemption value has been postponed, for the sole purpose of computing annuity payments the shares held in the Account (and Annuity Units) may be valued at fair value as determined in good faith by the Board of Trustees of Northwestern Mutual.

TRANSFERABILITY RESTRICTIONS

Ownership of a Contract purchased as a tax-deferred annuity pursuant to Section 403(b) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, as amended (the “Code”) cannot be changed and the Contract cannot be sold, assigned or pledged as collateral for a loan, or for any other purpose, to any person other than Northwestern Mutual. Similar restrictions are applicable to Contracts purchased in exchange transactions by persons who have received fixed dollar policies as distributions of termination benefits from tax-qualified corporate or HR-10 plans or trusts. Ownership of a Contract purchased as an individual retirement annuity pursuant to Section 408(b) of the Code cannot be transferred except in limited circumstances involving divorce.

EXPERTS

The financial statements of the Account, and the related notes and report of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, included in this Statement of Additional Information and the financial statements of Northwestern Mutual, and the related notes and report of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP included in this Statement of Additional Information are so included in reliance on the reports of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP provides audit services for the Account. The address of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP is 100 East Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 1800, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202.

 

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NML VARIABLE ANNUITY ACCOUNT B

Financial Statements for Period Ending

December 31, 2006

 

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Table of Contents

NML Variable Annuity Account B

Statements of Assets and Liabilities

December 31, 2006

(in thousands, except accumulation unit values)

 

    

Small Cap

Growth

Stock
Division

  

T. Rowe

Price Small

Cap Value
Division

  

Aggressive

Growth Stock
Division

  

International

Growth
Division

Assets:

           

Investments, at Value (1) (2)

           

Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc.

   $ 257,102    $ 182,488    $ 660,040    $ 181,613

Fidelity Variable Insurance Products Fund III

     —        —        —        —  

Russell Investment Funds

     —        —        —        —  

Due from Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company

     10      4      18      7
                           

Total Assets

     257,112      182,492      660,058      181,620
                           

Liabilities:

           

Due to Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company

     —        58      —        1

Due to Participants

     658      435      754      142
                           

Total Liabilities

     658      493      754      143
                           

Total Net Assets

   $ 256,454    $ 181,999    $ 659,304    $ 181,477
                           

Net Assets:

           

Variable Annuity Contracts Issued:

           

Prior to December 17, 1981

           

Accumulation Units (3)

   $ 818    $ 581    $ 2,404    $ 528

Annuity Reserves

     —        —        143      —  

After December 16, 1981 and Prior to March 31, 1995

           

Accumulation Units (4)

     63,388      44,522      327,605      40,239

Annuity Reserves

     673      293      2,662      304

On or After March 31, 1995 and Prior to March 31, 2000—Front Load Version

           

Accumulation Units (5)

     22,883      13,530      54,700      11,524

Annuity Reserves

     266      202      363      222

On or After March 31, 1995 and Prior to March 31, 2000—Back Load Version

           

Accumulation Units (6)

     56,988      30,090      180,386      28,577

Annuity Reserves

     495      119      935      292

On or After March 31, 2000—Front Load Version

           

Accumulation Units (7)

     40,641      36,042      27,340      38,739

Annuity Reserves

     467      629      220      1,752

On or After March 31, 2000—Back Load Version

           

Class A Accumulation Units (8)

     5,108      3,895      7,549      5,128

Class B Accumulation Units (9)

     61,524      47,512      53,013      48,949

Annuity Reserves

     263      181      172      432

On or After June 30, 2000—Fee Based Version

           

Accumulation Units (10)

     2,940      4,403      1,812      4,791

Annuity Reserves

     —        —        —        —  
                           

Total Net Assets

   $ 256,454    $ 181,999    $ 659,304    $ 181,477
                           

           

(1)    Investments, at Cost

   $ 218,851    $ 140,131    $ 780,339    $ 141,588

(2)    Shares Outstanding

     107,890      99,286      196,090      102,838

(3)    Accumulation Unit Value

   $ 2.760177    $ 1.941104    $ 5.705905    $ 1.847573

Units Outstanding

     296      299      421      286

(4)    Accumulation Unit Value

   $ 2.656257    $ 1.889257    $ 5.264930    $ 1.798235

Units Outstanding

     23,864      23,566      62,224      22,377

(5)    Accumulation Unit Value

   $ 2.834618    $ 1.977881    $ 2.739811    $ 1.882605

Units Outstanding

     8,073      6,841      19,965      6,121

(6)    Accumulation Unit Value

   $ 2.656257    $ 1.889257    $ 5.264930    $ 1.798235

Units Outstanding

     21,454      15,927      34,262      15,892

(7)    Accumulation Unit Value

   $ 1.291778    $ 1.967343    $ 0.872601    $ 1.872582

Units Outstanding

     31,461      18,320      31,331      20,687

(8)    Accumulation Unit Value

   $ 1.291778    $ 1.967343    $ 0.872601    $ 1.872582

Units Outstanding

     3,954      1,980      8,651      2,738

(9)    Accumulation Unit Value

   $ 2.656257    $ 1.889257    $ 5.264930    $ 1.798235

Units Outstanding

     23,162      25,149      10,069      27,221

(10)  Accumulation Unit Value

   $ 1.269179    $ 1.983334    $ 0.896717    $ 1.887847

Units Outstanding

     2,317      2,220      2,021      2,538

The Accompanying Notes are an Integral Part of the Financial Statements.

 

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Table of Contents

NML Variable Annuity Account B

Statements of Assets and Liabilities

December 31, 2006

(in thousands, except accumulation unit values)

 

     Franklin
Templeton
International
Equity
Division
   AllianceBernstein
Mid Cap Value
Division
   Index 400
Stock
Division
   Janus
Capital
Appreciation
Division

Assets:

           

Investments, at Value (1) (2)

           

Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc.

   $ 871,130    $ 52,506    $ 278,005    $ 84,279

Fidelity Variable Insurance Products Fund III

     —        —        —        —  

Russell Investment Funds

     —        —        —        —  

Due from Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company

     15      —        4      7
                           

Total Assets

     871,145      52,506      278,009      84,286
                           

Liabilities:

           

Due to Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company

     5      1      —        —  

Due to Participants

     1,336      36      619      30
                           

Total Liabilities

     1,341      37      619      30
                           

Total Net Assets

   $ 869,804    $ 52,469    $ 277,390    $ 84,256
                           

Net Assets:

           

Variable Annuity Contracts Issued:

           

Prior to December 17, 1981

           

Accumulation Units (3)

   $ 3,979    $ 136    $ 912    $ 173

Annuity Reserves

     336      —        43      —  

After December 16, 1981 and Prior to March 31, 1995

           

Accumulation Units (4)

     337,132      12,461      67,215      18,578

Annuity Reserves

     2,830      142      524      89

On or After March 31, 1995 and Prior to March 31, 2000—Front Load Version

           

Accumulation Units (5)

     76,341      3,246      23,860      4,499

Annuity Reserves

     885      1      426      54

On or After March 31, 1995 and Prior to March 31, 2000—Back Load Version

           

Accumulation Units (6)

     196,906      8,234      59,843      14,336

Annuity Reserves

     1,126      38      344      348

On or After March 31, 2000—Front Load Version

           

Accumulation Units (7)

     102,891      11,992      39,347      19,001

Annuity Reserves

     2,222      109      794      177

On or After March 31, 2000—Back Load Version

           

Class A Accumulation Units (8)

     11,095      778      6,719      1,486

Class B Accumulation Units (9)

     124,081      13,572      72,952      22,645

Annuity Reserves

     492      20      608      88

On or After June 30, 2000—Fee Based Version

           

Accumulation Units (10)

     9,488      1,740      3,803      2,782

Annuity Reserves

     —        —        —        —  
                           

Total Net Assets

   $ 869,804    $ 52,469    $ 277,390    $ 84,256
                           

           

(1)    Investments, at Cost

   $ 532,636    $ 50,432    $ 219,513    $ 82,106

(2)    Shares Outstanding

     373,555      34,385      175,287      52,088

(3)    Accumulation Unit Value

   $ 3.887138    $ 1.856287    $ 2.057866    $ 1.713178

Units Outstanding

     1,024      73      443      101

(4)    Accumulation Unit Value

   $ 3.630318    $ 1.822606    $ 1.980401    $ 1.682068

Units Outstanding

     92,866      6,837      33,940      11,045

(5)    Accumulation Unit Value

   $ 3.293112    $ 1.880037    $ 2.113326    $ 1.735075

Units Outstanding

     23,182      1,726      11,290      2,593

(6)    Accumulation Unit Value

   $ 3.630318    $ 1.822606    $ 1.980401    $ 1.682068

Units Outstanding

     54,239      4,518      30,218      8,523

(7)    Accumulation Unit Value

   $ 1.679316    $ 1.873258    $ 1.656125    $ 1.728800

Units Outstanding

     61,270      6,401      23,759      10,991

(8)    Accumulation Unit Value

   $ 1.679316    $ 1.873258    $ 1.656125    $ 1.728800

Units Outstanding

     6,607      415      4,057      860

(9)    Accumulation Unit Value

   $ 3.630318    $ 1.822606    $ 1.980401    $ 1.682068

Units Outstanding

     34,179      7,446      36,837      13,463

(10)  Accumulation Unit Value

   $ 1.662262    $ 1.883538    $ 1.720014    $ 1.738315

Units Outstanding

     5,708      924      2,211      1,600

The Accompanying Notes are an Integral Part of the Financial Statements.

 

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NML Variable Annuity Account B

Statements of Assets and Liabilities

December 31, 2006

(in thousands, except accumulation unit values)

 

    

Growth

Stock
Division

  

Large Cap

Core Stock
Division

  

Capital

Guardian

Domestic

Equity
Division

  

T. Rowe

Price

Equity

Income
Division

Assets:            

Investments, at Value (1) (2)

           

Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc.

   $ 365,595    $ 283,746    $ 261,305    $ 101,650

Fidelity Variable Insurance Products Fund III

     —        —        —        —  

Russell Investment Funds

     —        —        —        —  

Due from Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company

     25      7      75      2
                           

Total Assets

     365,620      283,753      261,380      101,652
                           
Liabilities:            

Due to Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company

     2      1      —        6

Due to Participants

     985      816      310      143
                           

Total Liabilities

     987      817      310      149
                           

Total Net Assets

   $ 364,633    $ 282,936    $ 261,070    $ 101,503
                           
Net Assets:            

Variable Annuity Contracts Issued:

           

Prior to December 17, 1981

           

Accumulation Units (3)

   $ 1,064    $ 646    $ 871    $ 352

Annuity Reserves

     2      64      —        —  

After December 16, 1981 and Prior to March 31, 1995

           

Accumulation Units (4)

     101,998      87,957      58,292      26,901

Annuity Reserves

     1,170      1,432      288      218

On or After March 31, 1995 and Prior to March 31, 2000—Front Load Version

           

Accumulation Units (5)

     44,495      32,874      19,361      5,497

Annuity Reserves

     430      651      527      208

On or After March 31, 1995 and Prior to March 31, 2000—Back Load Version

           

Accumulation Units (6)

     113,373      95,529      39,740      15,164

Annuity Reserves

     425      807      515      369

On or After March 31, 2000—Front Load Version

           

Accumulation Units (7)

     36,589      22,588      62,651      23,108

Annuity Reserves

     196      163      2,205      1,775

On or After March 31, 2000—Back Load Version

           

Class A Accumulation Units (8)

     5,670      4,433      4,606      1,541

Class B Accumulation Units (9)

     54,779      34,736      62,157      22,909

Annuity Reserves

     212      93      358      119

On or After June 30, 2000—Fee Based Version

           

Accumulation Units (10)

     4,230      963      9,499      3,342

Annuity Reserves

     —        —        —        —  
                           

Total Net Assets

   $ 364,633    $ 282,936    $ 261,070    $ 101,503
                           

           

(1)    Investments, at Cost

   $ 310,897    $ 278,493    $ 214,913    $ 91,562

(2)    Shares Outstanding

     159,023      210,494      200,080      66,568

(3)    Accumulation Unit Value

   $ 2.916699    $ 2.467131    $ 1.463246    $ 1.719673

Units Outstanding

     365      262      595      205

(4)    Accumulation Unit Value

   $ 2.737665    $ 2.315687    $ 1.424141    $ 1.688469

Units Outstanding

     37,257      37,983      40,932      15,932

(5)    Accumulation Unit Value

   $ 2.794183    $ 2.362727    $ 1.491004    $ 1.741656

Units Outstanding

     15,924      13,913      12,985      3,156

(6)    Accumulation Unit Value

   $ 2.737665    $ 2.315687    $ 1.424141    $ 1.688469

Units Outstanding

     41,412      41,253      27,904      8,981

(7)    Accumulation Unit Value

   $ 0.904890    $ 0.924940    $ 1.483070    $ 1.735390

Units Outstanding

     40,435      24,421      42,244      13,316

(8)    Accumulation Unit Value

   $ 0.904890    $ 0.924940    $ 1.483070    $ 1.735390

Units Outstanding

     6,265      4,792      3,106      888

(9)    Accumulation Unit Value

   $ 2.737665    $ 2.315687    $ 1.424141    $ 1.688469

Units Outstanding

     20,009      15,000      43,645      13,568

(10)  Accumulation Unit Value

   $ 0.931362    $ 0.990903    $ 1.495151    $ 1.744928

Units Outstanding

     4,542      972      6,354      1,915

The Accompanying Notes are an Integral Part of the Financial Statements.

 

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Table of Contents

NML Variable Annuity Account B

Statements of Assets and Liabilities

December 31, 2006

(in thousands, except accumulation unit values)

 

     Index 500
Stock
Division
   Asset
Allocation
Division
   Balanced
Division
   High Yield
Bond
Division

Assets:

           

Investments, at Value (1) (2)

           

Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc.

   $ 1,103,854    $ 233,132    $ 2,386,439    $ 195,408

Fidelity Variable Insurance Products Fund III

     —        —        —        —  

Russell Investment Funds

     —        —        —        —  

Due from Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company

     29      10      891      4
                           

Total Assets

     1,103,883      233,142      2,387,330      195,412
                           

Liabilities:

           

Due to Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company

     —        —        727      —  

Due to Participants

     1,147      174      6,270      333
                           

Total Liabilities

     1,147      174      6,997      333
                           

Total Net Assets

     $1,102,736      $232,968      $2,380,333      $195,079
                           

Net Assets:

           

Variable Annuity Contracts Issued:

           

Prior to December 17, 1981

           

Accumulation Units (3)

   $ 28,119    $ 622    $ 26,099    $ 370

Annuity Reserves

     683      23      1,546      11

After December 16, 1981 and Prior to March 31, 1995

           

Accumulation Units (4)

     416,954      60,701      1,441,614      41,956

Annuity Reserves

     5,198      1,869      29,655      727

On or After March 31, 1995 and Prior to March 31, 2000—Front Load Version

           

Accumulation Units (5)

     103,627      13,734      124,937      20,858

Annuity Reserves

     2,008      930      4,123      593

On or After March 31, 1995 and Prior to March 31, 2000—Back Load Version

           

Accumulation Units (6)

     306,990      32,511      355,583      47,035

Annuity Reserves

     2,084      593      6,891      404

On or After March 31, 2000—Front Load Version

           

Accumulation Units (7)

     77,880      43,209      137,781      32,684

Annuity Reserves

     457      2,028      7,070      203

On or After March 31, 2000—Back Load Version

           

Class A Accumulation Units (8)

     14,862      4,306      36,802      3,096

Class B Accumulation Units (9)

     137,924      67,689      198,593      38,664

Annuity Reserves

     399      1,120      4,863      276

On or After June 30, 2000—Fee Based Version

           

Accumulation Units (10)

     5,551      3,379      4,776      8,202

Annuity Reserves

     —        254      —        —  
                           

Total Net Assets

   $ 1,102,736    $ 232,968    $ 2,380,333    $ 195,079
                           

           

(1)    Investments, at Cost

   $ 839,968    $ 198,421    $ 2,033,081    $ 191,806

(2)    Shares Outstanding

     338,605      190,936      1,209,548      266,223

(3)    Accumulation Unit Value

   $ 5.268640    $ 1.316744    $ 10.101237    $ 2.338260

Units Outstanding

     5,337      472      2,584      158

(4)    Accumulation Unit Value

   $ 4.861802    $ 1.281584    $ 8.914893    $ 2.194730

Units Outstanding

     85,761      47,364      161,709      19,117

(5)    Accumulation Unit Value

   $ 3.280666    $ 1.341715    $ 2.680756    $ 2.272638

Units Outstanding

     31,587      10,236      46,605      9,178

(6)    Accumulation Unit Value

   $ 4.861802    $ 1.281584    $ 8.914893    $ 2.194730

Units Outstanding

     63,143      25,368      39,886      21,431

(7)    Accumulation Unit Value

   $ 1.019334    $ 1.334588    $ 1.231506    $ 1.544440

Units Outstanding

     76,402      32,376      111,880      21,162

(8)    Accumulation Unit Value

   $ 1.019334    $ 1.334588    $ 1.231506    $ 1.544440

Units Outstanding

     14,580      3,227      29,884      2,004

(9)    Accumulation Unit Value

   $ 4.861802    $ 1.281584    $ 8.914893    $ 2.194730

Units Outstanding

     28,369      52,817      22,277      17,617

(10)  Accumulation Unit Value

   $ 1.058385    $ 1.345472    $ 1.251906    $ 1.558583

Units Outstanding

     5,245      2,512      3,815      5,262

The Accompanying Notes are an Integral Part of the Financial Statements.

 

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Table of Contents

NML Variable Annuity Account B

Statements of Assets and Liabilities

December 31, 2006

(in thousands, except accumulation unit values)

 

     Select Bond
Division
   Money
Market
Division
   Fidelity VIP
Mid Cap
Division
   Russell
Multi-Style
Equity
Division

Assets:

           

Investments, at Value (1) (2)

           

Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc.

   $ 745,348    $ 237,317    $ —      $ —  

Fidelity Variable Insurance Products Fund III

     —        —        159,092      —  

Russell Investment Funds

     —        —        —        182,377

Due from Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company

     22      12      6      2
                           

Total Assets

     745,370      237,329      159,098      182,379
                           

Liabilities:

           

Due to Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company

     —        —        —        —  

Due to Participants

     1,188      557      203      96
                           

Total Liabilities

     1,188      557      203      96
                           

Total Net Assets

   $ 744,182    $ 236,772    $ 158,895    $ 182,283
                           

Net Assets:

           

Variable Annuity Contracts Issued:

           

Prior to December 17, 1981

           

Accumulation Units (3)

   $ 5,267    $ 862    $ 472    $ 572

Annuity Reserves

     362      49      —        —  

After December 16, 1981 and Prior to March 31, 1995

           

Accumulation Units (4)

     184,475      90,185      37,515      26,998

Annuity Reserves

     2,141      673      191      279

On or After March 31, 1995 and Prior to March 31, 2000—Front Load Version

           

Accumulation Units (5)

     52,726      25,103      9,953      19,017

Annuity Reserves

     1,793      96      110      167

On or After March 31, 1995 and Prior to March 31, 2000—Back Load Version

           

Accumulation Units (6)

     115,161      42,931      25,202      27,445

Annuity Reserves

     911      190      342      270

On or After March 31, 2000—Front Load Version

           

Accumulation Units (7)

     163,412      31,150      36,175      49,652

Annuity Reserves

     1,684      42      368      410

On or After March 31, 2000—Back Load Version

           

Class A Accumulation Units (8)

     14,973      4,264      2,026      2,815

Class B Accumulation Units (9)

     163,472      37,691      42,690      46,744

Annuity Reserves

     1,533      308      606      655

On or After June 30, 2000—Fee Based Version

           

Accumulation Units (10)

     36,272      3,228      3,245      7,195

Annuity Reserves

     —        —        —        64
                           

Total Net Assets

   $ 744,182    $ 236,772    $ 158,895    $ 182,283
                           

           

(1)    Investments, at Cost

   $ 747,433    $ 237,317    $ 147,085    $ 152,445

(2)    Shares Outstanding

     621,123      237,317      4,645      12,216

(3)    Accumulation Unit Value

   $ 11.608006    $ 3.269294    $ 2.263218    $ 1.005263

Units Outstanding

     454      264      208      569

(4)    Accumulation Unit Value

   $ 10.241683    $ 2.884986    $ 2.222115    $ 0.967415

Units Outstanding

     18,012      31,260      16,883      27,908

(5)    Accumulation Unit Value

   $ 2.067761    $ 1.524518    $ 2.292138    $ 1.032365

Units Outstanding

     25,499      16,466      4,342      18,421

(6)    Accumulation Unit Value

   $ 10.241683    $ 2.884986    $ 2.222115    $ 0.967415

Units Outstanding

     11,244      14,881      11,341      28,369

(7)    Accumulation Unit Value

   $ 1.517705    $ 1.187096    $ 2.283878    $ 0.963199

Units Outstanding

     107,671      26,240      15,839      51,549

(8)    Accumulation Unit Value

   $ 1.517705    $ 1.187096    $ 2.283878    $ 0.963199

Units Outstanding

     9,866      3,592      887      2,923

(9)    Accumulation Unit Value

   $ 10.241683    $ 2.884986    $ 2.222115    $ 0.967415

Units Outstanding

     15,961      13,064      19,211      48,318

(10)  Accumulation Unit Value

   $ 1.516531    $ 1.182475    $ 2.296424    $ 1.011417

Units Outstanding

     23,918      2,730      1,413      7,114

The Accompanying Notes are an Integral Part of the Financial Statements.

 

F-6


Table of Contents

NML Variable Annuity Account B

Statements of Assets and Liabilities

December 31, 2006

(in thousands, except accumulation unit values)

 

     Russell
Aggressive
Equity
Division
   Russell
Non-US
Division
  

Russell

Real Estate
Securities
Division

   Russell
Core Bond
Division

Assets:

           

Investments, at Value (1) (2)

           

Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc.

   $ —      $ —      $ —      $ —  

Fidelity Variable Insurance Products Fund III

     —        —        —        —  

Russell Investment Funds

     93,320      182,920      381,715      179,244

Due from Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company

     —        15      6      3
                           

Total Assets

     93,320      182,935      381,721      179,247
                           

Liabilities:

           

Due to Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company

     3      3      5      3

Due to Participants

     25      243      350      228
                           

Total Liabilities

     28      246      355      231
                           

Total Net Assets

   $ 93,292    $ 182,689    $ 381,366    $ 179,016
                           

Net Assets:

           

Variable Annuity Contracts Issued:

           

Prior to December 17, 1981

           

Accumulation Units (3)

   $ 354    $ 412    $ 1,345    $ 252

Annuity Reserves

     —        —        331      —  

After December 16, 1981 and Prior to March 31, 1995

           

Accumulation Units (4)

     21,531      33,746      86,712      24,429

Annuity Reserves

     141      297      751      202

On or After March 31, 1995 and Prior to March 31, 2000—Front Load Version

           

Accumulation Units (5)

     10,385      17,067      28,083      13,510

Annuity Reserves

     74      92      725      263

On or After March 31, 1995 and Prior to March 31, 2000—Back Load Version

           

Accumulation Units (6)

     16,033      27,821      65,465      19,830

Annuity Reserves

     66      276      642      305

On or After March 31, 2000—Front Load Version

           

Accumulation Units (7)

     19,712      44,834      77,188      56,989

Annuity Reserves

     203      397      811      889

On or After March 31, 2000—Back Load Version

           

Class A Accumulation Units (8)

     1,181      3,580      7,533      2,428

Class B Accumulation Units (9)

     20,811      46,037      101,748      48,744

Annuity Reserves

     384      657      901      592

On or After June 30, 2000—Fee Based Version

           

Accumulation Units (10)

     2,406      7,449      9,118      10,536

Annuity Reserves

     11      24      13      47
                           

Total Net Assets

   $ 93,292    $ 182,689    $ 381,366    $ 179,016
                           

           

(1)    Investments, at Cost

   $ 90,290    $ 134,106    $ 285,957    $ 183,020

(2)    Shares Outstanding

     6,458      12,187      17,887      17,677

(3)    Accumulation Unit Value

   $ 1.676822    $ 1.546238    $ 3.541612    $ 1.414960

Units Outstanding

     211      266      380      178

(4)    Accumulation Unit Value

   $ 1.613684    $ 1.488032    $ 3.408298    $ 1.361728

Units Outstanding

     13,343      22,678      25,441      17,940

(5)    Accumulation Unit Value

   $ 1.722029    $ 1.587886    $ 3.636975    $ 1.453107

Units Outstanding

     6,031      10,748      7,721      9,297

(6)    Accumulation Unit Value

   $ 1.613684    $ 1.488032    $ 3.408298    $ 1.361728

Units Outstanding

     9,936      18,697      19,207      14,562

(7)    Accumulation Unit Value

   $ 1.455332    $ 1.260557    $ 3.827505    $ 1.433104

Units Outstanding

     13,545      35,567      20,167      39,766

(8)    Accumulation Unit Value

   $ 1.455332    $ 1.260557    $ 3.827505    $ 1.433104

Units Outstanding

     811      2,840      1,968      1,694

(9)    Accumulation Unit Value

   $ 1.613684    $ 1.488032    $ 3.408298    $ 1.361728

Units Outstanding

     12,897      30,938      29,853      35,796

(10)  Accumulation Unit Value

   $ 1.513536    $ 1.339553    $ 3.533780    $ 1.425011

Units Outstanding

     1,589      5,561      2,580      7,393

The Accompanying Notes are an Integral Part of the Financial Statements.

 

F-7


Table of Contents

NML Variable Annuity Account B

Statements of Operations

For the Year Ended December 31, 2006

(in thousands)

 

     Small Cap
Growth Stock
Division
   

T. Rowe Price

Small Cap

Value Stock

Division

    Aggressive
Growth Stock
Division
   

International
Growth

Division

 

Income:

        

Dividend income

   $ —       $ 373     $ 879     $ 296  

Expenses:

        

Mortality and expense risk charges

     2,631       1,580       7,891       1,447  
                                

Net investment income (loss)

     (2,631 )     (1,207 )     (7,012 )     (1,151 )
                                

Realized gain (losses) on investments:

        

Realized gain (loss) on sale of fund shares

     5,895       4,359       (27,588 )     5,864  

Realized gain distributions

     32,585       5,706       16,184       2,048  
                                

Realized gains (losses)

     38,480       10,065       (11,404 )     7,912  
                                

Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments during the period

     (22,489 )     13,184       40,934       21,036  
                                

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

   $ 13,360     $ 22,042     $ 22,518     $ 27,797  
                                
     Franklin
Templeton
International
Equity Division
    AllianceBernstein
Mid Cap Value
Division
    Index 400
Stock
Division
    Janus Capital
Appreciation
Division
 

Income:

        

Dividend income

   $ 12,696     $ 565     $ 2,942     $ 312  

Expenses:

        

Mortality and expense risk charges

     7,840       427       2,818       683  
                                

Net investment income (loss)

     4,856       138       124       (371 )
                                

Realized gain (losses) on investments:

        

Realized gain (loss) on sale of fund shares

     14,380       702       7,550       1,891  

Realized gain distributions

     —         3,556       16,821       4,032  
                                

Realized gains (losses)

     14,380       4,258       24,371       5,923  
                                

Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments during the period

     173,473       1,056       (1,658 )     (2,205 )
                                

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

   $ 192,709     $ 5,452     $ 22,837     $ 3,347  
                                

The Accompanying Notes are an Integral Part of the Financial Statements.

 

F-8


Table of Contents

NML Variable Annuity Account B

Statements of Operations

For the Year Ended December 31, 2006

(in thousands)

 

     Growth
Stock
Division
    Large Cap
Core Stock
Division
    Capital Guardian
Domestic Equity
Division
    T. Rowe Price
Equity Income
Division
 

Income:

        

Dividend income

   $ 2,715     $ 2,928     $ —       $ 1,447  

Expenses:

        

Mortality and expense risk charges

     3,743       2,922       2,009       753  
                                

Net investment income (loss)

     (1,028 )     6       (2,009 )     694  
                                

Realized gain (losses) on investments:

        

Realized gain (loss) on sale of fund shares

     3,490       (3,858 )     2,341       1,734  

Realized gain distributions

     —         —         2,256       2,264  
                                

Realized gains (losses)

     3,490       (3,858 )     4,597       3,998  
                                

Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments during the period

     26,439       30,817       28,659       8,747  
                                

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

   $ 28,901     $ 26,965     $ 31,247     $ 13,439  
                                
     Index 500
Stock
Division
    Asset
Allocation
Division
    Balanced
Division
   

High Yield
Bond

Division

 

Income:

        

Dividend income

   $ 16,776     $ 3,958     $ 66,797     $ 11,890  

Expenses:

        

Mortality and expense risk charges

     11,397       2,196       26,562       1,773  
                                

Net investment income (loss)

     5,379       1,762       40,235       10,117  
                                

Realized gain (losses) on investments:

        

Realized gain (loss) on sale of fund shares

     30,058       5,275       34,375       (4,089 )

Realized gain distributions

     37,696       5,256       25,814       0  
                                

Realized gains (losses)

     67,754       10,531       60,189       (4,089 )
                                

Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments during the period

     68,627       6,281       105,336       9,235  
                                

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

   $ 141,760     $ 18,574     $ 205,760     $ 15,263  
                                

The Accompanying Notes are an Integral Part of the Financial Statements.

 

F-9


Table of Contents

NML Variable Annuity Account B

Statements of Operations

For the Year Ended December 31, 2006

(in thousands)

 

     Select
Bond
Division
    Money
Market
Division
   Fidelity VIP
Mid Cap
Division
   

Russell

Multi-Style

Equity

Division

 

Income:

         

Dividend income

   $ 24,889     $ 10,555    $ 200     $ 1,506  

Expenses:

         

Mortality and expense risk charges

     6,515       2,291      1,319       1,452  
                               

Net investment income (loss)

     18,374       8,264      (1,119 )     54  
                               

Realized gain (losses) on investments:

         

Realized gain (loss) on sale of fund shares

     (360 )     —        3,339       (683 )

Realized gain distributions

     —         —        13,351       —    
                               

Realized gains (losses)

     (360 )     —        16,690       (683 )
                               

Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments during the period

     1,524       —        (3,217 )     18,663  
                               

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

   $ 19,538     $ 8,264    $ 12,354     $ 18,034  
                               
         
     Russell
Aggressive
Equity
Division
    Russell
Non-U.S.
Division
  

Russell

Real Estate
Securities
Division

    Russell
Core Bond
Division
 

Income:

         

Dividend income

   $ 170     $ 3,939    $ 6,304     $ 7,145  

Expenses:

         

Mortality and expense risk charges

     824       1,366      3,134       1,362  
                               

Net investment income (loss)

     (654 )     2,573      3,170       5,783  
                               

Realized gain (losses) on investments:

         

Realized gain (loss) on sale of fund shares

     3,656       3,143      11,685       (73 )

Realized gain distributions

     11,615       3,516      26,919       —    
                               

Realized gains (losses)

     15,271       6,659      38,604       (73 )
                               

Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments during the period

     (3,771 )     20,930      51,269       (1,118 )
                               

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

   $ 10,846     $ 30,162    $ 93,043     $ 4,592  
                               

The Accompanying Notes are an Integral Part of the Financial Statements.

 

F-10


Table of Contents

NML Variable Annuity Account B

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

(in thousands)

 

    

Small Cap Growth

Stock Division

   

T. Rowe Price

Small Cap Value

Stock Division

 
     Year Ended
December 31,
2006
    Year Ended
December 31,
2005
    Year Ended
December 31,
2006
    Year Ended
December 31,
2005
 

Operations:

        

Net investment income (loss)

   $ (2,631 )   $ (2,361 )   $ (1,207 )   $ (841 )

Net realized gains (losses)

     38,480       7,037       10,065       7,002  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     (22,489 )     17,168       13,184       1,634  
                                

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

     13,360       21,844       22,042       7,795  
                                

Contract Transactions:

        

Contract owners’ net payments

     28,463       23,714       24,400       19,771  

Annuity payments

     (195 )     (175 )     (125 )     (95 )

Surrenders and other (net)

     (17,997 )     (15,020 )     (9,097 )     (6,896 )

Transfers from other divisions or sponsor

     181,068       140,187       157,557       106,923  

Transfers to other divisions or sponsor

     (191,920 )     (144,364 )     (147,934 )     (101,013 )
                                

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from contract transactions

     (581 )     4,342       24,801       18,690  
                                

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

     12,779       26,186       46,843       26,485  

Net Assets:

        

Beginning of period

     243,675       217,489       135,156       108,671  
                                

End of period

   $ 256,454     $ 243,675     $ 181,999     $ 135,156  
                                

Units issued during the period

     108,295       90,063       102,740       82,916  

Units redeemed during the period

     (105,772 )     (85,013 )     (89,344 )     (71,039 )
                                

Net units issued (redeemed) during period

     2,523       5,050       13,396       11,877  
                                
    

Aggressive Growth

Stock Division

   

International Growth

Stock Division

 
     Year Ended
December 31,
2006
    Year Ended
December 31,
2005
    Year Ended
December 31,
2006
    Year Ended
December 31,
2005
 

Operations:

        

Net investment income (loss)

   $ (7,012 )   $ (7,666 )   $ (1,151 )   $ 219  

Net realized gains (losses)

     (11,404 )     (34,090 )     7,912       7,559  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     40,934       74,075       21,036       6,289  
                                

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

     22,518       32,319       27,797       14,067  
                                

Contract Transactions:

        

Contract owners’ net payments

     30,246       32,180       30,063       20,802  

Annuity payments

     (575 )     (581 )     (156 )     (55 )

Surrenders and other (net)

     (56,385 )     (53,433 )     (9,737 )     (3,731 )

Transfers from other divisions or sponsor

     148,143       125,585       197,792       122,508  

Transfers to other divisions or sponsor

     (205,128 )     (169,518 )     (175,446 )     (100,048 )
                                

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from contract transactions

     (83,699 )     (65,767 )     42,516       39,476  
                                

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

     (61,181 )     (33,448 )     70,313       53,543  

Net Assets:

        

Beginning of period

     720,485       753,933       111,164       57,621  
                                

End of period

   $ 659,304     $ 720,485     $ 181,477     $ 111,164  
                                

Units issued during the period

     76,538       72,767       141,511       106,764  

Units redeemed during the period

     (93,346 )     (83,211 )     (116,415 )     (78,100 )
                                

Net units issued (redeemed) during period

     (16,808 )     (10,444 )     25,096       28,664  
                                

The Accompanying Notes are an Integral Part of the Financial Statements.

 

F-11


Table of Contents

NML Variable Annuity Account B

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

(in thousands)

 

     Franklin Templeton
International Equity Division
   

AllianceBernstein

Mid Cap Value Division

 
     Year Ended
December 31,
2006
    Year Ended
December 31,
2005
    Year Ended
December 31,
2006
    Year Ended
December 31,
2005
 

Operations:

        

Net investment income (loss)

   $ 4,856     $ 3,901     $ 138     $ (95 )

Net realized gains (losses)

     14,380       8,157       4,258       2,136  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     173,473       46,909       1,056       (498 )
                                

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

     192,709       58,967       5,452       1,543  
                                

Contract Transactions:

        

Contract owners’ net payments

     73,441       55,019       9,885       7,467  

Annuity payments

     (691 )     (569 )     (20 )     (16 )

Surrenders and other (net)

     (50,611 )     (39,214 )     (3,285 )     (1,684 )

Transfers from other divisions or sponsor

     458,616       275,016       58,638       37,069  

Transfers to other divisions or sponsor

     (438,007 )     (265,367 )     (53,420 )     (29,818 )
                                

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from contract transactions

     42,748       24,885       11,798       13,018  
                                

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

     235,457       83,852       17,250       14,561  

Net Assets:

        

Beginning of period

     634,347       550,495       35,219       20,658  
                                

End of period

   $ 869,804     $ 634,347     $ 52,469     $ 35,219  
                                

Units issued during the period

     233,422       171,119       40,272       29,302  

Units redeemed during the period

     (210,346 )     (151,522 )     (33,490 )     (20,935 )
                                

Net units issued (redeemed) during period

     23,076       19,597       6,782       8,367  
                                
    

Index 400

Stock Division

   

Janus Capital

Appreciation Division

 
     Year Ended
December 31,
2006
    Year Ended
December 31,
2005
    Year Ended
December 31,
2006
    Year Ended
December 31,
2005
 

Operations:

        

Net investment income (loss)

   $ 124     $ (644 )   $ (371 )   $ (237 )

Net realized gains (losses)

     24,371       16,902       5,923       2,655  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     (1,658 )     9,816       (2,205 )     2,819  
                                

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

     22,837       26,074       3,347       5,237  
                                

Contract Transactions:

        

Contract owners’ net payments

     24,908       23,756       19,423       11,826  

Annuity payments

     (336 )     (270 )     (43 )     (9 )

Surrenders and other (net)

     (18,782 )     (17,103 )     (4,300 )     (1,179 )

Transfers from other divisions or sponsor

     192,116       157,314       99,983       60,022  

Transfers to other divisions or sponsor

     (202,565 )     (161,215 )     (87,428 )     (34,683 )
                                

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from contract transactions

     (4,659 )     2,482       27,635       35,977  
                                

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

     18,178       28,556       30,982       41,214  

Net Assets:

        

Beginning of period

     259,212       230,656       53,274       12,060  
                                

End of period

   $ 277,390     $ 259,212     $ 84,256     $ 53,274  
                                

Units issued during the period

     121,313       114,610       75,591       48,598  

Units redeemed during the period

     (123,368 )     (112,595 )     (58,793 )     (24,755 )
                                

Net units issued (redeemed) during period

     (2,055 )     2,015       16,798       23,843  
                                

The Accompanying Notes are an Integral Part of the Financial Statements.

 

F-12


Table of Contents

NML Variable Annuity Account B

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

(in thousands)

 

     Growth Stock Division    

Large Cap Core

Stock Division

 
    

Year Ended
December 31,

2006

   

Year Ended
December 31,

2005

   

Year Ended
December 31,

2006

   

Year Ended
December 31,

2005

 

Operations:

        

Net investment income (loss)

   $ (1,028 )   $ (68 )   $ 6     $ 578  

Net realized gains (losses)

     3,490       257       (3,858 )     (6,706 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     26,439       22,281       30,817       24,757  
                                

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

     28,901       22,470       26,965       18,629  
                                

Contract Transactions:

        

Contract owners’ net payments

     26,907       24,496       21,004       18,206  

Annuity payments

     (309 )     (329 )     (516 )     (517 )

Surrenders and other (net)

     (29,733 )     (27,912 )     (24,347 )     (22,648 )

Transfers from other divisions or sponsor

     164,913       129,007       109,424       82,714  

Transfers to other divisions or sponsor

     (186,513 )     (150,120 )     (118,421 )     (92,757 )
                                

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from contract transactions

     (24,735 )     (24,858 )     (12,856 )     (15,002 )
                                

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

     4,166       (2,388 )     14,109       3,627  

Net Assets:

        

Beginning of period

     360,467       362,855       268,827       265,200  
                                

End of period

   $ 364,633     $ 360,467     $ 282,936     $ 268,827  
                                

Units issued during the period

     120,189       99,153       87,612       69,202  

Units redeemed during the period

     (124,557 )     (105,289 )     (89,215 )     (73,591 )
                                

Net units issued (redeemed) during period

     (4,368 )     (6,136 )     (1,603 )     (4,389 )
                                
    

Capital Guardian Domestic

Equity Division

   

T. Rowe Price

Equity Income Division

 
     Year Ended
December 31,
2006
    Year Ended
December 31,
2005
    Year Ended
December 31,
2006
    Year Ended
December 31,
2005
 

Operations:

        

Net investment income (loss)

   $ (2,009 )   $ 1,323     $ 694     $ 422  

Net realized gains (losses)

     4,597       11,657       3,998       2,944  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     28,659       (2,397 )     8,747       (1,503 )
                                

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

     31,247       10,583       13,439       1,863  
                                

Contract Transactions:

        

Contract owners’ net payments

     45,623       32,315       17,246       13,347  

Annuity payments

     (203 )     (111 )     (151 )     (58 )

Surrenders and other (net)

     (13,428 )     (6,957 )     (5,030 )     (2,296 )

Transfers from other divisions or sponsor

     288,268       169,009       102,733       61,497  

Transfers to other divisions or sponsor

     (259,884 )     (146,266 )     (87,768 )     (46,643 )
                                

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from contract transactions

     60,376       47,990       27,030       25,847  
                                

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

     91,623       58,573       40,469       27,710  

Net Assets:

        

Beginning of period

     169,447       110,874       61,034       33,324  
                                

End of period

   $ 261,070     $ 169,447     $ 101,503     $ 61,034  
                                

Units issued during the period

     253,120       171,870       78,069       54,079  

Units redeemed during the period

     (209,704 )     (131,513 )     (61,834 )     (35,858 )
                                

Net units issued (redeemed) during period

     43,416       40,357       16,235       18,221  
                                

The Accompanying Notes are an Integral Part of the Financial Statements.

 

F-13


Table of Contents

NML Variable Annuity Account B

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

(in thousands)

 

    

Index 500

Stock Division

    Asset Allocation Division  
     Year Ended
December 31,
2006
    Year Ended
December 31,
2005
    Year Ended
December 31,
2006
    Year Ended
December 31,
2005
 

Operations:

        

Net investment income (loss)

   $ 5,379     $ 6,699     $ 1,762     $ 727  

Net realized gains (losses)

     67,754       41,024       10,531       4,958  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     68,627       (11,898 )     6,281       5,295  
                                

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

     141,760       35,825       18,574       10,980  
                                

Contract Transactions:

        

Contract owners’ net payments

     71,197       65,245       26,912       26,146  

Annuity payments

     (1,604 )     (1,512 )     (651 )     (383 )

Surrenders and other (net)

     (87,617 )     (84,252 )     (14,146 )     (10,045 )

Transfers from other divisions or sponsor

     335,115       253,166       128,181       112,507  

Transfers to other divisions or sponsor

     (390,388 )     (297,610 )     (126,956 )     (100,047 )
                                

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from contract transactions

     (73,297 )     (64,963 )     13,340       28,178  
                                

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

     68,463       (29,138 )     31,914       39,158  

Net Assets:

        

Beginning of period

     1,034,273       1,063,411       201,054       161,896  
                                

End of period

   $ 1,102,736     $ 1,034,273     $ 232,968     $ 201,054  
                                

Units issued during the period

     187,780       157,660       128,421       123,205  

Units redeemed during the period

     (195,163 )     (161,116 )     (118,824 )     (98,990 )
                                

Net units issued (redeemed) during period

     (7,383 )     (3,456 )     9,597       24,215  
                                
     Balanced Division     High Yield Bond Division  
     Year Ended
December 31,
2006
    Year Ended
December 31,
2005
    Year Ended
December 31,
2006
    Year Ended
December 31,
2005
 

Operations:

        

Net investment income (loss)

   $ 40,235     $ 35,725     $ 10,117     $ 9,128  

Net realized gains (losses)

     60,189       58,974       (4,089 )     (3,385 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     105,336       (38,680 )     9,235       (5,073 )
                                

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

     205,760       56,019       15,263       670  
                                

Contract Transactions:

        

Contract owners’ net payments

     113,606       127,823       23,100       21,652  

Annuity payments

     (6,332 )     (6,379 )     (274 )     (295 )

Surrenders and other (net)

     (205,884 )     (178,230 )     (13,980 )     (10,098 )

Transfers from other divisions or sponsor

     272,416       223,659       152,016       110,580  

Transfers to other divisions or sponsor

     (359,931 )     (286,498 )     (151,784 )     (109,641 )
                                

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from contract transactions

     (186,125 )     (119,625 )     9,078       12,198  
                                

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

     19,635       (63,606 )     24,341       12,868  

Net Assets:

        

Beginning of period

     2,360,698       2,424,304       170,738       157,870  
                                

End of period

   $ 2,380,333     $ 2,360,698     $ 195,079     $ 170,738  
                                

Units issued during the period

     134,343       128,990       97,342       75,673  

Units redeemed during the period

     (157,905 )     (127,412 )     (91,194 )     (67,344 )
                                

Net units issued (redeemed) during period

     (23,562 )     1,578       6,148       8,329  
                                

The Accompanying Notes are an Integral Part of the Financial Statements.

 

F-14


Table of Contents

NML Variable Annuity Account B

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

(in thousands)

 

     Select Bond Division     Money Market Division  
     Year Ended
December 31,
2006
    Year Ended
December 31,
2005
    Year Ended
December 31,
2006
    Year Ended
December 31,
2005
 

Operations:

        

Net investment income (loss)

   $ 18,374     $ 13,969     $ 8,264     $ 3,860  

Net realized gains (losses)

     (360 )     3,835       —         —    

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     1,524       (10,860 )     —         —    
                                

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

     19,538       6,944       8,264       3,860  
                                

Contract Transactions:

        

Contract owners’ net payments

     114,300       103,935       73,512       63,517  

Annuity payments

     (988 )     (945 )     (353 )     (241 )

Surrenders and other (net)

     (53,229 )     (39,867 )     (39,894 )     (33,817 )

Transfers from other divisions or sponsor

     727,523       484,334       162,324       109,614  

Transfers to other divisions or sponsor

     (685,703 )     (447,909 )     (168,919 )     (147,531 )
                                

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from contract transactions

     101,903       99,548       26,670       (8,458 )
                                

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

     121,441       106,492       34,934       (4,598 )

Net Assets:

        

Beginning of period

     622,741       516,249       201,838       206,436  
                                

End of period

   $ 744,182     $ 622,741     $ 236,772     $ 201,838  
                                

Units issued during the period

     287,486       198,897       130,943       96,177  

Units redeemed during the period

     (243,575 )     (156,095 )     (115,353 )     (98,675 )
                                

Net units issued (redeemed) during period

     43,911       42,802       15,590       (2,498 )
                                
    

Fidelity VIP

Mid Cap Division

   

Russell Multi-Style

Equity Division

 
     Year Ended
December 31,
2006
    Year Ended
December 31,
2005
    Year Ended
December 31,
2006
    Year Ended
December 31,
2005
 

Operations:

        

Net investment income (loss)

   $ (1,119 )   $ (656 )   $ 54     $ 157  

Net realized gains (losses)

     16,690       2,821       (683 )     (1,895 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     (3,217 )     9,164       18,663       9,865  
                                

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

     12,354       11,329       18,034       8,127  
                                

Contract Transactions:

        

Contract owners’ net payments

     32,445       19,756       27,500       23,082  

Annuity payments

     (135 )     (52 )     (174 )     (118 )

Surrenders and other (net)

     (7,811 )     (3,051 )     (9,326 )     (8,389 )

Transfers from other divisions or sponsor

     162,694       88,372       232,800       167,823  

Transfers to other divisions or sponsor

     (136,120 )     (60,940 )     (227,702 )     (166,471 )
                                

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from contract transactions

     51,073       44,085       23,098       15,927  
                                

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

     63,427       55,414       41,132       24,054  

Net Assets:

        

Beginning of period

     95,468       40,054       141,151       117,097  
                                

End of period

   $ 158,895     $ 95,468     $ 182,283     $ 141,151  
                                

Units issued during the period

     91,738       60,044       292,614       232,611  

Units redeemed during the period

     (68,500 )     (36,271 )     (267,904 )     (213,222 )
                                

Net units issued (redeemed) during period

     23,238       23,773       24,710       19,389  
                                

The Accompanying Notes are an Integral Part of the Financial Statements.

 

F-15


Table of Contents

NML Variable Annuity Account B

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

(in thousands)

 

    

Russell Aggressive

Equity Division

   

Russell Non-

U.S. Division

 
     Year Ended
December 31,
2006
    Year Ended
December 31,
2005
    Year Ended
December 31,
2006
    Year Ended
December 31,
2005
 

Operations:

        

Net investment income (loss)

   $ (654 )   $ (548 )   $ 2,573     $ 633  

Net realized gains (losses)

     15,271       8,942       6,659       1,288  

Net change in unrealized appreciation

        

(depreciation)

     (3,771 )     (4,617 )     20,930       10,931  
                                

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

     10,846       3,777       30,162       12,852  
                                

Contract Transactions:

        

Contract owners’ net payments

     11,367       9,682       27,191       20,755  

Annuity payments

     (77 )     (49 )     (163 )     (93 )

Surrenders and other (net)

     (4,835 )     (4,277 )     (8,672 )     (5,711 )

Transfers from other divisions or sponsor

     103,297       66,263       215,639       132,065  

Transfers to other divisions or sponsor

     (102,355 )     (69,202 )     (199,070 )     (126,663 )
                                

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from contract transactions

     7,397       2,417       34,925       20,353  
                                

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

     18,243       6,194       65,087       33,205  

Net Assets:

        

Beginning of period

     75,049       68,855       117,602       84,397  
                                

End of period

   $ 93,292     $ 75,049     $ 182,689     $ 117,602  
                                

Units issued during the period

     78,663       59,046       197,325       149,092  

Units redeemed during the period

     (73,564 )     (56,974 )     (169,880 )     (129,183 )
                                

Net units issued (redeemed) during period

     5,099       2,072       27,445       19,909  
                                
    

Russell Real Estate

Securities Division

   

Russell Core

Bond Division

 
     Year Ended
December 31,
2006
    Year Ended
December 31,
2005
    Year Ended
December 31,
2006
    Year Ended
December 31,
2005
 

Operations:

        

Net investment income (loss)

   $ 3,170     $ 2,493     $ 5,783     $ 3,219  

Net realized gains (losses)

     38,604       28,654       (73 )     1,183  

Net change in unrealized appreciation

        

(depreciation)

     51,269       (5,062 )     (1,118 )     (3,166 )
                                

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

     93,043       26,085       4,592       1,236  
                                

Contract Transactions:

        

Contract owners’ net payments

     45,138       36,674       34,843       30,615  

Annuity payments

     (376 )     (263 )     (217 )     (155 )

Surrenders and other (net)

     (21,582 )     (12,954 )     (10,155 )     (7,444 )

Transfers from other divisions or sponsor

     337,731       210,478       290,050       201,889  

Transfers to other divisions or sponsor

     (325,530 )     (203,092 )     (274,321 )     (189,099 )
                                

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from contract transactions

     35,381       30,843       40,200       35,806  
                                

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

     128,424       56,928       44,792       37,042  

Net Assets:

        

Beginning of period

     252,942       196,014       134,224       97,182  
                                

End of period

   $ 381,366     $ 252,942     $ 179,016     $ 134,224  
                                

Units issued during the period

     126,445       104,342       242,088       174,850  

Units redeemed during the period

     (115,031 )     (91,815 )     (213,446 )     (148,563 )
                                

Net units issued (redeemed) during period

     11,414       12,527       28,642       26,287  
                                

The Accompanying Notes are an Integral Part of the Financial Statements.

 

F-16


Table of Contents

NML Variable Annuity Account B

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2006

 

1. Organization

NML Variable Annuity Account B (the “Account”) is registered as a unit investment trust under the Investment Company Act of 1940 and is a segregated asset account of The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company (“Northwestern Mutual”) used to fund variable annuity contracts (“contracts”) for tax-deferred annuities, individual retirement annuities and non-qualified plans. Three versions of the contract are offered: Front Load contracts with a sales charge up to 4.5% of purchase payments; Back Load contracts with a withdrawal charge of 0-6%; and Fee Based contracts with no sales or withdrawal charges.

All assets of each Division of the Account are invested in shares of the corresponding Portfolio of Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc., Fidelity Variable Insurance Products Fund III and the Russell Investment Funds (collectively known as “the Funds”). The Funds are open-end investment companies registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940.

 

2. Significant Accounting Policies

The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities 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. Principal accounting policies are summarized below.

The shares are valued at the Funds’ offering and redemption prices per share. Transactions in Funds’ shares are accounted for on the trade date. The basis for determining cost on sale of the Funds’ shares is identified cost. Dividend income and distributions of net realized gains from the Funds are recorded on the ex-date of the dividends. Since 1995, Northwestern Mutual has paid a dividend to certain contracts. The dividend is reinvested in the Account and has been reflected as a Contract Owners’ Net Payment in the accompanying financial statements.

Annuity reserves are based on published annuity tables with age adjustment and benefit payments which reflect actual investment experience. For variable payment plans issued prior to January 1, 1974, annuity reserves are based on the 1955 American Annuity Table with assumed interest rates of 3% or 5%. For variable payment plans issued on or after January 1, 1974 and before January 1, 1985, annuity reserves are based on the 1971 Individual Annuity Mortality Table with assumed interest rates of 3.5% or 5%. For variable payment plans issued on or after January 1, 1985 and before January 1, 2002, annuity reserves are based on the 1983 Annuity Table a, adjusted with assumed interest rates of 3.5% or 5%. For variable payment plans issued on or after January 1, 2002, annuity reserves are based on the 2000 Annuity Table with assumed interest rates of 3.5% or 5%.

Northwestern Mutual is taxed as a “life insurance company” under the Internal Revenue Code and the operations of the Account form a part of and are taxed with those of Northwestern Mutual. Under current law, no federal income taxes are payable with respect to the Account. Accordingly, no provision for any such liability has been made.

 

3. Purchases and Sales of Investments

Purchases and sales of the Funds’ shares for the year ended December 31, 2006 by each Division are shown as follows: (in thousands)

 

F-17


Table of Contents

NML Variable Annuity Account B

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2006

 

Division

   Purchases    Sales

Small Cap Growth Stock

   $ 63,559    $ 33,847

T. Rowe Price Small Cap Value

     40,612      10,939

Aggressive Growth Stock

     49,779      124,032

International Growth

     56,819      13,292

Franklin Templeton International Equity

     104,616      56,334

AllianceBernstein Mid Cap Value

     19,262      3,778

Index 400 Stock

     46,495      33,726

Janus Capital Appreciation

     37,253      5,937

Growth Stock

     31,607      56,878

Large Cap Core Stock

     25,037      37,551

Capital Guardian Domestic Equity

     79,437      18,748

T. Rowe Price Equity Income

     37,717      7,582

Index 500 Stock

     130,942      161,494

Asset Allocation

     40,845      20,494

Balanced

     220,639      338,333

High Yield Bond

     36,664      17,319

Select Bond

     182,344      62,133

Money Market

     88,913      53,966

Fidelity VIP Mid Cap

     73,473      10,054

Russell Multi-Style Equity

     35,467      12,445

Russell Aggressive Equity

     24,208      5,847

Russell Non-U.S.

     52,263      11,169

Russell Real Estate Securities

     90,375      24,837

Russell Core Bond

     59,682      13,678

 

4. Expenses and Related Party Transactions

A deduction for mortality and expense risks is determined daily and paid to Northwestern Mutual as compensation for assuming the risk that annuity payments will continue for longer periods than anticipated because the annuitants as a group live longer than expected, and the risk that the charges made by Northwestern Mutual may be insufficient to cover the actual costs incurred in connection with the contracts.

For contracts issued prior to December 17, 1981, the deduction is at an annual rate of 0.75 of 1% of the net assets of each Division attributable to these contracts. For these contracts, the rate may be increased or decreased by the Board of Trustees of Northwestern Mutual not to exceed a 1% annual rate.

For contracts issued after December 16, 1981 and prior to March 31, 1995, the deduction is at an annual rate of 1.25% of the net assets of each Division attributable to these contracts.

For contracts issued on or after March 31, 1995 and prior to March 31, 2000, for the Front Load version and the Back Load version, the deduction for mortality and expense risks is determined daily at annual rates of 0.4% and 1.25%, respectively, of the net assets of each Division attributable to these contracts and is paid to Northwestern Mutual. For these contracts, the rates may be increased or decreased by the Board of Trustees of Northwestern Mutual not to exceed 0.75% and 1.5% annual rates, respectively.

For contracts issued on or after March 31, 2000, for the Front Load version and the Back Load version, the deduction for mortality and expense risks is determined daily at annual rates of 0.5% and 1.25%,

 

F-18


Table of Contents

NML Variable Annuity Account B

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2006

 

respectively, of the net assets of each Division attributable to these contracts and is paid to Northwestern Mutual. Under the terms of the back-load version of the contract, the net assets may be subject to the deduction for the front-load version of the contract after the withdrawal charge period. Rates may be increased or decreased by the Board of Trustees of Northwestern Mutual not to exceed 0.75% and 1.5% annual rates for the Front Load version and the Back Load version, respectively. The current charges will not be increased for five years from the date of the most recent Prospectus.

For contracts issued on or after December 31, 2000, for the Fee Based version the deduction for mortality and expense risks is determined daily at an annual rate of 0.35% of the net assets of each Division attributable to these contracts and is paid to Northwestern Mutual. For these contracts, the rate may be increased by the Board of Trustees of Northwestern Mutual not to exceed 0.75% annual rate. The current charges will not be increased for five years from the date of the most recent Prospectus.

 

5. Financial Highlights

(for a unit outstanding during the period)

 

     As of the respective period end date:    For the respective period ended:  
Division   

Units

Outstanding

  

Unit Value,

Lowest to Highest

  

Net

Assets

(000’s)

   Dividend
Income
as a % of
Average
Net
Assets
   

Expense Ratio,
Lowest to

Highest

   

Total Return

Lowest to Highest (2)

 

Small Cap Growth Stock

                               

Year Ended 12/31/06

   114,581    $ 1.269179    to    $ 2.834618    $ 256,454    0.00 %   0.35 %   to    1.25 %   5.36 %   to    6.31 %

Year Ended 12/31/05

   112,059    $ 1.193857    to    $ 2.667734    $ 243,675    0.00 %   0.35 %   to    1.25 %   9.81 %   to    10.79 %

Year Ended 12/31/04

   107,008    $ 1.077557    to    $ 2.409091    $ 217,489    0.00 %   0.35 %   to    1.25 %   17.32 %   to    18.38 %

Year Ended 12/31/03

   103,787    $ 0.910215    to    $ 2.035993    $ 184,346    0.00 %   0.35 %   to    1.25 %   31.41 %   to    32.59 %

Year Ended 12/31/02

   98,859    $ 0.686471    to    $ 1.536295    $ 134,868    0.16 %   0.35 %   to    1.25 %   (19.44 )%   to    (18.71 )%

T. Rowe Price Small Cap Value

                               

Year Ended 12/31/06

   94,302    $ 1.889257    to    $ 1.983334    $ 181,999    0.23 %   0.35 %   to    1.25 %   15.11 %   to    16.15 %

Year Ended 12/31/05

   80,906    $ 1.641244    to    $ 1.707618    $ 135,156    0.31 %   0.35 %   to    1.25 %   5.89 %   to    6.84 %

Year Ended 12/31/04

   69,029    $ 1.549988    to    $ 1.598319    $ 108,671    0.21 %   0.35 %   to    1.25 %   23.02 %   to    24.13 %

Year Ended 12/31/03

   52,581    $ 1.259912    to    $ 1.287567    $ 67,333    0.00 %   0.35 %   to    1.25 %   33.48 %   to    34.68 %

Year Ended 12/31/02

   37,994    $ 0.943905    to    $ 0.956015    $ 36,313    0.67 %   0.35 %   to    1.25 %   (6.75 )%   to    (5.91 )%

Aggressive Growth Stock

                               

Year Ended 12/31/06

   168,944    $ 0.872601    to    $ 5.705905    $ 659,304    0.13 %   0.35 %   to    1.25 %   3.11 %   to    4.04 %

Year Ended 12/31/05

   185,752    $ 0.839995    to    $ 5.506309    $ 720,485    0.05 %   0.35 %   to    1.25 %   4.82 %   to    5.77 %

Year Ended 12/31/04

   196,196    $ 0.795400    to    $ 5.226856    $ 753,933    0.00 %   0.35 %   to    1.25 %   12.80 %   to    13.82 %

Year Ended 12/31/03

   205,109    $ 0.699892    to    $ 4.610685    $ 721,071    0.00 %   0.35 %   to    1.25 %   23.15 %   to    24.26 %

Year Ended 12/31/02

   215,398    $ 0.564112    to    $ 3.725431    $ 624,719    0.10 %   0.35 %   to    1.25 %   (22.13 )%   to    (21.43 )%

International Growth Stock

                               

Year Ended 12/31/06

   97,860    $ 1.798235    to    $ 1.887847    $ 181,477    0.20 %   0.35 %   to    1.25 %   19.97 %   to    21.05 %

Year Ended 12/31/05

   72,763    $ 1.498861    to    $ 1.559523    $ 111,164    1.24 %   0.35 %   to    1.25 %   16.54 %   to    17.59 %

Year Ended 12/31/04

   44,100    $ 1.286123    to    $ 1.326256    $ 57,621    0.78 %   0.35 %   to    1.25 %   20.08 %   to    21.17 %

Year Ended 12/31/03

   25,738    $ 1.071062    to    $ 1.094583    $ 27,995    0.99 %   0.35 %   to    1.25 %   37.27 %   to    38.50 %

Year Ended 12/31/02

   13,116    $ 0.780276    to    $ 0.790292    $ 10,427    0.72 %   0.35 %   to    1.25 %   (13.42 )%   to    (12.64 )%

Franklin Templeton International Equity

                                                                       

Year Ended 12/31/06

   279,075    $ 1.662262    to    $ 3.887138    $ 869,804    1.70 %   0.35 %   to    1.25 %   29.28 %   to    30.44 %

Year Ended 12/31/05

   255,999    $ 1.274348    to    $ 2.991857    $ 634,347    1.75 %   0.35 %   to    1.25 %   10.14 %   to    11.13 %

Year Ended 12/31/04

   236,402    $ 1.146710    to    $ 2.702895    $ 550,495    1.71 %   0.35 %   to    1.25 %   17.85 %   to    18.91 %

Year Ended 12/31/03

   226,444    $ 0.964341    to    $ 2.282107    $ 458,917    1.77 %   0.35 %   to    1.25 %   38.72 %   to    39.97 %

Year Ended 12/31/02

   230,493    $ 0.688942    to    $ 1.636881    $ 341,712    2.11 %   0.35 %   to    1.25 %   (18.43 )%   to    (17.69 )%

(1) Division commenced operations on May 1, 2003.
(2) Total return includes deductions for management and other expenses; it excludes deductions for sales loads and other charges. Returns are not annualized for periods less than one year.

 

F-19


Table of Contents

NML Variable Annuity Account B

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2006

 

     As of the respective period end date:    For the respective period ended:  

Division

   Units
Outstanding
  

Unit Value,

Lowest to Highest

  

Net

Assets
(000’s)

   Dividend
Income
as a % of
Average
Net
Assets
   

Expense Ratio,
Lowest to

Highest

   

Total Return

Lowest to Highest (2)

 

AllianceBernstein Mid Cap Value (1)

                               

Year Ended 12/31/06

   28,340    $ 1.822606    to    $ 1.883538    $ 52,469    1.28 %   0.35 %   to    1.25 %   13.08 %   to    14.09 %

Year Ended 12/31/05

   21,558    $ 1.611849    to    $ 1.650893    $ 35,219    0.65 %   0.35 %   to    1.25 %   4.15 %   to    5.09 %

Year Ended 12/31/04

   13,191    $ 1.547558    to    $ 1.570931    $ 20,658    1.16 %   0.35 %   to    1.25 %   17.19 %   to    18.25 %

Year Ended 12/31/03

   5,221    $ 1.320512    to    $ 1.328448    $ 6,971    1.07 %   0.35 %   to    1.25 %   32.05 %   to    32.84 %

Year Ended 12/31/02

   n/a      n/a      n/a    n/a     n/a     n/a  

Index 400 Stock

                               

Year Ended 12/31/06

   142,755    $ 1.656125    to    $ 2.113326    $ 277,390    1.07 %   0.35 %   to    1.25 %   8.68 %   to    9.66 %

Year Ended 12/31/05

   144,810    $ 1.512499    to    $ 1.928160    $ 259,212    0.77 %   0.35 %   to    1.25 %   10.98 %   to    11.98 %

Year Ended 12/31/04

   142,795    $ 1.352705    to    $ 1.722759    $ 230,656    0.67 %   0.35 %   to    1.25 %   14.82 %   to    15.86 %

Year Ended 12/31/03

   134,531    $ 1.169318    to    $ 1.487736    $ 189,955    0.72 %   0.35 %   to    1.25 %   33.34 %   to    34.54 %

Year Ended 12/31/02

   123,306    $ 0.870423    to    $ 1.106344    $ 130,775    0.81 %   0.35 %   to    1.25 %   (15.60 )%   to    (14.84 )%

Janus Capital Appreciation (1)

                               

Year Ended 12/31/06

   49,176    $ 1.682068    to    $ 1.738315    $ 84,256    0.44 %   0.35 %   to    1.25 %   3.58 %   to    4.52 %

Year Ended 12/31/05

   32,378    $ 1.623859    to    $ 1.663190    $ 53,274    0.20 %   0.35 %   to    1.25 %   15.55 %   to    16.59 %

Year Ended 12/31/04

   8,535    $ 1.405312    to    $ 1.426538    $ 12,060    0.15 %   0.35 %   to    1.25 %   18.19 %   to    19.25 %

Year Ended 12/31/03

   3,252    $ 1.189063    to    $ 1.196213    $ 3,905    0.09 %   0.35 %   to    1.25 %   18.91 %   to    19.62 %

Year Ended 12/31/02

   n/a      n/a      n/a    n/a     n/a     n/a  

Growth Stock

                               

Year Ended 12/31/06

   166,209    $ 0.904890    to    $ 2.916699    $ 364,633    0.76 %   0.35 %   to    1.25 %   8.21 %   to    9.19 %

Year Ended 12/31/05

   170,577    $ 0.829993    to    $ 2.681914    $ 360,468    1.05 %   0.35 %   to    1.25 %   6.38 %   to    7.34 %

Year Ended 12/31/04

   176,713    $ 0.774425    to    $ 2.508557    $ 362,855    0.69 %   0.35 %   to    1.25 %   5.34 %   to    6.30 %

Year Ended 12/31/03

   182,623    $ 0.729643    to    $ 2.369404    $ 365,546    0.81 %   0.35 %   to    1.25 %   17.47 %   to    18.53 %

Year Ended 12/31/02

   182,846    $ 0.616498    to    $ 2.006974    $ 318,513    1.16 %   0.35 %   to    1.25 %   (21.81 )%   to    (21.11 )%

Large Cap Core Stock

                               

Year Ended 12/31/06

   138,596    $ 0.924940    to    $ 2.467131    $ 282,936    1.08 %   0.35 %   to    1.25 %   10.12 %   to    11.11 %

Year Ended 12/31/05

   140,199    $ 0.833720    to    $ 2.229337    $ 268,827    1.30 %   0.35 %   to    1.25 %   7.12 %   to    8.08 %

Year Ended 12/31/04

   144,588    $ 0.772557    to    $ 2.070897    $ 265,200    0.95 %   0.35 %   to    1.25 %   6.82 %   to    7.78 %

Year Ended 12/31/03

   151,008    $ 0.717843    to    $ 1.929029    $ 263,744    0.97 %   0.35 %   to    1.25 %   22.51 %   to    23.62 %

Year Ended 12/31/02

   158,551    $ 0.581563    to    $ 1.566688    $ 228,310    0.96 %   0.35 %   to    1.25 %   (29.09 )%   to    (28.45 )%

Capital Guardian Domestic Equity

                               

Year Ended 12/31/06

   177,765    $ 1.424141    to    $ 1.495151    $ 261,070    0.00 %   0.35 %   to    1.25 %   15.12 %   to    16.16 %

Year Ended 12/31/05

   134,350    $ 1.237056    to    $ 1.287166    $ 169,447    1.91 %   0.35 %   to    1.25 %   6.71 %   to    7.67 %

Year Ended 12/31/04

   93,992    $ 1.159280    to    $ 1.195493    $ 110,874    1.61 %   0.35 %   to    1.25 %   15.40 %   to    16.44 %

Year Ended 12/31/03

   64,744    $ 1.004585    to    $ 1.026686    $ 66,014    1.86 %   0.35 %   to    1.25 %   32.74 %   to    33.94 %

Year Ended 12/31/02

   43,942    $ 0.756787    to    $ 0.766519    $ 33,924    1.62 %   0.35 %   to    1.25 %   (22.22 )%   to    (21.52 )%

T. Rowe Price Equity Income (1)

                               

Year Ended 12/31/06

   57,961    $ 1.688469    to    $ 1.744928    $ 101,503    1.83 %   0.35 %   to    1.25 %   17.68 %   to    18.74 %

Year Ended 12/31/05

   41,726    $ 1.434821    to    $ 1.469591    $ 61,034    1.83 %   0.35 %   to    1.25 %   2.90 %   to    3.82 %

Year Ended 12/31/04

   23,505    $ 1.394433    to    $ 1.415494    $ 33,324    1.92 %   0.35 %   to    1.25 %   13.73 %   to    14.76 %

Year Ended 12/31/03

   8,977    $ 1.226098    to    $ 1.233470    $ 11,115    2.76 %   0.35 %   to    1.25 %   22.61 %   to    23.35 %

Year Ended 12/31/02

   n/a      n/a      n/a    n/a     n/a     n/a  

Index 500 Stock

                               

Year Ended 12/31/06

   310,424    $ 1.019334    to    $ 5.268640    $ 1,102,736    1.60 %   0.35 %   to    1.25 %   14.19 %   to    15.22 %

Year Ended 12/31/05

   317,806    $ 0.886007    to    $ 4.590845    $ 1,034,273    1.75 %   0.35 %   to    1.25 %   3.43 %   to    4.36 %

Year Ended 12/31/04

   321,263    $ 0.850261    to    $ 4.416556    $ 1,063,411    1.34 %   0.35 %   to    1.25 %   9.32 %   to    10.31 %

Year Ended 12/31/03

   320,662    $ 0.771935    to    $ 4.019699    $ 1,012,662    1.47 %   0.35 %   to    1.25 %   26.84 %   to    27.99 %

Year Ended 12/31/02

   322,245    $ 0.604035    to    $ 3.153233    $ 822,199    1.38 %   0.35 %   to    1.25 %   (23.04 )%   to    (22.34 )%

(1) Division commenced operations on May 1, 2003.
(2) Total return includes deductions for management and other expenses; it excludes deductions for sales loads and other charges. Returns are not annualized for periods less than one year.

 

F-20


Table of Contents

NML Variable Annuity Account B

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2006

 

     As of the respective period end date:    For the respective period ended:  

Division

   Units
Outstanding
  

Unit Value,

Lowest to Highest

  

Net

Assets
(000’s)

   Dividend
Income
as a % of
Average
Net
Assets
   

Expense Ratio,
Lowest to

Highest

   

Total Return

Lowest to Highest (2)

 

Asset Allocation

                               

Year Ended 12/31/06

   174,372    $ 1.281584    to    $ 1.345472    $ 232,968    1.82 %   0.35 %   to    1.25 %   8.56 %   to    9.53 %

Year Ended 12/31/05

   164,774    $ 1.180583    to    $ 1.228390    $ 201,054    1.41 %   0.35 %   to    1.25 %   5.67 %   to    6.62 %

Year Ended 12/31/04

   140,560    $ 1.117219    to    $ 1.152100    $ 161,896    0.00 %   0.35 %   to    1.25 %   8.65 %   to    9.63 %

Year Ended 12/31/03

   101,195    $ 1.028260    to    $ 1.050858    $ 106,816    2.22 %   0.35 %   to    1.25 %   19.13 %   to    20.21 %

Year Ended 12/31/02

   60,034    $ 0.863125    to    $ 0.874209    $ 53,008    2.44 %   0.35 %   to    1.25 %   (11.37 )%   to    (10.57 )%

Balanced

                               

Year Ended 12/31/06

   418,640    $ 1.231506    to    $ 10.101237    $ 2,380,333    2.86 %   0.35 %   to    1.25 %   9.05 %   to    10.03 %

Year Ended 12/31/05

   442,202    $ 1.120868    to    $ 9.216522    $ 2,360,699    2.66 %   0.35 %   to    1.25 %   2.31 %   to    3.23 %

Year Ended 12/31/04

   440,624    $ 1.087384    to    $ 8.963381    $ 2,424,304    2.54 %   0.35 %   to    1.25 %   6.55 %   to    7.52 %

Year Ended 12/31/03

   431,496    $ 1.012887    to    $ 8.370146    $ 2,351,789    3.21 %   0.35 %   to    1.25 %   16.53 %   to    17.58 %

Year Ended 12/31/02

   428,856    $ 0.862735    to    $ 7.147092    $ 2,085,446    3.85 %   0.35 %   to    1.25 %   (8.68 )%   to    (7.86 )%

High Yield Bond

                               

Year Ended 12/31/06

   95,929    $ 1.544440    to    $ 2.338260    $ 195,079    6.57 %   0.35 %   to    1.25 %   8.42 %   to    9.39 %

Year Ended 12/31/05

   89,781    $ 1.413965    to    $ 2.146008    $ 170,738    6.58 %   0.35 %   to    1.25 %   0.14 %   to    1.03 %

Year Ended 12/31/04

   81,452    $ 1.401540    to    $ 2.132449    $ 157,870    6.88 %   0.35 %   to    1.25 %   11.36 %   to    12.37 %

Year Ended 12/31/03

   76,880    $ 1.249172    to    $ 1.905353    $ 135,623    0.21 %   0.35 %   to    1.25 %   27.46 %   to    28.61 %

Year Ended 12/31/02

   68,864    $ 0.972766    to    $ 1.487426    $ 96,705    10.35 %   0.35 %   to    1.25 %   (4.10 )%   to    (3.23 )%

Select Bond

                               

Year Ended 12/31/06

   212,625    $ 1.516531    to    $ 11.608006    $ 744,182    3.66 %   0.35 %   to    1.25 %   2.46 %   to    3.38 %

Year Ended 12/31/05

   168,714    $ 1.466954    to    $ 11.273136    $ 622,741    3.42 %   0.35 %   to    1.25 %   0.95 %   to    1.86 %

Year Ended 12/31/04

   125,912    $ 1.440153    to    $ 11.111137    $ 516,249    4.04 %   0.35 %   to    1.25 %   3.44 %   to    4.38 %

Year Ended 12/31/03

   109,072    $ 1.379729    to    $ 10.687503    $ 480,227    3.85 %   0.35 %   to    1.25 %   4.18 %   to    5.12 %

Year Ended 12/31/02

   100,829    $ 1.312499    to    $ 10.207276    $ 457,348    4.44 %   0.35 %   to    1.25 %   10.70 %   to    11.70 %

Money Market

                               

Year Ended 12/31/06

   108,497    $ 1.182475    to    $ 3.269294    $ 236,772    4.74 %   0.35 %   to    1.25 %   3.56 %   to    4.49 %

Year Ended 12/31/05

   92,906    $ 1.131639    to    $ 3.141208    $ 201,838    2.95 %   0.35 %   to    1.25 %   1.71 %   to    2.63 %

Year Ended 12/31/04

   95,405    $ 1.102690    to    $ 3.073012    $ 206,436    1.43 %   0.35 %   to    1.25 %   0.17 %   to    1.08 %

Year Ended 12/31/03

   114,469    $ 1.090926    to    $ 3.052383    $ 251,722    1.25 %   0.35 %   to    1.25 %   (0.02 )%   to    0.88 %

Year Ended 12/31/02

   161,032    $ 1.081393    to    $ 3.037822    $ 343,581    1.64 %   0.35 %   to    1.25 %   0.39 %   to    1.30 %

Fidelity VIP Mid Cap (1)

                               

Year Ended 12/31/06

   70,124    $ 2.222115    to    $ 2.296424    $ 158,895    0.15 %   0.35 %   to    1.25 %   11.01 %   to    12.01 %

Year Ended 12/31/05

   46,885    $ 2.001683    to    $ 2.050180    $ 95,468    0.00 %   0.35 %   to    1.25 %   16.56 %   to    17.60 %

Year Ended 12/31/04

   23,113    $ 1.717354    to    $ 1.743292    $ 40,054    0.00 %   0.35 %   to    1.25 %   23.11 %   to    24.22 %

Year Ended 12/31/03

   7,083    $ 1.395022    to    $ 1.403400    $ 9,954    0.00 %   0.35 %   to    1.25 %   39.50 %   to    40.34 %

Year Ended 12/31/02

   n/a           n/a             n/a    n/a           n/a          n/a             

Russell Multi-Style Equity

                               

Year Ended 12/31/06

   185,171    $ 0.963199    to    $ 1.032365    $ 182,283    0.93 %   0.35 %   to    1.25 %   11.35 %   to    12.35 %

Year Ended 12/31/05

   160,461    $ 0.858577    to    $ 0.919329    $ 141,151    1.05 %   0.35 %   to    1.25 %   5.94 %   to    6.90 %

Year Ended 12/31/04

   141,072    $ 0.804386    to    $ 0.860463    $ 117,097    0.73 %   0.35 %   to    1.25 %   8.44 %   to    9.42 %

Year Ended 12/31/03

   116,323    $ 0.736202    to    $ 0.786751    $ 89,162    0.71 %   0.35 %   to    1.25 %   27.26 %   to    28.41 %

Year Ended 12/31/02

   97,384    $ 0.574187    to    $ 0.613006    $ 58,798    0.60 %   0.35 %   to    1.25 %   (24.14 )%   to    (23.46 )%

Russell Aggressive Equity

                               

Year Ended 12/31/06

   58,363    $ 1.455332    to    $ 1.722029    $ 93,292    0.19 %   0.35 %   to    1.25 %   13.37 %   to    14.39 %

Year Ended 12/31/05

   53,263    $ 1.274157    to    $ 1.506167    $ 75,049    0.18 %   0.35 %   to    1.25 %   5.04 %   to    5.99 %

Year Ended 12/31/04

   51,192    $ 1.203942    to    $ 1.421771    $ 68,855    0.17 %   0.35 %   to    1.25 %   13.30 %   to    14.33 %

Year Ended 12/31/03

   43,722    $ 1.054631    to    $ 1.244218    $ 52,176    0.11 %   0.35 %   to    1.25 %   43.79 %   to    45.09 %

Year Ended 12/31/02

   34,336    $ 0.727980    to    $ 0.857996    $ 28,521    0.00 %   0.35 %   to    1.25 %   (20.06 )%   to    (19.34 )%

(1) Division commenced operations on May 1, 2003.
(2) Total return includes deductions for management and other expenses; it excludes deductions for sales loads and other charges. Returns are not annualized for periods less than one year.

 

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NML Variable Annuity Account B

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2006

 

     As of the respective period end date:    For the respective period ended:  

Division

   Units
Outstanding
  

Unit Value,

Lowest to Highest

  

Net

Assets
(000’s)

  

Dividend

Income

as a % of

Average
Net
Assets

   

Expense Ratio,
Lowest to

Highest

   

Total Return

Lowest to Highest (2)

 

Russell Non-U.S.

                               

Year Ended 12/31/06

   127,295    $ 1.260557    to    $ 1.587886    $ 182,689    2.63 %   0.35 %   to    1.25 %   22.11 %   to    23.21 %

Year Ended 12/31/05

   99,849    $ 1.024633    to    $ 1.289430    $ 117,602    1.59 %   0.35 %   to    1.25 %   12.28 %   to    13.29 %

Year Ended 12/31/04

   79,941    $ 0.905783    to    $ 1.138748    $ 84,397    2.11 %   0.35 %   to    1.25 %   16.83 %   to    17.89 %

Year Ended 12/31/03

   60,165    $ 0.769505    to    $ 0.966479    $ 54,868    2.95 %   0.35 %   to    1.25 %   37.07 %   to    38.30 %

Year Ended 12/31/02

   53,161    $ 0.557227    to    $ 0.699179    $ 35,522    1.63 %   0.35 %   to    1.25 %   (16.20 )%   to    (15.44 )%

Russell Real Estate Securities

                               

Year Ended 12/31/06

   107,317    $ 3.408298    to    $ 3.827505    $ 381,366    1.96 %   0.35 %   to    1.25 %   34.16 %   to    35.36 %

Year Ended 12/31/05

   95,902    $ 2.540501    to    $ 2.831791    $ 252,942    2.13 %   0.35 %   to    1.25 %   11.56 %   to    12.56 %

Year Ended 12/31/04

   83,376    $ 2.277262    to    $ 2.519496    $ 196,014    2.31 %   0.35 %   to    1.25 %   33.20 %   to    34.40 %

Year Ended 12/31/03

   65,413    $ 1.709672    to    $ 1.877412    $ 115,065    5.37 %   0.35 %   to    1.25 %   35.51 %   to    36.73 %

Year Ended 12/31/02

   53,293    $ 1.261665    to    $ 1.375137    $ 69,448    5.38 %   0.35 %   to    1.25 %   2.51 %   to    3.44 %

Russell Core Bond

                               

Year Ended 12/31/06

   126,626    $ 1.361728    to    $ 1.453107    $ 179,016    4.58 %   0.35 %   to    1.25 %   2.44 %   to    3.36 %

Year Ended 12/31/05

   97,984    $ 1.329349    to    $ 1.406633    $ 134,224    3.65 %   0.35 %   to    1.25 %   0.75 %   to    1.66 %

Year Ended 12/31/04

   71,697    $ 1.319453    to    $ 1.384409    $ 97,182    2.44 %   0.35 %   to    1.25 %   3.36 %   to    4.30 %

Year Ended 12/31/03

   53,887    $ 1.276523    to    $ 1.328054    $ 70,621    3.69 %   0.35 %   to    1.25 %   4.83 %   to    5.78 %

Year Ended 12/31/02

   45,637    $ 1.217720    to    $ 1.256188    $ 57,126    2.84 %   0.35 %   to    1.25 %   7.49 %   to    8.46 %

(1) Division commenced operations on May 1, 2003.
(2) Total return includes deductions for management and other expenses; it excludes deductions for sales loads and other charges. Returns are not annualized for periods less than one year.

 

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PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS

 

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

 

100 E. Wisconsin Ave., Suite 1800

 

Milwaukee, WI 53202

 

Telephone (414) 212 1600

 

Facsimile (414) 212 1880

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company and

Contract Owners of NML Variable Annuity Account B

In our opinion, the accompanying statements of assets and liabilities, the related statements of operations, and of changes in net assets and the financial highlights present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the NML Variable Annuity Account B and its Small Cap Growth Stock Division, T. Rowe Price Small Cap Value Division, Aggressive Growth Stock Division, International Growth Division, Franklin Templeton International Equity Division, AllianceBernstein Mid Cap Value Division, Index 400 Stock Division, Janus Capital Appreciation Division, Growth Stock Division, Large Cap Core Stock Division, Capital Guardian Domestic Equity Division, T. Rowe Price Equity Income Division, Index 500 Stock Division, Asset Allocation Division, Balanced Division, High Yield Bond Division, Select Bond Division, Money Market Division, Fidelity VIP Mid Cap Division, Russell Multi-Style Equity Division, Russell Aggressive Equity Division, Russell Non-U.S. Division, Russell Real Estate Securities Division, and Russell Core Bond Division at December 31, 2006, and the results of each of their operations, the changes in each of their net assets and their financial highlights for the periods presented, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These financial statements and financial highlights (hereafter referred to as “financial statements”) are the responsibility of The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company’s management; our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these financial statements 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 financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits, which included direct confirmation of securities owned at December 31, 2006 with Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc., Fidelity Variable Insurance Products Fund III and the Russell Investment Funds, provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

/s/ PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

February 1, 2007

 

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Table of Contents

The following financial statements of Northwestern Mutual should be considered only as bearing upon the ability of Northwestern Mutual to meet its obligations under the Contracts.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL

The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company

Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

(in millions)


 

     December 31,
     2006    2005

Assets:

     

Bonds

   $ 70,564    $ 65,899

Common and preferred stocks

     9,228      8,120

Mortgage loans

     19,363      18,118

Real estate

     1,489      1,620

Policy loans

     10,995      10,265

Other investments

     7,930      6,935

Cash and temporary investments

     2,885      2,124
             

Total investments

     122,454      113,081

Due and accrued investment income

     1,291      1,183

Net deferred tax assets

     1,198      1,057

Deferred premium and other assets

     2,112      1,983

Separate account assets

     18,047      15,753
             

Total assets

   $ 145,102    $ 133,057
             

Liabilities and Surplus:

     

Reserves for policy benefits

   $ 101,481    $ 94,144

Policyowner dividends payable

     4,632      4,270

Interest maintenance reserve

     644      839

Asset valuation reserve

     3,093      2,529

Income taxes payable

     515      593

Other liabilities

     5,006      4,548

Separate account liabilities

     18,047      15,753
             

Total liabilities

     133,418      122,676

Surplus

     11,684      10,381
             

Total liabilities and surplus

   $ 145,102    $ 133,057
             

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL

The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company

Consolidated Statement of Operations

(in millions)


 

    

For the year ended

December 31,

 
     2006    2005    2004  

Revenue:

        

Premiums

   $ 12,149    $ 11,363    $ 10,682  

Net investment income

     7,073      6,543      6,117  

Other income

     511      494      511  
                      

Total revenue

     19,733      18,400      17,310  
                      

Benefits and expenses:

        

Benefit payments to policyowners and beneficiaries

     5,049      4,577      4,487  

Net additions to policy benefit reserves

     7,234      6,445      6,181  

Net transfers to separate accounts

     492      664      422  
                      

Total benefits

     12,775      11,686      11,090  

Commissions and operating expenses

     1,894      1,774      1,741  
                      

Total benefits and expenses

     14,669      13,460      12,831  
                      

Gain from operations before dividends and taxes

     5,064      4,940      4,479  

Policyowner dividends

     4,628      4,269      3,880  
                      

Gain from operations before taxes

     436      671      599  

Income tax expense (benefit)

     17      57      (124 )
                      

Net gain from operations

     419      614      723  

Net realized capital gains

     410      310      94  
                      

Net income

   $ 829    $ 924    $ 817  
                      

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL

The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Surplus

(in millions)


 

    

For the year ended

December 31,

 
     2006     2005     2004  

Beginning of year balance

   $ 10,381     $ 8,934     $ 7,547  

Net income

     829       924       817  

Change in net unrealized capital gains

     581       343       645  

Change in net deferred income tax

     337       237       28  

Change in nonadmitted assets and other

     70       (84 )     (115 )

Change in asset valuation reserve

     (514 )     27       12  
                        

Net increase in surplus

     1,303       1,447       1,387  
                        

End of year balance

   $ 11,684     $ 10,381     $ 8,934  
                        

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL

The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

(in millions)


 

    

For the year ended

December 31,

 
     2006     2005     2004  

Cash flows from operating activities:

      

Premiums and other income received

   $ 8,634     $ 8,074     $ 7,584  

Investment income received

     6,893       6,347       5,999  

Disbursement of policy loans, net of repayments

     (730 )     (515 )     (199 )

Benefit payments to policyowners and beneficiaries

     (5,274 )     (4,794 )     (4,650 )

Net transfers to separate accounts

     (482 )     (657 )     (418 )

Commissions, expenses and taxes paid

     (2,202 )     (2,000 )     (1,900 )
                        

Net cash provided by operating activities

     6,839       6,455       6,416  
                        

Cash flows from investing activities:

      

Proceeds from investments sold or matured:

      

Bonds

     51,695       72,406       47,537  

Common and preferred stocks

     6,088       3,969       3,300  

Mortgage loans

     3,413       2,585       1,867  

Real estate

     65       120       109  

Other investments

     1,693       1,389       1,258  
                        
     62,954       80,469       54,071  
                        

Cost of investments acquired:

      

Bonds

     56,372       77,345       52,323  

Common and preferred stocks

     5,777       3,896       3,150  

Mortgage loans

     4,659       3,464       2,670  

Real estate

     107       261       259  

Other investments

     2,099       2,661       1,757  
                        
     69,014       87,627       60,159  
                        

Net cash applied to investing activities

     (6,060 )     (7,158 )     (6,088 )
                        

Cash flows from financing and miscellaneous sources:

      

Net inflows on deposit-type contracts

     69       52       32  

Other cash applied

     (87 )     (174 )     (5 )
                        

Net cash provided by (applied to) financing and other activities:

     (18 )     (122 )     27  
                        

Net increase (decrease) in cash and temporary investments

     761       (825 )     355  

Cash and temporary investments, beginning of year

     2,124       2,949       2,594  
                        

Cash and temporary investments, end of year

   $ 2,885     $ 2,124     $ 2,949  
                        

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL

The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Statutory Financial Statements

December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004


 

1. Basis of Presentation and Changes in Accounting Principles

The accompanying consolidated statutory financial statements include the accounts of The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Northwestern Long Term Care Insurance Company (together, “the Company”). All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. The Company offers life, annuity, disability and long-term care insurance products to the personal, business and estate markets.

The consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with accounting practices prescribed or permitted by the Office of the Commissioner of Insurance of the State of Wisconsin (“statutory basis of accounting”). See Notes 3 and 12 for descriptions of the permitted practices used by the Company. Financial statements prepared on the statutory basis of accounting differ from financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), primarily because on a GAAP basis: (1) certain policy acquisition costs are deferred and amortized, (2) investment valuations and policy benefit reserves are established using different methods and assumptions, (3) deposit-type contracts, for which premiums, benefits and reserve changes are not included in revenue or benefits as reported in the statement of operations, are defined differently, (4) majority-owned, non-insurance subsidiaries are consolidated, (5) changes in deferred taxes are reported as a component of net income and (6) no deferral of realized investment gains and losses is permitted. The effects on the financial statements of the Company attributable to the differences between the statutory basis of accounting and GAAP are material.

 

2. New Accounting and Reporting Pronouncements

On January 1, 2006, the Company adopted Statement of Statutory Accounting Principle No. 93 (“SSAP 93”), which establishes statutory accounting guidance for investments in federal and state tax benefits associated with low income housing tax credit (“LIHTC”) real estate properties. Prior to the issuance of SSAP 93, statutory guidance did not address accounting for such investments.

SSAP 93 requires that these investments be reported at amortized cost. The initial cost of these investments is to be amortized in proportion to the actual realization of the related tax benefits, without discounting for the time value of money, and reported as a component of net investment income. Prior to the adoption of this new guidance, the Company reported these investments at amortized cost, with amortization reported as a realized loss and calculated using a method that included discounting. For the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004, realized losses included $20 million and $16 million, respectively, of realized losses from amortization of LIHTC investment cost under the previous method.

As of January 1, 2006, the amortized cost of LIHTC investments using the new guidance applied on a retrospective basis was $321 million, which was less than amortized cost using the previous method by $55 million. This amount was recorded as a direct reduction of surplus at that date and is included in change in nonadmitted assets and other in the consolidated statement of changes in surplus for the year ended December 31, 2006. In addition, amortization of LIHTC investment cost under the new method of $63 million is included in net investment income in the consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2006.

 

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Table of Contents

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL

The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Statutory Financial Statements

December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004


 

3. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with the statutory basis of accounting requires management to make estimates or assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the periods then ended. Actual future results could differ from these estimates and assumptions.

Investments

See Notes 4 and 15 regarding the reported statement value and estimated fair value of the Company’s investments in bonds, common and preferred stocks, mortgage loans and real estate.

Policy Loans

Policy loans primarily represent amounts borrowed from the Company by life insurance policyowners, secured by the cash value of the related policies, and are reported in the financial statements at unpaid principal balance.

Other Investments

Other investments consist primarily of partnership investments (including real estate, venture capital and leveraged buyout fund limited partnerships), real estate joint ventures and unconsolidated non-insurance subsidiaries organized as limited liability companies. These investments are reported in the financial statements using the equity method of accounting.

Other investments also include $102 million and $97 million of investments in oil and natural gas production at December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively. These oil and gas investments are accounted for using the full cost method, under which all exploration and development costs, whether successful or not, are capitalized and amortized as a reduction of net investment income as reserves are produced. This method is permitted by the Office of the Commissioner of Insurance of the State of Wisconsin (“OCI”). The “Accounting Practices and Procedures Manual” of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (“NAIC”) does not provide accounting guidance for oil and gas investments.

Other investments also include LIHTC investments, leveraged leases and derivative financial instruments. See Note 4 for a description of the Company’s investments in leveraged leases and Note 5 regarding the Company’s use of derivatives and their presentation in the financial statements.

Temporary Investments

Temporary investments represent securities that had maturities of one year or less at purchase and are reported at amortized cost, which approximates fair value.

Net Investment Income

Net investment income primarily represents interest and dividends received or accrued on bonds, mortgage loans, policy loans and other investments. It also includes amortization of any purchase premium or discount using the interest method, adjusted retrospectively for any change in estimated yield-to-maturity. Accrued investment income more than 90 days past due is nonadmitted and reported as a direct reduction of surplus. Accrued investment income that is ultimately deemed uncollectible is reported as a reduction of net investment income in the period that such determination is made. Net investment income also includes dividends paid to the Company from accumulated earnings of joint ventures, partnerships and unconsolidated non-

 

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Table of Contents

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL

The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Statutory Financial Statements

December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004


 

insurance subsidiaries and prepayment fees on bonds and mortgages. Net investment income is reduced by investment management expenses, real estate depreciation, depletion related to oil and gas investments and interest costs associated with securities lending.

Interest Maintenance Reserve

The Company is required to maintain an interest maintenance reserve (“IMR”). The IMR is used to defer realized gains and losses, net of income tax, on fixed income investments and derivatives that are attributable to changes in interest rates. Net realized gains and losses deferred to the IMR are amortized into investment income over the estimated remaining term to maturity of the investment sold or the asset/liability hedged by the derivative.

Investment Capital Gains and Losses

Realized capital gains and losses are recognized based upon specific identification of securities sold. Realized capital losses also include valuation adjustments for impairment of bonds, stocks, mortgage loans, real estate and other investments that have experienced a decline in fair value that management considers to be other-than-temporary. Factors considered in evaluating whether a decline in value is other-than-temporary include: (1) the duration and extent to which the fair value has been less than cost, (2) the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer in relation to the anticipated recovery, and (3) the Company’s ability and intent to retain the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for an anticipated recovery in value. Realized capital gains and losses as reported in the consolidated statement of operations exclude any IMR deferrals. See Note 4 regarding realized capital gains and losses.

Unrealized capital gains and losses primarily represent changes in the reported fair value of common stocks and changes in valuation adjustments made for bonds in or near default. Changes in the Company’s share of undistributed earnings of joint ventures, partnerships and unconsolidated non-insurance subsidiaries are also classified as changes in unrealized capital gains and losses. See Note 4 regarding changes in unrealized capital gains and losses.

Asset Valuation Reserve

The Company is required to maintain an asset valuation reserve (“AVR”). The AVR represents a reserve for invested asset valuation using a formula prescribed by the NAIC. The AVR is designed to protect surplus against potential declines in the value of the Company’s investments. Increases or decreases in AVR are reported as direct adjustments to surplus.

Separate Accounts

Separate account assets and related policy liabilities represent the segregation of balances attributable to variable life insurance and variable annuity products. Policyowners bear the investment performance risk associated with variable products. Separate account assets are invested at the direction of the policyowner in a variety of mutual fund options. Variable annuity policyowners also have the option to invest in a fixed interest rate annuity issued by the general account of the Company. Separate account assets are reported at fair value based primarily on quoted market prices. See Note 8 for more information about the Company’s separate accounts.

Premium Revenue

Life insurance premiums are recognized as revenue at the beginning of each policy year. Disability and long-term care insurance premiums are recognized as revenue when due to the Company. Annuity premiums are recognized as revenue when received. Considerations received on supplementary insurance contracts without life contingencies are deposit-type transactions and thereby excluded from revenue in the consolidated statement of operations. Premium revenue is

 

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL

The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Statutory Financial Statements

December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004


 

reported net of ceded reinsurance. See Note 10 for more information about the Company’s use of reinsurance.

Other Income

Other income primarily represents ceded reinsurance expense allowances and various insurance policy charges. See Note 10 for more information about the Company’s use of reinsurance.

Benefit Payments to Policyowners and Beneficiaries

Benefit payments to policyowners and beneficiaries include death, surrender, disability and long-term care benefits, as well as matured endowments and payments on supplementary insurance contracts that include life contingencies. Benefit payments on supplementary insurance contracts without life contingencies are deposit-type transactions and thereby excluded from benefits in the consolidated statement of operations. Benefit payments are reported net of ceded reinsurance recoveries. See Note 10 for more information about the Company’s use of reinsurance.

Reserves for Policy Benefits

Reserves for policy benefits represent the net present value of future policy benefits less future policy premiums, estimated using actuarial methods based on mortality and morbidity experience tables and valuation interest rates prescribed or permitted by the OCI. These actuarial tables and methods include assumptions regarding future mortality and morbidity. Actual future experience could differ from the assumptions used to make these reserve estimates. See Note 6 for more information about the Company’s reserve liabilities.

Commissions and Operating Expenses

Commissions and other operating costs, including costs of acquiring new insurance policies, are generally charged to expense as incurred.

Electronic Data Processing Equipment and Software

The cost of electronic data processing (“EDP”) equipment and operating system software used in the Company’s business is generally capitalized and depreciated over three years using the straight-line method. Non-operating system software is generally capitalized and depreciated over a maximum of five years. EDP equipment and operating software assets of $27 million and $33 million at December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively, are classified as other assets in the consolidated statement of financial position and are net of accumulated depreciation of $104 million and $88 million, respectively. Non-operating software costs, net of accumulated depreciation, are nonadmitted assets and thereby excluded from reported assets and surplus in the consolidated statement of financial position. Depreciation expense for EDP equipment and software totaled $77 million, $71 million and $56 million for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively.

Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment

The cost of furniture, fixtures and equipment, including leasehold improvements, is generally capitalized and depreciated over the useful life of the assets using the straight-line method. Furniture, fixtures and equipment costs, net of accumulated depreciation, are nonadmitted assets and thereby excluded from reported assets and surplus in the consolidated statement of financial position. Depreciation expense for furniture, fixtures and equipment totaled $7 million, $7 million and $7 million for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively.

 

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL

The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Statutory Financial Statements

December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004


 

Policyowner Dividends

Nearly all life, disability and long-term care insurance policies and certain annuity contracts issued by the Company are participating. Annually, the Company’s Board of Trustees approves dividends payable on participating policies during the subsequent fiscal year, which are accrued and charged to operations when approved. Participating policyowners generally have the option to direct their dividends to be paid in cash, used to reduce future premiums due or used to purchase additional insurance. Dividends used by policyowners to purchase additional insurance are reported as premiums in the consolidated statement of operations, but are not included in premiums received or benefit payments in the consolidated statement of cash flows.

Nonadmitted Assets

Certain assets are designated as nonadmitted on the statutory basis of accounting. Such assets, principally related to pension funding, amounts advanced to or due from the Company’s financial representatives, furniture, fixtures, equipment and non-operating software (net of accumulated depreciation) and certain investments are excluded from reported assets and surplus in the consolidated statement of financial position. Changes in nonadmitted assets are reported as a direct adjustment to surplus in the consolidated statement of changes in surplus.

Reclassifications

Certain amounts in prior year footnote disclosures have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.

 

4. Investments

Bonds

Investments in bonds are reported in the financial statements at amortized cost, less any valuation adjustment. The interest method is used to amortize any purchase premium or discount. Use of the interest method for loan-backed bonds and structured securities includes estimates of future prepayments obtained from independent sources. Prepayment assumptions are updated at least annually, using the retrospective adjustment method to recognize related changes in the estimated yield-to-maturity of such securities.

Valuation adjustments are made for bonds in or near default, which are reported at the lower of amortized cost or fair value and for bonds with a decline in fair value that management considers to be other-than-temporary. See Note 3 regarding investment capital gains and losses. At December 31, 2006 and 2005, the reported value of bonds was reduced by $102 million and $174 million, respectively, of valuation adjustments.

Disclosure of estimated fair value is based upon values published by the Securities Valuation Office (“SVO”) of the NAIC. In the absence of SVO-published values, estimated fair value is based upon quoted market prices, if available. For bonds without quoted market prices, fair value is estimated using independent pricing services or internally developed pricing models.

 

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL

The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Statutory Financial Statements

December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004


 

Statement value and estimated fair value of bonds at December 31, 2006 and 2005 were as follows:

 

December 31, 2006

   Reconciliation to Estimated Fair Value
     Statement
Value
   Gross
Unrealized
Gains
   Gross
Unrealized
Losses
   

Estimated

Fair

Value

     (in millions)

U.S. Governments

   $ 8,075    $ 309    $ (22 )   $ 8,362

States, territories and possessions

     247      35      (3 )     279

Special revenue and assessments

     13,577      55      (206 )     13,426

All foreign governments

     829      121      (2 )     948

Public utilities

     5,329      170      (77 )     5,422

Banks, trust and insurance companies

     9,943      318      (129 )     10,132

Industrial and miscellaneous

     32,564      752      (436 )     32,880
                            

Total

   $ 70,564    $ 1,760    $ (875 )   $ 71,449
                            

 

December 31, 2005

   Reconciliation to Estimated Fair Value
     Statement
Value
   Gross
Unrealized
Gains
   Gross
Unrealized
Losses
    Estimated
Fair
Value
     (in millions)

U.S. Governments

   $ 9,497    $ 492    $ (28 )   $ 9,961

States, territories and possessions

     417      42      (3 )     456

Special revenue and assessments

     12,590      59      (184 )     12,465

All foreign governments

     189      23      (1 )     211

Public utilities

     4,838      222      (45 )     5,015

Banks, trust and insurance companies

     9,472      388      (97 )     9,763

Industrial and miscellaneous

     28,896      948      (421 )     29,423
                            

Total

   $ 65,899    $ 2,174    $ (779 )   $ 67,294
                            

Statement value and estimated fair value of bonds by contractual maturity at December 31, 2006 are presented below. Estimated maturities may differ from contractual maturities because certain borrowers have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.

 

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL

The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Statutory Financial Statements

December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004


 

    

Statement

Value

  

Estimated

Fair Value

     (in millions)

Due in one year or less

   $ 2,154    $ 2,157

Due after one year through five years

     12,157      12,408

Due after five years through ten years

     18,727      18,736

Due after ten years

     15,826      16,573
             
     48,864      49,874

Mortgage-backed and structured securities

     21,700      21,575
             

Total

   $ 70,564    $ 71,449
             

Common and Preferred Stocks

Common stocks are generally reported in the financial statements at fair value, which is based upon quoted market prices, if available. For common stocks without quoted market prices, fair value is estimated using independent pricing services or internally developed pricing models. The equity method is generally used to value investments in common stock of unconsolidated non-insurance subsidiaries. See Note 12 regarding the statement value of the Company’s investment in Frank Russell Company.

Preferred stocks rated “1” (highest quality), “2” (high quality) or “3” (medium quality) by the SVO are reported in the financial statements at amortized cost. Preferred stocks rated “4” (low quality), “5” (lower quality) or “6” (lowest quality) by the SVO are reported in the financial statements at the lower of amortized cost or fair value. Estimated fair value is based upon quoted market prices, if available. For preferred stock without quoted market prices, fair value is estimated using independent pricing services or internally developed pricing models.

Valuation adjustments are made for preferred stocks with SVO quality ratings of “4”, “5” or “6” and for common and preferred stocks with a decline in fair value that management considers to be other-than-temporary. At December 31, 2006 and 2005, the reported value of common and preferred stocks was reduced by $117 million and $172 million, respectively, of valuation adjustments.

Mortgage Loans

Mortgage loans are reported in the financial statements at unpaid principal balance, less any valuation allowance or unamortized commitment or origination fee. Such fees are generally deferred upon receipt and amortized into net investment income using the interest method.

Mortgage loans are considered impaired when, based on current information, management considers it probable that the Company will be unable to collect all principal and interest due according to the contractual terms of the loan. If necessary, a valuation adjustment is made to reduce the carrying value of an impaired loan to the lower of unpaid principal balance or estimated net realizable value based on appraisal of the collateral property. If the impairment is considered to be temporary, the valuation adjustment is reported as an unrealized loss. Valuation adjustments

 

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL

The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Statutory Financial Statements

December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004


 

for impairments considered to be other-than-temporary are reported as realized losses. At December 31, 2006 and 2005, the reported value of mortgage loans was reduced by $0 and $2 million, respectively, of valuation adjustments.

The maximum and minimum interest rates for mortgage loans originated during 2006 were 7.3% and 5.2%, respectively, while these rates during 2005 were 7.8% and 3.7%, respectively. The aggregate ratio of amounts loaned to the value of collateral for mortgage loans originated during 2006 and 2005 were 63% and 59%, respectively, with a maximum of 100% for any single loan during each of 2006 and 2005.

Real Estate

Real estate investments are reported in the financial statements at cost, less any valuation adjustment, encumbrances and accumulated depreciation of buildings and other improvements using a straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the improvements. An investment in real estate is considered impaired when, based on current information, the estimated fair value of the property is lower than depreciated cost. The estimated fair value is primarily based upon the present value of future cash flow (for commercial properties) or the capitalization of stabilized net operating income (for multi-family residential properties). When the Company determines that an investment in real estate is impaired, a valuation adjustment is made to reduce the carrying value to estimated fair value, net of encumbrances. Valuation adjustments are reported as a realized loss. At December 31, 2006 and 2005, the reported value of real estate was reduced by $21 million and $27 million, respectively, of valuation adjustments.

At December 31, 2006 and 2005, the reported value of real estate included $186 million and $185 million, respectively, of real estate properties occupied by the Company.

Leveraged Leases

Leveraged leases primarily represent investments in commercial aircraft or real estate properties that are leased to third parties and serve as collateral for non-recourse borrowings. Leveraged leases are valued at the present value of future minimum lease payments plus the residual value of the leased asset and reported as other investments in the consolidated statement of financial position. At December 31, 2006 and 2005, the reported value of leveraged leases was $339 million and $342 million, respectively. When the Company determines that receipt of all scheduled lease payments is unlikely or that the estimated residual value of the asset has declined, a valuation adjustment is made to reduce the value of the lease. Valuation adjustments are reported as a realized loss. At December 31, 2006 and 2005, the reported value of leveraged leases was reduced by $14 million and $106 million, respectively, of valuation adjustments.

Capital Gains and Losses

Realized investment gains and losses for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004 were as follows:

 

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL

The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Statutory Financial Statements

December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004


 

     For the year ended
December 31, 2006
    For the year ended
December 31, 2005
    For the year ended
December 31, 2004
 
     Realized
Gains
   Realized
Losses
   

Net
Realized
Gains

(Losses)

    Realized
Gains
   Realized
Losses
   

Net
Realized
Gains

(Losses)

    Realized
Gains
   Realized
Losses
   

Net
Realized
Gains

(Losses)

 
           (in millions)  

Bonds

   $ 243    $ (497 )   $ (254 )   $ 454    $ (536 )   $ (82 )   $ 816    $ (369 )   $ 447  

Common and preferred stocks

     1,193      (241 )     952       909      (196 )     713       521      (211 )     310  

Mortgage loans

     1      —         1       3      (1 )     2       —        (1 )     (1 )

Real estate

     18      —         18       64      (1 )     63       48      (8 )     40  

Other investments

     207      (357 )     (150 )     140      (177 )     (37 )     325      (522 )     (197 )
                                                                     
   $ 1,662    $ (1,095 )     567     $ 1,570    $ (911 )     659     $ 1,710    $ (1,111 )     599  
                                                   

Less: IMR gains (losses)

          (261 )          (61 )          317  

Less: Capital gains taxes

          418            410            188  
                                       

Net realized capital gains

        $ 410          $ 310          $ 94  
                                       

Proceeds from the sale of bond investments totaled $52 billion, $72 billion and $48 billion for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively.

Realized losses (before IMR deferrals and capital gains taxes) included $74 million, $276 million and $116 million of valuation adjustments for declines in fair value of investments that were considered to be other-than-temporary for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively.

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of bonds and common and preferred stocks for which the estimated fair value had temporarily declined and remained below cost as of December 31, 2006 and 2005, were as follows:

 

     December 31, 2006  
     Decline For Less Than 12 Months     Decline For Greater Than 12
Months
 
     Cost/
Amortized
Cost
   Fair
Value
   Difference     Cost/
Amortized
Cost
   Fair
Value
   Difference  
     (in millions)  

Bonds

   $ 11,200    $ 11,051    $ (149 )   $ 22,631    $ 21,908    $ (723 )

Common and preferred stocks

     920      835      (85 )     122      82      (40 )
                                            

Total

   $ 12,120    $ 11,886    $ (234 )   $ 22,753    $ 21,990    $ (763 )
                                            

 

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL

The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Statutory Financial Statements

December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004


 

     December 31, 2005  
     Decline For Less Than 12 Months     Decline For Greater Than 12 Months  
     Cost/
Amortized
Cost
   Fair
Value
   Difference     Cost/
Amortized
Cost
   Fair
Value
   Difference  
     (in millions)  

Bonds

   $ 26,527    $ 26,014    $ (513 )   $ 5,862    $ 5,593    $ (269 )

Common and preferred stocks

     732      672      (60 )     483      376      (107 )
                                            

Total

   $ 27,259    $ 26,686    $ (573 )   $ 6,345    $ 5,969    $ (376 )
                                            

Changes in net unrealized investment gains and losses for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004 were as follows:

 

     For the year ended December 31,  
     2006     2005     2004  
           (in millions)        

Bonds

   $ 58     $ (43 )   $ 42  

Common and preferred stocks

     466       304       818  

Other investments

     264       198       75  
                        
     788       459       935  

Change in deferred taxes

     (207 )     (116 )     (290 )
                        
   $ 581     $ 343     $ 645  
                        

Securities Lending

The Company has entered into securities lending agreements whereby certain investment securities are loaned to third parties, primarily major brokerage firms. The aggregate statement value of loaned securities was $3.2 billion and $2.9 billion at December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively. The Company’s policy requires a minimum of 102% of the fair value of the loaned securities, calculated on a daily basis, as collateral in the form of either cash or securities held by the Company or a trustee. At December 31, 2006 and 2005, unrestricted cash collateral held by the Company of $3.2 billion and $2.9 billion, respectively, is classified as cash and invested assets and the offsetting collateral liability of $3.2 billion and $2.9 billion, respectively, is classified as other liabilities in the consolidated statement of financial position. At December 31, 2006 and 2005, additional non-cash collateral of $876 million and $539 million, respectively, was held on the Company’s behalf by a trustee and is not included in the consolidated statement of financial position.

 

5. Derivative Financial Instruments

In the normal course of business, the Company enters into derivative transactions, generally to mitigate (or “hedge”) the risk to assets, liabilities and surplus from fluctuations in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates and other market risks. Derivatives used in hedging transactions are classified as either “cash flow” hedges, which mitigate the risk of variability in future cash

 

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL

The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Statutory Financial Statements

December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004


 

flows from the position being hedged, or “fair value” hedges, which mitigate the risk of changes in fair value of the position being hedged. Derivatives classified as hedges that meet the specific correlation requirements for hedge accounting are accounted for in a manner that is consistent with the item being hedged (e.g., at amortized cost or fair value). Derivatives used as hedges, but that do not meet the specific correlation requirements for hedge accounting, are accounted for at fair value.

In addition to hedging, the Company uses derivatives for the purpose of investment “replication.” A replication is a derivative transaction that, when entered into in conjunction with other investments, serves to replicate in the aggregate the characteristics of otherwise permissible investments. Derivatives used as part of a replication are accounted for in a manner consistent with the replicated asset (e.g., at amortized cost or fair value).

The Company does not take positions in derivatives for income generation purposes.

The Company held the following derivative positions at December 31, 2006 and 2005:

 

     December 31, 2006     December 31, 2005  

Derivative Instrument

   Notional
Amount
   Statement
Value
    Fair
Value
    Notional
Amount
   Statement
Value
    Fair
Value
 
     (in millions)  

Cash Flow Hedges:

              

Interest rate floors

   $ 1,250    $ 20     $ 22     $ 1,250    $ 20     $ 34  

Swaptions

     1,031      36       21       818      33       19  

Foreign currency swaps

     666      —         (28 )     312      —         (10 )

Construction loan forwards

     1      —         —         19      —         1  

Foreign currency covers

     2      —         2       67      —         67  

Interest rate swaps

     102      —         8       292      3       11  

Interest rate basis swaps

     120      —         —         80      —         —    

Commodity swaps

     10      —         —         3      1       1  

Fair Value Hedges:

              

Credit default swaps

     199      (2 )     (2 )     220      (3 )     (3 )

Foreign currency forwards

     2,269      (18 )     (18 )     1,735      13       13  

Fixed income futures

     869      —         —         1,775      —         —    

Short equity index futures

     180      —         —         441      —         —    

Purchased put options

     —        —         —         —        —         —    

Replications:

              

Fixed income

     104      —         1       136      —         (1 )

Long equity futures

     27      —         —         5      —         —    

Long fixed income futures

     2,227      —         —         —        —         —    

The notional amounts of derivative financial instruments are used to contractually denominate the transactions and do not represent the amounts exchanged between the parties.

The reported statement value of derivatives is reported as other investments in the consolidated statement of financial position.

 

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL

The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Statutory Financial Statements

December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004


 

Fair value is estimated as the amount that the Company would expect to receive or pay upon termination of the derivative contract as of the reporting date. Changes in fair value on open derivative positions accounted for at fair value are reported as unrealized capital gains or losses. Upon maturity or termination of derivative positions accounted for at fair value, capital gains and losses are reported as realized.

Following are descriptions of the types of derivative instruments used by the Company during 2006 and 2005:

Cash Flow Hedges:

Interest rate floors are used to mitigate the asset/liability management risks of a significant and sustained decrease in interest rates for certain of the Company’s insurance products. Floors entitle the Company to receive settlement payments from the counterparties if interest rates decline below a specified level. The Company’s use of interest rate floors qualifies for hedge accounting.

Swaptions are used to mitigate the asset/liability management risks of a significant and sustained increase or decrease in interest rates for certain of the Company’s insurance products. A swaption is a contractual agreement whereby the Company holds an option to enter into an interest rate swap with another party on predefined terms. The Company’s use of swaptions qualifies for hedge accounting.

Foreign currency swaps are used to mitigate exposure to variable U.S. dollar cash flows from certain bonds denominated in foreign currencies. A foreign currency swap is a contractual agreement to exchange the currencies of two different countries at a specified rate of exchange in the future. The Company’s use of foreign currency swaps qualifies for hedge accounting.

Construction loan forwards are used to mitigate exposure to market fluctuations for the forecasted purchase of GNMA loan certificates. Construction loan forwards entitle the Company to purchase GNMA loan certificates at a predetermined price at a date in the future that does not exceed 10 years. The Company’s use of construction loan forwards qualifies for hedge accounting.

Foreign currency covers are used to mitigate the foreign exchange risk on trades of investments denominated in foreign currencies. Foreign currency covers obligate the Company to pay or receive a specified amount of foreign currency at a future date at a specified exchange rate. The Company’s use of foreign currency covers qualifies for hedge accounting.

Interest rate swaps are used to mitigate exposure to interest rate risk on certain floating and fixed rate bonds. An interest rate swap is a contractual agreement to pay a rate of interest based upon a reference index in exchange for a fixed rate of interest established at the origination of the contract. In some cases the Company’s use of interest rate swaps qualifies for hedge accounting, while in others it does not. Unrealized losses of $3 million and unrealized gains of $2 million were recognized during 2006 and 2005, respectively, on those contracts that did not qualify for hedge accounting treatment.

Interest rate basis swaps are used to mitigate the basis risk on certain hedges of variable rate preferred stocks. An interest rate basis swap is a contractual agreement to pay a rate of return based upon one reference index in exchange for receiving a rate of return based upon a different reference index. The Company’s use of interest rate basis swaps does not qualify for hedge accounting treatment. No unrealized gains or losses were recognized during 2006 or 2005 on these contracts.

 

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL

The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Statutory Financial Statements

December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004


 

Commodity swaps are used to mitigate exposure to market fluctuations for the forward sale of crude oil and natural gas production. They are contractual agreements whereby one party pays a floating commodity price in exchange for a specified fixed commodity price. The Company’s use of commodity swaps does not qualify for hedge accounting treatment. Unrealized losses of $300 thousand and unrealized gains of $1 million were recognized during 2006 and 2005, respectively, on these contracts.

Fair Value Hedges:

Credit default swaps are used to mitigate the credit risk associated with investments in bonds of specific issuers. A credit default swap allows the Company to put the bond to a counterparty at par upon a “credit event” sustained by the bond issuer. A credit event is defined as bankruptcy, failure to pay or obligation acceleration. In some cases the Company’s use of credit default swaps qualifies for hedge accounting, while in others it does not. Unrealized gains of $1 million were recognized during each of 2006 and 2005 on those contracts that did not qualify for hedge accounting treatment.

Foreign currency forwards are used to mitigate the foreign exchange risk for portfolios of investments denominated in foreign currencies. Foreign currency forward contracts obligate the Company to deliver a specified amount of foreign currency at a future date at a specified exchange rate. The Company’s use of foreign currency forward contracts does not qualify for hedge accounting treatment. Unrealized losses of $31 million and unrealized gains of $85 million were recognized during 2006 and 2005, respectively, on these contracts.

Fixed income futures are used to mitigate interest rate risk for a portion of the Company’s fixed maturity investment portfolio. Fixed income futures contracts obligate the Company to buy or sell a financial instrument at a specified future date for a specified price. The Company’s use of fixed income futures contracts does not qualify for hedge accounting treatment. Unrealized gains of $28 million and unrealized losses of $9 million were recognized during 2006 and 2005, respectively, on these contracts.

Short equity index futures are used to mitigate exposure to market fluctuations for the Company’s portfolio of common stocks. Futures contracts obligate the Company to buy or sell a financial instrument at a specified future date for a specified price. The Company’s use of futures contracts does not qualify for hedge accounting treatment. Unrealized losses of $1 million were recognized during each of 2006 and 2005 on these contracts.

Purchased put options are used to mitigate exposure to credit risk associated with a specific security. Purchased put options give the Company the option to sell a financial instrument at a specified future date for a specified price. The Company’s use of put options does not qualify for hedge accounting treatment. No unrealized gains or losses were recognized during 2006 or 2005 on these contracts.

Replications:

Fixed income replications are used to replicate a bond investment through the use of credit default swaps, interest rate swaps, credit default indexes and cash market instruments. These replication transactions, including the derivative components, are reported at amortized cost. The average fair value of such contracts was $1 million and ($4) million during 2006 and 2005, respectively. Realized gains of $2 million and realized losses of $10 million were recognized during 2006 and 2005, respectively, upon termination of these contracts.

 

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL

The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Statutory Financial Statements

December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004


 

Long equity futures replications are used to gain equity market investment exposure. These replication transactions are reported at fair value, with changes in fair value reported as an unrealized gain or loss until the contracts are terminated. The average fair value of such contracts was $41 million and $230 million during 2006 and 2005, respectively. Realized gains of $6 million and realized losses of $2 million were recognized during 2006 and 2005, respectively, upon termination of these contracts.

Long fixed income futures replications are used to manage the duration of the fixed income portfolio and mitigate exposure to interest rate changes. These replication transactions are reported at fair value, with changes in fair value reported as an unrealized gain or loss until the contracts are terminated. The average fair value of such contracts was $1,266 million and $342 million during 2006 and 2005, respectively. Realized gains of $24 million and $7 million were recognized during 2006 and 2005, respectively, upon termination of these contracts.

 

6. Reserves for Policy Benefits

General account reserves for policy benefits at December 31, 2006 and 2005 are summarized below:

 

     December 31,
     2006    2005
     (in millions)

Life insurance reserves

   $ 90,489    $ 83,590

Annuity reserves and deposit liabilities

     5,358      5,193

Disability and long-term care unpaid claims and claim reserves

     3,555      3,373

Disability and long-term care active life reserves

     2,079      1,988
             

Total reserves for policy benefits

   $ 101,481    $ 94,144
             

Life insurance reserves on substantially all policies issued since 1978 are based on the Commissioner’s Reserve Valuation Method (“CRVM”) using the 1958, 1980 or 2001 CSO mortality tables with valuation interest rates ranging from 3.5% to 5.5%. Other life insurance reserves are primarily based on the net level premium method, using various mortality tables at interest rates ranging from 2% to 4.5%. As of December 31, 2006, the Company had $995 billion of total life insurance in-force, including $13 billion of life insurance in-force for which gross premiums were less than net premiums according to the standard valuation methods and assumptions prescribed by the OCI.

Tabular cost has been determined from the basic data for the calculation of policy reserves. Tabular cost less actual reserves released has been determined from the basic data for the calculation of reserves and reserves released. Tabular interest has been determined from the basic data for the calculation of policy reserves. Tabular interest on funds not involving life contingencies is calculated as the product of the valuation interest rate times the mean of the amount of funds subject to such rate held at the beginning and end of the year of valuation.

Additional premiums are charged for substandard lives for policies issued after January 1, 1956. Net level premium or CRVM mean reserves are based on multiples of mortality tables or one-half the net flat or other extra mortality charge. The Company waives deduction of fractional premiums

 

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL

The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Statutory Financial Statements

December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004


upon death of an insured and returns any portion of the final premium beyond the date of death. Cash values are not promised in excess of the legally computed reserves.

Deferred annuity reserves on contracts issued since 1985 are primarily based on the Commissioner’s Annuity Reserve Valuation Method with valuation interest rates ranging from 3.5% to 6.25%. Other deferred annuity reserves are based on contract value. Immediate annuity reserves are based on present value of expected benefit payments with valuation interest rates ranging from 3.5% to 7.5%. Changes in future policy benefits on supplementary contracts without life contingencies are classified as deposit-type transactions and thereby excluded from net additions to policy benefit reserves in the consolidated statement of operations.

At December 31, 2006 and 2005, the withdrawal characteristics of the Company’s general account annuity reserves and deposit liabilities were as follows:

     December 31,
     2006    2005
     (in millions)

Subject to discretionary withdrawal

     

- with market value adjustment

   $ 1,317    $ 1,276

- without market value adjustment

     2,553      2,508

Not subject to discretionary withdrawal

     1,488      1,409
             

Total

   $ 5,358    $ 5,193
             

Unpaid claims and claim reserves for disability policies are based on the present value of expected benefit payments, primarily using the 1985 Commissioner’s Individual Disability Table A (“CIDA”), modified for Company experience in the first four years of disability, with valuation interest rates ranging from 3.0% to 5.5%. Unpaid claims and claim reserves for long-term care policies are based on the present value of expected benefit payments using industry-based long-term care experience with valuation interest rates ranging from 4.0% to 4.5%.

Reserves for unpaid claims, losses and loss adjustment expenses on disability and long-term care policies were $3.6 billion and $3.4 billion at December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively. The table below provides a summary of the changes in these reserves for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005.

 

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL

The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Statutory Financial Statements

December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004


 

     For the year ended
December 31,
 
     2006     2005  
     (in millions)  

Balance at January 1

   $ 3,373     $ 3,234  

Incurred related to:

    

Current year

     482       462  

Prior year

     119       68  
                

Total incurred

     601       530  

Paid related to:

    

Current year

     (19 )     (18 )

Prior year

     (400 )     (373 )
                

Total paid

     (419 )     (391 )
                

Balance at December 31

   $ 3,555     $ 3,373  
                

The changes in reserves for incurred claims related to prior years are generally the result of updated analysis of loss development trends.

Active life reserves for disability policies issued since 1987 are primarily based on the two-year preliminary term method using the 1985 CIDA for morbidity with a 4.0% valuation interest rate. Active life reserves for prior disability policies are based on the net level premium method, using the 1964 Commissioner’s Disability Table for morbidity with valuation interest rates ranging from 3.0% to 4.0%.

Active life reserves for long-term care policies consist of mid-terminal reserves and unearned premiums. Mid-terminal reserves are based on the one-year term preliminary term method and industry-based morbidity experience. For policies issued prior to March, 2002, reserves are based on a 4.0% valuation interest rate and total terminations based on the 1983 Individual Annuitant Mortality table without lapses. For policies issued March, 2002 and later, minimum reserves are based on valuation interest rates of 4.0% or 4.5% and total terminations based on either the 1983 Group Annuity Mortality table or the 1994 Group Annuity Mortality table with lapses. A separate calculation is performed using valuation interest rates ranging from 5.2% to 6.0% and assuming no lapses. Reserves from the separate calculation are compared in the aggregate to the minimum reserves and the greater of the two is held.

 

7. Premium and Annuity Considerations Deferred and Uncollected

Gross deferred and uncollected insurance premiums represent life insurance premiums due to be received from policyowners through the next respective policy anniversary dates. Net deferred and uncollected premiums represent only the portion of gross premiums related to mortality charges and interest, and are reported as an asset in the consolidated statement of financial position.

 

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL

The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Statutory Financial Statements

December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004


 

Deferred and uncollected premiums at December 31, 2006 and 2005 were as follows:

 

     December 31, 2006    December 31, 2005
     Gross    Net    Gross    Net
     (in millions)

Ordinary new business

   $ 175    $ 86    $ 171    $ 81

Ordinary renewal

     1,759      1,447      1,647      1,348
                           
   $ 1,934    $ 1,533    $ 1,818    $ 1,429
                           

 

8. Separate Accounts

Following is a summary of separate account liabilities by withdrawal characteristic at December 31, 2006 and 2005:

 

     December 31,
     2006    2005
     (in millions)

Subject to discretionary withdrawal - with market value adjustment

   $ 15,083    $ 13,098

Not subject to discretionary withdrawal

     2,755      2,434

Non-policy liabilities

     209      221
             

Total separate account liabilities

   $ 18,047    $ 15,753
             

While separate account liability values are not guaranteed by the Company, variable annuity and variable life insurance products do include guaranteed minimum death benefits (“GMDB”) underwritten by the Company. General account reserves for policy benefits included $6 million and $8 million attributable to GMDB at December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

Premiums and other considerations received from variable life and variable annuity policyowners during each of the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005 were $1.6 billion. These amounts are reported as premiums in the consolidated statement of operations. The subsequent transfer of these receipts to the separate accounts is reported in transfers to separate accounts in the consolidated statement of operations, net of amounts received from the separate accounts to provide for policy benefit payments to variable product policyowners.

Following is a summary reconciliation of amounts reported as transfers to and from separate accounts in the summary of operations of the Company’s NAIC Separate Account Annual Statement with the amount reported as net transfers to separate accounts in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004:

 

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL

The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Statutory Financial Statements

December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004


 

     For the year ended December 31,  
     2006     2005     2004  
     (in millions)  

From Separate Account Annual Statement:

      

Transfers to separate accounts

   $ 1,719     $ 1,721     $ 1,428  

Transfers from separate accounts

     (1,227 )     (1,043 )     (1,012 )
                        
     492       678       416  

Reconciling adjustments:

      

Mortality, breakage and taxes

     —         (14 )     6  
                        

Net transfers to separate accounts

   $ 492     $ 664     $ 422  
                        

 

9. Employee and Representative Benefit Plans

The Company sponsors noncontributory defined benefit retirement plans (“plans”) for all eligible employees and financial representatives. These include tax-qualified plans, as well as nonqualified plans that provide benefits to certain participants in excess of ERISA limits for qualified plans. The Company’s funding policy for the tax qualified plans is to make annual contributions that are no less than the minimum amount needed to comply with the requirements of ERISA and no greater than the maximum amount deductible for federal income tax purposes. The Company contributed $38 million and $180 million to the qualified employee retirement plan during 2006 and 2005, respectively, and expects to contribute $41 million in 2007.

In addition to defined pension benefits, the Company provides certain health care and life insurance benefits (“postretirement benefits”) to retired employees, financial representatives and eligible dependents. Substantially all employees and financial representatives will become eligible for these benefits if they reach retirement age while working for the Company. The Company contributed $23 million and $0 to the postretirement benefit plan during 2006 and 2005, respectively. No contributions are expected during 2007.

Aggregate assets and projected benefit obligations of the defined benefit plans and for postretirement benefits at December 31, 2006 and 2005, and changes in assets and obligations for the years then ended, were as follows:

 

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL

The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Statutory Financial Statements

December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004


 

     Defined Benefit Plans     Postretirement Benefit Plans  
     2006     2005     2006     2005  
     (in millions)  

Fair value of plan assets at January 1

   $ 2,264     $ 1,950     $ 57     $ 58  

Changes in plan assets:

        

Actual return on plan assets

     275       173       8       1  

Company contributions

     38       180       23       —    

Actual plan benefits paid

     (44 )     (39 )     (3 )     (2 )
                                

Fair value of plan assets at December 31

   $ 2,533     $ 2,264     $ 85     $ 57  
                                

Projected benefit obligation at January 1

   $ 2,233     $ 2,041     $ 208     $ 196  

Changes in benefit obligation:

        

Service cost of benefits earned

     79       72       23       20  

Interest cost on projected obligations

     127       118       11       11  

Projected gross plan benefits paid

     (50 )     (45 )     (12 )     (11 )

Projected Medicare Part D reimbursement

     —         —         2       —    

Experience losses (gains)

     (79 )     47       (21 )     (8 )
                                

Projected benefit obligation at December 31

   $ 2,310     $ 2,233     $ 211     $ 208  
                                

Plan assets are invested primarily in common stocks and a diversified mix of corporate, government and mortgage-backed debt securities through a separate account of the Company. The investment objective of the plans is to maximize long-term total rate of return, consistent with prudent investment risk management and in accordance with ERISA requirements. Investments are made for the sole interest of the plans’ participants.

While significant exposure to publicly traded equity securities is warranted by the long-term duration of expected benefit payments, diversification across asset classes is maintained to provide a risk/reward profile consistent with the objectives of the plans’ participants. Diversified equity investments are subject to an aggregate maximum exposure of 75% of total assets, with holdings in any one corporate issuer not to exceed 3% of total assets. Asset mix is rebalanced regularly to maintain holdings within target asset allocation ranges. The measurement date for plan assets is December 31, with the fair value of plan assets based primarily on quoted market values.

The fair value of plan assets by asset class at December 31, 2006 and 2005 was as follows:

 

     Defined Benefit Plans     Postretirement Benefit Plans  
     2006    % of
Total
    2005    % of
Total
    2006    % of
Total
    2005    % of
Total
 
     (in millions)  

Bonds

   $ 1,130    45 %   $ 965    43 %   $ 38    45 %   $ 24    42 %

Preferred stock

     9    0 %     7    0 %     —      0 %     —      0 %

Public common stock

     1,334    53 %     1,239    55 %     45    53 %     33    58 %

Private equities and other

     60    2 %     53    2 %     2    2 %     —      0 %
                                                    

Total assets

   $ 2,533    100 %   $ 2,264    100 %   $ 85    100 %   $ 57    100 %
                                                    

 

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL

The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Statutory Financial Statements

December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004


 

The projected benefit obligation (“PBO”) represents the actuarial net present value of future benefit obligations. For defined benefit plans, PBO includes assumptions as to future salary increases. This measure is consistent with the ongoing concern assumption and is prescribed for measurement of pension obligations. The accumulated benefit obligation (“ABO”) is similar to the PBO, but is based only on current salaries, with no assumption of future salary increases. The aggregate ABO for the defined benefit plans of the Company was $1.9 billion and $1.8 billion at December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

The PBO and ABO amounts above represent the obligations for the benefits of vested participants only, as required by the statutory basis of accounting. The additional amounts for participants that have not yet vested in the defined pension plans and the postretirement plans are as follows:

 

     Defined Benefit Plans    Postretirement Benefit Plans
     2006    2005    2006    2005
     (in millions)

PBO

   $ 63    $ 60    $ 232    $ 249

ABO

     37      35      —        —  

The following tables summarize the assumptions used in estimating the projected benefit obligations and the net benefit cost at December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004 and for the years then ended:

 

     Defined Benefit Plans     Postretirement Benefit Plans  
     2006     2005     2004     2006     2005     2004  

Projected benefit obligation:

            

Discount rate

   6.00 %   5.75 %   6.00 %   6.00 %   5.75 %   6.00 %

Annual increase in compensation

   4.50 %   4.50 %   4.50 %   4.50 %   4.50 %   4.50 %

Net periodic benefit cost:

            

Discount rate

   5.75 %   6.00 %   6.50 %   5.75 %   6.00 %   6.50 %

Annual increase in compensation

   4.50 %   4.50 %   4.50 %   4.50 %   4.50 %   4.50 %

Long-term rate of return on plan assets

   8.00 %   8.00 %   8.00 %   8.00 %   8.00 %   8.00 %

The long-term rate of return on plan assets is estimated assuming an allocation of plan assets among asset classes consistent with December 31, 2006. Returns are estimated by asset class based on the current risk free interest rate plus a risk premium. The risk premium is based on historical returns and other factors such as expected reinvestment returns and asset manager performance.

The projected benefit obligation for postretirement benefits at December 31, 2006 assumed an annual increase in future retiree medical costs of 8%, grading down to 5% over four years and remaining level thereafter. At December 31, 2005 the comparable assumption was for an annual increase in future retiree medical costs of 10% grading down to 5% over five years and remaining level thereafter. A further increase in the assumed healthcare cost trend of 1% in each year would increase the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation at December 31, 2006 by $20 million and net periodic postretirement benefit expense during 2006 by $4 million. A decrease in the assumed healthcare cost trend of 1% in each year would reduce the accumulated postretirement

 

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL

The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Statutory Financial Statements

December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004


 

benefit obligation as of December 31, 2006 and net periodic postretirement benefit expense during 2006 by the same amounts.

Following is an aggregate reconciliation of the funded status of the plans to the related financial statement liability reported by the Company at December 31, 2006 and 2005:

 

    

Defined

Benefit Plans

   

Postretirement

Benefit Plans

 
     2006     2005     2006     2005  
     (in millions)  

Fair value of plan assets at December 31

   $ 2,533     $ 2,264     $ 85     $ 57  

Projected benefit obligation at December 31

     2,310       2,233       211       208  
                                

Funded status

     223       31       (126 )     (151 )

Unrecognized net experience losses

     332       513       20       8  

Unrecognized initial net asset

     (544 )     (557 )     —         —    

Additional minimum liability

     (14 )     (10 )     —         —    

Nonadmitted asset

     (378 )     (326 )     —         —    
                                

Net pension liability

   $ (381 )   $ (349 )   $ (106 )   $ (143 )
                                

Unrecognized net experience gains or losses represent cumulative amounts by which plan experience for return on plan assets or growth in benefit liabilities have varied from related assumptions. These differences accumulate without recognition in the Company’s financial statements unless they exceed 10% of plan assets or projected benefit obligation, whichever is greater. If they exceed this limit, they are amortized into net periodic benefit cost over the remaining average years of service until retirement of the plan participants, which is currently fourteen years for employee plans and twelve years for financial representative plans.

Unrecognized initial asset represents the amount by which the fair value of plan assets exceeded the projected benefit obligation for funded pension plans upon the adoption of new statutory accounting guidance for pensions as of January 1, 2001. The Company has elected not to record a direct credit to surplus for this excess, electing instead to amortize this unrecognized initial asset as a credit to net periodic benefit cost in a systematic manner until exhausted.

An additional minimum liability is required if a plan’s ABO exceeds plan assets or accrued pension liabilities. This liability was $14 million, $10 million and $16 million at December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively. Changes in the additional minimum liability are reported as a direct adjustment to surplus in the consolidated statement of changes in surplus.

Any net pension assets for funded plans are nonadmitted and are thereby excluded from reported assets and surplus in the consolidated statement of financial position.

 

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL

The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Statutory Financial Statements

December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004


 

The components of net periodic benefit cost for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004 were as follows:

 

     Defined Benefit Plans     Postretirement Benefits  
     2006     2005     2004     2006     2005     2004  
     (in millions)  

Components of net periodic benefit cost:

            

Service cost of benefits earned

   $ 79     $ 72     $ 70     $ 23     $ 20     $ 18  

Interest cost on projected obligations

     127       118       111       11       11       11  

Amortization of experience gains and losses

     20       15       13       1       1       1  

Amortization of initial net asset

     (13 )     (20 )     (21 )     —         —         —    

Expected return on plan assets

     (180 )     (166 )     (138 )     (5 )     (4 )     (1 )
                                                

Net periodic expense

   $ 33     $ 19     $ 35     $ 30     $ 28     $ 29  
                                                

The expected benefit payments by the defined benefit plans and the postretirement plans for the years 2007 through 2016 are as follows:

 

     Defined Benefit
Plans
   Postretirement
Benefit Plans
     (in millions)

2007

   $ 60    $ 13

2008

     67      14

2009

     75      16

2010

     84      18

2011

     94      20

2012-2016

     668      150
             
   $ 1,048    $ 231
             

The Company also sponsors a contributory 401(k) plan for eligible employees and a noncontributory defined contribution plan for financial representatives. For the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004 the Company expensed total contributions to these plans of $27 million, $25 million and $24 million, respectively.

 

10. Reinsurance

The Company limits its exposure to life insurance death benefits by ceding insurance coverage to various reinsurers. The Company retains a maximum of $35 million of individual life coverage and a maximum of $50 million of joint life coverage. The Company also participates in a life insurance catastrophic risk sharing pool. The Company also cedes a portion of its exposure to group disability benefits and long term care benefits on a coinsurance basis. Long term care policies issued after March 24, 2002 are not reinsured.

Amounts in the consolidated financial statements are reported net of the impact of reinsurance. Reserves for policy benefits at December 31, 2006 and 2005 were reported net of ceded reserves of $1.4 billion and $1.3 billion, respectively.

 

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL

The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Statutory Financial Statements

December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004


 

The effects of reinsurance on premium revenue and benefit expense for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004 were as follows:

 

     For the year ended December 31,  
     2006     2005     2004  
     (in millions)  

Direct premium revenue

   $ 12,890     $ 12,078     $ 11,397  

Premiums ceded

     (741 )     (715 )     (715 )
                        

Net premium revenue

   $ 12,149     $ 11,363     $ 10,682  
                        

Direct benefit expense

     13,263       12,161       11,568  

Benefits ceded

     (488 )     (475 )     (478 )
                        

Net benefit expense

   $ 12,775     $ 11,686     $ 11,090  
                        

In addition, the Company received $180 million, $182 million and $207 million in allowances from reinsurers for reimbursement of commissions and other expenses on ceded business for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively. These amounts are reported as other income in the consolidated statement of operations.

Reinsurance contracts do not relieve the Company from its obligations to policyowners. Failure of reinsurers to honor their obligations could result in losses to the Company. There were no reinsurance recoverables at December 31, 2006 and 2005 that were considered by management to be uncollectible.

 

11. Income Taxes

The Company files a consolidated federal income tax return including the following subsidiaries:

 

Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC    Frank Russell Company
Northwestern International Holdings, Inc.    Bradford, Inc.
NML Real Estate Holdings, LLC and subsidiaries    Network Planning Advisors, LLC
NML Securities Holdings, LLC and subsidiaries    Mason Street Advisors, LLC
Northwestern Investment Management Company, LLC    NML – CBO, LLC
Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company    JYD Assets, LLC
Jersey Par, LLC   

The Company collects from or refunds to these subsidiaries their share of consolidated income taxes determined under written tax-sharing agreements. During 2006, the Company dissolved Jersey Par, LLC. This subsidiary held investment properties that were sold prior to its dissolution. The 2006 consolidated income tax return will be the last year in which this entity is included. During 2004, the Company sold its majority interest in Baird Holding Company (see Note 14). Prior to the sale, Baird Holding Company was included in the Company’s consolidated income tax return. Federal income tax returns for years through 2003 are closed as to further assessment of tax. The liability for income taxes payable in the consolidated statement of financial position

 

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL

The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Statutory Financial Statements

December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004


 

represents taxes payable at the respective reporting date plus a provision for additional taxes that may become due with respect to then open tax years.

The Company accounts for deferred tax assets and liabilities, which represent the financial statement impact of cumulative temporary differences between the tax and financial statement bases of assets and liabilities. The significant components of the net deferred tax asset at December 31, 2006 and 2005 were as follows:

 

     December 31,    Change  
     2006    2005   
     (in millions)       

Deferred tax assets:

        

Policy acquisition costs

   $ 832    $ 794    $ 38  

Investments

     160      135      25  

Policy benefit liabilities

     1,816      1,705      111  

Benefit plan obligations

     385      313      72  

Guaranty fund assessments

     7      7      —    

Nonadmitted assets

     61      63      (2 )

Other

     130      63      67  
                      

Gross deferred tax assets

     3,391      3,080      311  
                      

Deferred tax liabilities:

        

Premium and other receivables

     569      539      30  

Investments

     1,622      1,480      142  

Other

     2      4      (2 )
                      

Gross deferred tax liabilities

     2,193      2,023      170  
                      

Net deferred tax assets

   $ 1,198    $ 1,057    $ 141  
                      

The statutory basis of accounting limits the amount of gross deferred tax assets that can be included in Company surplus. This limit is based on a formula that takes into consideration available loss carryback capacity, expected timing of reversal for existing temporary differences, gross deferred tax liabilities and the level of Company surplus. At December 31, 2006 and 2005, the Company’s gross deferred tax assets were less than this limit by $705 million and $672 million, respectively.

Changes in deferred tax assets and liabilities related to unrealized gains and losses on investments are reported as a component of changes in unrealized capital gains and losses in the consolidated statement of changes in surplus. Other net changes in deferred tax assets and liabilities are direct adjustments to surplus and separately reported in the consolidated statement of changes in surplus.

 

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL

The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Statutory Financial Statements

December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004


 

The major components of current income tax expense (benefit) were as follows:

 

     For the year ended
December 31,
 
     2006     2005     2004  
     (in millions)  

Income tax

   $ 103     $ 113     $ (85 )

Tax credits

     (86 )     (56 )     (39 )
                        

Total current tax expense (benefit)

   $ 17     $ 57     $ (124 )
                        

The Company’s taxable income can vary significantly from gain from operations before taxes due to temporary and permanent differences in revenue recognition and expense deduction between tax and financial statement bases of reporting.

The Company’s effective tax rates were 1%, 16% and 12% for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively. The effective rate is not the rate of tax applied to the Company’s taxable income or loss by the Internal Revenue Service. It is a financial statement relationship that represents the ratio between the sum of total taxes, including those that affect net income and changes in deferred taxes not related to unrealized gains and losses on investments, to the sum of gain from operations before taxes and pretax net realized gains or losses. These financial statement effective rates were different than the applicable federal income tax rate of 35% due primarily to net investment income eligible for dividends received deduction, amortization of the IMR, leveraged leases, tax credits, pension contributions, tax losses of subsidiaries not eligible for refunds under intercompany tax sharing agreements and adjustments to estimated current tax liabilities upon subsequent filing of tax returns.

The Company made payments for income taxes of $412 million, $318 million and $248 million for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively. Income taxes paid in 2006 and prior years of $1.8 billion are available at December 31, 2006 for recoupment in the event of future tax losses.

 

12. Frank Russell Company Acquisition and Goodwill

The Company acquired Frank Russell Company (“Russell”) effective January 1, 1999. Russell, a global leader in multi-manager investment services, provides investment products and services in 44 countries. The initial purchase price of approximately $1.0 billion was funded with a combination of cash, senior notes issued by Russell and bank debt. The purchase agreement also called for additional contingent consideration to be paid to the former owners of Russell based upon its financial performance during the five year period ended December 31, 2003.

The acquisition was accounted for using the statutory purchase method, whereby the excess of the acquisition price over the fair value of Russell net assets at the time of the acquisition was attributed to goodwill reported in the financial statements of Russell. Further, the statutory purchase method required that the Company’s cost basis of its investment in Russell be reduced, through a direct reduction of Company surplus, for the amount by which Russell goodwill exceeded 10% of the Company’s surplus at the time of the acquisition.

The Company applied for, and was granted, permission by the OCI for an alternative accounting treatment (“permitted practice”), whereby all Russell goodwill, including any subsequent additions

 

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL

The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Statutory Financial Statements

December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004


 

to goodwill resulting from payment of contingent purchase consideration, be charged off as a direct reduction of Company surplus. This permitted practice differs from that required by the NAIC “Accounting Practices and Procedures Manual,” which requires that any goodwill not in excess of 10% of the Company’s surplus be amortized using a straight-line method over the period during which the acquiring entity benefits economically or ten years, whichever is shorter.

At December 31, 2006 and 2005, the Company had made cumulative direct reductions of surplus for goodwill associated with the Russell acquisition of $981 million. These charge-offs exceeded the Company’s equity method investment basis in Russell by $473 million and $531 million at December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively, which is reported as a reduction of the Company’s total investment in common stocks in the consolidated statement of financial position.

If the Company had not received permission for this alternative accounting treatment, Company surplus as reported in the consolidated statement of financial position would have been greater by $194 million, $257 million and $320 million at December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively, and net income as reported in the consolidated statement of operations would have been lower by $63 million, $63 million and $61 million for the years then ended, respectively.

 

13. Contingencies and Guarantees

The Company has unconditionally guaranteed repayment of $350 million of senior notes and up to $100 million of bank borrowings owed by Russell. The Company believes that the likelihood is remote that payments will be required under these guarantees and therefore has not accrued a contingent liability in the consolidated statement of financial position.

In the normal course of business, the Company has guaranteed certain obligations of other affiliates and made guarantees of operating leases or future minimum compensation payments on behalf of its financial representatives. The maximum exposure under these guarantees totaled approximately $357 million at December 31, 2006. The Company believes that the likelihood is remote that payments will be required under these guarantees and therefore has not accrued a contingent liability in the consolidated statement of financial position. In addition, the Company routinely makes commitments to fund mortgage loans or other investments in the normal course of business. These commitments aggregated to $3.6 billion at December 31, 2006 and were extended at market interest rates and terms.

The Company is engaged in various legal actions in the normal course of its investment and insurance operations. In the opinion of management, losses that may ultimately result from such actions would not have a material effect on the Company’s financial position at December 31, 2006.

 

14. Related Party Transactions

During each of 2006 and 2005, the Company transferred certain investments to wholly-owned subsidiaries as a capital contribution. The aggregate statement value and fair value of the investments transferred during 2006 were $308 million and $406 million, respectively. The aggregate statement value and fair value of the investment interests transferred during 2005 were $987 million and $1.3 billion, respectively. These capital contributions were made at statement value, and no capital gain or loss was reported as a result of these transfers.

 

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL

The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Statutory Financial Statements

December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004


 

During 2005, the Company and two unconsolidated subsidiaries redeemed $14 million and $79 million, respectively, of seed money investments at fair value from the Mason Street Funds, a family of mutual funds that are sponsored and managed by a subsidiary of the Company. Realized and unrealized capital losses of $6 million were reported by the Company during 2005 on these redemptions. At December 31, 2005 the Company held shares in the Mason Street Funds with a fair value of $971 million, which are reported in common stocks in the consolidated statement of financial position. At December 31, 2005, the Company’s subsidiaries held additional shares in the Mason Street Funds with a fair value of $255 million.

During March 2006, the Company completed a reorganization transaction whereby the Mason Street Funds were combined with new or existing mutual funds sponsored by two unaffiliated third parties (“successor funds”). Prior to the reorganization transaction, the Company and its subsidiaries redeemed $289 million and $21 million, respectively, of seed money investments at fair value from the Mason Street Funds, with realized and unrealized capital gains of $68 million reported by the Company during 2006 on these redemptions. Under the terms of the reorganization transaction, the Company and its subsidiaries remaining Mason Street Fund shares, with fair values of $724 million and $246 million, respectively, were exchanged for shares of equal fair value in the successor funds. In connection with the reorganization, the Company and its subsidiaries agreed not to redeem their shares in the successor funds for a period of at least two, and in certain cases three, years after the closing of the transaction. At December 31, 2006 the Company held shares in the successor funds with fair value of $763 million, which are reported in common stocks in the consolidated statement of financial position. At December 31, 2006, the Company’s unconsolidated subsidiaries held additional shares in the successor funds with fair value of $254 million.

On May 13, 2004 the Company sold its majority interest in Baird Holding Company (“Baird”) to Baird management and employees. At the time of the sale, the Company owned approximately 51% of Baird common stock, with Baird management and employees owning the remainder. The Company realized a $30 million gain on the sale of its remaining interest in Baird, which was included in realized capital gains in the consolidated statement of operations during 2004. The Company financed a substantial portion of the sale price through the acquisition of $240 million of subordinated notes, with attached warrants, issued by Baird. These notes had interest rates of between 6.50% and 8.25% and maturities of between ten and twelve years. Notes in the amount of $138 million and $210 million remain outstanding at December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively, and are reported as bonds in the consolidated statement of financial position.

During 2004, the Company refinanced a credit facility owed by Russell and provided additional capital through the purchase, at par, of $258 million of notes issued by Russell. These notes have interest rates of between 4.19% and 6.35% and maturities of between five and ten years. Notes in the amount of $135 million and $191 million remain outstanding at December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively, and are reported as bonds in the consolidated statement of financial position.

During 2004, the Company transferred certain investments to a wholly-owned subsidiary as a capital contribution. The fair value of these securities was $222 million at the time of the transfer. Realized capital gains of $2 million were recognized during 2004 upon the transfer.

 

15. Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The fair value of investment assets, including derivatives, and certain policy liabilities at December 31, 2006 and 2005 were as follows:

 

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL

The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Statutory Financial Statements

December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004


 

     December 31, 2006    December 31, 2005
     Statement
Value
   Fair
Value
   Statement
Value
   Fair
Value
     (in millions)

Assets:

           

Bonds

   $ 70,564    $ 71,449    $ 65,899    $ 67,294

Common and preferred stocks

     9,228      12,441      8,120      10,844

Mortgage loans

     19,363      19,735      18,118      18,766

Real estate

     1,489      2,573      1,620      2,542

Policy loans

     10,995      12,130      10,265      11,603

Other investments

     7,930      10,092      6,935      8,393

Cash and temporary investments

     2,885      2,885      2,124      2,124

Liabilities:

           

Investment-type insurance reserves

   $ 4,161    $ 3,960    $ 4,100    $ 3,892

The fair value of bonds is generally based upon values published by the SVO and upon quoted market prices when no SVO value is available. The estimated fair value of common and preferred stocks are based upon quoted market prices if available. For those not actively traded, fair value is estimated using independent pricing services or internally developed pricing models. See Note 12 regarding the statement value of the Company’s investment in Russell. The fair value of mortgage loans is estimated by discounting estimated future cash flows using market interest rates for debt with comparable credit risk and maturities. Real estate fair value is estimated by discounting estimated future cash flows using market interest rates. Policy loan fair value is estimated based on discounted projected cash flows using market interest rates and assumptions regarding future loan repayments based on Company experience. Other investments include real estate joint ventures, for which fair value is estimated by discounting estimated future cash flows using market interest rates, other joint ventures and partnerships, for which statement value approximates fair value and investments in low income housing tax credits, for which fair value is estimated as the present value of estimated future tax benefits. Other investments also include derivative financial instruments, for which fair value is estimated as the amount that the Company would expect to receive or pay upon termination of the derivative contract as of the reporting date.

The estimated fair value of investment-type insurance liabilities is estimated by discounting estimated future cash flows at market interest rates for similar instruments with comparable maturities.

 

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PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS

   PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
   100 E. Wisconsin Ave., Suite 1800
   Milwaukee, WI 53202
   Telephone (414) 212 1600
   Facsimile (414) 212 1880

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Trustees and Policyowners of

The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company

We have audited the accompanying statutory consolidated statement of financial position of The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company and its subsidiary (“the Company”) as of December 31, 2006 and 2005, and the related consolidated statutory statements of operations, of changes in surplus and of cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2006. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards as established by the Auditing Standards Board (United States) and in accordance with the auditing 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 financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the 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.

As described in Note 1 to the financial statements, the Company prepared these consolidated financial statements using accounting practices prescribed or permitted by the Office of the Commissioner of Insurance of the State of Wisconsin (statutory basis of accounting), which practices differ from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Accordingly, the consolidated financial statements are not intended to represent a presentation in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The effects on the consolidated financial statements of the variances between the statutory basis of accounting and accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, although not reasonably determinable, are presumed to be material.

In our opinion, because of the effects of the matter discussed in the preceding paragraph, the consolidated financial statements referred to above do not present fairly in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, the financial position of The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company and its subsidiary as of December 31, 2006 and 2005, or the results of their operations or their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2006. In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company and its subsidiary as of December 31, 2006 and 2005 and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2006, on the basis of accounting described in Note 1.

/s/ PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP

January 23, 2007

 

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