N-CSR 1 d487252dncsr.htm NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL SERIES FUND, INC. Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc.
Table of Contents

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM N-CSR

CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED

MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES

Investment Company Act file number 811-3990

Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc.

 

(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

720 East Wisconsin Avenue,

Milwaukee Wisconsin 53202

 

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)

Barbara E. Courtney, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc.

 

(Name and address of agent for service)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: 414-271-1444

Date of fiscal year end: December 31

Date of reporting period: December 31, 2017

Form N-CSR is to be used by management investment companies to file reports with the Commission not later than 10 days after the transmission to stockholders of any report that is required to be transmitted to stockholders under Rule 30e-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (17 CFR 270.30e-1). The Commission may use the information provided on Form N-CSR in its regulatory, disclosure review, inspection, and policymaking roles.

A registrant is required to disclose the information specified by Form N-CSR, and the Commission will make this information public. A registrant is not required to respond to the collection of information contained in Form N-CSR unless the Form displays a currently valid Office of Management and Budget (“OMB”) control number. Please direct comments concerning the accuracy of the information collection burden estimate and any suggestions for reducing the burden to Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 450 Fifth Street, NW, Washington, DC 20549-0609. The OMB has reviewed this collection of information under the clearance requirements of 44 U.S.C. § 3507.


Table of Contents
Item 1. Reports to Stockholders


Table of Contents

Annual Report December 31, 2017

 

Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc.

 

A Series Fund Offering 27 Portfolios

 

  ·   Growth Stock Portfolio
  ·   Focused Appreciation Portfolio
  ·   Large Cap Core Stock Portfolio
  ·   Large Cap Blend Portfolio
  ·   Index 500 Stock Portfolio
  ·   Large Company Value Portfolio
  ·   Domestic Equity Portfolio
  ·   Equity Income Portfolio
  ·   Mid Cap Growth Stock Portfolio
  ·   Index 400 Stock Portfolio
  ·   Mid Cap Value Portfolio
  ·   Small Cap Growth Stock Portfolio
  ·   Index 600 Stock Portfolio
  ·   Small Cap Value Portfolio
  ·   International Growth Portfolio
  ·   Research International Core Portfolio
  ·   International Equity Portfolio
  ·   Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio
  ·   Government Money Market Portfolio
  ·   Short-Term Bond Portfolio
  ·   Select Bond Portfolio
  ·   Long-Term U.S. Government Bond Portfolio
  ·   Inflation Protection Portfolio
  ·   High Yield Bond Portfolio
  ·   Multi-Sector Bond Portfolio
  ·   Balanced Portfolio
  ·   Asset Allocation Portfolio


Table of Contents

Letter to Contract Holders

 

December 31, 2017

 

As 2017 came to a close, the second longest U.S. bull market since 1929 approached its ninth year. The S&P 500 reached all-time highs and posted a positive return in every single month of the year. Volatility remained muted, as business and consumer confidence showed continued improvement throughout the year.

 

Within the U.S. equity market, the largest of the large capitalization stocks led the broader market, which helped the large cap S&P 500® Index1 outperform the MidCap 400® Index and SmallCap S&P 600® Index. International stocks outperformed domestic stocks, driven by improving global trade and solid economic growth in most nations. In particular, emerging markets posted robust returns, as increased business activity encouraged investors to embrace risk in developing nations.

 

The bond market, as defined by various Barclays® Indices, delivered a relatively modest positive return by historical standards. In 2017, intermediate and longer-term interest rates remained constrained due to accommodating monetary policies of the world’s central banks and a benign inflation outlook throughout the year.

 

High yield corporate bonds led the bond market once again, followed by strong performance from high quality corporate bonds. Lower risk and lower yield government debt lagged the higher yielding sectors of the bond market. Nevertheless, all of the major sectors of the bond market managed to post positive returns in 2017.

 

The U.S. dollar declined steadily during the year, which helped international investment returns, as well as exporters in the U.S. For U.S. investors, a rising dollar decreases the return of foreign investments, while a declining dollar increases the return of foreign investments.

 

The U.S. economy grew at a 3% pace during the second half of the year, its fastest pace in more than three years. Virtually every segment of the economy, from the manufacturing and industrial sectors to science and technology, experienced sustained growth. The uptick in U.S. economic growth began in early 2016, paused during the election season, and continued to strengthen thereafter, buoyed by improving global growth and hopes that the new administration would enact market-friendly policies.

 

Synchronized and sustained global growth for the first time since the financial crisis underpinned the optimistic outlook during the year. China’s growth stabilized after a six-year decline, which boosted economies throughout Asia, while Europe and Japan displayed green shoots after several years of weak growth and unprecedented monetary stimulus. Tensions between the U.S. and North Korea raised concerns, while the election results in France, the Netherlands and Australia were generally positive for markets.

In the strong economic environment of 2017, the U.S. Federal Reserve (the “Fed”) sought to normalize monetary policy by reversing some of the extraordinary measures taken over the last several years in response to the 2008 financial crisis. The Fed increased interest rates by 0.25% three times during 2017, to a range of 1.25% to 1.50%, as inflation approached the Fed’s target of 2.0%. In October, the Fed began to reduce its $4 trillion dollar balance sheet by announcing $10 billion in monthly bond sales and plans to gradually increase sales going forward. While the Fed’s announcement was highly anticipated, it marked the end of a ten-year battle against deflation and the beginning of a challenging new era of normalizing monetary policy.

 

Consumer prices rose approximately 2.0% for the year, putting inflation well below its long-term average. Nevertheless, the annual inflation rate increased from -0.1% in April 2015 to a recent high of 2.7% in February 2017, and inflationary pressures continue to build in the labor market. The U.S. economy created more than 2 million jobs in each of the last six years, which drove the unemployment rate down to 4.1% at the end of 2017. With wages already growing at a 3% annual pace, the strong demand for labor has the potential to drive wages and inflation higher as we move into 2018.

 

Nine years of strong equity returns and the potential for rising inflation are good reminders for investors to review their financial plans and make sure the risks and potential returns of their investment portfolio are consistent with those plans. Similar to all financial decisions, an investor should approach the reallocating or rebalancing of their investment portfolio with the guidance of a financial professional, to pinpoint the appropriate allocation for their current financial situation and overall financial plan. As always, we encourage you to work closely with your Northwestern Mutual financial professional to navigate the financial markets in 2018, as they can help you develop and adhere to a plan that will be guided by your long-term goals, rather than the short-term fluctuations of the market.

 

LOGO

Kate M. Fleming

President of Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc.

 

 

 

1 All indices and/or benchmarks referenced are unmanaged and cannot be invested in directly.

2 A strategy involving portfolio rebalancing cannot assure a profit or protect against loss in a declining market. Not intended to be investment advice.

 


Table of Contents

Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc.

 

Table of Contents

 

Expense Examples

     i  

Series Fund Overviews and Schedules of Investments:

  

Growth Stock Portfolio

     1  

Focused Appreciation Portfolio

     5  

Large Cap Core Stock Portfolio

     8  

Large Cap Blend Portfolio

     13  

Index 500 Stock Portfolio

     16  

Large Company Value Portfolio

     24  

Domestic Equity Portfolio

     28  

Equity Income Portfolio

     31  

Mid Cap Growth Stock Portfolio

     35  

Index 400 Stock Portfolio

     40  

Mid Cap Value Portfolio

     47  

Small Cap Growth Stock Portfolio

     52  

Index 600 Stock Portfolio

     58  

Small Cap Value Portfolio

     67  

International Growth Portfolio

     72  

Research International Core Portfolio

     78  

International Equity Portfolio

     84  

Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio

     90  

Government Money Market Portfolio

     95  

Short-Term Bond Portfolio

     100  

Select Bond Portfolio

     115  

Long-Term U.S. Government Bond Portfolio

     131  

Inflation Protection Portfolio

     137  

High Yield Bond Portfolio

     148  

Multi-Sector Bond Portfolio

     158  

Balanced Portfolio

     177  

Asset Allocation Portfolio

     182  

Benchmark Definitions

     187  

Statements of Assets and Liabilities

     190  

Statements of Operations

     194  

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

     198  

Statement of Cash Flows

     205  

Financial Highlights

     206  

Notes to Financial Statements

     214  

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

     238  

Proxy Voting and Portfolio Holdings

     239  

Director and Officer Information

     240  

Approval and Continuance of Investment Advisory and Sub-Advisory Agreements

     243  

 

Mason Street Advisors, LLC (“Mason Street Advisors”), adviser to the Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc., is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company. Mason Street Advisors is the principal investment adviser for all the Portfolios of the Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc., and has engaged and oversees sub-advisers who provide day-to-day management for certain of the Portfolios. Each sub-adviser may be replaced without the approval of shareholders. Please see the Series Fund prospectus for more information.

 

The views expressed in the portfolio manager commentaries set forth in the following pages reflect those of the portfolio managers only through the end of the period covered by this report and do not necessarily represent the views of any affiliated organization. The views expressed are not guarantees of future performance or economic results and involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from the views expressed herein. These views are subject to change at any time based upon market conditions or other events and should not be relied upon as investment advice. Mason Street Advisors disclaims any responsibility to update these views.


Table of Contents

Expense Examples (unaudited)

 

 

Example

As a shareholder of each Portfolio, you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees and other Portfolio expenses. This Example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Portfolios and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.

The Example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period (July 1, 2017 to December 31, 2017).

Actual Expenses

The first line of the table below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in this line, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number in the first line under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

The second line of the table below for each Portfolio provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on each Portfolio’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Portfolio’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in a Portfolio and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds.

Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs or separate account charges. Therefore, the second line of the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs or separate account charges were included, your costs would have been higher.

 

      Beginning Account Value
July 1, 2017
     Ending Account Value
December 31, 2017
     Expenses Paid During
Period July 1, 2017 to
December 31, 2017*
     Annualized
Expense Ratio
 

Growth Stock Portfolio

           

Actual

     $1,000.00        $1,109.79        $2.23        0.42

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

     1,000.00        1,023.09        2.14        0.42  

Focused Appreciation Portfolio

           

Actual

     1,000.00        1,131.28        3.38        0.63  

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

     1,000.00        1,022.03        3.21        0.63  

Large Cap Core Stock Portfolio

           

Actual

     1,000.00        1,109.56        2.34        0.44  

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

     1,000.00        1,022.99        2.24        0.44  

Large Cap Blend Portfolio

           

Actual

     1,000.00        1,097.27        4.28        0.81  

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

     1,000.00        1,021.12        4.13        0.81  

Index 500 Stock Portfolio

           

Actual

     1,000.00        1,112.96        1.12        0.21  

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

     1,000.00        1,024.15        1.07        0.21  

 

i   Expense Examples  


Table of Contents

Expense Examples (unaudited)

 

 

 

      Beginning Account Value
July 1, 2017
     Ending Account Value
December 31, 2017
     Expenses Paid During
Period July 1, 2017 to
December 31, 2017*
     Annualized
Expense Ratio
 

Large Company Value Portfolio

           

Actual

     1,000.00        1,061.95        3.85        0.74  

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

     1,000.00        1,021.48        3.77        0.74  

Domestic Equity Portfolio

           

Actual

     1,000.00        1,106.09        2.87        0.54  

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

     1,000.00        1,022.48        2.75        0.54  

Equity Income Portfolio

           

Actual

     1,000.00        1,101.12        3.28        0.62  

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

     1,000.00        1,022.08        3.16        0.62  

Mid Cap Growth Stock Portfolio

           

Actual

     1,000.00        1,087.05        2.84        0.54  

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

     1,000.00        1,022.48        2.75        0.54  

Index 400 Stock Portfolio

           

Actual

     1,000.00        1,095.16        1.37        0.26  

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

     1,000.00        1,023.89        1.33        0.26  

Mid Cap Value Portfolio

           

Actual

     1,000.00        1,073.94        3.97        0.76  

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

     1,000.00        1,021.37        3.87        0.76  

Small Cap Growth Stock Portfolio

           

Actual

     1,000.00        1,092.82        2.95        0.56  

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

     1,000.00        1,022.38        2.85        0.56  

Index 600 Stock Portfolio

           

Actual

     1,000.00        1,099.37        1.75        0.33  

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

     1,000.00        1,023.54        1.68        0.33  

Small Cap Value Portfolio

           

Actual

     1,000.00        1,099.72        4.55        0.86  

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

     1,000.00        1,020.87        4.38        0.86  

International Growth Portfolio

           

Actual

     1,000.00        1,088.84        3.47        0.66  

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

     1,000.00        1,021.88        3.36        0.66  

Research International Core Portfolio

           

Actual

     1,000.00        1,103.73        4.19        0.79  

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

     1,000.00        1,021.22        4.02        0.79  

International Equity Portfolio

           

Actual

     1,000.00        1,075.96        2.88        0.55  

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

     1,000.00        1,022.43        2.80        0.55  

 

  Expense Examples     ii  


Table of Contents

Expense Examples (unaudited)

 

 

      Beginning Account Value
July 1, 2017
     Ending Account Value
December 31, 2017
     Expenses Paid During
Period July 1, 2017 to
December 31, 2017*
     Annualized
Expense Ratio
 

Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio

           

Actual

     1,000.00        1,089.70        5.53        1.05  

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

     1,000.00        1,019.91        5.35        1.05  

Government Money Market Portfolio

           

Actual

     1,000.00        1,003.89        1.67        0.33  

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

     1,000.00        1,023.54        1.68        0.33  

Short-Term Bond Portfolio

           

Actual

     1,000.00        1,003.56        2.07        0.41  

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

     1,000.00        1,023.14        2.09        0.41  

Select Bond Portfolio

           

Actual

     1,000.00        1,012.46        1.57        0.31  

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

     1,000.00        1,023.64        1.58        0.31  

Long-Term U.S. Government Bond Portfolio

           

Actual

     1,000.00        1,027.31        4.85        0.95  

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

     1,000.00        1,020.42        4.84        0.95  

Inflation Protection Portfolio

           

Actual

     1,000.00        1,026.32        2.86        0.56  

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

     1,000.00        1,022.38        2.85        0.56  

High Yield Bond Portfolio

           

Actual

     1,000.00        1,019.11        2.29        0.45  

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

     1,000.00        1,022.94        2.29        0.45  

Multi-Sector Bond Portfolio

           

Actual

     1,000.00        1,027.04        3.83        0.75  

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

     1,000.00        1,021.42        3.82        0.75  

Balanced Portfolio

           

Actual

     1,000.00        1,054.28        0.31        0.06  

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

     1,000.00        1,024.90        0.31        0.06  

Asset Allocation Portfolio

           

Actual

     1,000.00        1,067.85        0.47        0.09  

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

     1,000.00        1,024.75        0.46        0.09  

 

* Expenses are equal to the Portfolio’s annualized expense ratio, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 184/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

 

iii   Expense Examples  


Table of Contents

Growth Stock Portfolio (unaudited)

 

 

 

Objective:    Portfolio Strategy:    Net Assets:
Long-term growth of capital. Current income is a secondary objective.    Invest in the equity securities of medium and large capitalization companies exhibiting the potential for earnings growth or share price appreciation.    $960 million

Portfolio Overview

Mason Street Advisors, LLC (“Mason Street Advisors”), the investment adviser for the Growth Stock Portfolio (the “Portfolio”), has engaged The Boston Company Asset Management, LLC (“The Boston Company”) to act as sub-adviser for the Portfolio. The Portfolio invests in the equity securities of medium and large capitalization companies. The Portfolio invests in stocks selected by a team of global research analysts, with each analyst responsible for investments in his or her area of expertise. These analysts use a fundamental research process to identify investments for the Portfolio. The Portfolio invests in those companies in which the analysts have the highest degree of conviction or have identified the potential for strong earnings growth or share price appreciation in the near-term.

Market Overview

Global equities posted robust results in 2017 as leading economic indicators in both developed and emerging markets beat expectations. The U.S. Federal Reserve’s (the “Fed”) 2% inflation target remained elusive despite better than expected GDP numbers and improving job growth. Consumer confidence nearly reached a two-decade high during the year. As expected, the Fed raised interest rates three times during the year. President Trump appointed Jerome Powell to replace outgoing Fed chair Janet Yellen. At the end of the period, the Trump administration passed sweeping tax reform, lifting sentiment weighed down by delays in policy reforms and fiscal stimulus during the first half of the year.

Portfolio Results

The Portfolio returned 24.27% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2017. By comparison, the Portfolio’s benchmark, the Russell 1000® Growth Index (the “Index”), returned 30.21%. (The Index is unmanaged, cannot be invested in directly and does not include administrative expenses.) According to Lipper® Analytical Services, Inc., an independent mutual fund ranking agency, the average return of the Large Cap Growth Funds peer group was 30.84% for 2017.

Overall, Portfolio positioning in the Health Care and Consumer Discretionary sectors detracted the most from performance versus the Index, while Information Technology, Real Estate and Telecommunication Services contributed to performance during the reporting period.

In the Health Care sector, the health care equipment and supplies and biotechnology industries weighed on relative results. An investment in Dentsply Sirona, Inc., declined on disappointing second quarter results, as operational execution did not meet management’s expectations. An investment in Danaher Corporation also declined following mixed second quarter results, as its dental segment and organic growth remained soft. A position in Celgene Corporation fell on weak third quarter results, missing revenue estimates with sales below expectations.

In the Consumer Discretionary sector, household durables company Newell Brands, Inc., detracted from Portfolio performance as brick-and-mortar retailers continued to see market share loss to e-commerce. Within the hotels, restaurants and leisure industry, an investment in Starbucks Corporation weighed on performance.

In the Information Technology sector, stock selection in the IT services and semiconductors and semiconductor equipment industries primarily drove outperformance. Shares of Square, Inc. rose after posting positive first and second quarter results, driving estimates and the stock higher. The company also increased full-year guidance. Shares of Teradata Corporation also rose following solid third quarter results. Its strategy was gaining momentum as it transitioned to cloud-based offerings. An investment in NVIDIA Corporation also moved higher following solid fiscal second and third quarter results.

The Portfolio’s lack of exposure to the Real Estate sector positively impacted relative returns, as the sector was one of the worst performers in the Index during the year. Elsewhere, the Telecommunication Services sector benefited from positioning in the diversified telecommunication services industry. Specifically, an investment in Verizon Communications, Inc., aided Portfolio returns.

 

  Growth Stock Portfolio     1  


Table of Contents

Growth Stock Portfolio (unaudited)

 

 

Portfolio Manager Outlook

The following forward-looking comments are the opinion of The Boston Company, the Portfolio’s sub-adviser.

As we look to 2018, synchronized global economic growth appears to be gaining momentum, led by the U.S. and the recent passage of sweeping tax reform, which slashed the corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%. Even before the tax bill passed, U.S. economic data had been encouraging, with positive trends in hours worked, retail sales, housing starts, home prices and unemployment. The consensus estimate for fourth quarter U.S. GDP hovers around 2.7%. However, the Atlanta Fed recently raised estimates to 3.2% from 2.8%, citing stronger U.S. manufacturing PMI and nominal construction spending.

The foregoing growth estimates do not reflect the projected benefits flowing from the recently passed tax bill, which has likely already begun to increase optimism as evidenced by the equity markets’ increase after the passage of the bill. The bottom-up earnings consensus for the S&P 500® Index in the fourth quarter remains steady at $136, a gain of 12% year over year. The consensus number for first quarter 2018 moved higher to $140, an approximately 12% gain, but the tax cut could now increase that number by almost $8 to $148, representing an increase of almost 18%.

 

Relative Performance

 

LOGO

 

Average Annual Total Returns
For Periods Ended December 31, 2017
 
     1 Year     5 Years     10 Years  

Growth Stock Portfolio

    24.27     14.86     7.70

Russell 1000® Growth Index

    30.21     17.33     10.00

Lipper® Variable Insurance Products (VIP) Large Cap Growth Funds Average

    30.84     16.28     8.72

The performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance is historical and does not guarantee future performance. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate, so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. For the most recent month-end performance information visit www.northwesternmutual.com.

This chart assumes an initial investment of $10,000 made on 12/31/07. Returns shown reflect fee waivers, deductions for management and other portfolio expenses, and reinvestment of all dividends. In the absence of fee waivers, total return would be reduced. Returns exclude deductions for separate account sale

loads and account fees. Please refer to the Benchmark Definitions section of this report for information about the indices cited in the above chart and graph.

The Portfolio may invest a relatively high percentage of its assets in a particular sector. The Portfolio will have greater exposure to the risks associated with that sector and its performance will be tied more closely to the performance of the sector.

   Top 10 Equity Holdings 12/31/17

 

Security Description

     % of Net Assets  

Apple, Inc.

     6.6

Microsoft Corp.

     5.6

Amazon.com, Inc.

     4.2

Facebook, Inc. - Class A

     4.0

Alphabet, Inc. - Class C

     3.9

UnitedHealth Group, Inc.

     3.0

Visa, Inc. - Class A

     2.8

Broadcom, Ltd.

     2.6

The Home Depot, Inc.

     2.5

PepsiCo, Inc.

     2.4

Sector Allocation 12/31/17

 

LOGO

Sector Allocation is based on Net Assets.

Sector Allocation and Top 10 Holdings are subject to change.

 

 

2   Growth Stock Portfolio  


Table of Contents

Growth Stock Portfolio

Schedule of Investments

December 31, 2017

 

Common Stocks (99.5%)   Shares/
$ Par
    Value
$ (000’s)
 

Consumer Discretionary (17.9%)

 

 

Amazon.com, Inc.*

    34,742       40,630  

Aptiv PLC

    100,992       8,567  

Charter Communications, Inc. - Class A*

    22,030       7,401  

Comcast Corp. - Class A

    444,808       17,815  

Dollar Tree, Inc.*

    107,591       11,546  

The Home Depot, Inc.

    125,661       23,816  

Las Vegas Sands Corp.

    175,155       12,171  

Nordstrom, Inc.

    136,300       6,458  

The Priceline Group, Inc.*

    10,415       18,099  

PVH Corp.

    53,964       7,404  

Tesla Motors, Inc.*

    34,480       10,735  

Wayfair, Inc.*

    88,225       7,082  
   

 

 

 

Total

      171,724  
   

 

 

 

Consumer Staples (6.0%)

 

 

Costco Wholesale Corp.

    85,594       15,931  

The Kraft Heinz Co.

    103,478       8,046  

Monster Beverage Corp.*

    172,074       10,890  

PepsiCo, Inc.

    189,798       22,761  
   

 

 

 

Total

      57,628  
   

 

 

 

Financials (3.4%)

 

 

Ameriprise Financial, Inc.

    92,244       15,633  

The Progressive Corp.

    295,151       16,623  
   

 

 

 

Total

      32,256  
   

 

 

 

Health Care (13.7%)

 

 

Biogen, Inc.*

    54,510       17,365  

BioMarin Pharmaceutical, Inc.*

    64,079       5,714  

Boston Scientific Corp.*

    447,145       11,085  

Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.

    174,489       10,693  

Celgene Corp.*

    137,870       14,388  

IDEXX Laboratories, Inc.*

    61,201       9,571  

Merck & Co., Inc.

    113,877       6,408  
Common Stocks (99.5%)   Shares/
$ Par
    Value
$ (000’s)
 

Health Care continued

 

 

Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc.*

    99,137       7,692  

UnitedHealth Group, Inc.

    128,998       28,439  

WellCare Health Plans, Inc.*

    45,484       9,147  

Zoetis, Inc.

    152,659       10,997  
   

 

 

 

Total

      131,499  
   

 

 

 

Industrials (10.6%)

 

 

Fortive Corp.

    205,409       14,861  

Honeywell International, Inc.

    134,560       20,636  

PACCAR, Inc.

    167,229       11,887  

Quanta Services, Inc.*

    236,148       9,236  

Raytheon Co.

    66,168       12,430  

Union Pacific Corp.

    143,634       19,261  

United Technologies Corp.

    106,566       13,594  
   

 

 

 

Total

      101,905  
   

 

 

 

Information Technology (41.6%)

 

 

Activision Blizzard, Inc.

    217,981       13,803  

Alphabet, Inc. - Class C*

    35,823       37,485  

Apple, Inc.

    373,507       63,209  

Arista Networks, Inc.*

    27,675       6,520  

Broadcom, Ltd.

    98,056       25,191  

Facebook, Inc. - Class A*

    215,513       38,029  

First Data Corp.*

    486,383       8,127  

Fortinet, Inc.*

    226,386       9,891  

HubSpot, Inc.*

    99,616       8,806  

Microsoft Corp.

    632,403       54,096  

NVIDIA Corp.

    89,954       17,406  

PayPal Holdings, Inc.*

    249,900       18,398  

Salesforce.com, Inc.*

    156,146       15,963  

ServiceNow, Inc.*

    81,759       10,660  

Splunk, Inc.*

    104,668       8,671  

Square, Inc.*

    192,115       6,661  

Teradata Corp.*

    201,615       7,754  

Texas Instruments, Inc.

    171,557       17,917  
Common Stocks (99.5%)   Shares/
$ Par
    Value
$ (000’s)
 

Information Technology continued

 

 

Twilio, Inc.*

    174,081       4,108  

Visa, Inc. - Class A

    233,548       26,629  
   

 

 

 

Total

      399,324  
   

 

 

 

Materials (3.3%)

   

DowDuPont, Inc.

    192,666       13,722  

Praxair, Inc.

    65,364       10,110  

Vulcan Materials Co.

    65,522       8,411  
   

 

 

 

Total

      32,243  
   

 

 

 

Telecommunication Services (3.0%)

 

 

T-Mobile US, Inc.*

    133,394       8,472  

Verizon Communications, Inc.

    380,923       20,162  
   

 

 

 

Total

      28,634  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks

   

(Cost: $739,354)

      955,213  
 

 

 

 
Short-Term Investments (1.2%)         

Money Market Funds (1.2%)

 

 

State Street Institutional U.S. Government Money Market Fund - Premier Class, 1.209% #

    11,091,855       11,092  
   

 

 

 

Total

      11,092  
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments 

   

(Cost: $11,092)

      11,092  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments (100.7%)

   

(Cost: $750,446)(a)

      966,305  
 

 

 

 

Other Assets, Less

   

Liabilities (-0.7%)

      (6,451
 

 

 

 

Net Assets (100.0%)

      959,854  
 

 

 

 
 
* Non-Income Producing

 

# 7-Day yield as of December 31, 2017.

 

(a) At December 31, 2017, the aggregate cost of investments, including derivatives, for federal tax purposes (in thousands) was $750,453 and the net unrealized appreciation of investments based on that cost was $215,853 which is comprised of $223,799 aggregate gross unrealized appreciation and $7,946 aggregate gross unrealized depreciation.

 

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

 

  Growth Stock Portfolio     3  


Table of Contents

Growth Stock Portfolio

 

The following is a summary of the inputs used in valuing the Portfolio’s assets and liabilities at December 31, 2017. See Note 3 for additional information on portfolio valuation.

 

    Valuation Inputs      
Description   Level 1 –
Quoted Prices
     Level 2 –
Other Significant
Observable Inputs
    

Level 3 –

Significant
Unobservable Inputs

     
    (Amounts in thousands)      

Assets:

         

Common Stocks

  $ 955,213      $ -            $ -          

Short-Term Investments

    11,092        -              -          

Total Assets:

  $ 966,305      $ -            $ -          

 

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

 

4   Growth Stock Portfolio  


Table of Contents

Focused Appreciation Portfolio (unaudited)

 

 

Objective:    Portfolio Strategy:    Net Assets:
Long-term growth of capital.    Invest in equity securities selected for their growth potential.    $945 million

Portfolio Overview

Mason Street Advisors, LLC (“Mason Street Advisors”), the investment adviser for the Focused Appreciation Portfolio (the “Portfolio”), has engaged Loomis, Sayles & Co., L.P. (“Loomis Sayles”) to act as sub-adviser for the Portfolio. The Portfolio invests primarily in the equity securities of companies selected for their growth potential. The Portfolio focuses on equity securities of large capitalization companies, but may invest in companies of any size. The Portfolio employs a growth style of equity management that emphasizes companies with sustainable competitive advantages, long-term structural growth drivers, profitable cash flow returns, and management teams focused on creating long-term value for shareholders. The Portfolio invests primarily in a core group of 30-40 securities.

Market Overview

U.S. equity markets staged a strong rally in 2017. Volatility generally remained low as investors responded favorably to signs of a continued improvement in global economic conditions and stable central bank policy. The pickup in global growth fed through to corporate results, with companies around the world reporting gains in both revenues and bottom-line profits. Corporate earnings experienced a synchronized, worldwide upturn for the first time since 2006, providing support for somewhat elevated stock market valuations. Growth stocks, particularly those in the Information Technology sector, were key beneficiaries of this trend. In December, the passage of U.S. tax reform propelled U.S. equities to new highs as investors anticipated further earnings growth in 2018 due to lower corporate tax rates, in addition to healthy underlying global growth.

Portfolio Results

The Portfolio returned 33.62% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2017. By comparison, the Portfolio’s benchmark, the Russell 1000® Growth Index (the “Index”), returned 30.21%. According to Lipper® Analytical Services, Inc., an independent mutual fund ranking agency, the average return in 2017 of the Large Cap Growth Funds peer group was 30.84%.

Alibaba Group Holding, Ltd., Amazon.com, Inc. and Facebook, Inc. were among the top contributors to the Portfolio’s performance for the reporting period. Schlumberger N.V., QUALCOMM, Inc., and Merck & Co., Inc., were among the largest detractors to performance. During the period, the portfolio manager took advantage of price weakness to add to several high quality growth companies, including Schlumberger N.V., Oracle Corp. and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. The purchases were funded by trimming Portfolio positions in Amazon.com, Inc., Facebook, Inc. and Alibaba Group Holding, Ltd., as each position approached the Portfolio’s maximum allowable position size.

Stock selection in the Consumer Discretionary, Consumer Staples, Healthcare and Financials sectors, as well as the allocation effect to Information Technology and Consumer Discretionary sectors, contributed to relative performance. Stock selection in the Energy, Industrials and Information Technology sectors, as well as the allocation effect to the Consumer Staples, Energy, Industrials and Healthcare sectors detracted from relative performance.

Portfolio Manager Outlook

The following forward-looking comments are the opinion of Loomis Sayles, the Portfolio’s sub-adviser.

Our investment process is characterized by bottom-up fundamental research and a long-term investment time horizon. All aspects of our quality-growth-valuation investment thesis must be present simultaneously for us to make an investment. Often, our research is completed well in advance of the opportunity to invest. We are patient investors and maintain coverage of high quality businesses in order to take advantage of meaningful price dislocations if and when they occur. The nature of the process leads to a lower turnover Portfolio where sector positioning is the result of stock selection. In comparison to the Index, we are currently overweight in the Information Technology, Consumer Staples, Financials, Energy and Healthcare sectors. We are underweight in the Consumer Discretionary and Industrials sectors. We hold no positions in the Materials, Real Estate, Telecommunication Services and Utilities sectors.

 

  Focused Appreciation Portfolio     5  


Table of Contents

Focused Appreciation Portfolio (unaudited)

 

 

Relative Performance

 

LOGO

 

Average Annual Total Returns
For Periods Ended December 31, 2017
 
     1 Year     5 Years     10 Years  

Focused Appreciation Portfolio

    33.62     17.81     9.12

Russell 1000® Growth Index

    30.21     17.33     10.00

Lipper® Variable Insurance Products (VIP) Large Cap Growth Funds Average

    30.84     16.28     8.72

The performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance is historical and does not guarantee future performance. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate, so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. For the most recent month-end performance information visit www.northwesternmutual.com.

This chart assumes an initial investment of $10,000 made on 12/31/07. Returns shown reflect fee waivers, deductions for management and other portfolio expenses, and reinvestment of all dividends. In the absence of fee waivers, total return would be reduced. Returns exclude deductions for separate account sale loads and account fees. Please refer to the Benchmark Definitions section of this report for information about the indices cited in the above chart and graph.

As a non-diversified portfolio, the Portfolio may hold fewer securities because of its focused investment strategy. Holding fewer securities increases the risk that the value of the Portfolio could go down because of the poor performance of a single investment.

The Portfolio may invest a relatively high percentage of its assets in a particular sector. The Portfolio will have greater exposure to the risks associated with that sector and its performance will be tied more closely to the performance of the sector.

   Top 10 Equity Holdings 12/31/17

 

Security Description

     % of Net Assets  

Amazon.com, Inc.

     7.3

Facebook, Inc. - Class A

     6.6

Alibaba Group Holding, Ltd., ADR

     6.4

Alphabet, Inc., Various

     5.9

Visa, Inc. - Class A

     5.5

Oracle Corp.

     4.9

Cisco Systems, Inc.

     4.8

Monster Beverage Corp.

     4.1

Novo Nordisk A/S, ADR

     3.5

QUALCOMM, Inc.

     3.3

Sector Allocation 12/31/17

 

LOGO

Sector Allocation is based on Net Assets.

Sector Allocation and Top 10 Holdings are subject to change.

 

 

6   Focused Appreciation Portfolio  


Table of Contents

Focused Appreciation Portfolio

Schedule of Investments

December 31, 2017

 

Common Stocks (99.8%)   Shares/
$ Par
    Value
$ (000’s)
 

Consumer Discretionary (10.4%)

 

 

Amazon.com, Inc.*

    58,861       68,836  

Yum China Holdings, Inc.

    307,560       12,309  

Yum! Brands, Inc.

    207,535       16,937  
   

 

 

 

Total

      98,082  
   

 

 

 

Consumer Staples (12.7%)

 

 

The Coca-Cola Co.

    556,360       25,526  

Danone SA, ADR

    1,805,359       30,276  

Monster Beverage Corp.*

    608,065       38,484  

The Procter & Gamble Co.

    279,200       25,653  
   

 

 

 

Total

      119,939  
   

 

 

 

Energy (3.2%)

 

 

Schlumberger, Ltd.

    442,915       29,848  
   

 

 

 

Total

      29,848  
   

 

 

 

Financials (6.4%)

 

 

American Express Co.

    142,271       14,129  

FactSet Research Systems, Inc.

    81,848       15,777  

SEI Investments Co.

    425,575       30,582  
   

 

 

 

Total

      60,488  
   

 

 

 

Health Care (14.6%)

 

 

Amgen, Inc.

    93,159       16,200  

Cerner Corp.*

    305,377       20,580  
Common Stocks (99.8%)   Shares/
$ Par
    Value
$ (000’s)
 

Health Care continued

 

 

Merck & Co., Inc.

    160,390       9,025  

Novartis AG, ADR

    197,248       16,561  

Novo Nordisk A/S, ADR

    607,971       32,630  

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    60,501       22,746  

Varian Medical Systems, Inc.*

    183,043       20,345  
   

 

 

 

Total

      138,087  
   

 

 

 

Industrials (8.0%)

 

 

Deere & Co.

    181,653       28,430  

Expeditors International of Washington, Inc.

    410,120       26,531  

United Parcel Service, Inc. - Class B

    175,071       20,860  
   

 

 

 

Total

      75,821  
   

 

 

 

Information Technology (44.5%)

 

 

Alibaba Group Holding, Ltd., ADR*

    350,382       60,416  

Alphabet, Inc. - Class A*

    26,291       27,695  

Alphabet, Inc. - Class C*

    26,349       27,572  

Analog Devices, Inc.

    45,439       4,045  

Autodesk, Inc.*

    290,361       30,438  

Automatic Data Processing, Inc.

    67,323       7,890  

Cisco Systems, Inc.

    1,187,926       45,498  

Facebook, Inc. - Class A*

    351,133       61,961  
Common Stocks (99.8%)   Shares/
$ Par
    Value
$ (000’s)
 

Information Technology continued

 

 

Microsoft Corp.

    313,243       26,795  

Oracle Corp.

    979,876       46,328  

QUALCOMM, Inc.

    479,345       30,688  

Visa, Inc. - Class A

    453,737       51,735  
   

 

 

 

Total

      421,061  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks

   

(Cost: $687,454)

      943,326  
   

 

 

 
Short-Term Investments (0.7%)  

Money Market Funds (0.7%)

 

 

State Street Institutional U.S. Government Money Market Fund - Premier Class, 1.209% #

    6,385,434       6,385  
   

 

 

 

Total

      6,385  
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments

   

(Cost: $6,385)

      6,385  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments (100.5%)

   

(Cost: $693,839)(a)

      949,711  
   

 

 

 

Other Assets, Less

   

Liabilities (-0.5%)

      (4,326
   

 

 

 

Net Assets (100.0%)

      945,385  
   

 

 

 
 
* Non-Income Producing

 

# 7-Day yield as of December 31, 2017.

 

   ADR after the name of a security represents—American Depositary Receipt.

 

(a) At December 31, 2017, the aggregate cost of investments, including derivatives, for federal tax purposes (in thousands) was $694,637 and the net unrealized appreciation of investments based on that cost was $255,073 which is comprised of $265,594 aggregate gross unrealized appreciation and $10,521 aggregate gross unrealized depreciation.

The following is a summary of the inputs used in valuing the Portfolio’s assets and liabilities at December 31, 2017. See Note 3 for additional information on portfolio valuation.

 

    Valuation Inputs      
Description   Level 1 –
Quoted Prices
    

Level 2 –
Other Significant

Observable Inputs

    

Level 3 –

Significant

Unobservable Inputs

     
    (Amounts in thousands)      

Assets:

         

Common Stocks

  $ 943,326      $ -        $ -      

Short-Term Investments

    6,385        -          -      

Total Assets:

  $ 949,711      $ -        $ -      

 

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

 

  Focused Appreciation Portfolio     7  


Table of Contents

Large Cap Core Stock Portfolio (unaudited)

 

 

Objective:    Portfolio Strategy:    Net Assets:
Long-term growth of capital and income.   

Invest primarily in common stocks of large capitalization

U.S. and foreign based companies listed on U.S. exchanges.

   $593 Million

Portfolio Overview

Mason Street Advisors, LLC (“Mason Street Advisors”), the investment adviser for the Large Cap Core Stock Portfolio (the “Portfolio”), has engaged Wellington Management Company LLP (“Wellington”) to act as sub-adviser for the Portfolio. Wellington was appointed sub-adviser to the Portfolio effective October 27, 2017. Prior to that time, the Portfolio was sub-advised by Fayez Sarofim & Co. (“Sarofim & Co.”). The Portfolio allocates its assets across a variety of industries, selecting companies in each industry based on the research of a team of global industry analysts. The Portfolio typically seeks to maintain representation in each major industry represented by broad-based, large cap U.S. equity indices. The Portfolio utilizes a “bottom-up” approach, which is the use of fundamental analysis to identify specific securities for purchase or sale. Fundamental analysis of a company involves the assessment of a variety of factors, including the company’s business environment, management quality, balance sheet, income statement, anticipated earnings, revenues and dividends, and other related measures or indicators of valuation and growth potential. The Portfolio’s sector exposures generally conform with the sector weights present in the Portfolio’s benchmark index.

Market Overview

U.S. equities rose for the fourteenth consecutive month, as measured by the S&P 500® Index, to finish the twelve-month period ending December 31, 2017. The stock market soared following Donald Trump’s victory on hopes of increased fiscal stimulus, reduced regulatory restrictions and lower corporate taxes. The reflation trading theme dominated the narrative heading into 2017, leading to significant equity inflows and the largest exodus from bonds since the “taper tantrum” in 2013. Despite many investors voicing concerns about stretched valuations, heightened U.S. tensions with Russia and North Korea, and overly optimistic policy expectations, the market hit a series of record highs during the year on the back of strong employment data and strong corporate earnings.

In a well-telegraphed move, the U.S. Federal Reserve (the “Fed”) hiked the policy interest rates three times during the period. In August, the Fed announced that its balance sheet normalization program would begin in October, reiterating that the process would be gradual and predictable. In November, Jerome Powell’s nomination as the chair of the Fed provided markets with reasonable assurance that current central bank policies would be maintained in the near term.

Tax reform was a key area of focus during the period, culminating with a $1.5 trillion tax reform bill signed into law by Donald Trump at the end of December. The legislation included the most sweeping changes to the tax code since 1986 and represented a major victory for Republicans.

Returns during the period varied by market cap. Large cap stocks, as measured by the S&P 500® Index outperformed mid and small cap stocks, as measured by the S&P MidCap 400® Index and the S&P SmallCap 600® Index.

Portfolio Results

The Large Cap Core Stock Portfolio returned 24.87% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2017. By comparison, the S&P 500® Index (the “Index”) returned 21.83% for the year. (The Index is unmanaged, cannot be invested in directly, and does not include administrative expenses.) According to Lipper® Analytical Services, Inc., an independent mutual fund ranking company, the average return in 2017 for the Large Cap Core Funds peer group was 20.69%.

As noted above, prior to October 27, 2017, the Portfolio was managed by Sarofim & Co. With respect to the period prior to October 27, 2017, the Portfolio’s outperformance relative to the Index was primarily attributable to stock selection in the Consumer Staples, Information Technology and Health Care sectors. In the Consumer Staples sector, positioning within the food products and personal products industries was advantageous. The Portfolio’s emphasis on Apple and Facebook produced the largest positive effects in the Information Technology sector. Positive stock selection in Health Care was driven by strong returns from key health care equipment holdings such as Intuitive Surgical and Abbott Laboratories.

The following performance attribution comments relate to the period October 27, 2017 through December 31, 2017, during which Wellington acted as the Portfolio’s sub-adviser.

The Portfolio’s underperformance during the period was due to both stock selection and sector allocation, a residual of the bottom-up stock selection process. Weak stock selection within the Financials, Utilities and Materials sectors was partially offset by strong stock selection within the Consumer Staples and Energy sectors. The Portfolio’s overweight to Utilities and underweight to Consumer Discretionary also detracted from performance during the period.

 

8   Large Cap Core Stock Portfolio  


Table of Contents

Large Cap Core Stock Portfolio (unaudited)

 

 

Top individual security detractors from relative returns during the period included Edison International and PG&E. The Portfolio’s underweight to Amazon also held back relative results. Top individual security contributors to relative performance during the period included Coty and Microsoft. Not holding benchmark constituent Merck & Co. also aided performance.

Portfolio Manager Outlook

The following forward-looking comments are the opinion of Wellington, the Portfolio’s sub-adviser.

Our U.S. macro team expects the U.S. economy to expand at a steady clip and believes growth in 2018 could be bolstered by an expansionary fiscal stance. Consumer confidence is high as the job market is strong, wage gains are reasonable, and home prices are rising. Business investment is starting to rebound and projected capital expenditures are robust. Against this backdrop, some combination of tax relief and hurricane-recovery spending is likely to add to growth in 2018. Further, deregulation is likely to be a tailwind for investment spending and growth.

In terms of potential risks, inflation is the wild card. While not our base case, an unexpected rise in inflation could force central banks’ hands toward more aggressive tightening and raise the risk of recession. If the U.S. yield curve flattens further, it would signal tighter financial conditions. Global trade is another risk for markets. The U.S. administration could set off a stagflationary dynamic if it enacts severe trade restrictions. Geopolitics is also a concern, but we think any market disruptions are likely to be temporary.

 

Relative Performance

 

LOGO

 

Average Annual Total Returns
For Periods Ended December 31, 2017
 
      1 Year     5 Years     10 Years  

Large Cap Core Stock Portfolio

     24.87     12.69     6.01

S&P 500® Index

     21.83     15.79     8.50

Lipper® Variable Insurance Products (VIP) Large Cap Core Funds Average

     20.69     14.51     7.48

The performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance is historical and does not guarantee future performance. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate, so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. For the most recent month-end performance information visit www.northwesternmutual.com.

This chart assumes an initial investment of $10,000 made on 12/31/07. Returns shown reflect fee waivers, deductions for management and other portfolio expenses, and reinvestment of all dividends. In the absence of fee waivers, total return would be reduced. Returns exclude deductions for separate account sale loads and account fees. Please refer to the Benchmark Definitions section of this report for information about the indices cited in the above chart and graph.

The Portfolio may invest a relatively high percentage of its assets in a particular sector. The Portfolio will have greater exposure to the risks associated with that sector and its performance will be tied more closely to the performance of the sector.

 

 

  Large Cap Core Stock Portfolio     9  


Table of Contents

Large Cap Core Stock Portfolio (unaudited)

 

 

Top 10 Equity Holdings 12/31/17

 

Security Description    % of Net Assets      

Bank of America Corp.

     2.5  

Apple, Inc.

     2.4  

Alphabet, Inc. - Class A

     2.4  

Facebook, Inc. - Class A

     2.3  

Microsoft Corp.

     2.2  

Amazon.com, Inc.

     2.2  

Verizon Communications, Inc.

     2.0  

UnitedHealth Group, Inc.

     1.7  

The Boeing Co.

     1.7  

Coty, Inc. - Class A

     1.6  

Sector Allocation 12/31/17

 

LOGO

 

Sector Allocation is based on Net Assets.

Sector Allocation and Top 10 Holdings are subject to change.

    

 

 

10   Large Cap Core Stock Portfolio  


Table of Contents

Large Cap Core Stock Portfolio

 

Schedule of Investments

December 31, 2017

 

                               
Common Stocks (99.6%)   Shares/
$ Par
    Value
$ (000’s)
 

Consumer Discretionary (11.0%)

   

Amazon.com, Inc.*

    11,035       12,905  

Charter Communications, Inc. - Class A*

    12,269       4,122  

Comcast Corp. - Class A

    240,381       9,627  

Dollar Tree, Inc.*

    17,929       1,924  

Expedia, Inc.

    19,835       2,376  

Harley-Davidson, Inc.

    41,751       2,124  

Hilton Worldwide Holdings, Inc.

    25,328       2,023  

L Brands, Inc.

    7,269       438  

Lennar Corp. - Class A

    38,868       2,458  

Liberty Media Corp. - Liberty Formula One*

    24,196       827  

McDonald’s Corp.

    23,540       4,052  

Mohawk Industries, Inc.*

    15,835       4,369  

Netflix, Inc.*

    12,024       2,308  

NIKE, Inc. - Class B

    66,446       4,156  

Tapestry, Inc.

    19,239       851  

The TJX Cos., Inc.

    52,958       4,049  

Twenty-First Century Fox, Inc. - Class A

    71,771       2,478  

Viacom, Inc. - Class B

    95,462       2,941  

Wynn Resorts, Ltd.

    8,234       1,388  
   

 

 

 

Total

      65,416  
   

 

 

 

Consumer Staples (9.5%)

   

Altria Group, Inc.

    96,700       6,905  

Anheuser-Busch InBev NV, ADR

    14,250       1,590  

British American Tobacco PLC, ADR

    103,048       6,903  

Campbell Soup Co.

    106,391       5,118  

Constellation Brands, Inc. - Class A

    17,620       4,027  

Costco Wholesale Corp.

    14,963       2,785  

Coty, Inc. - Class A

    485,315       9,653  

Monster Beverage Corp.*

    104,926       6,641  

PepsiCo, Inc.

    52,765       6,328  

Sysco Corp.

    27,930       1,696  

Unilever NV

    78,988       4,449  
   

 

 

 

Total

      56,095  
   

 

 

 

Energy (5.7%)

   

Andeavor

    17,898       2,047  

Antero Resources Corp.*

    65,806       1,250  

BP PLC, ADR

    54,685       2,299  

Chevron Corp.

    23,663       2,962  

Concho Resources, Inc.*

    5,633       846  

Diamondback Energy, Inc.*

    21,639       2,732  

Encana Corp.

    37,985       506  
                               
Common Stocks (99.6%)   Shares/
$ Par
    Value
$ (000’s)
 

Energy continued

   

Exxon Mobil Corp.

    19,240       1,609  

Hess Corp.

    25,600       1,215  

Kinder Morgan, Inc.

    150,825       2,725  

Marathon Petroleum Corp.

    46,162       3,046  

Newfield Exploration Co.*

    179,960       5,674  

Parsley Energy, Inc. - Class A*

    8,584       253  

Pioneer Natural Resources Co.

    1,026       177  

Suncor Energy, Inc.

    56,538       2,076  

TransCanada Corp.

    94,213       4,583  
   

 

 

 

Total

      34,000  
   

 

 

 

Financials (12.8%)

   

The Allstate Corp.

    20,232       2,118  

American Express Co.

    44,160       4,385  

American International Group, Inc.

    95,209       5,673  

Athene Holding, Ltd. - Class A*

    21,326       1,103  

Bank of America Corp.

    500,536       14,776  

BlackRock, Inc.

    1,990       1,022  

Boston Properties, Inc.

    20,959       2,725  

Capital One Financial Corp.

    44,748       4,456  

Citigroup, Inc.

    81,983       6,100  

The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc.

    40,844       2,299  

Huntington Bancshares, Inc.

    192,215       2,799  

Intercontinental Exchange, Inc.

    17,632       1,244  

Marsh & McLennan Cos., Inc.

    64,111       5,218  

MetLife, Inc.

    61,034       3,086  

Morgan Stanley

    28,657       1,504  

Northern Trust Corp.

    10,619       1,061  

PNC Financial Services Group, Inc.

    53,761       7,757  

Prudential Financial, Inc.

    14,550       1,673  

Simon Property Group, Inc.

    12,290       2,111  

TD Ameritrade Holding Corp.

    26,735       1,367  

XL Group, Ltd.

    96,988       3,410  
   

 

 

 

Total

      75,887  
   

 

 

 

Health Care (14.4%)

   

Abbott Laboratories

    62,440       3,563  

Allergan PLC

    39,784       6,508  

Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    7,069       898  

AstraZeneca PLC, ADR

    151,404       5,254  

Baxter International, Inc.

    32,196       2,081  
                               
Common Stocks (99.6%)   Shares/
$ Par
    Value
$ (000’s)
 

Health Care continued

   

Biogen, Inc.*

    2,771       883  

Boston Scientific Corp.*

    223,886       5,550  

Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.

    127,809       7,832  

Cardinal Health, Inc.

    39,228       2,404  

Celgene Corp.*

    30,882       3,223  

Cigna Corp.

    22,083       4,485  

Danaher Corp.

    19,923       1,849  

Eli Lilly and Co.

    32,575       2,751  

HCA Healthcare, Inc.*

    20,853       1,832  

Incyte Corp.*

    10,894       1,032  

McKesson Corp.

    20,028       3,123  

Medtronic PLC

    90,909       7,341  

Mylan NV*

    82,285       3,481  

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    3,141       1,181  

Stryker Corp.

    19,822       3,069  

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, Ltd., ADR

    56,444       1,070  

Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.

    14,654       2,783  

UnitedHealth Group, Inc.

    46,323       10,212  

Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    18,937       2,838  
   

 

 

 

Total

      85,243  
   

 

 

 

Industrials (11.4%)

   

AMETEK, Inc.

    43,230       3,133  

The Boeing Co.

    34,297       10,114  

Caterpillar, Inc.

    16,017       2,524  

Deere & Co.

    11,078       1,734  

Eaton Corp. PLC

    36,773       2,905  

Equifax, Inc.

    10,986       1,295  

FedEx Corp.

    12,478       3,114  

Fortive Corp.

    42,944       3,107  

General Electric Co.

    227,871       3,976  

IHS Markit, Ltd.*

    18,704       844  

Illinois Tool Works, Inc.

    15,681       2,616  

J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc.

    20,140       2,316  

Lockheed Martin Corp.

    22,964       7,373  

Masco Corp.

    41,951       1,843  

Norfolk Southern Corp.

    27,779       4,025  

Northrop Grumman Corp.

    20,791       6,381  

PACCAR, Inc.

    27,091       1,926  

Pentair PLC

    44,571       3,148  

Southwest Airlines Co.

    15,129       990  

Union Pacific Corp.

    16,552       2,220  

United Continental Holdings, Inc.*

    24,817       1,673  
   

 

 

 

Total

      67,257  
   

 

 

 
 

 

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

 

  Large Cap Core Stock Portfolio     11  


Table of Contents

Large Cap Core Stock Portfolio

 

                               
Common Stocks (99.6%)   Shares/
$ Par
    Value
$ (000’s)
 

Information Technology (22.5%)

   

Accenture PLC - Class A

    8,821       1,350  

Adobe Systems, Inc.*

    18,251       3,198  

Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.*

    151,219       1,555  

Alliance Data Systems Corp.

    9,134       2,315  

Alphabet, Inc. - Class A*

    13,497       14,218  

Apple, Inc.

    84,301       14,266  

Applied Materials, Inc.

    42,804       2,188  

Autodesk, Inc.*

    14,055       1,473  

Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp. - Class A

    7,381       524  

CoStar Group, Inc.*

    1,925       572  

eBay, Inc.*

    98,635       3,722  

Facebook, Inc. - Class A*

    77,862       13,740  

FleetCor Technologies, Inc.*

    15,597       3,001  

Flex, Ltd.*

    170,445       3,066  

Global Payments, Inc.

    47,560       4,767  

KLA-Tencor Corp.

    22,172       2,330  

Marvell Technology Group, Ltd.

    180,838       3,883  

Microchip Technology, Inc.

    43,891       3,857  

Micron Technology, Inc.*

    125,134       5,146  

Microsoft Corp.

    151,204       12,934  

NetApp, Inc.

    48,221       2,668  

NVIDIA Corp.

    21,551       4,170  

PayPal Holdings, Inc.*

    47,533       3,499  

QUALCOMM, Inc.

    77,377       4,954  

Salesforce.com, Inc.*

    44,114       4,510  

ServiceNow, Inc.*

    22,363       2,916  

Total System Services, Inc.

    11,605       918  
                               
Common Stocks (99.6%)   Shares/
$ Par
    Value
$ (000’s)
 

Information Technology continued

   

Visa, Inc. - Class A

    75,060       8,558  

Workday, Inc. - Class A*

    29,926       3,045  
   

 

 

 

Total

      133,343  
   

 

 

 

Materials (3.7%)

   

ArcelorMittal*

    21,938       709  

Ball Corp.

    46,000       1,741  

Celanese Corp. - Class A

    27,929       2,991  

Crown Holdings, Inc.*

    29,698       1,671  

DowDuPont, Inc.

    87,164       6,208  

International Paper Co.

    37,353       2,164  

Martin Marietta Materials, Inc.

    1,521       336  

Monsanto Co.

    8,015       936  

Nucor Corp.

    6,563       417  

PPG Industries, Inc.

    18,748       2,190  

Praxair, Inc.

    9,750       1,508  

Southern Copper Corp.

    7,939       377  

Vulcan Materials Co.

    3,377       433  
   

 

 

 

Total

      21,681  
   

 

 

 

Real Estate (2.2%)

   

American Tower Corp.

    42,669       6,088  

Equinix, Inc.

    4,767       2,161  

Invitation Homes, Inc.

    127,841       3,013  

Prologis, Inc.

    29,597       1,909  
   

 

 

 

Total

      13,171  
   

 

 

 

Telecommunication Services (2.0%)

   

Verizon Communications, Inc.

    227,927       12,064  
   

 

 

 

Total

      12,064  
   

 

 

 
                               
Common Stocks (99.6%)   Shares/
$ Par
    Value
$ (000’s)
 

Utilities (4.4%)

   

Avangrid, Inc.

    28,050       1,419  

Edison International

    83,120       5,257  

Exelon Corp.

    71,757       2,828  

NextEra Energy, Inc.

    41,612       6,499  

NRG Energy, Inc.

    140,065       3,989  

PG&E Corp.

    66,429       2,978  

Sempra Energy

    31,215       3,337  
   

 

 

 

Total

      26,307  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks
(Cost: $540,257)

      590,464  
   

 

 

 
Short-Term Investments (0.5%)         

Money Market Funds (0.5%)

   

State Street Institutional U.S. Government Money Market Fund - Premier Class, 1.209% #

    2,906,799       2,907  
   

 

 

 

Total

      2,907  
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments

   

(Cost: $2,907)

      2,907  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments (100.1%)

   

(Cost: $543,164)(a)

      593,371  
   

 

 

 

Other Assets, Less

   

Liabilities (-0.1%)

      (794
   

 

 

 

Net Assets (100.0%)

      592,577  
   

 

 

 
 
* Non-Income Producing

 

# 7-Day yield as of December 31, 2017.

 

   ADR after the name of a security represents—American Depositary Receipt.

 

(a) At December 31, 2017, the aggregate cost of investments, including derivatives, for federal tax purposes (in thousands) was $543,397 and the net unrealized appreciation of investments based on that cost was $49,974 which is comprised of $58,772 aggregate gross unrealized appreciation and $8,798 aggregate gross unrealized depreciation.

 

   The following is a summary of the inputs used in valuing the Portfolio’s assets and liabilities at December 31, 2017. See Note 3 for additional information on portfolio valuation.

 

    Valuation Inputs      
Description   Level 1 –
Quoted Prices
     Level 2 –
Other Significant
Observable Inputs
    

Level 3 –

Significant
Unobservable Inputs

     
    (Amounts in thousands)      

Assets:

         

Common Stocks

  $ 590,464      $ -        $ -      

Short-Term Investments

    2,907        -          -      

Total Assets:

  $ 593,371      $ -        $ -      

 

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

 

12   Large Cap Core Stock Portfolio  


Table of Contents

Large Cap Blend Portfolio (unaudited)

 

 

Objective:    Portfolio Strategy:    Net Assets:
Long-term growth of capital and income.    Invest primarily in equity securities of U.S. large capitalization companies listed or traded on U.S. securities exchanges.    $176 million

Portfolio Overview

Mason Street Advisors, LLC (“Mason Street Advisors”), the investment adviser for the Large Cap Blend Portfolio (the “Portfolio”), has engaged Fiduciary Management, Inc. (“FMI”) to act as sub-adviser for the Portfolio. Normally, the Portfolio invests in equity securities of large capitalization companies listed or traded on U.S. securities exchanges. In selecting investments, greater consideration is given to potential appreciation and future dividends than to current income. The Portfolio uses fundamental analysis to look for stocks of good businesses that are selling at value prices. The Portfolio employs a focused investment strategy, typically investing in a core group of 20-30 large capitalization common stocks and ADRs.

Market Overview

We are now 106 months into this bull market that started in March 2009. Over that time period, the S&P 500® Index has gained more than 295%, which makes this the second longest, and second highest bull market recovery on record. For the year, large cap stocks, as represented by the S&P 500® Index, posted a return of 21.83%, outperforming the S&P SmallCap 600® and the S&P MidCap 400® Indices, which returned 13.23% and 16.24%, respectively. Meanwhile, the broader bond market, as represented by the Bloomberg Barclays® U.S. Aggregate Index returned 3.54%, while the Bloomberg Barclays® U.S. Corporate High Yield Index advanced 7.50%.

Portfolio Results

The Portfolio returned 19.02% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2017. By comparison, the Portfolio’s benchmark, the S&P 500® Index (the “Index”) returned 21.83%. (The Index is unmanaged, cannot be invested in directly, and does not include administrative expenses.) According to Lipper® Analytical Services, Inc., an independent mutual fund ranking agency, the average return in 2017 of the Large Cap Core Funds peer group was 20.69%.

During the year, the market was driven by a handful of growth and momentum stocks, and a primary detractor from Portfolio performance, relative to the Index, was the Portfolio’s failure to own certain key companies. For example, in 2017 not owning the five FAANG stocks (Facebook, Amazon, Apple, Netflix, and Google, now Alphabet) caused the Portfolio to lag the Index by more than 2.0% for the reporting period.

The Portfolio’s investments in the Energy sector, which included Devon Energy and Schlumberger, were detractors for the year. At the end of the year, the Portfolio sold Devon Energy and added to its position in Schlumberger. While Devon Energy operated its business well over the Portfolio’s holding period, the exploration and production industry is highly competitive, with too many highly indebted and undisciplined drillers. Schlumberger, a supplier to the energy industry, was seen as a better business going forward.

The Health Care sector contributed most to the Portfolio’s return for the reporting period, led by insurance company UnitedHealth Group and Cerner Corporation, a provider of electronic patient records. UnitedHealth Group is the largest health insurance provider in the world, measured by revenue, and it has a strong position in each of the core-managed care business segments, including commercial, Medicare and Medicaid. The company also has investments in ancillary health care services such as Pharmacy Benefit Management (PBM), health care IT, and patient and data management. Cerner Corp. is one of three main companies working with hospitals and clinics in implementing and maintaining electronic patient records.

Auto and home insurer Progressive Corporation was the Portfolio’s top individual security performer for the reporting period. Insurance company Progressive continued to grow its market presence and the company’s earnings are expected to benefit from a more disciplined pricing environment following recent insurance industry losses from two major U.S. hurricanes in 2017. Stanley Black & Decker, a provider of building materials, was also a positive contributor to the Portfolio due to continued strength in the home construction and remodeling industry.

Portfolio Manager Outlook

The following forward-looking comments are the opinion of FMI, the Portfolio’s sub-adviser.

Over time, FMI has added the most value by protecting client portfolios in challenging markets. This is accomplished by being sensitive to the valuation paid for a company, and focusing on what could potentially go wrong with each investment, rather

 

  Large Cap Blend Portfolio     13  


Table of Contents

Large Cap Blend Portfolio (unaudited)

 

 

than what can go right. Today, the Portfolio owns 26 strong business franchises, with solid balance sheets, that over a business cycle should earn a return more than their cost of capital. Businesses with those characteristics have generally held up better when the market corrects.

We continue to believe that valuations are critical, and at some point, investors will lose confidence and money will flow out, rather than into the stock market. That is human nature and from time-eternal, that is how markets have behaved. While we remain strong believers in equities for the long run, we are being as cautious and prudent as possible in the short run. The market will eventually give us the opportunity to reposition and upgrade a handful of existing holdings to even better businesses. We continue to build our idea inventory with high quality businesses that are just too rich to own today.

 

Relative Performance

 

LOGO

 

Average Annual Total Returns
For Periods Ended December 31, 2017
 
      1 Year     5 Years     10 Years  

Large Cap Blend Portfolio

     19.02     14.29     6.69

S&P 500® Index

     21.83     15.79     8.50

Lipper® Variable Insurance Products (VIP) Large Cap Core Funds Average

     20.69     14.51     7.48

The performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance is historical and does not guarantee future performance. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate, so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. For the most recent month-end performance information visit www.northwesternmutual.com.

This chart assumes an initial investment of $10,000 made on 12/31/07. Returns shown reflect fee waivers, deductions for management and other portfolio expenses, and reinvestment of all dividends. In the absence of fee waivers, total return would be reduced. Returns exclude deductions for separate account sale loads and account fees. Please refer to the Benchmark Definitions section of this report for

information about the indices cited in the above chart and graph.

The Portfolio may hold fewer securities than other diversified portfolios because of its more focused investment strategy. Holding fewer securities increases the risk that the value of the Portfolio could go down because of the poor performance of a single investment.

Top 10 Equity Holdings 12/31/17

 

Security Description

     % of Net Assets  

Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. - Class B

     5.1

UnitedHealth Group, Inc.

     5.1

Comcast Corp. - Class A

     4.7

Honeywell International, Inc.

     4.6

Dollar General Corp.

     4.5

The TJX Cos., Inc.

     4.3

Accenture PLC - Class A

     4.3

The Progressive Corp.

     4.1

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

     4.0

Stanley Black & Decker, Inc.

     3.7

Sector Allocation 12/31/17

 

LOGO

Sector Allocation is based on Net Assets.

Sector Allocation and Top 10 Holdings are subject to change.

 

 

14   Large Cap Blend Portfolio  


Table of Contents

Large Cap Blend Portfolio

Schedule of Investments

December 31, 2017

 

Common Stocks (88.7%)   Shares/
$ Par
    Value
$ (000’s)
 
Consumer Discretionary (19.7%)  

Comcast Corp. - Class A

    207,700       8,318  

Dollar General Corp.

    84,625       7,871  

Omnicom Group, Inc.

    65,500       4,770  

The TJX Cos., Inc.

    99,700       7,623  

Twenty-First Century Fox, Inc. - Class A

    31,175       1,077  

Twenty-First Century Fox, Inc. - Class B

    150,750       5,144  
   

 

 

 

Total

      34,803  
   

 

 

 

Consumer Staples (4.7%)

 

Nestle SA, ADR

    58,425       5,023  

Unilever PLC, ADR

    57,800       3,199  
   

 

 

 

Total

      8,222  
   

 

 

 

Energy (3.1%)

 

Schlumberger, Ltd.

    79,825       5,379  
   

 

 

 

Total

      5,379  
   

 

 

 

Financials (16.3%)

 

The Bank of New York Mellon Corp.

    101,950       5,491  

Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. - Class B*

    45,300       8,980  

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

    66,150       7,074  

The Progressive Corp.

    126,850       7,144  
   

 

 

 

Total

      28,689  
   

 

 

 
Common Stocks (88.7%)   Shares/
$ Par
    Value
$ (000’s)
 

Health Care (9.8%)

 

Cerner Corp.*

    88,075       5,936  

Quest Diagnostics, Inc.

    25,395       2,501  

UnitedHealth Group, Inc.

    40,475       8,923  
   

 

 

 

Total

      17,360  
   

 

 

 

Industrials (13.9%)

 

Expeditors International of Washington, Inc.

    69,600       4,502  

Honeywell International, Inc.

    52,375       8,032  

PACCAR, Inc.

    76,850       5,463  

Stanley Black & Decker, Inc.

    38,800       6,584  
   

 

 

 

Total

      24,581  
   

 

 

 

Information Technology (15.9%)

 

Accenture PLC - Class A

    49,575       7,590  

eBay, Inc.*

    168,900       6,374  

Microsoft Corp.

    49,575       4,241  

Oracle Corp.

    82,450       3,898  

TE Connectivity, Ltd.

    61,925       5,885  
   

 

 

 

Total

      27,988  
   

 

 

 

Materials (3.1%)

 

Potash Corp. of Saskatchewan, Inc.

    262,050       5,411  
   

 

 

 

Total

      5,411  
   

 

 

 
Common Stocks (88.7%)   Shares/
$ Par
    Value
$ (000’s)
 

Telecommunication Services (2.2%)

 

 

CenturyLink, Inc.

    227,584       3,796  
   

 

 

 

Total

      3,796  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks

   

(Cost: $112,840)

      156,229  
 

 

 

 
Short-Term Investments (12.1%)              

Money Market Funds (12.1%)

 

 

State Street Institutional U.S. Government Money Market Fund - Premier Class, 1.209% #

    21,322,403       21,322  
   

 

 

 

Total

      21,322  
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments

   

(Cost: $21,322)

      21,322  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments (100.8%)

   

(Cost: $134,162)(a)

      177,551  
 

 

 

 

Other Assets, Less

   

Liabilities (-0.8%)

      (1,330
 

 

 

 

Net Assets (100.0%)

      176,221  
 

 

 

 
 
* Non-Income Producing

 

# 7-Day yield as of December 31, 2017.

ADR after the name of a security represents—American Depositary Receipt.

 

(a) At December 31, 2017, the aggregate cost of investments, including derivatives, for federal tax purposes (in thousands) was $134,789 and the net unrealized appreciation of investments based on that cost was $42,762 which is comprised of $47,412 aggregate gross unrealized appreciation and $4,650 aggregate gross unrealized depreciation.

The following is a summary of the inputs used in valuing the Portfolio’s assets and liabilities at December 31, 2017. See Note 3 for additional information on portfolio valuation.

 

   

Valuation Inputs

     
Description   Level 1 –
Quoted Prices
     Level 2 –
Other Significant
Observable Inputs
     Level 3 –
Significant
Unobservable Inputs
     
   

(Amounts in thousands)

     

Assets:

         

Common Stocks

  $ 156,229      $ -            $ -          

Short-Term Investments

    21,322        -              -          

Total Assets:

  $ 177,551      $ -            $ -          

 

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

 

  Large Cap Blend Portfolio     15  


Table of Contents

Index 500 Stock Portfolio (unaudited)

 

 

Objective:    Portfolio Strategy:    Net Assets:
Investment results that approximate the performance of the S&P 500® Index.    Invest in stocks that make up the S&P 500® Index, holding each stock in approximately the same proportion as its weighting in the Index.    $3.2 billion

Portfolio Overview

Mason Street Advisors is the investment adviser for the Index 500 Stock Portfolio (the “Portfolio”). The Portfolio seeks investment results that approximate the performance of the S&P 500® Index, which is composed of the stocks of primarily large capitalization companies that represent a broad spectrum of the U.S. economy and a substantial part of the U.S. stock market’s total capitalization. The Portfolio attempts to achieve its objective by investing all, or substantially all, of its assets in the stocks that make up the S&P 500® Index, holding each stock in approximately the same proportion as its weighting in the Index. This is known as a full replication strategy. The Portfolio may also invest in S&P 500® Index stock futures and, to a lesser extent, purchase (long) total return equity swap agreements to help achieve full replication.

Market Overview

U.S. equities delivered another year of strong performance. The sharp gains in business and consumer confidence following the U.S. election and improving global economic growth were among the catalysts for equities, as investors anticipated market-friendly policies from the new administration. That confidence was generally well placed—corporate earnings finally improved after three flat years and Congress passed one of the largest tax cuts in U.S. history. The improving economy favored equities over bonds; although, fixed income sectors still posted positive returns.

The U.S. economy expanded at a pace of approximately 3% during the second half of the year. The strong growth prompted the U.S. Federal Reserve (the “Fed”) to raise rates and begin reducing its $4 trillion balance sheet. In that environment, large cap stocks, as represented by the S&P 500® Index, posted a return of 21.83%, outperforming the S&P SmallCap 600® and the S&P MidCap 400® Indices, which returned 13.23% and 16.24%, respectively. Meanwhile, the broader bond market, as represented by the Bloomberg Barclays® U.S. Aggregate Index returned 3.54%, while the Bloomberg Barclays® U.S. Corporate High Yield Index advanced 7.50%.

Portfolio Results

The Index 500 Stock Portfolio delivered a total return of 21.52% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2017, trailing the S&P 500® Index (the “Index”), which returned 21.83%. (The Index is unmanaged, cannot be invested in directly and does not include administrative expenses.) Portfolio performance slightly lagged the Index due to transaction costs, administrative expenses, cash flow effects and costs associated with the use of stock index futures contracts. The Portfolio outperformed the 21.13% average return for its peer group, S&P 500® Index Funds, according to Lipper® Analytical Services, Inc.

Nine of the Index’s eleven sectors posted positive returns for the year. The largest contributor to the Index’s return was the Information Technology sector, which delivered strong revenue and earnings growth throughout the year. Within the sector, the communications equipment industry was the strongest performer, led by Apple Inc., which saw gains after the successful launch of a new iPhone. Other industries within the Information Technology sector that contributed substantially to the Index’s return include internet software and services, software and semiconductors and semiconductor equipment. The Financials sector also performed well, led by banks as the Fed’s interest rate increases boosted net interest margins (the difference between the interest charged to borrowers and that paid to depositors). The Consumer Discretionary sector also posted gains, reflecting steady economic growth, low inflation and declining unemployment, which led to an increase in consumer spending. Ongoing demographic trends and tax reform helped the Health Care sector post gains despite continued uncertainty surrounding governmental reform efforts and regulatory changes. The pharmaceuticals industry led performance in the sector, reflecting rising sales for new products.

At the other end of the spectrum, the Energy sector suffered losses. Worries over the impact of supply growth on oil prices weighed on oil and gas exploration companies. The Telecommunication Services sector also struggled with pricing pressure from intense competition between new entrants and legacy carriers.

 

16   Index 500 Stock Portfolio  


Table of Contents

Index 500 Stock Portfolio (unaudited)

 

 

Relative Performance

 

LOGO

 

Average Annual Total Returns
For Periods Ended December 31, 2017
 
     1 Year     5 Years     10 Years  

Index 500 Stock Portfolio

    21.52     15.53     8.32

S&P 500® Index

    21.83     15.79     8.50

Lipper® Variable Insurance Products (VIP) S&P 500 Index Objective Funds Average

    21.13     15.31     8.11

The performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance is historical and does not guarantee future performance. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate, so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. For the most recent month-end performance information visit www.northwesternmutual.com.

This chart assumes an initial investment of $10,000 made on 12/31/07. Returns shown reflect fee waivers, deductions for management and other portfolio expenses, and reinvestment of all dividends. In the absence of fee waivers, total return would be reduced. Returns exclude deductions for separate account sale loads and account fees. Please refer to the Benchmark Definitions section of this report for information about the indices cited in the above chart and graph.

“Standard & Poor’s®”, “S&P®”, “S&P 500” and “Standard & Poor’s 500” are trademarks of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. and have been licensed for use by Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company. The Portfolio is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by Standard & Poor’s, and Standard & Poor’s makes no representation regarding the advisability of investing in the Portfolio.

The Portfolio may invest in derivative instruments, such as futures and, to a lesser extent, swap agreements, to help achieve full replication. Use of these instruments may involve certain costs and imposes certain risks such as liquidity risk, market risk, credit risk, management risk and the risk of mispricing or improper valuation. Certain derivatives involve leverage, which could magnify losses, and portfolios investing in derivatives could lose more than the principal amount invested in those instruments.

Top 10 Equity Holdings 12/31/17

 

Security Description

     % of Net Assets  

Apple, Inc.

     3.8

Microsoft Corp.

     2.9

Alphabet, Inc., various

     2.7

Amazon.com, Inc.

     2.0

Facebook, Inc. - Class A

     1.8

Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. - Class B

     1.7

Johnson & Johnson

     1.6

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

     1.6

Exxon Mobil Corp.

     1.5

Bank of America Corp.

     1.2

Sector Allocation 12/31/17

 

LOGO

Sector Allocation is based on Net Assets.

Sector Allocation and Top 10 Holdings are subject to change.

 

 

  Index 500 Stock Portfolio     17  


Table of Contents

Index 500 Stock Portfolio

 

Schedule of Investments

December 31, 2017

 

                               
Common Stocks (98.6%)   Shares/
$ Par
    Value
$ (000’s)
 

Consumer Discretionary (12.0%)

 

 

Advance Auto Parts, Inc.

    10,293       1,026  

Amazon.com, Inc.*

    55,710       65,151  

Aptiv PLC

    37,029       3,141  

AutoZone, Inc.*

    3,830       2,725  

Best Buy Co., Inc.

    35,425       2,426  

BorgWarner, Inc.

    27,606       1,410  

CarMax, Inc.*

    25,397       1,629  

Carnival Corp.

    56,807       3,770  

CBS Corp. - Class B

    50,505       2,980  

Charter Communications, Inc. - Class A*

    27,011       9,075  

Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc.*

    3,461       1,000  

Comcast Corp. - Class A

    649,702       26,021  

D.R. Horton, Inc.

    47,538       2,428  

Darden Restaurants, Inc.

    17,227       1,654  

Discovery Communications, Inc. - Class A*

    21,452       480  

Discovery Communications, Inc. - Class C*

    28,308       599  

DISH Network Corp. - Class A*

    31,747       1,516  

Dollar General Corp.

    36,287       3,375  

Dollar Tree, Inc.*

    33,026       3,544  

Expedia, Inc.

    17,123       2,051  

Foot Locker, Inc.

    17,272       810  

Ford Motor Co.

    543,440       6,788  

The Gap, Inc.

    30,332       1,033  

Garmin, Ltd.

    15,456       921  

General Motors Co.

    178,066       7,299  

Genuine Parts Co.

    20,422       1,940  

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.

    34,311       1,109  

H&R Block, Inc.

    29,119       764  

Hanesbrands, Inc.

    50,784       1,062  

Harley-Davidson, Inc.

    23,442       1,193  

Hasbro, Inc.

    15,788       1,435  

Hilton Worldwide Holdings, Inc.

    28,167       2,249  

The Home Depot, Inc.

    162,658       30,829  

The Interpublic Group of Cos., Inc.

    54,131       1,091  

Kohl’s Corp.

    23,482       1,273  

L Brands, Inc.

    34,398       2,071  

Leggett & Platt, Inc.

    18,361       876  

Lennar Corp. - Class A

    28,485       1,801  

LKQ Corp.*

    43,048       1,751  

Lowe’s Cos., Inc.

    116,004       10,781  

Macy’s, Inc.

    42,428       1,069  
                               
Common Stocks (98.6%)   Shares/
$ Par
    Value
$ (000’s)
 

Consumer Discretionary continued

 

 

Marriott International, Inc. - Class A

    42,658       5,790  

Mattel, Inc.

    47,879       736  

McDonald’s Corp.

    111,042       19,113  

MGM Resorts International

    70,973       2,370  

Michael Kors Holdings, Ltd.*

    21,183       1,333  

Mohawk Industries, Inc.*

    8,802       2,428  

Netflix, Inc.*

    60,276       11,571  

Newell Brands, Inc.

    68,267       2,109  

News Corp. - Class A

    53,347       865  

News Corp. - Class B

    16,961       282  

NIKE, Inc. - Class B

    183,022       11,448  

Nordstrom, Inc.

    16,244       770  

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, Ltd.*

    24,822       1,322  

Omnicom Group, Inc.

    32,111       2,339  

O’Reilly Automotive, Inc.*

    11,844       2,849  

The Priceline Group, Inc.*

    6,793       11,804  

PulteGroup, Inc.

    37,671       1,253  

PVH Corp.

    10,784       1,480  

Ralph Lauren Corp.

    7,716       800  

Ross Stores, Inc.

    53,710       4,310  

Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd.

    23,857       2,846  

Scripps Networks Interactive - Class A

    13,381       1,142  

Signet Jewelers, Ltd.

    8,422       476  

Starbucks Corp.

    198,184       11,382  

Tapestry, Inc.

    39,611       1,752  

Target Corp.

    75,715       4,940  

Tiffany & Co.

    14,222       1,478  

Time Warner, Inc.

    108,452       9,920  

The TJX Cos., Inc.

    88,628       6,777  

Tractor Supply Co.

    17,490       1,307  

TripAdvisor, Inc.*

    15,103       520  

Twenty-First Century Fox, Inc. - Class A

    146,814       5,070  

Twenty-First Century Fox, Inc. - Class B

    61,175       2,087  

Ulta Beauty, Inc.*

    8,129       1,818  

Under Armour, Inc. - Class A*

    25,788       372  

Under Armour, Inc. - Class C*

    25,677       342  

VF Corp.

    45,684       3,381  

Viacom, Inc. - Class B

    49,146       1,514  

The Walt Disney Co.

    210,374       22,617  

Whirlpool Corp.

    10,010       1,688  

Wyndham Worldwide Corp.

    14,114       1,635  
                               
Common Stocks (98.6%)   Shares/
$ Par
    Value
$ (000’s)
 

Consumer Discretionary continued

 

 

Wynn Resorts, Ltd.

    11,167       1,883  

Yum! Brands, Inc.

    46,941       3,831  
   

 

 

 

Total

      387,896  
   

 

 

 

Consumer Staples (8.1%)

 

 

Altria Group, Inc.

    265,795       18,980  

Archer-Daniels-Midland Co.

    77,899       3,122  

Brown-Forman Corp. - Class B

    27,276       1,873  

Campbell Soup Co.

    26,791       1,289  

Casa Ley SA de CV (l),(p),*

    29,556       30  

Church & Dwight Co., Inc.

    34,812       1,747  

The Clorox Co.

    17,960       2,671  

The Coca-Cola Co.

    534,128       24,506  

Colgate-Palmolive Co.

    122,313       9,229  

Conagra Brands, Inc.

    56,901       2,143  

Constellation Brands, Inc. - Class A

    23,996       5,485  

Costco Wholesale Corp.

    60,869       11,329  

Coty, Inc. - Class A

    65,770       1,308  

CVS Health Corp.

    141,102       10,230  

Dr. Pepper Snapple Group, Inc.

    25,148       2,441  

The Estee Lauder Cos., Inc. - Class A

    31,183       3,968  

General Mills, Inc.

    79,165       4,694  

The Hershey Co.

    19,650       2,230  

Hormel Foods Corp.

    37,497       1,365  

The J.M. Smucker Co.

    15,822       1,966  

Kellogg Co.

    34,648       2,355  

Kimberly-Clark Corp.

    48,997       5,912  

The Kraft Heinz Co.

    83,164       6,467  

The Kroger Co.

    123,903       3,401  

McCormick & Co., Inc.

    16,679       1,700  

Molson Coors Brewing Co. - Class B

    25,736       2,112  

Mondelez International, Inc.

    208,156       8,909  

Monster Beverage Corp.*

    57,346       3,629  

PepsiCo, Inc.

    198,093       23,755  

Philip Morris International, Inc.

    216,340       22,856  

The Procter & Gamble Co.

    354,931       32,611  

Property Development Centers
LLC (l),(p),*

    29,556        

Sysco Corp.

    66,773       4,055  

Tyson Foods, Inc. - Class A

    41,453       3,361  

Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc.

    120,935       8,782  
 

 

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

 

18   Index 500 Stock Portfolio  


Table of Contents

Index 500 Stock Portfolio

 

                               
Common Stocks (98.6%)   Shares/
$ Par
    Value
$ (000’s)
 

Consumer Staples continued

 

 

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.

    203,885       20,134  
   

 

 

 

Total

      260,645  
   

 

 

 

Energy (6.0%)

 

 

Anadarko Petroleum Corp.

    76,215       4,088  

Andeavor

    19,991       2,286  

Apache Corp.

    53,061       2,240  

Baker Hughes

    59,641       1,887  

Cabot Oil & Gas Corp.

    64,422       1,842  

Chesapeake Energy Corp.*

    126,576       501  

Chevron Corp.

    264,567       33,121  

Cimarex Energy Co.

    13,269       1,619  

Concho Resources, Inc.*

    20,714       3,112  

ConocoPhillips

    166,525       9,141  

Devon Energy Corp.

    73,200       3,030  

EOG Resources, Inc.

    80,541       8,691  

EQT Corp.

    34,103       1,941  

Exxon Mobil Corp.

    590,216       49,366  

Halliburton Co.

    121,538       5,940  

Helmerich & Payne, Inc.

    15,128       978  

Hess Corp.

    37,622       1,786  

Kinder Morgan, Inc.

    267,523       4,834  

Marathon Oil Corp.

    118,352       2,004  

Marathon Petroleum Corp.

    68,032       4,489  

National Oilwell Varco, Inc.

    52,937       1,907  

Newfield Exploration Co.*

    27,746       875  

Noble Energy, Inc.

    67,780       1,975  

Occidental Petroleum Corp.

    106,592       7,852  

ONEOK, Inc.

    53,410       2,855  

Phillips 66

    59,850       6,054  

Pioneer Natural Resources Co.

    23,703       4,097  

Range Resources Corp.

    31,451       536  

Schlumberger, Ltd.

    192,955       13,003  

TechnipFMC PLC

    61,071       1,912  

Valero Energy Corp.

    60,952       5,602  

The Williams Companies, Inc.

    115,159       3,511  
   

 

 

 

Total

      193,075  
   

 

 

 

Financials (14.6%)

 

 

Affiliated Managers Group, Inc.

    7,742       1,589  

Aflac, Inc.

    54,762       4,807  

The Allstate Corp.

    49,981       5,234  

American Express Co.

    100,351       9,966  

American International Group, Inc.

    125,218       7,460  

Ameriprise Financial, Inc.

    20,606       3,492  

Aon PLC

    34,809       4,664  

Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.

    25,184       1,594  

Assurant, Inc.

    7,495       756  

Bank of America Corp.

    1,351,196       39,887  
                               
Common Stocks (98.6%)   Shares/
$ Par
    Value
$ (000’s)
 

Financials continued

 

 

The Bank of New York Mellon Corp.

    142,638       7,682  

BB&T Corp.

    109,890       5,464  

Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. - Class B*

    268,054       53,134  

BlackRock, Inc.

    17,196       8,834  

Brighthouse Financial, Inc.*

    13,347       783  

Capital One Financial Corp.

    67,521       6,724  

CBOE Holdings, Inc.

    15,804       1,969  

The Charles Schwab Corp.

    166,191       8,537  

Chubb, Ltd.

    64,662       9,449  

Cincinnati Financial Corp.

    20,797       1,559  

Citigroup, Inc.

    368,288       27,404  

Citizens Financial Group, Inc.

    68,530       2,877  

CME Group, Inc.

    47,400       6,923  

Comerica, Inc.

    24,225       2,103  

Discover Financial Services

    50,616       3,893  

E*TRADE Financial Corp.*

    37,705       1,869  

Everest Re Group, Ltd.

    5,721       1,266  

Fifth Third Bancorp

    98,282       2,982  

Franklin Resources, Inc.

    45,522       1,972  

The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.

    48,863       12,448  

The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc.

    49,688       2,796  

Huntington Bancshares, Inc.

    150,567       2,192  

Intercontinental Exchange, Inc.

    81,489       5,750  

Invesco, Ltd.

    56,703       2,072  

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

    483,304       51,685  

KeyCorp

    149,794       3,021  

Leucadia National Corp.

    43,671       1,157  

Lincoln National Corp.

    30,481       2,343  

Loews Corp.

    38,446       1,923  

M&T Bank Corp.

    20,966       3,585  

Marsh & McLennan Cos., Inc.

    71,089       5,786  

MetLife, Inc.

    146,576       7,411  

Moody’s Corp.

    23,158       3,418  

Morgan Stanley

    193,905       10,174  

Nasdaq, Inc.

    16,208       1,245  

Navient Corp.

    36,636       488  

Northern Trust Corp.

    29,917       2,988  

People’s United Financial, Inc.

    48,230       902  

PNC Financial Services Group, Inc.

    66,275       9,563  

Principal Financial Group, Inc.

    37,406       2,639  
                               
Common Stocks (98.6%)   Shares/
$ Par
    Value
$ (000’s)
 

Financials continued

 

 

The Progressive Corp.

    81,012       4,563  

Prudential Financial, Inc.

    59,060       6,791  

Raymond James Financial, Inc.

    17,901       1,599  

Regions Financial Corp.

    161,574       2,792  

S&P Global, Inc.

    35,519       6,017  

State Street Corp.

    51,655       5,042  

SunTrust Banks, Inc.

    66,307       4,283  

Synchrony Financial

    102,468       3,956  

T. Rowe Price Group, Inc.

    33,752       3,542  

Torchmark Corp.

    14,955       1,357  

The Travelers Cos., Inc.

    38,124       5,171  

U.S. Bancorp

    219,596       11,766  

Unum Group

    31,256       1,716  

Wells Fargo & Co.

    617,318       37,453  

Willis Towers Watson PLC

    18,392       2,771  

XL Group, Ltd.

    35,661       1,254  

Zions Bancorporation

    27,823       1,414  
   

 

 

 

Total

      469,946  
   

 

 

 

Health Care (13.6%)

 

 

Abbott Laboratories

    242,451       13,837  

AbbVie, Inc.

    222,044       21,474  

Aetna, Inc.

    45,423       8,194  

Agilent Technologies, Inc.

    44,828       3,002  

Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    31,119       3,722  

Align Technology, Inc.*

    10,051       2,233  

Allergan PLC

    46,326       7,578  

AmerisourceBergen Corp.

    22,479       2,064  

Amgen, Inc.

    101,113       17,584  

Anthem, Inc.

    35,765       8,047  

Baxter International, Inc.

    69,824       4,513  

Becton, Dickinson and Co.

    36,910       7,901  

Biogen, Inc.*

    29,451       9,382  

Boston Scientific Corp.*

    191,275       4,742  

Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.

    227,979       13,971  

Cardinal Health, Inc.

    43,822       2,685  

Celgene Corp.*

    109,667       11,445  

Centene Corp.*

    24,025       2,424  

Cerner Corp.*

    43,988       2,964  

Cigna Corp.

    34,342       6,974  

The Cooper Cos., Inc.

    6,818       1,485  

Danaher Corp.

    85,265       7,914  

DaVita, Inc.*

    21,087       1,524  

Dentsply Sirona, Inc.

    31,993       2,106  

Edwards Lifesciences Corp.*

    29,477       3,322  

Eli Lilly and Co.

    134,956       11,398  

Envision Healthcare Corp.*

    16,853       582  

Express Scripts Holding Co.*

    78,891       5,888  

Gilead Sciences, Inc.

    181,952       13,035  
 

 

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

 

  Index 500 Stock Portfolio     19  


Table of Contents

Index 500 Stock Portfolio

 

                               
Common Stocks (98.6%)   Shares/
$ Par
    Value
$ (000’s)
 

Health Care continued

 

 

HCA Healthcare, Inc.*

    39,453       3,466  

Henry Schein, Inc.*

    21,862       1,528  

Hologic, Inc.*

    38,400       1,642  

Humana, Inc.

    19,899       4,936  

IDEXX Laboratories, Inc.*

    12,149       1,900  

Illumina, Inc.*

    20,337       4,443  

Incyte Corp.*

    24,398       2,311  

Intuitive Surgical, Inc.*

    15,607       5,696  

IQVIA Holdings, Inc.*

    20,280       1,985  

Johnson & Johnson

    374,210       52,285  

Laboratory Corp. of America Holdings*

    14,180       2,262  

McKesson Corp.

    29,039       4,529  

Medtronic PLC

    188,544       15,225  

Merck & Co., Inc.

    380,986       21,438  

Mettler-Toledo International, Inc.*

    3,563       2,207  

Mylan NV*

    74,700       3,161  

Patterson Cos., Inc.

    11,473       415  

PerkinElmer, Inc.

    15,352       1,123  

Perrigo Co. PLC

    18,245       1,590  

Pfizer, Inc.

    830,278       30,073  

Quest Diagnostics, Inc.

    18,985       1,870  

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    10,730       4,034  

ResMed, Inc.

    19,766       1,674  

Stryker Corp.

    44,830       6,941  

Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.

    55,855       10,606  

UnitedHealth Group, Inc.

    134,983       29,758  

Universal Health Services, Inc. - Class B

    12,206       1,384  

Varian Medical Systems, Inc.*

    12,762       1,418  

Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    35,227       5,279  

Waters Corp.*

    11,078       2,140  

Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc.

    28,203       3,403  

Zoetis, Inc.

    67,875       4,890  
   

 

 

 

Total

      437,602  
   

 

 

 

Industrials (10.0%)

 

 

3M Co.

    83,125       19,565  

A.O. Smith Corp.

    20,311       1,245  

Acuity Brands, Inc.

    5,872       1,033  

Alaska Air Group, Inc.

    17,139       1,260  

Allegion PLC

    13,231       1,053  

American Airlines Group, Inc.

    59,319       3,086  

AMETEK, Inc.

    32,193       2,333  

Arconic, Inc.

    58,999       1,608  

The Boeing Co.

    77,982       22,998  

C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc.

    19,418       1,730  
                               
Common Stocks (98.6%)   Shares/
$ Par
    Value
$ (000’s)
 

Industrials continued

 

 

Caterpillar, Inc.

    82,869       13,059  

Cintas Corp.

    11,994       1,869  

CSX Corp.

    124,488       6,848  

Cummins, Inc.

    21,731       3,839  

Deere & Co.

    44,554       6,973  

Delta Air Lines, Inc.

    91,366       5,117  

Dover Corp.

    21,700       2,191  

Eaton Corp. PLC

    61,372       4,849  

Emerson Electric Co.

    89,400       6,230  

Equifax, Inc.

    16,726       1,972  

Expeditors International of Washington, Inc.

    24,753       1,601  

Fastenal Co.

    40,031       2,189  

FedEx Corp.

    34,363       8,575  

Flowserve Corp.

    18,196       767  

Fluor Corp.

    19,484       1,006  

Fortive Corp.

    42,603       3,082  

Fortune Brands Home & Security, Inc.

    21,452       1,468  

General Dynamics Corp.

    38,679       7,869  

General Electric Co.

    1,207,951       21,079  

Honeywell International, Inc.

    106,116       16,274  

IHS Markit, Ltd.*

    50,601       2,285  

Illinois Tool Works, Inc.

    42,949       7,166  

Ingersoll-Rand PLC

    34,805       3,104  

J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc.

    11,924       1,371  

Jacobs Engineering Group, Inc.

    16,780       1,107  

Johnson Controls International PLC

    128,905       4,913  

Kansas City Southern

    14,423       1,518  

L3 Technologies, Inc.

    10,884       2,153  

Lockheed Martin Corp.

    34,748       11,156  

Masco Corp.

    43,816       1,925  

Nielsen Holdings PLC

    46,635       1,698  

Norfolk Southern Corp.

    39,858       5,775  

Northrop Grumman Corp.

    24,248       7,442  

PACCAR, Inc.

    48,977       3,481  

Parker Hannifin Corp.

    18,557       3,704  

Pentair PLC

    23,004       1,625  

Quanta Services, Inc.*

    21,551       843  

Raytheon Co.

    40,268       7,564  

Republic Services, Inc.

    31,657       2,140  

Robert Half International, Inc.

    17,460       970  

Rockwell Automation, Inc.

    17,899       3,514  

Rockwell Collins, Inc.

    22,677       3,075  

Roper Technologies, Inc.

    14,258       3,693  

Snap-on, Inc.

    7,941       1,384  

Southwest Airlines Co.

    76,042       4,977  

Stanley Black & Decker, Inc.

    21,361       3,625  
                               
Common Stocks (98.6%)   Shares/
$ Par
    Value
$ (000’s)
 

Industrials continued

 

 

Stericycle, Inc.*

    11,892       809  

Textron, Inc.

    36,692       2,076  

TransDigm Group, Inc.

    6,731       1,848  

Union Pacific Corp.

    109,646       14,704  

United Continental Holdings, Inc.*

    35,076       2,364  

United Parcel Service, Inc. - Class B

    95,701       11,403  

United Rentals, Inc.*

    11,772       2,024  

United Technologies Corp.

    103,448       13,197  

Verisk Analytics, Inc.*

    21,649       2,078  

W.W. Grainger, Inc.

    7,223       1,706  

Waste Management, Inc.

    55,644       4,802  

Xylem, Inc.

    25,017       1,706  
   

 

 

 

Total

      323,693  
   

 

 

 

Information Technology (23.5%)

 

 

Accenture PLC - Class A

    86,080       13,178  

Activision Blizzard, Inc.

    105,319       6,669  

Adobe Systems, Inc.*

    68,663       12,032  

Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.*

    114,231       1,174  

Akamai Technologies, Inc.*

    23,562       1,532  

Alliance Data Systems Corp.

    6,695       1,697  

Alphabet, Inc. - Class A*

    41,515       43,732  

Alphabet, Inc. - Class C*

    42,047       43,998  

Amphenol Corp. - Class A

    42,531       3,734  

Analog Devices, Inc.

    51,348       4,572  

ANSYS, Inc.*

    11,820       1,745  

Apple, Inc.

    715,168       121,028  

Applied Materials, Inc.

    148,553       7,594  

Autodesk, Inc.*

    30,532       3,201  

Automatic Data Processing, Inc.

    61,775       7,239  

Broadcom, Ltd.

    56,635       14,550  

CA, Inc.

    43,725       1,455  

Cadence Design Systems, Inc.*

    39,330       1,645  

Cisco Systems, Inc.

    688,606       26,374  

Citrix Systems, Inc.*

    19,938       1,755  

Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp. - Class A

    82,133       5,833  

Corning, Inc.

    121,053       3,872  

CSRA, Inc.

    22,813       683  

DXC Technology Co.

    39,736       3,771  

eBay, Inc.*

    135,315       5,107  

Electronic Arts, Inc.*

    42,891       4,506  

F5 Networks, Inc.*

    8,719       1,144  

Facebook, Inc. - Class A*

    332,183       58,617  

Fidelity National Information Services, Inc.

    46,505       4,376  

Fiserv, Inc.*

    29,028       3,806  

FLIR Systems, Inc.

    19,302       900  
 

 

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

 

20   Index 500 Stock Portfolio  


Table of Contents

Index 500 Stock Portfolio

 

                               
Common Stocks (98.6%)   Shares/
$ Par
    Value
$ (000’s)
 

Information Technology continued

 

 

Gartner, Inc.*

    12,627       1,555  

Global Payments, Inc.

    22,167       2,222  

Harris Corp.

    16,604       2,352  

Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co.

    222,170       3,190  

HP, Inc.

    232,652       4,888  

Intel Corp.

    651,885       30,091  

International Business Machines Corp.

    119,928       18,399  

Intuit, Inc.

    33,829       5,338  

Juniper Networks, Inc.

    52,225       1,488  

KLA-Tencor Corp.

    21,828       2,293  

Lam Research Corp.

    22,558       4,152  

Mastercard, Inc. - Class A

    129,375       19,582  

Microchip Technology, Inc.

    32,581       2,863  

Micron Technology, Inc.*

    160,639       6,605  

Microsoft Corp.

    1,074,579       91,919  

Motorola Solutions, Inc.

    22,565       2,039  

NetApp, Inc.

    37,575       2,079  

NVIDIA Corp.

    84,411       16,334  

Oracle Corp.

    424,373       20,064  

Paychex, Inc.

    44,546       3,033  

PayPal Holdings, Inc.*

    157,371       11,586  

Qorvo, Inc.*

    17,727       1,181  

QUALCOMM, Inc.

    205,339       13,146  

Red Hat, Inc.*

    24,647       2,960  

Salesforce.com, Inc.*

    95,580       9,771  

Seagate Technology PLC

    40,300       1,686  

Skyworks Solutions, Inc.

    25,593       2,430  

Symantec Corp.

    86,358       2,423  

Synopsys, Inc.*

    20,927       1,784  

TE Connectivity, Ltd.

    48,980       4,655  

Texas Instruments, Inc.

    137,281       14,338  

Total System Services, Inc.

    23,303       1,843  

VeriSign, Inc.*

    11,808       1,351  

Visa, Inc. - Class A

    252,600       28,801  

Western Digital Corp.

    41,201       3,277  

Western Union Co.

    63,975       1,216  

Xerox Corp.

    29,737       867  

Xilinx, Inc.

    34,956       2,357  
   

 

 

 

Total

      757,677  
   

 

 

 

Materials (3.0%)

 

 

Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.

    30,360       4,982  

Albemarle Corp.

    15,391       1,968  

Avery Dennison Corp.

    12,312       1,414  

Ball Corp.

    48,760       1,846  

CF Industries Holdings, Inc.

    32,490       1,382  

DowDuPont, Inc.

    325,941       23,214  

Eastman Chemical Co.

    20,021       1,855  

Ecolab, Inc.

    36,219       4,860  
                               
Common Stocks (98.6%)   Shares/
$ Par
    Value
$ (000’s)
 

Materials continued

 

 

FMC Corp.

    18,702       1,770  

Freeport-McMoRan, Inc.*

    187,523       3,555  

International Flavors & Fragrances, Inc.

    11,000       1,679  

International Paper Co.

    57,513       3,332  

LyondellBasell Industries NV - Class A

    45,055       4,970  

Martin Marietta Materials, Inc.

    8,756       1,935  

Monsanto Co.

    61,194       7,146  

The Mosaic Co.

    48,894       1,255  

Newmont Mining Corp.

    74,290       2,787  

Nucor Corp.

    44,283       2,816  

Packaging Corp. of America

    13,142       1,584  

PPG Industries, Inc.

    35,446       4,141  

Praxair, Inc.

    39,880       6,169  

Sealed Air Corp.

    25,127       1,239  

The Sherwin-Williams Co.

    11,463       4,700  

Vulcan Materials Co.

    18,425       2,365  

WestRock Co.

    35,466       2,242  
   

 

 

 

Total

      95,206  
   

 

 

 

Real Estate (2.9%)

 

 

Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc.

    13,333       1,741  

American Tower Corp.

    59,736       8,522  

Apartment Investment & Management Co. - Class A

    21,872       956  

AvalonBay Communities, Inc.

    19,234       3,431  

Boston Properties, Inc.

    21,495       2,795  

CBRE Group, Inc.*

    42,082       1,823  

Crown Castle International Corp.

    56,590       6,282  

Digital Realty Trust, Inc.

    28,616       3,259  

Duke Realty Corp.

    49,607       1,350  

Equinix, Inc.

    10,897       4,939  

Equity Residential

    51,188       3,264  

Essex Property Trust, Inc.

    9,198       2,220  

Extra Space Storage, Inc.

    17,538       1,534  

Federal Realty Investment Trust

    10,105       1,342  

GGP, Inc.

    86,966       2,034  

HCP, Inc.

    65,343       1,704  

Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

    103,083       2,046  

Iron Mountain, Inc.

    39,244       1,481  

Kimco Realty Corp.

    59,290       1,076  

The Macerich Co.

    15,098       992  

Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc.

    15,827       1,592  

Prologis, Inc.

    74,115       4,781  

Public Storage

    20,849       4,357  
                               
Common Stocks (98.6%)   Shares/
$ Par
    Value
$ (000’s)
 

Real Estate continued

 

 

Realty Income Corp.

    39,250       2,238  

Regency Centers Corp.

    20,611       1,426  

SBA Communications Corp.*

    16,373       2,675  

Simon Property Group, Inc.

    43,297       7,436  

SL Green Realty Corp.

    13,688       1,381  

UDR, Inc.

    37,270       1,436  

Ventas, Inc.

    49,609       2,977  

Vornado Realty Trust

    24,016       1,878  

Welltower, Inc.

    51,588       3,290  

Weyerhaeuser Co.

    105,142       3,707  
   

 

 

 

Total

      91,965  
   

 

 

 

Telecommunication Services (2.0%)

 

 

AT&T, Inc.

    855,252       33,253  

CenturyLink, Inc.

    135,503       2,260  

Verizon Communications, Inc.

    568,223       30,076  
   

 

 

 

Total

      65,589  
   

 

 

 

Utilities (2.9%)

 

 

The AES Corp.

    91,986       996  

Alliant Energy Corp.

    32,205       1,372  

Ameren Corp.

    33,797       1,994  

American Electric Power Co., Inc.

    68,509       5,040  

American Water Works Co., Inc.

    24,846       2,273  

CenterPoint Energy, Inc.

    60,038       1,703  

CMS Energy Corp.

    39,282       1,858  

Consolidated Edison, Inc.

    43,190       3,669  

Dominion Resources, Inc.

    89,638       7,266  

DTE Energy Co.

    24,987       2,735  

Duke Energy Corp.

    97,488       8,200  

Edison International

    45,383       2,870  

Entergy Corp.

    25,107       2,044  

Eversource Energy

    44,140       2,789  

Exelon Corp.

    133,732       5,271  

FirstEnergy Corp.

    61,965       1,897  

NextEra Energy, Inc.

    65,523       10,234  

NiSource, Inc.

    46,913       1,204  

NRG Energy, Inc.

    41,901       1,193  

PG&E Corp.

    71,432       3,202  

Pinnacle West Capital Corp.

    15,563       1,326  

PPL Corp.

    95,161       2,945  

Public Service Enterprise Group, Inc.

    70,487       3,630  

SCANA Corp.

    19,865       790  

Sempra Energy

    34,973       3,739  

The Southern Co.

    139,797       6,723  

WEC Energy Group, Inc.

    43,958       2,920  
 

 

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

 

  Index 500 Stock Portfolio     21  


Table of Contents

Index 500 Stock Portfolio

 

                               
Common Stocks (98.6%)   Shares/
$ Par
    Value
$ (000’s)
 

Utilities continued

 

 

Xcel Energy, Inc.

    70,727       3,403  
   

 

 

 

Total

      93,286  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks

   

(Cost: $1,456,017)

      3,176,580  
   

 

 

 
Short-Term Investments (1.3%)                

Commercial Paper (0.9%)

   

Apple, Inc., 0.000%, 1/8/18 144A

    3,000,000       2,999  

Bank of America Corp., 1.400%, 1/8/18

    5,000,000       5,000  

General Mills, Inc., 0.000%, 1/8/18 144A

    1,000,000       1,000  

General Mills, Inc., 0.000%, 1/17/18 144A

    2,000,000       1,998  

Microsoft Corp., 0.000%, 1/11/18 144A

    1,500,000       1,499  

Microsoft Corp., 0.000%, 2/12/18 144A

    3,000,000       2,995  
                               
Short-Term Investments (1.3%)   Shares/
$ Par
    Value
$ (000’s)
 

Commercial Paper continued

 

 

Mondelez International, Inc., 0.000%, 1/16/18 144A

    1,500,000       1,499  

Pfizer, Inc., 0.000%, 1/31/18 144A

    3,000,000       2,996  

Societe Generale SA, 0.000%, 2/14/18 144A

    1,000,000       998  

Societe Generale SA, 0.000%, 3/5/18 144A

    2,000,000       1,994  

United Parcel Service, Inc., 0.000%, 3/5/18 144A

    2,000,000       1,994  

The Walt Disney Co., 0.000%, 1/19/18 144A

    3,000,000       2,997  
   

 

 

 

Total

      27,969  
   

 

 

 

Money Market Funds (0.2%)

   

State Street Institutional U.S. Government Money Market Fund - Premier Class,
1.209% #

    5,809,953       5,810  
   

 

 

 

Total

      5,810  
   

 

 

 
                               
Short-Term Investments (1.3%)   Shares/
$ Par
    Value
$ (000’s)
 

US Government & Agencies (0.2%)

 

 

Federal Home Loan Bank, 0.000%, 1/12/18

    1,000,000       1,000  

Federal Home Loan Bank, 0.000%, 1/23/18

    2,000,000       1,998  

Federal Home Loan Bank, 0.000%, 2/9/18

    1,000,000       998  

Federal Home Loan Bank, 0.000%, 3/15/18 (b)

    3,000,000       2,992  
   

 

 

 

Total

      6,988  
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments

   

(Cost: $40,774)

      40,767  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments (99.9%)

   

(Cost: $1,496,791)(a)

      3,217,347  
   

 

 

 

Other Assets, Less

   

Liabilities (0.1%)

      4,790  
   

 

 

 

Net Assets (100.0%)

      3,222,137  
   

 

 

 
 
* Non-Income Producing

 

# 7-day yield as of December 31, 2017.

 

   144A after the name of a security represents a security exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities may be resold as transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. At December 31, 2017 the value of these securities (in thousands) was $22,969 representing 0.7% of the net assets.

 

(a) At December 31, 2017, the aggregate cost of investments, including derivatives, for federal tax purposes (in thousands) was $1,506,561 and the net unrealized appreciation of investments based on that cost was $1,710,942 which is comprised of $1,768,894 aggregate gross unrealized appreciation and $57,952 aggregate gross unrealized depreciation.

 

(b) All or a portion of the securities have been pledged as collateral for open futures positions. Information regarding open futures contracts as of period end is summarized below.

 

Issuer    Long/Short    Currency    Notional Par
(000’s)
     Number of
Contracts
   Expiration
Date
   Notional
Value
(000’s)
     Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
(000’s)
 

E-Mini S&P 500 Future

   Long    USD    $ 15      303    3/18    $ 40,541      $ 156  

 

(l) Security valued using significant unobservable inputs.

 

(p) Restricted securities (excluding 144A issues) on December 31, 2017.

 

Description    Acquisition
Date
   Cost (000’s)      Value (000’s)      Value as a
Percentage of
Net Assets
 

Casa Ley SA de CV

   2/2/2015    $ 30      $ 30        0.00

Property Development Centers LLC

   2/2/2015      -          -          0.00

 

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

 

22   Index 500 Stock Portfolio  


Table of Contents

Index 500 Stock Portfolio

 

The following is a summary of the inputs used in valuing the Portfolio’s assets and liabilities at December 31, 2017. See Note 3 for additional information on portfolio valuation.

 

   

Valuation Inputs

     
Description   Level 1 –
Quoted Prices
     Level 2 –
Other Significant
Observable Inputs
     Level 3 –
Significant
Unobservable Inputs
     
    (Amounts in thousands)      

Assets:

         

Common Stocks

         

Consumer Staples

  $ 260,615      $ -        $ 30    

All Others

    2,915,935           -      

Short-Term Investments

         

Money Market Funds

    5,810        -         

All Others

    -          34,957        -      

Other Financial Instruments^

         

Futures

    156        -          -      

Total Assets:

  $ 3,182,516      $ 34,957      $ 30    

^ Other financial instruments are derivative instruments such as futures and forwards, which are valued at the unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on the instrument, and short sales, written options and swaps contracts, which are valued at market value.

 

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

 

  Index 500 Stock Portfolio     23  


Table of Contents

Large Company Value Portfolio (unaudited)

 

 

Objective:    Portfolio Strategy:    Net Assets:
Long-term growth of capital. Current income is a secondary objective.    Invest primarily in equity securities of larger companies considered to be undervalued.    $200 million

Portfolio Overview

Mason Street Advisors, LLC (“Mason Street Advisors”), the investment adviser for the Large Company Value Portfolio (the “Portfolio”), has engaged American Century Investment Management, Inc. (“American Century”) to act as sub-adviser for the Portfolio. The Portfolio looks for stocks of companies that it believes are undervalued at the time of purchase. The Portfolio attempts to purchase the stocks of these undervalued companies and hold each stock until it has returned to favor in the market and the price has increased to, or is higher than, a level the Portfolio believes more accurately reflects the fair value of the company. Companies may be undervalued due to market declines, poor economic conditions, actual or anticipated bad news regarding the issuer or its industry, or because they have been overlooked by the market.

Market Overview

Major U.S. stock market benchmarks climbed to record highs in 2017, with large cap stocks outperforming mid cap and small cap stocks, according to the S&P Indices. Market gains were fueled by positive economic and earnings news, moderate inflation and passage of the largest corporate tax cut in decades. Moreover, the U.S. Federal Reserve (the “Fed”) raised the federal funds rate by 25 basis points in December, to a range of 1.25% to 1.50%. This constituted the third rate hike in 2017, and the Fed is expected to continue raising rates at a gradual pace through 2018 given relatively moderate inflation. The outperformance of growth versus value was pronounced in 2017. This created headwinds for the investment team’s approach to value investing as quality and value factors are key determinants of the Portfolio’s performance over time.

Portfolio Results

The Portfolio returned 11.10% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2017. By comparison, the Portfolio’s benchmark, the Russell 1000® Value Index (the “Index”), returned 13.66%. (The Index is unmanaged, cannot be invested in directly and does not include administrative expenses.) According to Lipper® Analytical Services, Inc., an independent mutual fund ranking agency, the average return of the Large Cap Value Funds peer group for 2017 was 15.11%.

The Industrials sector weighed on performance for the reporting period. Industrial conglomerate General Electric was a top detractor, as the company reported weak financial results, cut its dividend by 50%, lowered earnings expectations for 2018 and replaced its CEO.

In the Consumer Discretionary sector, Advance Auto Parts detracted from relative performance. Its stock fell on reports that Amazon was increasing its focus on the aftermarket automotive parts sector. The company also reported first quarter and second quarter earnings that missed estimates, and it materially lowered guidance for its fiscal 2017 year. The investment team’s longer-term investment thesis, however, remained intact. Mattel was another notable detractor in the Consumer Discretionary sector. On the new CEO’s first investor day, she reduced guidance and announced a larger-than-expected dividend cut. Later in the year, the toy company missed second quarter and third quarter earnings estimates and announced the need to renegotiate the financial leverage covenants of its credit facility. Mattel’s weak financial results were negatively impacted by the bankruptcy of Toys”R”Us, one of Mattel’s largest customers, and by continued inventory reductions at other large customers.

Stocks in the Energy sector weighed on returns, including Schlumberger, which is the largest oilfield services company in the world with top market positions across the globe. In the first half of 2017, the stock was pressured by weakening oil prices, as well as exposure to the relatively weak non-U.S. markets. Later in the year, Schlumberger reported solid third quarter earnings, but investors became concerned that the company’s oil production business would raise the overall risk profile of the company.

On the other hand, several companies in the Portfolio’s Information Technology sector outperformed for the reporting period, including Applied Materials and Lam Research. These semiconductor stocks reported better-than-expected earnings and raised guidance results as they benefited from strong orders and a backlog. Lack of exposure to AT&T was also beneficial, as the stock was pressured by increased competition in wireless and from merger arbitrage related to its pending acquisition of Time Warner.

Portfolio Manager Outlook

The following forward-looking comments are the opinion of American Century, the Portfolio’s sub-adviser.

 

24   Large Company Value Portfolio  


Table of Contents

Large Company Value Portfolio (unaudited)

 

 

We see value in the Health Care sector, where we hold higher quality companies with compelling valuations and strong fundamentals. For example, in the fourth quarter, we initiated a position in biotechnology company Celgene. The stock fell to an attractive level after one of its drugs failed in a phase 3 study, and the company lowered its 2020 guidance. Celgene offers solid cash flow generation, an attractive drug pipeline and a compelling risk/reward profile.

The Portfolio is also overweight Energy. During the first half of 2017, the Energy sector declined as the price of oil fell and energy companies faced a rising service cost environment. This provided us with the opportunity to add to some of the Portfolio’s Energy stocks that continue to offer compelling risk/reward profiles.

Our valuation methodology shows that many Real Estate and Utilities stocks remain overvalued, leading to the Portfolio’s continued underweight in those sectors.

 

Relative Performance

 

LOGO

Average Annual Total Returns
For Periods Ended December 31, 2017
 
     1 Year     5 Years     10 Years  

Large Company Value Portfolio

    11.10     12.83     6.15

Russell 1000® Value Index

    13.66     14.04     7.10

Lipper® Variable Insurance Products (VIP) Large Cap Value Funds Average

    15.11     13.46     6.83

The performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance is historical and does not guarantee future performance. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate, so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. For the most recent month-end performance information visit www.northwesternmutual.com.

This chart assumes an initial investment of $10,000 made on 12/31/07. Returns shown reflect fee waivers, deductions for management and other portfolio expenses, and reinvestment of all dividends. In the absence of fee waivers, total return would be reduced.

Returns exclude deductions for separate account sale loads and account fees. Please refer to the Benchmark

Definitions section of this report for information about the indices cited in the above chart and graph.

The Portfolio may invest in derivative instruments for cash management purposes or to hedge foreign currency exposure. Use of these instruments may involve certain costs and imposes certain risks such as liquidity risk, market risk, credit risk, management risk and the risk of mispricing or improper valuation. Certain derivatives involve leverage, which could magnify losses, and portfolios investing in derivatives could lose more than the principal amount invested in those instruments.

  Top 10 Equity Holdings 12/31/17

 

Security Description

     % of Net Assets  

Schlumberger, Ltd.

     3.8

Pfizer, Inc.

     3.3

iShares Russell 1000 Value Index Fund

     3.0

The Procter & Gamble Co.

     2.9

Verizon Communications, Inc.

     2.9

Cisco Systems, Inc.

     2.7

Total SA, ADR

     2.6

Bank of America Corp.

     2.6

U.S. Bancorp

     2.5

BB&T Corp.

     2.5

Sector Allocation 12/31/17

 

LOGO

Sector Allocation is based on Net Assets.

Sector Allocation and Top 10 Holdings are subject to change.

 

 

  Large Company Value Portfolio     25  


Table of Contents

Large Company Value Portfolio

 

Schedule of Investments

December 31, 2017

 

Common Stocks (96.6%)   Shares/
$ Par
    Value
$ (000’s)
 

Consumer Discretionary (4.3%)

 

Advance Auto Parts, Inc.

    20,720       2,066  

Aptiv PLC

    8,140       691  

Carnival Corp.

    10,180       676  

Honda Motor Co., Ltd., ADR*

    54,380       1,853  

L Brands, Inc.

    12,130       730  

Mattel, Inc.

    32,020       492  

Target Corp.

    17,610       1,149  

Time Warner, Inc.

    11,010       1,007  
   

 

 

 

Total

      8,664  
   

 

 

 

Consumer Staples (10.3%)

 

Conagra Brands, Inc.

    47,850       1,803  

General Mills, Inc.

    16,680       989  

Mondelez International, Inc.

    92,570       3,962  

PepsiCo, Inc.

    8,470       1,016  

The Procter & Gamble Co.

    62,360       5,730  

Sysco Corp.

    31,030       1,884  

Unilever NV

    28,870       1,622  

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.

    35,750       3,530  
   

 

 

 

Total

      20,536  
   

 

 

 

Energy (15.5%)

 

Anadarko Petroleum Corp.

    44,740       2,400  

Baker Hughes

    65,880       2,084  

Chevron Corp.

    32,630       4,085  

Exxon Mobil Corp.

    18,910       1,582  

Imperial Oil, Ltd.

    49,450       1,543  

Occidental Petroleum Corp.

    57,090       4,205  

Royal Dutch Shell PLC - Class B, ADR

    34,930       2,385  

Schlumberger, Ltd.

    111,700       7,528  

Total SA, ADR

    92,540       5,116  
   

 

 

 

Total

      30,928  
   

 

 

 

Financials (23.6%)

 

AFLAC, Inc.

    23,650       2,076  

Ameriprise Financial, Inc.

    9,480       1,607  

Bank of America Corp.

    172,560       5,094  

The Bank of New York Mellon Corp.

    82,780       4,459  

BB&T Corp.

    100,380       4,991  

BlackRock, Inc.

    970       498  

Chubb, Ltd.

    26,650       3,894  

Invesco, Ltd.

    89,310       3,264  
Common Stocks (96.6%)   Shares/
$ Par
    Value
$ (000’s)
 

Financials continued

 

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

    34,630       3,703  

M&T Bank Corp.

    17,050       2,915  

MetLife, Inc.

    23,460       1,186  

PNC Financial Services Group, Inc.

    27,580       3,980  

U.S. Bancorp

    94,800       5,079  

Wells Fargo & Co.

    73,940       4,486  
   

 

 

 

Total

      47,232  
   

 

 

 

Health Care (18.3%)

 

Abbott Laboratories

    42,270       2,412  

Allergan PLC

    14,190       2,321  

Celgene Corp.*

    9,710       1,013  

HCA Healthcare, Inc.*

    28,140       2,472  

Johnson & Johnson

    33,500       4,681  

McKesson Corp.

    10,450       1,630  

Medtronic PLC

    61,410       4,959  

Merck & Co., Inc.

    60,080       3,381  

Pfizer, Inc.

    180,410       6,534  

Roche Holding AG

    14,570       3,685  

Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc.

    29,130       3,515  
   

 

 

 

Total

      36,603  
   

 

 

 

Industrials (7.6%)

 

Eaton Corp. PLC

    22,880       1,808  

General Electric Co.

    202,850       3,540  

Ingersoll-Rand PLC

    11,560       1,031  

Johnson Controls International PLC

    114,090       4,348  

Textron, Inc.

    27,230       1,541  

Union Pacific Corp.

    6,960       933  

United Technologies Corp.

    16,040       2,046  
   

 

 

 

Total

      15,247  
   

 

 

 

Information Technology (9.5%)

 

Apple, Inc.

    4,170       706  

Applied Materials, Inc.

    29,780       1,522  

Cisco Systems, Inc.

    139,110       5,328  

Intel Corp.

    38,790       1,791  

Lam Research Corp.

    5,460       1,005  

Oracle Corp.

    88,270       4,173  

QUALCOMM, Inc.

    28,950       1,853  

TE Connectivity, Ltd.

    28,200       2,680  
   

 

 

 

Total

      19,058  
   

 

 

 
Common Stocks (96.6%)   Shares/
$ Par
    Value
$ (000’s)
 

Materials (1.7%)

   

DowDuPont, Inc.

    28,850       2,055  

WestRock Co.

    21,650       1,368  
   

 

 

 

Total

      3,423  
   

 

 

 

Real Estate (0.5%)

   

Boston Properties, Inc.

    7,200       936  
   

 

 

 

Total

      936  
   

 

 

 

Telecommunication Services (2.9%)

   

Verizon Communications, Inc.

    107,570       5,694  
   

 

 

 

Total

      5,694  
   

 

 

 

Utilities (2.4%)

 

Edison International

    16,030       1,014  

PG&E Corp.

    17,800       798  

PPL Corp.

    32,400       1,003  

Xcel Energy, Inc.

    42,000       2,020  
   

 

 

 

Total

      4,835  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks

   

(Cost: $172,414)

      193,156  
   

 

 

 
Investment Companies (3.0%)          

Investment Companies (3.0%)

 

iShares Russell 1000 Value Index Fund

    47,810       5,945  
   

 

 

 

Total Investment Companies

   

(Cost: $5,755)

      5,945  
   

 

 

 
Short-Term Investments (1.5%)          

Money Market Funds (1.5%)

 

State Street Institutional U.S. Government Money Market Fund - Premier Class, 1.209% #

    2,962,142       2,962  
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments

   

(Cost: $2,962)

      2,962  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments (101.1%)

   

(Cost: $181,131)(a)

      202,063  
   

 

 

 

Other Assets, Less

   

Liabilities (-1.1%)

      (2,227
   

 

 

 

Net Assets (100.0%)

      199,836  
   

 

 

 
 
* Non-Income Producing

 

# 7-day yield as of December 31, 2017.

 

   ADR after the name of a security represents—American Depositary Receipt.

CAD — Canadian Dollar

CHF — Swiss Franc

 

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

 

26   Large Company Value Portfolio  


Table of Contents

Large Company Value Portfolio

 

EUR — Euro

GBP — British Pound

JPY — Japanese Yen

 

(a) At December 31, 2017, the aggregate cost of investments, including derivatives, for federal tax purposes (in thousands) was $183,141 and the net unrealized appreciation of investments based on that cost was $18,729 which is comprised of $27,756 aggregate gross unrealized appreciation and $9,027 aggregate gross unrealized depreciation.

 

(h) Forward foreign currency contracts outstanding on December 31, 2017.

 

Type    Counterparty    Currency    Foreign
Principal
Amount
Covered by
Contract (000s)
   USD Principal
Amount
Covered by
Contract (000’s)
   Settlement
Month
   Unrealized
Appreciation
(000’s)
     Unrealized
(Depreciation)
(000’s)
    Net Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
(000’s)
 

Buy

  

Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.

   CAD    114    91    3/18    $ 2      $ -       $ 2  

Sell

  

Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.

   CAD    1,762    1,403    3/18      -          (32     (32

Sell

  

Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.

   CHF    2,993    3,091    3/18      -          (42     (42

Sell

  

Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.

   EUR    4,848    5,848    3/18      -          (102     (102

Sell

  

Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.

   GBP    1,506    2,040    3/18      -          (22     (22

Sell

  

Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.

   JPY    178,979    1,595    3/18      3        -         3  
                 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
                  $ 5      $ (198   $ (193
                 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

The following is a summary of the inputs used in valuing the Portfolio’s assets and liabilities at December 31, 2017. See Note 3 for additional information on portfolio valuation.

 

    Valuation Inputs      
Description   Level 1 –
Quoted Prices
     Level 2 –
Other Significant
Observable Inputs
    Level 3 –
Significant
Unobservable Inputs
     
    (Amounts in thousands)      

Assets:

        

Common Stocks

        

Consumer Staples

  $ 18,914      $ 1,622     $ -      

Health Care

    32,918        3,685       -      

All Others

    136,017        -         -      

Investment Companies

    5,945        -         -      

Short-Term Investments

    2,962        -         -      

Other Financial Instruments^

        

Forward Currency Contracts

    -          5       -      

Total Assets:

  $ 196,756      $ 5,312     $ -      

Liabilities:

        

Other Financial Instruments^

        

Forward Currency Contracts

    -          (198     -      

Total Liabilities:

  $ -        $ (198   $ -      

^ Other financial instruments are derivative instruments such as futures, forwards, written options and swaps contracts, which are valued at the unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on the instrument and short sales, which are valued at market value.

 

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

 

  Large Company Value Portfolio     27  


Table of Contents

Domestic Equity Portfolio (unaudited)

 

 

Objective:    Portfolio Strategy:    Net Assets:
Long-term growth of capital and income.    Invest primarily in equity securities of U.S. issuers that are selling at attractive prices relative to their intrinsic value.    $819 million

Portfolio Overview

Mason Street Advisors, LLC (“Mason Street Advisors”), the investment adviser for the Domestic Equity Portfolio (the “Portfolio”), has engaged Delaware Investments Fund Advisers, a series of Macquarie Investment Management Business Trust (“Delaware”), to act as sub-adviser for the Portfolio. The Portfolio primarily invests in common stocks of large-capitalization companies that are believed to have long-term capital appreciation potential. Typically, the Portfolio seeks securities that are believed to be undervalued in relation to their intrinsic value, as indicated by multiple factors, including the earnings and cash flow potential or the asset valuation of the respective issuers. The Portfolio invests in a core group of 30-40 securities.

Market Overview

In a year of nearly uninterrupted stock market gains, major stock market indices attained new highs throughout 2017. Late in the year, the U.S. Congress debated and then passed a tax reform bill, which was signed into law on Dec. 22. U.S. equity markets reacted positively to the legislation, as investors appeared to discount a boost in corporate earnings resulting from a lower corporate tax rate. At its December meeting, the U.S. Federal Reserve (the “Fed”) increased its benchmark short-term interest rate 0.25 percentage points, to a range between 1.25% and 1.50%. It was the third increase in 2017 and the fifth since December 2015, when the current, gradual tightening cycle began. Longer-term interest rates moved in a fairly tight range. The yield on the 10-year Treasury note closed 2017 at 2.41%, down from 2.48% at the beginning of the year.

Portfolio Results

The Portfolio returned 13.78% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2017. By comparison, the Portfolio’s benchmark, the Russell 1000® Value Index (the “Index”), returned 13.66%. (The Index is unmanaged, cannot be invested in directly and does not include administrative expenses.) According to Lipper® Analytical Services, Inc., an independent mutual fund ranking agency, the average return of the Large Cap Value Funds peer group was 15.11%.

At the Portfolio level, positive performance attribution versus the Index was driven by stock selection. The Industrials and Consumer Discretionary sectors contributed most to relative performance for the reporting period. The Industrials sector benefited most from a positive performance by defense contractor Raytheon Company, which delivered strong sales and earnings throughout the period. The company was also helped by the expectation that geopolitical instability could boost military spending. In the Consumer Discretionary sector, discount retailer Dollar Tree, Inc., led the way. The company’s stock was first added to the Portfolio in August 2017, and its shares rose sharply thereafter, following the release of stronger-than-expected second quarter financial results. More recently, Dollar Tree posted solid third quarter results and raised its full-year guidance for sales and earnings. Another strong contributor was Abbott Laboratories in the Health Care sector. The company launched numerous products during the year and completed acquisitions of both St. Jude Medical and Alere.

Investments in the Consumer Staples and Financials sectors detracted most from relative returns for the reporting period. In the Consumer Staples sector, agricultural commodity firm Archer-Daniels-Midland Company was the biggest detractor. Several years of robust grain harvests led to a weak pricing environment, putting pressure on the company’s revenues. The steady growth of grain stocks has also led to low price volatility, further tempering Archer-Daniels-Midland’s earnings potential. In the Financials sector, the Portfolio’s underweight allocation detracted from relative returns. Regional bank BB&T Corporation was the laggard in the group, in part because of sluggish loan growth and higher-than-anticipated expenses.

Another significant detractor was healthcare products distributor Cardinal Health, Inc. During the year, the company reduced its earnings guidance for fiscal 2018, citing several one-time items including integration expenses associated with a recent acquisition. The stock was also pressured by talk of Amazon’s potential entry into the medical products supply chain.

Portfolio Manager Outlook

The following forward-looking comments are the opinion of Delaware, the Portfolio’s sub-adviser.

We believe the newly-enacted tax legislation is likely to boost corporate earnings and, possibly, consumer spending in the coming quarters. Prospects for higher levels of employment growth and wage gains seem more uncertain. In general, U.S. companies have already been experiencing high profitability and easy access to capital for a number of years. We also see a number of impediments that may temper the robust economic growth anticipated by the markets. These include high debt, the aging population, a shrinking Fed balance sheet and the potential for higher interest rates. As we think about the stock market, high valuations, other signs of excess and investors’ apparent complacency toward risk are concerning. We continue to opt for defensiveness in the Portfolio’s sector weights, with the exception of Energy, and remain focused on quality and relative value in our stock selection.

 

28   Domestic Equity Portfolio  


Table of Contents

Domestic Equity Portfolio (unaudited)

 

 

 

Relative Performance

 

LOGO

 

Average Annual Total Returns
For Periods Ended December 31, 2017
 
     1 Year     5 Years     10 Years  

Domestic Equity Portfolio

    13.78     14.81     7.71

Russell 1000® Value Index

    13.66     14.04     7.10

Lipper® Variable Insurance Products (VIP) Large Cap Value Funds Average

    15.11     13.46     6.83

The performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance is historical and does not guarantee future performance. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate, so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. For the most recent month-end performance information visit www.northwesternmutual.com.

This chart assumes an initial investment of $10,000 made on 12/31/07. Returns shown reflect fee waivers, deductions for management and other portfolio expenses, and reinvestment of all dividends. In the absence of fee waivers, total return would be reduced. Returns exclude deductions for separate account sale loads and account fees. Please refer to the Benchmark Definitions section of this report for information about the indices cited in the above chart and graph.

The Portfolio may hold fewer securities than other diversified portfolios because of its more focused investment strategy. Holding fewer securities increases the risk that the value of the Portfolio could go down because of the poor performance of a single investment.

   Top 10 Equity Holdings 12/31/17

 

Security Description

     % of Net Assets  

Express Scripts Holding Co.

     3.3

Occidental Petroleum Corp.

     3.3

Intel Corp.

     3.3

Marathon Oil Corp.

     3.2

Cisco Systems, Inc.

     3.2

Lowe’s Cos., Inc.

     3.2

The Allstate Corp.

     3.2

Waste Management, Inc.

     3.2

Dollar Tree, Inc.

     3.2

Chevron Corp.

     3.2

Sector Allocation 12/31/17

 

LOGO

Sector Allocation is based on Net Assets.

Sector Allocation and Top 10 Holdings are subject to change.

 

 

  Domestic Equity Portfolio     29  


Table of Contents

Domestic Equity Portfolio

Schedule of Investments

December 31, 2017

 

Common Stocks (98.8%)   Shares/
$ Par
    Value
$ (000’s)
 

Consumer Discretionary (6.4%)

 

 

Dollar Tree, Inc.*

    244,700       26,259  

Lowe’s Cos., Inc.

    283,600       26,358  
   

 

 

 

Total

      52,617  
   

 

 

 

Consumer Staples (8.4%)

 

 

Archer-Daniels-Midland Co.

    566,600       22,709  

CVS Health Corp.

    308,400       22,359  

Mondelez International, Inc.

    559,300       23,938  
   

 

 

 

Total

      69,006  
   

 

 

 

Energy (15.9%)

 

 

Chevron Corp.

    208,246       26,070  

ConocoPhillips

    464,200       25,480  

Halliburton Co.

    529,000       25,852  

Marathon Oil Corp.

    1,567,145       26,532  

Occidental Petroleum Corp.

    361,500       26,628  
   

 

 

 

Total

      130,562  
   

 

 

 

Financials (12.2%)

 

 

The Allstate Corp.

    251,600       26,345  

The Bank of New York Mellon Corp.

    442,800       23,849  

BB&T Corp.

    512,300       25,472  

Marsh & McLennan Cos., Inc.

    301,900       24,572  
   

 

 

 

Total

      100,238  
   

 

 

 
Common Stocks (98.8%)   Shares/
$ Par
    Value
$ (000’s)
 

Health Care (20.8%)

 

 

Abbott Laboratories

    443,500       25,311  

Cardinal Health, Inc.

    381,800       23,393  

Express Scripts Holding Co.*

    356,784       26,630  

Johnson & Johnson

    180,300       25,191  

Merck & Co., Inc.

    408,800       23,003  

Pfizer, Inc.

    650,200       23,550  

Quest Diagnostics, Inc.

    232,000       22,850  
   

 

 

 

Total

      169,928  
   

 

 

 

Industrials (9.3%)

 

 

Northrop Grumman Corp.

    84,700       25,995  

Raytheon Co.

    126,000       23,669  

Waste Management, Inc.

    304,600       26,287  
   

 

 

 

Total

      75,951  
   

 

 

 

Information Technology (11.9%)

 

 

CA, Inc.

    661,487       22,014  

Cisco Systems, Inc.

    689,200       26,396  

Intel Corp.

    575,900       26,584  

Oracle Corp.

    473,700       22,397  
   

 

 

 

Total

      97,391  
   

 

 

 

Materials (3.1%)

 

 

DowDuPont, Inc.

    356,267       25,373  
   

 

 

 

Total

      25,373  
   

 

 

 

Real Estate (2.7%)

 

 

Equity Residential

    350,095       22,326  
   

 

 

 

Total

      22,326  
   

 

 

 
Common Stocks (98.8%)   Shares/
$ Par
    Value
$ (000’s)
 

Telecommunication Services (5.9%)

 

 

AT&T, Inc.

    620,800       24,137  

Verizon Communications, Inc.

    462,600       24,485  
   

 

 

 

Total

      48,622  
   

 

 

 

Utilities (2.2%)

   

Edison International

    276,900       17,511  
   

 

 

 

Total

      17,511  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks

   

(Cost: $575,667)

      809,525  
   

 

 

 
Short-Term Investments (1.1%)         

Money Market Funds (1.1%)

 

 

State Street Institutional U.S. Government Money Market Fund - Premier Class,
1.209% #

    9,210,804       9,211  
   

 

 

 

Total

      9,211  
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments

   

(Cost: $9,211)

      9,211  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments (99.9%)

   

(Cost: $584,878)(a)

      818,736  
   

 

 

 

Other Assets, Less

   

Liabilities (0.1%)

      478  
   

 

 

 

Net Assets (100.0%)

      819,214  
   

 

 

 
 
* Non-Income Producing

 

# 7-Day yield as of December 31, 2017.

 

(a) At December 31, 2017, the aggregate cost of investments, including derivatives, for federal tax purposes (in thousands) was $584,878 and the net unrealized appreciation of investments based on that cost was $233,858 which is comprised of $236,284 aggregate gross unrealized appreciation and $2,426 aggregate gross unrealized depreciation.

The following is a summary of the inputs used in valuing the Portfolio’s assets and liabilities at December 31, 2017. See Note 3 for additional information on portfolio valuation.

 

    Valuation Inputs      
Description   Level 1 –
Quoted Prices
     Level 2 –
Other Significant
Observable Inputs
     Level 3 –
Significant
Unobservable Inputs
     
    (Amounts in thousands)      

Assets:

         

Common Stocks

  $ 809,525      $ -        $ -      

Short-Term Investments

  $ 9,211      $ -        $ -      

Total Assets:

  $ 818,736      $ -        $ -      

 

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

 

30   Domestic Equity Portfolio  


Table of Contents

Equity Income Portfolio (unaudited)

 

 

Objective:    Portfolio Strategy:    Net Assets:
Long-term growth of capital and income.    Invest in common stocks with a focus on larger capitalization stocks with a strong track record of paying dividends, or that are believed to be undervalued.    $844 million

Portfolio Overview

Mason Street Advisors, LLC (“Mason Street Advisors”), the investment adviser for the Equity Income Portfolio (the “Portfolio”), has engaged T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. (“T. Rowe Price”) to act as sub-adviser for the Portfolio. Normally, the Portfolio invests in common stocks, with an emphasis on larger capitalization stocks with a strong track record of paying dividends or that are believed to be undervalued. The Portfolio’s yield, which reflects the level of dividends paid by the Portfolio, is expected to normally exceed the yield of the S&P 500® Stock Index. The Portfolio will typically employ a value approach in selecting investments. The Portfolio’s in-house research team seeks to identify companies that appear to be undervalued, as measured by price to earnings ratio, dividend yield and enterprise value to sales, among other metrics and may be temporarily out of favor, but have good prospects for capital appreciation and dividend growth.

Market Overview

U.S. stocks posted strong returns in 2017, buoyed by solid corporate earnings and economic growth. Throughout the year, hopes that President Trump’s proposals for lower tax rates, reduced regulation and increased infrastructure spending benefited the market. In December, the Trump administration signed legislation that reduces tax rates for corporations and closely held businesses, reduces marginal tax rates for individuals at most income levels, and changes the limits for various individual tax deductions. Most major stock indices finished the year near record levels amid expectations that the new tax law would add to economic growth in 2018.

The Russell 1000® Value Index posted a double-digit positive return during the period. As measured by various Russell Indices, large cap shares outperformed mid and small caps. Growth stocks soundly outperformed value across all market capitalizations, most notably among large caps. Within the Russell 1000® Value Index, nearly all sectors posted positive returns. Information Technology led performance, followed by the Materials and Financials sectors. The only detractors were the Telecommunication Services and Energy sectors.

Portfolio Results

The Portfolio returned 16.24% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2017. By comparison, the Portfolio’s benchmark, the Russell 1000® Value Index (the “Index”), returned 13.66%. (The Index is unmanaged, cannot be invested in directly and does not include administrative expenses.) According to Lipper® Analytical Services, Inc., an independent mutual fund ranking agency, the average return of the Equity Income Funds peer group was 15.23% for 2017.

Stock selection in the Industrials and Business Services sector was the largest contributor to relative results for the reporting period, largely due to a position in Boeing. The company continued to benefit from cost reductions and productivity gains, which translated into increased earnings and cash flow. The portfolio managers trimmed the Portfolio’s position but continued to like Boeing because it operates in a duopoly market that is expected to experience steady long-term global airline passenger growth.

The Information Technology sector also bolstered relative returns, driven by stock selection, particularly an investment in Applied Materials. The company produces manufacturing equipment for the semiconductor industry, as well as supplies for flat-panel displays. Both segments benefited from smartphones transitioning to the next generation of memory and display technology, as well as growth in demand from China.

At the other end of the spectrum, stock selection in Utilities detracted from relative performance for the reporting period. Amid extensive wildfires in southern California, shares of both PG&E and Edison International suffered due to concerns that the electric utilities could be found liable for fire damage. PG&E suspended its dividend in light of this potential headwind, which further weighed on the share price. While the portfolio managers continued to like both companies’ exposure to the California market, they sold shares of PG&E due to the uncertainty and are closely monitoring Edison International’s potential legal responsibility.

Portfolio Manager Outlook

The following forward-looking comments are the opinion of T. Rowe Price, the Portfolio’s sub-adviser.

 

  Equity Income Portfolio     31  


Table of Contents

Equity Income Portfolio (unaudited)

 

 

We expect increased volatility and modest equity returns in the coming months, as investors assess the impact of tax reform on the economy and individual companies. The level of complacency in the market is slightly concerning, and as a result, we believe a more thoughtful approach to balancing cyclical and defensive exposure is warranted. Valuations have remained elevated, making it challenging to identify areas of the market that will outperform over the long term. Given the higher potential for a choppy market environment, we believe a cautious approach that takes advantage of market gyrations is appropriate.

 

Relative Performance

 

LOGO

 

Average Annual Total Returns
For Periods Ended December 31, 2017
 
      1 Year     5 Years     10 Years  

Equity Income Portfolio

     16.24     12.52     6.81

Russell 1000® Value Index

     13.66     14.04     7.10

Lipper® Variable Insurance Products (VIP) Equity Income Funds Average

     15.23     12.62     6.88

The performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance is historical and does not guarantee future performance. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate, so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. For the most recent month-end performance information visit www.northwesternmutual.com.

This chart assumes an initial investment of $10,000 made on 12/31/07. Returns shown reflect fee waivers, deductions for management and other portfolio expenses, and reinvestment of all dividends. In the absence of fee waivers, total return would be reduced. Returns exclude deductions for separate account sale loads and account fees. Please refer to the Benchmark Definitions section of this report for information about the indices cited in the above chart and graph.

The Portfolio invests with an emphasis on larger capitalization stocks with a strong track record of paying dividends or that are believed to be undervalued. The Portfolio may underperform similar funds that invest without an emphasis on dividend-paying stocks. Dividend-paying stocks may not participate in a broad market advance to the same degree as other stocks.

Currently, interest rates remain at historically low levels on a relative basis, although the U.S. federal funds rate has been subject to modest increases over the course of the last two years. A significant rise in interest rates or economic downturn could cause a company to unexpectedly reduce or eliminate its dividend.

Top 10 Equity Holdings 12/31/17

 

 

Security Description    % of Net Assets      

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

     3.9  

Wells Fargo & Co.

     2.9  

Exxon Mobil Corp.

     2.7  

Morgan Stanley

     2.2  

Microsoft Corp.

     2.1  

Verizon Communications, Inc.

     2.1  

Johnson & Johnson

     1.9  

Total SA, ADR

     1.9  

DowDuPont, Inc.

     1.9  

QUALCOMM, Inc.

     1.9  

Sector Allocation 12/31/17

 

LOGO

Sector Allocation is based on Net Assets.

Sector Allocation and Top 10 Holdings are subject to change.

 

 

32   Equity Income Portfolio  


Table of Contents

Equity Income Portfolio

 

Schedule of Investments

December 31, 2017

 

                                               
    Common Stocks (96.3%)  

Shares/

$ Par

   

Value

$ (000’s)

 
 

Consumer Discretionary (7.6%)

 

 
 

Adient PLC

    69,745       5,489  
 

Comcast Corp. - Class A

    248,190       9,940  
 

Ford Motor Co.

    165,100       2,062  
 

Kohl’s Corp.

    119,400       6,475  
 

L Brands, Inc.

    35,500       2,138  
 

Las Vegas Sands Corp.

    115,900       8,054  
 

Macy’s, Inc.

    48,200       1,214  
 

Mattel, Inc.

    270,200       4,155  
 

News Corp. - Class A

    445,200       7,217  
 

Twenty-First Century Fox, Inc. - Class B

    428,100       14,607  
 

The Walt Disney Co.

    25,600       2,752  
     

 

 

 
 

Total

      64,103  
     

 

 

 
 

Consumer Staples (7.9%)

 

 
 

Archer-Daniels-Midland Co.

    170,300       6,826  
 

Coty, Inc. - Class A

    177,297       3,526  
 

CVS Health Corp.

    36,642       2,656  
 

Diageo PLC

    56,426       2,065  
 

Kellogg Co.

    52,200       3,549  
 

Kimberly-Clark Corp.

    80,000       9,653  
 

PepsiCo, Inc.

    71,100       8,526  
 

Philip Morris International, Inc.

    72,400       7,649  
 

Tyson Foods, Inc. - Class A

    143,700       11,650  
 

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.

    103,300       10,201  
     

 

 

 
 

Total

      66,301  
     

 

 

 
 

Energy (9.7%)

 

 
 

Apache Corp.

    167,456       7,070  
 

Canadian Natural Resources, Ltd.

    21,400       764  
 

Chevron Corp.

    79,300       9,928  
 

EQT Corp.

    17,690       1,007  
 

Exxon Mobil Corp.

    267,600       22,382  
 

Hess Corp.

    180,300       8,559  
 

Occidental Petroleum Corp.

    137,400       10,121  
 

Total SA, ADR

    292,700       16,181  
 

TransCanada Corp.

    118,800       5,778  
     

 

 

 
 

Total

      81,790  
     

 

 

 
 

Financials (26.4%)

 

 
 

American International Group, Inc.

    166,400       9,914  
 

Ameriprise Financial, Inc.

    45,500       7,711  
 

Bank of America Corp.

    52,623       1,553  
 

The Bank of New York Mellon Corp.

    130,200       7,013  
 

Brighthouse Financial, Inc.*

    106,227       6,229  
                                               
    Common Stocks (96.3%)  

Shares/

$ Par

   

Value

$ (000’s)

 
 

Financials continued

 

 
 

Chubb, Ltd.

    59,875       8,750  
 

Citigroup, Inc.

    172,600       12,843  
 

Fifth Third Bancorp

    376,600       11,426  
 

Franklin Resources, Inc.

    50,700       2,197  
 

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

    305,988       32,722  
 

KeyCorp

    342,500       6,908  
 

Loews Corp.

    241,900       12,102  
 

Marsh & McLennan Cos., Inc.

    54,000       4,395  
 

MetLife, Inc.

    201,400       10,183  
 

Morgan Stanley

    352,000       18,469  
 

Northern Trust Corp.

    57,100       5,704  
 

PNC Financial Services Group, Inc.

    56,600       8,167  
 

State Street Corp.

    149,000       14,544  
 

U.S. Bancorp

    223,400       11,970  
 

Wells Fargo & Co.

    399,900       24,262  
 

Willis Towers Watson PLC

    17,716       2,670  
 

XL Group, Ltd.

    99,100       3,484  
     

 

 

 
 

Total

      223,216  
     

 

 

 
 

Health Care (10.9%)

 

 
 

Anthem, Inc.

    68,149       15,334  
 

Becton, Dickinson and Co.

    29,700       6,358  
 

Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.

    114,000       6,986  
 

Gilead Sciences, Inc.

    128,500       9,206  
 

GlaxoSmithKline PLC

    281,433       4,978  
 

GlaxoSmithKline PLC, ADR

    93,600       3,320  
 

Johnson & Johnson

    116,800       16,319  
 

Medtronic PLC

    123,035       9,935  
 

Merck & Co., Inc.

    145,400       8,182  
 

Pfizer, Inc.

    319,726       11,580  
     

 

 

 
 

Total

      92,198  
     

 

 

 
 

Industrials (8.6%)

 

 
 

The Boeing Co.

    45,700       13,477  
 

Delta Air Lines, Inc.

    63,400       3,550  
 

Emerson Electric Co.

    114,000       7,945  
 

Flowserve Corp.

    101,921       4,294  
 

General Electric Co.

    236,600       4,129  
 

Illinois Tool Works, Inc.

    30,200       5,039  
 

Johnson Controls International PLC

    338,059       12,883  
 

Pentair PLC

    65,000       4,590  
 

Southwest Airlines Co.

    54,300       3,554  
 

Stericycle, Inc.*

    28,303       1,924  
 

United Parcel Service, Inc. - Class B

    86,300       10,283  
 

United Technologies Corp.

    9,200       1,174  
     

 

 

 
 

Total

      72,842  
     

 

 

 
                                               
    Common Stocks (96.3%)  

Shares/

$ Par

   

Value

$ (000’s)

 
 

Information Technology (10.0%)

 

 
 

Analog Devices, Inc.

    24,800       2,208  
 

Apple, Inc.

    8,800       1,489  
 

Applied Materials, Inc.

    127,700       6,528  
 

CA, Inc.

    45,200       1,504  
 

Cisco Systems, Inc.

    320,100       12,260  
 

Harris Corp.

    99,773       14,133  
 

Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co.

    132,800       1,907  
 

Microsoft Corp.

    208,500       17,835  
 

QUALCOMM, Inc.

    243,700       15,602  
 

TE Connectivity, Ltd.

    39,800       3,783  
 

Texas Instruments, Inc.

    51,600       5,389  
 

Western Digital Corp.

    27,300       2,171  
     

 

 

 
 

Total

      84,809  
     

 

 

 
 

Materials (5.5%)

 

 
 

Akzo Nobel NV

    53,200       1,550  
 

CF Industries Holdings, Inc.

    216,700       9,218  
 

DowDuPont, Inc.

    223,204       15,897  
 

International Paper Co.

    139,700       8,094  
 

Nucor Corp.

    84,000       5,341  
 

Vulcan Materials Co.

    47,800       6,136  
     

 

 

 
 

Total

      46,236  
     

 

 

 
 

Real Estate (2.1%)

 

 
 

Equity Residential

    78,200       4,987  
 

Rayonier, Inc.

    225,906       7,146  
 

Weyerhaeuser Co.

    152,535       5,378  
     

 

 

 
 

Total

      17,511  
     

 

 

 
 

Telecommunication Services (3.0%)

   
 

CenturyLink, Inc.

    140,290       2,340  
 

Telefonica SA

    444,165       4,325  
 

Verizon Communications, Inc.

    327,008       17,308  
 

Vodafone Group PLC

    367,781       1,162  
     

 

 

 
 

Total

      25,135  
     

 

 

 
 

Utilities (4.6%)

 

 
 

Edison International

    100,188       6,336  
 

Exelon Corp.

    76,962       3,033  
 

NiSource, Inc.

    323,400       8,301  
 

PG&E Corp.

         104,322       4,677  
 

Sempra Energy

    6,856       733  
 

The Southern Co.

    283,636       13,640  
 

Westar Energy, Inc.

    42,100       2,223  
     

 

 

 
 

Total

      38,943  
     

 

 

 
 

Total Common Stocks

   
 

(Cost: $649,270)

      813,084  
     

 

 

 
 

 

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

 

  Equity Income Portfolio     33  


Table of Contents

Equity Income Portfolio

 

                                               
    Convertible Preferred Stocks (1.6%)   Shares/
$ Par
    Value
$ (000’s)
 
 

Health Care (0.7%)

 

 
 

Becton, Dickinson and Co., 6.125%, 5/1/20

    100,450       5,816  
     

 

 

 
 

Total

      5,816  
     

 

 

 
 

Utilities (0.9%)

   
 

DTE Energy Co., 6.500%, 10/1/19

    25,217       1,361  
 

NextEra Energy, Inc., 6.123%, 9/1/19

    105,113       5,907  
     

 

 

 
 

Total

      7,268  
     

 

 

 
 

Total Convertible Preferred Stocks

   
 

(Cost: $11,427)

      13,084  
     

 

 

 
                                               
    Corporate Bonds (0.5%)   Shares/
$ Par
    Value
$ (000’s)
 
 

Consumer, Cyclical (0.3%)

 

 
 

Mattel, Inc., 6.750%, 12/31/25, 144A

    2,540,000       2,574  
     

 

 

 
 

Total

      2,574  
     

 

 

 
 

Technology (0.2%)

   
 

Western Digital Corp., 10.500%, 4/1/24, 144A

    1,150,000       1,333  
     

 

 

 
 

Total

      1,333  
     

 

 

 
 

Total Corporate Bonds

   
 

(Cost: $3,671)

      3,907  
     

 

 

 
                                               
    Short-Term Investments (1.3%)   Shares/
$ Par
    Value
$ (000’s)
 
 

Money Market Funds (1.3%)

 

 
 

State Street Institutional U.S. Government Money Market Fund - Premier Class, 1.209% #

    11,398,487       11,398  
     

 

 

 
 

Total

      11,398  
     

 

 

 
 

Total Short-Term
Investments

   
 

(Cost: $11,398)

      11,398  
     

 

 

 
 

Total Investments
(99.7%)

   
 

(Cost: $675,766)(a)

      841,473  
     

 

 

 
 

Other Assets, Less

   
 

Liabilities (0.3%)

      2,925  
     

 

 

 
 

Net Assets (100.0%)

      844,398  
     

 

 

 
 
* Non-Income Producing

 

# 7-Day yield as of December 31, 2017.

 

   ADR after the name of a security represents—American Depositary Receipt.

 

   144A after the name of a security represents a security exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities may be resold as transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. At December 31, 2017 the value of these securities (in thousands) was $3,907 representing 0.5% of the net assets.

 

(a) At December 31, 2017, the aggregate cost of investments, including derivatives, for federal tax purposes (in thousands) was $677,377 and the net unrealized appreciation of investments based on that cost was $164,096 which is comprised of $186,573 aggregate gross unrealized appreciation and $22,477 aggregate gross unrealized depreciation.

The following is a summary of the inputs used in valuing the Portfolio’s assets and liabilities at December 31, 2017. See Note 3 for additional information on portfolio valuation.

 

    Valuation Inputs      
Description  

Level 1 –

Quoted Prices

    

Level 2 –

Other Significant

Observable Inputs

    

Level 3 –

Significant

Unobservable Inputs

     
    (Amounts in thousands)      
Assets:          

Common Stocks

         

Consumer Staples

  $ 64,236      $ 2,065      $ -      

Health Care

    87,220        4,978        -      

Telecommunication Services

    19,648        5,487        -      

All Others

    629,450        -          -      

Convertible Preferred Stocks

    13,084        -          -      

Corporate Bonds

    -          3,907        -      

Short-Term Investments

    11,398        -          -      

Total Assets:

  $ 825,036      $ 16,437      $ -      

For the period ended December 31, 2017, there were transfers from Level 1 to Level 2 in the amount of $12,530 (in thousands). These transfers were the result of the use of fair value procedures on certain foreign securities in the portfolio on December 31, 2017.

 

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

 

34   Equity Income Portfolio  


Table of Contents

Mid Cap Growth Stock Portfolio (unaudited)

 

 

Objective:    Portfolio Strategy:    Net Assets:
Long-term growth of capital.    Invest primarily in common stocks of mid cap domestic companies selected on the basis of their potential for capital appreciation.    $1.1 billion

Portfolio Overview

Mason Street Advisors, LLC (“Mason Street Advisors”), the investment adviser for the Mid Cap Growth Stock Portfolio (the “Portfolio”), has engaged Wellington Management Company LLP (“Wellington”) to act as sub-adviser for the Portfolio. Wellington was appointed sub-adviser to the Portfolio effective October 27, 2017. Prior to that time, the Portfolio was sub-advised by William Blair Investment Management, LLC (“William Blair”). The Portfolio invests primarily in common stocks of mid cap companies selected on the basis of their potential for capital appreciation. The Portfolio focuses on companies that are determined to be of high quality. The key characteristics of high quality companies include a leadership position within an industry, a strong balance sheet, a high return on equity, and/or a strong management team. The Portfolio seeks to reduce overall risk by diversifying across sectors, industry groups and companies. The Portfolio’s sector exposure relative to its benchmark is driven by an investment process which relies on fundamental company analysis and individual stock selection. The Portfolio invests primarily in U.S. common stocks. The Portfolio may also invest up to 20% of net assets in American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) and other securities of foreign issuers, including non-U.S. dollar denominated securities.

Market Overview

U.S. equities rose for the fourteenth consecutive month, as measured by the S&P 500® Index, to finish the twelve-month period ending December 31, 2017. The stock market soared following Donald Trump’s victory on hopes of increased fiscal stimulus, reduced regulatory restrictions, and lower corporate taxes. The reflation trading theme dominated the narrative heading into 2017, leading to significant equity inflows and the largest exodus from bonds since the “taper tantrum” in 2013. Despite many investors voicing concerns about stretched valuations, heightened U.S. tensions with Russia and North Korea, and overly optimistic policy expectations, the market hit a series of record highs during the year on the back of strong employment data and strong corporate earnings.

In a well-telegraphed move, the U.S. Federal Reserve (the “Fed”) hiked the policy interest rates three times during the period. In August, the Fed announced that its balance sheet normalization program would begin in October, reiterating that the process would be gradual and predictable. In November, Jerome Powell’s nomination as the chair of the Fed provided markets with reasonable assurance that current central bank policies would be maintained in the near term.

Tax reform was a key area of focus during the period, culminating with a $1.5 trillion tax reform bill signed into law by Donald Trump at the end of December. The legislation included the most sweeping changes to the tax code since 1986 and represented a major victory for Republicans.

Returns during the period varied by market cap. Large cap stocks, as measured by the S&P 500® Index outperformed mid and small cap stocks, as measured by the S&P MidCap 400® Index and S&P SmallCap 600® Index.

Portfolio Results

The Portfolio returned 20.29% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2017. By comparison, the Portfolio’s benchmark, the Russell Midcap® Growth Index (the “Index”), returned 25.27%. (The Index is unmanaged, cannot be invested in directly, and does not include administrative expenses.) According to Lipper® Analytical Services Inc., an independent mutual fund ranking agency, the average return in 2017 of the Mid Cap Growth Funds peer group was 25.71%.

As noted above, prior to October 27, 2017, the Portfolio was managed by William Blair. With respect to the period prior to October 27, 2017, the Portfolio’s underperformance relative to the Index was primarily attributable to stock selection in the Consumer Discretionary and Industrials sectors. Significant individual security detractors in the Consumer Discretionary sector included O’Reilly Automotive and Tractor Supply, which both declined in part due to the risk of potential competition from ecommerce. Stock selection in the machinery industry held back results in the Industrials sector. The Portfolio’s decision to not hold NVIDIA, a large benchmark constituent, also hurt relative results during the period.

The following performance attribution comments relate to the period October 27, 2017 through December 31, 2017, during which Wellington acted as the Portfolio’s sub-adviser.

 

  Mid Cap Growth Stock Portfolio     35  


Table of Contents

Mid Cap Growth Stock Portfolio (unaudited)

 

 

The Portfolio’s relative underperformance during the period was due to both sector allocation and stock selection. Sector allocation, a residual of the team’s bottom-up stock selection process, was the primary driver of underperformance, primarily the Portfolio’s underweights within the Consumer Discretionary and Consumer Staples sectors. Negative stock selection for the period was also a factor, driven by weak selection within the Financials, Consumer Discretionary, and Utilities sectors.

Top individual security detractors from relative returns during the period included TESARO, CarMax and First Republic Bank. Top individual security contributors to relative performance during the period included Sage Therapeutics, Neurocrine Biosciences and Bluebird Bio.

Portfolio Manager Outlook

The following forward-looking comments are the opinion of Wellington, the Portfolio’s sub-adviser.

As we enter 2018, we expect strong fundamentals and gradual monetary tightening to support equity markets during the year. Despite a favorable economic environment, investors are worried about valuations and complacency as the Fed moves forward with the removal of unprecedented monetary accommodation. While this sounds like the end of the party, we believe that the Fed will be quite gradual in their withdrawal of support and that the economy is strong enough to withstand a bit less stimulus.

The U.S. economy continues to expand at a steady clip and we think growth in 2018 could be bolstered by an expansionary fiscal stance. Consumer confidence is high as the job market is strong, wage gains are reasonable, and home prices are rising. Business investment is starting to rebound and projected capital expenditures are robust. Against this backdrop, some combination of tax relief and hurricane-recovery spending is likely to add to growth in 2018. Further, deregulation is likely to be a tailwind for investment spending and growth. That said, uncertainties and risks related to Washington politics as well as potential international developments (North Korea, Iran) could possibly increase market volatility, which should be partly mitigated by the Portfolio’s diversification and exposure to market leading companies.

 

Relative Performance

 

LOGO

 

Average Annual Total Returns
For Periods Ended December 31, 2017
 
     1 Year     5 Years     10 Years  

Mid Cap Growth Stock Portfolio

    20.29     10.72     5.53

Russell MidCap® Growth Index

    25.27     15.30     9.10

Lipper® Variable Insurance Products (VIP) Mid Cap Growth Funds Average

    25.71     14.17     7.84

The performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance is historical and does not guarantee future performance. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate, so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. For the most recent month-end performance information visit www.northwesternmutual.com.

This chart assumes an initial investment of $10,000 made on 12/31/07. Returns shown reflect fee waivers, deductions for management and other portfolio expenses, and reinvestment of all dividends. In the absence of fee waivers, total return would be reduced. Returns exclude deductions for separate account sale loads and account fees. Please refer to the Benchmark Definitions section of this report for information about the indices cited in the above chart and graph.

Investing in small and medium-sized companies involves a greater degree of risk than investing in large company stocks.

The Portfolio may invest a relatively high percentage of its assets in a particular sector. The Portfolio will have greater exposure to the risks associated with that sector and its performance will be tied more closely to the performance of the sector.

 

 

36   Mid Cap Growth Stock Portfolio  


Table of Contents

Mid Cap Growth Stock Portfolio (unaudited)

 

 

Top 10 Equity Holdings 12/31/17

 

Security Description    % of Net Assets      

Genpact, Ltd.

     2.2  

TransUnion

     2.2  

VeriSign, Inc.

     2.1  

Global Payments, Inc.

     2.0  

Markel Corp.

     2.0  

Lennox International, Inc.

     2.0  

IDEX Corp.

     2.0  

NVR, Inc.

     1.9  

CDW Corp.

     1.7  

Sage Therapeutics, Inc.

     1.7  

Sector Allocation 12/31/17

 

LOGO

Sector Allocation is based on Net Assets.

Sector Allocation and Top 10 Holdings are subject to change.

 

 

  Mid Cap Growth Stock Portfolio     37  


Table of Contents

Mid Cap Growth Stock Portfolio

Schedule of Investments

December 31, 2017

 

                               
Common Stocks (99.8%)   Shares/
$ Par
    Value
$ (000’s)
 

Consumer Discretionary (6.6%)

 

 

CarMax, Inc.*

    207,870       13,331  

Choice Hotels

International, Inc.

    164,727       12,783  

Harley-Davidson, Inc.

    227,921       11,597  

NVR, Inc.*

    6,018       21,112  

TripAdvisor, Inc.*

    105,237       3,626  

Under Armour, Inc. - Class C*

    315,235       4,199  

UniFirst Corp.

    35,024       5,775  
   

 

 

 

Total

      72,423  
   

 

 

 

Consumer Staples (0.7%)

 

 

PriceSmart, Inc.

    88,821       7,648  
   

 

 

 

Total

      7,648  
   

 

 

 

Energy (2.2%)

 

 

Diamondback Energy, Inc.*

    50,259       6,345  

Newfield Exploration Co.*

    179,424       5,657  

WPX Energy, Inc.*

    852,555       11,996  
   

 

 

 

Total

      23,998  
   

 

 

 

Financials (16.1%)

 

 

Alleghany Corp.*

    16,156       9,630  

Credit Acceptance Corp.*

    33,781       10,928  

Cullen / Frost Bankers, Inc.

    55,461       5,249  

East West Bancorp, Inc.

    82,600       5,025  

FactSet Research Systems, Inc.

    67,071       12,929  

Fairfax Financial Holdings, Ltd.

    18,534       9,869  

First Citizens BancShares, Inc. - Class A

    20,037       8,075  

First Republic Bank

    142,625       12,357  

FNF Group

    214,191       8,405  

M&T Bank Corp.

    109,704       18,758  

Markel Corp.*

    18,984       21,625  

Moody’s Corp.

    21,876       3,229  

MSCI, Inc.

    84,734       10,722  

Northern Trust Corp.

    120,313       12,018  

Prosperity Bancshares, Inc.

    88,988       6,235  

South State Corp.

    71,560       6,237  

W.R. Berkley Corp.

    108,810       7,796  

White Mountains Insurance Group, Ltd.

    8,610       7,330  
   

 

 

 

Total

      176,417  
   

 

 

 

Health Care (16.5%)

 

 

Aerie Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    159,144       9,509  
                               
Common Stocks (99.8%)   Shares/
$ Par
    Value
$ (000’s)
 

Health Care continued

 

 

Agios Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    53,885       3,081  

Alkermes PLC*

    265,438       14,527  

BeiGene, Ltd., ADR*

    57,271       5,597  

Bluebird Bio, Inc.*

    52,292       9,313  

Integra LifeSciences Holdings Corp.*

    84,098       4,025  

Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    290,883       14,631  

Ironwood Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    20,781       312  

Mettler-Toledo International, Inc.*

    20,348       12,606  

Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc.*

    170,086       13,197  

Sage Therapeutics, Inc.*

    114,282       18,823  

Spark Therapeutics, Inc.*

    76,634       3,941  

Steris PLC

    138,939       12,153  

Teleflex, Inc.

    53,615       13,340  

Tesaro, Inc.*

    118,716       9,838  

Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical, Inc.*

    172,675       8,009  

Varian Medical Systems, Inc.*

    103,992       11,559  

Veeva Systems, Inc. - Class A*

    123,923       6,850  

Waters Corp.*

    54,212       10,473  
   

 

 

 

Total

      181,784  
   

 

 

 

Industrials (21.3%)

 

 

Alaska Air Group, Inc.

    162,139       11,919  

Allison Transmission Holdings, Inc.

    248,159       10,688  

AMERCO

    27,958       10,566  

Cintas Corp.

    66,011       10,286  

The Dun & Bradstreet Corp.

    101,357       12,002  

Equifax, Inc.

    63,775       7,520  

Fastenal Co.

    158,617       8,675  

Genesee & Wyoming, Inc. - Class A*

    194,737       15,332  

HEICO Corp. - Class A

    131,529       10,397  

IDEX Corp.

    162,117       21,395  

JetBlue Airways Corp.*

    592,344       13,233  

KAR Auction Services, Inc.

    160,602       8,112  

Lennox International, Inc.

    102,827       21,415  

The Middleby Corp.*

    59,233       7,993  

PACCAR, Inc.

    119,589       8,500  

Robert Half International, Inc.

    224,340       12,460  
                               
Common Stocks (99.8%)   Shares/
$ Par
    Value
$ (000’s)
 

Industrials continued

 

 

Spirit Airlines, Inc.*

    197,834       8,873  

TransUnion*

    438,394       24,094  

Waste Connections, Inc.

    154,207       10,939  
   

 

 

 

Total

      234,399  
   

 

 

 

Information Technology (31.2%)

 

 

Akamai Technologies, Inc.*

    266,390       17,326  

Black Knight, Inc.*

    169,972       7,504  

Blackbaud, Inc.

    129,246       12,212  

Blackhawk Network Holdings, Inc.*

    127,851       4,558  

Cadence Design Systems, Inc.*

    223,319       9,339  

CDW Corp.

    275,123       19,118  

Cimpress NV*

    35,418       4,246  

CommScope Holding Co., Inc.*

    284,269       10,754  

CoStar Group, Inc.*

    46,415       13,783  

Finisar Corp.*

    397,609       8,091  

Genpact, Ltd.

    769,774       24,433  

Global Payments, Inc.

    218,780       21,931  

GrubHub, Inc.*

    58,117       4,173  

Guidewire Software, Inc.*

    147,920       10,985  

II-VI, Inc.*

    268,743       12,617  

Keysight Technologies, Inc.*

    268,128       11,154  

MKS Instruments, Inc.

    129,244       12,214  

National Instruments Corp.

    409,526       17,049  

ServiceNow, Inc.*

    90,416       11,789  

Silicon Laboratories, Inc.*

    122,361       10,804  

Teradata Corp.*

    357,416       13,746  

Total System Services, Inc.

    198,728       15,717  

Trimble Navigation, Ltd.*

    358,357       14,564  

VeriSign, Inc.*

    196,557       22,494  

WEX, Inc.*

    118,539       16,741  

Zillow Group, Inc. - Class A*

    131,733       5,367  

Zillow Group, Inc. - Class C*

    233,427       9,552  
   

 

 

 

Total

      342,261  
   

 

 

 

Materials (3.1%)

 

 

Ball Corp.

    280,358       10,612  

Packaging Corp. of America

    141,707       17,083  

Silgan Holdings, Inc.

    207,701       6,104  
   

 

 

 

Total

      33,799  
   

 

 

 
 

 

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

 

38   Mid Cap Growth Stock Portfolio  


Table of Contents

Mid Cap Growth Stock Portfolio

 

                               
Common Stocks (99.8%)   Shares/
$ Par
    Value
$ (000’s)
 

Real Estate (0.2%)

 

 

Equity Commonwealth*

    76,611       2,337  
   

 

 

 

Total

      2,337  
   

 

 

 

Utilities (1.9%)

 

 

Black Hills Corp.

    69,321       4,167  

NiSource, Inc.

    125,525       3,222  

UGI Corp.

    287,835       13,514  
   

 

 

 

Total

      20,903  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks

   

(Cost: $1,045,980)

      1,095,969  
   

 

 

 
                               
Short-Term Investments
(0.7%)
  Shares/
$ Par
    Value
$ (000’s)
 

Money Market Funds (0.7%)

 

State Street Institutional U.S. Government Money Market Fund - Premier Class, 1.209%#

    7,364,632       7,365  
   

 

 

 

Total

      7,365  
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term
Investments

   

(Cost: $7,365)

      7,365  
   

 

 

 
                               
     Shares/
$ Par
    Value
$ (000’s)
 

Total Investments (100.5%)

   

(Cost: $1,053,345)(a)

      1,103,334  
   

 

 

 

Other Assets, Less

   

Liabilities (-0.5%)

      (5,901
   

 

 

 

Net Assets (100.0%)

      1,097,433  
   

 

 

 
 

Non-Income Producing

 

# 7-Day yield as of December 31, 2017

ADR after the name of a security represents—American Depositary Receipt.

 

(a) At December 31, 2017, the aggregate cost of investments, including derivatives, for federal tax purposes (in thousands) was $1,055,356 and the net unrealized appreciation of investments based on that cost was $47,978 which is comprised of $68,519 aggregate gross unrealized appreciation and $20,541 aggregate gross unrealized depreciation.

The following is a summary of the inputs used in valuing the Portfolio’s assets and liabilities at December 31, 2017. See Note 3 for additional information on portfolio valuation.

 

    Valuation Inputs      
Description   Level 1 –
Quoted Prices
    

Level 2 –

Other Significant
Observable Inputs

    

Level 3 –

Significant
Unobservable Inputs

     
    (Amounts in thousands)      

Assets:

         

Common Stocks

  $ 1,095,969      $ -            $ -          

Short-Term Investments

    7,365        -              -          

Total Assets:

  $ 1,103,334      $ -            $ -          

 

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

 

  Mid Cap Growth Stock Portfolio     39  


Table of Contents

Index 400 Stock Portfolio (unaudited)

 

 

Objective:    Portfolio Strategy:    Net Assets:
Investment results that approximate the performance of the S&P MidCap 400® Index.   

Invest in stocks that make up the S&P MidCap 400® Index,

holding each stock in approximately the same proportion as its weighting in the Index.

   $ 897 Million

Portfolio Overview

Mason Street Advisors is the investment adviser for the Index 400 Stock Portfolio (the “Portfolio”). The Portfolio seeks investment results that approximate the performance of the S&P MidCap 400® Index, which is composed of the stocks of companies whose capitalizations generally are smaller than those of companies that comprise the S&P 500® Index. The S&P MidCap 400® Index does not include the stocks of the very large companies that account for most of the weighting in the S&P 500® Index. The Portfolio attempts to achieve its objective by investing all, or substantially all, of its assets in the stocks that make up the S&P MidCap 400® Index, holding each stock in approximately the same proportion as its weighting in the Index. This is known as a full replication strategy. The Portfolio may also invest in S&P MidCap 400® Index stock futures and, to a lesser extent, purchase (long) total return equity swap agreements to help achieve full replication.

Market Overview

U.S. equities delivered another year of strong performance. The sharp gains in business and consumer confidence following the U.S. election and improving global economic growth were among the catalysts for equities, as investors anticipated market-friendly policies from the new administration. That confidence was generally well placed—corporate earnings finally improved after three flat years and Congress passed one of the largest tax cuts in U.S. history. The improving economy favored equities over bonds; although, fixed income sectors still posted positive returns.

The U.S. economy expanded at a pace of approximately 3% during the second half of the year. The strong growth prompted the U.S. Federal Reserve (the “Fed”) to raise rates and begin reducing its $4 trillion balance sheet. In that environment, large cap stocks, as represented by the S&P 500® Index, posted a return of 21.83%, outperforming the S&P SmallCap 600® and the S&P MidCap 400® Indices, which returned 13.23% and 16.24%, respectively. Meanwhile, the broader bond market, as represented by the Bloomberg Barclays® U.S. Aggregate Index returned 3.54%, while the Bloomberg Barclays® U.S. Corporate High Yield Index advanced 7.50%.

Portfolio Results

The Index 400 Stock Portfolio delivered a total return of 15.96% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2017, trailing the S&P MidCap 400® Index (the “Index”), which returned 16.24%. (The Index is unmanaged, cannot be invested in directly, and does not include administrative expenses.) Portfolio performance slightly lagged the Index due to transaction costs, administrative expenses, cash flow effects and costs associated with the use of stock index futures contracts. The Portfolio outperformed the 14.84% average return for its peer group, Mid Cap Core Funds, according to Lipper® Analytical Services, Inc. However, the Mid Cap Core Funds peer group is not strictly comparable to the Portfolio because many of the funds in the group are actively managed.

Nine of the Index’s eleven sectors delivered positive returns for the year. The largest contributor to the Index’s return was the Information Technology sector, which delivered outstanding revenue and earnings growth throughout the year. Within the sector, the semiconductors and semiconductor equipment industry experienced strong sales and high profitability. The Industrials sector had strong returns, as mid cap machinery stocks benefited from increases in industrial production and capital expenditure. Steady economic growth, low inflation, and declining unemployment led to an increase in consumer spending, which helped performance in the Consumer Discretionary sector. The Financials sector was another solid contributor, as mid cap insurance companies benefited from several interest rate increases by the Fed. Ongoing demographic trends and tax reform helped the Health Care sector post gains despite continued uncertainty surrounding governmental reform efforts and regulatory changes. The Materials sector posted solid returns, buoyed by continued economic growth and output, as well as anticipation of future governmental infrastructure spending.

At the other end of the spectrum, the Energy sector suffered losses, as worries over the impact of supply growth on oil prices weighed on oil and gas exploration companies. The Telecommunication Services sector also struggled as intense competition kept prices low, and new entrants to the market put pressure on legacy carriers.

 

40   Index 400 Stock Portfolio  


Table of Contents

Index 400 Stock Portfolio (unaudited)

 

 

Relative Performance

 

 

LOGO

 

Average Annual Total Returns
For Periods Ended December 31, 2017
 
     1 Year     5 Years     10 Years  

Index 400 Stock Portfolio

    15.96     14.70     9.71

S&P MidCap 400® Index

    16.24     15.01     9.97

Lipper® Variable Insurance Products (VIP) Mid Cap Core Funds Average

    14.84     13.66     8.28

The performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance is historical and does not guarantee future performance. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate, so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. For the most recent month-end performance information visit www.northwesternmutual.com.

This chart assumes an initial investment of $10,000 made on 12/31/07. Returns shown reflect fee waivers, deductions for management and other portfolio expenses, and reinvestment of all dividends. In the absence of fee waivers, total return would be reduced. Returns exclude deductions for separate account sale loads and account fees. Please refer to the Benchmark Definitions section of this report for information about the indices cited in the above chart and graph.

“Standard & Poor’s®”, “S&P®”, “S&P MidCap 400 Index” and “Standard & Poor’s MidCap 400 Index” are trademarks of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. and have been licensed for use by Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company. The Portfolio is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by Standard & Poor’s, and Standard & Poor’s makes no representation regarding the advisability of investing in the Portfolio.

Investing in small and medium-sized companies involves a greater degree of risk than investing in large company stocks.

The Portfolio may invest in derivative instruments such as futures and, to a lesser extent, swap agreements to help achieve full replication. Use of these instruments may involve certain costs and imposes certain risks such as liquidity risk, market risk, credit risk, management risk and the risk of mispricing or improper valuation. Certain derivatives involve leverage, which could magnify losses, and portfolios investing in derivatives could lose more than the principal amount invested in those instruments.

Top 10 Equity Holdings 12/31/17

 

Security Description

     % of Net Assets  

Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc.

     0.7

SVB Financial Group

     0.7

NVR, Inc.

     0.7

MSCI, Inc.

     0.6

Teleflex, Inc.

     0.6

Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc.

     0.6

Cognex Corp.

     0.6

Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc.

     0.6

Trimble Navigation, Ltd.

     0.6

Steel Dynamics, Inc.

     0.6

Sector Allocation 12/31/17

 

LOGO

Sector Allocation is based on Net Assets.

Sector Allocation and Top 10 Holdings are subject to change.

 

 

  Index 400 Stock Portfolio     41  


Table of Contents

Index 400 Stock Portfolio

 

Schedule of Investments

December 31, 2017

 

                               
Common Stocks (98.1%)   Shares/
$ Par
    Value
$ (000’s)
 

Consumer Discretionary (11.9%)

 

 

Aaron’s, Inc.

    30,679       1,223  

Adtalem Global Education, Inc.*

    29,888       1,257  

AMC Networks, Inc. - Class A*

    24,820       1,342  

American Eagle Outfitters, Inc.

    82,865       1,558  

AutoNation, Inc.*

    29,219       1,500  

Bed Bath & Beyond, Inc.

    70,571       1,552  

Big Lots, Inc.

    20,915       1,174  

Brinker International, Inc.

    22,805       886  

Brunswick Corp.

    43,202       2,386  

Buffalo Wild Wings, Inc.*

    7,642       1,195  

Cable One, Inc.

    2,311       1,625  

CalAtlantic Group, Inc.

    37,507       2,115  

Carter’s, Inc.

    23,314       2,739  

The Cheesecake Factory, Inc.

    20,978       1,011  

Churchill Downs, Inc.

    6,384       1,486  

Cinemark Holdings, Inc.

    52,216       1,818  

Cooper Tire & Rubber Co.

    25,261       893  

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc.

    11,822       1,878  

Dana, Inc.

    71,373       2,285  

Deckers Outdoor Corp.*

    15,746       1,264  

Delphi Technologies PLC*

    43,822       2,299  

Dick’s Sporting Goods, Inc.

    40,741       1,171  

Dillard’s, Inc. - Class A

    10,351       622  

Domino’s Pizza, Inc.

    21,546       4,071  

Dunkin’ Brands Group, Inc.

    44,499       2,869  

GameStop Corp. - Class A

    49,911       896  

Gentex Corp.

    139,869       2,930  

Graham Holdings Co.

    2,280       1,273  

Helen of Troy, Ltd.*

    13,434       1,294  

ILG, Inc.

    51,947       1,479  

International Speedway Corp. - Class A

    12,049       480  

Jack in the Box, Inc.

    14,496       1,422  

John Wiley & Sons, Inc. - Class A

    21,957       1,444  

KB Home

    41,470       1,325  

Live Nation Entertainment, Inc.*

    66,012       2,810  

Meredith Corp.

    19,488       1,287  

The Michaels Cos., Inc.*

    54,391       1,316  

Murphy USA, Inc.*

    15,943       1,281  

The New York Times Co. - Class A

    62,020       1,147  

NVR, Inc.*

    1,714       6,013  

Office Depot, Inc.

    253,513       897  

Papa John’s International, Inc.

    12,603       707  
                               
Common Stocks (98.1%)   Shares/
$ Par
    Value
$ (000’s)
 

Consumer Discretionary continued

 

 

Polaris Industries, Inc.

    28,656       3,553  

Pool Corp.

    19,789       2,566  

Sally Beauty Holdings, Inc.*

    63,275       1,187  

Service Corp. International

    92,360       3,447  

Six Flags Entertainment Corp.

    38,389       2,555  

Skechers U.S.A., Inc. - Class A*

    65,981       2,497  

Sotheby’s*

    18,365       948  

TEGNA, Inc.

    105,980       1,492  

Tempur Sealy International, Inc.*

    22,689       1,422  

Texas Roadhouse, Inc.

    32,229       1,698  

Thor Industries, Inc.

    24,143       3,639  

Toll Brothers, Inc.

    72,509       3,482  

TRI Pointe Homes, Inc.*

    74,113       1,328  

Tupperware Brands Corp.

    25,070       1,572  

Urban Outfitters, Inc.*

    39,464       1,384  

The Wendy’s Co.

    89,492       1,469  

Williams-Sonoma, Inc.

    38,290       1,980  
   

 

 

 

Total

      106,439  
   

 

 

 

Consumer Staples (3.7%)

 

 

Avon Products, Inc.*

    216,773       466  

The Boston Beer Co., Inc. - Class A*

    4,268       816  

Casey’s General Stores, Inc.

    18,839       2,109  

Dean Foods Co.

    44,868       519  

Edgewell Personal Care Co.*

    27,598       1,639  

Energizer Holdings, Inc.

    29,924       1,436  

Flowers Foods, Inc.

    90,876       1,755  

The Hain Celestial Group, Inc.*

    51,135       2,167  

Ingredion, Inc.

    35,405       4,950  

Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc.

    72,014       4,065  

Lancaster Colony Corp.

    9,599       1,240  

Nu Skin Enterprises, Inc.

    24,383       1,664  

Post Holdings, Inc.*

    32,575       2,581  

Sanderson Farms, Inc.

    9,860       1,368  

Snyder’s-Lance, Inc.

    42,251       2,116  

Sprouts Farmers Market, Inc.*

    60,971       1,485  

Tootsie Roll Industries, Inc.

    9,372       341  

TreeHouse Foods, Inc.*

    28,188       1,394  

United Natural Foods, Inc.*

    25,035       1,233  
   

 

 

 

Total

      33,344  
   

 

 

 

Energy (4.2%)

 

 

Callon Petroleum Co.*

    99,438       1,208  
                               
Common Stocks (98.1%)   Shares/
$ Par
    Value
$ (000’s)
 

Energy continued

 

 

CNX Resources Corp.*

    102,028       1,493  

Core Laboratories N.V.

    21,732       2,381  

Diamond Offshore Drilling, Inc.*

    31,775       591  

Dril-Quip, Inc.*

    18,653       890  

Energen Corp.*

    47,886       2,757  

Ensco PLC - Class A

    214,812       1,269  

Gulfport Energy Corp.*

    81,179       1,036  

HollyFrontier Corp.

    87,340       4,473  

Matador Resources Co.*

    47,551       1,480  

Murphy Oil Corp.

    79,920       2,481  

Nabors Industries, Ltd.

    156,468       1,069  

Oceaneering International, Inc.

    48,414       1,023  

Patterson-UTI Energy, Inc.

    109,591       2,522  

PBF Energy, Inc.

    54,212       1,922  

QEP Resources, Inc.*

    118,700       1,136  

Rowan Cos., PLC - Class A*

    55,975       877  

SM Energy Co.

    50,594       1,117  

Southwestern Energy Co.*

    252,456       1,409  

Superior Energy Services, Inc.*

    75,419       726  

Transocean, Ltd.*

    192,722       2,058  

World Fuel Services Corp.

    33,314       937  

WPX Energy, Inc.*

    196,009       2,758  
   

 

 

 

Total

      37,613  
   

 

 

 

Financials (17.0%)

 

 

Alleghany Corp.*

    7,606       4,534  

American Financial Group, Inc.

    33,860       3,675  

Aspen Insurance Holdings, Ltd.

    29,268       1,188  

Associated Banc-Corp.

    74,474       1,892  

BancorpSouth Bank

    41,387       1,302  

Bank of Hawaii Corp.

    20,928       1,794  

Bank of the Ozarks

    59,825       2,899  

Brown & Brown, Inc.

    57,004       2,933  

Cathay General Bancorp

    37,428       1,578  

Chemical Financial Corp.

    35,063       1,875  

CNO Financial Group, Inc.

    82,651       2,041  

Commerce Bancshares, Inc.

    46,266       2,584  

Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc.

    28,318       2,680  

East West Bancorp, Inc.

    71,212       4,332  

Eaton Vance Corp.

    58,173       3,280  

F.N.B. Corp.

    159,244       2,201  

FactSet Research Systems, Inc.

    19,268       3,714  

Federated Investors, Inc. - Class B

    46,725       1,686  
 

 

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

 

42   Index 400 Stock Portfolio  


Table of Contents

Index 400 Stock Portfolio

 

                               
Common Stocks (98.1%)   Shares/
$ Par
    Value
$ (000’s)
 

Financials continued

 

 

First American Financial Corp.

    54,549       3,057  

First Horizon National Corp.

    159,914       3,197  

Fulton Financial Corp.

    86,277       1,544  

Genworth Financial, Inc. - Class A*

    245,910       765  

Hancock Holding Co.

    41,966       2,077  

Hanover Insurance Group, Inc.

    20,881       2,257  

Home BancShares, Inc.

    77,881       1,811  

Interactive Brokers Group, Inc. - Class A

    34,920       2,068  

International Bancshares Corp.

    26,693       1,060  

Janus Henderson Group PLC

    88,864       3,400  

Kemper Corp.

    24,081       1,659  

Legg Mason, Inc.

    42,124       1,768  

MarketAxess Holdings, Inc.

    18,517       3,736  

MB Financial, Inc.

    41,302       1,839  

Mercury General Corp.

    17,992       962  

MSCI, Inc.

    44,369       5,614  

New York Community Bancorp, Inc.

    240,941       3,137  

Old Republic International Corp.

    120,871       2,584  

PacWest Bancorp

    63,522       3,202  

Pinnacle Financial Partners, Inc.

    36,341       2,409  

Primerica, Inc.

    21,800       2,214  

Prosperity Bancshares, Inc.

    34,235       2,399  

Reinsurance Group of America, Inc.

    31,730       4,948  

RenaissanceRe Holdings, Ltd.

    19,721       2,477  

SEI Investments Co.

    64,393       4,627  

Signature Bank*

    26,448       3,630  

SLM Corp.*

    212,778       2,404  

Sterling Bancorp

    110,706       2,723  

Stifel Financial Corp.

    33,731       2,009  

SVB Financial Group*

    25,984       6,074  

Synovus Financial Corp.

    58,907       2,824  

TCF Financial Corp.

    84,705       1,736  

Texas Capital Bancshares, Inc.*

    24,450       2,174  

Trustmark Corp.

    33,374       1,063  

UMB Financial Corp.

    21,620       1,555  

Umpqua Holdings Corp.

    108,490       2,257  

United Bankshares, Inc.

    51,726       1,797  

Valley National Bancorp

    130,161       1,460  

W.R. Berkley Corp.

    47,403       3,396  

Washington Federal, Inc.

    42,957       1,471  

Webster Financial Corp.

    45,362       2,548  

Wintrust Financial Corp.

    27,551       2,269  
   

 

 

 

Total

      152,389  
   

 

 

 
                               
Common Stocks (98.1%)   Shares/
$ Par
    Value
$ (000’s)
 

Health Care (7.4%)

 

 

ABIOMED, Inc.*

    20,695       3,878  

Acadia Healthcare Co., Inc.*

    40,241       1,313  

Akorn, Inc.*

    46,214       1,490  

Allscripts Healthcare Solutions, Inc.*

    89,015       1,295  

Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. - Class A*

    9,959       2,377  

Bio-Techne Corp.

    18,456       2,391  

Bioverativ, Inc.*

    53,287       2,873  

Catalent, Inc.*

    65,456       2,689  

Charles River Laboratories International, Inc.*

    23,334       2,554  

Encompass Health Corp.

    48,643       2,403  

Endo International PLC*

    99,007       767  

Globus Medical, Inc. - Class A*

    35,713       1,468  

Halyard Health, Inc.*

    23,053       1,065  

Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc.

    32,428       2,733  

INC Research Holdings, Inc. - Class A*

    27,760       1,210  

LifePoint Health, Inc.*

    19,419       967  

LivaNova PLC*

    21,362       1,707  

Mallinckrodt PLC*

    46,806       1,056  

Masimo Corp.*

    23,420       1,986  

Medidata Solutions, Inc.*

    28,802       1,825  

MEDNAX, Inc.*

    46,141       2,466  

Molina Healthcare, Inc.*

    21,659       1,661  

NuVasive, Inc.*

    25,110       1,469  

Owens & Minor, Inc.

    30,176       570  

Prestige Brands Holdings, Inc.*

    26,131       1,161  

Steris PLC

    41,902       3,665  

Teleflex, Inc.

    22,194       5,522  

Tenet Heathcare Corp.*

    39,783       603  

United Therapeutics Corp.*

    21,289       3,150  

WellCare Health Plans, Inc.*

    21,935       4,411  

West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc.

    36,582       3,610  
   

 

 

 

Total

      66,335  
   

 

 

 

Industrials (15.5%)

 

 

AECOM*

    77,656       2,885  

AGCO Corp.

    32,488       2,321  

Avis Budget Group, Inc.*

    35,300       1,549  

The Brink’s Co.

    24,870       1,957  

Carlisle Cos., Inc.

    30,541       3,471  

Clean Harbors, Inc.*

    25,525       1,383  

Copart, Inc.*

    99,077       4,279  

Crane Co.

    24,854       2,217  

Curtiss-Wright Corp.

    21,741       2,649  

Deluxe Corp.

    23,708       1,822  

Donaldson Co., Inc.

    64,000       3,133  

The Dun & Bradstreet Corp.

    18,207       2,156  
                               
Common Stocks (98.1%)   Shares/
$ Par
    Value
$ (000’s)
 

Industrials continued

 

 

Dycom Industries, Inc.*

    15,243       1,699  

EMCOR Group, Inc.

    28,976       2,369  

EnerSys

    20,754       1,445  

Esterline Technologies Corp.*

    12,999       971  

GATX Corp.

    18,869       1,173  

Genesee & Wyoming, Inc. - Class A*

    30,384       2,392  

Graco, Inc.

    82,959       3,751  

Granite Construction, Inc.

    19,633       1,245  

Herman Miller, Inc.

    29,451       1,180  

HNI Corp.

    21,395       825  

Hubbell, Inc.

    26,950       3,647  

Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc.

    22,371       5,273  

IDEX Corp.

    37,641       4,968  

ITT, Inc.

    43,355       2,314  

JetBlue Airways Corp.*

    157,972       3,529  

KBR, Inc.

    69,013       1,369  

Kennametal, Inc.

    39,930       1,933  

Kirby Corp.*

    26,470       1,768  

KLX, Inc.*

    25,335       1,729  

Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings, Inc.

    63,117       2,759  

Landstar System, Inc.

    20,655       2,150  

Lennox International, Inc.

    18,523       3,858  

Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc.

    30,452       2,789  

Manpowergroup, Inc.

    32,649       4,117  

MSA Safety, Inc.

    16,676       1,293  

MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc. - Class A

    21,944       2,121  

Nordson Corp.

    25,012       3,662  

NOW, Inc.*

    53,044       585  

Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc.

    33,685       4,431  

Orbital ATK, Inc.

    28,420       3,737  

Oshkosh Corp.

    37,034       3,366  

Pitney Bowes, Inc.

    91,995       1,029  

Regal Beloit Corp.

    21,827       1,672  

Rollins, Inc.

    47,251       2,199  

Ryder System, Inc.

    26,086       2,196  

Teledyne Technologies, Inc.*

    17,458       3,163  

Terex Corp.

    39,362       1,898  

The Timken Co.

    33,651       1,654  

The Toro Co.

    53,094       3,463  

Trinity Industries, Inc.

    74,779       2,801  

Valmont Industries, Inc.

    11,138       1,847  

Wabtec Corp.

    42,093       3,428  

Watsco, Inc.

    15,033       2,556  

Werner Enterprises, Inc.

    22,096       854  

Woodward, Inc.

    27,153       2,078  
   

 

 

 

Total

      139,108  
   

 

 

 
 

 

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

 

  Index 400 Stock Portfolio     43  


Table of Contents

Index 400 Stock Portfolio

 

                               
Common Stocks (98.1%)   Shares/
$ Par
    Value
$ (000’s)
 

Information Technology (17.1%)

 

 

3D Systems Corp.*

    56,096       485  

ACI Worldwide, Inc.*

    58,420       1,324  

Acxiom Corp.*

    39,027       1,076  

ARRIS International PLC*

    86,963       2,234  

Arrow Electronics, Inc.*

    43,341       3,485  

Avnet, Inc.

    59,577       2,360  

Belden, Inc.

    20,778       1,603  

Blackbaud, Inc.

    23,692       2,239  

Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc.

    57,421       5,201  

Cars.com, Inc.*

    35,261       1,017  

CDK Global, Inc.

    64,710       4,613  

Ciena Corp.*

    70,298       1,471  

Cirrus Logic, Inc.*

    31,366       1,627  

Cognex Corp.

    85,317       5,218  

Coherent, Inc.*

    12,135       3,425  

CommVault Systems, Inc.*

    21,161       1,111  

Convergys Corp.

    45,528       1,070  

CoreLogic, Inc.*

    40,583       1,875  

Cree, Inc.*

    48,348       1,796  

Cypress Semiconductor Corp.

    164,386       2,505  

Diebold, Inc.

    37,213       608  

DST Systems, Inc.

    29,668       1,841  

Fair Isaac Corp.

    14,775       2,264  

First Solar, Inc.*

    40,132       2,710  

Fortinet, Inc.*

    73,680       3,219  

Integrated Device Technology, Inc.*

    65,443       1,946  

InterDigital, Inc.

    17,101       1,302  

IPG Photonics Corp.*

    18,490       3,959  

j2 Global, Inc.

    23,850       1,789  

Jabil Circuit, Inc.

    87,026       2,284  

Jack Henry & Associates, Inc.

    38,051       4,450  

Keysight Technologies, Inc.*

    91,325       3,799  

Knowles Corp.*

    44,051       646  

Leidos Holdings, Inc.

    70,060       4,524  

Littelfuse, Inc.

    11,190       2,214  

LogMeIn, Inc.

    25,955       2,972  

Manhattan Associates, Inc.*

    33,958       1,682  

MAXIMUS, Inc.

    32,091       2,297  

Microsemi Corp.*

    57,935       2,992  

MKS Instruments, Inc.

    26,749       2,528  

Monolithic Power Systems

    18,818       2,114  

National Instruments Corp.

    52,819       2,199  

NCR Corp.*

    60,007       2,040  

NetScout Systems, Inc.*

    42,931       1,307  

Plantronics, Inc.

    16,291       821  

PTC, Inc.*

    56,956       3,461  

Sabre Corp.

    102,755       2,106  

Science Applications International Corp.

    21,303       1,631  
                               
Common Stocks (98.1%)   Shares/
$ Par
    Value
$ (000’s)
 

Information Technology continued

 

 

Silicon Laboratories, Inc.*

    20,970       1,852  

Synaptics, Inc.*

    16,766       670  

SYNNEX Corp.

    14,373       1,954  

Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc.*

    56,190       6,169  

Tech Data Corp.*

    17,103       1,676  

Teradata Corp.*

    59,613       2,293  

Teradyne, Inc.

    96,641       4,046  

Trimble Navigation, Ltd.*

    124,034       5,041  

Tyler Technologies, Inc.*

    17,213       3,048  

The Ultimate Software Group, Inc.*

    13,983       3,051  

VeriFone Systems, Inc.*

    55,278       979  

Versum Materials, Inc.

    53,600       2,029  

ViaSat, Inc.*

    26,683       1,997  

Vishay Intertechnology, Inc.

    64,971       1,348  

WEX, Inc.*

    19,661       2,777  

Zebra Technologies Corp. - Class A*

    26,204       2,720  
   

 

 

 

Total

      153,090  
   

 

 

 

Materials (7.0%)

 

 

Allegheny Technologies, Inc.*

    62,009       1,497  

AptarGroup, Inc.

    30,690       2,648  

Ashland Global Holdings, Inc.

    30,616       2,180  

Bemis Co., Inc.

    44,737       2,138  

Cabot Corp.

    30,521       1,880  

Carpenter Technology Corp.

    23,065       1,176  

The Chemours Co.

    91,224       4,567  

Commercial Metals Co.

    57,070       1,217  

Compass Minerals International, Inc.

    16,666       1,204  

Domtar Corp.

    30,887       1,529  

Eagle Materials, Inc.

    23,956       2,714  

Grief, Inc. - Class A

    12,728       771  

Louisiana-Pacific Corp.*

    71,374       1,874  

Minerals Technologies, Inc.

    17,424       1,200  

NewMarket Corp.

    4,555       1,810  

Olin Corp.

    81,910       2,914  

Owens-Illinois, Inc.*

    80,300       1,780  

PolyOne Corp.

    39,809       1,732  

Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co.

    35,923       3,082  

Royal Gold, Inc.

    32,247       2,648  

RPM International, Inc.

    65,789       3,449  

The Scotts Miracle-Gro Co. - Class A

    20,144       2,155  

Sensient Technologies Corp.

    21,419       1,567  

Silgan Holdings, Inc.

    36,433       1,071  

Sonoco Products Co.

    48,969       2,602  

Steel Dynamics, Inc.

    116,738       5,035  

United States Steel Corp.

    86,049       3,028  
                               
Common Stocks (98.1%)   Shares/
$ Par
    Value
$ (000’s)
 

Materials continued

 

 

Valvoline, Inc.

    99,827       2,502  

Worthington Industries, Inc.

    22,027       970  
   

 

 

 

Total

      62,940  
   

 

 

 

Real Estate (9.0%)

 

 

Alexander & Baldwin, Inc.

    22,774       632  

American Campus Communities, Inc.

    67,213       2,758  

Camden Property Trust

    45,653       4,203  

CoreCivic, Inc.

    58,235       1,310  

CoreSite Realty Corp.

    16,845       1,919  

Corporate Office Properties Trust

    49,074       1,433  

Cousins Properties, Inc.

    206,917       1,914  

CyrusOne, Inc.

    44,976       2,677  

DCT Industrial Trust, Inc.

    45,884       2,697  

Douglas Emmett, Inc.

    78,508       3,224  

Education Realty Trust, Inc.

    37,321       1,303  

EPR Properties

    31,573       2,067  

First Industrial Realty Trust, Inc.

    59,044       1,858  

The GEO Group, Inc.

    61,106       1,442  

Healthcare Realty Trust, Inc.

    61,529       1,976  

Highwoods Properties, Inc.

    50,867       2,590  

Hospitality Properties Trust

    80,969       2,417  

JBG SMITH Properties

    46,005       1,598  

Jones Lang LaSalle, Inc.

    22,350       3,329  

Kilroy Realty Corp.

    48,470       3,618  

Lamar Advertising Co. - Class A

    41,390       3,073  

LaSalle Hotel Properties

    55,779       1,566  

Liberty Property Trust

    72,628       3,124  

Life Storage, Inc.

    22,927       2,042  

Mack-Cali Realty Corp.

    44,264       954  

Medical Properties Trust, Inc.

    179,408       2,472  

National Retail Properties, Inc.

    74,911       3,231  

OMEGA Healthcare Investors, Inc.

    97,584       2,687  

Potlatch Corp.

    20,007       998  

Quality Care Properties, Inc.*

    46,217       638  

Rayonier, Inc.

    63,520       2,009  

Sabra Health Care REIT, Inc.

    87,809       1,648  

Senior Housing Properties Trust

    117,073       2,242  

Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc.

    46,571       1,235  

Taubman Centers, Inc.

    29,911       1,957  

Uniti Group, Inc.

    81,251       1,445  

Urban Edge Properties

    52,148       1,329  
 

 

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

 

44   Index 400 Stock Portfolio  


Table of Contents

Index 400 Stock Portfolio

 

                               
Common Stocks (98.1%)   Shares/
$ Par
    Value
$ (000’s)
 

Real Estate continued

 

 

Washington Prime Group, Inc.

    91,520       652  

Weingarten Realty Investors

    58,839       1,934  
   

 

 

 

Total

      80,201  
   

 

 

 

Telecommunication Services (0.1%)

 

 

Telephone and Data Systems, Inc.

    45,196       1,256  
   

 

 

 

Total

      1,256  
   

 

 

 

Utilities (5.2%)

 

 

Aqua America, Inc.

    87,543       3,434  

Atmos Energy Corp.

    54,597       4,689  

Black Hills Corp.

    26,350       1,584  

Great Plains Energy, Inc.

    106,247       3,426  

Hawaiian Electric Industries, Inc.

    53,595       1,938  

IDACORP, Inc.

    24,826       2,268  

MDU Resources Group, Inc.

    96,220       2,586  

National Fuel Gas Co.

    42,163       2,315  

New Jersey Resources Corp.

    42,796       1,720  

NorthWestern Corp.

    23,941       1,429  

OGE Energy Corp.

    98,388       3,238  

ONE Gas, Inc.

    25,751       1,887  

PNM Resources, Inc.

    39,243       1,587  
                               
Common Stocks (98.1%)   Shares/
$ Par
    Value
$ (000’s)
 

Utilities continued

 

 

Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc.

    23,516       1,893  

UGI Corp.

    85,306       4,005  

Vectren Corp.

    40,892       2,659  

Westar Energy, Inc.

    69,981       3,695  

WGL Holdings, Inc.

    25,300       2,172  
   

 

 

 

Total

      46,525  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks

   

(Cost: $618,130)

      879,240  
 

 

 

 
Short-Term Investments (1.9%)          

Commercial Paper (1.1%)

 

 

Apple, Inc., 0.000%, 2/6/18 144A

    1,500,000       1,498  

Bank of America Corp., 1.400%, 1/8/18

    1,500,000       1,500  

General Mills, Inc., 0.000%, 1/4/18 144A

    1,500,000       1,500  

Microsoft Corp., 0.000%, 1/24/18 144A

    500,000       499  

Mondelez International, Inc., 0.000%, 1/10/18 144A

    1,500,000       1,499  

Pfizer, Inc., 0.0000%, 3/1/18 144A

    1,500,000       1,496  

Roche Holdings, Inc., 0.000%, 1/12/18 144A

    1,500,000       1,499  
                               
Short-Term Investments (1.9%)   Shares/
$ Par
    Value
$ (000’s)
 

Commercial Paper continued

 

 

Societe Generale SA, 0.000%, 3/5/18 144A

    500,000       499  
   

 

 

 

Total

      9,990  
   

 

 

 

Money Market Funds (0.4%)

 

 

State Street Institutional U.S. Government Money Market Fund - Premier Class, 1.209%, #

    3,317,384       3,317  
   

 

 

 

Total

      3,317  
   

 

 

 

US Government & Agencies (0.4%)

 

 

Federal Home Loan Bank, 0.000%, 1/23/18

    1,500,000       1,499  

Federal Home Loan Bank, 0.000%, 3/15/18(b)

    1,500,000       1,496  

Federal Home Loan Bank, 0.000%, 2/22/18

    1,200,000       1,197  
   

 

 

 

Total

      4,192  
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term

Investments

   

(Cost: $17,501)

      17,499  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments

(100.0%)

   

(Cost: $635,631)(a)

      896,739  
   

 

 

 

Other Assets, Less

   

Liabilities (0.0%)

      (180
   

 

 

 

Net Assets (100.0%)

      896,559  
   

 

 

 
 
* Non-Income Producing

 

# 7-day yield as of December 31, 2017.

 

   144A after the name of a security represents a security exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities may be resold as transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. At December 31, 2017 the value of these securities (in thousands) was $8,490 representing 0.9% of the net assets.

 

(a) At December 31, 2017, the aggregate cost of investments, including derivatives, for federal tax purposes (in thousands) was $636,059 and the net unrealized appreciation of investments based on that cost was $260,802 which is comprised of $297,560 aggregate gross unrealized appreciation and $36,758 aggregate gross unrealized depreciation.

 

(b) All or a portion of the securities have been pledged as collateral for open futures positions. Information regarding open futures contracts as of period end is summarized below.

 

Issuer    Long/Short    Currency    Notional Par
(000’s)
   Number of
Contracts
   Expiration Date    Notional
Value
(000’s)
   Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
(000’s)

S&P 400 Mini Index Futures

   Long    USD    $9    89    3/18    $16,931    $122

 

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

 

  Index 400 Stock Portfolio     45  


Table of Contents

Index 400 Stock Portfolio

 

The following is a summary of the inputs used in valuing the Portfolio’s assets and liabilities at December 31, 2017. See Note 3 for additional information on portfolio valuation.

 

    

Valuation Inputs

      
Description    Level 1 –
Quoted Prices
     Level 2 –
Other Significant
Observable Inputs
    

Level 3 –

Significant
Unobservable Inputs

      
    

(Amounts in thousands)

      

Assets:

           

Common Stocks

   $ 879,240      $ -        $ -       

Short-Term Investments

           

Money Market Funds

     3,317        -          -       

All Others

     -          14,182        -       

Other Financial Instruments^

           

Futures

     122        -          -       

Total Assets:

   $ 882,679      $ 14,182      $ -       

^ Other financial instruments are derivative instruments such as futures, forwards, written options and swaps contracts, which are valued at the unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on the instrument and short sales, which are valued at market value.

 

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

 

46   Index 400 Stock Portfolio  


Table of Contents

Mid Cap Value Portfolio (unaudited)

 

 

 

Objective:    Portfolio Strategy:    Net Assets:
Long-term capital growth. Current income is a secondary objective.    Invest primarily in equity securities of mid-sized companies that are determined to be undervalued.    $565 million

Portfolio Overview

Mason Street Advisors, LLC (“Mason Street Advisors”), the investment adviser for the Mid Cap Value Portfolio (the “Portfolio”), has engaged American Century Investment Management, Inc. (“American Century”) to act as sub-adviser for the Portfolio. The Portfolio invests primarily in a diversified portfolio of equity securities of mid-sized companies that are determined to be undervalued at the time of purchase. In selecting securities, the Portfolio attempts to identify companies whose long-term earnings, cash flows and/or assets are not reflected in the current market price of their securities and hold each security until it has returned to favor in the market and the price has increased to, or is higher than a level believed to more accurately reflect the fair value of the company.

Market Overview

Upbeat earnings reports, improving growth prospects and prospects for tax reform drove most U.S. equity indices higher during 2017. Mid cap stocks, as measured by the Russell® Indices, outperformed small caps but underperformed large caps. The outperformance of growth versus value was also pronounced in 2017. This created headwinds for the Portfolio’s approach to value investing, as quality and value factors are key determinants of the Portfolio’s performance over time.

Robust earnings growth and a positive cycle for semiconductor stocks helped fuel gains in the Information Technology sector of the Russell Midcap® Value Index. Materials was another leading sector, boosted by optimism over the economic outlook. On the other hand, Telecommunication Services and Energy stocks declined.

Portfolio Results

The Portfolio returned 11.81% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2017. By comparison, the Portfolio’s benchmark, the Russell Midcap® Value Index (the “Index”), returned 13.34%. (The Index is unmanaged, cannot be invested in directly and does not include administrative expenses.) According to Lipper® Analytical Services, Inc., an independent mutual fund ranking agency, the average return of the Mid Cap Value Funds peer group was 12.52% for 2017.

Underperformance relative to the Index was driven in part by a Portfolio overweight and stock selection in the Energy sector, where Anadarko Petroleum was a top detractor. The stock declined in the first half of the year, when weaker oil prices and a rising service cost environment led to concerns about lower margins/returns on capital. The Portfolio held onto the position given the diversification in Anadarko Petroleum’s production profile, and the stock recovered some ground in the fourth quarter as oil prices improved.

The Consumer Discretionary sector also weighed on relative performance, due largely to an overweight position in automotive and accessories retailer Advance Auto Parts. The retailer’s stock declined due to weaker-than-expected earnings growth and concerns that Amazon could take market share away from its brick-and-mortar stores. Despite these headwinds, the portfolio managers believed margins would improve and that the investment thesis remained intact.

The Portfolio remained underweight in Real Estate due to high valuations throughout the sector. This underweight aided relative performance as the sector underperformed the broader market. Security selection also benefited the Real Estate sector. American Tower, an owner and operator of wireless communications towers, performed particularly well.

Portfolio stocks in the Information Technology sector also outperformed. Stocks in the semiconductors and semiconductor industry, including those of Applied Materials, Lam Research and Teradyne, turned in particularly strong performance due to continued robust demand trends.

Portfolio Manager Outlook

The following forward-looking comments are the opinion of American Century, the Portfolio’s sub-adviser.

We continue to build the Portfolio bottom-up through our fundamental research, seeking higher quality, midsize companies temporarily selling at a discount to fair value. We also continue to favor value opportunities in the Consumer Staples sector. When Amazon announced its plan to acquire Whole Foods Market in the second quarter, many food companies fell on fears of increased competition. This decline continued into the third quarter, providing us with the opportunity to add to select names as their valuations became more attractive.

 

  Mid Cap Value Portfolio     47  


Table of Contents

Mid Cap Value Portfolio (unaudited)

 

 

Energy also remains an overweight in the Portfolio, as valuations remain attractive. Earlier this year, the decline in Energy stocks provided us with the opportunity to add to some of the Portfolio’s stocks in the sector that offer compelling risk/reward profiles. The Portfolio has a sizable underweight in Real Estate because the sector has generally been overvalued for some time. We have identified some Real Estate stocks with attractive valuations, however, including Weyerhaeuser, a timber REIT, and American Tower, a REIT that owns and operates wireless communications towers.

Additionally, the Portfolio is underweight in the Consumer Discretionary sector because it is difficult to find higher quality companies with sustainable business models in the sector.

 

Relative Performance

 

LOGO

Average Annual Total Returns
For Periods Ended December 31, 2017
 
      1 Year      5 Years      10 Years  

Mid Cap Value Portfolio

     11.81%        15.62%        8.67%  

Russell MidCap® Value Index

     13.34%        14.68%        9.10%  

Lipper® Variable Insurance Products (VIP) Mid Cap Value Funds Average

     12.52%        13.14%        7.37%  

The performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance is historical and does not guarantee future performance. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate, so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. For the most recent month-end performance information visit www.northwesternmutual.com.

This chart assumes an initial investment of $10,000 made on 12/31/07. Returns shown reflect fee waivers, deductions for management and other portfolio expenses, and reinvestment of all dividends. In the absence of fee waivers, total return would be reduced. Returns exclude deductions for separate account sale loads and account fees. Please refer to the Benchmark Definitions section of this report for information about the indices cited in the above chart and graph.

Investing in small and medium-sized companies involves a greater degree of risk than investing in large company stocks. The value of securities acquired in an IPO may rise or fall more rapidly than investments in more established issuers.

The Portfolio may invest in derivative instruments for cash management purposes or to hedge foreign currency exposure. Use of these instruments may involve certain costs and imposes certain risks such as liquidity risk, market risk, credit risk, management risk and the risk of mispricing or improper valuation. Certain derivatives involve leverage, which could magnify losses, and portfolios investing in derivatives could lose more than the principal amount invested in those instruments.

Top 10 Equity Holdings 12/31/17

 

Security Description

   % of Net Assets

Johnson Controls International PLC

   2.6%

Northern Trust Corp.

   2.6%

Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc.

   2.5%

Weyerhaeuser Co.

   2.2%

iShares Russell Midcap Value Index Fund

   2.0%

Invesco, Ltd.

   1.8%

Conagra Brands, Inc.

   1.8%

WestRock Co.

   1.8%

BB&T Corp.

   1.7%

Exxon Mobil Corp.

   1.7%

Sector Allocation 12/31/17

 

LOGO

Sector Allocation is based on Net Assets.

Sector Allocation and Top 10 Holdings are subject to change.

 

 

48   Mid Cap Value Portfolio  


Table of Contents

Mid Cap Value Portfolio

 

Schedule of Investments

December 31, 2017

 

                               
Common Stocks (95.9%)   Shares/
$ Par
    Value
$ (000’s)
 

Consumer Discretionary (3.9%)

   

Advance Auto Parts, Inc.

    62,694       6,250  

Aptiv PLC

    16,712       1,418  

Honda Motor Co., Ltd., ADR

    168,094       5,729  

PulteGroup, Inc.

    127,560       4,241  

Target Corp.

    69,142       4,511  
   

 

 

 

Total

      22,149  
   

 

 

 

Consumer Staples (9.5%)

   

Conagra Brands, Inc.

    275,565       10,380  

Dr. Pepper Snapple Group, Inc.

    54,431       5,283  

General Mills, Inc.

    149,761       8,879  

The J.M. Smucker Co.

    39,905       4,958  

Kellogg Co.

    109,115       7,418  

Mondelez International, Inc.

    211,584       9,056  

Sysco Corp.

    130,821       7,945  
   

 

 

 

Total

      53,919  
   

 

 

 

Energy (13.8%)

   

Anadarko Petroleum Corp.

    109,172       5,856  

Baker Hughes

    233,334       7,383  

Cimarex Energy Co.

    26,326       3,212  

Devon Energy Corp.

    129,392       5,357  

EQT Corp.

    132,225       7,526  

Exxon Mobil Corp.

    305,003       9,519  

Halliburton Co.

    74,159       3,624  

Helmerich & Payne, Inc.

    63,835       4,126  

Marathon Petroleum Corp.

    72,274       4,769  

National Oilwell Varco, Inc.

    209,822       7,558  

Noble Energy, Inc.

    264,045       7,694  

Occidental Petroleum Corp.

    110,173       8,115  

Spectra Energy Partners LP

    79,320       3,136  
   

 

 

 

Total

      77,875  
   

 

 

 

Financials (20.6%)

   

AFLAC, Inc.

    39,266       3,447  

Ameriprise Financial, Inc.

    46,684       7,912  

Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.

    59,005       3,734  

Bank of Hawaii Corp.

    50,461       4,325  

BB&T Corp.

    196,103       9,750  

Brown & Brown, Inc.

    52,423       2,698  

Capitol Federal Financial, Inc.

    337,164       4,521  

Chubb, Ltd.

    59,087       8,634  

Comerica, Inc.

    18,241       1,583  

Commerce Bancshares, Inc.

    91,898       5,132  
                               
Common Stocks (95.9%)   Shares/
$ Par
    Value
$ (000’s)
 

Financials continued

   

Invesco, Ltd.

    284,829       10,408  

M&T Bank Corp.

    42,800       7,318  

Northern Trust Corp.

    146,705       14,654  

PNC Financial Services Group, Inc.

    27,736       4,002  

ProAssurance Corp.

    42,336       2,420  

Reinsurance Group of America, Inc.

    27,060       4,219  

SunTrust Banks, Inc.

    74,816       4,832  

T. Rowe Price Group, Inc.

    28,533       2,994  

Torchmark Corp.

    21,947       1,991  

The Travelers Cos., Inc.

    11,617       1,576  

UMB Financial Corp.

    26,494       1,905  

Unum Group

    42,021       2,307  

Westamerica Bancorporation

    95,621       5,694  
   

 

 

 

Total

      116,056  
   

 

 

 

Health Care (10.1%)

   

Cardinal Health, Inc.

    120,166       7,363  

Express Scripts Holding Co.*

    72,979       5,447  

HCA Healthcare, Inc.*

    69,798       6,131  

Henry Schein, Inc.*

    40,225       2,811  

Koninklijke Philips NV

    26,391       998  

LifePoint Health, Inc.*

    130,138       6,481  

McKesson Corp.

    31,842       4,966  

Quest Diagnostics, Inc.

    48,180       4,745  

Steris PLC

    49,765       4,353  

Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc.

    116,022       14,000  
   

 

 

 

Total

      57,295  
   

 

 

 

Industrials (13.5%)

   

Cummins, Inc.

    23,616       4,172  

Eaton Corp. PLC

    69,284       5,474  

Emerson Electric Co.

    116,334       8,107  

Heartland Express, Inc.

    244,171       5,699  

Hubbell, Inc.

    65,614       8,880  

Ingersoll-Rand PLC

    59,508       5,308  

Johnson Controls International PLC

    384,818       14,666  

MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc. - Class A

    63,401       6,128  

Norfolk Southern Corp.

    21,471       3,111  

PACCAR, Inc.

    35,739       2,540  

Parker Hannifin Corp.

    8,161       1,629  

Republic Services, Inc.

    62,548       4,229  

Textron, Inc.

    113,962       6,449  
   

 

 

 

Total

      76,392  
   

 

 

 
                               
Common Stocks (95.9%)   Shares/
$ Par
    Value
$ (000’s)
 

Information Technology (6.4%)

   

Applied Materials, Inc.

    125,481       6,414  

Keysight Technologies, Inc.*

    163,118       6,786  

Lam Research Corp.

    20,208       3,720  

Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.

    151,439       7,917  

TE Connectivity, Ltd.

    59,762       5,680  

Teradyne, Inc.

    132,882       5,564  
   

 

 

 

Total

      36,081  
   

 

 

 

Materials (5.8%)

   

Bemis Co., Inc.

    82,965       3,965  

Graphic Packaging Holding Co.

    477,030       7,370  

Orkla ASA

    562,249       5,960  

Sonoco Products Co.

    106,611       5,665  

WestRock Co.

    157,773       9,973  
   

 

 

 

Total

      32,933  
   

 

 

 

Real Estate (5.5%)

   

American Tower Corp.

    37,401       5,336  

Boston Properties, Inc.

    25,527       3,320  

Empire State Realty Trust, Inc.

    91,780       1,884  

MGM Growth Properties LLC - Class A

    124,020       3,615  

Piedmont Office Realty Trust, Inc. - Class A

    213,625       4,189  

Weyerhaeuser Co.

    355,101       12,521  
   

 

 

 

Total

      30,865  
   

 

 

 

Telecommunication Services (0.2%)

   

CenturyLink, Inc.

    81,626       1,362  
   

 

 

 

Total

      1,362  
   

 

 

 

Utilities (6.5%)

   

Ameren Corp.

    47,096       2,778  

Atmos Energy Corp.

    39,726       3,412  

Edison International

    65,783       4,160  

Eversource Energy

    40,869       2,582  

NorthWestern Corp.

    94,620       5,649  

PG&E Corp.

    32,992       1,479  

Pinnacle West Capital Corp.

    48,899       4,166  

Spire, Inc.

    56,423       4,240  

Xcel Energy, Inc.

    172,669       8,307  
   

 

 

 

Total

      36,773  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks

   

(Cost: $469,583)

      541,700  
   

 

 

 
 

 

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

 

  Mid Cap Value Portfolio     49  


Table of Contents

Mid Cap Value Portfolio

 

                               
Investment Companies (2.0%)   Shares/
$ Par
    Value
$ (000’s)
 

Investment Companies (2.0%)

   

iShares Russell Midcap Value Index Fund

    124,846       11,130  
   

 

 

 

Total Investment Companies

   

(Cost: $10,631)

      11,130  
   

 

 

 
Short-Term Investments (3.0%)              

Commercial Paper (0.3%)

   

Credit Agricole, 0.000%, 1/2/18

    1,372,000       1,371  
   

 

 

 

Total

      1,371  
   

 

 

 
                               
Short-Term Investments (3.0%)   Shares/
$ Par
    Value
$ (000’s)
 

Money Market Funds (2.7%)

   

State Street Institutional U.S. Government Money Market Fund - Premier Class, 1.209%#

    15,303,587       15,304  
   

 

 

 

Total

      15,304  
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments

   

(Cost: $16,675)

      16,675  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments (100.9%)

   

(Cost: $496,889)(a)

      569,505  
   

 

 

 

Other Assets, Less

   

Liabilities (-0.9%)

      (4,881
   

 

 

 

Net Assets (100.0%)

      564,624  
   

 

 

 

    

 
* Non-Income Producing

 

# 7-Day yield as of December 31, 2017.

ADR after the name of a security represents—American Depositary Receipt.

CAD — Canadian Dollar

EUR — Euro

JPY — Japanese Yen

NOK — Norwegian Krone

 

(a) At December 31, 2017, the aggregate cost of investments, including derivatives, for federal tax purposes (in thousands) was $500,482 and the net unrealized appreciation of investments based on that cost was $68,739 which is comprised of $86,223 aggregate gross unrealized appreciation and $17,484 aggregate gross unrealized depreciation.

 

(h) Forward foreign currency contracts outstanding on December 31, 2017.

 

Type    Counterparty    Currency    Foreign
Principal
Amount
Covered by
Contract (000s)
   USD Principal
Amount
Covered by
Contract (000’s)
   Settlement
Month
   Unrealized
Appreciation
(000’s)
     Unrealized
(Depreciation)
(000’s)
     Net Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
(000’s)
 

Sell

  

Morgan Stanley Capital Services Inc.

   CAD    9,914    7,896    3/18    $ -        $ (182    $ (182

Sell

  

Morgan Stanley Capital Services Inc.

   EUR    730    880    3/18      -          (15      (15

Sell

  

Morgan Stanley Capital Services Inc.

   JPY    384,904    3,431    3/18      8        -          8  

Sell

  

Morgan Stanley Capital Services Inc.

   NOK    41,140    5,022    3/18      -          (95      (95
                 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
                  $ 8      $ (292    $ (284
                 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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

 

50   Mid Cap Value Portfolio  


Table of Contents

Mid Cap Value Portfolio

 

The following is a summary of the inputs used in valuing the Portfolio’s assets and liabilities at December 31, 2017. See Note 3 for additional information on portfolio valuation.

 

    Valuation Inputs      
Description   Level 1 –
Quoted Prices
     Level 2 –
Other Significant
Observable Inputs
    Level 3 –Significant
Unobservable Inputs
     
    (Amounts in thousands)      

Assets:

        

Common Stocks

        

Healthcare

  $ 56,297      $ 998     $ -      

Materials

    26,973        5,960       -      

All Others

    451,472        -         -      

Investment Companies

    11,130        -         -      

Short-Term Investments

        

Commercial Paper

    -          1,371       -      

Money Market Funds

    15,304        -         -      

Other Financial Instruments^

        

Forward Currency Contracts

    -          8       -      

Total Assets:

  $ 561,176      $ 8,337     $ -      

Liabilities:

        

Other Financial Instruments^

        

Forward Currency Contracts

    -          (292     -      

Total Liabilities:

  $ -        $ (292   $ -      

^ Other financial instruments are derivative instruments such as futures, forwards, written options and swaps contracts, which are valued at the unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on the instrument and short sales, which are valued at market value.

 

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

 

  Mid Cap Value Portfolio     51  


Table of Contents

Small Cap Growth Stock Portfolio (unaudited)

 

 

 

Objective:    Portfolio Strategy:    Net Assets:
Long-term growth of capital.    Invest primarily in common stocks of small capitalization companies.    $628 million

Portfolio Overview

Mason Street Advisors, LLC (“Mason Street Advisors”), the investment adviser for the Small Cap Growth Stock Portfolio (the “Portfolio”), has engaged Wellington Management Company LLP (“Wellington”) to act as sub-adviser for the Portfolio. Normally, the Portfolio invests in common stocks of small capitalization companies. The Portfolio’s investment process is derived from the observation that the quality and persistence of a company’s business is often not reflected in its current stock price. Central to the investment process is intense, fundamental research focused on uncovering companies with improving quality metrics, business momentum and attractive relative valuations.

Market Overview

U.S. equities rose for the fourteenth consecutive month, as measured by the S&P 500® Index, to finish the year ending December 31, 2017. The stock market soared following Donald Trump’s victory on hopes of increased fiscal stimulus, reduced regulatory restrictions and lower corporate taxes. The reflation trading theme dominated the narrative heading into 2017, leading to significant equity inflows and the largest exodus from bonds since the “taper tantrum” in 2013. Despite many investors voicing concerns about stretched valuations, heightened U.S. tensions with Russia and North Korea, and overly optimistic policy expectations, the market hit a series of record highs during the year on the back of strong employment data and rising corporate earnings.

In a well-telegraphed move, the U.S. Federal Reserve (the “Fed”) hiked their policy interest rate three times during the period. In August, it announced that its balance sheet normalization program would begin in October, reiterating that the process would be gradual and predictable. In November, Jerome Powell’s nomination as the chair of the Fed provided markets with reasonable assurance that current central bank policies would be maintained in the near term.

Tax reform was a key area of focus during the period, culminating with a $1.5 trillion tax reform bill signed into law by President Trump at the end of December. The legislation included the most sweeping changes to the tax code since 1986 and represented a major victory for Republicans.

Returns varied by market cap during the period, with large cap stocks, as measured by the S&P 500® Index, outperforming mid and small cap stocks, as measured by the S&P MidCap 400® Index and the S&P SmallCap 600® Index.

Portfolio Results

The Portfolio returned 21.61% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2017. By comparison, the Portfolio’s benchmark, the Russell 2000® Growth Index (the “Index”) returned 22.17%. (The Index is unmanaged, cannot be invested in directly, and does not include administrative expenses.) According to Lipper® Analytical Services, Inc., an independent mutual fund ranking agency, the average return in 2017 of the Small Cap Growth Funds peer group was 24.34%.

Strong stock selection within the Consumer Discretionary, Industrials and Information Technology sectors was partially offset by negative selection in the Health Care, Financials and Consumer Staples sectors. Sector allocation, a residual of the Portfolio’s bottom-up stock selection process, detracted from performance. Overweight positions in the Energy and Financials sectors were the top relative detractors.

Nektar Therapeutics (Health Care), Cardtronics (Information Technology) and Five Prime Therapeutics (Health Care) were among the top detractors from relative performance during the period. Cardtronics, a provider of ATMs and automated financial services kiosks, underperformed as the company reported slower transaction volumes in their core ATM business in the U.S. and U.K. Five Prime Therapeutics, a small cap biopharmaceutical company focused on immuno-oncology therapies, fell sharply in November after the company announced low response rates during a trial for one of its key pancreatic cancer drugs. Not holding benchmark constituent Nektar Therapeutics detracted from relative performance.

Top contributors to relative performance during the period included TopBuild (Consumer Discretionary), Wayfair (Consumer Discretionary) and Rogers (Information Technology). TopBuild, which installs and distributes insulation products, is heavily tied to new housing construction and housing refurbishment (upgrading insulation). The stock rose sharply following a strong earnings release at the beginning of the year. Wayfair, an e-commerce provider of home furnishing products, contributed to performance by delivering positive revenue guidance early in the year. Rogers, a maker of specialty advanced materials including printed circuit materials and high-end specialty foams used in smartphones, tablets and electric vehicles, also outperformed during the period. The stock price rose in the second quarter after the company released strong earnings and provided guidance above consensus expectations.

 

52   Small Cap Growth Stock Portfolio  


Table of Contents

Small Cap Growth Stock Portfolio (unaudited)

 

 

Portfolio Manager Outlook

The following forward-looking comments are the opinion of Wellington, the Portfolio’s sub-adviser.

With the significant changes to tax law, corporate profits are set to rise materially in 2018. It is likely that some of these tax savings are competed away or reinvested in the business for various reasons, including employee retention, competitive pricing or marketing support. In the near term, some of the windfalls will fall to the bottom line but we expect to spend more time this year evaluating the sustainability of margins and changes to the competitive intensity, as some of the improved profitability may be eroded.

We continue to find attractively valued stocks with the characteristics we seek. We remain consistent in adhering to our disciplined portfolio construction process that allows us to assess risk, weight individual positions accordingly, and in the process, build a portfolio largely focusing on stock selection for generating returns.

 

Relative Performance

 

LOGO

 

Average Annual Total Returns
For Periods Ended December 31, 2017
 
      1 Year     5 Years     10 Years  

Small Cap Growth Stock Portfolio

     21.61     15.58     7.36

Russell 2000® Growth Index

     22.17     15.21     9.19

Lipper® Variable Insurance Products (VIP) Small Cap Growth Funds Average

     24.34     14.40     8.69

The performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance is historical and does not guarantee future performance. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate, so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. For the most recent month-end performance information visit www.northwesternmutual.com.

This chart assumes an initial investment of $10,000 made on 12/31/07. Returns shown reflect fee waivers, deductions for management and other portfolio expenses, and reinvestment of all dividends. In the absence of fee waivers, total return would be reduced. Returns exclude deductions for separate account sale loads and account fees. Please refer to the Benchmark Definitions section of this report for information about the indices cited in the above chart and graph.

Stocks of smaller or newer companies, such as those held in this Portfolio, are more likely to realize more substantial growth as well as suffer more significant losses than larger or more established issuers. Investments in such companies can be both more volatile and more speculative. Investing in small company stocks involves a greater degree of risk than investing in medium or large company stocks.

The Portfolio may invest in exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”) for cash management purposes. Investing in ETFs may expose the Portfolio to greater risk of loss and price fluctuation than investing directly in an equity security. The market prices of ETFs may trade at a premium or discount to their net asset value and may be subject to trading halts by the applicable exchange, which may negatively impact the Portfolio.

The Portfolio may invest a relatively high percentage of its assets in a particular sector. The Portfolio will have greater exposure to the risks associated with that sector and its performance will be tied more closely to the performance of the sector.

 

 

  Small Cap Growth Stock Portfolio     53  


Table of Contents

Small Cap Growth Stock Portfolio (unaudited)

 

 

Top 10 Equity Holdings 12/31/17

 

Security Description

    % of Net Assets      

iShares Russell 2000 Growth Index Fund

    2.9    

EPAM Systems, Inc.

    1.3    

Steven Madden, Ltd.

    1.2    

TopBuild Corp.

    1.2    

Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings, Inc.

    1.1    

Carter’s, Inc.

    1.1    

Teledyne Technologies, Inc.

    1.1    

PolyOne Corp.

    1.0    

HFF, Inc. - Class A

    1.0    

WEX, Inc.

    1.0    

Sector Allocation 12/31/17

 

LOGO

Sector Allocation is based on Net Assets.

Sector Allocation and Top 10 Holdings are subject to change.

 

 

54   Small Cap Growth Stock Portfolio  


Table of Contents

Small Cap Growth Stock Portfolio

 

Schedule of Investments

December 31, 2017

 

                               
Common Stocks (96.1%)   Shares/
$ Par
    Value
$ (000’s)
 

Consumer Discretionary (14.8%)

 

 

Burlington Stores, Inc.*

    26,809       3,298  

Caleres, Inc.

    114,433       3,831  

Carter’s, Inc.

    56,710       6,663  

Cooper Tire & Rubber Co.

    90,503       3,199  

Core-Mark Holding Co., Inc.

    116,172       3,669  

Dunkin’ Brands Group, Inc.

    93,546       6,031  

Five Below, Inc.*

    79,114       5,247  

Floor & Decor Holdings, Inc.*

    9,900       482  

La Quinta Holdings, Inc.*

    154,099       2,845  

Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corp.

    42,124       5,696  

The Michaels Cos., Inc.*

    146,492       3,544  

National Vision Holdings, Inc.*

    12,400       503  

Oxford Industries, Inc.

    60,625       4,558  

Papa John’s International, Inc.

    63,978       3,590  

Steven Madden, Ltd.*

    162,924       7,608  

Tenneco, Inc.

    102,796       6,018  

TopBuild Corp.*

    95,319       7,219  

Visteon Corp.*

    33,320       4,170  

Wayfair, Inc.*

    35,071       2,815  

Wingstop, Inc.

    138,760       5,409  

Wolverine World Wide, Inc.

    195,585       6,235  
   

 

 

 

Total

      92,630  
   

 

 

 

Consumer Staples (2.8%)

 

 

Casey’s General Stores, Inc.

    32,463       3,634  

Hostess Brands, Inc.*

    264,243       3,913  

Performance Food Group Co.*

    82,717       2,738  

Post Holdings, Inc.*

    36,277       2,874  

PriceSmart, Inc.

    52,063       4,483  
   

 

 

 

Total

      17,642  
   

 

 

 

Energy (1.5%)

 

 

PDC Energy, Inc.*

    61,194       3,154  

ProPetro Holding Corp.*

    160,700       3,240  

WildHorse Resource Development Corp.*

    159,100       2,929  
   

 

 

 

Total

      9,323  
   

 

 

 

Financials (5.5%)

 

 

Evercore Partners, Inc.

    58,895       5,301  

FCB Financial Holdings, Inc. - Class A*

    57,967       2,945  

First Busey Corp.

    80,983       2,425  
                               
Common Stocks (96.1%)   Shares/
$ Par
    Value
$ (000’s)
 

Financials continued

 

 

First Hawaiian, Inc.

    79,767       2,328  

Great Western Bancorp, Inc.

    71,793       2,857  

IBERIABANK Corp.

    54,617       4,233  

James River Group Holdings, Ltd.

    85,536       3,422  

MGIC Investment Corp.*

    277,390       3,914  

NMI Holdings, Inc. - Class A*

    46,483       790  

OneMain Holdings, Inc.*

    64,387       1,673  

Sterling Bancorp

    177,740       4,372  
   

 

 

 

Total

      34,260  
   

 

 

 

Health Care (22.3%)

 

 

Abeona Therapeutics, Inc.*

    73,616       1,167  

Aerie Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    54,855       3,278  

Agios Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    27,997       1,601  

Amicus Therapeutics, Inc.*

    286,626       4,125  

Anika Therapeutics, Inc.*

    80,603       4,345  

Aratana Therapeutics, Inc.*

    193,000       1,015  

Arena Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    69,200       2,351  

AtriCure, Inc.*

    133,874       2,442  

Atrion Corp.

    5,827       3,675  

Bluebird Bio, Inc.*

    26,487       4,717  

Blueprint Medicines Corp.*

    67,579       5,096  

Calithera Biosciences, Inc.*

    105,756       883  

Cardiovascular Systems, Inc.*

    118,010       2,796  

Catalent, Inc.*

    137,434       5,646  

Coherus Biosciences, Inc.*

    94,374       830  

Cytokinetics, Inc.*

    136,187       1,110  

Dermira, Inc.*

    106,939       2,974  

Exact Sciences Corp.*

    42,749       2,246  

Five Prime Therapeutics, Inc.*

    97,224       2,131  

Flexion Therapeutics, Inc.*

    61,334       1,536  

Globus Medical, Inc. - Class A*

    138,331       5,685  

GlycoMimetics, Inc.*

    83,630       1,404  

HMS Holdings Corp.*

    119,823       2,031  

ICU Medical, Inc.*

    28,400       6,134  

Impax Laboratories, Inc.*

    139,701       2,326  

INC Research Holdings, Inc. - Class A*

    65,827       2,870  

Integra LifeSciences Holdings Corp.*

    83,964       4,019  

Intersect ENT, Inc.*

    155,696       5,045  
                               
Common Stocks (96.1%)   Shares/
$ Par
    Value
$ (000’s)
 

Health Care continued

 

 

Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    66,428       3,341  

Ironwood Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    44,991       674  

Jounce Therapeutics, Inc.*

    55,295       705  

Kala Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    22,200       410  

Loxo Oncology, Inc.*

    41,307       3,477  

The Medicines Co.*

    89,770       2,454  

Medidata Solutions, Inc.*

    37,919       2,403  

Nanostring Technologies, Inc.*

    142,990       1,068  

Natus Medical, Inc.*

    138,889       5,306  

Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc.*

    48,453       3,759  

Omnicell, Inc.*

    109,050       5,289  

OraSure Technologies, Inc.*

    132,300       2,495  

Orthofix International*

    79,789       4,364  

Otonomy, Inc.*

    138,409       768  

Portola Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    82,335       4,008  

Revance Therapeutics, Inc.*

    44,100       1,577  

Rigel Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    265,592       1,031  

Sage Therapeutics, Inc.*

    30,059       4,951  

Spark Therapeutics, Inc.*

    51,163       2,631  

U.S. Physical Therapy, Inc.

    42,966       3,102  

Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical, Inc.*

    61,124       2,835  
   

 

 

 

Total

      140,126  
   

 

 

 

Industrials (16.8%)

 

 

AAON, Inc.

    120,661       4,428  

Advanced Disposal Services, Inc.*

    106,858       2,558  

Altra Industrial Motion Corp.

    115,319       5,812  

American Woodmark Corp.*

    33,668       4,385  

Armstrong World Industries, Inc.*

    76,733       4,646  

AZZ, Inc.

    69,113       3,532  

The Brink’s Co.

    44,073       3,469  

Deluxe Corp.

    62,590       4,809  

Exponent, Inc.

    65,396       4,650  

Generac Holdings, Inc.*

    109,919       5,443  

Genesee & Wyoming, Inc. - Class A*

    52,449       4,129  

HEICO Corp. - Class A

    39,049       3,087  

Huron Consulting Group, Inc.*

    58,580       2,370  
 

 

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

 

  Small Cap Growth Stock Portfolio     55  


Table of Contents

Small Cap Growth Stock Portfolio

 

                               
Common Stocks (96.1%)   Shares/
$ Par
    Value
$ (000’s)
 

Industrials continued

 

 

ITT, Inc.

    98,247       5,244  

JELD-WEN Holding, Inc.*

    151,155       5,951  

Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings, Inc.

    161,125       7,044  

Marten Transport, Ltd.

    153,300       3,112  

Milacron Holdings Corp.*

    148,106       2,835  

On Assignment, Inc.*

    88,920       5,715  

Rexnord Corp.*

    150,366       3,913  

SiteOne Landscape Supply, Inc.*

    38,138       2,925  

Teledyne Technologies, Inc.*

    36,460       6,605  

Viad Corp.

    64,465       3,571  

WageWorks, Inc.*

    45,431       2,817  

Welbilt, Inc.*

    104,866       2,465  
   

 

 

 

Total

      105,515  
   

 

 

 

Information Technology (24.2%)

 

 

Aspen Technology, Inc.*

    63,418       4,198  

Axcelis Technologies, Inc.*

    107,900       3,097  

Blackbaud, Inc.

    34,330       3,244  

Blackhawk Network Holdings, Inc.*

    153,210       5,462  

Blucora, Inc.*

    100,380       2,218  

CACI International, Inc. - Class A*

    35,319       4,675  

Ciena Corp.*

    127,355       2,666  

Cloudera, Inc.*

    215,238       3,556  

Cohu, Inc.

    106,052       2,328  

Entegris, Inc.

    142,208       4,330  

EPAM Systems, Inc.*

    77,203       8,294  

ePlus, Inc.*

    65,420       4,920  

Etsy, Inc.*

    134,203       2,745  

Exlservice Holdings, Inc.*

    66,485       4,012  

Fabrinet*

    106,770       3,064  

Fair Isaac Corp.

    34,232       5,244  

Five9, Inc.*

    143,997       3,583  

ForeScout Technologies, Inc.*

    5,500       175  

GrubHub, Inc.*

    84,020       6,033  

Guidewire Software, Inc.*

    43,444       3,226  

HubSpot, Inc.*

    61,914       5,473  
                               
Common Stocks (96.1%)   Shares/
$ Par
    Value
$ (000’s)
 

Information Technology continued

 

 

Integrated Device Technology, Inc.*

    168,004       4,995  

Itron, Inc.*

    66,626       4,544  

j2 Global, Inc.

    53,819       4,038  

LogMeIn, Inc.

    44,074       5,047  

MACOM Technology Solutions Holdings, Inc.*

    70,712       2,301  

MAXIMUS, Inc.

    50,782       3,635  

MaxLinear, Inc. - Class A*

    116,212       3,070  

MKS Instruments, Inc.

    49,851       4,711  

Nutanix, Inc. - Class A*

    66,792       2,356  

Okta, Inc.*

    94,893       2,430  

Paylocity Holding Corp.*

    68,114       3,212  

Pegasystems, Inc.

    54,346       2,562  

PTC, Inc.*

    40,519       2,462  

Q2 Holdings, Inc.*

    44,105       1,625  

Rogers Corp.*

    34,286       5,552  

Science Applications International Corp.

    49,086       3,759  

Tyler Technologies, Inc.*

    16,139       2,857  

WEX, Inc.*

    44,366       6,266  

Zendesk, Inc.*

    126,955       4,296  
   

 

 

 

Total

      152,261  
   

 

 

 

Materials (4.0%)

 

 

Boise Cascade Co.

    95,062       3,793  

Graphic Packaging Holding Co.

    297,173       4,591  

Louisiana-Pacific Corp.*

    148,741       3,906  

Omnova Solutions, Inc.*

    281,628       2,816  

PolyOne Corp.

    146,734       6,383  

Summit Materials, Inc. - Class A*

    121,361       3,816  
   

 

 

 

Total

      25,305  
   

 

 

 

Real Estate (3.0%)

 

 

CoreSite Realty Corp.

    22,671       2,582  

Corporate Office Properties Trust

    85,509       2,497  

HFF, Inc. - Class A

    129,593       6,303  

LaSalle Hotel Properties

    123,068       3,455  
                               
Common Stocks (96.1%)   Shares/
$ Par
    Value
$ (000’s)
 

Real Estate continued

 

 

Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc.

    242,184       4,003  
   

 

 

 

Total

      18,840  
   

 

 

 

Telecommunication Services (0.8%)

 

 

ORBCOMM, Inc.*

    195,103       1,986  

Vonage Holdings Corp.*

    292,300       2,973  
   

 

 

 

Total

      4,959  
   

 

 

 

Utilities (0.4%)

   

Evoqua Water Technologies Corp.*

    108,900       2,582  
   

 

 

 

Total

      2,582  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks

   

(Cost: $447,744)

      603,443  
   

 

 

 

Investment Companies (3.0%)

 

       

Investment Companies (3.0%)

 

 

iShares Russell 2000 Growth Index Fund

    98,101       18,316  
   

 

 

 

Total

      18,316  
   

 

 

 

Total Investment Companies

   

(Cost: $16,267)

      18,316  
   

 

 

 

Short-Term Investments (1.0%)

 

       

Money Market Funds (1.0%)

 

 

State Street Institutional U.S. Government Money Market Fund - Premier Class, 1.209%#

    6,478,364       6,478  
   

 

 

 

Total

      6,478  
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments 

   

(Cost: $6,478)

      6,478  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments (100.1%)

   

(Cost: $470,489)(a)

      628,237  
   

 

 

 

Other Assets, Less

   

Liabilities (-0.1%)

      (336
   

 

 

 

Net Assets (100.0%)

      627,901  
   

 

 

 
 
* Non-Income Producing

 

# 7-Day yield as of December 31, 2017.

 

(a) At December 31, 2017, the aggregate cost of investments, including derivatives, for federal tax purposes (in thousands) was $470,770 and the net unrealized appreciation of investments based on that cost was $157,467 which is comprised of $176,619 aggregate gross unrealized appreciation and $19,152 aggregate gross unrealized depreciation.

 

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

 

56   Small Cap Growth Stock Portfolio  


Table of Contents

Small Cap Growth Stock Portfolio

 

The following is a summary of the inputs used in valuing the Portfolio’s assets and liabilities at December 31, 2017. See Note 3 for additional information on portfolio valuation.

     Valuation Inputs       
Description    Level 1 –
Quoted Prices
     Level 2 –
Other Significant
Observable Inputs
    

Level 3 –

Significant
Unobservable Inputs

      
     (Amounts in thousands)       

Assets:

           

Common Stocks

   $ 603,443      $ -        $ -       

Investment Companies

     18,316        -          -       

Short-Term Investments

     6,478        -          -       

Total Assets:

   $ 628,237      $ -        $ -       

 

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

 

  Small Cap Growth Stock Portfolio     57  


Table of Contents

Index 600 Stock Portfolio (unaudited)

 

 

Objective:    Portfolio Strategy:    Net Assets:
Investment results that approximate the performance of the S&P SmallCap 600® Index.   

Invest in stocks that make up the S&P SmallCap 600®

Index, holding each stock in approximately the same proportion as its weighting in the Index.

   $222 million

Portfolio Overview

Mason Street Advisors is the investment adviser for the Index 600 Stock Portfolio (the “Portfolio”). The Portfolio seeks investment results that approximate the performance of the S&P SmallCap 600® Index. The Portfolio attempts to achieve its objective by investing all, or substantially all, of its assets in stocks that make up the S&P SmallCap 600® Index, holding each stock in approximately the same proportion as its weighting in the Index. This is known as a full replication strategy. The Portfolio may also purchase (long) total return equity swap agreements and invest in exchange traded funds and, to a lesser extent, futures contracts, for cash management purposes and to help achieve full replication.

Market Overview

U.S. equities delivered another year of strong performance. The sharp gains in business and consumer confidence following the U.S. election and improving global economic growth were among the catalysts for equities, as investors anticipated market-friendly policies from the new administration. That confidence was generally well placed—corporate earnings finally improved after three flat years and Congress passed one of the largest tax cuts in U.S. history. The improving economy favored equities over bonds; although, fixed income sectors still posted positive returns.

The U.S. economy expanded at a pace of approximately 3% during the second half of the year. The strong growth prompted the U.S. Federal Reserve (the “Fed”) to raise rates and begin reducing its $4 trillion balance sheet. In that environment, large cap stocks, as represented by the S&P 500® Index, posted a return of 21.83%, outperforming the S&P SmallCap 600® and the S&P MidCap 400® Indices, which returned 13.23% and 16.24%, respectively. Meanwhile, the broader bond market, as represented by the Bloomberg Barclays® U.S. Aggregate Index returned 3.54%, while the Bloomberg Barclays® U.S. Corporate High Yield Index advanced 7.50%.

Portfolio Results

The Index 600 Stock Portfolio delivered a total return of 12.93% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2017, trailing the S&P SmallCap 600® Index (the “Index”), which returned 13.23%. (The Index is unmanaged, cannot be invested in directly, and does not include administrative expenses.) Portfolio performance slightly lagged the Index due to transaction costs, administrative expenses, cash flow effects and costs associated with the use of total return equity swap agreements and exchange traded funds. The Portfolio underperformed the 13.17% average return for its peer group, Small Cap Core Funds, according to Lipper® Analytical Services, Inc. However, the Small Cap Core Funds peer group is not strictly comparable to the Portfolio because many of the funds in the group are actively managed.

Ten of the Index’s eleven sectors posted positive returns for the year. Ongoing demographic trends and tax reform helped the Health Care sector post the largest contribution to the Index’s return despite continued uncertainty surrounding governmental reform efforts and regulatory changes. Biotechnology was the leading industry within the Health Care sector, as worries over pricing regulation eased and investor sentiment for small cap stocks in the industry remained optimistic. In the Industrials sector, increases in industrial production and capital expenditure boosted small cap machinery stocks, benefiting Index performance. Outstanding revenue and earnings growth helped the Information Technology sector post solid contributions to the Index’s performance. The Consumer Discretionary sector also posted gains, reflecting steady economic growth, low inflation and declining unemployment, which led to an increase in consumer spending. Other significant contributors to the Index’s return included the Financials sector and the Utilities sector. Within these sectors, the consumer finance industry was a leading source of strength for Financials, while the Utilities sector saw positive results from the electric, water and gas utilities industries. The Materials sector also posted solid gains, buoyed by continued economic growth and output, as well as anticipation of future governmental infrastructure spending.

At the other end of the spectrum, the Energy sector suffered losses, as worries over the impact of supply growth on oil prices weighed on oil and gas exploration companies.

 

58   Index 600 Stock Portfolio  


Table of Contents

Index 600 Stock Portfolio (unaudited)

 

 

Relative Performance

 

LOGO

 

Average Annual Total Returns
For Periods Ended December 31, 2017
 
     1 Year     5 Years     10 Years  

Index 600 Stock Portfolio

    12.93     15.56     10.06

S&P SmallCap 600® Index

    13.23     15.99     10.43

Lipper® Variable Insurance Products (VIP) Small Cap Core Funds Average

    13.17     13.84     8.62

The performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance is historical and does not guarantee future performance. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate, so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. For the most recent month-end performance information visit www.northwesternmutual.com.

This chart assumes an initial investment of $10,000 made on 12/31/07. Returns shown reflect fee waivers, deductions for management and other portfolio expenses, and reinvestment of all dividends. In the absence of fee waivers, total return would be reduced. Returns exclude deductions for separate account sale loads and account fees. Please refer to the Benchmark Definitions section of this report for information about the indices cited in the above chart and graph.

“Standard & Poor’s®”, “S&P®”, “S&P SmallCap 600” and “Standard & Poor’s SmallCap 600” are trademarks of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. and have been licensed for use by Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company. The Portfolio is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by Standard & Poor’s, and Standard & Poor’s makes no representation regarding the advisability of investing in the Portfolio.

Stocks of smaller or newer companies, such as those held in this Portfolio, are more likely to realize more substantial growth as well as suffer more significant losses than larger or more established issuers. Investments in such companies can be both more volatile and more speculative. Investing in small company stocks involves a greater degree of risk than investing in medium or large company stocks.

The Portfolio may invest in exchange-traded funds and derivative instruments such as swap agreements and, to a lesser extent, futures contracts, for cash management purposes and to help achieve full replication. Use of these instruments may involve certain costs and imposes certain risks such as liquidity risk, market risk, credit risk, management risk and the risk of mispricing or improper valuation. Certain derivatives involve leverage, which could magnify losses, and portfolios investing in derivatives could lose more than the principal amount invested in those instruments.

   Top 10 Equity Holdings 12/31/17

 

Security Description

     % of Net Assets  

iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF

     2.1

Nektar Therapeutics

     1.1

Chemed Corp.

     0.5

Healthcare Services Group, Inc.

     0.5

ALLETE, Inc.

     0.4

Cantel Medical Corp.

     0.4

Five Below, Inc.

     0.4

Spire, Inc.

     0.4

John Bean Technologies Corp.

     0.4

Evercore Partners, Inc.

     0.4

Sector Allocation 12/31/17

 

LOGO

Sector Allocation is based on Net Assets.

Sector Allocation and Top 10 Holdings are subject to change.

 

 

  Index 600 Stock Portfolio     59  


Table of Contents

Index 600 Stock Portfolio

Schedule of Investments

December 31, 2017

 

                               
Common Stocks (91.4%)   Shares/
$ Par
    Value
$ (000’s)
 

Consumer Discretionary (14.6%)

 

 

Abercrombie & Fitch Co. - Class A

    17,690       308  

American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings, Inc.*

    25,761       439  

American Public Education, Inc.*

    4,231       106  

Asbury Automotive Group, Inc.*

    4,823       309  

Ascena Retail Group, Inc.*

    44,353       104  

Barnes & Noble Education, Inc.*

    9,665       80  

Barnes & Noble, Inc.

    14,745       99  

Belmond, Ltd.*

    21,826       267  

Big 5 Sporting Goods Corp.

    5,238       40  

Biglari Holdings, Inc.*

    263       109  

BJ’s Restaurants, Inc.

    4,669       170  

Bob Evans Farms, Inc.

    5,214       411  

Boyd Gaming Corp.

    21,355       749  

The Buckle, Inc.

    7,369       175  

Caleres, Inc.

    11,175       374  

Callaway Golf Co.

    24,588       343  

Capella Education Co.

    3,036       235  

Career Education Corp.*

    17,072       206  

The Cato Corp. - Class A

    6,054       96  

Cavco Industries, Inc.*

    2,207       337  

Chico’s FAS, Inc.

    33,241       293  

The Children’s Place, Inc.

    4,525       658  

Chuy’s Holdings, Inc.*

    4,399       123  

Cooper-Standard Holding, Inc.*

    4,104       503  

Core-Mark Holding Co., Inc.

    12,014       379  

Crocs, Inc.*

    18,120       229  

Dave & Buster’s Entertainment, Inc.*

    10,690       590  

DineEquity, Inc.

    4,678       237  

Dorman Products, Inc.*

    7,806       477  

DSW, Inc. - Class A

    18,795       402  

The E.W. Scripps Co. - Class A*

    14,376       225  

El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc.*

    5,630       56  

Ethan Allen Interiors, Inc.

    6,573       188  

Express, Inc.*

    20,496       208  

Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc.*

    7,039       134  

The Finish Line, Inc. - Class A

    10,454       152  

Five Below, Inc.*

    14,357       952  

Fossil Group, Inc.*

    11,233       87  

Fox Factory Holding Corp.*

    9,764       379  
                               
Common Stocks (91.4%)   Shares/
$ Par
    Value
$ (000’s)
 

Consumer Discretionary continued

 

 

Francesca’s Holdings Corp.*

    9,554       70  

Fred’s, Inc. - Class A

    9,309       38  

FTD Companies, Inc.*

    4,370       31  

Gannett Co., Inc.

    29,070       337  

Genesco, Inc.*

    5,181       168  

Gentherm, Inc.*

    9,540       303  

G-III Apparel Group, Ltd.*

    10,779       398  

Group 1 Automotive, Inc.

    5,100       362  

Guess?, Inc.

    15,593       263  

Haverty Furniture Cos., Inc.

    5,052       114  

Hibbett Sports, Inc.*

    4,949       101  

Installed Building Products, Inc.*

    5,470       415  

iRobot Corp.*

    7,250       556  

J.C. Penney Co., Inc.*

    80,914       256  

Kirkland’s, Inc.*

    4,164       50  

La-Z-Boy, Inc.

    12,547       392  

LCI Industries

    6,487       843  

LGI Homes, Inc.*

    4,523       339  

Lithia Motors, Inc. - Class A

    6,248       710  

Lumber Liquidators Holdings, Inc.*

    7,409       233  

M.D.C. Holdings, Inc.

    11,673       372  

M/I Homes, Inc.*

    7,158       246  

The Marcus Corp.

    5,005       137  

MarineMax, Inc.*

    5,713       108  

Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corp.

    6,133       829  

Meritage Homes Corp.*

    9,859       505  

Monarch Casino & Resort, Inc.*

    2,946       132  

Monro Muffler Brake, Inc.

    8,524       485  

Motorcar Parts of America, Inc.*

    4,960       124  

Movado Group, Inc.

    4,027       130  

Nautilus, Inc.*

    7,987       107  

New Media Investment Group, Inc.

    13,847       232  

Nutrisystem, Inc.

    7,813       411  

Ollie’s Bargain Outlet Holdings, Inc.*

    12,778       680  

Oxford Industries, Inc.

    4,377       329  

Penn National Gaming, Inc.*

    21,798       683  

Perry Ellis International, Inc.*

    3,269       82  

PetMed Express, Inc.

    5,359       244  

Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc.*

    3,365       190  

Regis Corp.*

    9,087       140  

Rent-A-Center, Inc.

    13,866       154  
                               
Common Stocks (91.4%)   Shares/
$ Par
    Value
$ (000’s)
 

Consumer Discretionary continued

 

 

Restoration Hardware, Inc.*

    4,889       422  

Ruth’s Hospitality Group, Inc.

    7,566       164  

Scholastic Corp.

    7,201       289  

Scientific Games Corp. - Class A*

    13,756       706  

Shake Shack, Inc. - Class A*

    4,769       206  

Shoe Carnival, Inc.

    2,966       79  

Shutterfly, Inc.*

    8,540       425  

Sleep Number Corp.*

    10,357       389  

Sonic Automotive, Inc. - Class A

    6,404       118  

Sonic Corp.

    10,469       288  

Standard Motor Products, Inc.

    5,294       238  

Steven Madden, Ltd.*

    13,835       646  

Strayer Education, Inc.

    2,759       247  

Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc.

    4,533       253  

Superior Industries International, Inc.

    6,025       90  

Tailored Brands, Inc.

    12,795       279  

The Tile Shop Holdings, Inc.

    8,953       86  

Time, Inc.

    25,900       478  

TopBuild Corp.*

    9,244       700  

Unifi, Inc.*

    4,419       159  

Universal Electronics, Inc.*

    3,721       176  

Vera Bradley, Inc.*

    4,958       60  

Vista Outdoor, Inc.*

    14,909       217  

Vitamin Shoppe, Inc.*

    6,236       27  

William Lyon Homes*

    7,250       211  

Wingstop, Inc.

    7,567       295  

Winnebago Industries, Inc.

    7,528       419  

Wolverine World Wide, Inc.

    24,886       793  

World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. - Class A

    10,185       311  

Zumiez, Inc.*

    4,725       98  
   

 

 

 

Total

      32,397  
   

 

 

 

Consumer Staples (2.4%)

 

 

The Andersons, Inc.

    6,859       214  

B&G Foods, Inc.

    17,295       608  

Calavo Growers, Inc.

    4,104       346  

Cal-Maine Foods, Inc.*

    7,742       344  

Central Garden & Pet Co.*

    2,688       105  

Central Garden & Pet Co. - Class A*

    9,084       343  

Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated

    1,207       260  

Darling Ingredients, Inc.*

    42,841       777  
 

 

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

 

60   Index 600 Stock Portfolio  


Table of Contents

Index 600 Stock Portfolio

 

                               
Common Stocks (91.4%)   Shares/
$ Par
    Value
$ (000’s)
 

Consumer Staples continued

 

 

Inter Parfums, Inc.

    4,461       194  

J & J Snack Foods Corp.

    3,883       589  

John B. Sanfilippo & Son, Inc.

    2,263       143  

Medifast, Inc.

    2,731       191  

Seneca Foods Corp. - Class A*

    1,761       54  

SpartanNash Co.

    9,616       256  

SUPERVALU, Inc.*

    9,976       215  

Universal Corp.

    6,532       343  

WD-40 Co.

    3,632       429  
   

 

 

 

Total

      5,411  
   

 

 

 

Energy (3.1%)

 

 

Archrock, Inc.

    18,461       194  

Bill Barrett Corp.*

    25,185       129  

Bristow Group, Inc.

    8,370       113  

CARBO Ceramics, Inc.*

    5,717       58  

Carrizo Oil & Gas, Inc.*

    20,123       428  

Cloud Peak Energy, Inc.*

    19,521       87  

CONSOL Energy, Inc.*

    6,733       266  

Denbury Resources, Inc.*

    104,600       231  

ERA Group, Inc.*

    5,256       56  

Exterran Corp.*

    8,286       261  

Geospace Technologies Corp.*

    3,496       45  

Green Plains, Inc.

    10,063       170  

Gulf Island Fabrication, Inc.

    3,526       47  

Helix Energy Solutions Group, Inc.*

    36,115       272  

Matrix Service Co.*

    6,957       124  

McDermott International, Inc.*

    73,868       486  

Newpark Resources, Inc.*

    22,325       192  

Noble Corp. PLC*

    63,713       288  

Oil States International, Inc.*

    13,288       376  

Par Pacific Holdings, Inc.*

    6,552       126  

PDC Energy, Inc.*

    17,133       883  

Pioneer Energy Services Corp.*

    20,214       62  

REX American Resources Corp.*

    1,503       124  

SEACOR Holdings, Inc.*

    4,366       202  

SRC Energy, Inc.*

    62,770       535  

TETRA Technologies, Inc.*

    30,144       129  

Unit Corp.*

    13,754       303  

US Silica Holdings, Inc.

    21,123       688  
   

 

 

 

Total

      6,875  
   

 

 

 

Financials (14.9%)

 

 

American Equity Investment Life Holding Co.

    23,180       712  

Ameris Bancorp

    9,683       467  
                               
Common Stocks (91.4%)   Shares/
$ Par
    Value
$ (000’s)
 

Financials continued

 

 

AMERISAFE, Inc.

    5,005       308  

Appollo Commercial Real Estate Finance, Inc.

    25,353       468  

ARMOUR Residential REIT, Inc.

    10,890       280  

Banc of California, Inc.

    11,075       229  

Bank Mutual Corp.

    11,009       117  

Banner Corp.

    8,532       470  

BofI Holding, Inc.*

    14,569       436  

Boston Private Financial Holdings, Inc.

    21,910       339  

Brookline Bancorp, Inc.

    19,936       313  

Capstead Mortgage Corp.

    24,996       216  

Central Pacific Financial Corp.

    7,836       234  

City Holding Co.

    4,062       274  

Columbia Banking System, Inc.

    18,993       825  

Community Bank System, Inc.

    13,163       708  

Customers Bancorp, Inc.*

    7,527       196  

CVB Financial Corp.

    26,644       628  

Dime Community Bancshares

    7,981       167  

Donnelley Financial Solutions, Inc.*

    8,765       171  

eHealth, Inc.*

    4,262       74  

Employers Holdings, Inc.

    8,435       375  

Encore Capital Group, Inc.*

    6,160       259  

Enova International, Inc.*

    8,704       132  

Evercore Partners, Inc.

    10,044       904  

EZCORP, Inc. - Class A*

    13,376       163  

Fidelity Southern Corp.

    5,723       125  

Financial Engines, Inc.

    16,468       499  

First BanCorp*

    47,236       241  

First Commonwealth Financial Corp.

    25,348       363  

First Financial Bancorp.

    16,141       425  

First Financial Bankshares, Inc.

    17,225       776  

First Midwest Bancorp, Inc.

    26,721       642  

FirstCash, Inc.

    12,273       828  

Glacier Bancorp, Inc.

    20,287       799  

Great Western Bancorp, Inc.

    15,302       609  

Green Dot Corp. - Class A*

    11,896       717  

Greenhill & Co., Inc.

    6,353       124  

Hanmi Financial Corp.

    8,429       256  

HCI Group, Inc.

    2,061       62  

HomeStreet, Inc.*

    6,992       202  

Hope Bancorp, Inc.

    33,480       611  

Horace Mann Educators Corp.

    10,577       466  

Independent Bank Corp.

    7,138       499  

Infinity Property & Casualty Corp.

    2,842       301  
                               
Common Stocks (91.4%)   Shares/
$ Par
    Value
$ (000’s)
 

Financials continued

 

 

INTL FCStone, Inc.*

    4,041       172  

Invesco Mortgage Capital, Inc.

    29,020       517  

Investment Technology Group, Inc.

    8,599       166  

LegacyTexas Financial Group, Inc.

    10,995       464  

LendingTree, Inc.*

    1,961       668  

Maiden Holdings, Ltd.

    18,048       119  

Meta Financial Group, Inc.

    2,363       219  

National Bank Holding Corp. - Class A

    6,949       225  

The Navigators Group, Inc.

    5,832       284  

NBT Bancorp, Inc.

    11,324       417  

NMI Holdings, Inc. - Class A*

    13,896       236  

Northfield Bancorp, Inc.

    12,078       206  

Northwest Bancshares, Inc.

    26,690       447  

OFG Bancorp

    11,430       107  

Old National Bancorp

    34,799       607  

Opus Bank*

    4,482       122  

Oritani Financial Corp.

    10,231       168  

Pacific Premier Bancorp, Inc.*

    10,090       404  

Piper Jaffray Cos., Inc.

    3,694       319  

PRA Group, Inc.*

    11,747       390  

ProAssurance Corp.

    13,888       794  

Provident Financial Services, Inc.

    15,734       424  

RLI Corp.

    10,084       612  

S&T Bancorp, Inc.

    9,098       362  

Safety Insurance Group, Inc.

    3,958       318  

Selective Insurance Group, Inc.

    15,187       892  

ServisFirst Bancshares, Inc.

    11,712       486  

Simmons First National Corp. - Class A

    10,146       579  

Southside Bancshares, Inc.

    7,174       242  

Stewart Information Services Corp.

    6,175       261  

Third Point Reinsurance, Ltd.*

    22,623       331  

Tompkins Financial Corp.

    3,214       261  

TrustCo Bank Corp.

    24,995       230  

United Community Banks, Inc.

    18,671       525  

United Fire Group, Inc.

    5,500       251  

United Insurance Holdings Corp.

    5,338       92  

Universal Insurance Holdings, Inc.

    8,331       228  

Virtus Investment Partners, Inc.

    1,862       214  
 

 

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

 

  Index 600 Stock Portfolio     61  


Table of Contents

Index 600 Stock Portfolio

 

                               
Common Stocks (91.4%)   Shares/
$ Par
    Value
$ (000’s)
 

Financials continued

 

 

Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc. - Class A

    21,684       484  

Walker & Dunlop, Inc.*

    7,353       349  

Westamerica Bancorporation

    6,852       408  

WisdomTree Investments, Inc.

    29,912       375  

World Acceptance Corp.*

    1,532       124  
   

 

 

 

Total

      33,109  
   

 

 

 

Health Care (12.2%)

 

 

Abaxis, Inc.

    5,903       292  

Aceto Corp.

    7,831       81  

Acorda Therapeutics, Inc.*

    12,158       261  

Almost Family, Inc.*

    3,269       181  

AMAG Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    9,200       122  

Amedisys, Inc.*

    7,414       391  

AMN Healthcare Services, Inc.*

    12,425       612  

Amphastar Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    9,208       177  

Analogic Corp.

    3,247       272  

AngioDynamics, Inc.*

    9,549       159  

ANI Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    2,331       150  

Anika Therapeutics, Inc.*

    3,813       206  

BioTelemetry, Inc.*

    7,996       239  

Cambrex Corp.*

    8,525       409  

Cantel Medical Corp.

    9,271       954  

Chemed Corp.

    4,153       1,009  

Community Health Systems, Inc.*

    29,839       127  

Computer Programs and Systems, Inc.

    2,898       87  

CONMED Corp.

    6,466       330  

Corcept Therapeutics, Inc.*

    21,779       393  

CorVel Corp.*

    2,499       132  

Cross Country Healthcare, Inc.*

    9,488       121  

CryoLife, Inc.*

    8,699       167  

Cutera, Inc.*

    3,604       163  

Cytokinetics, Inc.*

    13,174       107  

DepoMed, Inc.*

    16,376       132  

Diplomat Pharmacy, Inc.*

    12,539       252  

Eagle Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    2,173       116  

Emergent Biosolutions, Inc.*

    9,151       425  

Enanta Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    3,713       218  

Ensign Group, Inc.

    12,511       278  

Haemonetics Corp.*

    13,737       798  

HealthEquity, Inc.*

    13,373       624  

HealthStream, Inc.*

    6,637       154  

Heska Corp.*

    1,696       136  
                               
Common Stocks (91.4%)   Shares/
$ Par
    Value
$ (000’s)
 

Health Care continued

 

 

HMS Holdings Corp.*

    21,869       371  

ICU Medical, Inc.*

    3,927       848  

Impax Laboratories, Inc.*

    19,276       321  

Innoviva, Inc.*

    19,104       271  

Inogen, Inc.*

    4,451       530  

Integer Holdings Corp.*

    7,331       332  

Integra LifeSciences Holdings Corp.*

    16,533       791  

Invacare Corp.

    8,539       144  

Kindred Healthcare, Inc.

    22,633       220  

Lannett Co., Inc.*

    7,837       182  

Lantheus Holdings, Inc.*

    7,706       158  

LeMaitre Vascular, Inc.

    3,958       126  

LHC Group, Inc.*

    4,231       259  

Ligand Pharmaceuticals, Inc. - Class B*

    5,489       752  

Luminex Corp.

    10,656       210  

Magellan Health, Inc.*

    6,253       604  

The Medicines Co.*

    16,685       456  

Meridian Bioscience, Inc.

    10,977       154  

Merit Medical Systems, Inc.*

    13,056       564  

MiMedx Group, Inc.*

    26,569       335  

Momenta Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    19,867       277  

Myriad Genetics, Inc.*

    18,009       619  

Natus Medical, Inc.*

    8,103       310  

Nektar Therapeutics*

    40,956       2,446  

Neogen Corp.*

    9,944       817  

Omnicell, Inc.*

    9,866       478  

OraSure Technologies, Inc.*

    15,774       297  

Orthofix International*

    4,726       258  

Phibro Animal Health Corp. - Class A

    5,093       171  

Progenics Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    18,276       109  

The Providence Service Corp.*

    2,907       172  

Quality Systems, Inc.*

    12,255       166  

Quorum Health Corp.*

    7,385       46  

Repligen Corp.*

    9,744       354  

Select Medical Holdings Corp.*

    27,845       491  

Spectrum Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    23,563       447  

Sucampo Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    6,550       118  

Supernus Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    13,333       531  

Surmodics, Inc.*

    3,410       95  

Tactile Systems Technology, Inc.*

    3,775       109  

Tivity Health, Inc.*

    8,861       324  

U.S. Physical Therapy, Inc.

    3,272       236  
                               
Common Stocks (91.4%)   Shares/
$ Par
    Value
$ (000’s)
 

Health Care continued

 

 

Varex Imaging Corp.*

    9,763       392  
   

 

 

 

Total

      27,166  
   

 

 

 

Industrials (17.6%)

 

 

AAON, Inc.

    10,508       386  

AAR Corp.

    8,374       329  

ABM Industries, Inc.

    14,400       543  

Actuant Corp. - Class A

    15,559       394  

Aegion Corp.*

    8,460       215  

Aerojet Rocketdyne Holdings, Inc.*

    19,533       609  

Aerovironment, Inc.*

    5,518       310  

Alamo Group, Inc.

    2,481       280  

Albany International Corp. - Class A

    7,543       464  

Allegiant Travel Co.

    3,262       505  

American Woodmark Corp.*

    3,719       484  

Apogee Enterprises, Inc.

    7,450       341  

Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc.

    10,095       687  

ArcBest Corp.

    6,668       238  

Astec Industries, Inc.

    4,980       291  

Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, Inc.*

    6,576       386  

Axon Enterprise, Inc.*

    13,762       365  

AZZ, Inc.

    6,752       345  

Barnes Group, Inc.

    12,828       812  

Brady Corp. - Class A

    12,490       473  

Briggs & Stratton Corp.

    11,148       283  

Chart Industries, Inc.*

    8,003       375  

CIRCOR International, Inc.

    4,291       209  

Comfort Systems USA, Inc.

    9,658       422  

Cubic Corp.

    6,510       384  

DXP Enterprises, Inc.*

    4,116       122  

Echo Global Logistics, Inc.*

    6,823       191  

Encore Wire Corp.

    5,414       263  

Engility Holdings, Inc.*

    4,591       130  

EnPro Industries, Inc.

    5,547       519  

ESCO Technologies, Inc.

    6,720       405  

Essendant, Inc.

    9,783       91  

Exponent, Inc.

    6,713       477  

Federal Signal Corp.

    15,601       313  

Forward Air Corp.

    7,743       445  

Franklin Electric Co., Inc.

    10,059       462  

FTI Consulting, Inc.*

    9,872       424  

General Cable Corp.

    12,995       385  

Gibraltar Industries, Inc.*

    8,242       272  

The Greenbrier Cos., Inc.

    7,465       398  

Griffon Corp.

    7,860       160  

Harsco Corp.*

    20,923       390  

Hawaiian Holdings, Inc.

    13,647       544  

Healthcare Services Group, Inc.

    19,058       1,005  
 

 

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

 

62   Index 600 Stock Portfolio  


Table of Contents

Index 600 Stock Portfolio

 

                               
Common Stocks (91.4%)   Shares/
$ Par
    Value
$ (000’s)
 

Industrials continued

 

 

Heartland Express, Inc.

    13,000       303  

Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc.

    4,886       120  

Hillenbrand, Inc.

    16,393       733  

Hub Group, Inc. - Class A*

    8,700       417  

Insperity, Inc.

    9,649       553  

Insteel Industries, Inc.

    4,705       133  

Interface, Inc.

    15,671       394  

John Bean Technologies Corp.

    8,211       910  

Kaman Corp.

    7,234       426  

Kelly Services, Inc. - Class A

    7,918       216  

Korn / Ferry International

    14,693       608  

Lindsay Corp.

    2,765       244  

LSC Communications, Inc.

    9,075       137  

Lydall, Inc.*

    4,484       228  

Marten Transport, Ltd.

    10,060       204  

Matson, Inc.

    11,040       329  

Matthews International Corp. - Class A

    8,362       441  

Mercury Systems, Inc.*

    12,547       644  

Mobile Mini, Inc.

    11,529       398  

Moog, Inc. - Class A*

    8,416       731  

Mueller Industries, Inc.

    15,034       533  

Multi-Color Corp.

    3,615       271  

MYR Group, Inc.*

    4,282       153  

National Presto Industries, Inc.

    1,304       130  

Navigant Consulting, Inc.*

    11,943       232  

On Assignment, Inc.*

    12,717       817  

Orion Group Holdings, Inc.*

    7,334       57  

Patrick Industries, Inc.*

    6,211       431  

PGT Innovations, Inc.*

    12,916       218  

Powell Industries, Inc.

    2,259       65  

Proto Labs, Inc.*

    6,445       664  

Quanex Building Products Corp.

    9,036       211  

Raven Industries, Inc.

    9,300       319  

Resources Connection, Inc.

    7,366       114  

Roadrunner Transportation Systems, Inc.*

    8,174       63  

RR Donnelley & Sons Co.

    18,209       169  

Saia, Inc.*

    6,630       469  

Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc.

    10,952       629  

SkyWest, Inc.

    13,483       716  

SPX Corp.*

    11,082       348  

SPX Flow, Inc.*

    11,001       523  

Standex International Corp.

    3,326       339  

Team, Inc.*

    7,780       116  

Tennant Co.

    4,643       337  

Tetra Tech, Inc.

    14,493       698  

Titan International, Inc.

    12,890       166  
                               
Common Stocks (91.4%)   Shares/
$ Par
    Value
$ (000’s)
 

Industrials continued

 

 

Trex Co., Inc.*

    7,653       829  

Triumph Group, Inc.

    12,913       351  

TrueBlue, Inc.*

    10,758       296  

UniFirst Corp.

    4,021       663  

Universal Forest Products, Inc.

    15,911       599  

US Ecology, Inc.

    5,683       290  

Veritiv Corp.*

    2,897       84  

Viad Corp.

    5,308       294  

Vicor Corp.*

    4,232       88  

Wabash National Corp.

    15,340       333  

WageWorks, Inc.*

    10,326       640  

Watts Water Technologies, Inc. - Class A

    7,222       548  
   

 

 

 

Total

      39,098  
   

 

 

 

Information Technology (12.7%)

 

 

8x8, Inc.*

    23,916       337  

ADTRAN, Inc.

    12,523       242  

Advanced Energy Industries, Inc.*

    10,314       696  

Agilysys, Inc.*

    3,983       49  

Alarm.com Holdings, Inc.*

    6,511       246  

Anixter International, Inc.*

    7,529       572  

Applied Optoelectronics, Inc.*

    5,041       191  

Axcelis Technologies, Inc.*

    8,170       234  

Badger Meter, Inc.

    7,572       362  

Barracuda Networks, Inc.*

    10,596       291  

Bel Fuse, Inc. - Class B

    2,564       65  

Benchmark Electronics, Inc.*

    12,932       376  

Blucora, Inc.*

    11,997       265  

Bottomline Technologies, Inc.*

    9,155       317  

Brooks Automation, Inc.

    18,287       436  

Cabot Microelectronics Corp.

    6,595       620  

CACI International, Inc. - Class A*

    6,404       848  

CalAmp Corp.*

    9,259       198  

Cardtronics PLC*

    11,881       220  

CEVA, Inc.*

    5,713       264  

Cohu, Inc.

    7,357       161  

Comtech Telecommunications Corp.

    6,142       136  

Control4 Corp.*

    5,126       153  

Cray, Inc.*

    10,517       255  

CSG Systems International, Inc.

    8,719       382  

CTS Corp.

    8,567       221  

Daktronics, Inc.

    10,137       93  

DHI Group, Inc.*

    12,284       23  

Digi International, Inc.*

    6,935       66  

Diodes, Inc.*

    10,020       287  
                               
Common Stocks (91.4%)   Shares/
$ Par
    Value
$ (000’s)
 

Information Technology continued

 

 

DSP Group, Inc.*

    5,806       73  

Ebix, Inc.

    5,727       454  

Electro Scientific Industries, Inc.*

    8,711       187  

Electronics for Imaging, Inc.*

    11,884       351  

ePlus, Inc.*

    3,686       277  

Exlservice Holdings, Inc.*

    8,828       533  

Fabrinet*

    9,777       281  

FARO Technologies, Inc.*

    4,346       204  

Forrester Research, Inc.

    2,571       114  

Gerber Scientific, Inc.* (l)

    2,359       –    

Harmonic, Inc.*

    21,228       89  

II-VI, Inc.*

    14,275       670  

Insight Enterprises, Inc.*

    9,309       356  

Itron, Inc.*

    8,863       604  

KEMET Corp.*

    12,758       192  

Kopin Corp.*

    15,872       51  

Kulicke and Soffa Industries, Inc.*

    18,363       447  

Liquidity Services, Inc.*

    6,637       32  

LivePerson, Inc.*

    14,243       164  

Lumentum Holdings, Inc.*

    16,112       788  

ManTech International Corp. - Class A

    6,712       337  

MaxLinear, Inc. - Class A*

    15,848       419  

Methode Electronics, Inc. - Class A

    9,574       384  

MicroStrategy, Inc. - Class A*

    2,448       321  

Monotype Imaging Holdings, Inc.

    10,855       262  

MTS Systems Corp.

    4,624       248  

Nanometrics, Inc.*

    6,657       166  

NETGEAR, Inc.*

    8,185       481  

NIC, Inc.

    17,235       286  

Oclaro, Inc.*

    43,898       296  

OSI Systems, Inc.*

    4,637       299  

Park Electrochemical Corp.

    4,947       97  

PDF Solutions, Inc.*

    7,146       112  

Perficient, Inc.*

    9,079       173  

Photronics, Inc.*

    17,930       153  

Plexus Corp.*

    8,735       530  

Power Integrations, Inc.

    7,729       568  

Progress Software Corp.

    12,434       529  

Qualys, Inc.*

    8,285       492  

QuinStreet, Inc.*

    9,274       78  

Rambus, Inc.*

    28,552       406  

Rogers Corp.*

    4,745       768  

Rudolph Technologies, Inc.*

    8,215       196  

Sanmina Corp.*

    18,732       618  

ScanSource, Inc.*

    6,630       237  

Semtech Corp.*

    17,218       589  

Shutterstock, Inc.*

    4,780       206  
 

 

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

 

  Index 600 Stock Portfolio     63  


Table of Contents

Index 600 Stock Portfolio

 

                               
Common Stocks (91.4%)   Shares/
$ Par
    Value
$ (000’s)
 

Information Technology continued

 

 

SolarEdge Technologies, Inc.*

    9,397       353  

SPS Commerce, Inc.*

    4,480       218  

Stamps.com, Inc.*

    4,228       795  

Super Micro Computer, Inc.*

    9,878       207  

Sykes Enterprises, Inc.*

    10,376       326  

Synchronoss Technologies, Inc.*

    11,370       102  

TeleTech Holdings, Inc.

    3,697       149  

TiVo Corp.

    31,745       495  

TTM Technologies, Inc.*

    23,833       373  

VASCO Data Security International, Inc.*

    7,835       109  

Veeco Instruments, Inc.*

    12,563       187  

Viavi Solutions, Inc.*

    59,150       517  

Virtusa Corp.*

    7,103       313  

XO Group, Inc.*

    6,283       116  

Xperi Corp.

    12,826       313  
   

 

 

 

Total

      28,297  
   

 

 

 

Materials (4.9%)

 

 

A. Schulman, Inc.

    7,654       285  

AdvanSix, Inc.*

    7,916       333  

AK Steel Holding Corp.*

    81,873       463  

American Vanguard Corp.

    6,819       134  

Balchem Corp.

    8,324       671  

Boise Cascade Co.

    10,023       400  

Calgon Carbon Corp.

    13,215       282  

Century Aluminum Co.*

    12,946       254  

Clearwater Paper Corp.*

    4,274       194  

Deltic Timber Corp.

    2,822       258  

Flotek Industries, Inc.*

    14,780       69  

FutureFuel Corp.

    6,599       93  

H.B. Fuller Co.

    13,091       705  

Hawkins, Inc.

    2,468       87  

Haynes International, Inc.

    3,254       104  

Ingevity Corp.*

    10,950       772  

Innophos Holdings, Inc.

    5,079       237  

Innospec, Inc.

    6,278       443  

Kaiser Aluminum Corp.

    4,397       470  

KapStone Paper & Packaging Corp.

    22,696       515  

Koppers Holdings, Inc.*

    5,396       275  

Kraton Corp.*

    8,140       392  

LSB Industries, Inc.*

    5,245       46  

Materion Corp.

    5,213       253  

Myers Industries, Inc.

    5,700       111  

Neenah Paper, Inc.

    4,374       397  

Olympic Steel, Inc.

    2,369       51  

P.H. Glatfelter

    11,336       243  

Quaker Chemical Corp.

    3,459       522  

Rayonier Advanced Materials, Inc.

    13,469       275  
                               
Common Stocks (91.4%)   Shares/
$ Par
    Value
$ (000’s)
 

Materials continued

 

 

Schweitzer-Mauduit International, Inc.

    7,990       362  

Stepan Co.

    5,143       406  

SunCoke Energy, Inc.*

    16,726       201  

TimkenSteel Corp.*

    10,156       154  

Tredegar Corp.

    6,614       127  

US Concrete, Inc.*

    4,070       341  
   

 

 

 

Total

      10,925  
   

 

 

 

Real Estate (5.4%)

 

 

Acadia Realty Trust

    21,771       596  

Agree Realty Corp.

    7,599       391  

American Assets Trust, Inc.

    10,783       412  

Armada Hoffler Properties, Inc.

    11,682       181  

CareTrust REIT, Inc.

    19,741       331  

CBL & Associates Properties, Inc.

    44,500       252  

Cedar Realty Trust, Inc.

    21,138       129  

Chatham Lodging Trust

    11,801       269  

Chesapeake Lodging Trust

    15,630       423  

Community Healthcare Trust, Inc.

    4,433       125  

DiamondRock Hospitality Co.

    52,097       588  

Easterly Government Properties, Inc.

    11,411       244  

EastGroup Properties, Inc.

    8,954       791  

Four Corners Property Trust, Inc.

    15,916       409  

Franklin Street Properties Corp.

    27,890       300  

Getty Realty Corp.

    8,551       232  

Government Properties Income Trust

    25,787       478  

Hersha Hospitality Trust

    10,173       177  

HFF, Inc. - Class A

    9,531       464  

Independence Realty Trust, Inc.

    21,722       219  

Kite Realty Group Trust

    21,742       426  

Lexington Realty Trust

    56,325       544  

LTC Properties, Inc.

    10,292       448  

National Storage Affiliates Trust

    12,913       352  

Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust

    18,183       216  

PS Business Parks, Inc.

    5,174       647  

Ramco-Gershenson Properties Trust

    20,641       304  

RE/MAX Holdings, Inc.

    4,603       223  

Retail Opportunity Investments Corp.

    28,540       569  

Saul Centers, Inc.

    3,133       193  

Summit Hotel Properties, Inc.

    27,109       413  
                               
Common Stocks (91.4%)   Shares/
$ Par
    Value
$ (000’s)
 

Real Estate continued

   

Universal Health Realty Income Trust

    3,287       247  

Urstadt Biddle Properties, Inc. - Class A

    7,732       168  

Whitestone REIT

    10,019       144  
   

 

 

 

Total

      11,905  
   

 

 

 

Telecommunication Services (1.1%)

 

 

ATN International, Inc.

    2,833       157  

Cincinnati Bell, Inc.*

    10,972       229  

Cogent Communications Holdings, Inc.

    10,757       487  

Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc.

    16,766       204  

Frontier Communications Corp.

    20,427       138  

General Communication, Inc. - Class A*

    6,877       268  

Iridium Communications, Inc.*

    21,659       256  

Spok Holdings, Inc.

    5,197       81  

Vonage Holdings Corp.*

    54,122       551  
   

 

 

 

Total

      2,371  
   

 

 

 

Utilities (2.5%)

   

ALLETE, Inc.

    13,228       984  

American States Water Co.

    9,540       552  

Avista Corp.

    16,753       863  

California Water Service Group

    12,478       566  

El Paso Electric Co.

    10,558       584  

Northwest Natural Gas Co.

    7,468       445  

South Jersey Industries, Inc.

    20,671       646  

Spire, Inc.

    12,554       943  
   

 

 

 

Total

      5,583  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks

   

(Cost: $158,180)

      203,137  
   

 

 

 
Investment Companies (2.1%)              

Investment Companies (2.1%)

   

iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF

    61,245       4,704  
   

 

 

 

Total

      4,704  
   

 

 

 

Total Investment Companies

   

(Cost: $4,640)

      4,704  
   

 

 

 
Short-Term Investments (6.2%)              

Commercial Paper (4.0%)

   

Apple, Inc., 0.000%, 1/8/18 144A

    1,000,000       1,000  

Bank of America Corp., 1.400%, 1/8/18

    1,000,000       1,000  
 

 

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

 

64   Index 600 Stock Portfolio  


Table of Contents

Index 600 Stock Portfolio

 

                               
Short-Term Investments (6.2%)   Shares/
$ Par
    Value
$ (000’s)
 

Commercial Paper continued

 

 

Microsoft Corp., 0.000%, 2/12/18 144A

    1,000,000       998  

Mondelez International, Inc., 0.000%, 1/11/18 144A

    1,000,000       1,000  

Pfizer, Inc., 0.000%, 1/31/18 144A

    500,000       499  

Pfizer, Inc., 0.000%, 2/8/18 144A (k)

    500,000       499  

Societe Generale SA, 0.000%, 3/5/18 144A

    1,000,000       997  

United Parcel Service, Inc., 0.000%, 3/5/18 144A

    1,000,000       997  

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., 0.000%, 1/4/18 144A

    1,000,000       1,000  
                               
Short-Term Investments (6.2%)   Shares/
$ Par
    Value
$ (000’s)
 

Commercial Paper continued

 

 

The Walt Disney Co., 0.000%, 1/19/18 144A

    1,000,000       999  
   

 

 

 

Total

      8,989  
   

 

 

 

Money Market Funds (1.3%)

 

 

State Street Institutional U.S. Government Money Market Fund - Premier Class, 1.209% #

    2,830,814       2,831  
   

 

 

 

Total

      2,831  
   

 

 

 

US Government & Agencies (0.9%)

 

 

Federal Home Loan Bank, 0.000%, 1/23/18

    1,000,000       999  
                               
Short-Term Investments (6.2%)   Shares/
$ Par
    Value
$ (000’s)
 

US Government & Agencies continued

 

 

Federal Home Loan Bank, 0.000%, 2/9/18

    1,000,000       999  
   

 

 

 

Total

      1,998  
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments

   

(Cost: $13,820)

      13,818  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments (99.7%)

   

(Cost: $176,640)(a)

      221,659  
 

 

 

 

Other Assets, Less

   

Liabilities (0.3%)

      689  
 

 

 

 

Net Assets (100.0%)

      222,348  
 

 

 

 
 
* Non-Income Producing

 

# 7-day yield as of December 31, 2017.

 

  144A after the name of a security represents a security exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities may be resold as transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. At December 31, 2017 the value of these securities (in thousands) was $7,989 representing 3.6% of the net assets.

 

(a) At December 31, 2017, the aggregate cost of investments, including derivatives, for federal tax purposes (in thousands) was $176,833 and the net unrealized appreciation of investments based on that cost was $44,836 which is comprised of $54,895 aggregate gross unrealized appreciation and $10,059 aggregate gross unrealized depreciation.

 

(j) Swap agreements outstanding on December 31, 2017.

Total Return Swaps

 

Reference Entity    Counterparty   

Payment Made

by the Fund

  

Payment

Received by the

Fund

   Expiration Date   

Notional

Amount (000’s)

   Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
(000’s)
    

Market

Value
(000’s)

 

S&P SmallCap 600 Index

  

JP Morgan Chase Bank NA

   1-Month USD LIBOR +22 Basis Points    S&P SmallCap 600 Index    5/18    13,439    $ 10      $ 10  

 

(k) Cash or securities with an aggregate value of $499 (in thousands) has been pledged as collateral for swap contracts outstanding, short sales or written options on December 31, 2017.

 

(l) Security valued using significant unobservable inputs.

 

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

 

  Index 600 Stock Portfolio     65  


Table of Contents

Index 600 Stock Portfolio

 

The following is a summary of the inputs used in valuing the Portfolio’s assets and liabilities at December 31, 2017. See Note 3 for additional information on portfolio valuation.

 

    Valuation Inputs      
Description  

Level 1 –

Quoted Prices

    

Level 2 –

Other Significant

Observable Inputs

    

Level 3 –

Significant

Unobservable Inputs

     
    (Amounts in thousands)      

Assets:

         

Common Stocks

  $ 203,137      $ -        $ -      

Investment Companies

    4,704        -          -      

Short-Term Investments

         

Money Market Funds

    2,831        -          -      

All Others

    -          10,987        -      

Other Financial Instruments^

         

Total Return Swaps

    -          10        -      

Total Assets:

  $ 210,672      $ 10,997      $ -      

^ Other financial instruments are derivative instruments such as futures, forwards, written options and swaps contracts, which are valued at the unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on the instrument and short sales, which are valued at market value.

 

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

 

66   Index 600 Stock Portfolio  


Table of Contents

Small Cap Value Portfolio (unaudited)

 

 

Objective:    Portfolio Strategy:    Net Assets:
Long-term growth of capital.   

Invest primarily in common stocks of

small-sized companies believed to be undervalued.

   $673 million

Portfolio Overview

Mason Street Advisors, LLC, the investment adviser for the Small Cap Value Portfolio (“the Portfolio”), has engaged T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. (“T. Rowe Price”) to act as sub-adviser for the Portfolio. Normally, the Portfolio invests in common stocks of companies with market capitalizations that do not exceed the maximum market capitalization of any security in the Russell 2000® Index at the time of purchase. Reflecting a value approach to investing, the Portfolio will seek the stocks of companies whose current stock prices do not appear to adequately reflect their underlying value as measured by assets, earnings, cash flow or business franchises.

Market Overview

U.S. stocks posted strong returns in 2017, buoyed by solid corporate earnings and economic growth. Throughout the year, hopes that President Trump’s proposals for lower tax rates, reduced regulation and increased infrastructure spending would be enacted supported the market. While the the U.S. Federal Reserve (the “Fed”) raised its interest rate target three times in 2017, the central bank’s moves were widely expected and did not disrupt equity markets. In the closing weeks of the year, Congress passed and President Trump signed legislation that reduced tax rates for corporations and closely held businesses, reduced marginal tax rates for individuals at most income levels, and changed the limits for various individual tax deductions. Most major stock indices finished the year near record levels amid expectations that the new tax law would add to economic growth in 2018. As measured by various Russell® Indices, large cap shares outperformed mid and small caps. Growth stocks soundly outperformed value across all market capitalizations.

Portfolio Results

The Portfolio returned 11.65% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2017. By comparison, the Portfolio’s benchmark, the Russell 2000® Value Index (the “Index”), returned 7.84%. (The Index is unmanaged, cannot be invested in directly and does not include administrative expenses.) According to Lipper® Analytical Services, Inc., an independent mutual fund ranking agency, the average return of the Small Cap Value Funds peer group was 8.75% for 2017.

While the Portfolio’s outperformance of the Index was primarily due to stock selection, sector weightings also contributed to a much lesser degree. The Portfolio’s Financials sector holdings significantly outpaced their benchmark counterparts, led by Green Dot, a provider of general purpose reloadable (GPR) cards in the U.S. The firm has recently taken on activist investor involvement and made moves to focus on operational improvement, in order to address a significant market opportunity. Green Dot will work with Intuit to provide debit cards for tax refund payments and with Apple to enable its peer-to-peer payments functionality. Shares of SVB Financial were boosted by expectations for a pro-growth agenda, rising interest rates and a less onerous regulatory environment.

Stock choices in the Information Technology, Utilities and Energy sectors made notable contributions to relative performance, while an overweight to Health Care, the top-performing sector in the Index, also helped. Within Health Care, diagnostic testing solutions firm Quidel was a notable contributor, as the company’s shares surged in mid-summer and rose through much of late 2017. Price increases were driven by Quidel’s purchase of assets being divested from Abbott Labs at a favorable price.

On the negative side, only the Industrials and Business Services sector weighed substantially on results relative to the Index. Circor, an industrial valve manufacturer, was a detractor, as exposure to oil end markets continued to weigh on share prices during the period. A slight underweight in the Consumer Discretionary sector was also a modest detractor.

Portfolio Manager Outlook

The following forward-looking comments are the opinion of T. Rowe Price, the Portfolio’s sub-adviser.

Small cap shares as measured by various indices touched new highs in early December 2017 amid expectations that the U.S. tax reform legislation would become law. Now that it has, we expect smaller companies, and small cap value companies in particular, to benefit from the lower tax rates, as smaller companies generally pay a higher effective tax rate. We believe passage of the legislation improves the prospects of companies in a wide range of industries to book higher earnings, particularly as we expect the benefits of lower taxes to work their way through to consumers in many market segments. However, while the benefits of tax reform may prove stimulative for small cap value shares, it’s worth noting that longer-term benefits may prove fleeting. In our view, return on capital is determined primarily by industry competitive structure and pricing power, not tax policy.

 

  Small Cap Value Portfolio     67  


Table of Contents

Small Cap Value Portfolio (unaudited)

 

 

Relative Performance

 

LOGO

 

Average Annual Total Returns
For Periods Ended December 31, 2017
 
      1 Year     5 Years     10 Years  

Small Cap Value Portfolio

     11.65     13.04     9.05

Russell 2000® Value Index

     7.84     13.01     8.17

Lipper® Variable Insurance Products (VIP) Small Cap Value Funds Average

     8.75     12.96     8.44

The performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance is historical and does not guarantee future performance. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate, so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. For the most recent month-end performance information visit www.northwesternmutual.com.

This chart assumes an initial investment of $10,000 made on 12/31/07. Returns shown reflect fee waivers, deductions for management and other portfolio expenses, and reinvestment of all dividends. In the absence of fee waivers, total return would be reduced. Returns exclude deductions for separate account sale loads and account fees. Please refer to the Benchmark Definitions section of this report for information about the indices cited in the above chart and graph.

Stocks of smaller or newer companies, such as those held in this Portfolio, are more likely to realize more substantial growth as well as suffer more significant losses than larger or more established issuers. Investments in such companies can be both more volatile and more speculative. Investing in small company stocks involves a greater degree of risk than investing in medium or large company stocks.

The Portfolio may invest a portion of its assets in other investment companies, including open-end and closed-end funds, exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”), and business development companies (“BDCs”), and will bear its pro rata portion of such expenses. The market prices of ETFs, closed-end funds and BDCs may trade at a premium or discount to their net asset values and may be subject to trading halts by the applicable exchange, which may negatively impact the Portfolio. BDCs in particular may be less liquid and more adversely affected by poor economic or market conditions.

The Portfolio may invest a relatively high percentage of its assets in a particular sector. The Portfolio will have greater exposure to the risks associated with that sector and its performance will be tied more closely to the performance of the sector.

Top 10 Equity Holdings 12/31/17

 

Security Description

     % of Net Assets  

Home BancShares, Inc.

     1.6

East West Bancorp, Inc.

     1.6

Littelfuse, Inc.

     1.6

Landstar System, Inc.

     1.5

SVB Financial Group

     1.3

Belden, Inc.

     1.3

BankUnited, Inc.

     1.2

Green Dot Corp. - Class A

     1.1

PNM Resources, Inc.

     1.1

Atrion Corp.

     1.1

Sector Allocation 12/31/17

 

LOGO

Sector Allocation is based on Net Assets.

Sector Allocation and Top 10 Holdings are subject to change.

 

 

68   Small Cap Value Portfolio  


Table of Contents

Small Cap Value Portfolio

 

Schedule of Investments

December 31, 2017

 

                               
Common Stocks (98.2%)   Shares/
$ Par
    Value
$ (000’s)
 

Consumer Discretionary (10.3%)

 

 

Aaron’s, Inc.

    150,500       5,997  

American Public Education, Inc.*

    101,100       2,533  

Cable One, Inc.

    5,921       4,165  

Capella Education Co.

    63,200       4,892  

Cavco Industries, Inc.*

    33,800       5,158  

Crocs, Inc.*

    142,000       1,795  

CSS Industries, Inc.

    81,000       2,254  

Culp, Inc.

    87,700       2,938  

Dorman Products, Inc.*

    66,400       4,060  

Express, Inc.*

    215,000       2,182  

ILG, Inc.

    128,200       3,651  

LCI Industries

    52,800       6,864  

Lumber Liquidators Holdings, Inc.*

    149,800       4,702  

Party City Holdco, Inc.*

    185,461       2,587  

Pool Corp.

    42,700       5,536  

Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc.*

    41,000       2,312  

Scholastic Corp.

    48,300       1,937  

Sportsman’s Warehouse Holdings, Inc.*

    242,468       1,603  

Steven Madden, Ltd.*

    93,800       4,381  
   

 

 

 

Total

      69,547  
   

 

 

 

Consumer Staples (4.0%)

 

 

Energizer Holdings, Inc.

    66,000       3,167  

Nomad Foods, Ltd.*

    441,000       7,457  

Pinnacle Foods, Inc.

    51,700       3,075  

Post Holdings, Inc.*

    40,400       3,201  

PriceSmart, Inc.

    41,522       3,575  

The Simply Good Foods Co.*

    142,000       2,025  

SpartanNash Co.

    106,200       2,833  

Vector Group, Ltd.

    83,255       1,863  
   

 

 

 

Total

      27,196  
   

 

 

 

Energy (5.1%)

 

 

Andeavor Logistics LP

    38,329       4,383  

Centennial Resource Development, Inc.*

    228,100       4,516  

Frank’s International NV

    349,700       2,326  

Jagged Peak Energy, Inc.*

    154,400       2,437  

Keane Group, Inc.*

    115,420       2,194  

Matador Resources Co.*

    195,800       6,095  

Oceaneering International, Inc.

    95,100       2,011  

Parsley Energy, Inc. - Class A*

    106,500       3,135  

TETRA Technologies, Inc.*

    583,700       2,492  

WPX Energy, Inc.*

    323,900       4,557  
                               
Common Stocks (98.2%)   Shares/
$ Par
    Value
$ (000’s)
 

Energy continued

 

 

WPX Energy, Inc.*

    323,900       4,557  
   

 

 

 

Total

      34,146  
   

 

 

 

Financials (30.5%)

 

 

Assured Guaranty, Ltd.

    92,900       3,146  

Atlantic Capital Bancshares, Inc.*

    109,356       1,925  

BankUnited, Inc.

    203,500       8,286  

Beneficial Bancorp, Inc.

    250,639       4,123  

CBOE Holdings, Inc.

    48,188       6,004  

CoBiz Financial, Inc.

    244,200       4,882  

Columbia Banking System, Inc.

    169,500       7,363  

East West Bancorp, Inc.

    181,398       11,034  

Employers Holdings, Inc.

    84,500       3,752  

First Hawaiian, Inc.

    80,585       2,351  

Glacier Bancorp, Inc.

    158,600       6,247  

Green Dot Corp. - Class A*

    127,700       7,695  

Hannon Armstrong Sustainable Infrastructure Capital, Inc.

    177,800       4,278  

Hercules Capital, Inc.

    289,200       3,794  

Heritage Financial Corp. of Washington

    96,900       2,984  

Home BancShares, Inc.

    476,100       11,069  

Hope Bancorp, Inc.

    212,000       3,869  

Houlihan Lokey, Inc.

    67,375       3,061  

Howard Bancorp, Inc.*

    80,499       1,771  

Janus Henderson Group, PLC

    81,252       3,109  

Kinsale Capital Group, Inc.

    57,224       2,575  

Live Oak Bancshares, Inc.

    83,026       1,980  

Main Street Capital Corp.

    64,500       2,563  

Meridian Bancorp, Inc.

    154,300       3,179  

National Bank Holding Corp. - Class A

    163,200       5,293  

PCSB Financial Corp.*

    91,594       1,745  

PDL Community Bancorp*

    99,708       1,514  

Pinnacle Financial Partners, Inc.

    44,000       2,917  

Popular, Inc.

    144,200       5,118  

ProAssurance Corp.

    113,800       6,504  

Prosperity Bancshares, Inc.

    104,800       7,343  

Radian Group, Inc.

    290,100       5,979  

Redwood Trust, Inc.

    139,400       2,066  

Safeguard Scientifics, Inc.*

    98,800       1,107  

Safety Insurance Group, Inc.

    30,700       2,468  

South State Corp.

    20,782       1,811  
                               
Common Stocks (98.2%)   Shares/
$ Par
    Value
$ (000’s)
 

Financials continued

 

 

State Auto Financial Corp.

    96,600       2,813  

Sterling Bancorp, Inc.*

    56,183       714  

Stifel Financial Corp.

    42,900       2,555  

SVB Financial Group*

    37,000       8,649  

Synovus Financial Corp.

    55,100       2,641  

Texas Capital Bancshares, Inc.*

    60,000       5,334  

TowneBank

    200,200       6,156  

TPG Specialty Lending, Inc.

    120,000       2,376  

United Financial Bancorp, Inc.

    246,600       4,350  

Webster Financial Corp.

    92,233       5,180  

Wintrust Financial Corp.

    66,800       5,502  

WSFS Financial Corp.

    83,900       4,015  
   

 

 

 

Total

      205,190  
   

 

 

 

Health Care (7.2%)

 

 

Analogic Corp.

    30,000       2,513  

Atrion Corp.

    12,100       7,630  

Ensign Group, Inc.

    126,400       2,806  

Haemonetics Corp.*

    68,110       3,956  

Halyard Health, Inc.*

    124,940       5,770  

Molina Healthcare, Inc.*

    36,300       2,784  

Puma Biotechnology, Inc.*

    24,000       2,372  

Quidel Corp.*

    143,100       6,203  

Select Medical Holdings Corp.*

    176,400       3,113  

WellCare Health Plans, Inc.*

    23,100       4,646  

West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc.

    67,000       6,611  
   

 

 

 

Total

      48,404  
   

 

 

 

Industrials (12.9%)

 

 

Aegion Corp.*

    197,400       5,020  

Beacon Roofing Supply, Inc.*

    96,200       6,134  

Blue Bird Corp.*

    99,400       1,978  

Brady Corp. - Class A

    71,200       2,698  

CIRCOR International, Inc.

    61,000       2,969  

Colfax Corp.*

    64,100       2,540  

ESCO Technologies, Inc.

    99,200       5,977  

FTI Consulting, Inc.*

    76,900       3,304  

Genesee & Wyoming, Inc. - Class A*

    57,000       4,488  

Hillenbrand, Inc.

    57,590       2,574  

Kaman Corp.

    38,900       2,289  

Kirby Corp.*

    35,400       2,365  

Landstar System, Inc.

    96,400       10,035  
 

 

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

 

  Small Cap Value Portfolio     69  


Table of Contents

Small Cap Value Portfolio

 

                               
Common Stocks (98.2%)   Shares/
$ Par
    Value
$ (000’s)
 

Industrials continued

 

 

Matthews International Corp. - Class A

    32,600       1,721  

McGrath RentCorp

    85,908       4,036  

MSA Safety, Inc.

    32,400       2,512  

Navigant Consulting, Inc.*

    179,000       3,474  

RBC Bearings, Inc.*

    33,700       4,260  

Sun Hydraulics Corp.

    67,900       4,392  

Thermon Group Holdings, Inc.*

    97,900       2,317  

Triumph Group, Inc.

    189,450       5,153  

Universal Forest Products, Inc.

    113,300       4,262  

Universal Logistics Holdings, Inc.

    111,780       2,655  
   

 

 

 

Total

      87,153  
   

 

 

 

Information Technology (8.7%)

 

 

Badger Meter, Inc.

    74,600       3,566  

Belden, Inc.

    111,800       8,628  

Cabot Microelectronics Corp.

    36,700       3,453  

Callidus Software, Inc.*

    142,000       4,068  

CarGurus, Inc.*

    11,727       352  

Conduent, Inc.*

    107,700       1,740  

CSRA, Inc.

    116,000       3,471  

GTT Communications, Inc.*

    44,700       2,099  

Harmonic, Inc.*

    766,449       3,219  

Knowles Corp.*

    279,600       4,099  

Littelfuse, Inc.

    54,800       10,840  

Lumentum Holdings, Inc.*

    14,100       689  

MaxLinear, Inc. - Class A*

    68,300       1,804  

Methode Electronics, Inc. - Class A

    77,300       3,100  

Rudolph Technologies, Inc.*

    75,400       1,802  

SYNNEX Corp.

    41,100       5,588  
   

 

 

 

Total

      58,518  
   

 

 

 
                               
Common Stocks (98.2%)   Shares/
$ Par
    Value
$ (000’s)
 

Materials (5.2%)

 

 

American Vanguard Corp.

    121,800       2,393  

Carpenter Technology Corp.

    102,000       5,201  

Clearwater Paper Corp.*

    99,500       4,517  

Constellium NV - Class A*

    161,300       1,798  

Innospec, Inc.

    27,995       1,976  

KMG Chemicals, Inc.

    93,305       6,166  

Minerals Technologies, Inc.

    54,100       3,725  

Myers Industries, Inc.

    252,700       4,928  

New Gold, Inc.*

    433,200       1,425  

Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co.

    31,200       2,677  
   

 

 

 

Total

      34,806  
   

 

 

 

Real Estate (8.1%)

 

 

Acadia Realty Trust

    134,900       3,691  

American Assets Trust, Inc.

    41,300       1,579  

American Campus Communities, Inc.

    60,341       2,476  

Cedar Realty Trust, Inc.

    917,100       5,576  

Douglas Emmett, Inc.

    80,100       3,289  

EastGroup Properties, Inc.

    60,300       5,329  

Healthcare Realty Trust, Inc.

    102,800       3,302  

JBG SMITH Properties

    115,159       3,999  

Kilroy Realty Corp.

    50,000       3,733  

Potlatch Corp.

    95,800       4,780  

PS Business Parks, Inc.

    35,000       4,378  

Retail Opportunity Investments Corp.

    105,000       2,095  

Saul Centers, Inc.

    63,700       3,934  

Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc.

    163,000       2,694  

Washington Real Estate Investment Trust

    119,900       3,731  
   

 

 

 

Total

      54,586  
   

 

 

 
                               
Common Stocks (98.2%)   Shares/
$ Par
    Value
$ (000’s)
 

Utilities (6.2%)

 

 

Atmos Energy Corp.

    43,000       3,693  

California Water Service Group

    75,900       3,442  

Chesapeake Utilities Corp.

    82,200       6,457  

El Paso Electric Co.

    64,900       3,592  

MGE Energy, Inc.

    17,000       1,073  

NorthWestern Corp.

    84,700       5,057  

ONE Gas, Inc.

    98,700       7,231  

PNM Resources, Inc.

    189,100       7,649  

Portland General Electric Co.

    76,600       3,491  
   

 

 

 

Total

      41,685  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks
(Cost: $431,125)

      661,231  
   

 

 

 
Warrants (0.0%)          

Consumer Staples (0.0%)

 

 

The Simply Good Foods Co. Warrants*

    31,700       123  
   

 

 

 

Total

      123  
   

 

 

 

Total Warrants

   

(Cost: $61)

      123  
   

 

 

 
Short-Term Investments (1.6%)          

Money Market Funds (1.6%)

 

 

State Street Institutional U.S. Government Money Market Fund - Premier Class, 1.209% #

    10,689,760       10,690  
   

 

 

 

Total

      10,690  
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments

   

(Cost: $10,690)

      10,690  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments (99.8%)

   

(Cost: $441,876)(a)

      672,044  
   

 

 

 

Other Assets, Less

   

Liabilities (0.2%)

      1,190  
   

 

 

 

Net Assets (100.0%)

      673,234  
 

 

 

 
 
* Non-Income Producing

 

# 7-day yield as of December 31, 2017.

 

(a) At December 31, 2017, the aggregate cost of investments, including derivatives, for federal tax purposes (in thousands) was $442,672 and the net unrealized appreciation of investments based on that cost was $229,373 which is comprised of $236,163 aggregate gross unrealized appreciation and $6,790 aggregate gross unrealized depreciation.

 

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

 

70   Small Cap Value Portfolio  


Table of Contents

Small Cap Value Portfolio

 

The following is a summary of the inputs used in valuing the Portfolio’s assets and liabilities at December 31, 2017. See Note 3 for additional information on portfolio valuation.

 

    Valuation Inputs      
Description   Level 1 –
Quoted Prices
    

Level 2 –

Other Significant
Observable Inputs

    

Level 3 –

Significant
Unobservable Inputs

     
    (Amounts in thousands)      

Assets:

         

Common Stocks

  $ 661,231      $ -        $ -      

Warrants

    123        -          -      

Short-Term Investments

    10,690        -          -      

Total Assets:

  $ 672,044      $ -        $ -      

 

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

 

  Small Cap Value Portfolio     71  


Table of Contents

International Growth Portfolio (unaudited)

 

 

Objective:    Portfolio Strategy:    Net Assets:
Long-term growth of capital.   

Invest in securities of issuers from countries outside

the U.S. that have above average growth potential.

   $698 million

Portfolio Overview

Mason Street Advisors, LLC (“Mason Street Advisors”), the investment adviser for the International Growth Portfolio (the “Portfolio”), has engaged FIAM LLC (“FIAM”) to act as sub-adviser for the Portfolio. FIAM is an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of FMR LLC (along with its affiliates, “Fidelity Investments”). Normally, the Portfolio will invest in the securities of issuers from countries outside the United States. The Portfolio invests in companies it believes operate in a market environment, or with a competitive advantage, that make it difficult for competition to disrupt current and future profitability, in combination with growth drivers that may offer above-average growth potential measured by factors such as earnings or revenue. In buying and selling securities for the Portfolio, the portfolio manager relies on fundamental analysis, which involves a “bottom-up” assessment of a company’s potential for success in light of factors such as its financial condition, earnings outlook, strategy, management, industry position and economic and market conditions.

Market Overview

Persistent and synchronized global economic growth — along with low volatility, low inflation and accommodative monetary policies — continued to support asset markets in 2017, especially stocks. Credit spreads tightened amid the “risk on” tone, boosting emerging market (“EM”) and high yield bonds. Steady longer-term interest rates kept high quality bond returns positive, and all major asset categories, including commodity securities and inflation protected debt, posted gains.

EM equities led the global stock rally for the fourth quarter in a row, bolstered by a weaker U.S. dollar, as well as by rising import demand and manufacturing activity, particularly in China. Developed market equities also had a strong year, with large cap growth stocks outpacing their value counterparts again.

At the sector level, Information Technology stocks led the way in both developed and emerging markets. Materials and Industrial stocks also did well in developed markets. On the EM side, Real Estate and Consumer Discretionary stocks were big contributors. The biggest sector laggards were Telecommunication Services, Energy and Utilities across the board.

Portfolio Results

The Portfolio returned 30.03% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2017. By comparison, the Portfolio’s benchmark, the MSCI EAFE® Growth Index (the “Index”), returned 29.34%. (The Index is unmanaged, cannot be invested in directly and does not include administrative expenses.) According to Lipper® Analytical Services, Inc., an independent mutual fund ranking agency, the average return of the International Multi-Cap Growth Funds peer group was 30.01% for 2017.

A substantial overweight position and solid stock selection in the Information Technology sector accounted for the majority of the Portfolio’s outperformance, though stock selection in the Consumer Discretionary and Health Care sectors was also strong.

Within the Information Technology sector, long-time holdings drove most of the outperformance for the reporting period. Keyence, a Japan-based manufacturer of factory automation equipment, continued to benefit from manufacturers’ attempts to control labor costs, particularly in Asia. Alibaba Group continued to enjoy the benefits of its dominant competitive position and the tailwinds of Chinese consumer strength. Visa and Mastercard, while not “international” stocks in terms of country of domicile, both get more than half of their revenue and much of their growth outside the U.S. and are examples of companies benefiting from strong secular growth trends (online payments) and formidable barriers to entry that beget considerable pricing power.

Naspers, a media conglomerate headquartered in South Africa, was the Portfolio’s top individual performer for the reporting period and the main driver of outperformance in the Consumer Discretionary sector. The company’s minority investment in Chinese internet conglomerate Tencent fueled Nasper’s rise this year, though it is believed that its core businesses are being undervalued by the market.

In the Health Care sector, the Portfolio’s exposure to another secular growth theme, blood plasma, helped the Portfolio as a substantial overweighting in CSL Limited generated strong returns. The Portfolio also avoided most of the sector’s weaker performing pharmaceutical constituents due to concerns around drug pricing and regulation.

On the downside, stock selection in the Consumer Staples and Materials sectors detracted from relative performance. The Portfolio had trimmed many of the Consumer Staples positions early in the year as it became clear that distribution dominance

 

72   International Growth Portfolio  


Table of Contents

International Growth Portfolio (unaudited)

 

 

of the “big brands” was becoming more challenged. Unfortunately, it was not enough to avoid poor relative performance in Anheuser-Busch Inbev and Reckitt Benckiser Group, among others. In the Materials sector, the Portfolio’s exposure to building materials at the expense of metals and mining stocks, a group that typically does not meet the Portfolio’s investment criteria, hurt performance.

On a geographic basis, out-of-benchmark positions in several aforementioned EM stocks accounted for much of the outperformance, while stock selection in Europe detracted this year.

Portfolio Manager Outlook

The following forward-looking comments are the opinion of FIAM, the Portfolio’s sub-adviser.

Regardless of the macro environment, the Portfolio Manager looks for companies with multiyear structural growth drivers, pricing power and attractive valuations. As the valuation of Japanese equities have risen over the past year, finding new ideas there, particularly among small cap stocks, has become much more difficult. As a result, comparatively more time will be spent examining potential opportunities in EM and peripheral European markets with improving economic prospects during the coming year.

 

Relative Performance

 

LOGO

 

Average Annual Total Returns
For Periods Ended December 31, 2017
 
      1 Year     5 Years     10 Years  

International Growth Portfolio

     30.03     7.14     1.11

MSCI EAFE® Growth Index (Gross)

     29.34     9.18     3.05

MSCI® All Country World (ex-US) Growth Index (Gross)

     32.47     8.36     2.76

Lipper® Variable Insurance Products (VIP) International Multi-Cap Growth Funds Average

     30.01     8.10     2.42

The performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance is historical and does not guarantee future performance. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate, so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. For the most recent month-end performance information visit www.northwesternmutual.com.

This chart assumes an initial investment of $10,000 made on 12/31/07. Returns shown include deductions for management and other portfolio expenses, and reinvestment of all dividends. Returns exclude deductions for separate account sale loads and account fees. Please refer to the Benchmark Definitions section of this report for information about the indices cited in the above chart and graph.

Investors should be aware of the risks of investments in foreign securities, particularly investments in securities of companies in developing nations. These include the the risks of currency fluctuation, of political and economic instability and of less well-developed government supervision and regulation of business and industry practices, as well as differences in accounting standards.

Investments in the securities of companies in developing nations impose risks different from, and greater than, risks of investing in developed countries.

The Portfolio may invest a relatively large percentage of its assets in issuers located in a single country, a small number of countries, or a particular geographic region. The Portfolio’s performance may be more volatile than that of a more geographically diversified fund, and may be tied more closely to the performance of a single country or region.

Top 10 Equity Holdings 12/31/17

 

Security Description

     % of Net Assets  

Nestle SA

     4.5

SAP SE

     3.0

CSL, Ltd.

     2.9

Keyence Corp.

     2.7

Roche Holding AG

     2.6

Visa, Inc. - Class A

     2.6

AIA Group, Ltd.

     2.5

British American Tobacco PLC

     2.4

ASML Holding NV

     2.3

Mastercard, Inc. - Class A

     2.2
 

 

  International Growth Portfolio     73  


Table of Contents

International Growth Portfolio (unaudited)

 

 

 

Sector Allocation 12/31/17

 

LOGO

Sector Allocation is based on Net Assets.

Sector Allocation and Top 10 Holdings are subject to change.

    

 

 

74   International Growth Portfolio  


Table of Contents

International Growth Portfolio

 

Schedule of Investments

December 31, 2017

 

                                               
Common Stocks (96.2%)   Country   Shares/
$ Par
    Value
$ (000’s)
 

Consumer Discretionary (10.6%)

   

Autoliv, Inc.

  United
States
    59,000       7,498  

Denso Corp.

  Japan     128,600       7,721  

Industria de Diseno Textil SA

  Spain     185,081       6,437  

Informa PLC

  United
Kingdom
    716,368       6,969  

InterContinental Hotels Group PLC, ADR

  United
Kingdom
    194,089       12,327  

Mohawk Industries, Inc.*

  United
States
    25,500       7,035  

Naspers, Ltd. - Class N

  South
Africa
    50,600       14,099  

Schibsted ASA - Class B

  Norway     40,492       1,074  

USS Co., Ltd.

  Japan     510,000       10,789  
     

 

 

 

Total

      73,949  
     

 

 

 

Consumer Staples (15.0%)

   

Alimentation Couche-Tard, Inc.

  Canada     59,000       3,079  

Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV

  Belgium     135,200       15,080  

BGF Retail Co., Ltd.

  South
Korea
    20,767       4,074  

British American Tobacco PLC

  United
Kingdom
    249,000       16,805  

Clicks Group, Ltd.

  South
Africa
    304,571       4,458  

Essity AB*

  Sweden     121,800       3,449  

Fomento Economico Mexicano SAB de CV, ADR

  Mexico     32,500       3,052  

Nestle SA

  Switzerland     362,224       31,127  

Philip Morris International, Inc.

  United
States
    81,600       8,621  

PriceSmart, Inc.

  United
States
    30,000       2,583  

Reckitt Benckiser Group PLC

  United
Kingdom
    131,533       12,286  
     

 

 

 

Total

      104,614  
     

 

 

 

Energy (0.7%)

   

Pason Systems, Inc.

  Canada     91,400       1,323  

PrairieSky Royalty, Ltd.

  Canada     75,200       1,918  

Tupras Turkiye Petrol Rafinerileri AS

  Turkey     57,000       1,827  
     

 

 

 

Total

      5,068  
     

 

 

 

Financials (11.2%)

   

AIA Group, Ltd.

  Hong Kong     2,051,088       17,492  

Azimut Holding SpA

  Italy     16,028       307  

Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. - Class B*

  United
States
    44,100       8,742  

Housing Development Finance Corp., Ltd.

  India          270,858       7,250  

Itau Unibanco Holding SA

  Brazil     71,700       811  

Jyske Bank A/S

  Denmark     63,200       3,587  

KBC Group NV

  Belgium     65,032       5,541  

Moody’s Corp.

  United
States
    29,600       4,369  

MSCI, Inc.

  United
States
    46,700       5,909  

Prudential PLC

  United
Kingdom
    492,921       12,673  

S&P Global, Inc.

  United
States
    37,700       6,386  

Svenska Handelsbanken AB

  Sweden     363,600       4,963  
     

 

 

 

Total

      78,030  
     

 

 

 
                                               
Common Stocks (96.2%)   Country   Shares/
$ Par
    Value
$ (000’s)
 

Health Care (11.6%)

   

Bayer AG

  Germany     102,905       12,799  

CSL, Ltd.

  Australia     186,476       20,524  

Essilor International SA

  France     43,421       5,988  

Hoya Corp.

  Japan     143,800       7,185  

Novo Nordisk A/S, ADR

  Denmark     103,299       5,544  

Olympus Corp.

  Japan     115,900       4,438  

ResMed, Inc.

  United
States
    69,600       5,894  

Roche Holding AG

  Switzerland     72,540       18,348  
     

 

 

 

Total

      80,720  
     

 

 

 

Industrials (16.8%)

   

ANDRITZ AG

  Austria     140,154       7,914  

Assa Abloy AB

  Sweden     647,400       13,434  

Atlas Copco AB

  Sweden     220,400       9,493  

Auckland International Airport, Ltd.

  New
Zealand
    452,587       2,077  

BAE Systems PLC

  United
Kingdom
    706,500       5,434  

Canadian Pacific Railway, Ltd.

  Canada     17,300       3,161  

East Japan Railway Co.

  Japan     70,200       6,844  

Edenred

  France     119,700       3,468  

Elis SA

  France     117,025       3,231  

Fagerhult AB

  Sweden     357,600       4,378  

Howden Joinery Group PLC

  United
Kingdom
    213,100       1,342  

Interpump Group SpA

  Italy     177,700       5,586  

Komatsu, Ltd.

  Japan     262,200       9,498  

MISUMI Group, Inc.

  Japan     275,200       7,974  

MTU Aero Engines AG

  Germany     18,100       3,237  

OSG Corp.

  Japan     157,000       3,396  

Prosegur Cia de Seguridad SA

  Spain     460,900       3,620  

Safran SA

  France     60,100       6,180  

Schindler Holding AG

  Switzerland     32,557       7,469  

SHO-BOND Holdings Co., Ltd.

  Japan     60,400       4,295  

Transurban Group

  Australia     531,124       5,141  
     

 

 

 

Total

      117,172  
     

 

 

 

Information Technology (21.0%)

   

58.com, Inc., ADR*

  Cayman
Islands
    45,100       3,228  

Alibaba Group Holding, Ltd., ADR*

  China     50,279       8,670  

Alphabet, Inc. - Class A*

  United
States
    11,200       11,798  

Amadeus IT Group SA

  Spain     168,900       12,157  

ASML Holding NV

  Netherlands     93,400       16,204  

Keyence Corp.

  Japan     34,000       18,984  

Mastercard, Inc. - Class A

  United
States
    100,700       15,242  

NAVER Corp.*

  South
Korea
    3,931       3,192  

Nintendo Co., Ltd.

  Japan     9,300       3,386  

Playtech PLC

  Isle Of Man          293,875       3,404  

Rightmove PLC

  United
Kingdom
    28,400       1,725  

SAP SE

  Germany     184,995       20,743  

Spectris PLC

  United
Kingdom
    80,700       2,698  
 

 

  International Growth Portfolio     75  


Table of Contents

International Growth Portfolio

 

                                               
Common Stocks (96.2%)   Country   Shares/
$ Par
    Value
$ (000’s)
 

Information Technology continued

   

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.

  Taiwan     931,000       7,154  

Visa, Inc. - Class A

  United
States
    158,125       18,029  
     

 

 

 

Total

      146,614  
     

 

 

 

Materials (6.7%)

   

CRH PLC, ADR

  Ireland     350,400       12,646  

Elementis PLC

  United
Kingdom
    469,100       1,824  

Franco-Nevada Corp.

  Canada     46,100       3,684  

James Hardie Industries PLC

  Ireland     593,671       10,451  

Martin Marietta Materials, Inc.

  United
States
    29,000       6,410  

The Sherwin-Williams Co.

  United
States
    21,500       8,816  

Svenska Cellulosa AB SCA

  Sweden     118,800       1,222  

Tikkurila Oyj

  Finland     84,300       1,799  
     

 

 

 

Total

      46,852  
     

 

 

 

Real Estate (2.0%)

   

BUWOG AG*

  Austria     115,733       3,984  

Hispania Activos Inmobiliarios SOCIMI SA

  Spain     116,660       2,195  

Merlin Properties Socimi SA

  Spain     131,200       1,776  

Mitsui Fudosan Co., Ltd.

  Japan     170,200       3,815  

Shaftesbury PLC

  United
Kingdom
         134,700       1,899  
     

 

 

 

Total

        13,669  
     

 

 

 
                                               
Common Stocks (96.2%)   Country   Shares/
$ Par
    Value
$ (000’s)
 

Telecommunication Services (0.6%)

   

Safaricom, Ltd.

  Kenya     15,455,100       4,044  
     

 

 

 

Total

        4,044  
     

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks

   

(Cost: $532,301)

        670,732  
     

 

 

 
Preferred Stocks (0.4%)                   

Financials (0.4%)

   

Itau Unibanco Holding SA

  Brazil     241,500       3,128  
     

 

 

 

Total Preferred Stocks

   

(Cost: $3,090)

        3,128  
     

 

 

 
Short-Term Investments (3.2%)                   

Money Market Funds (3.2%)

   

State Street Institutional U.S. Government Money Market Fund - Premier Class, 1.209% #

  United
States
    22,035,734       22,036  
     

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments

   

(Cost: $22,036)

      22,036  
     

 

 

 

Total Investments (99.8%)

   

(Cost: $557,427)(a)

        695,896  
     

 

 

 

Other Assets, Less

     

Liabilities (0.2%)

        1,685  
     

 

 

 

Net Assets (100.0%)

        697,581  
     

 

 

 
 

 

 

* Non-Income Producing

 

# 7-day yield as of December 31, 2017.

 

   ADR after the name of a security represents—American Depositary Receipt.

 

(a) At December 31, 2017, the aggregate cost of investments, including derivatives, for federal tax purposes (in thousands) was $560,107 and the net unrealized appreciation of investments based on that cost was $135,731 which is comprised of $142,341 aggregate gross unrealized appreciation and $6,610 aggregate gross unrealized depreciation.

 

Investments Percentage by Country is based on Net Assets:

   

United States

    20.0%    

Japan

    12.7%    

United Kingdom

    10.9%    

Switzerland

    8.2%    

Sweden

    5.3%    

Germany

    5.3%    

Other

    37.4%    

Total

    99.8%    

 

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

 

76   International Growth Portfolio  


Table of Contents

International Growth Portfolio

 

The following is a summary of the inputs used in valuing the Portfolio’s assets and liabilities at December 31, 2017. See Note 3 for additional information on portfolio valuation.

 

    Valuation Inputs      
Description   Level 1 –
Quoted Prices
     Level 2 –
Other Significant
Observable Inputs
    

Level 3 –

Significant
Unobservable Inputs

     
    (Amounts in thousands)      
Assets:          

Common Stocks

         

Consumer Discretionary

  $ 26,860      $ 47,089      $ -      

Consumer Staples

    21,408        83,206        -      

Energy

    3,241        1,827        -      

Financials

    25,406        52,624        -      

Health Care

    11,438        69,282        -      

Industrials

    3,161        114,011        -      

Information Technology

    56,967        89,647        -      

Materials

    31,556        15,296        -      

All Others

    -          17,713        -      

Preferred Stocks

    -          3,128        -      

Short-Term Investments

    22,036        -          -      

Total Assets:

  $ 202,073      $ 493,823      $ -      

For the period ended December 31, 2017, there were transfers from Level 1 to Level 2 in the amount of $444,103 (in thousands). These transfers were the result of the use of fair value procedures on certain foreign securities in the portfolio on December 31, 2017.

 

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

 

  International Growth Portfolio     77  


Table of Contents

Research International Core Portfolio (unaudited)

 

 

 

Objective:    Portfolio Strategy:    Net Assets:
Capital appreciation.    Invest primarily in foreign equity securities, including emerging markets.    $658 million

Portfolio Overview

Mason Street Advisors, LLC (“Mason Street Advisors”), the investment adviser for the Research International Core Portfolio (the “Portfolio”), has engaged Massachusetts Financial Services Company (“MFS®”) to act as sub-adviser for the Portfolio. The Portfolio normally invests in foreign equity securities, including emerging market equity securities. A team of investment research analysts selects investments for the Portfolio using a “bottom up” investment approach. The Portfolio allocates assets to analysts by broad market sectors, which generally approximate the sector weightings in the MSCI EAFE® Index. The Portfolio may invest in the stocks of companies it believes to have above average earnings growth potential compared to other companies (growth companies), in the stocks of companies it believes are undervalued compared to their perceived worth (value companies), or in a combination of growth and value companies. The Portfolio also may invest in companies of any size.

Market Overview

For the first time in many years, the global economy experienced a period of synchronized economic growth over the reporting period. The rebound in emerging markets (“EM”) economies was more pronounced, helped by larger economies, such as Brazil and Russia, emerging from recessions. At the same time, developed markets (“DM”) economies continued to grow at or above potential. Market confidence increased in the U.S. during the period, fueled in part by a more lenient U.S. regulatory backdrop and a significant cut in corporate tax rates.

Global markets benefited as commodity prices strengthened, growth prospects improved and inflation moved higher. As a result, DM central banks reduced monetary stimulus. The U.S. Federal Reserve increased interest rates by 25 basis points three times during the period. The European Central Bank continued its quantitative easing program at the end of the period but halved the amount of its monthly asset purchases. In addition, the Bank of England hiked its base rate for the first time in a decade. Markets were comforted, along with central banks, by the decline in fears of a populist surge in Europe after establishment candidates won the Dutch and French elections. Additionally, European economic growth reflected a generally calmer political economic backdrop.

Portfolio Results

The Portfolio returned 28.21% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2017. By comparison, the Portfolio’s primary and secondary benchmarks, the MSCI® All Country World (ex-U.S.) Index (the “Index”) and the MSCI EAFE® Index, returned 27.77% and 25.62%, respectively. (These Indices are unmanaged, cannot be invested in directly, and do not include administrative expenses.) According to Lipper® Analytical Services, Inc., an independent mutual fund ranking company, the average return of the International Multi-Cap Core Funds peer group was 25.27% for 2017.

Strong stock selection in the Materials sector contributed to performance relative to the MSCI All Country World ex-U.S. Index. Within this sector, overweight positions in paint and specialty chemicals manufacturer Akzo Nobel (Netherlands), specialty chemical products maker Sika (Switzerland), industrial gas supplier Linde (Germany) and specialty chemical products producer Croda International (U.K.) helped relative performance.

Stock selection in both the Financials and Health Care sectors also aided relative results. Within the Financials sector, an overweight position in insurance company AIA Group (Hong Kong) and the Portfolio’s holdings of banking firm HDFC Bank (India) supported relative returns. Within the Health Care sector there were no individual stocks among the Portfolio’s largest relative contributors during the reporting period.

Stocks in other sectors that contributed to relative performance included overweight positions in electrical and electronic products manufacturer Techtronic Industries (Hong Kong), household fixture manufacturer Toto (Japan) and luxury goods company LVMH (France). Additionally, holdings of real estate company Leg Immobilien (Germany) further supported relative results.

In contrast, stock selection in both the Information Technology and Energy sectors detracted from relative performance. Within the Information Technology sector, not owning shares of internet-based multiple services company Tencent (China) held back relative returns.

Stocks in other sectors that detracted from relative performance included overweight positions in supply chain support services and information management solutions provider Brambles (Australia), advertising and marketing firm WPP Group (U.K.), telecommunications company KDDI (Japan), tobacco company Japan Tobacco (Japan), pharmaceutical and diagnostic company Roche Holding (Switzerland), parcel delivery services company Yamato (Japan), financial services firm Barclays (U.K.) and global engineering company GKN (U.K.).

 

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Table of Contents

Research International Core Portfolio (unaudited)

 

 

Portfolio Manager Outlook

The following forward-looking comments are the opinion of MFS®, the Portfolio’s sub-adviser.

Regardless of changing economic and market conditions, we will continue to adhere to our investment process, building a Portfolio of fundamentally sound companies. The Portfolio is a sector-neutral portfolio that emphasizes bottom-up fundamental research. Because of this approach, the Portfolio’s sector weightings vary only modestly from those of the general foreign market. Instead, we attempt to outperform the Index by holding what we believe to be the most attractive opportunities among growth and value companies within each sector of the market without regard to market capitalization.

 

Relative Performance

 

LOGO

 

Average Annual Total Returns
For Periods Ended December 31, 2017
 
     1 Year     5 Years     10 Years  

Research International Core Portfolio

    28.21     6.82     1.95

MSCI® All Country World (ex-US) Index (Gross)

    27.77     7.28     2.31

MSCI EAFE® Index (Gross)

    25.62     8.39     2.42

Lipper® Variable Insurance Products (VIP) International Mulit-Cap Core Funds Average

    25.27     7.03     1.71

The performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance is historical and does not guarantee future performance. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate, so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. For the most recent month-end performance information visit www.northwesternmutual.com.

This chart assumes an initial investment of $10,000 made on 12/31/07. Returns shown reflect fee waivers, deductions for management and other portfolio expenses, and reinvestment of all dividends. In the absence of fee waivers, total return would be reduced. Returns exclude deductions for separate account sale loads and account fees. Please refer to the Benchmark Definitions section of this report for information about the indices cited in the above chart and graph.

Investors should be aware of the risks of investments in foreign securities, particularly investments in securities of companies in developing nations. These include the risks of currency fluctuation, of political and economic instability and of less well-developed government supervision and regulation of business and industry practices, as well as differences in accounting standards.    

Investments in the securities of companies in developing nations impose risks different from, and greater than, risks of investing in developed countries.

The Portfolio may invest a relatively large percentage of its assets in issuers located in a single country, a small number of countries, or a particular geographic region. The Portfolio’s performance may be more volatile than that of a more geographically diversified fund, and may be tied more closely to the performance of a single country or region.

The Portfolio may invest a relatively high percentage of its assets in a particular sector. The Portfolio will have greater exposure to the risks associated with that sector and its performance will be tied more closely to the performance of that sector.

 

 

  Research International Core Portfolio     79  


Table of Contents

Research International Core Portfolio (unaudited)

 

 

 

   Top 10 Equity Holdings 12/31/17

 

Security Description

    % of Net Assets    

Nestle SA

    3.2  

Roche Holding AG

    2.7  

Bayer AG

    2.4  

Schneider Electric SE

    2.0  

AIA Group, Ltd.

    1.9  

UBS Group AG

    1.9  

Linde AG

    1.8  

Novo Nordisk A/S

    1.8  

Reckitt Benckiser Group PLC

    1.8  

Danone SA

    1.7  

Sector Allocation 12/31/17

 

LOGO

Sector Allocation is based on Net Assets.

Sector Allocation and Top 10 Holdings are subject to change.

 

 

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Research International Core Portfolio

 

Schedule of Investments

December 31, 2017

 

                                               
Common Stocks (98.0%)         Shares/
$ Par
     Value
$ (000’s)
 

Consumer Discretionary (8.2%)

     

Ctrip.com International, Ltd.*

  Cayman Islands      48,167        2,124  

Dollarama, Inc.

  Canada      26,661        3,331  

Esprit Holdings, Ltd.*

  Bermuda      330,300        176  

GKN PLC

  United Kingdom      1,440,837        6,187  

JD.com, Inc., ADR*

  Cayman Islands      72,467        3,002  

Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.

  Japan      99,600        7,004  

LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE

  France      29,804        8,755  

Paddy Power Betfair PLC

  Ireland      30,417        3,623  

Techtronic Industries Co., Ltd.

  Hong Kong      1,049,500        6,840  

USS Co., Ltd.

  Japan      359,500        7,605  

WPP PLC

  Jersey      303,783        5,505  
       

 

 

 

Total

          54,152  
       

 

 

 

Consumer Staples (11.3%)

       

Ambev SA, ADR

  Brazil      484,550        3,130  

Booker Group PLC

  United Kingdom      1,244,894        3,833  

Danone SA

  France      133,682        11,207  

Japan Tobacco, Inc.

  Japan      251,200        8,091  

L’Oreal SA

  France      37,968        8,411  

Nestle SA

  Switzerland      246,702        21,200  

Reckitt Benckiser Group PLC

  United Kingdom      123,728        11,557  

Sundrug Co., Ltd.

  Japan      144,000        6,698  
       

 

 

 

Total

          74,127  
       

 

 

 

Energy (5.7%)

       

BP PLC

  United Kingdom      1,247,536        8,798  

Cairn Energy PLC*

  United Kingdom      794,016        2,273  

Caltex Australia, Ltd.

  Australia      149,765        3,972  

Enbridge, Inc.

  Canada      119,493        4,673  

Eni SpA

  Italy      327,464        5,415  

Galp Energia SGPS SA

  Portugal      243,946        4,482  

Oil Search, Ltd.

  Papua New Guinea      686,268        4,175  

Schlumberger, Ltd.

  Curaçao      53,054        3,576  
       

 

 

 

Total

          37,364  
       

 

 

 

Financials (21.3%)

       

AEON Financial Service Co., Ltd.

  Japan      349,300        8,112  

AIA Group, Ltd.

  Hong Kong      1,493,200        12,735  

AIB Group PLC

  Ireland      821,054        5,418  

AMP, Ltd.

  Australia      654,848        2,646  

Aon PLC

  United Kingdom      43,946        5,889  

Barclays PLC

  United Kingdom      2,638,212        7,193  

BNP Paribas SA

  France      138,341        10,317  

Cerved Information Solutions SpA

  Italy      151,291        1,921  

DNB ASA

  Norway      311,594        5,761  

Erste Group Bank AG*

  Austria      131,367        5,665  

HDFC Bank, Ltd.

  India      170,618        5,002  

Hiscox, Ltd.

  Bermuda      322,222        6,351  
                                               
Common Stocks (98.0%)         Shares/
$ Par
     Value
$ (000’s)
 

Financials continued

       

Intesa Sanpaolo SpA

  Italy      2,199,004        7,293  

Julius Baer Group, Ltd.*

  Switzerland      116,090        7,097  

Jyske Bank A/S

  Denmark      87,783        4,982  

KBC Group NV

  Belgium      86,762        7,392  

Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc.

  Japan      1,152,000        8,453  

Swiss Re AG

  Switzerland      48,153        4,508  

TMX Group, Ltd.

  Canada      59,503        3,334  

UBS Group AG*

  Switzerland      686,905        12,621  

Zurich Insurance Group AG

  Switzerland      25,287        7,691  
       

 

 

 

Total

          140,381  
       

 

 

 

Health Care (9.3%)

       

Bayer AG

  Germany      128,246        15,950  

Novo Nordisk A/S

  Denmark      220,366        11,844  

Roche Holding AG

  Switzerland      69,443        17,565  

Santen Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

  Japan      549,800        8,632  

Terumo Corp.

  Japan      157,100        7,423  
       

 

 

 

Total

          61,414  
       

 

 

 

Industrials (15.9%)

       

Aena SA

  Spain      17,321        3,507  

Brambles, Ltd.

  Australia      911,748        7,148  

Daikin Industries, Ltd.

  Japan      81,200        9,613  

GEA Group AG

  Germany      145,327        6,968  

Hitachi, Ltd.

  Japan      362,000        2,816  

Kubota Corp.

  Japan      487,400        9,544  

Legrand SA

  France      63,403        4,875  

Linde AG*

  Germany      51,371        12,018  

Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd

  Malaysia      1,236,600        2,693  

RELX NV

  Netherlands      357,219        8,212  

Ritchie Bros Auctioneers, Inc.

  Canada      96,449        2,888  

Schindler Holding AG

  Switzerland      29,501        6,789  

Schneider Electric SE *

  France      151,712        12,867  

TOTO, Ltd.

  Japan      167,200        9,857  

Yamato Holdings Co., Ltd.

  Japan      243,000        4,892  
       

 

 

 

Total

          104,687  
       

 

 

 

Information Technology (10.3%)

     

Alibaba Group Holding, Ltd., ADR*

  Cayman Islands      16,816        2,900  

Amadeus IT Group SA

  Spain      91,982        6,621  

Broadcom, Ltd.

  Singapore      12,007        3,085  

Check Point Software Technologies, Ltd.*

  Israel      36,895        3,823  

Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp. - Class A

  United States      127,003        9,020  

EPAM Systems, Inc.*

  United States      45,809        4,921  

Just Eat PLC*

  United Kingdom      343,475        3,603  

Mastercard, Inc. - Class A

  United States      31,568        4,778  

Mellanox Technologies, Ltd.*

  Israel      57,168        3,699  

NAVER Corp.

  South Korea      6,614        5,370  
 

 

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

 

  Research International Core Portfolio     81  


Table of Contents

Research International Core Portfolio

 

                                               
Common Stocks (98.0%)         Shares/
$ Par
     Value
$ (000’s)
 

Information Technology continued

     

Nomura Research Institute, Ltd.

  Japan      97,700        4,538  

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

  South Korea      1,247        2,963  

Scout24 AG

  Germany      46,385        1,894  

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.

  Taiwan      880,189        6,763  

Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson - Class B

  Sweden      603,950        3,959  
       

 

 

 

Total

          67,937  
       

 

 

 

Materials (6.8%)

       

Akzo Nobel NV

  Netherlands      112,964        9,881  

Croda International PLC

  United Kingdom      132,692        7,923  

Nippon Paint Holdings Co., Ltd.

  Japan      94,500        2,978  

Orica, Ltd.

  Australia      203,466        2,871  

Rio Tinto PLC

  United Kingdom      162,662        8,585  

Sika AG

  Switzerland      836        6,627  

Symrise AG

  Germany      67,619        5,798  
       

 

 

 

Total

          44,663  
       

 

 

 

Real Estate (2.5%)

       

Grand City Properties SA

  Luxembourg      285,194        6,708  

LEG Immobilien AG

  Germany      86,974        9,927  
       

 

 

 

Total

          16,635  
       

 

 

 

Telecommunication Services (4.0%)

       

Advanced Info Service PCL

  Thailand      681,800        3,996  

Cellnex Telecom SA

  Spain      217,701        5,572  
                                               
Common Stocks (98.0%)           Shares/
$ Par
     Value
$ (000’s)
 

Telecommunication Services continued

 

     

Com Hem Holding AB

    Sweden        163,262        2,495  

KDDI Corp.

    Japan        295,700        7,362  

SoftBank Group Corp.

    Japan        84,800        6,700  
       

 

 

 

Total

          26,125  
       

 

 

 

Utilities (2.7%)

       

APA Group

    Australia        597,865        3,880  

China Resources Gas Group, Ltd.

    Bermuda        1,188,000        4,292  

CLP Holdings, Ltd.

    Hong Kong        520,500        5,326  

Iberdrola, SA

    Spain        515,266        3,988  
       

 

 

 

Total

          17,486  
       

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks

       

(Cost: $529,423)

          644,971  
       

 

 

 
Short-Term Investments (2.2%)                       

US Government & Agencies (2.2%)

 

     

Federal Home Loan Bank, 0.000%, 1/2/18

       14,438,000        14,438  
       

 

 

 

Total Governments

       

(Cost: $14,438)

          14,438  
       

 

 

 

Total Investments (100.2%)

       

(Cost: $543,861)(a)

          659,409  
       

 

 

 

Other Assets, Less

       

Liabilities (-0.2%)

          (1,404
       

 

 

 

Net Assets (100.0%)

          658,005  
       

 

 

 
 

 

 

* Non-Income Producing

 

   ADR after the name of a security represents—American Depositary Receipt.

 

(a) At December 31, 2017, the aggregate cost of investments, including derivatives, for federal tax purposes (in thousands) was $547,271 and the net unrealized appreciation of investments based on that cost was $112,138 which is comprised of $123,108 aggregate gross unrealized appreciation and $10,970 aggregate gross unrealized depreciation.

 

Investments Percentage by Country is based on Net Assets:

   

Japan

    18.3%    

Switzerland

    12.8%    

United Kingdom

    10.0%    

France

    8.6%    

Germany

    8.0%    

United States

    5.0%    

Other

    37.5%    

Total

    100.2%    

 

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

 

82   Research International Core Portfolio  


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Research International Core Portfolio

 

The following is a summary of the inputs used in valuing the Portfolio’s assets and liabilities at December 31, 2017. See Note 3 for additional information on portfolio valuation.

 

    Valuation Inputs      
Description   Level 1 –
Quoted Prices
     Level 2 –
Other Significant
Observable Inputs
     Level 3 –
Significant
Unobservable Inputs
     
    (Amounts in thousands)      
Assets:    

Common Stocks

         

Consumer Discretionary

  $ 8,457      $ 45,696      $ -      

Consumer Staples

    3,130        70,997        -      

Energy

    8,249        29,115        -      

Financials

    14,641        125,739        -      

Industrials

    2,888        101,799        -      

Information Technology

    32,225        35,712        -      

All Others

    -          166,323        -      

Short-Term Investments

    -          14,438        -      

Total Assets:

  $ 69,590      $ 589,819      $ -      

For the period ended December 31, 2017, there were transfers from Level 1 to Level 2 in the amount of $497,184 (in thousands). These transfers were the result of the use of fair value procedures on certain foreign securities in the portfolio on December 31, 2017.

 

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

 

  Research International Core Portfolio     83  


Table of Contents

International Equity Portfolio (unaudited)

 

 

 

Objective:    Portfolio Strategy:    Net Assets:

Long-term growth of capital. Any

income realized will be incidental.

   Invests primarily in equity securities of issuers outside of the U.S. with favorable long-term potential relative to current market values.    $1.9 billion

Portfolio Overview

Mason Street Advisors, LLC (“Mason Street Advisors”), the investment adviser for the International Equity Portfolio (“the Portfolio”), has engaged Templeton Investment Counsel, LLC (“Templeton”) to act as sub-adviser for the Portfolio. The Portfolio may purchase securities in any foreign country, including those with developed markets and emerging markets. The Portfolio’s investments in equity securities may include small, medium and large capitalization issues that are believed to be undervalued. The Portfolio’s strategy reflects a “bottom up”, value oriented and long-term investment philosophy. In choosing equity investments, the Portfolio will focus on the market price of a company’s securities in relation to the company’s long-term earnings (typically 5 years), asset value and cash flow potential. A company’s historical value measures, including price/earnings ratio, profit margins and liquidation value, will also be considered.

Market Overview

The global economy grew moderately during the reporting period. Global developed and emerging market stocks rose significantly, as measured by the MSCI® All Country World Index. Global markets reflected investor concerns about political uncertainty in the U.S. and the European Union (E.U.), the terms of the U.K.’s exit from the E.U., geopolitical tensions in various regions, global oil oversupply and hawkish comments from key central bankers around the world. However, global markets were aided by price gains in oil and other commodities, generally upbeat economic data across regions, the European Central Bank’s extension of its monetary easing program, and investor optimism about pro-growth and pro-business policies in the U.S. The prospect for reforms in the E.U. with the election of Emmanuel Macron as France’s president, encouraging corporate earnings reports and the passage of the U.S. tax reform bill also supported global stocks.

Portfolio Results

The Portfolio returned 22.30% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2017. By comparison, the Portfolio’s benchmark, the MSCI® All Country World (ex-US) Index (the “Index”), returned 27.77%. (The Index is unmanaged, cannot be invested in directly and does not include administrative expenses.) According to Lipper® Analytical Services, Inc., an independent mutual fund rating agency, the average return for the International Multi-Cap Value Funds peer group was 22.28% for 2017.

International equities rallied in 2017 as investors looked beyond political turmoil and nascent monetary policy tightening, focusing instead on global growth and fiscal stimulus that could potentially help earnings growth. The Portfolio delivered solid absolute gains but trailed the Index as a challenging environment for value investors contributed to stock-specific setbacks.

Health Care was the biggest sector detractor, pressured by stock selection and an overweighting. Israeli generic drug maker Teva Pharmaceutical Industries declined after reducing its guidance, leading to concerns about its debt profile. The portfolio manager’s analysis indicated that Teva did not have a liquidity problem and should be able to address balance sheet issues, cut costs and deliver on a more conservative outlook. The Health Care sector remained subject to concerns about generic competition, regulatory scrutiny and a consolidating payor sector, all of which were believed to be overstated and addressable.

The Portfolio’s overweight position and stock-specific weakness in Energy also hurt relative results. U.K.-based oilfield services company Petrofac Limited declined amid a regulatory investigation. The portfolio manager had been constructive on the stock given his view that it had a healthy backlog, strategic refocus on core assets and prudent balance sheet deleveraging, but the escalating fraud investigation seemed to be a thesis changer, and the position was divested to avoid further downside risk. More broadly, the decision to remain overweight in Energy despite fears of a supply glut proved beneficial as oil rallied and the sector outperformed in the second half.

Turning to contributors, stock selection and an underweight position worked well in the Financials sector, led by Asian and European lenders. Select European and Asian markets benefited from an economic upturn and the potential for incrementally tighter monetary policy. Stock selection and underweight allocations also drove Consumer Staples and Utilities outperformance relative to the benchmark; the portfolio manager remained cautious on these sectors, which he considered expensive bond proxies.

Regionally, stock-specific weakness among underweighted Asian and over-weighted European holdings detracted from relative results.

 

84   International Equity Portfolio  


Table of Contents

International Equity Portfolio (unaudited)

 

 

Portfolio Manager Outlook

The following forward looking comments are the opinion of Templeton, the Portfolio’s sub-adviser.

After outperforming growth in 2016, value lagged in 2017 by the most in two decades, marking the tenth year out of the past eleven that global value has underperformed global growth. In our view, value’s headwinds stem largely from unconventional monetary policies, which, since the global financial crisis, have depressed interest rates and sent investors out the risk curve in search of growth and yield. We believe these policies are unsustainable for three reasons. First, they increase social inequality, which has political consequences; second, they inflate asset prices, which creates stability risks; and third, rising inflationary pressures and falling unemployment gives data-dependent central bankers cause to begin reversing such policies. As policies transition, we believe the mature cycle could eventually change and with it the conditions unfavorable to value. We would not want to own the leaders of the last cycle during this transition: the growth stocks and bond proxies trading at valuations we consider expensive. However, the stocks left behind—those of companies whose long-term fundamentals have been overlooked and undervalued by a myopic market—appear to us well positioned over a long-term investment horizon we believe is likely to include an inflection point in this mature cycle.

 

Relative Performance

 

LOGO

 

Average Annual Total Returns
For Periods Ended December 31, 2017
 
      1 Year     5 Years     10 Years  

International Equity Portfolio

     22.30     6.37     1.83

MSCI® All Country World (ex-US) Index (Gross)

     27.77     7.28     2.31

MSCI EAFE® Index (Gross)

     25.62     8.39     2.42

Lipper® Variable Insurance Products (VIP) International Multi-Cap Value Funds Average

     22.28     7.22     1.29

The performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance is historical and does not guarantee future performance. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate, so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. For the most recent month-end performance information visit www.northwesternmutual.com.    

This chart assumes an initial investment of $10,000 made on 12/31/07. Returns shown reflect fee waivers, deductions for management and other portfolio expenses, and reinvestment of all dividends. In the absence of fee waivers, total return would be reduced. Returns exclude deductions for separate account sale loads and account fees. Please refer to the Benchmark Definitions section of this report for information about the indices cited in the above chart and graph.

Investors should be aware of the risks of investments in foreign securities, particularly investments in securities of companies in developing nations. These include the risks of currency fluctuation, of political and economic instability and of less well-developed government supervision and regulation of business and industry practices, as well as differences in accounting standards.

Investments in the securities of companies in developing nations impose risks different from, and greater than, risks of investing in developed countries.    

The Portfolio may invest a relatively large percentage of its assets in issuers located in a single country, a small number of countries, or a particular geographic region. The Portfolio’s performance may be more volatile than that of a more geographically diversified fund, and may be tied more closely to the performance of a single country or region.

The Portfolio may invest a relatively high percentage of its assets in a particular sector. The Portfolio will have greater exposure to the risks associated with that sector and its performance will be tied more closely to the performance of that sector.

 

 

  International Equity Portfolio     85  


Table of Contents

International Equity Portfolio (unaudited)

 

 

 

Top 10 Equity Holdings 12/31/17

 

Security Description

    % of Net Assets          

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

    3.3      

BP PLC

    2.1      

Standard Chartered PLC

    1.9      

Royal Dutch Shell PLC - Class B

    1.9      

Galp Energia SGPS SA

    1.8      

HSBC Holdings PLC

    1.7      

Telenor ASA

    1.6      

TOTAL SA

    1.5      

Vodafone Group PLC

    1.5      

Baidu, Inc., ADR

    1.5        

Sector Allocation 12/31/17

 

LOGO

Sector Allocation is based on Net Assets.

Sector Allocation and Top 10 Holdings are subject to change.

    

 

 

86   International Equity Portfolio  


Table of Contents

International Equity Portfolio

 

Schedule of Investments

December 31, 2017

 

                                               
Common Stocks (97.1%)   Country   Shares/
$ Par
    Value
$ (000’s)
 

Consumer Discretionary (5.3%)

     

Cie Generale des Etablissements Michelin

  France     131,608       18,852  

Kingfisher PLC

  United Kingdom     5,779,010       26,345  

Panasonic Corp.

  Japan     1,075,080       15,744  

Ryohin Keikaku Co., Ltd.

  Japan     75,300       23,445  

SES SA

  Luxembourg     1,088,580       16,963  
     

 

 

 

Total

        101,349  
     

 

 

 

Consumer Staples (2.3%)

     

Kirin Holdings Co., Ltd.

  Japan     863,000       21,713  

Seven & i Holdings Co., Ltd.

  Japan     134,300       5,578  

Suntory Beverage & Food, Ltd.

  Japan     401,300       17,846  
     

 

 

 

Total

        45,137  
     

 

 

 

Energy (12.8%)

     

BP PLC

  United Kingdom     5,622,920       39,656  

Eni SpA

  Italy     1,605,485       26,550  

Galp Energia SGPS SA

  Portugal     1,849,900       33,985  

Husky Energy, Inc.*

  Canada     1,138,760       16,080  

Inpex Corp.

  Japan     952,120       11,915  

Kunlun Energy Co., Ltd.

  Bermuda     13,549,350       14,120  

PTT Exploration & Production PCL

  Thailand     1,876,300       5,757  

Royal Dutch Shell PLC - Class B

  United Kingdom     1,055,335       35,593  

SBM Offshore NV

  Netherlands     1,371,290       24,130  

Suncor Energy, Inc.

  Canada     255,440       9,378  

TOTAL SA

  France     535,650       29,555  
     

 

 

 

Total

        246,719  
     

 

 

 

Financials (20.6%)

     

Aegon NV

  Netherlands     3,999,610       25,490  

AIA Group, Ltd.

  Hong Kong     2,358,020       20,110  

AXA SA

  France     744,155       22,055  

Bangkok Bank PCL

  Thailand     4,208,000       26,078  

Bank of Ireland Group PLC*

  Ireland     966,600       8,223  

Barclays PLC

  United Kingdom     9,127,140       24,886  

BNP Paribas SA

  France     371,430       27,699  

China Life Insurance Co., Ltd.

  China     6,331,010       19,764  

Credit Agricole SA

  France     768,660       12,698  

DBS Group Holdings, Ltd.

  Singapore     1,447,180       26,796  

Hana Financial Group, Inc.

  South Korea     344,710       16,039  

HSBC Holdings PLC

  United Kingdom     3,236,027       33,058  

ING Groep NV

  Netherlands     1,283,032       23,609  

KB Financial Group, Inc., ADR*

  South Korea     237,530       13,898  

Standard Chartered PLC*

  United Kingdom     3,417,202       35,960  

Swiss Re AG

  Switzerland     182,382       17,072  

UBS Group AG*

  Switzerland     1,171,840       21,532  

UNIQA Insurance Group AG

  Austria     1,268,484       13,419  
                                               
Common Stocks (97.1%)   Country   Shares/
$ Par
    Value
$ (000’s)
 

Financials continued

     

United Overseas Bank, Ltd.

  Singapore     477,240       9,415  
     

 

 

 

Total

        397,801  
     

 

 

 

Health Care (14.4%)

     

Astellas Pharma, Inc.

  Japan     1,493,930       18,975  

Bayer AG

  Germany     209,050       26,001  

Getinge AB - Class B

  Sweden     676,171       9,770  

GlaxoSmithKline PLC

  United Kingdom     503,400       8,904  

Merck KGaA

  Germany     251,030       27,033  

MorphoSys AG*

  Germany     256,240       23,456  

Qiagen NV*

  Netherlands     378,752       11,827  

Roche Holding AG

  Switzerland     96,190       24,331  

Sanofi

  France     304,975       26,259  

Shanghai Pharmaceuticals Holding Co., Ltd.

  China     5,366,610       14,492  

Shire PLC

  Jersey     466,660       24,205  

Sinopharm Group Co., Ltd.

  China     2,825,200       12,169  

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, Ltd., ADR

  Israel     1,501,760       28,458  

UCB SA

  Belgium     275,350       21,820  
     

 

 

 

Total

        277,700  
     

 

 

 

Industrials (8.2%)

     

BAE Systems PLC

  United Kingdom     2,968,690       22,833  

Cie de Saint-Gobain

  France     460,830       25,362  

CK Hutchison Holdings, Ltd.

  Cayman Islands     2,040,070       25,613  

IHI Corp.

  Japan     368,800       12,277  

Rolls-Royce Holdings PLC*

  United Kingdom     1,926,730       21,928  

Siemens AG

  Germany     159,550       22,138  

Siemens AG, ADR

  Germany     101,560       7,035  

Travis Perkins PLC

  United Kingdom     956,600       20,226  
     

 

 

 

Total

        157,412  
     

 

 

 

Information Technology (10.6%)

     

Baidu, Inc., ADR*

  China     122,680       28,733  

Infineon Technologies AG

  Germany     685,510       18,723  

Konica Minolta, Inc.

  Japan     2,077,820       19,999  

NetEase, Inc.

  Cayman Islands     23,770       8,202  

Omron Corp.

  Japan     229,700       13,681  

Pegatron Corp.

  Taiwan     585,330       7,103  

Quanta Computer, Inc.

  Taiwan     4,807,820       9,983  

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.*

  South Korea     26,820       63,719  

SAP SE

  Germany     84,650       9,492  

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.

  Taiwan     3,188,135       24,498  
     

 

 

 

Total

        204,133  
     

 

 

 

Materials (9.1%)

     

Akzo Nobel NV

  Netherlands     256,360       22,424  

CRH PLC

  Ireland     558,050       20,001  

HeidelbergCement AG

  Germany     249,870       27,049  
 

 

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

 

  International Equity Portfolio     87  


Table of Contents

International Equity Portfolio

 

                                               
Common Stocks (97.1%)   Country   Shares/
$ Par
    Value
$ (000’s)
 

Materials continued

     

LANXESS AG

  Germany     334,970       26,634  

Novozymes A/S

  Denmark     308,870       17,645  

Sumitomo Metal Mining Co., Ltd.

  Japan     517,350       23,735  

Tahoe Resources, Inc.

  Canada     667,970       3,204  

thyssenkrupp AG

  Germany     378,970       11,004  

Wheaton Precious Metals Corp.

  Canada     317,420       7,018  

Yara International ASA

  Norway     375,770       17,200  
     

 

 

 

Total

        175,914  
     

 

 

 

Real Estate (1.9%)

     

CK Asset Holdings, Ltd.

  Cayman Islands     2,040,070       17,832  

Mitsui Fudosan Co., Ltd.

  Japan     811,700       18,197  
     

 

 

 

Total

        36,029  
     

 

 

 

Telecommunication Services (9.4%)

     

China Mobile, Ltd.

  China     2,050,700       20,758  

China Telecom Corp., Ltd. - Class H

  China     50,940,160       24,237  

Singapore Telecommunications, Ltd.

  Singapore     10,531,850       28,111  

SoftBank Group Corp.

  Japan     362,440       28,634  

Telefonica Deutschland Holding AG

  Germany     3,793,460       19,050  

Telenor ASA

  Norway     1,440,340       30,853  

Vodafone Group PLC

  United Kingdom     9,251,794       29,227  
     

 

 

 

Total

        180,870  
     

 

 

 

Utilities (2.5%)

     

Innogy SE

  Germany     453,620       17,678  

Orsted A/S

  Denmark     171,790       9,359  
                                               
Common Stocks (97.1%)   Country     Shares/
$ Par
    Value
$ (000’s)
 

Utilities continued

     

Veolia Environnement SA

    France       832,890       21,250  
     

 

 

 

Total

        48,287  
     

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks

     

(Cost: $1,535,291)

        1,871,351  
     

 

 

 
Preferred Stocks (0.4%)                     

Health Care (0.4%)

     

Draegerwerk AG & Co. KGaA

    Germany       92,710       8,039  
     

 

 

 

Total Preferred Stocks

     

(Cost: $11,723)

        8,039  
     

 

 

 
Short-Term Investments (2.4%)                     

Money Market Funds (2.0%)

     

State Street Institutional U.S. Government Money Market Fund - Premier Class, 1.209% #

    United States       38,877,938       38,878  
     

 

 

 

Total

        38,878  
     

 

 

 

US Government & Agencies (0.4%)

     

Federal Home Loan Bank,
0.000%, 1/2/18

    United States       6,500,000       6,500  
     

 

 

 

Total

        6,500  
     

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments

     

(Cost: $45,378)

        45,378  
     

 

 

 

Total Investments (99.9%)

     

(Cost: $1,592,392)(a)

        1,924,768  
     

 

 

 

Other Assets, Less

     

Liabilities (0.1%)

        2,905  
     

 

 

 

Net Assets (100.0%)

        1,927,673  
     

 

 

 
 

 

 

* Non-Income Producing

 

# 7-day yield as of 12/31/2017

 

   ADR after the name of a security represents—American Depositary Receipt.

 

   GDR after the name of a security represents—Global Depositary Receipt.

 

(a) At December 31, 2017, the aggregate cost of investments, including derivatives, for federal tax purposes (in thousands) was $1,596,161 and the net unrealized appreciation of investments based on that cost was $328,607 which is comprised of $410,967 aggregate gross unrealized appreciation and $82,360 aggregate gross unrealized depreciation.

 

Investments Percentage by Country is based on Net Assets:

   

United Kingdom

    15.5%    

Germany

    12.6%    

Japan

    12.0%    

France

    9.5%    

China

    6.2%    

Netherlands

    5.6%    

Other

    38.4%    

Total

    99.9%    

 

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

 

88   International Equity Portfolio  


Table of Contents

International Equity Portfolio

 

The following is a summary of the inputs used in valuing the Portfolio’s assets and liabilities at December 31, 2017. See Note 3 for additional information on portfolio valuation.

 

    Valuation Inputs      
Description  

Level 1 –

Quoted Prices

    

Level 2 –

Other Significant
Observable Inputs

    

Level 3 –

Significant
Unobservable Inputs

     
           (Amounts in thousands)             

Assets:

         

Common Stocks

         

Energy

  $ 25,459      $ 221,260      $ -      

Financials

    13,898        383,903        -      

Health Care

    28,458        249,242        -      

Industrials

    7,035        150,377        -      

Information Technology

    44,038        160,095        -      

Materials

    10,222        165,692        -      

All Others

    -          411,672        -      

Preferred Stocks

    -          8,039        -      

Short-Term Investments

    38,878        6,500        -      

Total Assets:

  $ 167,988      $ 1,756,780      $ -      

For the period ended December 31, 2017, there were transfers from Level 1 to Level 2 in the amount of $1,545,591 (in thousands). These transfers were the result of the use of fair value procedures on certain foreign securities in the portfolio on December 31, 2017.

 

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

 

  International Equity Portfolio     89  


Table of Contents

Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio (unaudited)

 

 

Objective:    Portfolio Strategy:    Net Assets:
Capital Appreciation.    Invest in equity securities of issuers that are tied economically to emerging market countries.    $718 million

Portfolio Overview

Mason Street Advisors, LLC (“Mason Street Advisors”), the investment adviser for the Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio (“the Portfolio”), has engaged Aberdeen Asset Managers Limited (“Aberdeen”) to act as sub-adviser for the Portfolio. Aberdeen was appointed sub-adviser to the Portfolio effective March 24, 2017. Prior to that time, the Portfolio was sub-advised by Massachusetts Financial Services Company (“MFS®”). The Portfolio normally invests in equity securities of issuers that are tied economically to emerging market countries. Emerging market countries include countries determined by the Portfolio’s portfolio managers to have emerging market economies, taking into account a number of factors, such as the country’s credit rating, its political and economic stability and the development of its financial and capital markets. The Portfolio may invest in companies of any size. The Portfolio employs a fundamental “bottom up” equity investment style, which is characterized by intensive, first-hand research and disciplined company evaluation. Investments are identified for their long-term, fundamental value.

Market Overview

Emerging market equities rallied in 2017. While geopolitical tensions occasionally threatened global risk appetites, sentiment was boosted by improving corporate earnings, buoyant economic signals worldwide and stabilizing oil prices. Despite three U.S. Federal Reserve rate hikes, the U.S. dollar remained subdued against most emerging market currencies.

Chinese shares rose on resilient growth and a sharp rise in internet stocks, despite Beijing’s efforts to curb financial risks. Indian markets benefited from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s progress on crucial reforms, though growth somewhat slowed. Central Europe outperformed, thanks to growing economic optimism in Poland, the Czech Republic and Hungary. South Africa enjoyed a year-end rally after Cyril Ramaphosa won the ANC Party leadership on hopes that he will implement reforms. In Latin America, Brazilian stocks were resilient amid encouraging economic signals and interest rate cuts. But Mexico was pressured by earthquakes in September and uncertainty over the North American Free Trade Agreement.

Portfolio Results

The Portfolio returned 27.84% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2017. By comparison, the Portfolio’s benchmark, the MSCI® Emerging Markets Index (the “Index”) returned 37.75%. (This Index is unmanaged, cannot be invested in directly and does not include administrative expenses.) According to Lipper® Analytical Services, Inc., an independent mutual fund ranking agency, the average return of the Emerging Markets Funds peer group was 37.62% for 2017.

As noted above, prior to March 24, 2017, the Portfolio was managed by MFS®. With respect to the period prior to March 24, 2017, the Portfolio’s underperformance relative to the Index was largely a result of weak stock selection in the Information Technology sector. Specifically, weakness in the internet software & services and communications equipment industries held back relative results in the sector.

The following attribution comments relate to the period March 24, 2017 through December 31, 2017, during which Aberdeen acted as the Portfolio’s sub-adviser.

The Portfolio’s underperformance during this portion of the year was largely due to its underweight to both China and the Information Technology sector. In 2017, Chinese internet heavyweights, including Tencent and Alibaba, advanced substantially, resulting in a narrow market rally. Not holding Tencent for much of the year, and the lack of exposure to Alibaba, magnified the Portfolio’s underperformance, and outweighed the positive contributions of other mainland holdings like Kweichow Moutai, Hangzhou Hikvision and Shanghai International Airport.

The overweight to consumer stocks also hurt relative performance. Notably, Russian retailer Magnit fell on disappointing earnings amid challenges in executing its turnaround strategy. Indonesian conglomerate Astra International dragged, as it reported below-par results and faced greater competition for its core automotive business. Nevertheless, the managers were confident that both companies’ weaknesses were temporary. Elsewhere, the underweight to Korea hurt, as the market rallied on perceptions of improved political stability.

More positively, the Portfolio’s underweight to Taiwan lifted relative performance. Markets there weakened in the second half, driven by components manufacturers’ production delays associated with the iPhone X. The lack of exposure to the Middle East was another bright spot, as markets were hampered by heightened geopolitical risks. Stock selection was also positive in Brazil, as retailer Lojas Renner rallied on expectations of improved consumer spending.

 

90   Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio  


Table of Contents

Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio (unaudited)

 

 

Portfolio Manager Outlook

The following forward-looking comments are the opinion of Aberdeen, the Portfolio’s sub-adviser.

After a stellar year, emerging markets should continue to be supported by stable growth and expectations for improving earnings. A number of risks could present short-term challenges. Recent U.S. tax reform and quicker-than-expected rate hikes could strengthen the dollar and trigger outflows. Political uncertainty due to elections in key markets may also dampen sentiment. That said, the asset class continues to be buoyed by broadening global growth and moderate inflation. Company-level efforts to improve capital allocations and margins should underpin higher profits. Various long-run structural factors also seem favorable, such as a growing middle class with rising wealth, which should boost consumer and financial companies. Some holdings are also well-positioned to benefit from new secular themes, including the expansion of trends like cloud computing and the “Internet of Things” in the Information Technology sector. Overall, prospects are encouraging. But we remain committed to investing in well-managed companies with solid fundamentals, and engaging them consistently, to maintain the Portfolio’s quality.

 

Relative Performance

 

LOGO

 

Average Annual Total Returns
For Periods Ended December 31, 2017
 
     1 Year     5 Years     10 Years  

Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio

    27.84     1.70     -0.08

MSCI® Emerging Markets Index (Gross)

    37.75     4.73     2.02

Lipper® Variable Insurance Products (VIP) Emerging Markets Funds Average

    37.62     4.51     1.31

The performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance is historical and does not guarantee future performance. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate, so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. For the most recent month-end performance information visit www.northwesternmutual.com

This chart assumes an initial investment of $10,000 made on 12/31/07. Returns shown reflect fee waivers, deductions for management and other portfolio expenses, and reinvestment of all dividends. In the absence of fee waivers, total return would be reduced. Returns exclude deductions for separate account sale loads and account fees. Please refer to the Benchmark Definitions section of this report for information about the indices cited in the above chart and graph.

Investors should be aware of the risks of investments in foreign securities, particularly investments in securities of companies in developing nations. These include the risks of currency fluctuation, of political and economic instability and of less well-developed government supervision and regulation of business and industry practices, as well as differences in accounting standards.

Investments in the securities of companies in developing nations impose risks different from, and greater than, risks of investing in developed countries.

 

 

  Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio     91  


Table of Contents

Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio (unaudited)

 

 

 

The Portfolio may invest a relatively large percentage of its assets in issuers located in a single country, a small number of countries, or a particular geographic region. The Portfolio’s performance may be more volatile than that of a more geographically diversified fund, and may be tied more closely to the performance of a single country or region.

The Portfolio may invest a relatively high percentage of its assets in a particular sector. The Portfolio will have greater exposure to the risks associated with that sector and its performance will be tied more closely to the performance of that sector.

Top 10 Equity Holdings 12/31/17

 

Security Description

    % of Net Assets      

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

    5.5    

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.

    4.5    

Housing Development Finance Corp., Ltd.

    3.5    

Tencent Holdings, Ltd.

    3.2    

AIA Group, Ltd.

    3.0    

Banco Bradesco SA, ADR

    2.8    

China Mobile, Ltd.

    2.7    

Ayala Land, Inc.

    2.5    

Astra International Tbk PT

    2.4    

Vale SA, ADR

    2.4    

Sector Allocation 12/31/17

 

LOGO

Sector Allocation is based on Net Assets.

Sector Allocation and Top 10 Holdings are subject to change.

 

 

92   Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio  


Table of Contents

Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio

 

Schedule of Investments

December 31, 2017

 

                                               
Common Stocks (97.9%)   Country    Shares/
$ Par
     Value
$ (000’s)
 

Consumer Discretionary (12.2%)

     

Astra International Tbk PT

  Indonesia      28,044,600        17,143  

China International Travel Service Corp., Ltd.*

  China      1,080,795        7,181  

Hero MotoCorp, Ltd.

  India      160,100        9,545  

Lojas Renner SA

  Brazil      1,195,000        12,742  

Midea Group Co., Ltd.

  China      1,117,999        9,504  

SACI Falabella

  Chile      786,270        7,851  

Truworths International, Ltd.

  South Africa      1,274,000        9,707  

Yum China Holdings, Inc.

  United States      351,267        14,058  
       

 

 

 

Total

        87,731  
       

 

 

 

Consumer Staples (16.4%)

     

Ambev SA, ADR

  Brazil      1,828,409        11,812  

Amorepacific Group*

  South Korea      27,500        3,623  

BIM Birlesik Magazalar AS

  Turkey      450,717        9,286  

BRF SA*

  Brazil      631,535        7,108  

Fomento Economico Mexicano SAB de CV, ADR

  Mexico      167,100        15,691  

Hindustan Unilever, Ltd.

  India      639,100        13,613  

ITC, Ltd.

  India      3,841,000        15,818  

Jeronimo Martins SGPS SA

  Portugal      390,000        7,574  

Kweichow Moutai Co., Ltd.

  China      150,680        16,112  

Magnit PJSC

  Russia      97,300        10,694  

Massmart Holdings, Ltd.

  South Africa      544,000        6,133  
       

 

 

 

Total

        117,464  
       

 

 

 

Energy (3.0%)

     

LUKOIL PJSC, ADR

  Russia      127,700        7,305  

Ultrapar Participacoes SA

  Brazil      643,813        14,586  
       

 

 

 

Total

        21,891  
       

 

 

 

Financials (25.1%)

     

Aditya Birla Capital, Ltd.*

  India      749,700        2,155  

AIA Group, Ltd.

  Hong Kong      2,540,600        21,667  

Akbank TAS

  Turkey      2,105,500        5,471  

Banco Bradesco SA, ADR

  Brazil      1,977,312        20,248  

Banco Santander Chile, ADR

  Chile      263,837        8,250  

Bank Central Asia Tbk PT

  Indonesia      6,142,300        9,901  

Bank of the Philippine Islands

  Philippines      4,217,500        9,123  

Bank Pekao SA

  Poland      192,900        7,167  

Grupo Financiero Banorte SAB de CV

  Mexico      2,102,660        11,542  

Hong Kong Exchanges & Clearing, Ltd.

  Hong Kong      308,670        9,428  

Housing Development Finance Corp., Ltd.

  India      949,103        25,403  

Kotak Mahindra Bank, Ltd.

  India      637,661        10,077  

Ping An Insurance Group Co. of China, Ltd.

  China      689,500        7,176  

Public Bank Bhd

  Malaysia      1,566,600        8,040  

The Siam Commercial Bank PCL

  Thailand      2,648,900        12,192  
                                               
Common Stocks (97.9%)   Country    Shares/
$ Par
     Value
$ (000’s)
 

Financials continued

     

Standard Chartered PLC*

  United Kingdom      651,400        6,855  

Turkiye Garanti Bankasi AS

  Turkey      1,974,500        5,593  
       

 

 

 

Total

        180,288  
       

 

 

 

Health Care (1.0%)

     

Richter Gedeon Nyrt

  Hungary      271,700        7,113  
       

 

 

 

Total

        7,113  
       

 

 

 

Industrials (2.6%)

     

Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste SAB de CV, ADR

  Mexico      51,408        9,383  

Shanghai International Airport Co., Ltd.

  China      1,321,982        9,129  
       

 

 

 

Total

        18,512  
       

 

 

 

Information Technology (17.4%)

     

Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology Co., Ltd.

  China      2,016,662        12,070  

NAVER Corp.*

  South Korea      15,598        12,665  

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

  South Korea      15,363        36,500  

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.

  Taiwan      4,175,290        32,083  

Tata Consultancy Services, Ltd.

  India      192,630        8,148  

Tencent Holdings, Ltd.

  Cayman Islands      449,600        23,242  
       

 

 

 

Total

        124,708  
       

 

 

 

Materials (9.4%)

     

Grasim Industries, Ltd.

  India      535,500        9,749  

Indocement Tunggal Prakarsa Tbk PT

  Indonesia      5,235,000        8,481  

LG Chem, Ltd.*

  South Korea      18,630        7,040  

The Siam Cement PCL

  Thailand      1,018,000        15,282  

UltraTech Cement, Ltd.

  India      145,700        9,852  

Vale SA, ADR

  Brazil      1,400,000        17,122  
       

 

 

 

Total

        67,526  
       

 

 

 

Real Estate (6.5%)

     

Ayala Land, Inc.

  Philippines      20,202,000        18,007  

China Resources Land, Ltd.

  Cayman Islands      2,694,000        7,912  

Hang Lung Group, Ltd.

  Hong Kong      889,000        3,270  

Hang Lung Properties, Ltd.

  Hong Kong      3,033,000        7,402  

Multiplan Empreendimentos Imobiliarios SA

  Brazil      374,000        7,982  

Swire Pacific, Ltd.

  Hong Kong      249,000        2,305  
       

 

 

 

Total

        46,878  
       

 

 

 

Telecommunication Services (4.3%)

     

China Mobile, Ltd.

  China      1,927,000        19,506  

MTN Group, Ltd.

  South Africa      902,000        9,970  

Taiwan Mobile Co., Ltd.

  Taiwan      394,000        1,423  
       

 

 

 

Total

        30,899  
       

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks

     

(Cost: $593,424)

        703,010  
       

 

 

 
 

 

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

 

  Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio     93  


Table of Contents

Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio

 

                                               
Preferred Stocks (0.8%)   Country    Shares/
$ Par
     Value
$ (000’s)
 

Consumer Staples (0.4%)

     

Amorepacific Corp.*

  South Korea      20,400        3,162  
       

 

 

 

Total

          3,162  
       

 

 

 

Information Technology (0.4%)

       

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

  South Korea      1,392        2,713  
       

 

 

 

Total

          2,713  
       

 

 

 

Total Preferred Stocks

       

(Cost: $5,721)

          5,875  
       

 

 

 
                                               
Short-Term Investments (2.3%)   Country    Shares/
$ Par
     Value
$ (000’s)
 

Money Market Funds (2.3%)

     

State Street Institutional U.S. Government Money Market Fund - Premier Class, 1.209% #

  United States      16,299,647        16,300  
       

 

 

 

Total

          16,300  
       

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments

     

(Cost: $16,300)

          16,300  
       

 

 

 

Total Investments (101.0%)

       

(Cost: $615,445)(a)

          725,185  
       

 

 

 

Other Assets, Less

       

Liabilities (-1.0%)

          (6,904
       

 

 

 

Net Assets (100.0%)

          718,281  
       

 

 

 
 
* Non-Income Producing

 

# 7-Day yield as of December 31, 2017.

 

  ADR after the name of a security represents—American Depositary Receipt.

 

(a) At December 31, 2017, the aggregate cost of investments, including derivatives, for federal tax purposes (in thousands) was $616,089 and the net unrealized appreciation of investments based on that cost was $109,096 which is comprised of $124,678 aggregate gross unrealized appreciation and $15,582 aggregate gross unrealized depreciation.

 

Investments Percentage by Country is based on Net Assets:

   

India

    14.5%      

Brazil

    12.8%      

China

    11.2%      

South Korea

    9.1%      

Hong Kong

    6.1%      

Mexico

    5.1%      

Other

    42.2%      
 

 

 

   

Total

    101.0%      

The following is a summary of the inputs used in valuing the Portfolio’s assets and liabilities at December 31, 2017. See Note 3 for additional information on portfolio valuation.

 

   

Valuation Inputs

     
Description   Level 1 –
Quoted Prices
     Level 2 –
Other Significant
Observable Inputs
     Level 3 –
Significant
Unobservable Inputs
      
    (Amounts in thousands)      

Assets:

         

Foreign Common Stocks

         

Consumer Discretionary

  $ 21,909      $ 65,822      $ -      

Consumer Staples

    27,502        89,962        -      

Financials

    40,040        140,249        -      

Industrials

    9,382        9,129        -      

Materials

    17,122        50,404        -      

All Others

    -          231,489        -      

Preferred Stocks

    -          5,875        -      

Short-Term Investments

    16,300        -          -      

Total Assets:

  $ 132,255      $ 592,930      $ -      

For the period ended December 31, 2017, there were transfers from Level 1 to Level 2 in the amount of $231,796 (in thousands). These transfers were the result of the use of fair value procedures on certain foreign securities in the portfolio on December 31, 2017.

 

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

 

94   Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio  


Table of Contents

Government Money Market Portfolio (unaudited)

 

 

Objective:    Portfolio Strategy:    Net Assets:
Maximum current income to the extent consistent with liquidity and stability of capital.    Invest in short-term fixed income obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S Government, its agencies or instrumentalities.    $439 million

Portfolio Overview

Mason Street Advisors, LLC (“Mason Street Advisors”), the investment adviser for the Government Money Market Portfolio (the “Portfolio”), has engaged BlackRock Advisors, LLC (“BlackRock”) to act as sub-adviser for the Portfolio. The Portfolio invests at least 99.5% of its total assets in cash, U.S. Treasury bills, notes and other obligations issued or guaranteed as to principal and interest by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities, and repurchase agreements secured by such obligations or cash. The Portfolio invests in a portfolio of securities maturing in 397 days or less (with certain exceptions) that will have a dollar-weighted average maturity of 60 days or less and a dollar-weighted average life of 120 days or less. The Portfolio seeks to maintain a net asset value of $1.00 per share.

Market Overview

Notable conditions during 2017 included the continued gradual removal of monetary accommodation by the U.S. Federal Reserve (the “Fed”), the nomination of a new chairman of the Fed, pronounced demand for U.S. dollar funding heading into year end, a series of short-term spending agreements to keep the government open, and the passage of U.S. tax reform. The U.S. debt ceiling was a focus during the summer months. Volatility was manifested via an earlier-than-usual back up in yields on Treasury bills deemed most at risk of a potential delay in payment by the U.S. Government. Fortunately, a respite was achieved in September, with two “stopgap” spending measures put in place during the fourth quarter. In September, as anticipated, the Fed announced the commencement of its balance sheet normalization program, which began in October. Jerome Powell was nominated as Chairman of the Fed in November to replace Janet Yellen following her term ending in February 2018. In December, the Fed delivered another 0.25% increase in the federal funds target range to 1.25% to 1.50%. The Fed upgraded its forecasts for growth and employment, while leaving its outlook for inflation unchanged.

Portfolio Results

The Portfolio returned 0.60% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2017. By comparison, the Portfolio’s benchmark, the Merrill Lynch® 3-Month Treasury Bill Index (the “Index”), returned 0.86%. (The Index is unmanaged, cannot be invested in directly and does not include administrative expenses.) The Portfolio outperformed the 0.39% average return of the Money Market Funds peer group tracked by Lipper® Analytical Services, Inc., an independent mutual fund ranking agency.

The Portfolio maintained a highly competitive yield throughout the year. In terms of sector allocation, exposure to floating rate notes in the first, second and third quarters and exposure to fixed rate Treasury securities in the fourth quarter contributed strongly to the Portfolio’s relative performance. The Portfolio’s allocation to floating rate notes straddled 20% of the Portfolio’s net asset value during the year. Ultra-short repurchase agreements were another major security type with a target allocation of 40% to 50% of net asset value. Tri-party repurchase agreements were well diversified across the largest, most systematically important banking organizations in their respective sovereigns. The large allocations to overnight repurchase agreements provided the Portfolio with significant liquidity provisioning that was not dependent on secondary liquidity conditions.

In terms of duration and yield curve management, the Portfolio’s duration exposure was modestly shorter than its peer group during the first quarter, which benefited the Portfolio as rates reset higher following the March Fed rate hike decision. The Portfolio’s duration profile was slightly longer than its peer group during the last three quarters of the year and contributed to performance given that the Fed Funds Futures market priced in a greater than 50% probability of a 0.25% rate hike numerous times during the period. During the fourth quarter, having to digest almost $150 billion in additional Treasury bill supply, the market participants began to price in term premiums for longer fixed rate Treasurys. This dynamic resulted in the Portfolio favoring fixed rate Treasury exposure in six-month and nine-month tenors (when an aggressive Fed rate hike was priced in) and being selective in adding floating rate exposure given the tight unattractive spreads.

Portfolio Manager Outlook

The following forward looking comments are the opinion of BlackRock, the Portfolio’s sub-adviser.

We expect the Fed to hike rates at least three times during 2018, subject to a resumption in progress toward the Fed’s inflation target and the persistence of accommodative financial conditions. While a level of uncertainty accompanies any outlook for the debt ceiling, we do anticipate a resolution, possibly during the first quarter of 2018. In turn, we would expect to see a

 

  Government Money Market Portfolio     95  


Table of Contents

Government Money Market Portfolio (unaudited)

 

 

significant increase in Treasury-bill issuance as the Treasury restores its cash balance and over time finances an expected increase in the federal deficit. We are evaluating the impacts of tax reform, particularly the ‘deemed repatriation’ tax on earnings held offshore. Initial indications suggest the possibility of incremental outflows from U.S. dollar offshore money market funds over time, inflows into U.S. government money market funds, and modest upward pressure on financing levels for banks reliant on short-term wholesale funding.

 

Effective May 1, 2016 the Money Market Portfolio was renamed the Government Money Market Portfolio. Prior to May 1, 2016, the Government Money Market Portfolio operated as a “prime” money market fund, which allowed it to invest in certain types of securities that the Portfolio is no longer permitted to hold as a “government” money market fund. As a government money market portfolio, the Portfolio invests at least 99.5% of its total assets in cash, U.S. Treasury bills, notes and other obligations issued or guaranteed as to principal and interest by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities, and repurchase agreements secured by such obligations or cash.

Not all obligations of the U.S. government, its agencies and instrumentalities are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury. Some obligations are backed only by the credit of the issuing agency or instrumentality, and in some cases there may be some risk of default by the issuer. Any guarantee by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities of a security held by the Portfolio does not apply to the market value of such security or to shares of the Portfolio itself.

If the other party to a repurchase agreement defaults on its obligation under the agreement, the Portfolio may suffer delays and incur costs or lose money in exercising its rights under the agreement. These risks may be heightened if the other party is located outside the U.S. If the seller fails to repurchase the security and the market value of the security declines, the Portfolio may lose money.

 

You could lose money investing in the Government Money Market Portfolio. Although the Portfolio seeks to preserve the value of your investment at $1.00 per share, it cannot guarantee it will do so. An investment in the Portfolio is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. The Portfolio’s sponsor has no legal obligation to provide financial support to the Portfolio, and you should not expect that the sponsor will provide financial support to the Portfolio at any time.

 

 

 

96   Government Money Market Portfolio  


Table of Contents

Government Money Market Portfolio

 

Schedule of Investments

December 31, 2017

 

                                               
    Money Market Investments (100.2%)   Shares/
$ Par
    Value
$ (000’s)
 
 

Money Market Funds (0.0%)

 

 
 

State Street Institutional U.S. Government Money Market Fund - Premier Class, 1.209% #

    137,083       137  
     

 

 

 
 

Total

      137  
     

 

 

 
 

Repurchase Agreements (38.6%)

 

 
 

Tri-Party Bank of Nova Scotia, 1.350%, 1/2/18
(Purchased on 12/29/17, to be repurchased at $4,000,600, collateralized by various US Treasury obligations, 2.125% to 3.625%, due from 3/31/24 to 2/15/43, aggregate par and fair value of $4,123,035 and $4,087,513, respectively)

    4,000,000       4,000  
 

Tri-Party BNP Paribas, 1.400%, 1/2/18
(Purchased on 12/29/17, to be repurchased at $11,001,711, collateralized by US Treasury Inflation Index Bond and various US government sponsored agency obligations, 0.625% to 3.125%, due from 1/15/24 to 5/20/41, aggregate par and fair value of $11,017,693 and $11,245,845, respectively)

    11,000,000       11,000  
 

Tri-Party Citigroup Global Markets, Inc., 1.380%, 1/2/18
(Purchased on 12/29/17, to be repurchased at $5,000,767, collateralized by US Treasury Note, 1.375%, due 10/31/20, par and fair value of $5,187,789 and $5,104,110, respectively)

    5,000,000       5,000  
 

Tri-Party Citigroup Global Markets, Inc., 1.400%, 1/2/18
(Purchased on 12/29/17, to be repurchased at $15,002,333, collateralized by various US government sponsored agency obligations, 1.308% to 4.500%, due from 5/4/18 to 9/15/46, aggregate par and fair value of $15,314,946 and $15,300,567, respectively)

    15,000,000       15,000  
 

Tri-Party Credit Agricole, 1.400%, 1/2/18
(Purchased on 12/29/17, to be repurchased at $20,003,111, collateralized by US Treasury Bond and US government sponsored agency, 2.250% to 3.500%, due from 8/15/46 to 11/20/47, aggregate par and fair value of $19,734,280 and $20,425,716, respectively)

    20,000,000       20,000  
 

Tri-Party Goldman Sachs, 1.350%, 1/2/18
(Purchased on 12/29/17, to be repurchased at $20,003,000, collateralized by various US government sponsored agency obligations, 3.000% to 5.000%, due from 5/20/41 to 9/20/47, aggregate par and fair value of $19,731,924 and $20,424,317, respectively)

    20,000,000       20,000  
 

Tri-Party HSBC Securities, 1.350%, 1/2/18
(Purchased on 12/26/17, to be repurchased at $2,500,656, collateralized by US Treasury Inflation Index Bond, 0.375%, due 7/15/27, par and fair value of $2,572,864 and $2,560,463, respectively)

    2,500,000       2,500  
                                               
    Money Market Investments (100.2%)   Shares/
$ Par
    Value
$ (000’s)
 
 

Repurchase Agreements continued

 

 
 

Tri-Party HSBC Securities, 1.380%, 1/2/18
(Purchased on 12/29/17, to be repurchased at $15,002,300, collateralized by various US government sponsored agency obligations, 1.500% to 2.750%, due from 9/18/18 to 12/13/24, aggregate par and fair value of $15,374,365 and $15,302,759, respectively)

    15,000,000       15,000  
 

Tri-Party Mitsubishi UFJ, 1.350%, 1/2/18
(Purchased on 12/29/17, to be repurchased at $10,001,500, collateralized by various US government sponsored agency obligations, 2.359% to 5.000%, due from 6/1/20 to 11/1/47, aggregate par and fair value of $10,055,651 and $10,289,343, respectively)

    10,000,000       10,000  
 

Tri-Party Mizuho Securities, 1.370%, 1/2/18
(Purchased on 12/29/17, to be repurchased at $15,002,283, collateralized by US Treasury Bond, 2.750%, due 11/15/47, par and fair value of $15,325,024 and $15,350,923, respectively)

    15,000,000       15,000  
 

Tri-Party Natixis S.A., 1.330%, 1/2/18
(Purchased on 12/29/17, to be repurchased at $17,002,512, collateralized by various US Treasury obligations, 1.250% to 5.375%, due from 8/31/18 to 2/15/46, aggregate par and fair value of $18,271,553 and $17,393,536, respectively)

    17,000,000       17,000  
 

Tri-Party Natixis S.A., 1.340%, 1/2/18
(Purchased on 12/29/17, to be repurchased at $5,000,744, collateralized by various US government sponsored agency obligations, 3.500% to 5.047%, due from 6/13/18 to 3/20/47, aggregate par and fair value of $4,945,146 and $5,116,127, respectively)

    5,000,000       5,000  
 

Tri-Party RBC Capital Markets, 1.380%, 1/2/18
(Purchased on 12/29/17, to be repurchased at $10,001,533, collateralized by various US government sponsored agency obligations, 2.500% to 8.000%, due from 8/20/24 to 12/20/47, aggregate par and fair value of $9,854,625 and $10,201,123, respectively)

    10,000,000       10,000  
 

Tri-Party TD Securities, 1.410%, 1/2/18
(Purchased on 12/29/17, to be repurchased at $20,003,133, collateralized by US Treasury Note and US government sponsored agency, 2.125% to 2.710%, due from 2/29/24 to 8/26/38, aggregate par and fair value of $20,787,601 and $20,430,609, respectively)

    20,000,000       20,000  
     

 

 

 
 

Total

      169,500  
     

 

 

 
 

US Government & Agencies (61.6%)

 

 
 

Federal Farm Credit Bank, 0.000%, 1/11/18

    3,195,000       3,194  
 

Federal Farm Credit Bank, 0.000%, 8/10/18

    355,000       352  
 

Federal Farm Credit Bank, 0.750%, 4/18/18

    5,500,000       5,493  
 

Federal Farm Credit Bank, 1.000%, 1/19/18

    2,500,000       2,500  
 

Federal Farm Credit Bank, 1.552%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.18%), 4/4/18

    2,065,000       2,065  
 

Federal Home Loan Bank, 0.000%, 1/8/18

    1,950,000       1,950  
 

 

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

 

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Table of Contents

Government Money Market Portfolio

 

                               
Money Market Investments (100.2%)    Shares/
$ Par
     Value
$ (000’s)
 

US Government & Agencies continued

 

  

Federal Home Loan Bank, 0.000%, 1/19/18

     6,000,000        5,997  

Federal Home Loan Bank, 0.000%, 1/24/18

     13,190,000        13,180  

Federal Home Loan Bank, 0.000%, 1/29/18

     1,610,000        1,609  

Federal Home Loan Bank, 0.000%, 1/31/18

     5,195,000        5,190  

Federal Home Loan Bank, 0.000%, 2/2/18

     10,000,000        9,989  

Federal Home Loan Bank, 0.000%, 2/7/18

     4,000,000        3,995  

Federal Home Loan Bank, 0.000%, 3/7/18

     4,215,000        4,205  

Federal Home Loan Bank, 0.000%, 5/2/18

     1,200,000        1,195  

Federal Home Loan Bank, 0.000%, 6/6/18

     2,000,000        1,987  

Federal Home Loan Bank, 0.875%, 3/19/18

     17,000,000        16,989  

Federal Home Loan Bank, 1.233%, (3 Month LIBOR plus (0.33)%), 3/13/18

     4,635,000        4,635  

Federal Home Loan Bank, 1.244%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus (0.14)%), 6/5/18

     3,200,000        3,200  

Federal Home Loan Bank, 1.257%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus (0.12)%), 10/3/18

     3,500,000        3,500  

Federal Home Loan Bank, 1.272%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus (0.10)%), 11/2/18

     10,000,000        10,000  

Federal Home Loan Bank, 1.281%, (3 Month LIBOR plus (0.11)%), 2/5/18

     3,000,000        3,000  

Federal Home Loan Bank, 1.320%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus (0.14)%), 4/13/18

     10,025,000        10,025  

Federal Home Loan Bank, 1.346%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus (0.15)%), 4/17/18

     4,425,000        4,425  

Federal Home Loan Bank, 1.353%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus (0.14)%), 5/18/18

     3,000,000        3,000  

Federal Home Loan Bank, 1.361%, (1 Month LIBOR plus (0.13)%), 11/16/18

     7,000,000        7,000  

Federal Home Loan Bank, 1.362%, (1 Month LIBOR plus (0.07)%), 2/11/19

     1,010,000        1,010  

Federal Home Loan Bank, 1.372%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus (0.06)%), 9/11/19

     4,000,000        4,000  

Federal Home Loan Bank, 1.375%, 3/9/18

     3,500,000        3,502  

Federal Home Loan Bank, 1.389%, (3 Month LIBOR plus (0.16)%), 6/12/19

     1,390,000        1,389  

Federal Home Loan Bank, 1.392%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus (0.14)%), 5/22/18

     5,000,000        5,000  

Federal Home Loan Bank, 1.392%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus (0.04)%), 7/9/18

     5,000,000        5,000  

Federal Home Loan Bank, 1.458%, (3 Month LIBOR plus (0.20)%), 3/22/18

     2,500,000        2,500  

Federal Home Loan Bank, 1.462%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus (0.09)%), 1/25/19

     3,650,000        3,650  

Federal Home Loan Bank, 1.465%, (3 Month LIBOR plus (0.16)%), 6/20/19

     1,600,000        1,600  

Federal Home Loan Bank, 1.466%, (3 Month LIBOR plus (0.16)%), 6/20/19

     1,950,000        1,950  
                               
Money Market Investments (100.2%)    Shares/
$ Par
     Value
$ (000’s)
 

US Government & Agencies continued

 

  

Federal Home Loan Bank, 1.473%, (3 Month LIBOR plus (0.14)%), 12/19/19

     1,770,000        1,770  

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp., 0.000%, 2/16/18

     1,015,000        1,014  

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp., 0.875%, 10/12/18

     2,785,000        2,769  

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp., 1.053%, (3 Month LIBOR plus (0.35)%), 5/9/18

     2,500,000        2,500  

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp., 1.319%, (3 Month LIBOR plus (0.03)%), 1/8/18

     2,145,000        2,145  

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp., 1.327%, (3 Month LIBOR plus (0.03)%), 1/12/18

     2,145,000        2,145  

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp., 1.330%, 6/27/18

     1,500,000        1,500  

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp., 1.543%, (3 Month LIBOR plus 0.02%), 3/8/18

     4,000,000        4,000  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 0.875%, 2/8/18

     2,500,000        2,499  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 0.875%, 3/28/18

     3,200,000        3,198  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 0.875%, 5/21/18

     2,955,000        2,951  

US Treasury, 0.000%, 4/5/18

     10,000,000        9,969  

US Treasury, 0.000%, 5/3/18

     5,000,000        4,979  

US Treasury, 0.000%, 5/31/18

     5,080,000        5,050  

US Treasury, 0.000%, 6/7/18

     6,740,000        6,697  

US Treasury, 0.000%, 6/14/18

     990,000        983  

US Treasury, 0.000%, 6/21/18

     320,000        318  

US Treasury, 0.000%, 6/28/18

     14,000,000        13,894  

US Treasury, 1.375%, 7/31/18

     2,005,000        2,004  

US Treasury, 2.375%, 6/30/18

     5,000,000        5,022  

US Treasury Floating Rate Note, 1.722%, (US Treasury 3 Month Bill Money Market Yield plus 0.27%), 1/31/18

     2,120,000        2,120  

US Treasury Note, 0.000%, 3/22/18

     3,375,000        3,366  

US Treasury Note, 0.000%, 3/29/18

     26,010,000        25,931  

US Treasury Note, 0.750%, 2/28/18

     5,670,000        5,669  
     

 

 

 

Total

        270,769  
     

 

 

 

Total Money Market Investments

     

(Cost: $440,406)

        440,406  
     

 

 

 

Total Investments (100.2%)

     

(Cost: $440,406)

        440,406  
     

 

 

 

Other Assets, Less

     

Liabilities (-0.2%)

        (968
     

 

 

 

Net Assets (100.0%)

        439,438  
     

 

 

 

 

# 7-Day yield as of December 31, 2017.
 

 

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

 

98   Government Money Market Portfolio  


Table of Contents

Government Money Market Portfolio

 

The following is a summary of the inputs used in valuing the Portfolio’s assets and liabilities at December 31, 2017. See Note 3 for additional information on portfolio valuation.

 

    Valuation Inputs      
Description   Level 1 –
Quoted Prices
     Level 2 –
Other Significant
Observable Inputs
     Level 3 –
Significant
Unobservable Inputs
     
    (Amounts in thousands)      

Assets:

         

Short-Term Investments

         

Money Market Funds

  $ 137      $ -        $ -      

All Others

    -          440,269        -      

Total Assets:

  $ 137      $ 440,269      $ -      

 

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

 

  Government Money Market Portfolio     99  


Table of Contents

Short-Term Bond Portfolio (unaudited)

 

 

Objective:    Portfolio Strategy:    Net Assets:

Provide as high a level of current income

as is consistent with prudent investment risk.

  

Invest in a diversified portfolio of investment

grade debt securities.

   $294 million

Portfolio Overview

Mason Street Advisors, LLC (“Mason Street Advisors”), the investment adviser for the Short-Term Bond Portfolio (the “Portfolio”), has engaged T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. (“T. Rowe Price”) to act as sub-adviser for the Portfolio. Normally, the Portfolio invests in a diversified portfolio of investment grade debt securities. The Portfolio may also invest up to 10% of net assets in non-investment grade, high yield/high risk bonds (so called “junk bonds”). Also, the Portfolio may invest up to 20% of net assets in foreign securities. Debt securities may be of any maturity, but under normal market conditions the Portfolio’s average effective maturity will not exceed three years. The Portfolio primarily invests in corporate, government and mortgage- and asset-backed securities. The Portfolio uses both a “top-down” and “bottom-up” investment approach to construct the portfolio of investments. The top-down investment approach involves an evaluation of the overall macroeconomic environment and its potential impact on the level and direction of interest rates. The bottom-up investment approach focuses on fundamental research of individual issuers.

Market Overview

For most of 2017, the yield curve flattened amid expectations of further rate increases in line with stronger economic growth. Short-term Treasury yields rose as the U.S. Federal Reserve (the “Fed”) raised its federal funds target rate three times during the year, while yields further out on the curve remained relatively unchanged. Muted inflation pressures and demand for duration supported the long end of the curve. Companies issued debt at a record pace. However, technical conditions remained healthy with strong demand, especially from foreign buyers, absorbing the supply. Corporate bonds outpaced U.S. Treasurys of similar maturities as credit spreads compressed amid tax reform, sustained global growth and generally strong corporate earnings. Asset-backed securities (“ABS”) and mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”) gained modestly. The ABS sector was supported by strong consumer fundamentals, while MBS benefited from the rise in rates that helped mitigate prepayment risk.

Portfolio Results

The Portfolio returned 1.33% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2017. By comparison, the Portfolio’s benchmark, the Bloomberg Barclays® 1–3 Year U.S. Government/Credit Index (the “Index”), returned 0.84%. (The Index is unmanaged, cannot be invested in directly and does not include administrative expenses.) According to Lipper® Analytical Services, Inc., an independent mutual fund ranking agency, the average return of the Short Investment Grade Debt Funds peer group was 1.22% for 2017.

Sector allocation was the primary driver of the Portfolio’s relative performance. The Portfolio’s strategic overweight allocation to short-dated, investment grade corporate debt and corresponding underweight to U.S. Treasury securities added to relative returns as risk assets rallied and investors sought higher yields. Out-of-benchmark exposure to securitized sectors—ABS, MBS and commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”)—further supported results. Yield curve positioning also contributed to relative performance. The Portfolio’s overweight allocation to the intermediate portion of the curve and modest out-of-benchmark exposure to longer maturities outperformed as the yield curve flattened over the period amid increased short-term rates and an uptick in growth expectations.

Corporate bond allocations, both investment grade and crossover bonds, contributed to the Portfolio’s relative results for the year. Solid demand from investors looking for additional yield, along with solid fundamentals, benefited short-maturity corporate bonds. As a result, the Portfolio’s significant overweight to corporates provided a meaningful contribution to relative results. Security selection within investment grade corporates was a modest drag on performance. Select bonds within the health care and automotive industries underperformed amid competitive pressures within the pharmaceutical industry and slowing auto sales.

Portfolio Manager Outlook

The following forward-looking comments are the opinion of T. Rowe Price, the Portfolio’s sub-adviser.

While uncertainties surrounding monetary policy and geopolitical risks could add to market volatility, the solid macroeconomic backdrop should remain supportive of the short-term bond market. Global liquidity and supportive financial conditions persist despite signs from global central bank officials that years of ultra-loose monetary policy may be coming to an end.

We believe that the Fed will continue to tighten monetary policy at a gradual pace so as not to derail the economic expansion and that it will clearly telegraph its moves to investors. While future rate increases could pressure short-term securities, we expect that investor demand for higher-yielding securities with lower duration risk should support the Portfolio.

 

100   Short-Term Bond Portfolio  


Table of Contents

Short-Term Bond Portfolio (unaudited)

 

 

While the backdrop for U.S. corporate bonds remains constructive—buoyed by decent earnings and expectations of economic growth—we will be on the lookout for potential events that challenge this thesis. As always, we strive to find value and seek out securities offering reasonable yields without taking on an inordinate level of risk. Our broad diversification and research-driven approach will help us identify segments of the asset class where valuations are disconnected from credit fundamentals while helping to limit exposure to sharp swings in the market.

 

Relative Performance

 

LOGO

 

Average Annual Total Returns
For Periods Ended December 31, 2017
 
      1 Year     5 Years     10 Years  

Short-Term Bond Portfolio

     1.33     0.93     2.06

Bloomberg Barclays® 1-3 Year U.S. Government/Credit Bond Index

     0.84     0.84     1.85

Lipper® Variable Insurance Products (VIP) Short Investment Grade Debt Funds Average

     1.22     0.58     1.42

The performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance is historical and does not guarantee future performance. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate, so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. For the most recent month-end performance information visit www.northwesternmutual.com

This chart assumes an initial investment of $10,000 made on 12/31/07. Returns shown reflect fee waivers, deductions for management and other portfolio expenses, and reinvestment of all dividends. In the absence of fee waivers, total return would be reduced. Returns exclude deductions for separate account sale loads and account fees. Please refer to the Benchmark Definitions section of this report for information about the indices cited in the above chart and graph.

Return of principal is not guaranteed. Bond funds have the same interest rate, inflation and credit risks that are associated with the underlying bonds owned by the Portfolio. When interest rates rise, bond prices fall. With a fixed income fund, when interest rates rise, the value of the fund’s existing bonds drops, which could negatively affect overall fund performance. A portion of the Portfolio’s assets may be invested in lower quality debt securities which may present a significant risk for loss of principal and interest. High yield bonds generally have greater price swings and higher default risks than investment grade bonds.    

Investing in bonds issued by foreign corporations and governments carries additional risk, including foreign currency risk, and may increase the volatility of the Portfolio’s performance.    

The Portfolio may invest in derivative instruments to adjust the Portfolio’s duration and yield curve exposure, to hedge foreign currency exposure or for any other permissible purpose keeping with its investment objective. Use of these instruments may involve certain costs and imposes certain risks such as liquidity risk, market risk, credit risk, management risk and the risk of mispricing or improper valuation. Certain derivatives involve leverage, which could magnify losses, and portfolios investing in derivatives could lose more than the principal amount invested in those instruments.    

Currently, interest rates remain at historically low levels on a relative basis, although the U.S. federal funds rate has been subject to modest increases over the course of the last two years. A significant rise in interest rates over a short period of time could cause significant losses in the market value of the Portfolio’s fixed income investments.

 

 

  Short-Term Bond Portfolio     101  


Table of Contents

Short-Term Bond Portfolio (unaudited)

 

 

Top 10 Fixed Income Holdings 12/31/17

 

Security Description

     % of Net Assets    

US Treasury, Various

     14.8 %     

Federal National Mortgage Association, Various

     3.4  

The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., Various

     1.1  

Morgan Stanley, Various

     1.0  

JPMorgan Chase & Co., Various

     0.9  

Bank of America Corp., Various

     0.8  

Daimler Finance North America LLC, Various

     0.7  

BellSouth Telecommunications LLC, 4.285%, 4/26/21

     0.7  

Penske Truck Leasing Co. LP / PTL Finance Corp., Various

     0.7  

Citigroup, Inc., Various

     0.7  

Sector Allocation 12/31/17

 

LOGO

Sector Allocation is based on Net Assets.

Sector Allocation and Top 10 Holdings are subject to change.

Consistent with the Portfolio’s stated parameters, no more than 20% of the Portfolio is invested in foreign securities, and no more than 10% is invested in high yield securities.

    

 

 

102   Short-Term Bond Portfolio  


Table of Contents

Short-Term Bond Portfolio

 

Schedule of Investments

December 31, 2017

 

                               
Corporate Bonds (47.2%)   Shares/
$ Par
    Value
$ (000’s)
 

Basic Materials (1.9%)

 

 

Anglo American Capital PLC, 3.625%, 5/14/20 144A

    290,000       295  

Anglo American Capital PLC, 9.375%, 4/8/19 144A

    725,000       786  

Goldcorp, Inc., 2.125%, 3/15/18 (b)

    935,000       936  

INVISTA Finance LLC, 4.250%, 10/15/19 144A

    515,000       522  

LyondellBasell Industries NV, 5.000%, 4/15/19

    199,000       204  

LyondellBasell Industries NV, 6.000%, 11/15/21

    280,000       311  

Sherwin-Williams Co., 2.250%, 5/15/20 (b)

    1,395,000       1,390  

Solvay Finance America LLC, 3.400%, 12/3/20 144A

    415,000       424  

Westlake Chemical Corp., 4.625%, 2/15/21

    575,000       589  
   

 

 

 

Total

      5,457  
   

 

 

 

Communications (4.0%)

 

 

Alibaba Group Holding, Ltd., 2.500%, 11/28/19 (b)

    870,000       873  

AT&T, Inc., 2.300%, 3/11/19 (b)

    625,000       626  

Baidu, Inc., 2.750%, 6/9/19 (b)

    590,000       591  

BellSouth Telecommunications LLC, 4.285%, 4/26/21 144A(b)

    2,035,000       2,049  

British Telecommunications PLC, 2.350%, 2/14/19

    250,000       250  

Charter Communications Operating LLC / Charter Communications Operating Capital Corp., 3.579%, 7/23/20 (b)

    630,000       642  

Crown Castle Towers LLC, 6.113%, 1/15/40 144A(b)

    815,000       859  

Discovery Communications LLC, 2.200%, 9/20/19

    265,000       264  

eBay, Inc., 2.150%, 6/5/20

    375,000       372  

The Interpublic Group of Cos., Inc., 4.000%, 3/15/22

    155,000       160  

JD.com, Inc., 3.125%, 4/29/21 (b)

    720,000       718  

Neptune Finco Corp., 10.875%, 10/15/25 144A

    337,000       400  

Omnicom Group, Inc., 4.450%, 8/15/20

    55,000       58  

Omnicom Group, Inc., 6.250%, 7/15/19 (b)

    615,000       650  

The Priceline Group, Inc., 2.750%, 3/15/23

    150,000       149  

Telefonica Emisiones SAU, 3.192%, 4/27/18

    400,000       401  

Tencent Holdings, Ltd., 2.875%, 2/11/20 144A

    200,000       201  

Tencent Holdings, Ltd., 3.375%, 5/2/19 144A

    520,000       526  

Time Warner Cable, Inc., 2.100%, 6/1/19

    250,000       250  

Time Warner Cable, Inc., 8.250%, 4/1/19

    445,000       476  

Time Warner Cable, Inc., 8.750%, 2/14/19

    490,000       522  

Viacom, Inc., 2.750%, 12/15/19

    553,000       552  

Viacom, Inc., 5.625%, 9/15/19

    245,000       256  
   

 

 

 

Total

      11,845  
   

 

 

 

Consumer, Cyclical (3.9%)

 

 

American Honda Finance Corp., 2.125%, 10/10/18

    250,000       250  

Aptiv PLC, 3.150%, 11/19/20

    510,000       518  

AutoZone, Inc., 1.625%, 4/21/19

    65,000       65  

Brinker International, Inc., 2.600%, 5/15/18 (b)

    735,000       735  

CVS Health Corp., 1.900%, 7/20/18

    460,000       460  

CVS Health Corp., 2.250%, 12/5/18

    250,000       250  

D.R. Horton, Inc., 2.550%, 12/1/20

    240,000       240  

Daimler Finance North America LLC, 1.750%, 10/30/19 144A

    480,000       474  

Daimler Finance North America LLC, 2.237%, (3 Month LIBOR plus 0.86%), 8/1/18 144A(b)

    850,000       853  
                               
Corporate Bonds (47.2%)    Shares/
$ Par
     Value
$ (000’s)
 

Consumer, Cyclical continued

 

  

Daimler Finance North America LLC, 2.300%, 2/12/21 144A(b)

     705,000        699  

Daimler Finance North America LLC, 2.375%, 8/1/18 144A

     125,000        125  

Delta Air Lines, Inc., 2.875%, 3/13/20

     295,000        297  

Ford Motor Credit Co. LLC, 2.021%, 5/3/19

     455,000        453  

Ford Motor Credit Co. LLC, 2.375%, 1/16/18

     250,000        250  

Ford Motor Credit Co. LLC, 2.551%, 10/5/18 (b)

     630,000        632  

General Motors Financial Co., Inc., 3.100%, 1/15/19

     580,000        583  

GLP Capital LP / GLP Financing II, Inc., 4.375%, 11/1/18 (b)

     1,036,000        1,044  

Hyundai Capital America, 2.000%, 7/1/19 144A

     215,000        212  

Hyundai Capital America, 2.400%, 10/30/18 144A

     400,000        400  

Hyundai Capital America, 2.500%, 3/18/19 144A(b)

     1,020,000        1,017  

Newell Rubbermaid, Inc., 2.150%, 10/15/18

     375,000        375  

Newell Rubbermaid, Inc., 2.600%, 3/29/19

     133,000        134  

Nissan Motor Acceptance Corp., 1.550%, 9/13/19 144A

     340,000        336  

QVC, Inc., 3.125%, 4/1/19

     325,000        326  

Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd., 2.650%, 11/28/20

     125,000        125  

Southwest Airlines Co., 2.750%, 11/6/19

     280,000        282  

Toyota Motor Credit Corp., 1.450%, 1/12/18

     395,000        395  
     

 

 

 

Total

        11,530  
     

 

 

 

Consumer, Non-cyclical (6.1%)

 

  

Abbott Laboratories, 2.350%, 11/22/19 (b)

     1,115,000        1,115  

Abbott Laboratories, 2.900%, 11/30/21

     480,000        486  

AbbVie, Inc., 1.800%, 5/14/18

     575,000        575  

AbbVie, Inc., 2.300%, 5/14/21

     375,000        372  

Allergan Funding SCS, 2.350%, 3/12/18 (b)

     625,000        625  

Allergan Funding SCS, 2.450%, 6/15/19

     100,000        100  

Anthem, Inc., 1.875%, 1/15/18

     100,000        100  

Anthem, Inc., 2.250%, 8/15/19

     500,000        499  

Anthem, Inc., 2.300%, 7/15/18

     435,000        436  

Anthem, Inc., 2.500%, 11/21/20

     105,000        105  

BAT Capital Corp., 2.297%, 8/14/20 144A(b)

     750,000        746  

Baxalta, Inc., 2.000%, 6/22/18

     80,000        80  

Baxalta, Inc., 2.438%, (3 Month LIBOR plus 0.78%), 6/22/18

     225,000        225  

Bayer US Finance LLC, 2.375%, 10/8/19 144A

     440,000        440  

Becton, Dickinson and Co., 2.675%, 12/15/19

     530,000        532  

Biogen, Inc., 2.900%, 9/15/20

     230,000        233  

Boral Finance Pty, Ltd., 3.000%, 11/1/22 144A

     65,000        64  

Bunge, Ltd. Finance Corp., 3.500%, 11/24/20

     235,000        240  

Bunge, Ltd. Finance Corp., 8.500%, 6/15/19

     190,000        206  

Celgene Corp., 2.250%, 5/15/19

     340,000        340  

Coca-Cola Femsa, SAB de CV, 2.375%, 11/26/18

     145,000        145  

Danone SA, 1.691%, 10/30/19 144A(b)

     1,070,000        1,057  

Equifax, Inc., 2.300%, 6/1/21

     150,000        146  

ERAC USA Finance LLC, 2.350%, 10/15/19 144A

     50,000        50  

ERAC USA Finance LLC, 2.800%, 11/1/18 144A

     325,000        327  

Express Scripts Holding Co., 2.229%, (3 Month LIBOR plus 0.75%), 11/30/20 (b)

     750,000        750  
 

 

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

 

  Short-Term Bond Portfolio     103  


Table of Contents

Short-Term Bond Portfolio

 

                               
Corporate Bonds (47.2%)   Shares/
$ Par
    Value
$ (000’s)
 

Consumer, Non-cyclical continued

 

 

Express Scripts Holding Co., 2.250%, 6/15/19

    70,000       70  

HCA, Inc., 3.750%, 3/15/19

    290,000       293  

HPHT Finance 15, Ltd., 2.250%, 3/17/18 144A(b)

    644,000       644  

Humana, Inc., 2.625%, 10/1/19

    190,000       191  

Imperial Tobacco Finance PLC,
2.050%, 2/11/18 144A(b)

    1,335,000       1,335  

Johnson & Johnson, 1.950%, 11/10/20

    225,000       224  

The Kroger Co., 1.500%, 9/30/19

    212,000       209  

The Kroger Co., 2.300%, 1/15/19

    165,000       165  

McKesson Corp., 1.400%, 3/15/18

    275,000       275  

Medco Health Solutions, Inc., 4.125%, 9/15/20

    325,000       337  

Reynolds American, Inc., 2.300%, 6/12/18

    355,000       355  

Reynolds American, Inc., 8.125%, 6/23/19

    160,000       173  

S&P Global, Inc., 2.500%, 8/15/18

    105,000       105  

Shire Acquisitions Investments Ireland Designated Activity Co., 1.900%, 9/23/19 (b)

    1,335,000       1,323  

Teva Pharmaceutical Finance Netherlands III BV, 1.400%, 7/20/18 (b)

    860,000       854  

Teva Pharmaceutical Finance Netherlands III BV, 1.700%, 7/19/19 (b)

    890,000       865  

Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc., 2.400%, 2/1/19

    65,000       65  

Tyson Foods, Inc., 2.250%, 8/23/21

    280,000       276  
   

 

 

 

Total

      17,753  
   

 

 

 

Energy (3.8%)

 

 

Canadian Natural Resources, Ltd., 1.750%, 1/15/18

    265,000       265  

China Shenhua Overseas Capital Co., Ltd., 2.500%, 1/20/18 (b)

    1,005,000       1,005  

China Shenhua Overseas Capital Co., Ltd., 3.125%, 1/20/20 (b)

    785,000       787  

Columbia Pipeline Group, Inc., 2.450%, 6/1/18

    210,000       210  

EnCana Corp., 6.500%, 5/15/19

    240,000       252  

Enterprise Products Operating LLC, 6.500%, 1/31/19

    250,000       261  

Exxon Mobil Corp., 1.305%, 3/6/18 (b)

    780,000       779  

Exxon Mobil Corp., 1.878%, (3 Month LIBOR plus 0.37%), 3/6/22 (b)

    1,110,000       1,118  

Hess Corp., 8.125%, 2/15/19

    105,000       111  

Kinder Morgan Energy Partners LP, 5.950%, 2/15/18

    305,000       306  

Kinder Morgan Finance Co. LLC, 6.000%, 1/15/18 144A

    320,000       321  

NuStar Logistics, LP, 8.400%, 4/15/18 (b)

    1,120,000       1,138  

ONEOK Partners LP, 3.200%, 9/15/18 (b)

    955,000       961  

Panhandle Eastern Pipe Line Co. LP, 7.000%, 6/15/18

    460,000       470  

Petroleos Mexicanos, 3.500%, 7/23/20

    580,000       588  

Phillips 66, 2.009%, (3 Month LIBOR plus 0.65%), 4/15/19 144A

    245,000       245  

Plains All American Pipeline LP / PAA Finance Corp., 5.000%, 2/1/21

    220,000       231  

Plains All American Pipeline LP / PAA Finance Corp., 5.750%, 1/15/20

    205,000       216  

Sabine Pass Liquefaction LLC, 5.625%, 2/1/21

    470,000       504  

Spectra Energy Partners LP, 2.950%, 9/25/18

    560,000       563  

Total Capital Canada, Ltd., 1.450%, 1/15/18

    250,000       250  

Total Capital SA, 2.125%, 8/10/18

    250,000       251  
                               
Corporate Bonds (47.2%)   Shares/
$ Par
    Value
$ (000’s)
 

Energy continued

 

 

Valero Energy Corp., 9.375%, 3/15/19

    350,000       379  
   

 

 

 

Total

      11,211  
   

 

 

 

Financial (17.4%)

 

 

ABN AMRO Bank NV, 2.100%, 1/18/19 144A(b)

    805,000       804  

AerCap Ireland Capital, Ltd. / AerCap Global Aviation Trust, 3.950%, 2/1/22

    475,000       489  

AIA Group, Ltd., 2.250%, 3/11/19 144A

    200,000       199  

Air Lease Corp., 2.125%, 1/15/18

    185,000       185  

Air Lease Corp., 2.125%, 1/15/20

    570,000       566  

Ally Financial, Inc., 3.250%, 11/5/18 (b)

    610,000       612  

Ally Financial, Inc., 3.500%, 1/27/19 (b)

    825,000       829  

American Campus Communities Operating Partnership LP, 3.350%, 10/1/20

    390,000       398  

American Express Credit Corp., 2.200%, 3/3/20 (b)

    700,000       698  

ANZ New Zealand International, Ltd., 2.200%, 7/17/20 144A

    380,000       378  

Aon PLC, 2.800%, 3/15/21

    570,000       572  

Banco de Credito del Peru, 2.250%, 10/25/19 144A

    200,000       200  

Banco Santander Chile, 2.500%, 12/15/20 144A(b)

    860,000       858  

Bank of America Corp., 1.971%, (3 Month LIBOR plus 0.65%), 10/1/21

    420,000       422  

Bank of America Corp., 2.000%, 1/11/18 (b)

    600,000       600  

Bank of America Corp., 2.503%, 10/21/22

    280,000       277  

Bank of America Corp., 2.523%, (3 Month LIBOR plus 1.16%), 1/20/23 (b)

    665,000       679  

Bank of America Corp., 2.625%, 4/19/21

    315,000       317  

Bank of Montreal, 1.750%, 9/11/19 (b)

    1,100,000       1,091  

The Bank of New York Mellon Corp., 1.350%, 3/6/18

    250,000       250  

The Bank of New York Mellon Corp., 2.200%, 3/4/19

    125,000       125  

The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd.,
1.700%, 3/5/18 144A(b)

    1,145,000       1,145  

Banque Federative du Credit Mutuel SA,
2.000%, 4/12/19 144A(b)

    795,000       792  

Barclays PLC, 2.975%, (3 Month LIBOR plus 1.63%), 1/10/23 (b)

    690,000       709  

BB&T Corp., 2.150%, 2/1/21

    550,000       545  

Bestgain Real Estate, Ltd., 2.625%, 3/13/18 (b)

    1,655,000       1,654  

BPCE SA, 2.500%, 12/10/18 (b)

    1,200,000       1,203  

BPCE SA, 2.666%, (3 Month LIBOR plus 1.22%), 5/22/22 144A

    280,000       284  

Brixmor Operating Partnership LP, 3.875%, 8/15/22

    80,000       82  

Capital One Financial Corp., 2.350%, 1/31/20

    455,000       454  

Capital One Financial Corp., 2.400%, 10/30/20

    230,000       229  

Capital One NA, 1.850%, 9/13/19 (b)

    655,000       649  

Capital One NA, 2.350%, 8/17/18

    260,000       260  

Chicago Board Options Exchange, Inc., 1.950%, 6/28/19

    285,000       283  

Chubb INA Holdings, Inc., 5.800%, 3/15/18

    250,000       252  

Citibank NA, 2.125%, 10/20/20

    405,000       401  

Citigroup, Inc., 1.750%, 5/1/18

    350,000       350  

Citigroup, Inc., 2.050%, 6/7/19

    235,000       234  

Citigroup, Inc., 2.140%, (3 Month LIBOR plus 0.79%), 1/10/20 (b)

    680,000       684  

Citigroup, Inc., 2.900%, 12/8/21 (b)

    675,000       679  

Citizens Bank NA, 2.500%, 3/14/19

    525,000       526  
 

 

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

 

104   Short-Term Bond Portfolio  


Table of Contents

Short-Term Bond Portfolio

 

                               
Corporate Bonds (47.2%)   Shares/
$ Par
    Value
$ (000’s)
 

Financial continued

 

 

Citizens Bank NA, 2.550%, 5/13/21

    250,000       249  

Citizens Financial Group, Inc., 2.250%, 3/2/20

    565,000       562  

Citizens Financial Group, Inc., 2.375%, 7/28/21

    35,000       35  

CNA Financial Corp., 6.950%, 1/15/18

    130,000       130  

CNO Financial Group, Inc., 4.500%, 5/30/20

    140,000       144  

Commonwealth Bank of Australia, 1.750%, 11/2/18 (b)

    918,000       916  

The Credit Mutuel-CM11 Group, 2.200%, 7/20/20 144A

    435,000       432  

Crown Castle International Corp., 2.250%, 9/1/21

    195,000       192  

Crown Castle International Corp., 3.400%, 2/15/21

    385,000       393  

Danske Bank A/S, 2.200%, 3/2/20 144A(b)

    620,000       617  

Discover Bank, 2.000%, 2/21/18

    515,000       515  

Discover Bank, 2.600%, 11/13/18 (b)

    590,000       592  

First Niagara Financial Group, Inc., 7.250%, 12/15/21

    155,000       178  

The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., 1.950%, 7/23/19

    240,000       239  

The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., 2.160%, (3 Month LIBOR plus 0.78%), 10/31/22

    330,000       330  

The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., 2.300%, 12/13/19

    370,000       370  

The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., 2.481%, (3 Month LIBOR plus 1.11%), 4/26/22

    520,000       526  

The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., 2.750%, 9/15/20

    95,000       95  

The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., 5.375%, 3/15/20

    195,000       207  

The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., 6.000%, 6/15/20

    60,000       65  

The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., 6.150%, 4/1/18 (b)

    1,430,000       1,445  

HBOS PLC, 6.750%, 5/21/18 144A

    300,000       305  

The Huntington National Bank, 2.200%, 11/6/18 (b)

    1,175,000       1,176  

ING Groep NV, 2.483%, (3 Month LIBOR plus 1.15%), 3/29/22

    335,000       341  

Intesa Sanpaolo, 3.875%, 1/15/19

    425,000       431  

JPMorgan Chase & Co., 1.625%, 5/15/18

    250,000       250  

JPMorgan Chase & Co., 1.800%, 1/25/18 (b)

    850,000       850  

JPMorgan Chase & Co., 2.086%, (3 Month LIBOR plus 0.55%), 3/9/21 (b)

    675,000       677  

JPMorgan Chase & Co., 2.350%, 1/28/19

    250,000       250  

JPMorgan Chase & Co., 4.250%, 10/15/20

    200,000       210  

JPMorgan Chase & Co., 4.400%, 7/22/20

    105,000       110  

JPMorgan Chase & Co., 4.950%, 3/25/20

    150,000       158  

Kimco Realty Corp., 6.875%, 10/1/19

    215,000       231  

Marsh & McLennan Cos., Inc., 2.550%, 10/15/18

    160,000       161  

Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc., 2.366%,
(3 Month LIBOR plus 0.92%), 2/22/22

    390,000       393  

Mizuho Bank, 2.150%, 10/20/18 144A

    245,000       245  

Morgan Stanley, 2.125%, 4/25/18 (b)

    1,890,000       1,890  

Morgan Stanley, 5.500%, 1/26/20

    240,000       254  

Morgan Stanley, 5.500%, 7/24/20

    235,000       252  

Morgan Stanley, 6.625%, 4/1/18

    325,000       329  

Morgan Stanley, 7.300%, 5/13/19

    250,000       266  

Nationwide Building Society, 2.350%, 1/21/20 144A

    340,000       340  

New York Life Global Funding, 1.550%, 11/2/18 144A

    525,000       523  

PNC Bank NA, 2.450%, 11/5/20

    425,000       426  

Principal Life Global Funding II, 1.500%, 4/18/19 144A

    240,000       238  
                               
Corporate Bonds (47.2%)   Shares/
$ Par
    Value
$ (000’s)
 

Financial continued

 

 

Principal Life Global Funding II, 2.200%, 4/8/20 144A

    445,000       443  

Principal Life Global Funding II, 2.250%, 10/15/18 144A

    250,000       250  

Provident Cos., Inc., 7.000%, 7/15/18

    125,000       128  

Regions Bank, 2.250%, 9/14/18

    270,000       270  

Regions Bank, 7.500%, 5/15/18

    250,000       255  

Reinsurance Group of America, Inc., 6.450%, 11/15/19

    540,000       578  

Santander UK Group Holdings PLC., 2.875%, 10/16/20

    145,000       145  

Santander UK PLC, 2.125%, 11/3/20

    430,000       427  

Simon Property Group LP, 1.500%, 2/1/18 144A

    250,000       250  

Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB, 1.500%, 9/13/19 (b)

    680,000       671  

Standard Chartered PLC, 2.100%, 8/19/19 144A

    200,000       199  

Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp., 1.762%, 10/19/18

    250,000       250  

Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp., 1.950%, 9/19/19 144A

    290,000       288  

SunTrust Banks, Inc., 2.350%, 11/1/18

    465,000       466  

Swedbank AB, 1.750%, 3/12/18 144A(b)

    1,100,000       1,099  

The Toronto-Dominion Bank, 2.625%, 9/10/18

    350,000       351  

Trininty Acquisition PLC, 3.500%, 9/15/21

    145,000       148  

UBS Group Funding AG, 2.682%, (3 Month LIBOR plus 1.22%), 5/23/23 144A

    415,000       422  

UBS Group Funding Jersey, Ltd., 2.950%, 9/24/20 144A

    255,000       258  

UBS Group Funding Jersey, Ltd., 3.000%, 4/15/21 144A

    385,000       388  

UNUM Group, 3.000%, 5/15/21 (b)

    620,000       624  

Ventas Realty LP / Ventas Capital Corp., 4.000%, 4/30/19

    435,000       443  

VEREIT Operating Partnership LP, 3.000%, 2/6/19 (b)

    1,205,000       1,211  

WEA Finance LLC / Westfield UK & Europe Finance PLC, 2.700%, 9/17/19 144A

    405,000       407  

WEA Finance LLC / Westfield UK & Europe Finance PLC, 3.250%, 10/5/20 144A

    240,000       244  

XLIT, Ltd., 2.300%, 12/15/18

    430,000       430  
   

 

 

 

Total

      51,147  
   

 

 

 

Industrial (4.8%)

 

 

Bohai Capital Holding Co., Ltd., 3.625%, 3/15/21 144A(b)

    690,000       664  

Burlington Northern Santa Fe LLC, 5.750%, 3/15/18 (b)

    750,000       756  

DAE Funding LLC, 4.000%, 8/1/20 144A

    360,000       364  

Fortive Corp., 1.800%, 6/15/19

    65,000       65  

GATX Corp., 2.375%, 7/30/18

    525,000       525  

GATX Corp., 2.500%, 7/30/19

    315,000       314  

GATX Corp., 2.600%, 3/30/20

    335,000       335  

Harris Corp., 1.999%, 4/27/18 (b)

    755,000       754  

Honeywell International, Inc., 1.800%, 10/30/19

    505,000       502  

Kansas City Southern, 2.350%, 5/15/20 (b)

    715,000       712  

Keysight Technologies, Inc., 3.300%, 10/30/19 (b)

    1,220,000       1,231  

Martin Marietta Materials, Inc., 2.096%, (3 Month LIBOR plus 0.65%), 5/22/20

    150,000       151  
 

 

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

 

  Short-Term Bond Portfolio     105  


Table of Contents

Short-Term Bond Portfolio

 

                               
Corporate Bonds (47.2%)   Shares/
$ Par
    Value
$ (000’s)
 

Industrial continued

 

 

Martin Marietta Materials, Inc., 2.125%, (3 Month LIBOR plus 0.50%), 12/20/19

    295,000       296  

Packaging Corp. of America, 2.450%, 12/15/20

    270,000       270  

Penske Truck Leasing Co. LP / PTL Finance Corp., 2.500%, 6/15/19 144A

    105,000       105  

Penske Truck Leasing Co. LP / PTL Finance Corp., 2.875%, 7/17/18 144A(b)

    1,175,000       1,180  

Penske Truck Leasing Co. LP / PTL Finance Corp., 3.375%, 3/15/18 144A(b)

    705,000       707  

Republic Services, Inc., 5.500%, 9/15/19

    250,000       263  

Rockwell Collins, Inc., 1.950%, 7/15/19

    205,000       204  

Roper Industries, Inc., 2.050%, 10/1/18 (b)

    865,000       865  

Roper Technologies, Inc., 3.000%, 12/15/20

    90,000       91  

SBA Tower Trust, 2.240%, 4/9/43 144A

    180,000       180  

SBA Tower Trust, 2.877%, 7/10/46 144A

    155,000       154  

SBA Tower Trust, 3.156%, 10/10/45 144A(b)

    635,000       640  

SBA Tower Trust, 3.168%, 4/9/47 144A

    390,000       388  

SBA Tower Trust, 3.598%, 4/9/43 144A

    115,000       115  

Stanley Black & Decker, Inc., 1.622%, 11/17/18

    65,000       65  

Stanley Black & Decker, Inc., 2.451%, 11/17/18 (b)

    1,155,000       1,159  

Union Pacific Corp., 2.250%, 2/15/19

    85,000       85  

United Parcel Service, Inc., 2.500%, 4/1/23

    485,000       482  

Vulcan Materials Co., 2.188%, (3 Month LIBOR plus 0.60%), 6/15/20

    365,000       365  
   

 

 

 

Total

      13,987  
   

 

 

 

Technology (2.1%)

 

 

Apple, Inc., 1.800%, 11/13/19 (b)

    690,000       687  

Broadcom Corp. / Broadcom Cayman Finance, Ltd., 2.375%, 1/15/20 144A(b)

    750,000       745  

Broadcom Corp. / Broadcom Cayman Finance, Ltd., 3.000%, 1/15/22 144A(b)

    700,000       694  

DXC Technology Co., 2.431%, (3 Month LIBOR plus 0.95%), 3/1/21 (b)

    880,000       882  

DXC Technology Co., 2.875%, 3/27/20

    445,000       447  

Fidelity National Information Services, Inc., 2.250%, 8/15/21

    490,000       482  

Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co., 2.100%, 10/4/19 144A

    280,000       278  

Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co., 2.850%, 10/5/18

    425,000       427  

QUALCOMM, Inc., 2.100%, 5/20/20

    280,000       279  

Seagate HDD Cayman, 3.750%, 11/15/18

    410,000       416  

Xerox Corp., 2.750%, 3/15/19

    295,000       295  

Xerox Corp., 5.625%, 12/15/19

    525,000       552  
   

 

 

 

Total

      6,184  
   

 

 

 

Utilities (3.2%)

 

 

CMS Energy Corp., 8.750%, 6/15/19

    117,000       127  

Commonwealth Edison Co., 2.150%, 1/15/19

    250,000       250  

Dominion Energy, Inc., 2.579%, 7/1/20

    185,000       185  

Dominion Resources, Inc., 1.500%, 9/30/18 144A

    315,000       314  

Dominion Resources, Inc., 1.875%, 1/15/19

    225,000       224  

Dominion Resources, Inc., 2.125%, 2/15/18 144A

    465,000       465  

Dominion Resources, Inc., 2.962%, 7/1/19

    145,000       146  

Dominion Resources, Inc., 5.200%, 8/15/19

    150,000       157  

Duke Energy Corp., 2.100%, 6/15/18

    115,000       115  
                               
Corporate Bonds (47.2%)   Shares/
$ Par
    Value
$ (000’s)
 

Utilities continued

 

 

Enel Finance International NV, 2.875%, 5/25/22 144A

    535,000       534  

Eversource Energy, 1.450%, 5/1/18

    105,000       105  

Exelon Generation Co. LLC, 2.950%, 1/15/20

    365,000       369  

Exelon Generation Co. LLC, 5.200%, 10/1/19

    21,000       22  

FirstEnergy Corp., 2.850%, 7/15/22

    320,000       317  

MidAmerican Energy Co., 2.400%, 3/15/19

    500,000       502  

Municipality of Beijing China, 2.750%, 9/26/20

    385,000       382  

NextEra Energy Capital Holdings, Inc., 1.649%, 9/1/18

    190,000       189  

NextEra Energy Capital Holdings, Inc., 2.300%, 4/1/19

    165,000       165  

NiSource Finance Corp., 6.800%, 1/15/19

    78,000       82  

Origin Energy Finance, Ltd., 3.500%, 10/9/18 144A(b)

    790,000       795  

PPL Capital Funding, Inc., 1.900%, 6/1/18 (b)

    590,000       589  

Public Service Electric & Gas Co., 2.300%, 9/15/18

    400,000       400  

San Diego Gas & Electric Co., 1.914%, 2/1/22

    138,215       135  

Sempra Energy, 6.150%, 6/15/18

    250,000       255  

The Southern Co., 1.550%, 7/1/18

    165,000       165  

The Southern Co., 1.850%, 7/1/19

    575,000       571  

The Southern Co., 2.350%, 7/1/21

    125,000       124  

Southern Electric Generating Co., 2.200%, 12/1/18 144A

    140,000       140  

State Grid Overseas Investment 2016, Ltd., 2.250%, 5/4/20 144A(b)

    1,030,000       1,020  

TECO Finance, Inc., 1.950%, (3 Month LIBOR plus 0.60%), 4/10/18 (b)

    590,000       590  
   

 

 

 

Total

      9,434  
   

 

 

 

Total Corporate Bonds

   

(Cost: $138,577)

      138,548  
   

 

 

 
Governments (15.3%)              

Governments (15.3%)

 

 

Province of Ontario Canada, 2.000%, 9/27/18

    1,000,000       1,000  

State of Qatar, 2.099%, 1/18/18

    420,000       420  

US Treasury, 0.875%, 6/15/19

    3,105,000       3,061  

US Treasury, 1.000%, 11/15/19

    16,780,000       16,508  

US Treasury, 1.250%, 5/31/19

    1,080,000       1,071  

US Treasury, 1.250%, 1/31/20

    2,900,000       2,861  

US Treasury, 1.375%, 9/15/20

    2,870,000       2,829  

US Treasury, 1.375%, 5/31/21

    1,000,000       978  

US Treasury, 1.500%, 6/15/20

    3,460,000       3,425  

US Treasury, 1.625%, 11/30/20

    5,605,000       5,548  

US Treasury, 1.750%, 9/30/19

    450,000       449  

US Treasury Note, 1.875%, 12/15/20

    6,845,000       6,825  
   

 

 

 

Total Governments

   

(Cost: $45,319)

      44,975  
   

 

 

 
Municipal Bonds (0.2%)              

Municipal Bonds (0.2%)

 

 

Florida State Board of Administration Finance Corp., 2.163%, 7/1/19 RB

    475,000       474  
 

 

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

 

106   Short-Term Bond Portfolio  


Table of Contents

Short-Term Bond Portfolio

 

                               
Municipal Bonds (0.2%)   Shares/
$ Par
    Value
$ (000’s)
 

Municipal Bonds continued

 

 

State Board of Administration Finance Corp., Series 2013A, 2.107%, 7/1/18 RB

    190,000       190  
   

 

 

 

Total Municipal Bonds

   

(Cost: $665)

      664  
   

 

 

 
Structured Products (35.3%)              

Asset Backed Securities (21.0%)

 

 

AEP Texas Central Transition Funding LLC, Series 2006-A, Class A4, 5.170%, 1/1/18

    112,067       112  

Ally Auto Receivables Trust, Series 2014-1, Class C, 2.040%, 12/15/19

    75,000       75  

Ally Auto Receivables Trust, Series 2014-1, Class D, 2.480%, 2/15/21

    75,000       75  

Ally Auto Receivables Trust, Series 2015-2, Class C, 2.410%, 1/15/21 144A

    505,000       506  

Ally Auto Receivables Trust, Series 2016-1, Class D, 2.840%, 9/15/22

    180,000       181  

Ally Auto Receivables Trust, Series 2017-2, Class C, 2.460%, 9/15/22

    70,000       70  

Ally Auto Receivables Trust, Series 2017-2, Class D, 2.930%, 11/15/23

    95,000       94  

Ally Master Owner Trust, Series 2015-3, Class A, 1.630%, 5/15/20

    1,195,000       1,194  

Ally Master Owner Trust, Series 2017-2, Class A, 1.817%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.34%), 6/15/21

    95,000       95  

Ally Master Owner Trust, Series 2017-3, Class A1, 1.907%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.43%), 6/15/22

    75,000       75  

AmeriCredit Automobile Receivables Trust, Series 14-3, Class D, 3.130%, 10/8/20

    445,000       449  

AmeriCredit Automobile Receivables Trust, Series 2014-1, Class E, 3.580%, 8/9/21 144A

    175,000       177  

AmeriCredit Automobile Receivables Trust, Series 2014-2, Class E, 3.370%, 11/8/21 144A

    375,000       378  

AmeriCredit Automobile Receivables Trust, Series 2014-3, Class C, 2.580%, 9/8/20

    520,000       522  

AmeriCredit Automobile Receivables Trust, Series 2014-3, Class E, 3.720%, 3/8/22 144A

    170,000       172  

AmeriCredit Automobile Receivables Trust, Series 2014-4, Class C, 2.470%, 11/9/20

    220,000       221  

AmeriCredit Automobile Receivables Trust, Series 2014-4, Class E, 3.660%, 3/8/22

    150,000       151  

AmeriCredit Automobile Receivables Trust, Series 2015-1, Class A3, 1.260%, 11/8/19

    12,459       12  

AmeriCredit Automobile Receivables Trust, Series 2015-2, Class A3, 1.270%, 1/8/20

    50,373       50  

AmeriCredit Automobile Receivables Trust, Series 2015-2, Class D, 3.000%, 6/8/21

    245,000       247  

AmeriCredit Automobile Receivables Trust, Series 2015-3, Class D, 3.340%, 8/8/21

    310,000       314  

AmeriCredit Automobile Receivables Trust, Series 2015-4, Class A3, 1.700%, 7/8/20

    143,260       143  

AmeriCredit Automobile Receivables Trust, Series 2016-1, Class A3, 1.810%, 10/8/20

    60,777       61  
                               
Structured Products (35.3%)   Shares/
$ Par
    Value
$ (000’s)
 

Asset Backed Securities continued

 

 

AmeriCredit Automobile Receivables Trust, Series 2016-1, Class C, 2.890%, 1/10/22

    1,120,000       1,128  

AmeriCredit Automobile Receivables Trust, Series 2016-3, Class D, 2.710%, 9/8/22

    380,000       377  

Americredit Automobile Receivables Trust, Series 2016-4, Class A3, 1.530%, 7/8/21

    385,000       382  

AmeriCredit Automobile Receivables Trust, Series 2017-1, Class C, 2.710%, 8/18/22

    175,000       175  

AmeriCredit Automobile Receivables Trust, Series 2017-3, Class B, 2.240%, 6/19/23

    185,000       183  

AmeriCredit Automobile Receivables Trust, Series 2017-3, Class C, 2.690%, 6/19/23

    195,000       195  

ARI Fleet Lease Trust, Series 2015-A, Class A2, 1.110%, 11/15/18 144A

    14,243       14  

ARI Fleet Lease Trust, Series 2015-A, Class A3, 1.670%, 9/15/23 144A

    520,000       518  

ARI Fleet Lease Trust, Series 2016-A, Class A2, 1.820%, 7/15/24 144A

    231,213       231  

ARI Fleet Lease Trust, Series 2017-A, Class A2, 1.910%, 4/15/26 144A

    135,000       135  

ARI Fleet Lease Trust, Series 2017-A, Class A3, 2.280%, 4/15/26 144A

    700,000       696  

Ascentium Equipment Receivables Trust LLC, Series 2015-2A, Class A3, 1.930%, 3/11/19 144A

    182,411       182  

Ascentium Equipment Receivables Trust LLC, Series 2016-1A, Class A2, 1.750%, 11/13/18 144A

    25,271       25  

Ascentium Equipment Receivables Trust LLC, Series 2016-2A, Class A2, 1.460%, 4/10/19 144A

    74,347       74  

Ascentium Equipment Receivables Trust LLC, Series 2017-1A, Class A2, 1.870%, 7/10/19 144A

    160,000       160  

Ascentium Equipment Receivables Trust LLC, Series 2017-1A, Class A3, 2.290%, 6/10/21 144A

    160,000       159  

Ascentium Equipment Receivables Trust LLC, Series 2017-2A, Class A3, 2.310%, 12/10/21 144A

    415,000       412  

Avis Budget Rental Car Funding AESOP LLC, Series 2012-3A, Class A, 2.100%, 3/20/19 144A

    137,500       138  

Avis Budget Rental Car Funding AESOP LLC, Series 2013-2A, Class A, 2.970%, 2/20/20 144A

    135,000       136  

Avis Budget Rental Car Funding AESOP LLC, Series 2013-2A, Class B, 3.660%, 2/20/20 144A

    670,000       677  

Avis Budget Rental Car Funding AESOP LLC, Series 2014-1A, Class A, 2.460%, 7/20/20 144A

    155,000       155  

Avis Budget Rental Car Funding AESOP LLC, Series 2014-2A, Class A, 2.500%, 2/20/21 144A

    940,000       940  

Avis Budget Rental Car Funding AESOP LLC, Series 2015-1A, Class A, 2.500%, 7/20/21 144A

    415,000       415  

Avis Budget Rental Car Funding AESOP LLC, Series 2016-1A, Class A, 2.990%, 6/20/22 144A

    440,000       443  

Babson CLO, Ltd., Series 2013-IA, Class AR, 2.315%, (3 Month LIBOR plus 0.80%), 1/20/28 144A

    730,000       730  

Bayview Mortgage Fund IVc Trust, Series 2017-RT3, Class A, 3.500%, (AFC), 1/28/58 144A

    880,723       898  

Bayview Opportunity Master Fund IVa Trust, Series 2017-SPL5, Class A, 3.500%, (AFC), 6/28/57 144A

    756,749       767  
 

 

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

 

  Short-Term Bond Portfolio     107  


Table of Contents

Short-Term Bond Portfolio

 

                               
Structured Products (35.3%)   Shares/
$ Par
    Value
$ (000’s)
 

Asset Backed Securities continued

 

 

Bayview Opportunity Master Fund IVb Trust, Series 2017-SPL4,Class A, 3.500%, (AFC), 1/28/55 144A

    262,496       266  

BMW Vehicle Lease Trust, Series 2016-2, Class A3, 1.430%, 9/20/19

    215,000       214  

BMW Vehicle Lease Trust, Series 2017-1, Class A3, 1.980%, 5/20/20

    325,000       325  

BMW Vehicle Lease Trust, Series 2017-2, Class A3, 2.070%, 10/20/20

    205,000       204  

California Republic Auto Receivables Trust, Series 2015-1, Class B, 2.510%, 2/16/21

    130,000       130  

Capital Auto Receivables Asset Trust, Series 2013-4, Class D, 3.220%, 5/20/19

    172,264       172  

Capital Auto Receivables Asset Trust, Series 2015-2, Class A3, 1.730%, 9/20/19

    129,403       129  

Capital Auto Receivables Asset Trust, Series 2015-4, Class A2, 1.620%, 3/20/19

    30,096       30  

Capital Auto Receivables Asset Trust, Series 2016-1, Class A3, 1.730%, 4/20/20

    186,014       186  

Capital Auto Receivables Asset Trust, Series 2016-2, Class A4, 1.630%, 1/20/21

    175,000       174  

Capital Auto Receivables Asset Trust, Series 2016-3, Class A3, 1.540%, 8/20/20

    120,000       120  

Capital Auto Receivables Asset Trust, Series 2017-1, Class B, 2.430%, 5/20/22 144A

    70,000       70  

Capital Auto Receivables Asset Trust, Series 2017-1, Class C, 2.700%, 9/20/22 144A

    115,000       115  

Carlyle Global Market Strategies, Series 2014-2A, Class AR, 2.666%, (3 Month LIBOR plus 1.25%), 5/15/25 144A

    575,000       577  

Carlyle Global Market Strategies, Series 2015-1A, Class AR, 2.363%, (3 Month LIBOR plus 1.00%), 4/20/27 144A

    425,000       426  

CarMax Auto Owner Trust, Series 2014-4, Class A4, 1.810%, 7/15/20

    250,000       250  

CarMax Auto Owner Trust, Series 2015-3, Class D, 3.270%, 3/15/22

    220,000       221  

CarMax Auto Owner Trust, Series 2016-2, Class A3, 1.520%, 2/16/21

    315,000       314  

CarMax Auto Owner Trust, Series 2016-4, Class A3, 1.400%, 8/15/21

    400,000       396  

CarMax Auto Owner Trust, Series 2017-4, Class C, 2.700%, 10/16/23

    95,000       94  

CCG Receivables Trust, Series 2015-1, Class A2, 1.460%, 11/14/18 144A

    8,255       8  

CCG Receivables Trust, Series 2015-1, Class B, 2.600%, 1/17/23 144A

    370,000       371  

CCG Receivables Trust, Series 2016-1, Class A2, 1.690%, 9/14/22 144A

    114,584       114  

CCG Receivables Trust, Series 2017-1, Class A2, 1.840%, 11/14/23 144A

    265,000       264  

Chrysler Capital Auto Receivables Trust, Series 2016-BA, Class A2, 1.360%, 1/15/20 144A

    46,245       46  

Chrysler Capital Auto Receivables Trust, Series 2016-BA, Class A3, 1.640%, 7/15/21 144A

    125,000       124  
                               
Structured Products (35.3%)   Shares/
$ Par
    Value
$ (000’s)
 

Asset Backed Securities continued

 

 

CNH Equipment Trust, Series 2015-B, Class A3, 1.370%, 7/15/20

    314,974       314  

CNH Equipment Trust, Series 2015-C, Class B, 2.400%, 2/15/23

    570,000       569  

CNH Equipment Trust, Series 2016-C, Class A3, 1.440%, 12/15/21

    260,000       257  

Diamond Resorts Owner Trust, Series 2014-1, Class A, 2.540%, 5/20/27 144A

    94,975       94  

Diamond Resorts Owner Trust, Series 2015-1, Class A, 2.730%, 7/20/27 144A

    73,173       73  

Diamond Resorts Owner Trust, Series 2015-2, Class A, 2.990%, 5/22/28 144A

    78,970       79  

Elara HGV Timeshare Issuer, Series 2017-A, Class A, 2.690%, 3/25/30 144A

    192,840       191  

Enterprise Fleet Financing LLC, Series 2015-1, Class A2, 1.300%, 9/20/20 144A

    13,698       14  

Enterprise Fleet Financing LLC, Series 2015-2, Class A2, 1.590%, 2/22/21 144A

    141,315       141  

Enterprise Fleet Financing LLC, Series 2016-1, Class A2, 1.830%, 9/20/21 144A

    542,179       542  

Enterprise Fleet Financing LLC, Series 2016-2, Class A2, 1.740%, 2/22/22 144A

    433,049       432  

Enterprise Fleet Financing LLC, Series 2017-1, Class A2, 2.130%, 7/20/22 144A

    195,698       196  

Enterprise Fleet Financing LLC, Series 2017-3, Class A2, 2.130%, 5/22/23 144A

    665,000       664  

Enterprise Fleet Financing LLC., Series 2017-2, Class A2, 1.970%, 1/20/23 144A

    155,000       155  

Ford Credit Auto Lease Trust, Series 2017-B, Class A3, 2.030%, 12/15/20

    255,000       254  

Ford Credit Floorplan Master Owner Trust A, Series 2013-4, Class C, 2.290%, 6/15/20

    1,070,000       1,070  

Ford Credit Floorplan Master Owner Trust A, Series 2016-3, Class A1, 1.550%, 7/15/21

    490,000       486  

Ford Credit Floorplan Master Owner Trust A, Series 2016-3, Class B, 1.750%, 7/15/21

    190,000       188  

Ford Credit Floorplan Master Owner Trust A, Series 2017-1, Class B, 2.250%, 5/15/22

    480,000       476  

Ford Credit Floorplan Master Owner Trust A, Series 2017-2, Class B, 2.340%, 9/15/22

    1,265,000       1,261  

Ford Credit Floorplan Master Owner Trust, Series 2016-5, Class B, 2.160%, 11/15/21

    410,000       408  

GM Financial Automobile Leasing Trust, Series 2015-1, Class D, 3.010%, 3/20/20

    140,000       140  

GM Financial Automobile Leasing Trust, Series 2016-2, Class A3, 1.620%, 9/20/19

    415,000       414  

GM Financial Automobile Leasing Trust, Series 2016-3, Class B, 1.970%, 5/20/20

    225,000       223  

GM Financial Automobile Leasing Trust, Series 2017-1, Class A4, 2.260%, 8/20/20

    75,000       75  

GM Financial Automobile Leasing Trust, Series 2017-2, Class A3, 2.020%, 9/21/20

    325,000       324  

GM Financial Automobile Leasing Trust, Series 2017-3, Class A4, 2.120%, 9/20/21

    115,000       114  
 

 

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

 

108   Short-Term Bond Portfolio  


Table of Contents

Short-Term Bond Portfolio

 

                               
Structured Products (35.3%)   Shares/
$ Par
    Value
$ (000’s)
 

Asset Backed Securities continued

 

 

GM Financial Automobile Leasing Trust, Series 2017-3, Class C, 2.730%, 9/20/21

    140,000       139  

GM Financial Securitized Term, Series 2017-3A, Class C, 2.520%, 3/16/23 144A

    475,000       471  

GMF Floorplan Owner Revolving Trust, Series 2015-1, Class A1, 1.650%, 5/15/20 144A

    290,000       290  

GMF Floorplan Owner Revolving Trust, Series 2016-1, Class B, 2.410%, 5/17/21 144A

    125,000       125  

GMF Floorplan Owner Revolving Trust, Series 2016-1, Class C, 2.850%, 5/17/21 144A

    100,000       100  

GMF Floorplan Owner Revolving Trust, Series 2017-1, Class C, 2.970%, 1/18/22 144A

    260,000       260  

GMF Floorplan Owner Revolving Trust, Series 2017-2, Class C, 2.630%, 7/15/22 144A

    170,000       168  

GMF Floorplan Owner Revolving Trust, Series 2017-3, Class B, 2.260%, 8/16/21 144A

    715,000       710  

GMF Floorplan Owner Revolving Trust, Series 2017-3, Class C, 2.460%, 8/16/21 144A

    855,000       849  

GreatAmerica Leasing Receivables Funding LLC, Series 2016-1, Class A3, 1.730%, 6/20/19 144A

    295,816       296  

GreatAmerica Leasing Receivables Funding LLC, Series 2017-1, Class A2, 1.720%, 4/22/19 144A

    90,295       90  

GreatAmerica Leasing Receivables Funding LLC, Series 2017-1, Class A3, 2.060%, 6/22/20 144A

    100,000       100  

Halcyon Loan Advisors Funding, Ltd., Series 2014-3A, Class B1R0(3 Month LIBOR plus 1.70%), 10/22/25 144A

    345,000       345  

Hilton Grand Vacations Trust, Series 2017-AA, Class A, 2.660%, 12/26/28 144A

    146,561       146  

Hilton Grand Vacations Trust, Series 2017-AA, Class B, 2.960%, (EXE), 12/26/28 144A

    83,749       83  

Huntington Auto Trust, Series 2016-1, Class A4, 1.930%, 4/15/22

    325,000       323  

Hyundai Auto Lease Securitization Trust, Series 2015-B, Class A3, 1.400%, 11/15/18 144A

    12,623       13  

Hyundai Auto Lease Securitization Trust, Series 2016-A, Class A3, 1.600%, 7/15/19 144A

    132,101       132  

Hyundai Auto Lease Securitization Trust, Series 2016-B, Class A4, 1.680%, 4/15/20 144A

    100,000       100  

Hyundai Auto Lease Securitization Trust, Series 2016-C, Class A4, 1.650%, 7/15/20 144A

    290,000       289  

Hyundai Auto Lease Securitization Trust, Series 2016-C, Class B, 1.860%, 5/17/21 144A

    320,000       318  

Hyundai Auto Lease Securitization Trust, Series 2017-B, Class A3, 1.970%, 7/15/20 144A

    500,000       499  

Hyundai Auto Receivables Trust, Series 2015-A, Class A3, 1.050%, 4/15/19

    21,384       21  

Hyundai Auto Receivables Trust, Series 2017-A, Class B, 2.380%, 4/17/23

    150,000       149  

John Deere Owner Trust, Series 2015-A, Class A3, 1.320%, 6/17/19

    48,217       48  

John Deere Owner Trust, Series 2016-A, Class A3, 1.360%, 4/15/20

    318,683       318  
                               
Structured Products (35.3%)   Shares/
$ Par
    Value
$ (000’s)
 

Asset Backed Securities continued

 

 

KKR CLO 12, Ltd., 2.409%, (3 Month LIBOR plus 1.05%), 7/15/27 144A

    705,000       706  

Kubota Credit Owner Trust, Series 2014-1A, Class A4, 1.670%, 7/15/20 144A

    732,221       732  

Kubota Credit Owner Trust, Series 2016-1A, Class A3, 1.500%, 7/15/20 144A

    605,000       601  

Madison Park Funding XVIII, Ltd., Series 2015-18A, Class A1R, 2.553%, (3 Month LIBOR plus 1.19%), 10/21/30 144A

    440,000       443  

Mercedes-Benz Auto Lease Trust, Series 2016-A, Class A3, 1.520%, 3/15/19

    323,463       323  

Mill City Mortgage Loan Trust, Series 2016-1, Class A1, 2.500%, (AFC), 4/25/57 144A

    99,375       99  

Mill City Mortgage Loan Trust, Series 2017-2, Class A1, 2.750%, (AFC), 7/25/59 144A

    573,851       574  

MMAF Equipment Finance LLC, Series 2015-AA, Class A3, 1.390%, 10/16/19 144A

    42,505       42  

MMAF Equipment Finance LLC, Series 2017-AA, Class A2, 1.730%, 5/18/20 144A

    338,772       338  

MVW Owner Trust, Series 2015-1A, Class A, 2.520%, 12/20/32 144A

    295,873       294  

MVW Owner Trust, Series 2017-1A, Class A, 2.420%, 12/20/34 144A

    115,355       114  

MVW Owner Trust, Series 2017-1A, Class B, 2.750%, 12/20/34 144A

    96,129       95  

MVW Owner Trust, Series 2017-1A, Class C, 2.990%, 12/20/34 144A

    105,742       104  

Nationstar HECM Loan Trust, Series 2016-2A, Class A, 2.239%, (AFC), 6/25/26 144A(l)

    51,608       52  

Nationstar HECM Loan Trust, Series 2016-3A, Class A, 2.012%, 8/25/26 144A(l)

    42,054       42  

Neuberger Berman CLO XVI-S, Ltd., Series 16S, Class A, 1.625%, (3 Month LIBOR plus 0.85%), 1/15/28 144A(l)

    440,000       440  

Nissan Auto Lease Trust, Series 2016-B, Class A4, 1.610%, 1/18/22

    370,000       368  

Nissan Auto Lease Trust, Series 2017-B, Class A4, 2.170%, 12/15/21

    290,000       289  

Nissan Master Owner Trust Receivables, Series 2015-A, Class A2, 1.440%, 1/15/20

    400,000       400  

Nissan Master Owner Trust Receivables, Series 2016-A, Class A2, 1.540%, 6/15/21

    335,000       332  

Nissan Master Owner Trust Receivables, Series 2017-B, Class A, 1.907%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.43%), 4/18/22

    1,110,000       1,116  

OCP CLO, Ltd., Series 2015-10A, Class A1R, 2.191%, (3 Month LIBOR plus 0.82%), 10/26/27 144A

    665,000       666  

Santander Drive Auto Receivables Trust, Series 2014-3, Class D, 2.650%, 8/17/20

    55,000       55  

Santander Drive Auto Receivables Trust, Series 2015-3, Class D, 3.490%, 5/17/21

    345,000       350  

Santander Drive Auto Receivables Trust, Series 2015-4, Class D, 3.530%, 8/16/21

    240,000       244  
 

 

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

 

  Short-Term Bond Portfolio     109  


Table of Contents

Short-Term Bond Portfolio

 

                               
Structured Products (35.3%)   Shares/
$ Par
    Value
$ (000’s)
 

Asset Backed Securities continued

 

 

Santander Drive Auto Receivables Trust, Series 2015-5, Class C, 2.740%, 12/15/21

    705,000       708  

Santander Drive Auto Receivables Trust, Series 2015-5, Class D, 3.650%, 12/15/21

    345,000       350  

Santander Drive Auto Receivables Trust, Series 2016-1, Class B, 2.470%, 12/15/20

    170,000       170  

Santander Drive Auto Receivables Trust, Series 2016-1, Class D, 4.020%, 4/15/22

    425,000       436  

Santander Drive Auto Receivables Trust, Series 2016-3, Class C, 2.460%, 3/15/22

    274,000       274  

Santander Drive Auto Receivables Trust, Series 2017-1, Class B, 2.100%, 6/15/21

    50,000       50  

Santander Drive Auto Receivables Trust, Series 2017-1, Class C, 2.580%, 5/16/22

    65,000       65  

Santander Drive Auto Receivables Trust, Series 2017-3, Class B, 2.190%, 3/15/22

    365,000       363  

Santander Retail Auto Lease Trust, Series 2017-A, Class A3, 2.220%, 1/20/21 144A

    185,000       184  

Santander Retail Auto Lease Trust, Series 2017-A, Class C, 2.960%, 11/21/22 144A

    155,000       155  

Sierra Receivables Funding Co. LLC, Series 2015-1A, Class A, 2.400%, 3/22/32 144A

    248,670       248  

Sierra Receivables Funding Co. LLC, Series 2015-3A, Class A, 2.580%, 9/20/32 144A

    234,273       234  

Sierra Receivables Funding Co. LLC, Series 2016-3A, Class A, 2.430%, 10/20/33 144A

    315,434       314  

Sierra Receivables Funding Co. LLC, Series 2017-1A, Class A, 2.910%, 3/20/34 144A

    96,871       97  

Sierra Timeshare Receivables Funding LLC, Series 2015-2A, Class A, 2.430%, 6/20/32 144A

    123,615       123  

Sierra Timeshare Receivables Funding LLC, Series 2016-1A, Class A, 3.080%, 3/21/33 144A

    349,033       350  

Sierra Timeshare Receivables Funding LLC, Series 2016-2A, Class A, 2.330%, 7/20/33 144A

    99,563       99  

SLM Private Education Loan Trust, Series 2013-A, Class B, 2.500%, 3/15/47 144A

    580,000       576  

SLM Student Loan Trust, Series 2007-7, Class A4, 1.697%, (3 Month LIBOR plus 0.33%), 1/25/22

    272,651       269  

SLM Student Loan Trust, Series 2008-4, Class A4, 3.017%, (3 Month LIBOR plus 1.65%), 7/25/22

    78,656       81  

SLM Student Loan Trust, Series 2008-5, Class A4, 3.067%, (3 Month LIBOR plus 1.70%), 7/25/23

    212,842       220  

SLM Student Loan Trust, Series 2008-9, Class A, 2.867%, (3 Month LIBOR plus 1.50%), 4/25/23

    153,144       157  

SMART ABS Trust, Series 2015-3US, Class A3A, 1.660%, 8/14/19

    308,884       308  

SMART ABS Trust, Series 2016-2US, Class A2A, 1.450%, 8/14/19

    379,455       378  

SMB Private Education Loan Trust, Series 2015-A, Class A2B, 2.477%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 1.00%), 6/15/27 144A

    273,912       278  

Springleaf Funding Trust, Series 2016-AA, Class A, 2.900%, 11/15/29 144A

    180,000       180  
                               
Structured Products (35.3%)   Shares/
$ Par
    Value
$ (000’s)
 

Asset Backed Securities continued

 

 

Synchrony Credit Card Master Note Trust, Series 2013-1, Class B, 1.690%, 3/15/21

    465,000       465  

Synchrony Credit Card Master Note Trust, Series 2015-1, Class B, 2.640%, 3/15/23

    250,000       250  

Synchrony Credit Card Master Note Trust, Series 2015-4, Class B, 2.620%, 9/15/23

    305,000       304  

Synchrony Credit Card Master Note Trust, Series 2016-2, Class C, 2.950%, 5/15/24

    522,306       522  

Towd Point Mortgage Trust, Series 2015-4, Class A1B, 2.750%, (AFC), 4/25/55 144A

    276,223       276  

Towd Point Mortgage Trust, Series 2015-5, Class A1B, 2.750%, (AFC), 5/25/55 144A

    255,978       256  

Towd Point Mortgage Trust, Series 2016-1, Class A1B, 2.750%, (AFC), 2/25/55 144A

    137,654       138  

Towd Point Mortgage Trust, Series 2016-1, Class A3B, 3.000%, (AFC), 2/25/55 144A

    177,243       178  

Towd Point Mortgage Trust, Series 2016-2, Class A1A, 2.750%, (AFC), 8/25/55 144A

    119,270       119  

Towd Point Mortgage Trust, Series 2016-3, Class A1, 2.250%, (AFC), 4/25/56 144A

    95,423       94  

Towd Point Mortgage Trust, Series 2017-1, Class A1, 2.750%, (AFC), 10/25/56 144A

    460,594       460  

Towd Point Mortgage Trust, Series 2017-2, Class A1, 2.750%, (AFC), 4/25/57 144A

    305,565       305  

Towd Point Mortgage Trust, Series 2017-3, Class A1, 2.750%, (AFC), 7/25/57 144A

    648,255       647  

Towd Point Mortgage Trust, Series 2017-4, Class A1, 2.750%, (AFC), 6/25/57 144A

    318,228       317  

Towd Point Mortgage Trust, Series 2017-6, Class A1, 2.750%, (AFC), 10/25/57 144A

    1,130,626       1,127  

Verizon Owner Trust, Series 2016-2A, Class A, 1.680%, 5/20/21 144A

    500,000       497  

Verizon Owner Trust, Series 2016-2A, Class B, 2.150%, 5/20/21 144A

    340,000       338  

Verizon Owner Trust, Series 2016-2A, Class C, 2.360%, 5/20/21 144A

    270,000       268  

Verizon Owner Trust, Series 2017-1A, Class B, 2.450%, 9/20/21 144A

    110,000       110  

Verizon Owner Trust, Series 2017-1A, Class C, 2.650%, 9/20/21 144A

    150,000       150  

Verizon Owner Trust, Series 2017-3A, Class C, 2.530%, 4/20/22 144A

    550,000       547  

Volvo Financial Equipment LLC, Series 2014-1A, Class C, 1.940%, 11/15/21 144A

    265,000       265  

Volvo Financial Equipment LLC, Series 2016-1A, Class A3, 1.670%, 2/18/20 144A

    175,000       175  

Volvo Financial Equipment Master Owner Trust, Series 2017-A, Class A, 1.977%, (1 Month LIBOR plus 0.50%), 11/15/22 144A

    115,000       115  

Wendys Funding LLC, Series 2015-1A, Class A2I, 3.371%, 6/15/45 144A

    855,313       858  

Wheels SPV 2 LLC, Series 2015-1A, Class A2, 1.270%, 4/22/24 144A

    20,317       20  
 

 

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

 

110   Short-Term Bond Portfolio  


Table of Contents

Short-Term Bond Portfolio

 

                               
Structured Products (35.3%)   Shares/
$ Par
    Value
$ (000’s)
 

Asset Backed Securities continued

 

 

Wheels SPV 2 LLC, Series 2016-1A, Class A2, 1.590%, 5/20/25 144A

    135,704       135  

World Omni Automobile Lease Securitization Trust, Series 2016-A, Class A3, 1.450%, 8/15/19

    480,000       478  
   

 

 

 

Total

      61,495  
   

 

 

 

Mortgage Securities (14.3%)

 

 

Allegro CLO III, Ltd., 2.482%, 7/25/27 144A(l)

    585,000       585  

BAMLL Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust, Series 2014-IP, Class A, 2.717%, (CSTR), 6/15/28 144A

    475,000       475  

Banc of America Commercial Mortgage Trust, Series 2017-BNK3, Class A1, 1.957%, 2/15/50

    127,945       127  

BANK, Series 2017-BNK4, Class A1, 2.002%, 5/15/50

    525,423       521  

BX Trust, Series 2017-IMC, Class D, 2.650%, (1 Month LIBOR plus 1.40%), 10/15/32 144A

    695,000       695  

BX Trust, Series 2017-IMC, Class D, 3.500%, (1 Month LIBOR plus 2.25%), 10/15/32 144A

    225,000       225  

CD Mortgage Trust, Series 2016-CD2, Class A1, 1.848%, 11/10/49

    591,533       585  

CD Mortgage Trust, Series 2017-CD3, Class A1, 1.965%, 2/10/50

    134,491       134  

Citigroup Commercial Mortgage Trust, Series 2014-GC25, Class A1, 1.485%, 10/10/47

    114,077       114  

Citigroup Commercial Mortgage Trust, Series 2015-GC27, Class A1, 1.353%, 2/10/48

    105,396       105  

Citigroup Commercial Mortgage Trust, Series 2015-GC31, Class A1, 1.637%, 6/10/48

    305,759       304  

Citigroup Commercial Mortgage Trust, Series 2015-GC33, Class A1, 1.643%, 9/10/58

    292,574       290  

Citigroup Commercial Mortgage Trust, Series 2015-P1, Class A1, 1.648%, 9/15/48

    111,130       110  

CLNS Trust, Series 2017-IKPR, Class A, 2.232%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.80%), 6/11/32 144A

    240,000       240  

CLNS Trust, Series 2017-IKPR, Class B, 2.432%,
(1 Month LIBOR plus 1.00%), 6/11/32 144A

    365,000       365  

COLT Funding LLC, Series 2017-1, Class A1, 2.614%, (AFC), 5/27/47 144A

    379,211       379  

COLT Funding LLC, Series 2017-1, Class A3, 3.074%, (AFC), 5/27/47 144A

    66,528       67  

COLT Funding LLC, Series 2017-2, Class A1A, 2.415%, (AFC), 10/25/47 144A

    628,926       630  

COLT Funding LLC, Series 2017-2, Class A2A, 2.568%, (AFC), 10/25/47 144A

    266,261       267  

COLT Funding LLC, Series 2017-2, Class A3A, 2.773%, (AFC), 10/25/47 144A

    114,768       115  

Commercial Mortgage Pass Through Certificates, Series 2014-CR21, Class A1, 1.494%, 12/10/47

    42,206       42  

Commercial Mortgage Pass Through Certificates, Series 2014-UBS6, Class A1, 1.445%, 12/10/47

    73,021       73  

Commercial Mortgage Pass Through Certificates, Series 2015-CR22, Class A1, 1.569%, 3/10/48

    37,177       37  
                               
Structured Products (35.3%)   Shares/
$ Par
    Value
$ (000’s)
 

Mortgage Securities continued

 

 

Commercial Mortgage Pass Through Certificates, Series 2015-CR25, Class A1, 1.737%, 8/10/48

    234,272       233  

Commercial Mortgage Pass Through Certificates, Series 2015-CR26, Class A1, 1.604%, 10/10/48

    247,896       246  

Commercial Mortgage Pass Through Certificates, Series 2015-LC23, Class A2, 3.221%, 10/10/48

    605,000       617  

Commercial Mortgage Pass Through Certificates, Series 2015-PC1, Class A1, 1.667%, 7/10/50

    340,629       340  

Commercial Mortgage Pass Through Certificates, Series 2016-CR28, Class A1, 1.770%, 2/10/49

    26,860       27  

Commercial Mortgage Pass Through Certificates, Series 2017-COR2, Class A1, 2.111%, 9/10/50

    155,326       154  

Connecticut Avenue Securities, Series 2016-C01, Class 2M1, 3.652%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 2.10%), 8/25/28

    188,975       190  

CSAIL Commercial Mortgage Trust, Series 2015-C1, Class A1, 1.684%, 4/15/50

    41,307       41  

CSAIL Commercial Mortgage Trust, Series 2015-C2, Class A1, 1.454%, 6/15/57

    455,087       452  

CSAIL Commercial Mortgage Trust, Series 2015-C3, Class A1, 1.716%, 8/15/48

    219,104       217  

CSAIL Commercial Mortgage Trust, Series 2016-C5, Class A1, 1.746%, 11/15/48

    65,738       65  

CSAIL Commercial Mortgage Trust, Series 2017-CX9, Class A1, 2.024%, 9/15/50

    96,302       95  

Deephaven Residential Mortgage Trust, Series 2017-3A, Class A1, 2.577%, (CSTR, AFC), 10/25/47 144A

    569,397       569  

Deephaven Residential Mortgage Trust, Series 2017-3A, Class A2, 2.711%, (CSTR, AFC), 10/25/47 144A

    94,899       95  

Deephaven Residential Mortgage Trust, Series 2017-3A, Class A3, 2.813%, (CSTR, AFC), 10/25/47 144A

    94,899       95  

FDIC Guaranteed Notes Trust, Series 2010-S2, Class 2A, 2.570%, 7/29/47 144A

    148,601       148  

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp., 3.500%, 3/1/46

    103,306       107  

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp., 5.000%, 4/1/18

    2,618       3  

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp., 5.500%, 5/1/22

    118,318       124  

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp., 6.000%, 12/1/28

    9,722       11  

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp., 6.000%, 9/1/34

    3,640       4  

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp., 6.000%, 2/1/35

    59,484       67  

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp., 6.000%, 9/1/35

    20,292       23  

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp., 6.000%, 1/1/38

    3,641       4  

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp., Series 2015-DNA1, Class M1, 2.452%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.90%), 10/25/27

    42,575       43  

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp., Series 2016-DNA1, Class M1, 3.002%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 1.45%), 7/25/28

    71,861       72  

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp., Series 2016-HQA1, Class M1, 3.302%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 1.75%), 9/25/28

    36,835       37  
 

 

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

 

  Short-Term Bond Portfolio     111  


Table of Contents

Short-Term Bond Portfolio

 

                               
Structured Products (35.3%)   Shares/
$ Par
    Value
$ (000’s)
 

Mortgage Securities continued

 

 

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp., Series 2017-DNA1, Class M1, 2.752%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 1.20%), 7/25/29

    237,172       240  

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp., Series 2017-DNA2, Class M1, 2.752%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 1.20%), 10/25/29

    665,526       676  

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp., Series 2017-HQA1, Class M1, 2.752%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 1.20%), 8/25/29

    472,996       478  

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp., Series 2017-HQA2, Class M1, 2.352%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.80%), 12/25/29

    240,868       242  

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp., Series 2017-SC02, Class M1, 3.890%, (CSTR), 5/25/47 144A

    133,144       133  

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp., Series 2017-SPI1, Class M1, 3.991%, 9/25/47 144A

    57,290       58  

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp., Series 3713, Class PA, 2.000%, 2/15/40

    438,843       435  

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp., Series 3718, Class BC, 2.000%, 2/15/25

    426,357       425  

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp., Series 4092, Class CL, 1.250%, 6/15/27

    1,361,325       1,306  

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp., Series DNA3, Class M1, 2.302%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.75%), 3/25/30

    408,631       410  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 1.500%, 7/30/20

    1,310,000       1,294  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 2.500%, 10/1/22

    628,411       628  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 2.500%, 12/1/22

    159,900       161  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 3.000%, 6/1/22

    176,407       180  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 3.000%, 4/1/24

    432,647       441  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 3.500%, 5/1/27

    863,595       892  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 3.500%, 4/1/46

    1,067,302       1,097  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 4.000%, 2/1/29

    1,032,478       1,081  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 4.000%, 8/1/47

    1,384,522       1,450  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 4.500%, 5/1/40

    170,229       182  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 4.500%, 9/1/40

    155,552       167  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 4.500%, 2/1/44

    570,701       608  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 5.000%, 10/1/33

    210,768       229  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 5.500%, 8/1/37

    117,366       130  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 5.500%, 2/1/38

    441,863       490  
                               
Structured Products (35.3%)    Shares/
$ Par
     Value
$ (000’s)
 

Mortgage Securities continued

 

  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 6.000%, 8/1/22

     48,980        51  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 6.000%, 3/1/34

     100,267        112  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 6.000%, 8/1/34

     278,130        316  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 6.000%, 11/1/34

     10,976        12  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 6.000%, 12/1/34

     3,473        4  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 6.000%, 4/1/35

     6,563        7  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 6.000%, 5/1/38

     4,641        5  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 6.000%, 10/1/40

     232,053        262  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 6.500%, 7/1/32

     33,071        37  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 6.500%, 12/1/32

     37,186        42  

Federal National Mortgage Association, Series 2010-95, Class Bk, 1.500%, 2/25/20

     183,921        183  

Federal National Mortgage Association, Series 2011-113, Class AG, 2.500%, 11/25/26

     259,827        259  

Federal National Mortgage Association, Series 2013-74, Class AD, 2.000%, 7/25/23

     374,137        369  

Federal National Mortgage Association, Series 2016-83, Class FA, 2.052%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.50%), 11/25/46

     275,393        278  

Federal National Mortgage Association, Series 2016-85, Class FA, 2.052%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.50%), 11/25/46

     498,701        498  

Federal National Mortgage Association, Series 2016-85, Class FG, 2.052%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.50%), 11/25/46

     501,460        506  

Federal National Mortgage Association, Series 2016-C07, Class 2M1, 2.852%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 1.30%), 5/25/29

     233,746        235  

Federal National Mortgage Association, Series 2017-85, Class FC, 1.852%, (1 Month LIBOR plus 0.30%), 11/25/47

     1,389,334        1,388  

Federal National Mortgage Association, Series 2017-90, Class KA, 3.000%, 11/25/47

     580,342        585  

Federal National Mortgage Association, Series 2017-C01, Class 1M1, 2.852%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 1.30%), 7/25/29

     338,283        342  

Federal National Mortgage Association, Series 2017-C02, Class 2M1, 2.702%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 1.15%), 9/25/29

     528,660        533  

Federal National Mortgage Association, Series 2017-C03, Class 1M1, 2.502%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.95%), 10/25/29

     584,721        589  

Federal National Mortgage Association, Series 2017-C04, Class 2M1, 2.402%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.85%), 11/25/29

     394,840        397  
 

 

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

 

112   Short-Term Bond Portfolio  


Table of Contents

Short-Term Bond Portfolio

 

                               
Structured Products (35.3%)   Shares/
$ Par
    Value
$ (000’s)
 

Mortgage Securities continued

 

 

Federal National Mortgage Association, Series 2017-C05, Class 1M1, 2.102%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.55%), 1/25/30

    736,523       737  

Federal National Mortgage Association, Series 2017-C06, Class 1M1, 2.302%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.75%), 2/25/30

    553,766       556  

Federal National Mortgage Association, Series 2017-C06, Class 2M1, 2.302%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.75%), 2/25/30

    237,639       238  

GCCFC Commercial Mortgage Trust, Series 2006-GG7, Class AM, 5.767%, (CSTR), 7/10/38

    206,562       208  

GM Financial Securitized Term, Series 2017-3A, Class B, 2.330%, 3/16/23 144A

    400,000       396  

Government National Mortgage Association, 3.500%, 8/20/32

    462,460       479  

Government National Mortgage Association, 3.500%, 9/20/32

    221,551       230  

Government National Mortgage Association, 3.500%, 12/20/42

    10,610       11  

Government National Mortgage Association, 3.500%, 9/20/43

    155,226       161  

Government National Mortgage Association, 5.000%, 3/20/34

    569,014       619  

Government National Mortgage Association, 5.500%, 6/20/37

    131,799       144  

Great Wolf Trust, Series 2017-Wolf, Class A, 2.477%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.85%), 9/15/34 144A

    310,000       311  

Great Wolf Trust, Series 2017-Wolf, Class C, 2.947%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 1.32%), 9/15/34 144A

    455,000       455  

GS Mortgage Securities Trust, Series 2014-EB1A, Class 2A1, 2.467%, (CSTR), 7/25/44 144A

    61,856       61  

GS Mortgage Securities Trust, Series 2015-GC28, Class A1, 1.528%, 2/10/48

    169,564       169  

GS Mortgage Securities Trust, Series 2015-GC32, Class A1, 1.593%, 7/10/48

    151,538       151  

GS Mortgage Securities Trust, Series 2016-GS3, Class A1, 1.429%, 10/10/49

    72,981       72  

GS Mortgage Securities Trust, Series 2017-GS7, Class A1, 1.950%, 8/10/50

    321,462       318  

Hospitality Mortgage Trust, Series 2017-HIT, Class A, 2.094%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.85%), 5/8/30 144A

    235,000       235  

JP Morgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust, Series 2016-JP3, Class A1, 1.461%, 8/15/49

    224,497       220  

JPMBB Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust, Series 2014-C26, Class A1, 1.596%, 1/15/48

    188,526       188  

JPMBB Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust, Series 2015-C27, Class A1, 1.413%, 2/15/48

    144,734       144  

JPMBB Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust, Series 2015-C28, Class A1, 1.445%, 10/15/48

    292,745       291  

JPMBB Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust, Series 2015-C29, Class A1, 1.625%, 5/15/48

    120,420       120  
                               
Structured Products (35.3%)   Shares/
$ Par
    Value
$ (000’s)
 

Mortgage Securities continued

 

 

JPMBB Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust, Series 2015-C30, Class A1, 1.738%, 7/15/48

    496,861       495  

MetLife Securitization Trust, Series 2017-1A, Class A, 3.000%, (AFC), 4/25/55 144A

    296,380       299  

Morgan Stanley Bank of America Merrill Lynch Trust, Series 2014-C19, Class A1, 1.573%, 12/15/47

    152,730       152  

Morgan Stanley Bank of America Merrill Lynch Trust, Series 2015-C24, Class A1, 1.706%, 5/15/48

    194,079       193  

Morgan Stanley Bank of America Merrill Lynch Trust, Series 2016-C30, Class A1, 1.389%, 9/15/49

    117,783       116  

Morgan Stanley Capital I Trust, Series 2015-MS1, Class A1, 1.638%, 5/15/48

    205,565       204  

Morgan Stanley Capital I Trust, Series 2017-CLS, Class B, 2.100%, (1 Month LIBOR plus 0.85%), 11/15/34 144A

    365,000       365  

Morgan Stanley Capital I Trust, Series 2017-CLS, Class C, 2.250%, (1 Month LIBOR plus 1.00%), 11/15/34 144A

    290,000       290  

Neuberger Berman CLO XIX Ltd., Series 2015-19a, Class A1R, 2.409%, 7/15/27 144A

    250,000       251  

TIAA Seasoned Commercial Mortgage Trust, Series 2007-C4, Class AJ, 5.476%, (CSTR), 8/15/39

    63,494       64  

Wells Fargo Commercial Mortgage Trust, Series 2014-LC18, Class A1, 1.437%, 12/15/47

    199,231       198  

Wells Fargo Commercial Mortgage Trust, Series 2015-C26, Class A1, 1.454%, 2/15/48

    95,384       95  

Wells Fargo Commercial Mortgage Trust, Series 2015-C27, Class A1, 1.730%, 2/15/48

    40,265       40  

Wells Fargo Commercial Mortgage Trust, Series 2015-C28, Class A1, 1.531%, 5/15/48

    107,268       107  

Wells Fargo Commercial Mortgage Trust, Series 2015-LC20, Class A1, 1.471%, 4/15/50

    116,709       116  

Wells Fargo Commercial Mortgage Trust, Series 2015-NXS2, Class A2, 3.020%, 7/15/58

    530,000       536  

Wells Fargo Commercial Mortgage Trust, Series 2016-C32, Class A1, 1.577%, 1/15/59

    251,963       250  

Wells Fargo Commercial Mortgage Trust, Series 2016-LC24, Class A1, 1.441%, 10/15/49

    122,108       121  

Wells Fargo Commercial Mortgage Trust, Series 2017-C38, Class A1, 1.968%, 7/15/50

    265,590       263  

Wells Fargo Commercial Mortgage Trust, Series 2017-C39, Class A1, 1.975%, 9/15/50

    163,843       162  

Wells Fargo Mortgage Backed Securities Trust, Series 2004-EE, Class 2A2, 3.425%, (CSTR), 12/25/34

    267,170       274  
   

 

 

 

Total

      42,112  
   

 

 

 

Total Structured Products

   

(Cost: $103,769)

      103,607  
   

 

 

 
Short-Term Investments (1.9%)              

Money Market Funds (1.9%)

   

State Street Institutional U.S. Government Money Market Fund - Premier Class, 1.209% #

    5,434,995       5,435  
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments

   

(Cost: $5,435)

      5,435  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments (99.9%)

   

(Cost: $293,765)(a)

      293,229  
   

 

 

 

Other Assets, Less

   

Liabilities (0.1%)

      285  
   

 

 

 

Net Assets (100.0%)

      293,514  
   

 

 

 
 

 

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

 

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Table of Contents

Short-Term Bond Portfolio

 

144A after the name of a security represents a security exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities may be resold as transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. At December 31, 2017 the value of these securities (in thousands) was $79,360 representing 27.0% of the net assets.

AFC — Available Funds Cap security - Security accrues interest at an assumed or uncapped rate. If the interest rate on the underlying loans is lower than the uncapped rate, then the security will pay at the lower rate.

CSTR — Collateral Strip Rate security - interest is based on the weighted net interest rate of the collateral.

RB — Revenue Bond

 

# 7-Day yield as of December 31, 2017.

 

(a) At December 31, 2017, the aggregate cost of investments, including derivatives, for federal tax purposes (in thousands) was $293,659 and the net unrealized depreciation of investments based on that cost was $519 which is comprised of $656 aggregate gross unrealized appreciation and $1,175 aggregate gross unrealized depreciation.

 

(b) All or a portion of the securities have been pledged as collateral for open futures positions or when-issued securities. Information regarding open futures contracts as of period end is summarized below.

 

Issuer    Long/Short    Currency    Notional Par
(000’s)
     Number of
Contracts
   Expiration
Date
  

Notional
Value

(000’s)

     Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
(000’s)
 

US Ten Year Treasury Note Futures

   Short    USD    $ 5,300      53    3/18    $ 6,575      $ 35  

US Two Year Treasury Note Futures

   Long    USD      58,600      293    3/18      62,734        (124

 

(l) Security valued using significant unobservable inputs.

The following is a summary of the inputs used in valuing the Portfolio’s assets and liabilities at December 31, 2017. See Note 3 for additional information on portfolio valuation.

 

    Valuation Inputs      
Description   Level 1 –
Quoted Prices
    Level 2 –
Other Significant
Observable Inputs
    

Level 3 –

Significant
Unobservable Inputs

     
    (Amounts in thousands)      

Assets:

        

Municipal Bonds

  $ -       $ 664      $ -      

Corporate Bonds

    -         138,548        -      

Governments

    -         44,975        -      

Structured Products

        

Asset Backed Securities

    -         60,961        534    

Mortgage Securities

    -         41,527        585    

Short-Term Investments

    5,435       -          -      

Other Financial Instruments

        

Futures

    35       -          -      

Total Assets:

  $ 5,470     $ 286,675      $ 1,119    

Liabilities:

        

Other Financial Instruments

        

Futures

    (124     -          -      

Total Liabilities:

  $ (124   $ -        $ -      

For the period ended December 31, 2017, there was a transfer from Level 2 to Level 3 in the amount of $42 (in thousands). This transfer was the result of a decrease in the quantity of observable inputs for the security that was previously priced by a third-party vendor utilizing a broker quote.

 

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

 

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Select Bond Portfolio (unaudited)

 

 

Objective:    Portfolio Strategy:    Net Assets:

Provide as high a level of total return

as is consistent with prudent investment risk. A secondary objective is to seek preservation of shareholders’ capital.

  

Invest in a diversified portfolio of investment grade

debt securities with maturities exceeding one year.

   $2.9 billion

Portfolio Overview

Mason Street Advisors, LLC (“Mason Street Advisors”), the investment adviser for the Select Bond Portfolio (the “Portfolio”), has engaged Wells Capital Management, Inc. (“Wells Capital”) to act as sub-adviser for the Portfolio. Normally, the Portfolio invests in a diversified portfolio of investment grade debt securities with maturities exceeding one year. The Portfolio may also invest up to 10% of net assets in non-investment grade, high yield/high risk bonds (so called “junk bonds”) and up to 20% of net assets in foreign securities. Debt securities may be of any maturity or duration, but under normal market conditions, the Portfolio attempts to maintain an overall dollar-weighted average effective duration (an aggregate measure of the sensitivity of the Portfolio’s fixed income securities to changes in interest rates) that is within 10% of the Bloomberg Barclays® U.S. Aggregate Index. The Portfolio uses a fundamental, relative value investment approach to construct the portfolio of investments. The Portfolio invests in debt securities that it believes offer competitive returns and are undervalued, offering additional income and/or price appreciation potential relative to other debt securities of similar credit quality and interest rate sensitivity. The Portfolio may engage in active and frequent trading of portfolio securities to achieve its investment objectives.

Market Overview

The year began with a dynamic and changing policy landscape as President Trump officially took office. On September 20, the U.S. Federal Reserve (the “Fed”) left rates unchanged—as expected—and formally announced the start of its balance sheet roll off. December saw rapidly evolving headlines around the exact structure and probability of successful tax legislation; ultimately, the final legislation passed just in time for Christmas. The Fed raised its benchmark rate by 0.25% to a range of 1.25% to 1.50%—as widely expected and telegraphed—and markets ended December expecting two or three further hikes for 2018. Within the components of the Bloomberg Barclays® U.S. Aggregate Index, all subsectors outperformed Treasurys. Credit led excess returns, followed by commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”) and asset-backed securities (“ABS”), which edged just ahead of Agencies and mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”).

Portfolio Results

The Portfolio returned 3.58% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2017. By comparison, the Portfolio’s benchmark, the Bloomberg Barclays® U.S. Aggregate Index (the “Index”), returned 3.54%. (The Index is unmanaged, cannot be invested in directly and does not include administrative expenses.) According to Lipper® Analytical Services, Inc., an independent mutual fund ranking agency, the average return of the Core Bond Funds peer group was 3.72% for 2017.

In credit, sector and security selection contributed to performance. Contributors were concentrated in names across the Sovereigns, Information Technology, Health Care and Foreign Agency sectors. Examples included Slovenia, United Mexican States, Oracle Corp., Petroleos Mexicanos and General Motors Co. Meanwhile, detractors were concentrated in names across the Banking, Telecommunications, Insurance and Energy sectors. Examples included Verizon Communications Inc., Charter Communications, Inc., Hess Corp., Anheuser-Busch InBev and Halliburton Co. In credit, the Portfolio decreased its risk-adjusted overweight from 2.7% to 0.7% during 2017. Early in the year, the Portfolio increased the overweight to credit as the portfolio managers saw attractive opportunities, particularly across names in the Sovereigns, Banking and Telecommunication sectors. Later in the year, the Portfolio reduced risk close to neutral by further tempering positions across names in Banks, Basic Industries and Utilities, while taking advantage of heavy new issuance in Information Technology and attractive opportunities in Real Estate Investment Trusts. Positioning was dynamic throughout the year, responding to the best bottom-up security selections as they arose.

In Agency mortgages, positioning in Ginnie Mae securities, hybrid adjustable rate mortgages (“ARMs”) and 20-years contributed to performance. A sector underweight that was in place for most of the year detracted from performance, as did positioning in 15-years and lower-coupon 30-years.

In consumer ABS, a sector overweight and positioning in FFELP (Federal Family Education Loan Program) and rental car ABS contributed to performance. A sector overweight in CMBS was also a modest contributor. Positioning in private student loans underperformed on a risk-adjusted basis. In consumer ABS, the Portfolio’s risk-adjusted overweight increased from 8.2% to 9.8% during 2017.

 

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Table of Contents

Select Bond Portfolio (unaudited)

 

 

Portfolio Manager Outlook

The following forward-looking comments are the opinion of Wells Capital, the Portfolio’s sub-adviser.

Momentum in the U.S. economy is high heading into the new year. Recent passage of corporate tax rate reform should provide a meaningful boost to the corporate sector’s profitability. Measures of U.S. inflation have shown modest signs of firming after persistent softness throughout 2017. With inflation trending somewhat below the Fed’s target, officials continue to set expectations for gradual interest rate increases going forward, with the market pricing in two or three 25 basis point hikes during 2018.

Consistent with our bottom-up relative value process, we maintain a neutral duration. In December, we increased our overweight to credit, identifying additional security selection opportunities. We moved more underweight U.S. Agency MBS as mortgage valuations remain somewhat vulnerable, in our view, as market participants adjust to higher yields and volatility. We maintained an overweight to ABS on stable fundamentals in core sectors and attractive risk-adjusted valuations, while maintaining a tempered overweight in CMBS. We remain nimble and agile, and stand ready to take advantage of security selection opportunities as they arise.

 

Relative Performance

 

LOGO

 

 

Average Annual Total Returns
For Periods Ended December 31, 2017
 
      1 Year     5 Years     10 Years  

Select Bond Portfolio

     3.58     2.08     4.14

Bloomberg Barclays® U.S. Aggregate Index

     3.54     2.10     4.01

Lipper® Variable Insurance Products (VIP) Core Bond Funds Average

     3.72     2.05     3.87

The performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance is historical and does not guarantee future performance. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate, so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. For the most recent month-end performance information visit www.northwesternmutual.com.

This chart assumes an initial investment of $10,000 made on 12/31/07. Returns shown reflect fee waivers, deductions for management and other portfolio expenses, and reinvestment of all dividends. In the absence of fee waivers, total return would be reduced.

Returns exclude deductions for separate account sale loads and account fees. Please refer to the Benchmark Definitions section of this report for information about the indices cited in the above chart and graph.

Return of principal is not guaranteed. Bond funds have the same interest rate, inflation and credit risks that are associated with the underlying bonds owned by the Portfolio. When interest rates rise, bond prices fall. With a fixed income fund, when interest rates rise, the value of the fund’s existing bonds drops, which could negatively affect overall fund performance. A portion of the Portfolio’s assets may be invested in lower quality debt securities which may present a significant risk for loss of principal and interest. High yield bonds generally have greater price swings and higher default risks than investment grade bonds.

Investing in bonds issued by foreign corporations and governments carries additional risk, including foreign currency risk, and may increase the volatility of the Portfolio’s performance.

Currently, interest rates remain at historically low levels on a relative basis, although the U.S. federal funds rate has been subject to modest increases over the course of the last two years. A significant rise in interest rates over a short period of time could cause significant losses in the market value of the Portfolio’s fixed income investments.

The Portfolio may engage in active and frequent trading of portfolio securities to achieve its investment objectives. Active and frequent trading may cause higher brokerage expenses and other transaction costs, which may adversely affect performance.

 

 

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Select Bond Portfolio (unaudited)

 

 

Top 10 Fixed Income Holdings 12/31/17

 

Security Description    % of Market Value        

US Treasury, Various

     33.7  

Federal National Mortgage Association, Various

     17.7  

Government National Mortgage Association, Various

     5.5  

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp., Various

     4.2  

Apple, Inc., Various

     0.8  

Northrop Grumman Corp., Various

     0.8  

AT&T, Inc., Various

     0.8  

JPMorgan Chase & Co., Various

     0.6  

Morgan Stanley, Various

     0.6  

Oracle Corp., Various

     0.6  

Sector Allocation 12/31/17

 

 

LOGO

Sector Allocation is based on fixed income investments.

Sector Allocation and Top 10 Holdings are subject to change. Consistent with the Portfolio’s stated parameters, no more than 20% of the Portfolio is invested in foreign securities, and no more than 10% is invested in high yield securities.

    

 

 

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Select Bond Portfolio

 

Schedule of Investments

December 31, 2017

 

                               
Corporate Bonds (24.2%)   Shares/
$ Par
    Value
$ (000’s)
 

Basic Materials (0.7%)

 

 

Barrick North America Finance LLC, 5.700%, 5/30/41

    2,030,000       2,493  

BHP Billiton Finance USA, Ltd., 5.000%, 9/30/43

    1,040,000       1,274  

CF Industries, Inc., 3.400%, 12/1/21 144A

    2,185,000       2,207  

CF Industries, Inc., 4.500%, 12/1/26 144A

    2,213,000       2,306  

Corp. Nacional del Cobre de Chile, 3.625%, 8/1/27 144A

    1,780,000       1,782  

International Paper Co., 5.150%, 5/15/46

    2,460,000       2,846  

Sherwin-Williams Co., 2.750%, 6/1/22

    2,680,000       2,669  

Sherwin-Williams Co., 3.450%, 6/1/27

    1,036,000       1,052  

Sherwin-Williams Co., 4.500%, 6/1/47

    980,000       1,071  

Vale Overseas, Ltd., 6.250%, 8/10/26

    1,745,000       2,022  
   

 

 

 

Total

      19,722  
   

 

 

 

Communications (2.8%)

 

 

21st Century Fox America, Inc., 4.750%, 11/15/46

    850,000       983  

21st Century Fox America, Inc., 4.950%, 10/15/45

    615,000       723  

Alibaba Group Holding, Ltd., 3.400%, 12/6/27

    2,693,000       2,692  

Alibaba Group Holding, Ltd., 4.000%, 12/6/37

    648,000       670  

Alibaba Group Holding, Ltd., 4.200%, 12/6/47

    607,000       631  

Alibaba Group Holding, Ltd., 4.400%, 12/6/57

    1,483,000       1,543  

Amazon.com, Inc., 2.400%, 2/22/23 144A

    3,976,000       3,934  

Amazon.com, Inc., 2.800%, 8/22/24 144A

    626,000       624  

Amazon.com, Inc., 3.150%, 8/22/27 144A

    2,075,000       2,078  

Amazon.com, Inc., 3.875%, 8/22/37 144A

    1,106,000       1,173  

Amazon.com, Inc., 4.050%, 8/22/47 144A

    1,540,000       1,658  

Amazon.com, Inc., 4.250%, 8/22/57 144A

    625,000       681  

AT&T, Inc., 3.400%, 5/15/25

    8,181,000       8,041  

AT&T, Inc., 3.900%, 8/14/27

    3,309,000       3,330  

AT&T, Inc., 4.450%, 4/1/24

    1,427,000       1,509  

AT&T, Inc., 4.900%, 8/14/37

    666,000       675  

AT&T, Inc., 5.150%, 2/14/50

    1,068,000       1,073  

AT&T, Inc., 5.250%, 3/1/37

    4,874,000       5,152  

AT&T, Inc., 5.450%, 3/1/47

    2,681,000       2,863  

CBS Corp., 2.500%, 2/15/23

    3,560,000       3,471  

CBS Corp., 3.375%, 2/15/28

    1,785,000       1,719  

Charter Communications Operating LLC / Charter Communications Operating Capital Corp., 4.464%, 7/23/22

    1,060,000       1,106  

Charter Communications Operating LLC / Charter Communications Operating Capital Corp., 4.908%, 7/23/25

    2,790,000       2,966  

Charter Communications Operating LLC / Charter Communications Operating Capital Corp., 5.375%, 5/1/47

    1,058,000       1,084  

Comcast Corp., 2.350%, 1/15/27

    1,515,000       1,430  

Comcast Corp., 3.150%, 2/15/28

    4,277,000       4,289  

Comcast Corp., 4.000%, 8/15/47

    635,000       662  

Discovery Communications LLC, 3.950%, 3/20/28

    1,174,000       1,167  

Discovery Communications LLC, 4.875%, 4/1/43

    1,240,000       1,231  

Discovery Communications LLC, 4.950%, 5/15/42

    620,000       614  

Discovery Communications LLC, 5.200%, 9/20/47

    721,000       752  

NBCUniversal Media LLC, 4.450%, 1/15/43

    405,000       442  
                               
Corporate Bonds (24.2%)    Shares/
$ Par
     Value
$ (000’s)
 

Communications continued

 

  

Nokia OYJ, 3.375%, 6/12/22

     3,027,000        3,008  

Nokia OYJ, 4.375%, 6/12/27

     640,000        633  

Telefonica Emisiones SAU, 5.213%, 3/8/47

     1,600,000        1,814  

Time Warner Cable, Inc., 6.550%, 5/1/37

     770,000        905  

Time Warner, Inc., 3.800%, 2/15/27

     1,560,000        1,558  

Time Warner, Inc., 4.850%, 7/15/45

     1,480,000        1,553  

Verizon Communications, Inc., 2.946%, 3/15/22

     1,570,000        1,579  

Verizon Communications, Inc., 4.125%, 8/15/46

     4,246,000        3,919  

Verizon Communications, Inc., 4.400%, 11/1/34

     3,904,000        3,976  

Verizon Communications, Inc., 5.012%, 8/21/54

     1,053,000        1,073  
     

 

 

 

Total

        80,984  
     

 

 

 

Consumer, Cyclical (1.4%)

 

  

Alimentation Couche-Tard, Inc., 2.700%, 7/26/22 144A

     3,670,000        3,636  

Alimentation Couche-Tard, Inc., 3.550%, 7/26/27 144A

     2,190,000        2,187  

Costco Wholesale Corp., 2.300%, 5/18/22

     3,454,000        3,425  

Costco Wholesale Corp., 2.750%, 5/18/24

     2,390,000        2,387  

Costco Wholesale Corp., 3.000%, 5/18/27

     4,000,000        4,005  

Ford Motor Co., 5.291%, 12/8/46

     2,480,000        2,697  

Ford Motor Credit Co. LLC, 2.343%, 11/2/20

     3,296,000        3,265  

Ford Motor Credit Co. LLC, 2.979%, 8/3/22

     1,990,000        1,983  

Ford Motor Credit Co. LLC, 3.339%, 3/28/22

     2,815,000        2,847  

Ford Motor Credit Co. LLC, 3.815%, 11/2/27

     2,148,000        2,148  

General Motors Co., 5.150%, 4/1/38

     2,175,000        2,317  

General Motors Co., 5.200%, 4/1/45

     515,000        544  

General Motors Co., 5.400%, 4/1/48

     616,000        671  

General Motors Financial Co., Inc., 3.500%, 11/7/24

     2,926,000        2,919  

General Motors Financial Co., Inc., 4.350%, 1/17/27

     3,023,000        3,143  

Lennar Corp., 4.750%, 11/29/27 144A

     2,790,000        2,873  
     

 

 

 

Total

        41,047  
     

 

 

 

Consumer, Non-cyclical (3.7%)

 

  

Abbott Laboratories, 3.750%, 11/30/26

     4,520,000        4,640  

Abbott Laboratories, 4.900%, 11/30/46

     505,000        578  

AbbVie, Inc., 2.500%, 5/14/20

     4,165,000        4,178  

AbbVie, Inc., 4.450%, 5/14/46

     2,305,000        2,503  

AbbVie, Inc., 4.500%, 5/14/35

     1,020,000        1,120  

AmerisourceBergen Corp., 4.300%, 12/15/47

     2,029,000        2,034  

Anheuser-Busch InBev Finance, Inc., 2.650%, 2/1/21

     5,830,000        5,859  

Anheuser-Busch InBev Finance, Inc., 3.300%, 2/1/23

     2,089,000        2,137  

Anheuser-Busch InBev Finance, Inc., 4.900%, 2/1/46

     1,616,000        1,871  

Anthem, Inc., 2.500%, 11/21/20

     2,341,000        2,336  

Anthem, Inc., 2.950%, 12/1/22

     2,340,000        2,341  

Anthem, Inc., 3.350%, 12/1/24

     1,175,000        1,192  

Anthem, Inc., 3.650%, 12/1/27

     1,755,000        1,788  

BAT Capital Corp., 2.297%, 8/14/20 144A

     1,645,000        1,636  

BAT Capital Corp., 2.764%, 8/15/22 144A

     4,370,000        4,346  

BAT Capital Corp., 3.222%, 8/15/24 144A

     2,182,000        2,181  

BAT Capital Corp., 3.557%, 8/15/27 144A

     1,646,000        1,648  

BAT Capital Corp., 4.540%, 8/15/47 144A

     1,095,000        1,152  

Becton Dickinson and Co., 2.404%, 6/5/20

     3,600,000        3,580  
 

 

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

 

118   Select Bond Portfolio  


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Corporate Bonds (24.2%)    Shares/
$ Par
     Value
$ (000’s)
 

Consumer, Non-cyclical continued

 

  

Becton Dickinson and Co., 2.894%, 6/6/22

     3,015,000        2,996  

Becton Dickinson and Co., 3.700%, 6/6/27

     2,420,000        2,438  

Becton Dickinson and Co., 4.685%, 12/15/44

     2,035,000        2,223  

Celgene Corp., 2.750%, 2/15/23

     3,898,000        3,865  

Celgene Corp., 3.450%, 11/15/27

     1,542,000        1,540  

Celgene Corp., 4.350%, 11/15/47

     2,766,000        2,870  

Celgene Corp., 5.000%, 8/15/45

     2,355,000        2,670  

Church & Dwight Co., Inc., 2.450%, 8/1/22

     835,000        825  

Church & Dwight Co., Inc., 3.150%, 8/1/27

     1,351,000        1,331  

Church & Dwight Co., Inc., 3.950%, 8/1/47

     835,000        837  

Eli Lilly & Co., 2.350%, 5/15/22

     995,000        992  

Eli Lilly & Co., 3.100%, 5/15/27

     1,765,000        1,791  

Eli Lilly & Co., 3.950%, 5/15/47

     905,000        971  

ERAC USA Finance LLC, 2.700%, 11/1/23 144A

     725,000        705  

ERAC USA Finance LLC, 3.300%, 12/1/26 144A

     2,630,000        2,607  

ERAC USA Finance LLC, 4.500%, 2/15/45 144A

     520,000        534  

Johnson & Johnson, 2.625%, 1/15/25

     1,135,000        1,129  

Johnson & Johnson, 2.900%, 1/15/28

     4,555,000        4,560  

Johnson & Johnson, 3.400%, 1/15/38

     1,390,000        1,423  

Johnson & Johnson, 3.500%, 1/15/48

     1,750,000        1,788  

Kraft Heinz Foods Co., 2.800%, 7/2/20

     4,300,000        4,325  

Kraft Heinz Foods Co., 3.000%, 6/1/26

     2,665,000        2,564  

Kraft Heinz Foods Co., 4.375%, 6/1/46

     4,102,000        4,060  

PepsiCo, Inc., 3.000%, 10/15/27

     1,540,000        1,534  

Perrigo Finance Unlimited Co., 4.375%, 3/15/26

     2,870,000        2,944  

Reynolds American, Inc., 5.850%, 8/15/45

     2,996,000        3,738  

Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc., 2.950%, 9/19/26

     1,540,000        1,496  

Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc., 3.200%, 8/15/27

     2,950,000        2,923  
     

 

 

 

Total

        108,799  
     

 

 

 

Energy (2.8%)

 

  

Anadarko Petroleum Corp., 4.500%, 7/15/44

     2,283,000        2,273  

Anadarko Petroleum Corp., 4.850%, 3/15/21

     1,232,000        1,301  

Anadarko Petroleum Corp., 5.550%, 3/15/26

     2,982,000        3,345  

Andeavor Logistics LP / Tesoro Logistics Finance Corp., 3.500%, 12/1/22

     1,249,000        1,247  

Andeavor Logistics LP / Tesoro Logistics Finance Corp., 4.250%, 12/1/27

     491,000        495  

Andeavor Logistics LP / Tesoro Logistics Finance Corp., 5.200%, 12/1/47

     1,120,000        1,167  

Apache Corp., 4.250%, 1/15/44

     995,000        963  

Buckeye Partners LP, 4.125%, 12/1/27

     2,052,000        2,029  

Cenovus Energy, Inc., 5.400%, 6/15/47

     1,640,000        1,725  

Chevron Corp., 2.954%, 5/16/26

     1,026,000        1,025  

Cimarex Energy Co., 4.375%, 6/1/24

     3,416,000        3,624  

Concho Resources, Inc., 3.750%, 10/1/27

     1,881,000        1,905  

Concho Resources, Inc., 4.875%, 10/1/47

     880,000        964  

Enbridge Energy Partners LP, 5.500%, 9/15/40

     754,000        825  

Enbridge Energy Partners LP, 7.375%, 10/15/45

     745,000        989  

Enbridge, Inc., 2.900%, 7/15/22

     2,598,000        2,582  

Enbridge, Inc., 3.700%, 7/15/27

     764,000        767  

Encana Corp., 6.500%, 2/1/38

     1,690,000        2,131  

Energy Transfer Partners LP, 2.500%, 6/15/18

     2,160,000        2,163  

Energy Transfer Partners LP, 6.125%, 12/15/45

     1,872,000        2,031  

Enterprise Products Operating LLC, 3.350%, 3/15/23

     1,025,000        1,045  
                               
Corporate Bonds (24.2%)    Shares/
$ Par
     Value
$ (000’s)
 

Energy continued

 

  

Enterprise Products Operating LLC, 3.700%, 2/15/26

     1,027,000        1,051  

Enterprise Products Operating LLC, 4.850%, 3/15/44

     538,000        589  

Hess Corp., 5.600%, 2/15/41

     663,000        715  

Kinder Morgan Energy Partners LP, 5.400%, 9/1/44

     1,150,000        1,215  

Kinder Morgan, Inc., 3.150%, 1/15/23

     4,151,000        4,125  

Kinder Morgan, Inc., 5.000%, 2/15/21 144A

     4,410,000        4,679  

Kinder Morgan, Inc., 5.550%, 6/1/45

     1,435,000        1,569  

Marathon Petroleum Corp., 4.750%, 9/15/44

     565,000        590  

Marathon Petroleum Corp., 5.000%, 9/15/54

     1,265,000        1,280  

Petroleos Mexicanos, 2.460%, 12/15/25

     5,135,200        5,117  

Petroleos Mexicanos, 5.625%, 1/23/46

     2,025,000        1,874  

Petroleos Mexicanos, 6.500%, 3/13/27 144A

     1,770,000        1,935  

Petroleos Mexicanos, 6.750%, 9/21/47 144A

     415,000        433  

Petroleos Mexicanos, 6.750%, 9/21/47

     1,660,000        1,733  

Plains All American Pipeline LP, 4.500%, 12/15/26

     515,000        522  

Sabine Pass Liquefaction LLC, 5.000%, 3/15/27

     2,489,000        2,670  

Sabine Pass Liquefaction LLC, 5.875%, 6/30/26

     1,130,000        1,269  

Schlumberger Finance Canada, Ltd., 2.200%, 11/20/20 144A

     2,702,000        2,686  

Schlumberger Finance Canada, Ltd., 2.650%, 11/20/22 144A

     4,297,000        4,277  

Schlumberger Holdings Corp., 4.000%, 12/21/25 144A

     4,271,000        4,487  

Shell International Finance BV, 4.000%, 5/10/46

     1,891,000        2,012  

TC Pipelines LP, 3.900%, 5/25/27

     1,695,000        1,703  

Williams Partners LP, 3.750%, 6/15/27

     2,395,000        2,399  
     

 

 

 

Total

        83,526  
     

 

 

 

Financial (7.4%)

 

  

ACE INA Holdings, Inc., 4.350%, 11/3/45

     1,690,000        1,906  

AerCap Ireland Capital Designated Activity Co. / AerCap Global Aviation Trust, 3.500%, 1/15/25

     3,360,000        3,330  

Air Lease Corp., 3.625%, 4/1/27

     2,670,000        2,667  

Air Lease Corp., 3.625%, 12/1/27

     2,460,000        2,458  

American International Group, Inc., 4.375%, 1/15/55

     820,000        834  

American International Group, Inc., 4.800%, 7/10/45

     453,000        508  

American International Group, Inc., 6.250%, 5/1/36

     1,675,000        2,161  

American Tower Corp., 3.600%, 1/15/28

     3,186,000        3,166  

Banco Santander SA, 3.125%, 2/23/23

     2,600,000        2,586  

Banco Santander SA, 3.500%, 4/11/22

     2,200,000        2,243  

Banco Santander SA, 3.800%, 2/23/28

     1,200,000        1,200  

Banco Santander SA, 4.250%, 4/11/27

     1,510,000        1,565  

Bank of America Corp., 2.503%, 10/21/22

     5,535,000        5,475  

Bank of America Corp., 2.600%, 1/15/19

     391,000        392  

Bank of America Corp., 3.004%, 12/20/23 144A

     2,336,000        2,342  

Bank of America Corp., 4.000%, 4/1/24

     1,545,000        1,633  

Bank of America Corp., 4.244%, (3 Month LIBOR plus 1.81%), 4/24/38

     2,359,000        2,556  

Bank of America Corp., 4.450%, 3/3/26

     1,680,000        1,793  

The Bank of New York Mellon Corp., 3.250%, 5/16/27

     3,449,000        3,485  

Boston Properties LP, 3.200%, 1/15/25

     2,819,000        2,809  

Brandywine Operating Partnership LP, 3.950%, 2/15/23

     585,000        597  

Brandywine Operating Partnership LP, 3.950%, 11/15/27

     1,949,000        1,934  
 

 

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

 

  Select Bond Portfolio     119  


Table of Contents

Select Bond Portfolio

 

                               
Corporate Bonds (24.2%)    Shares/
$ Par
     Value
$ (000’s)
 

Financial continued

 

  

Brighthouse Financial, Inc., 3.700%, 6/22/27 144A

     2,950,000        2,900  

Brighthouse Financial, Inc., 4.700%, 6/22/47 144A

     1,060,000        1,080  

Capital One Financial Corp., 2.400%, 10/30/20

     2,060,000        2,047  

Capital One Financial Corp., 3.300%, 10/30/24

     2,060,000        2,052  

Capital One Financial Corp., 4.200%, 10/29/25

     756,000        778  

Capital One NA, 2.650%, 8/8/22

     4,714,000        4,664  

Citigroup, Inc., 2.700%, 10/27/22

     6,263,000        6,195  

Citigroup, Inc., 4.125%, 7/25/28

     2,766,000        2,850  

Citigroup, Inc., 4.450%, 9/29/27

     4,010,000        4,244  

Credit Suisse Group AG, 2.997%, (3 Month LIBOR plus 1.20%), 12/14/23 144A

     4,680,000        4,624  

Credit Suisse Group Funding Guernsey, Ltd., 3.800%, 6/9/23

     1,105,000        1,139  

Credit Suisse Group Funding, Ltd., 3.800%, 9/15/22

     2,300,000        2,372  

Credit Suisse Group Funding, Ltd., 4.550%, 4/17/26

     2,755,000        2,949  

DDR Corp., 3.375%, 5/15/23

     2,770,000        2,760  

DDR Corp., 4.250%, 2/1/26

     770,000        783  

DDR Corp., 4.625%, 7/15/22

     3,037,000        3,202  

DNB Bank ASA, 2.125%, 10/2/20 144A

     5,500,000        5,447  

The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., 2.750%, 9/15/20

     2,590,000        2,603  

The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., 3.500%, 11/16/26

     827,000        832  

The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., 4.017%, (3 Month LIBOR plus 1.37%), 10/31/38

     1,032,000        1,060  

The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., 6.750%, 10/1/37

     3,889,000        5,202  

HSBC Holdings PLC, 2.650%, 1/5/22

     6,380,000        6,337  

HSBC Holdings PLC, 3.033%, (3 Month LIBOR plus 0.92%), 11/22/23

     2,700,000        2,705  

HSBC Holdings PLC, 4.375%, 11/23/26

     1,797,000        1,876  

ING Groep NV, 3.150%, 3/29/22

     1,415,000        1,432  

ING Groep NV, 3.950%, 3/29/27

     1,230,000        1,282  

Intesa Sanpaolo SpA, 3.125%, 7/14/22 144A

     4,095,000        4,065  

Intesa Sanpaolo SpA, 3.875%, 7/14/27 144A

     3,220,000        3,218  

JPMorgan Chase & Co., 2.295%, 8/15/21

     4,885,000        4,841  

JPMorgan Chase & Co., 2.950%, 10/1/26

     5,947,000        5,840  

JPMorgan Chase & Co., 2.972%, 1/15/23

     762,000        768  

JPMorgan Chase & Co., 3.882%, (3 Month LIBOR plus 1.36%), 7/24/38

     3,690,000        3,809  

JPMorgan Chase & Co., 4.260%, (3 Month LIBOR plus 1.58%), 2/22/48

     3,025,000        3,271  

Kilroy Realty LP, 3.450%, 12/15/24

     1,755,000        1,750  

Lazard Group LLC, 3.750%, 2/13/25

     2,950,000        3,008  

Markel Corp., 3.500%, 11/1/27

     1,780,000        1,770  

Markel Corp., 4.300%, 11/1/47

     1,055,000        1,083  

Mid-America Apartments LP, 3.600%, 6/1/27

     1,075,000        1,077  

Mid-America Apartments LP, 3.750%, 6/15/24

     2,680,000        2,754  

Mid-America Apartments LP, 4.000%, 11/15/25

     1,380,000        1,429  

Mid-America Apartments LP, 4.300%, 10/15/23

     1,155,000        1,212  

Morgan Stanley, 2.625%, 11/17/21

     5,674,000        5,647  

Morgan Stanley, 2.750%, 5/19/22

     7,180,000        7,153  

Morgan Stanley, 3.625%, 1/20/27

     3,582,000        3,665  

Morgan Stanley, 3.971%, (3 Month LIBOR plus 1.46%), 7/22/38

     1,039,000        1,075  

Public Storage, 2.370%, 9/15/22

     2,979,000        2,939  

Public Storage, 3.094%, 9/15/27

     2,367,000        2,351  

Realty Income Corp., 4.650%, 3/15/47

     980,000        1,074  
                               
Corporate Bonds (24.2%)    Shares/
$ Par
     Value
$ (000’s)
 

Financial continued

 

  

Regency Centers, LP, 3.600%, 2/1/27

     1,099,000        1,100  

Santander Holdings USA, Inc., 3.400%, 1/18/23 144A

     4,810,000        4,791  

Santander Holdings USA, Inc., 4.400%, 7/13/27 144A

     2,035,000        2,080  

Synchrony Financial, 3.950%, 12/1/27

     4,333,000        4,313  

Tanger Properties LP, 3.750%, 12/1/24

     1,330,000        1,337  

Tanger Properties LP, 3.875%, 12/1/23

     1,440,000        1,468  

Teachers Insurance & Annuity Association of America, 4.270%, 5/15/47 144A

     620,000        655  

Teachers Insurance & Annuity Association of America, 4.900%, 9/15/44 144A

     925,000        1,057  

UBS Group Funding AG, 3.491%, 5/23/23 144A

     3,610,000        3,667  

UBS Group Funding Jersey, Ltd., 2.650%, 2/1/22 144A

     5,000,000        4,943  

Washington Prime Group LP, 5.950%, 8/15/24

     1,040,000        1,063  

WEA Finance LLC, 3.150%, 4/5/22 144A

     2,915,000        2,942  

XLIT, Ltd., 5.250%, 12/15/43

     660,000        757  

XLIT, Ltd., 6.250%, 5/15/27

     1,229,000        1,454  
     

 

 

 

Total

        216,481  
     

 

 

 

Industrial (1.5%)

 

  

FedEx Corp., 4.400%, 1/15/47

     658,000        701  

FedEx Corp., 4.550%, 4/1/46

     1,775,000        1,948  

General Electric Co., 5.875%, 1/14/38

     970,000        1,253  

John Deere Capital Corp., 2.150%, 9/8/22

     2,055,000        2,011  

John Deere Capital Corp., 2.650%, 6/24/24

     2,575,000        2,550  

John Deere Capital Corp., 2.800%, 9/8/27

     2,575,000        2,527  

Mexico City Airport Trust, 5.500%, 7/31/47 144A

     1,410,000        1,392  

Northrop Grumman Corp., 2.080%, 10/15/20

     3,535,000        3,506  

Northrop Grumman Corp., 2.550%, 10/15/22

     3,543,000        3,517  

Northrop Grumman Corp., 2.930%, 1/15/25

     2,334,000        2,320  

Northrop Grumman Corp., 3.200%, 2/1/27

     3,635,000        3,648  

Northrop Grumman Corp., 3.250%, 8/1/23

     3,270,000        3,336  

Northrop Grumman Corp., 3.250%, 1/15/28

     3,962,000        3,967  

Northrop Grumman Corp., 4.030%, 10/15/47

     2,380,000        2,485  

Penske Truck Leasing Co. LP / PTL Finance Corp., 2.700%, 3/14/23 144A

     2,352,000        2,311  

Penske Truck Leasing Co. LP / PTL Finance Corp., 3.375%, 2/1/22 144A

     1,940,000        1,976  

Penske Truck Leasing Co. LP / PTL Finance Corp., 3.400%, 11/15/26 144A

     1,525,000        1,505  

Valmont Industries, Inc., 5.250%, 10/1/54

     1,560,000        1,613  

Vulcan Materials Co., 4.500%, 6/15/47

     1,205,000        1,229  

Wabtec Corp., 3.450%, 11/15/26

     1,062,000        1,038  
     

 

 

 

Total

        44,833  
     

 

 

 

Technology (2.2%)

 

  

Analog Devices, Inc., 2.500%, 12/5/21

     2,275,000        2,252  

Analog Devices, Inc., 3.125%, 12/5/23

     2,435,000        2,440  

Analog Devices, Inc., 3.500%, 12/5/26

     828,000        838  

Apple, Inc., 2.300%, 5/11/22

     643,000        638  

Apple, Inc., 2.750%, 1/13/25

     2,563,000        2,540  

Apple, Inc., 2.850%, 5/11/24

     4,545,000        4,564  

Apple, Inc., 3.000%, 2/9/24

     4,025,000        4,075  

Apple, Inc., 3.000%, 11/13/27

     2,051,000        2,038  
 

 

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

 

120   Select Bond Portfolio  


Table of Contents

Select Bond Portfolio

 

                               
Corporate Bonds (24.2%)    Shares/
$ Par
     Value
$ (000’s)
 

Technology continued

 

  

Apple, Inc., 3.200%, 5/11/27

     3,020,000        3,058  

Apple, Inc., 3.350%, 2/9/27

     3,000,000        3,072  

Apple, Inc., 3.750%, 11/13/47

     1,641,000        1,680  

Apple, Inc., 4.375%, 5/13/45

     1,020,000        1,148  

Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co., 6.350%, 10/15/45

     1,629,000        1,723  

Microsoft Corp., 2.000%, 8/8/23

     2,725,000        2,647  

Microsoft Corp., 2.400%, 2/6/22

     1,975,000        1,975  

Microsoft Corp., 2.875%, 2/6/24

     3,540,000        3,591  

Microsoft Corp., 4.100%, 2/6/37

     1,799,000        2,007  

Oracle Corp., 2.625%, 2/15/23

     4,680,000        4,690  

Oracle Corp., 2.950%, 11/15/24

     2,925,000        2,945  

Oracle Corp., 3.250%, 11/15/27

     4,284,000        4,355  

Oracle Corp., 3.800%, 11/15/37

     2,458,000        2,578  

Oracle Corp., 4.000%, 11/15/47

     2,142,000        2,279  

VMware, Inc., 2.300%, 8/21/20

     3,555,000        3,535  

VMware, Inc., 2.950%, 8/21/22

     2,950,000        2,941  

VMware, Inc., 3.900%, 8/21/27

     1,760,000        1,776  
     

 

 

 

Total

        65,385  
     

 

 

 

Utilities (1.7%)

 

  

Alabama Power Co., 3.700%, 12/1/47

     1,672,000        1,705  

Appalachian Power Co., 3.300%, 6/1/27

     1,690,000        1,695  

Baltimore Gas & Electric Co., 3.750%, 8/15/47

     1,044,000        1,069  

Commonwealth Edison Co., 2.950%, 8/15/27

     2,375,000        2,347  

Commonwealth Edison Co., 3.750%, 8/15/47

     695,000        721  

Dominion Resources, Inc., 1.600%, 8/15/19

     2,070,000        2,047  

Dominion Resources, Inc., 2.000%, 8/15/21

     1,555,000        1,519  

Duke Energy Carolinas LLC, 2.500%, 3/15/23

     1,745,000        1,729  

Duke Energy Corp., 1.800%, 9/1/21

     2,365,000        2,300  

Duke Energy Corp., 3.150%, 8/15/27

     518,000        514  

Duke Energy Florida LLC, 3.400%, 10/1/46

     1,015,000        981  

Duquesne Light Holdings, Inc., 3.616%, 8/1/27 144A

     3,005,000        3,003  

Electricite de France SA, 6.000%, 1/22/14 144A

     2,532,000        2,827  

Enel Finance International NV, 2.750%, 4/6/23 144A

     2,464,000        2,428  

Georgia Power Co., 4.300%, 3/15/42

     530,000        563  

Indiana Michigan Power Co., 4.550%, 3/15/46

     1,105,000        1,259  

IPALCO Enterprises, Inc., 3.700%, 9/1/24 144A

     2,635,000        2,632  

ITC Holdings Corp., 3.350%, 11/15/27 144A

     4,354,000        4,356  

New England Power Co., 3.800%, 12/5/47 144A

     1,536,000        1,569  

Nisource Finance Corp., 3.950%, 3/30/48

     619,000        633  

Northern States Power Co., 3.600%, 9/15/47

     2,583,000        2,626  

Pacific Gas & Electric Co., 3.300%, 12/1/27 144A

     2,862,000        2,837  

PECO Energy Co., 3.150%, 10/15/25

     2,775,000        2,794  

PPL Electric Utilities Corp., 4.150%, 10/1/45

     1,010,000        1,123  

South Carolina Electric & Gas Co., 5.100%, 6/1/65

     377,000        431  

The Southern Co., 4.400%, 7/1/46

     1,445,000        1,537  

Southern Co. Gas Capital Corp., 2.450%, 10/1/23

     1,585,000        1,534  

Southwestern Electric Power Co., 3.900%, 4/1/45

     735,000        753  

Southwestern Public Service Co., 3.700%, 8/15/47

     1,559,000        1,594  
     

 

 

 

Total

        51,126  
     

 

 

 

Total Corporate Bonds

     

(Cost: $702,148)

        711,903  
     

 

 

 
                               
Governments (35.2%)    Shares/
$ Par
     Value
$ (000’s)
 

Governments (35.2%)

 

  

Abu Dhabi Government, 2.500%, 10/11/22 144A

     3,940,000        3,861  

Abu Dhabi Government, 3.125%, 10/11/27 144A

     2,195,000        2,146  

Abu Dhabi Government, 4.125%, 10/11/47 144A

     2,175,000        2,151  

Export-Import Bank of Korea, 2.500%, 11/1/20

     1,940,000        1,919  

Export-Import Bank of Korea, 3.000%, 11/1/22

     4,113,000        4,091  

Indonesia Government International Bond, 2.950%, 1/11/23

     3,900,000        3,870  

Indonesia Government International Bond, 3.500%, 1/11/28

     1,095,000        1,091  

Japan Bank for International Cooperation, 1.750%, 5/28/20

     3,250,000        3,202  

Japan Bank for International Cooperation, 1.875%, 4/20/21

     1,392,000        1,360  

Japan Bank for International Cooperation, 2.250%, 2/24/20

     4,658,000        4,637  

Republic of Chile, 3.860%, 6/21/47

     2,370,000        2,434  

Republic of Paraguay, 6.100%, 8/11/44 144A

     1,660,000        1,892  

Saudi Government International Bond, 2.875%, 3/4/23 144A

     2,860,000        2,811  

Saudi Government International Bond, 3.625%, 3/4/28 144A

     1,942,000        1,924  

Saudi Government International Bond, 4.500%, 10/26/46 144A

     695,000        694  

Saudi Government International Bond, 4.625%, 10/4/47 144A

     1,200,000        1,226  

United Mexican States, 4.600%, 2/10/48

     2,956,000        2,919  

United Mexican States, 5.750%, 10/12/2110

     1,630,000        1,736  

US Treasury, 1.125%, 2/28/21

     50,230,000        48,843  

US Treasury, 1.125%, 7/31/21

     36,287,000        35,088  

US Treasury, 1.250%, 4/30/19

     16,392,000        16,261  

US Treasury, 1.250%, 8/31/19

     3,319,000        3,285  

US Treasury, 1.375%, 7/31/19

     15,052,000        14,937  

US Treasury, 1.375%, 9/30/19

     15,928,000        15,789  

US Treasury, 1.375%, 8/31/20

     6,569,000        6,472  

US Treasury, 1.375%, 9/30/20

     11,704,000        11,525  

US Treasury, 1.500%, 10/31/19

     15,192,000        15,086  

US Treasury, 1.500%, 5/31/20

     34,382,000        34,040  

US Treasury, 1.500%, 7/15/20

     8,164,000        8,076  

US Treasury, 1.500%, 8/15/20

     25,081,000        24,801  

US Treasury, 1.500%, 8/15/26

     43,035,000        40,028  

US Treasury, 1.625%, 3/31/19

     11,739,000        11,704  

US Treasury, 1.625%, 7/31/20

     48,346,000        47,969  

US Treasury, 1.625%, 10/15/20

     29,726,000        29,460  

US Treasury, 1.625%, 8/31/22

     32,067,000        31,270  

US Treasury, 1.750%, 11/30/19

     24,638,000        24,573  

US Treasury, 1.750%, 11/15/20

     19,595,000        19,481  

US Treasury, 1.750%, 12/31/20

     5,464,000        5,426  

US Treasury, 1.875%, 12/31/19

     9,392,000        9,388  

US Treasury, 1.875%, 12/15/20

     56,206,000        56,039  

US Treasury, 1.875%, 1/31/22

     21,355,000        21,132  

US Treasury, 1.875%, 3/31/22

     29,714,000        29,376  

US Treasury, 1.875%, 4/30/22

     12,220,000        12,073  
 

 

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

 

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Governments (35.2%)    Shares/
$ Par
     Value
$ (000’s)
 

Governments continued

 

  

US Treasury, 1.875%, 7/31/22

     25,024,000        24,682  

US Treasury, 2.000%, 10/31/21

     26,150,000        26,036  

US Treasury, 2.000%, 12/31/21

     44,186,000        43,959  

US Treasury, 2.000%, 11/30/22

     11,980,000        11,869  

US Treasury, 2.000%, 11/15/26

     24,891,000        24,082  

US Treasury, 2.125%, 12/31/22(b)

     5,057,000        5,035  

US Treasury, 2.125%, 11/30/24

     4,312,000        4,254  

US Treasury, 2.250%, 10/31/24

     3,796,000        3,778  

US Treasury, 2.250%, 2/15/27

     45,910,000        45,294  

US Treasury, 2.250%, 8/15/27

     45,575,000        44,920  

US Treasury, 2.250%, 11/15/27

     27,511,000        27,114  

US Treasury, 2.375%, 5/15/27

     15,562,000        15,513  

US Treasury, 2.500%, 2/15/46

     19,549,000        18,582  

US Treasury, 2.500%, 5/15/46

     25,816,000        24,530  

US Treasury, 2.750%, 8/15/47

     29,726,000        29,730  

US Treasury, 2.750%, 11/15/47

     14,648,000        14,656  

US Treasury, 2.875%, 11/15/46

     10,029,000        10,277  

US Treasury, 3.000%, 11/15/45

     24,338,000        25,532  

US Treasury, 3.000%, 2/15/47

     17,248,000        18,119  

US Treasury, 3.000%, 5/15/47

     2,895,000        3,040  
     

 

 

 

Total Governments

     

(Cost: $1,048,067)

        1,037,088  
     

 

 

 
Municipal Bonds (0.6%)          

Municipal Bonds (0.6%)

 

  

County of Clark Department of Aviation, 6.820%, 7/1/45 RB

     1,780,000        2,776  

Los Angeles Community College District, Series 2010-E, 6.750%, 8/1/49 GO

     2,600,000        4,036  

North Texas Tollway Authority, Series 2009-B, 6.718%, 1/1/49 RB

     2,445,000        3,719  

The Ohio State University, 4.800%, 6/1/11 RB

     1,070,000        1,202  

Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, 4.458%, 10/1/62 RB

     3,540,000        4,088  

State of California, Series 2010, 7.600%, 11/1/40 GO

     1,870,000        2,986  
     

 

 

 

Total Municipal Bonds

     

(Cost: $17,519)

        18,807  
     

 

 

 
Structured Products (47.1%)          

Asset Backed Securities (12.8%)

 

  

Ally Master Owner Trust, Series 2017-1, Class A, 1.877%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.40%), 2/15/21

     1,729,000        1,733  

Avis Budget Rental Car Funding AESOP LLC, Series 2017-2A, Class A, 2.970%, 3/20/24 144A

     4,744,000        4,743  

California Republic Auto Receivables Trust, Series 2016-1, Class A4, 2.240%, 10/15/21

     2,142,000        2,143  

California Republic Auto Receivables Trust, Series 2017-1, Class A3, 1.900%, 3/15/21

     2,569,000        2,560  

California Republic Auto Receivables Trust, Series 2017-1, Class A4, 2.280%, 6/15/22

     1,177,000        1,173  
                               
Structured Products (47.1%)    Shares/
$ Par
     Value
$ (000’s)
 

Asset Backed Securities continued

 

  

Capital Auto Receivables Asset Trust, Series 2015-3, Class A4, 2.130%, 5/20/20

     250,000        250  

Capital Auto Receivables Asset Trust, Series 2015-4, Class A2, 1.620%, 3/20/19

     215,277        215  

Capital Auto Receivables Asset Trust, Series 2015-4, Class A4, 2.010%, 7/20/20

     2,266,000        2,265  

Capital Auto Receivables Asset Trust, Series 2016-1, Class A4, 1.980%, 10/20/20

     1,690,000        1,688  

Capital Auto Receivables Asset Trust, Series 2016-3, Class A2A, 1.360%, 4/22/19

     191,262        191  

Capital Auto Receivables Asset Trust, Series 2016-3, Class A4, 1.690%, 3/20/21

     1,365,000        1,355  

Capital One Multi-Asset Execution Trust, Series 2015-A1, Class A, 1.390%, 1/15/21

     340,000        340  

Capital One Multi-Asset Execution Trust, Series 2016-A5, Class A5, 1.660%, 6/17/24

     2,943,000        2,869  

Capital One Multi-Asset Execution Trust, Series 2017-A6, Class A6, 2.290%, 7/15/25

     758,000        753  

College Ave Student Loans, Series 2017-A, Class A1, 2.978%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 1.65%), 11/26/46 144A

     2,457,231        2,518  

Hertz Vehicle Financing II LP, Series 2015-1A, Class A, 2.730%, 3/25/21 144A

     5,476,000        5,491  

Hertz Vehicle Financing II LP, Series 2015-3A, Class A, 2.670%, 9/25/21 144A

     5,403,000        5,348  

Hertz Vehicle Financing LLC, Series 2016-2A, Class A, 2.950%, 3/25/22 144A

     2,766,000        2,757  

Hertz Vehicle Financing LLC, Series 2016-3A, Class A, 2.270%, 7/25/20 144A

     3,577,000        3,560  

Hertz Vehicle Financing LLC, Series 2016-3A, Class B, 3.110%, 7/25/20 144A

     1,173,000        1,167  

Hertz Vehicle Financing LLC, Series 2016-4, Class A, 2.650%, 7/25/22 144A

     3,698,000        3,630  

Hertz Vehicle Financing LLC, Series 2017-2A, Class A, 3.290%, 10/25/23 144A

     5,167,000        5,175  

Naviant Student Loan Trust, Series 2016-1A, Class A, 2.252%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.70%), 2/25/70 144A

     10,002,085        10,033  

Navient Private Education Loan Trust, Series 2014-AA, Class A3, 3.077%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 1.60%), 10/15/31 144A

     3,434,000        3,504  

Navient Private Education Loan Trust, Series 2014-CTA, Class A, 2.177%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.70%), 9/16/24 144A

     1,656,469        1,661  

Navient Private Education Loan Trust, Series 2015-CA, Class B, 3.250%, 5/15/40 144A

     2,181,000        2,197  

Navient Student Loan Trust, Series 2014-1, Class A3, 1.838%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.51%), 6/25/31

     2,840,000        2,831  

Navient Student Loan Trust, Series 2015-AA, Class A2B, 2.677%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 1.20%), 12/15/28 144A

     1,023,069        1,043  

Navient Student Loan Trust, Series 2016-5A, Class A, 2.802%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 1.25%), 6/25/65 144A

     1,539,454        1,572  
 

 

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

 

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Structured Products (47.1%)    Shares/
$ Par
     Value
$ (000’s)
 

Asset Backed Securities continued

 

  

Navient Student Loan Trust, Series 2016-7A, Class A, 2.702%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 1.15%), 3/25/66 144A

     3,322,404        3,400  

Navient Student Loan Trust, Series 2016-AA, Class A2A, 3.910%, 12/15/45 144A

     6,961,294        7,152  

Navient Student Loan Trust, Series 2016-AA, Class A2B, 3.627%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 2.15%), 12/15/45 144A

     2,052,714        2,141  

Navient Student Loan Trust, Series 2017-1A, Class A3, 2.702%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 1.15%), 7/26/66 144A

     11,939,000        12,224  

Navient Student Loan Trust, Series 2017-2A, Class A, 2.602%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 1.05%), 12/27/66 144A

     7,610,301        7,702  

Navient Student Loan Trust, Series 2017-3A, Class A3, 2.602%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 1.05%), 7/26/66 144A

     5,914,000        6,070  

Navient Student Loan Trust, Series 2017-4A, Class A3, 2.552%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 1.00%), 9/27/66 144A

     8,793,000        8,877  

Navient Student Loan Trust, Series 2017-5A, Class A, 2.352%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.80%), 7/26/66 144A

     11,195,022        11,233  

Navient Student Loan Trust, Series 2017-A, Class A2A, 2.880%, 12/16/58 144A

     3,386,000        3,356  

Navient Student Loan Trust, Series 2017-A, Class A2B, 2.377%, (1 Month LIBOR plus 0.90%), 12/16/58 144A

     3,441,000        3,441  

Nelnet Student Loan Trust, Series 2004-3, Class A5, 1.547%, (3 Month LIBOR plus 0.18%), 10/27/36

     647,866        640  

Nelnet Student Loan Trust, Series 2004-4, Class A5, 1.527%, (3 Month LIBOR plus 0.16%), 1/25/37

     3,205,480        3,172  

Nelnet Student Loan Trust, Series 2005-1, Class, A5, 1.477%, (3 Month LIBOR plus 0.11%), 10/25/33

     9,895,701        9,712  

Nelnet Student Loan Trust, Series 2005-2, Class A5, 1.758%, (3 Month LIBOR plus 0.10%), 3/23/37

     3,439,367        3,402  

Nelnet Student Loan Trust, Series 2005-3, Class A5, 1.443%, (3 Month LIBOR plus 0.12%), 12/24/35

     9,076,986        8,972  

Nelnet Student Loan Trust, Series 2005-4, Clas A4, 1.503%, (3 Month LIBOR plus 0.18%), 3/22/32

     1,731,000        1,675  

Nelnet Student Loan Trust, Series 2006-2, Class A6, 1.487%, (3 Month LIBOR plus 0.12%), 4/25/31

     7,268,000        7,288  

Nelnet Student Loan Trust, Series 2010-4A, Series A, 2.128%, (1 Month LIBOR plus 0.80%), 4/25/46 144A

     1,151,745        1,163  

Nelnet Student Loan Trust, Series 2016-1A, Class A, 2.128%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.80%), 9/25/65 144A

     3,589,360        3,638  

Nelnet Student Loan Trust, Series 2017-2A, Class A, 2.322%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.77%), 9/25/65 144A

     5,500,867        5,521  

Nelnet Student Loan Trust, Series 2017-3A, Class A, 2.322%, (1 Month LIBOR plus 0.85%), 2/25/66 144A

     3,195,000        3,195  
                               
Structured Products (47.1%)    Shares/
$ Par
     Value
$ (000’s)
 

Asset Backed Securities continued

 

  

Santander Drive Auto Receivables Trust, Series 2017-3, Class A3, 1.870%, 6/15/21

     2,521,000        2,511  

SLC Student Loan Trust, Series 2005-3, Class A3, 1.708%, (3 Month LIBOR plus 0.12%), 6/15/29

     7,046,346        6,990  

SLM Private Education Loan Trust, Series 2012-D, Class A2, 2.950%, 2/15/46 144A

     431,576        432  

SLM Private Education Loan Trust, Series 2013-B, Class A2B, 2.577%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 1.10%), 6/17/30 144A

     555,118        559  

SLM Student Loan Trust, Series 2003-1, Class A5C, 2.338%, (3 Month LIBOR plus 0.75%), 12/15/32 144A

     1,888,750        1,873  

SLM Student Loan Trust, Series 2004-10, Class A7A, 2.117%, (3 Month LIBOR plus 0.75%), 10/25/29 144A

     5,602,000        5,602  

SLM Student Loan Trust, Series 2005-8, Class A5, 1.537%, (3 Month LIBOR plus 0.17%), 1/25/40

     2,728,000        2,635  

SLM Student Loan Trust, Series 2006-3, Class A5, 1.467%, (3 Month LIBOR plus 0.10%), 1/25/21

     4,955,407        4,924  

SLM Student Loan Trust, Series 2007-2, Class A4, 1.427%, (3 Month LIBOR plus 0.06%), 7/25/22

     6,060,000        5,890  

SLM Student Loan Trust, Series 2012-1, Class A3, 2.278%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.95%), 9/25/28

     8,876,203        8,965  

SLM Student Loan Trust, Series 2012-2, Class A, 2.028%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.70%), 1/25/29

     4,291,101        4,307  

SLM Student Loan Trust, Series 2012-3, Class A, 1.978%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.65%), 12/27/38

     2,101,902        2,114  

SLM Student Loan Trust, Series 2012-6, Class A3, 2.078%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.75%), 5/26/26

     3,385,171        3,367  

SLM Student Loan Trust, Series 2012-6, Class B, 2.328%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 1.00%), 4/27/43

     1,812,000        1,659  

SLM Student Loan Trust, Series 2012-7, Class B, 3.128%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 1.80%), 9/25/43

     4,250,000        4,250  

SMB Private Education Loan Trust, Series 2015-A, Class A2A, 2.490%, 6/15/27 144A

     1,383,502        1,380  

SMB Private Education Loan Trust, Series 2015-A, Class A2B, 2.477%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 1.00%), 6/15/27 144A

     3,737,149        3,791  

SMB Private Education Loan Trust, Series 2015-B, Class A2A, 2.980%, 7/15/27 144A

     1,610,959        1,620  

SMB Private Education Loan Trust, Series 2015-B, Class A2B, 2.677%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 1.20%), 7/15/27 144A

     5,324,715        5,406  

SMB Private Education Loan Trust, Series 2015-C, Class A2A, 2.750%, 7/15/27 144A

     2,431,392        2,435  

SMB Private Education Loan Trust, Series 2015-C, Class A2B, 2.877%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 1.40%), 7/15/27 144A

     1,782,209        1,822  
 

 

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

 

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Structured Products (47.1%)    Shares/
$ Par
     Value
$ (000’s)
 

Asset Backed Securities continued

 

  

SMB Private Education Loan Trust, Series 2016-A, Class A2A, 2.700%, 5/15/31 144A

     6,939,000        6,903  

SMB Private Education Loan Trust, Series 2016-A, Class A2B, 2.977%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 1.50%), 5/15/31 144A

     8,920,000        9,168  

SMB Private Education Loan Trust, Series 2016-B, Class A2A, 2.430%, 2/17/32 144A

     3,352,000        3,294  

SMB Private Education Loan Trust, Series 2016-B, Class A2B, 2.927%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 1.45%), 2/17/32 144A

     8,058,000        8,334  

SMB Private Education Loan Trust, Series 2016-C, Class A2A, 2.340%, 9/15/34 144A

     6,011,000        5,883  

SMB Private Education Loan Trust, Series 2016-C, Class A2B, 2.577%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 1.10%), 9/15/34 144A

     5,766,000        5,864  

SMB Private Education Loan Trust, Series 2017-A, Class A2A, 2.880%, 9/15/34 144A

     3,062,000        3,067  

SMB Private Education Loan Trust, Series 2017-B, Class A2A, 2.820%, 10/15/35 144A

     4,200,000        4,183  

SMB Private Education Loan Trust, Series 2017-B, Class A2B, 2.101%, (1 Month LIBOR plus 0.75%), 10/15/35 144A

     4,236,000        4,252  

Social Professional Loan Program LLC, Series 2017-E, Class A1, 2.052%, (1 Month LIBOR plus 0.50%), 11/26/40 144A

     1,641,744        1,644  

Social Professional Loan Program LLC, Series 2017-E, Class A2B, 2.720%, 11/26/40 144A

     5,282,000        5,255  

SoFi Professional Loan Program LLC, Series 2016-A, Class A2, 2.760%, 12/26/36 144A

     3,405,666        3,402  

SoFi Professional Loan Program LLC, Series 2016-D, Class A1, 2.502%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.95%), 1/25/39 144A

     749,463        757  

SoFi Professional Loan Program LLC, Series 2017-B, Class A2F, 2.740%, 5/25/40 144A

     2,108,000        2,101  

SoFi Professional Loan Program LLC, Series 2017-C, Class A2B, 2.630%, 7/25/40 144A

     3,127,000        3,106  

SoFi Professional Loan Program LLC, Series 2017-F, Class A2FX, 2.840%, 1/25/41 144A

     5,457,000        5,463  

SoFi Professional Loan Program, Series 2016-E, Class A1, 2.402%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.85%), 7/25/39 144A

     1,928,536        1,946  

SoFi Professional Loan Program, Series 2017-A, Class A1, 2.252%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.70%), 3/26/40 144A

     1,721,055        1,731  

SoFi Professional Loan Program, Series 2017-A, Class A2B, 2.400%, 3/26/40 144A

     1,877,000        1,848  

SoFi Professional Loan Program, Series 2017-D, Class A2FX, 2.650%, 9/25/40 144A

     744,000        739  

Synchrony Credit Card Master Note Trust, Series 2015-1, Class A, 2.370%, 3/15/23

     1,621,000        1,626  

Synchrony Credit Card Master Note Trust, Series 2016-2, Class A, 2.210%, 5/15/24

     1,043,000        1,037  

Synchrony Credit Card Master Note Trust, Series 2016-3, Class A, 1.580%, 9/15/22

     6,523,000        6,454  
                               
Structured Products (47.1%)    Shares/
$ Par
     Value
$ (000’s)
 

Asset Backed Securities continued

 

  

Synchrony Credit Card Master Note Trust, Series 2017-2, Class A, 2.620%, 10/15/25

     4,592,000        4,590  

TCF Auto Receivables Owner Trust, Series 2016-1A, Class A4, 2.030%, 2/15/22 144A

     941,000        934  

World Financial Network Credit Card Master Trust, Series 2015-B, Class A, 2.550%, 6/17/24

     246,000        247  

World Financial Network Credit Card Master Trust, Series 2016-A, Class A, 2.030%, 4/15/25

     6,863,000        6,739  

World Financial Network Credit Card Master Trust, Series 2016-C, Class A, 1.720%, 8/15/23

     2,591,000        2,568  

World Financial Network Credit Card Master Trust, Series 2017-A, Class A, 2.120%, 3/15/24

     3,908,000        3,892  

World Financial Network Credit Card Master Trust, Series 2017-C, Class A, 2.310%, 8/15/24

     5,847,000        5,822  

World Omni Auto Receiveables Trust, Series 2014-B, Class A4, 1.680%, 12/15/20

     1,162,000        1,160  
     

 

 

 

Total

        375,280  
     

 

 

 

Mortgage Securities (34.3%)

 

  

Asset Securitization Corp., Series 1997-D5, Class PS1, 1.837%, (CSTR), 2/14/43 IO

     483,939        8  

CD Commercial Mortgage Trust, Series 2017-CD6, Class ASB, 3.332%, 11/13/50

     2,821,000        2,892  

CFCRE Commercial Mortgage Trust, Series 2011-C1, Class A4, 4.961%, (CSTR, AFC), 4/15/44 144A

     2,166,341        2,275  

CFCRE Commercial Mortgage Trust, Series 2016-C3, Class A1, 1.793%, (CSTR, AFC), 1/10/48

     1,264,153        1,254  

CFCRE Commercial Mortgage Trust, Series 2016-C4, Class A4, 3.283%, (EXE), 5/10/58

     1,545,000        1,552  

CFCRE Commercial Mortgage Trust, Series 2016-C4, Class ASB, 3.091%, 5/10/58

     1,508,000        1,524  

CFCRE Commercial Mortgage Trust, Series 2016-C7, Class A2, 3.585%, (CSTR), 12/10/54

     1,536,000        1,574  

CFCRE Commercial Mortgage Trust, Series 2016-C7, Class A3, 3.838%, (AFC, EXE), 12/10/54

     1,179,000        1,230  

CFCRE Commercial Mortgage Trust, Series 2017-C8, Class A1, 1.964%, 6/15/50

     897,121        889  

CFCRE Commercial Mortgage Trust, Series 2017-C8, Class A4, 3.571%, 6/15/50

     907,000        926  

CFCRE Commercial Mortgage Trust, Series 2017-C8, Class ASB, 3.367%, 6/15/50

     1,226,000        1,256  

Citigroup / Deutsche Bank Commercial Mortgage Trust, Series 2016-CD1, Class A1, 1.443%, 8/10/49

     776,611        763  

Citigroup / Deutsche Bank Commercial Mortgage Trust, Series 2017-C6, 3.121%, 6/10/50

     694,000        700  

Citigroup / Deutsche Bank Commercial Mortgage Trust, Series 2017-CD4, Class ASB, 3.317%, 5/10/50

     1,173,000        1,196  

Citigroup / Deutsche Bank Commercial Trust, Series 2016-CD1, Class ASB, 2.622%, 8/10/49

     2,660,000        2,627  

Citigroup Commercial Mortgage Trust, Series 2013-GC11, Class A2, 1.987%, 4/10/46

     1,735,389        1,735  

Citigroup Commercial Mortgage Trust, Series 2013-GC11, Class AAB, 2.690%, 4/10/46

     1,047,000        1,050  
 

 

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

 

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Structured Products (47.1%)    Shares/
$ Par
     Value
$ (000’s)
 

Mortgage Securities continued

 

  

Citigroup Commercial Mortgage Trust, Series 2014-GC25, Class A4, 3.635%, 10/10/47

     2,716,000        2,823  

Citigroup Commercial Mortgage Trust, Series 2015-GC29, Class A4, 3.192%, 4/10/48

     1,383,000        1,396  

Citigroup Mortgage Loan Trust, Inc., Series 2005-1, Class 3A1, 6.500%, 4/25/35

     219,541        225  

Commercial Mortgage Pass Through Certificates, Series 2012-CR3, Class A3, 2.822%, 10/15/45

     1,231,000        1,233  

Commercial Mortgage Pass Through Certificates, Series 2012-CR4, Class A2, 1.801%, 10/15/45

     429,260        429  

Commercial Mortgage Pass Through Certificates, Series 2013-Cr11, Class A1, 1.468%, 8/10/50

     304,384        304  

Commercial Mortgage Pass Through Certificates, Series 2013-CR12, Class A1, 1.295%, 10/10/46

     46,709        47  

Commercial Mortgage Pass Through Certificates, Series 2013-CR12, Class A3, 3.765%, 10/10/46

     734,000        770  

Commercial Mortgage Pass Through Certificates, Series 2013-CR12, Class A4, 4.046%, 10/10/46

     1,225,000        1,301  

Commercial Mortgage Pass Through Certificates, Series 2013-CR6, Class A2, 2.122%, 3/10/46

     555,456        555  

Commercial Mortgage Pass Through Certificates, Series 2014-UBS2, Class A5, 3.961%, 3/10/47

     415,000        438  

Commercial Mortgage Pass Through Certificates, Series 2014-UBS6, Class A5, 3.644%, 12/10/47

     2,228,000        2,314  

Commercial Mortgage Pass Through Certificates, Series 2014-UBS6, Class AM, 4.048%, 12/10/47

     2,400,000        2,503  

Commercial Mortgage Pass Through Certificates, Series 2016-C0R1, Class ASB, 2.972%, 10/10/49

     1,155,000        1,159  

Commercial Mortgage Pass Through Certificates, Series 2017-COR2, Class A3, 3.510%, 9/10/50

     745,000        768  

Commercial Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2014-UBS4, Class A5, 3.694%, 8/10/47

     893,000        930  

Commerical Mortgage Pass Through Certificates, Series 2013-CR10, Class A2, 2.972%, 8/10/46

     1,137,000        1,144  

Credit Suisse Mortgage Trust, Series 2013-IVR4, Class A6, 2.500%, (AFC), 7/25/43 144A

     3,386,831        3,330  

CSAIL Commercial Mortgage Trust, Series 2015-C3, Class A4, 3.718%, 8/15/48

     1,597,000        1,661  

CSAIL Commercial Mortgage Trust, Series 2015-C4, Class A4, 3.807%, 11/15/48

     4,039,000        4,221  

CSAIL Commercial Mortgage Trust, Series 2016-C5, Class ASB, 3.532%, 11/15/48

     582,000        600  

DLJ Commercial Mortgage Corp., Series 1998-CF1, Class S, 1.090%, (CSTR), 2/18/31 IO

     5,331        —    

Federal Home Loan Bank, 3.500%, 12/1/32

     561,000        581  

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp., 3.000%, 10/15/47

     19,417,527        19,577  

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp., 3.085%, (ICE LIBOR USD 12 Month plus 1.62%), 2/1/45

     1,623,697        1,650  

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp., 3.500%, 9/1/26

     543,707        566  

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp., 3.500%, 12/1/29

     15,666,814        16,286  

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp., 3.500%, 4/1/30

     5,404,189        5,616  

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp., 3.500%, 6/1/30

     1,587,658        1,650  

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp., 3.500%, 7/1/30

     3,786,551        3,935  
                               
Structured Products (47.1%)    Shares/
$ Par
     Value
$ (000’s)
 

Mortgage Securities continued

 

  

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp., 3.500%, 8/1/30

     2,612,857        2,716  

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp., 3.500%, 10/1/30

     2,118,671        2,201  

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp., 3.500%, 11/1/30

     5,135,255        5,339  

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp., 3.500%, 1/1/31

     3,035,957        3,157  

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp., 3.500%, 2/1/31

     610,157        635  

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp., 3.500%, 11/1/31

     289,641        302  

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp., 3.500%, 5/1/32

     10,029,116        10,386  

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp., 3.500%, 6/1/32

     4,304,870        4,461  

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp., 3.500%, 7/1/32

     3,676,485        3,842  

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp., 3.500%, 10/1/32

     4,473,207        4,629  

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp., 3.500%, 12/1/32

     377,073        390  

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp., 3.500%, 12/1/45

     416,636        431  

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp., 4.000%, 10/1/29

     8,652,389        9,169  

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp., 4.000%, 1/1/34

     3,754,378        3,971  

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp., 4.000%, 1/1/35

     142,242        152  

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp., 4.000%, 1/1/36

     210,868        224  

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp., 4.000%, 10/1/36

     1,474,415        1,563  

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp., 4.000%, 3/1/37

     772,222        823  

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp., 4.000%, 8/1/43

     1,681,774        1,779  

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp., 4.000%, 8/1/44

     772,036        817  

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp., 4.000%, 12/1/45

     962,154        1,014  

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp., 4.000%, 2/1/46

     1,042,312        1,099  

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp., 4.000%, 6/1/46

     1,529,618        1,614  

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp., 4.000%, 4/1/47

     1,145,513        1,216  

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp., 4.500%, 8/1/20

     1,560,467        1,583  

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp., 4.500%, 6/1/39

     132,284        143  

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp., 4.500%, 7/1/39

     144,464        156  

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp., 4.500%, 3/1/41

     396,127        430  

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp., 4.500%, 1/1/45

     906,589        985  

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp., 4.500%, 5/1/45

     166,678        180  

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp., 4.500%, 4/1/47

     1,250,694        1,361  

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp., 4.500%, 6/1/47

     2,413,740        2,600  

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp., 5.000%, 5/1/44

     614,308        670  

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp., 5.000%, 6/1/44

     2,507,846        2,774  

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp., 5.000%, 7/1/44

     1,783,830        1,946  

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp., Series 2439, Class LH, 6.000%, 4/15/32

     505,128        568  

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp., Series 3829, Class ED, 3.500%, 10/15/28

     308,889        310  

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp., Series 3838, Class QE, 3.500%, 1/15/29

     737,824        741  

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp., Series 4425, Class A, 4.000%, 9/15/40

     2,940,423        3,068  

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp., Series 4529, Class HC, 3.000%, 10/15/39

     1,068,180        1,072  
 

 

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

 

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Structured Products (47.1%)    Shares/
$ Par
     Value
$ (000’s)
 

Mortgage Securities continued

 

  

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp., Series 4604, Class AB, 3.000%, 8/15/46

     2,649,498        2,672  

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp., Series 4640, Class LD, 4.000%, 9/15/43

     9,600,222        10,013  

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp., Series 4700, Class QJ, 4.000%, 7/15/44

     6,839,110        7,141  

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp., Series 4705, Class A, 4.500%, 9/15/42

     4,558,051        4,809  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 0.010%, 10/9/19

     6,830,000        6,577  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 2.689%, (US0012M plus 1.61%), 5/1/46

     2,314,462        2,345  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 2.950%, (US0012M plus 1.61%), 10/1/47

     3,359,020        3,419  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 2.990%, (US0012M plus 1.62%), 8/1/47

     4,572,110        4,662  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 3.000%, 12/1/32

     1,092,277        1,113  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 3.027%, (US0012M plus 1.61%), 12/1/47

     2,952,000        2,997  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 3.133%, (ICE LIBOR USD 12 Month plus 1.62%), 3/1/47

     3,926,675        4,019  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 3.168%, (US0012M plus 1.62%), 10/1/47

     2,926,091        2,987  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 3.235%, (ICE LIBOR USD 12 Month plus 1.62%), 6/1/47

     3,841,977        3,932  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 3.500%, 8/1/28

     51,116        53  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 3.500%, 10/1/28

     2,000,501        2,071  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 3.500%, 9/1/29

     119,648        124  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 3.500%, 10/1/29

     568,725        591  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 3.500%, 1/1/30

     1,170,756        1,217  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 3.500%, 2/1/30

     346,135        360  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 3.500%, 7/1/30

     2,490,345        2,587  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 3.500%, 8/1/30

     1,654,067        1,718  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 3.500%, 1/1/31

     1,402,264        1,457  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 3.500%, 2/1/31

     1,410,490        1,466  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 3.500%, 4/1/31

     5,105,319        5,306  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 3.500%, 5/1/31

     871,248        905  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 3.500%, 12/1/31

     379,050        394  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 3.500%, 1/1/32

     2,701,894        2,812  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 3.500%, 2/1/32

     472,939        491  
                               
Structured Products (47.1%)    Shares/
$ Par
     Value
$ (000’s)
 

Mortgage Securities continued

 

  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 3.500%, 3/1/32

     2,843,264        2,940  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 3.500%, 4/1/32

     5,256,962        5,454  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 3.500%, 5/1/32

     6,494,089        6,749  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 3.500%, 6/1/32

     5,688,034        5,896  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 3.500%, 8/1/32

     2,767,552        2,874  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 3.500%, 6/1/43

     689,364        713  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 4.000%, 4/1/24

     1,487,815        1,545  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 4.000%, 7/1/24

     1,037,338        1,077  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 4.000%, 1/1/25

     2,200,911        2,286  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 4.000%, 4/1/25

     1,300,188        1,350  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 4.000%, 11/1/29

     7,862,605        8,327  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 4.000%, 2/1/32

     58,223        62  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 4.000%, 3/1/32

     231,110        243  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 4.000%, 5/1/32

     429,976        452  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 4.000%, 6/1/32

     3,585,507        3,804  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 4.000%, 12/1/33

     330,247        352  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 4.000%, 4/1/34

     3,599,654        3,824  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 4.000%, 7/1/35

     6,182,579        6,591  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 4.000%, 11/1/35

     2,840,198        3,029  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 4.000%, 1/1/36

     4,156,432        4,432  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 4.000%, 7/1/36

     3,769,820        4,006  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 4.000%, 9/1/36

     1,606,687        1,706  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 4.000%, 11/1/36

     1,184,545        1,259  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 4.000%, 12/1/36

     4,308,642        4,579  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 4.000%, 1/1/37

     187,529        197  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 4.000%, 2/1/37

     581,434        618  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 4.000%, 3/1/37

     5,640,010        5,996  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 4.000%, 4/1/37

     3,373,917        3,593  
 

 

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

 

126   Select Bond Portfolio  


Table of Contents

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Structured Products (47.1%)    Shares/
$ Par
     Value
$ (000’s)
 

Mortgage Securities continued

 

  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 4.000%, 5/1/37

     3,750,967        3,992  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 4.000%, 6/1/37

     3,655,308        3,897  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 4.000%, 7/1/37

     5,616,127        5,963  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 4.000%, 9/1/37

     4,379,056        4,656  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 4.000%, 10/1/37

     721,228        768  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 4.000%, 11/1/37

     4,903,009        5,195  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 4.000%, 12/1/37

     3,817,557        4,065  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 4.000%, 11/1/40

     3,088,823        3,263  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 4.000%, 10/1/43

     3,411,992        3,618  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 4.000%, 4/1/44

     3,068,155        3,257  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 4.000%, 5/1/45

     5,438,536        5,722  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 4.000%, 8/1/45

     1,996,978        2,116  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 4.000%, 9/1/45

     4,810,097        5,103  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 4.000%, 10/1/45

     901,245        952  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 4.000%, 12/1/45

     1,048,587        1,105  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 4.000%, 1/1/46

     1,854,081        1,962  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 4.000%, 2/1/46

     489,554        520  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 4.000%, 5/1/46

     1,760,832        1,859  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 4.000%, 7/1/46

     218,229        231  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 4.000%, 11/1/46

     4,373,528        4,640  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 4.000%, 1/1/47

     800,792        846  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 4.000%, 2/1/47

     4,638,043        4,891  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 4.000%, 3/1/47

     2,164,689        2,288  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 4.000%, 4/1/47

     13,120,082        13,891  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 4.000%, 5/1/47

     7,097,007        7,475  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 4.000%, 6/1/47

     622,776        658  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 4.000%, 7/1/47

     995,139        1,057  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 4.000%, 8/1/47

     17,478,009        18,414  
                               
Structured Products (47.1%)    Shares/
$ Par
     Value
$ (000’s)
 

Mortgage Securities continued

 

  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 4.000%, 10/1/47

     2,526,788        2,678  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 4.000%, 11/1/47

     16,388,893        17,233  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 4.000%, 12/1/47

     20,192,232        21,353  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 4.377%, (ICE LIBOR USD 12 Month plus 1.78%), 4/1/40

     1,105,760        1,158  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 4.500%, 1/1/20

     734,530        747  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 4.500%, 5/1/34

     99,656        108  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 4.500%, 1/1/39

     3,268,821        3,484  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 4.500%, 6/1/41

     206,324        223  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 4.500%, 3/1/43

     2,505,827        2,705  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 4.500%, 2/1/44

     13,918,144        15,045  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 4.500%, 3/1/44

     1,875,253        2,025  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 4.500%, 4/1/44

     5,413,009        5,852  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 4.500%, 6/1/44

     2,316,969        2,505  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 4.500%, 10/1/44

     161,576        173  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 4.500%, 10/1/45

     4,288,533        4,630  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 4.500%, 12/1/45

     384,336        416  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 4.500%, 2/1/46

     479,839        520  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 4.500%, 3/1/46

     253,366        275  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 4.500%, 4/1/46

     348,305        380  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 4.500%, 6/1/46

     5,918,534        6,433  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 4.500%, 3/1/47

     143,960        156  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 4.500%, 4/1/47

     1,182,328        1,282  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 4.500%, 5/1/47

     6,459,919        6,978  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 4.500%, 6/1/47

     15,236,485        16,461  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 4.500%, 9/1/47

     3,839,071        4,147  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 5.000%, 7/1/44

     405,839        442  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 5.000%, 8/1/56

     14,219,460        15,498  

Federal National Mortgage Association TBA, 3.000%, 1/1/47

     5,000,000        5,001  
 

 

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

 

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Structured Products (47.1%)    Shares/
$ Par
     Value
$ (000’s)
 

Mortgage Securities continued

 

  

Federal National Mortgage Association TBA, 3.500%, 1/1/47

     18,300,000        18,800  

Federal National Mortgage Association TBA, 3.500%, 2/1/47

     69,900,000        71,694  

Federal National Mortgage Association TBA, 4.000%, 1/1/47

     22,200,000        23,228  

Federal National Mortgage Association TBA, 4.500%, 3/13/48

     16,700,000        17,723  

Federal National Mortgage Association, Series 2007-108, Class AN, 8.048%, 11/25/37

     490,525        563  

Federal National Mortgage Association, Series 2011-43, Class AN, 3.500%, 12/25/28

     624,929        626  

Federal National Mortgage Association, Series 2013-30, Class CA, 1.500%, 4/25/43

     1,328,000        1,215  

Federal National Mortgage Association, Series 2014-40, Class EP, 3.500%, 10/25/42

     2,032,469        2,093  

Federal National Mortgage Association, Series 2015-M3, Class FA, 1.458%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.22%), (AFC), 6/25/18

     201,178        201  

Federal National Mortgage Association, Series 2016-59, Class CA, 3.500%, 9/25/43

     7,713,874        7,973  

Federal National Mortgage Association, Series 2017-13, Class PA, 3.000%, 8/25/46

     3,588,451        3,609  

Federal National Mortgage Association, Series 2017-M13, Class A2, 2.939%, 9/25/27

     2,257,000        2,270  

Federal National Mortgage Association, Series 2017-M4, Class A2, 2.597%, 12/25/26

     2,335,000        2,287  

Federal National Mortgage Association, Series 2017-M7, Class A2, 2.961%, (AFC), 2/25/27

     2,100,000        2,111  

Government National Mortgage Association, 4.000%, 7/15/45

     410,344        434  

Government National Mortgage Association, 4.000%, 9/15/45

     1,404,710        1,485  

Government National Mortgage Association, 4.000%, 9/20/45

     2,459,105        2,605  

Government National Mortgage Association, 4.000%, 10/15/45

     1,699,103        1,799  

Government National Mortgage Association, 4.000%, 6/15/47

     3,010,393        3,173  

Government National Mortgage Association, 4.000%, 7/15/47

     3,282,358        3,460  

Government National Mortgage Association, 4.000%, 11/20/47

     16,532,081        17,332  

Government National Mortgage Association, 4.000%, 12/20/47

     6,038,000        6,368  

Government National Mortgage Association, 4.500%, 5/20/45

     754,189        808  

Government National Mortgage Association, 4.500%, 6/20/45

     1,335,915        1,437  

Government National Mortgage Association, 4.500%, 7/20/45

     1,211,384        1,297  

Government National Mortgage Association, 4.500%, 8/20/45

     544,469        582  

Government National Mortgage Association, 4.500%, 9/20/45

     266,939        290  
                               
Structured Products (47.1%)    Shares/
$ Par
     Value
$ (000’s)
 

Mortgage Securities continued

 

  

Government National Mortgage Association, 4.500%, 4/15/47

     1,535,303        1,635  

Government National Mortgage Association, 4.500%, 8/15/47

     616,237        662  

Government National Mortgage Association, 4.500%, 9/15/47

     652,523        700  

Government National Mortgage Association, 4.500%, 10/20/47

     4,516,681        4,857  

Government National Mortgage Association, 4.500%, 11/20/47

     20,473,406        21,714  

Government National Mortgage Association, 5.000%, 12/20/39

     180,929        202  

Government National Mortgage Association, 5.000%, 11/20/45

     326,905        363  

Government National Mortgage Association TBA, 3.000%, 1/1/47

     37,200,000        37,527  

Government National Mortgage Association TBA, 3.500%, 1/1/47

     46,800,000        48,415  

Government National Mortgage Association TBA, 4.500%, 1/1/48 (l)

     4,515,000        4,862  

GS Mortgage Securities Trust, Series 2012-GCJ7, Class AAB, 2.935%, 5/10/45

     391,492        396  

GS Mortgage Securities Trust, Series 2013-GC16, Class A2, 3.033%, 11/10/46

     935,671        941  

GS Mortgage Securities Trust, Series 2014-GC18, Class A3, 3.801%, 1/10/47

     1,044,000        1,093  

GS Mortgage Securities Trust, Series 2016-GS3, Class A4, 2.850%, 10/10/49

     1,160,000        1,138  

GS Mortgage Securities Trust, Series 2016-GS3, Class AAB, 2.777%, 10/10/49

     1,740,000        1,730  

Impact Funding Affordable Multifamily Housing Mortgage Loan Trust, Series 2010- 1, Class A1, 5.314%, 1/25/51 144A

     5,149,588        5,607  

JP Morgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Corp., Series 2010-C2, Class A2, 3.615%, 11/15/43 144A

     115,898        117  

JP Morgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Corp., Series 2012-CBX, Class A4, 3.483%, 6/15/45

     1,917,000        1,972  

JP Morgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Corp., Series 2013-C13, Class A2, 2.665%, 1/15/46

     3,596,165        3,608  

JP Morgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Corp., Series 2014-C20, Class A2, 2.871%, 7/15/47

     1,052,000        1,060  

JP Morgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Corp., Series 2014-C20, Class A5, 3.804%, 7/15/47

     124,000        130  

JP Morgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Corp., Series 2016-JP2, Class A1, 1.324%, 8/15/49

     1,648,315        1,623  

JP Morgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Corp., Series 2016-JP2, Class AS B, 2.713%, 8/15/49

     1,805,000        1,785  

JP Morgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Corp., Series 2017-JP5, Class AS B, 3.548%, 3/15/50

     3,358,000        3,470  

JP Morgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust, Series 2010-CNTR, Class A 2, 4.311%, 8/5/32 144A

     2,996,249        3,069  
 

 

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

 

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Structured Products (47.1%)    Shares/
$ Par
     Value
$ (000’s)
 

Mortgage Securities continued

 

  

JP Morgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust, Series 2011-C4, Class A3, 4.106%, 7/15/46 144A

     4,784,031        4,801  

JP Morgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust, Series 2012-LC9, Class A5, 2.840%, 12/15/47

     2,906,000        2,921  

JP Morgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust, Series 2015-JP1, Class ASB, 3.732%, 1/15/49

     1,413,000        1,474  

JP Morgan Chase Mortgage Trust, Series 2017-5, Class A1, 3.188%, (CSTR), 10/26/48 144A

     15,061,485        15,186  

JPMBB Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust, Series 2013-C15, Class A2, 2.976%, 11/15/45

     1,564,321        1,572  

JPMBB Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust, Series 2014-C21, Class A5, 3.774%, 8/15/47

     2,629,000        2,752  

JPMBB Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust, Series 2014-C23, Class A4, 3.669%, 9/15/47

     1,323,000        1,376  

JPMBB Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust, Series 2015-C28, Class A2, 2.773%, 10/15/48

     1,089,000        1,096  

JPMBB Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust, Series 2015-C28, Class A3, 2.912%, 10/15/48

     6,101,000        6,061  

JPMBB Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust, Series 2015-C28, Class A4, 3.227%, 10/15/48

     1,772,000        1,793  

JPMBB Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust, Series 2015-C30, Class A5, 3.821%, 7/15/48

     2,014,000        2,115  

JPMBB Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust, Series 2015-C30, Class AS, 4.226%, (AFC), 7/15/48

     1,597,000        1,681  

JPMBB Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust, Series 2015-C30, Class ASB, 3.559%, 7/15/48

     1,587,000        1,642  

JPMBB Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust, Series 2016-C1, Class ASB, 3.315%, 3/15/49

     2,819,000        2,879  

JPMCC Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust, Series 2017-JP6, Class ASB, 3.282%, 7/15/50

     1,306,000        1,329  

JPMDB Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust, Series 2017-C5, Class ASB, 3.491%, 3/15/50

     463,000        477  

Mastr Asset Securitization Trust, Series 2003-12, Class 1A1, 5.250%, 12/25/24

     189,633        192  

Mastr Asset Securitization Trust, Series 2004-9, Class 6A1, 5.000%, 9/25/19

     13,101        13  

Morgan Stanley Bank of America Merrill Lynch Trust, Series 2013-C10, Class A2, 2.964%, 7/15/46

     394,403        395  

Morgan Stanley Bank of America Merrill Lynch Trust, Series 2013-C9, Class A2, 1.970%, 5/15/46

     184,966        185  
                               
Structured Products (47.1%)    Shares/
$ Par
     Value
$ (000’s)
 

Mortgage Securities continued

 

  

Morgan Stanley Bank of America Merrill Lynch Trust, Series 2015-C27, Class A4, 3.753%, 12/15/47

     2,069,000        2,169  

Morgan Stanley Bank of America Merrill Lynch Trust, Series 2016-C28, Class A4, 3.544%, 1/15/49

     774,000        798  

Morgan Stanley Bank of America Merrill Lynch Trust, Series 2016-C30, Class ASB, 2.729%, 9/15/49

     5,519,000        5,398  

Morgan Stanley Capital I Trust, Series 2015-UBS8, Class A3, 3.540%, 12/15/48

     1,115,000        1,151  

Morgan Stanley Capital I Trust, Series 2016-UB11, Class A1, 1.445%, 8/15/49

     2,187,515        2,152  

Morgan Stanley Capital I Trust, Series 2016-UB11, Class ASB, 2.606%, 8/15/49

     1,289,000        1,264  

Morgan Stanley Capital I Trust, Series 2016-UBS9, Class A1, 1.711%, 3/15/49

     1,300,223        1,288  

Morgan Stanley Capital I, Inc., Series 2017-HR2, Class A4, 3.587%, 12/15/50

     1,310,000        1,351  

Residential Funding Mortgage Securities I, Series 2003-S18, Class A1, 4.500%, 10/25/18

     12,588        13  

Sequoia Mortgage Trust, Series 2013-5, Class A2, 3.000%, (CSTR, AFC), 5/25/43 144A

     2,532,891        2,523  

UBS Commercial Mortgage Trust, 3.679%, 12/15/50

     2,057,000        2,136  

UBS-Barclays Commercial Mortgage Trust, Series 2012-C2, Class A4, 3.525%, 5/10/63

     1,832,000        1,892  
     

 

 

 

Total

        1,010,698  
     

 

 

 

Total Structured Products

     

(Cost: $1,389,860)

        1,385,978  
     

 

 

 
Short-Term Investments (1.1%)          

Money Market Funds (1.1%)

     

State Street Institutional U.S. Government Money Market Fund - Premier Class, 1.209% #

     32,073,579        32,074  
     

 

 

 

Total

        32,074  
     

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments

     

(Cost: $32,074)

        32,074  
     

 

 

 

Total Investments (108.2%)

     

(Cost: $3,189,669)(a)

        3,185,850  
     

 

 

 

Other Assets, Less

     

Liabilities (-8.2%)

        (241,916
     

 

 

 

Net Assets (100.0%)

        2,943,934  
     

 

 

 
 

 

# 7-day yield as of December 31, 2017.

144A after the name of a security represents a security exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities may be resold as transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. At December 31, 2017 the value of these securities (in thousands) was $421,011 representing 14.3% of the net assets.

 

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

 

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AFC — Available Funds Cap security - Security accrues interest at an assumed or uncapped rate. If the interest rate on the underlying loans is lower than the uncapped rate, then the security will pay at the lower rate.

CSTR — Collateral Strip Rate security - interest is based on the weighted net interest rate of the collateral.

EXE — Security receives collateral principal and interest paid which exceeds the amount of principal and interest obligated to all bonds in the deal.

IO — Interest Only Security

GO — General Obligation

RB — Revenue Bond

 

(a) At December 31, 2017, the aggregate cost of investments, including derivatives, for federal tax purposes (in thousands) was $3,200,425 and the net unrealized depreciation of investments based on that cost was $14,575 which is comprised of $18,578 aggregate gross unrealized appreciation and $33,153 aggregate gross unrealized depreciation.

 

(b) All or a portion of the securities have been pledged as collateral for when-issued securities.

 

(l) Security valued using significant unobservable inputs.

The following is a summary of the inputs used in valuing the Portfolio’s assets and liabilities at December 31, 2017. See Note 3 for additional information on portfolio valuation.

 

    Valuation Inputs      
Description  

Level 1 –

Quoted Prices

    

Level 2 –

Other Significant
Observable Inputs

    

Level 3 –

Significant
Unobservable Inputs

     
    (Amounts in thousands)      

Assets:

         

Municipal Bonds

  $ -        $ 18,807      $ -      

Corporate Bonds

    -          711,903        -      

Governments

    -          1,037,088        -      

Structured Products

         

Asset Backed Securities

    -          375,280        -      

Mortgage Securities

    -          1,005,836        4,862    

Short-Term Investments

    32,074        -          -      

Total Assets:

  $ 32,074      $ 3,148,914      $ 4,862    

 

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

 

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Long-Term U.S. Government Bond Portfolio (unaudited)

 

 

Objective:    Portfolio Strategy:    Net Assets:

Maximum total return, consistent with

preservation of capital and prudent

investment management.

   Invest in a diversified portfolio of fixed income securities that are issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies or government sponsored enterprises, and in derivatives designed to replicate such securities.    $116 million

Portfolio Overview

Mason Street Advisors, LLC (“Mason Street Advisors”), the investment adviser for the Long-Term U.S. Government Bond Portfolio (the “Portfolio”), has engaged Pacific Investment Management Company LLC (“PIMCO”) to act as sub-adviser for the Portfolio. The Portfolio primarily invests in a diversified portfolio of fixed income securities that are issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies or government sponsored enterprises (“U.S. Government Securities”), which may be represented by forwards or derivatives such as options, futures contracts or interest rate swap agreements. Assets not invested in U.S. Government Securities may be invested in other types of non-government related investment grade fixed income instruments, such as corporate debt securities of U.S. issuers and mortgage- and asset-backed securities, or in preferred stocks. The Portfolio will normally have a minimum average portfolio duration (an aggregate measure of the sensitivity of the Portfolio’s fixed income portfolio securities to changes in interest rates) of eight years and, for point of reference, the dollar weighted average maturity of the Portfolio is expected to be more than ten years. The Portfolio’s investments in fixed income securities are limited to investment grade U.S. dollar denominated securities of U.S. issuers that are rated at least A by Moody’s or equivalently rated by S&P or Fitch, or, if unrated, determined by the Portfolio to be of comparable quality.

Market Overview

Headlines in 2017 were largely dominated by political developments, namely Donald Trump’s surprise victory in the U.S. presidential election, the U.S. Federal Reserve’s (the “Fed”) policy decisions and geopolitics. In the U.S., solid fundamental data, relatively easy financial conditions, and optimism among businesses and consumers provided an opportunity for the Fed to continue on its path towards policy normalization. As such, the Fed raised rates and unveiled details of its plan to gradually unwind its balance sheet. A perceived hawkish shift in tone from other major central banks spurred most developed market yields to rise. Still, the fundamental backdrop remained largely intact and the broader risk rally continued as equities marched higher, credit spreads tightened and emerging market assets strengthened.

Portfolio Results

The Portfolio returned 8.28% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2017. By comparison, the Portfolio’s benchmark, the Bloomberg Barclays® Long-Term U.S. Treasury Index (the “Index”), returned 8.53%. (This Index is unmanaged, cannot be invested in directly and does not include administrative expenses.) According to Morningstar® Inc., an independent mutual fund ranking agency, the average return of the Long Government peer group was 9.03% for 2017.

Yield curve positioning, particularly an underweight to the long end of the curve, was the main detractor over the period as rates rallied. The Portfolio’s duration positioning was partially implemented through the use of futures, interest rate swaps and options.

Within spread sectors, an allocation to Agency and commercial mortgage-backed securities, as well as investment grade corporate credit, contributed to performance given spread tightening and security selection. An allocation to government Agency debentures was also additive throughout the period.

Portfolio Manager Outlook

The following forward-looking comments are the opinion of PIMCO, the Portfolio’s sub-adviser.

We expect world GDP growth to remain above-trend at 3.0%–3.5% in 2018. Easier financial conditions, resulting in buoyant risk assets and low interest rates, and fiscal stimulus in several advanced economies imply near-term tailwinds.

In the U.S., we look for above-consensus growth of 2.25%–2.75% in 2018. Tax cuts and higher federal spending are expected to boost growth. With unemployment likely to drop below 4%, we expect some upward pressure on wages and consumer prices, and core inflation to rise above 2% over the course of 2018. Under new leadership, the Fed is expected to continue tightening gradually; our baseline forecast calls for three rate hikes this year.

 

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Long-Term U.S. Government Bond Portfolio (unaudited)

 

 

Relative Performance

 

LOGO

 

Average Annual Total Returns
For Periods Ended December 31, 2017
 
     1 Year     5 Years     10 Years  

Long-Term U.S. Government Bond Portfolio

    8.28     2.96     6.76

Bloomberg Barclays® Long-Term U.S. Treasury Index

    8.53     3.48     6.55

Morningstar® US Insurance Fund Long Government Average

    9.03     2.95     6.65

The performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance is historical and does not guarantee future performance. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate, so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. For the most recent month-end performance information visit www.northwesternmutual.com.

This chart assumes an initial investment of $10,000 made on 12/31/07. Returns shown reflect fee waivers, deductions for management and other portfolio expenses, and reinvestment of all dividends. In the absence of fee waivers, total return would be reduced. Returns exclude deductions for separate account sale loads and account fees. Please refer to the Benchmark Definitions section of this report for information about the indices cited in the above chart and graph.

Return of principal is not guaranteed. Bond funds have the same interest rate, inflation and credit risks that are associated with the underlying bonds owned by the Portfolio. When interest rates rise, bond prices fall. With a fixed income fund, when interest rates rise, the value of the fund’s existing bonds drops, which could negatively affect overall fund performance.

The Portfolio may invest in securities that are issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or its agencies, and in derivatives designed to replicate such securities. This guarantee provides for the timely repayment of the principal and interest as applicable under the terms of the instrument, if it is held to maturity, and does not apply to derivative securities held by the Portfolio. A guarantee by the U.S. Government or its agencies does not eliminate market risk.

The Portfolio may also use derivative instruments for hedging or other purposes as part of its investment strategy. Use of these instruments may involve certain costs and risks such as liquidity risk, interest rate risk, market risk, credit risk, management risk and the risk that the Portfolio could not close out a position when it would be most advantageous to do so. The potential leverage created by use of derivatives may cause the Portfolio to be more sensitive to interest rate movements and thus more volatile than other long-term U.S. Government bond funds that do not use derivatives. Portfolios investing in derivatives could lose more than the principal amount invested in those instruments.

Currently, interest rates remain at historically low levels on a relative basis, although the U.S. federal funds rate has been subject to modest increases over the course of the last two years. A significant rise in interest rates over a short period of time could cause significant losses in the market value of the Portfolio’s fixed income investments.

The Portfolio may engage in active and frequent trading of portfolio securities to achieve its investment objectives. Active and frequent trading may cause higher brokerage expenses and other transaction costs, which may adversely affect performance.

 

 

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Long-Term U.S. Government Bond Portfolio (unaudited)

 

 

Top 10 Fixed Income Holdings 12/31/17

 

Security Description    % of Market Value      

US Treasury, Various

     80.1  

Federal National Mortgage Association, Various

     5.0  

Resolution Funding Corp. Stripped, Various

     3.3  

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp., Series 4387, Class AZ, 4%, 9/15/44

     1.5  

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp., Series 4092, Class AY, 3%, 8/15/32

     1.4  

Federal National Mortgage Association, Series 2016-61, Class ML, 3%, 9/25/46

     0.6  

DBWF Mortgage Trust, Series 2016-85T, Class A, 3.791%, 12/10/36

     0.5  

VNDO Trust, Series 2016-350P, Class A, 3.805%, 1/10/35

     0.5  

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp., Series 4398, Class ZX, 4%, 9/15/54

     0.5  

Morgan Stanley Bank of America Merrill Lynch Trust, Series 2016-C32, Class ASB, 3.514%, 12/15/49

     0.5  

Sector Allocation 12/31/17

 

LOGO

Sector Allocation is based on fixed income investments.

Sector Allocation and Top 10 Holdings are subject to change.

Consistent with the Portfolio’s stated parameters, no more than 10% of the Portfolio is invested in securities rated A by Moody’s or S&P and no more than 25% of the Portfolio is invested in securities rated Aa by Moody’s or AA by S&P.

    

 

 

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Schedule of Investments

December 31, 2017

 

                               
Corporate Bonds (0.8%)   Shares/
$ Par
    Value
$ (000’s)
 

Consumer, Cyclical (0.3%)

   

United Airlines Pass Through Trust, Series 2016-2, Class A, 3.100%, 4/7/30

    200,000       197  

United Airlines Pass Through Trust, Series 2016-2, Class AA, 2.875%, 4/7/30

    200,000       196  
   

 

 

 

Total

      393  
   

 

 

 

Industrial (0.5%)

   

Vessel Management Services, Inc., 3.432%, 8/15/36

    529,000       524  
   

 

 

 

Total

      524  
   

 

 

 

Total Corporate Bonds

   

(Cost: $929)

      917  
   

 

 

 
Purchased Options (0.0%)   # of
Contracts
        

Purchased Options (0.0%)

   

US Two Year Bond Future Call Option, Strike Price $108.5, Exp. 2/23/18, Counterparty – Goldman Sachs International, Notional – 20,000

    10       –   (m) 
   

 

 

 

Total Purchased Options

   

(Cost: $0)

      –   (m) 
Governments (114.0%)   Shares/
$ Par
        

Governments (114.0%)

   

Federal National Mortgage Association, 5.625%, 4/17/28

    100,000       125  

Resolution Funding Corp. Stripped, 0.000%, 10/15/20

    2,000,000       1,884  

Resolution Funding Corp. Stripped, 0.000%, 4/15/30

    4,800,000       3,371  

Resolution Funding Corp. Stripped, 0.000%, 4/15/28

    400,000       298  

Tennessee Valley Authority Stripped, 0.000%, 5/1/30

    500,000       342  

US Treasury, 1.875%, 7/31/22

    8,000,000       7,891  

US Treasury, 2.000%, 10/31/21

    5,800,000       5,775  

US Treasury, 2.125%, 8/15/21

    400,000       401  

US Treasury, 2.500%, 2/15/45

    2,660,000       2,533  

US Treasury, 2.750%, 8/15/42

    2,000,000       2,012  

US Treasury, 2.750%, 11/15/42

    400,000       402  

US Treasury, 2.750%, 8/15/47

    3,210,000       3,210  

US Treasury, 2.875%, 5/15/43

    3,710,000       3,811  

US Treasury, 2.875%, 8/15/45

    5,180,000       5,306  

US Treasury, 3.000%, 5/15/42

    530,000       557  

US Treasury, 3.000%, 11/15/45

    370,000       388  

US Treasury, 3.125%, 2/15/43

    10,710,000       11,494  

US Treasury, 3.375%, 5/15/44

    9,300,000       10,425  

US Treasury, 3.500%, 2/15/39

    50,000       57  

US Treasury, 3.625%, 8/15/43

    8,750,000       10,202  

US Treasury, 3.625%, 2/15/44 (k)

    11,920,000       13,918  

US Treasury, 3.750%, 11/15/43

    5,600,000       6,666  

US Treasury, 3.875%, 8/15/40

    850,000       1,023  

US Treasury, 4.250%, 11/15/40

    1,400,000       1,776  

US Treasury, 4.375%, 2/15/38

    2,240,000       2,861  

US Treasury, 4.375%, 11/15/39 (b)

    19,030,000       24,464  

US Treasury, 4.375%, 5/15/40

    100,000       129  
                               
Governments (114.0%)   Shares/
$ Par
    Value
$ (000’s)
 

Governments continued

   

US Treasury, 4.500%, 5/15/38

    1,440,000       1,870  

US Treasury, 4.625%, 2/15/40

    200,000       266  

US Treasury Inflation Index Bond, 0.125%, 7/15/24

    581,739       575  

US Treasury Inflation Index Bond, 0.375%, 7/15/23

    625,435       630  

US Treasury Inflation Index Bond, 0.375%, 1/15/27

    173,592       172  

US Treasury Inflation Index Bond, 0.375%, 7/15/27

    1,633,543       1,626  

US Treasury Inflation Index Bond, 1.375%, 2/15/44

    137,588       159  

US Treasury Inflation Index Bond, 1.750%, 1/15/28

    423,868       477  

US Treasury Inflation Index Bond, 2.500%, 1/15/29

    413,597       502  

US Treasury Inflation Index Bond, 3.625%, 4/15/28

    152,506       200  

US Treasury Stripped, 0.000%, 2/15/30

    900,000       659  

US Treasury Stripped, 0.000%, 2/15/32

    700,000       483  

US Treasury Stripped, 0.000%, 5/15/33

    1,000,000       666  

US Treasury Stripped, 0.000%, 8/15/34

    130,000       83  

US Treasury Stripped, 0.000%, 5/15/36

    1,200,000       731  

US Treasury Stripped, 0.000%, 5/15/37

    1,300,000       766  

US Treasury Stripped, 0.000%, 8/15/43

    900,000       443  

US Treasury Stripped, 0.000%, 11/15/43

    700,000       342  
   

 

 

 

Total Governments

   

(Cost: $132,449)

      131,971  
   

 

 

 
Structured Products (19.3%)              

Asset Backed Securities (0.4%)

   

Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority, Series 2008-1, Class A1, 2.317%, (3 Month LIBOR plus 0.95%), 4/25/38

    70,279       71  

SLM Student Loan Trust, Series 2003-7A, Class A5A, 2.788%, (3 Month LIBOR plus 1.20%), 12/15/33 144A

    139,774       141  

SLM Student Loan Trust, Series 2008-9, Class A, 2.867%, (3 Month LIBOR plus 1.50%), 4/25/23

    181,954       186  

Sunset Mortgage Loan Co., Series 2015-NPL1, Class A, 4.459%, (AFC), 9/18/45 144A

    73,591       74  
   

 

 

 

Total

      472  
   

 

 

 

Mortgage Securities (18.9%)

   

CityLine Commercial Mortgage Trust, Series 2016-CLNE, Class A, 2.778%, (CSTR), 11/10/31 144A

    600,000       593  

Commercial Mortgage Pass Through Certificates, Series 2016-667M, Class A, 3.140%, 10/10/36 144A

    700,000       697  

Core Industrial Trust, Series 2015-West, Class C, 3.494%, 2/10/37 144A

    300,000       301  

Credit Suisse First Boston Mortgage Securities Corp., Series 2003-AR18, Class 2A3, 3.080%, (CSTR), 7/25/33

    1,002       1  

Credit Suisse First Boston Mortgage Securities Corp., Series 2003-AR20, Class 2A1, 3.371%, (CSTR), 8/25/33

    569       1  

DBWF Mortgage Trust, Series 2016-85T, Class A, 3.791%, 12/10/36 144A

    800,000       836  
 

 

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

 

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Structured Products (19.3%)   Shares/
$ Par
    Value
$ (000’s)
 

Mortgage Securities continued

   

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. Multifamily Structured Pass Through Certificates, Series 2017-K071, Class A2, 3.286%, 11/25/27

    500,000       516  

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp., Series 2752, Class EZ, 5.500%, 2/15/34

    341,621       375  

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp., Series 3346, Class FA, 1.707%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.23%), 2/15/19

    80       –   (m) 

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp., Series 4092, Class AY, 3.000%, 8/15/32

    2,200,000       2,176  

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp., Series 4387, Class AZ, 4.000%, 9/15/44

    2,277,164       2,416  

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp., Series 4398, Class ZX, 4.000%, 9/15/54

    680,880       726  

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp., Series 4830, Class ZG, 3.000%, 4/15/53

    663,020       589  

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp., Series T-61, Class 1A1, 2.402%, (Federal Reserve US 12 Month Cumulative Avg 1 year CMT plus 1.40%), 7/25/44

    12,798       13  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 2.750%, 11/1/31

    295,100       288  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 3.040%, 12/1/30

    364,111       355  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 3.090%, 12/1/36

    600,000       591  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 3.600%, 2/1/40

    655,442       673  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 3.700%, 9/1/34

    663,593       708  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 5.000%, 6/1/35

    71,394       77  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 5.000%, 2/1/36

    109,103       119  

Federal National Mortgage Association TBA,
3.000%, 2/13/48

    1,500,000       1,498  

Federal National Mortgage Association TBA,
3.500%, 3/15/33

    800,000       824  

Federal National Mortgage Association TBA,
4.000%, 2/1/48

    2,400,000       2,508  

Federal National Mortgage Association, Series 2007-39, Class NZ, 4.250%, 5/25/37

    314,458       328  
                               
Structured Products (19.3%)   Shares/
$ Par
    Value
$ (000’s)
 

Mortgage Securities continued

   

Federal National Mortgage Association, Series 2016-61, Class ML, 3.000%, 9/25/46

    900,000       873  

GS Mortgage Securities Trust, Series 2015-590M, Class B, 3.805%, (CSTR), 10/10/35 144A

    300,000       303  

Hilton USA Trust, Series 2016-HHV, Class A,
3.719%, 11/5/38 144A

    300,000       309  

Hilton USA Trust, Series 2016-HHV, Class C,
4.194%, (CSTR), 11/5/38 144A

    400,000       408  

Hudson’s Bay Simon JV Trust, Series 2015-HB10, Class C10, 5.447%, (CSTR), 8/5/34 144A

    300,000       290  

Merrill Lynch Mortgage Investors, Inc., Series 2003-A4, Class 3A, 3.879%, (CSTR, AFC), 5/25/33

    1,938       2  

Morgan Stanley Bank of America Merrill Lynch Trust, Series 2016-C32, Class ASB, 3.514%, 12/15/49

    700,000       724  

MSSG Trust, Series 2017-237P, Class A,
3.397%, 9/13/39 144A

    700,000       709  

Structured Asset Mortgage Investments, Inc.,
Series 2004-AR5, Class 1A1, 2.155%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.66%), (AFC), 10/19/34

    6,043       6  

VNDO Trust, Series 2016-350P, Class A,
3.805%, 1/10/35 144A

    800,000       834  

WaMu Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2004-AR1, Class A, 3.200%, (CSTR, AFC), 3/25/34

    14,525       15  

Worldwide Plaza Trust, Series 2017-WWP, Class A,
3.526%, 11/10/36 144A

    100,000       103  
   

 

 

 

Total

      21,785  
   

 

 

 

Total Structured Products

   

(Cost: $22,396)

      22,257  
   

 

 

 
Short-Term Investments (1.1%)              

Money Market Funds (1.1%)

   

State Street Institutional U.S. Government Money Market Fund - Premier Class, 1.209% #

    1,291,581       1,292  
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments

   

(Cost: $1,292)

      1,292  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments (135.2%)

   

(Cost: $157,066)(a)

      156,437  
   

 

 

 

Other Assets, Less

   

Liabilities (-35.2%)

      (40,724
   

 

 

 

Net Assets (100.0%)

      115,713  
   

 

 

 
 

 

# 7-day yield as of December 31, 2017.

 

   144A after the name of a security represents a security exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities may be resold as transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. At December 31, 2017 the value of these securities (in thousands) was $5,598 representing 4.8% of the net assets.

AFC — Available Funds Cap security - Security accrues interest at an assumed or uncapped rate. If the interest rate on the underlying loans is lower than the uncapped rate, then the security will pay at the lower rate.

CSTR — Collateral Strip Rate security - interest is based on the weighted net interest rate of the collateral.

 

(a) At December 31, 2017, the aggregate cost of investments, including derivatives, for federal tax purposes (in thousands) was $162,219 and the net unrealized depreciation of investments based on that cost was $5,323 which is comprised of $3,461 aggregate gross unrealized appreciation and $8,784 aggregate gross unrealized depreciation.

 

(b) All or a portion of the securities have been pledged as collateral for open futures positions or when-issued securities. Information regarding open futures contracts as of period end is summarized below.

 

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

 

  Long-Term U.S. Government Bond Portfolio     135  


Table of Contents

Long-Term U.S. Government Bond Portfolio

 

Issuer    Long/Short    Currency    Notional
Par
(000’s)
     Number of
Contracts
   Expiration
Date
   Notional
Value
(000’s)
   Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
(000’s)

US Five Year Treasury Note Future

   Short    USD    $ 4,900      49    3/18    $5,692    $28

US Ten Year Ultra Treasury Bond Future

   Short    USD      3,000      30    3/18    4,007    13

US Two Year Treasury Note Future

   Short    USD      12,200      61    3/18    13,061    30

US Ultra Long Treasury Bond Future

   Long    USD      200      2    3/18    335    3

 

(j) Swap agreements outstanding on December 31, 2017.

Centrally Cleared Interest Rate Swaps – Receive Floating Rate

 

        Floating Rate Index    Fixed
Rate
  Expiration
Date
   Notional
Amount
(000’s)
   Currency    Upfront
Premium
Paid/
(Received)
(000’s)
    Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
(000’s)
     Market
Value
(000’s)
 

        3-Month USD-LIBOR

   1.75%   12/26    3,610    USD    $ 166     $ 16      $ 182  

        3-Month USD-LIBOR

   2.25%   6/28    1,800    USD      27       4        31  

        3-Month USD-LIBOR

   2.50%   6/46    1,300    USD      35       (15      20  

        3-Month USD-LIBOR

   1.75%   6/47    600    USD      108       (1      107  

        3-Month USD-LIBOR

   2.38%   9/47    2,000    USD      106       (24      82  

        3-Month USD-LIBOR

   2.75%   12/47    800    USD      (27     (10      (37
             

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
      $ 415     $ (30      $385  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(k) Cash or securities with an aggregate value of $13,918 (in thousands) has been pledged as collateral for swap contracts

 

(m) Amount is less than one thousand.

The following is a summary of the inputs used in valuing the Portfolio’s assets and liabilities at December 31, 2017. See Note 3 for additional information on portfolio valuation.

 

   

Valuation Inputs

     
Description   Level 1 –
Quoted Prices
    Level 2 –
Other Significant
Observable Inputs
    Level 3 – Significant
Unobservable Inputs
     
    (Amounts in thousands)      

Assets:

       

Corporate Bonds

  $ -       $ 917     $ -      

Governments

    -         131,971       -      

Structured Products

    -         22,257       -      

Purchased Options

    -   (m)      -         -      

Short-Term Investments

    1,292       -         -      

Other Financial Instruments^

       

Futures

    74       -         -      

Interest Rate Swaps

    -         422       -      

Total Assets:

  $ 1,366     $ 155,567     $ -      

Liabilities:

       

Other Financial Instruments^

       

Interest Rate Swaps

  $ -       $ (37   $ -      

Total Liabilities:

  $ -       $ (37   $ -      

^ Other financial instruments are derivative instruments such as futures and forwards, which are valued at the unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on the instrument, and short sales, written options and swaps contracts, which are valued at market value.

 

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

 

136   Long-Term U.S. Government Bond Portfolio  


Table of Contents

Inflation Protection Portfolio (unaudited)

 

 

 

Objective:    Portfolio Strategy:    Net Assets:
Total return using a strategy that seeks to protect against U.S. inflation.    Invest substantially all assets in investment grade debt securities, with a majority in inflation-indexed debt securities.    $402 million

Portfolio Overview

Mason Street Advisors, LLC (“Mason Street Advisors”), the investment adviser for the Inflation Protection Portfolio (the “Portfolio”), has engaged American Century Investment Management, Inc. (“American Century”) to act as sub-adviser for the Portfolio. The Portfolio invests substantially all of its assets in investment grade debt securities. To help protect against U.S. inflation, under normal conditions, the Portfolio will invest more than 50% of its net assets in inflation-indexed debt securities. These securities include inflation-indexed U.S. Treasury Securities, inflation-indexed securities issued by U.S. government agencies and instrumentalities other than the U.S. Treasury, and inflation-indexed securities issued by domestic and foreign corporations and governments. The Portfolio also may invest in fixed income securities that are not inflation-indexed, including mortgage- and asset-backed securities. Due to Internal Revenue Code provisions and regulations governing insurance product funds, no more than 55% of the Portfolio’s assets may be invested in securities issued by the same entity.

Market Overview

Continued economic growth, upbeat corporate fundamentals and earnings, and expectations for pro-growth tax reform legislation fueled bullish, “risk-on” investor sentiment in 2017. The U.S. economy grew at a 3.2% annual rate in the third quarter, which, combined with a 3.1% expansion in the second quarter, gave the U.S. economy the strongest back-to-back quarterly growth rates in three years. The U.S. Federal Reserve (the “Fed”) raised its interest rate target three times during the year, launched balance sheet normalization and signaled three additional rate increases were likely in 2018. In December, Congress passed sweeping tax reform legislation, reducing tax rates for corporate and individual taxpayers and implementing comprehensive changes to the tax code.

Against this backdrop, the broad U.S. investment grade bond market, as measured by the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index, posted positive returns. All index sectors generated gains, led by corporate bonds, which outperformed the index. Corporate securities benefited from the “risk-on” sentiment, improving corporate fundamentals and the tax reform package. Although the 30-year Treasury bond returned more than 9%, the broad U.S. Treasury sector underperformed the investment grade bond market. The Treasury yield curve flattened 74 bps during the year, according to Bloomberg Barclays, as yields on short-maturity Treasuries increased on Fed tightening, while yields on longer-maturity Treasuries declined on muted inflation.

Despite stronger economic growth, core inflation remained below the Fed’s 2% target rate. While higher gasoline prices helped push the headline inflation rate to 2.2% in November, core inflation retreated to a 1.7% year-over-year rate. The muted inflation backdrop, which prevailed throughout the year, helped push long-maturity Treasury yields lower, despite the year-end passage of the tax-cut bill.

As the year progressed, expectations for stronger economic growth—partly stemming from the anticipated effects of federal tax reform—pushed the 10-year breakeven rate higher. Although the breakeven rate ended 2017 close to its year end 2016 level (198 bps versus 197 bps), it dropped to 174 bps at the end of June and generally headed upward for the remainder of the year. This second-half rebound in inflation expectations helped Treasury Inflation Protected Securities (“TIPS”) outperform nominal Treasuries for the entire twelve-month period. However, TIPS underperformed the broad investment grade bond market.

Portfolio Results

The Portfolio returned 3.58% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2017. By comparison, the Portfolio’s benchmark, the Bloomberg Barclays® U.S. TIPS Index (the “Index”), returned 3.01%. (The Index is unmanaged, cannot be invested in directly, and does not include administrative expenses.) According to Lipper® Analytical Services, Inc., an independent mutual fund ranking company, the average return for the Inflation Protected Bonds Funds peer group was 3.36% for 2017.

The Portfolio was nearly as fully invested in TIPS as allowed by IRS portfolio diversification regulations for insurance products (53% of assets versus the IRS maximum of 55%). The remainder was primarily invested in investment grade corporate and securitized securities. Robust performance from these positions generally accounted for the Portfolio’s outperformance relative to the all-TIPS index. In addition, small, Portfolio-only positions in non-dollar inflation-linked securities and emerging market bonds aided Portfolio performance.

The portfolio managers also used inflation swaps to create an inflation overlay for the non-inflation-linked corporate and securitized securities. This strategy outperformed because of the relative strength of corporate and securitized securities during the year.

 

  Inflation Protection Portfolio     137  


Table of Contents

Inflation Protection Portfolio (unaudited)

 

 

Portfolio Manager Outlook

The following forward-looking comments are the opinion of American Century, the Portfolio’s sub-adviser.

Although market-based inflation expectations, including the 10-year breakeven rate, have trended higher, they remain slightly below average, suggesting TIPS still offer value. The Portfolio’s positioning continues to reflect our expectations for solid, sustainable global growth, relatively low market volatility, stabilizing commodity prices, modest wage growth, and continued—albeit gradual—Fed tightening. We believe these influences eventually will create higher inflation than is currently priced into the bond market.

 

Relative Performance

 

 

LOGO

 

Average Annual Total Returns
For Periods Ended December 31, 2017
 
      1 Year     5 Years     10 Years  

Inflation Protection Portfolio

     3.58     0.05     3.27

Bloomberg Barclays® U.S. Treasury Inflation Protected Securities (TIPS) Index

     3.01     0.13     3.53

Lipper® Variable Insurance Products (VIP) Inflation Protected Bonds Funds Average

     3.36     0.04     3.34

The performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance is historical and does not guarantee future performance. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate, so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. For the most recent month-end performance information visit www.northwesternmutual.com.

This chart assumes an initial investment of $10,000 made on 12/31/07. Returns shown reflect fee waivers, deductions for management and other portfolio expenses, and reinvestment of all dividends. In the absence of fee waivers, total return would be reduced. Returns exclude deductions for separate account sale loads and account fees. Please refer to the Benchmark Definitions section of this report for information about the indices cited in the above chart and graph.

Return of principal is not guaranteed. Bond funds have the same interest rate, inflation and credit risks that are associated with the underlying bonds owned by the Portfolio. When interest rates rise, bond prices fall. With a fixed income fund, when interest rates rise, the value of the fund’s existing bonds drops, which could negatively affect overall fund performance.    

Currently, interest rates remain at historically low levels on a relative basis, although the U.S. federal funds rate has been subject to modest increases over the course of the last two years. A significant rise in interest rates over a short period of time could cause significant losses in the market value of the Portfolio’s fixed income investments.

Investing in bonds issued by foreign corporations and governments carries additional risk, including foreign currency risk, and may increase the volatility of the Portfolio’s performance.

As a non-diversified portfolio, the Portfolio may hold fewer securities because of its focused investment strategy. Holding fewer securities increases the risk that the value of the Portfolio could go down because of the poor performance of a single investment.    

 

 

138   Inflation Protection Portfolio  


Table of Contents

Inflation Protection Portfolio (unaudited)

 

 

 

This Portfolio invests over 50% of its assets in inflation-linked bonds. Inflation-linked bonds issued by the U.S. Government, known as TIPs, are fixed income securities whose principal value is periodically adjusted according to the rate of inflation. Neither the current market value of the inflation-linked bonds nor the share value of the fund that invests in them is guaranteed, and either or both may fluctuate. Those portions of the Portfolio which are not invested in inflation linked securities will not be automatically protected from inflation. The Portfolio may use derivative instruments for hedging or other purposes as part of its investment strategy. Use of these instruments may involve certain costs and risks such as liquidity risk, interest rate risk, market risk, credit risk, management risk and the risk that the Portfolio could not close out a position when it would be most advantageous to do so. Portfolios investing in derivatives could lose more than the principal amount invested in those instruments.    

Top 10 Fixed Income Holdings 12/31/17

 

Security Description   % of Net Assets

US Treasury, Various

  52.0%

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp., Various

  1.8%

Federal National Mortgage Association, 4.00%, 2/1/46

  1.4%

JPMorgan Chase & Co., Various

  0.7%

The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., Various

  0.7%

Citigroup, Inc., Various

  0.6%

Canadian Government Real Return Bond, Various

  0.6%

Sequoia Mortgage Trust, Series 2017-7, Class A7, 3.50%, 10/25/47

  0.6%

AT&T, Inc., Various

  0.5%

Bank of America Corp., Various

  0.5%

Sector Allocation 12/31/17

 

LOGO

Sector Allocation is based on Net Assets.

Sector Allocation and Top 10 Holdings are subject to change.

Consistent with the Portfolio’s stated parameters, no more than 20% of the Portfolio is invested in foreign securities.

 

 

  Inflation Protection Portfolio     139  


Table of Contents

Inflation Protection Portfolio

 

Schedule of Investments

December 31, 2017

 

                               
Corporate Bonds (20.7%)    Shares/
$ Par
     Value
$ (000’s)
 

Basic Materials (0.5%)

     

The Dow Chemical Co., 3.500%, 10/1/24

     200,000        206  

The Dow Chemical Co., 4.375%, 11/15/42

     200,000        210  

E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Co., 4.150%, 2/15/43

     200,000        206  

Georgia-Pacific LLC, 5.400%, 11/1/20 144A

     140,000        151  

International Paper Co., 4.400%, 8/15/47

     200,000        209  

LyondellBasell Industries NV, 4.625%, 2/26/55

     100,000        105  

LyondellBasell Industries NV, 5.000%, 4/15/19

     37,000        38  

The Mosaic Co., 4.050%, 11/15/27

     180,000        180  

Sherwin-Williams Co., 4.500%, 6/1/47

     340,000        371  

Westlake Chemical Corp., 4.375%, 11/15/47

     200,000        208  
     

 

 

 

Total

        1,884  
     

 

 

 

Communications (2.7%)

     

21st Century Fox America, Inc., 4.750%, 9/15/44

     150,000        171  

21st Century Fox America, Inc., 6.900%, 8/15/39

     385,000        543  

AT&T, Inc., 3.400%, 5/15/25

     450,000        442  

AT&T, Inc., 3.600%, 2/17/23

     250,000        256  

AT&T, Inc., 4.450%, 4/1/24

     100,000        106  

AT&T, Inc., 4.750%, 5/15/46

     300,000        293  

AT&T, Inc., 4.800%, 6/15/44

     280,000        277  

AT&T, Inc., 5.150%, 11/15/46 144A

     77,000        79  

AT&T, Inc., 5.150%, 2/14/50

     700,000        703  

British Telecommunications PLC, 5.950%, 1/15/18

     100,000        100  

CBS Corp., 3.500%, 1/15/25

     200,000        201  

CBS Corp., 3.700%, 6/1/28 144A

     170,000        168  

Charter Communications Operating LLC / Charter Communications Operating Capital, 6.484%, 10/23/45

     530,000        617  

Cisco Systems, Inc., 5.900%, 2/15/39

     335,000        458  

Comcast Corp., 6.500%, 11/15/35

     350,000        473  

Deutsche Telekom International Finance BV, 3.600%, 1/19/27 144A

     450,000        452  

Discovery Communications LLC, 3.950%, 3/20/28

     350,000        348  

NBCUniversal Media LLC, 4.375%, 4/1/21

     340,000        360  

Telefonica Emisiones SAU, 4.103%, 3/8/27

     400,000        413  

Telefonica Emisiones SAU, 5.213%, 3/8/47

     200,000        227  

Time Warner Cable LLC, 4.500%, 9/15/42

     295,000        276  

Time Warner, Inc., 3.600%, 7/15/25

     200,000        200  

Time Warner, Inc., 3.800%, 2/15/27

     300,000        300  

Time Warner, Inc., 4.050%, 12/15/23

     150,000        157  

Time Warner, Inc., 4.700%, 1/15/21

     300,000        317  

Verizon Communications, Inc., 2.625%, 8/15/26

     300,000        282  

Verizon Communications, Inc., 4.125%, 3/16/27

     330,000        344  

Verizon Communications, Inc., 4.125%, 8/15/46

     400,000        369  

Verizon Communications, Inc., 4.400%, 11/1/34

     150,000        153  

Verizon Communications, Inc., 4.862%, 8/21/46

     300,000        312  

Verizon Communications, Inc., 5.500%, 3/16/47

     330,000        376  

Viacom, Inc., 4.250%, 9/1/23

     470,000        480  

The Walt Disney Co., 2.350%, 12/1/22

     500,000        497  

The Walt Disney Co., 4.125%, 6/1/44

     170,000        183  
     

 

 

 

Total

        10,933  
     

 

 

 
                               
Corporate Bonds (20.7%)    Shares/
$ Par
     Value
$ (000’s)
 

Consumer, Cyclical (1.0%)

     

CVS Health Corp., 2.750%, 12/1/22

     700,000        689  

Ford Motor Co., 4.346%, 12/8/26

     120,000        125  

Ford Motor Credit Co. LLC, 4.389%, 1/8/26

     300,000        315  

Ford Motor Credit Co. LLC, 5.000%, 5/15/18

     100,000        101  

General Motors Co., 5.150%, 4/1/38

     1,000,000        1,065  

General Motors Financial Co., Inc., 5.250%, 3/1/26

     80,000        88  

The Home Depot, Inc., 4.200%, 4/1/43

     275,000        303  

Lowe’s Companies, Inc., 4.050%, 5/3/47

     120,000        128  

Macy’s Retail Holdings, Inc., 2.875%, 2/15/23

     60,000        56  

McDonald’s Corp., 3.250%, 6/10/24

     150,000        154  

McDonald’s Corp., 4.450%, 3/1/47

     330,000        359  

NIKE, Inc., 3.375%, 11/1/46

     315,000        304  

Target Corp., 3.900%, 11/15/47

     300,000        305  
     

 

 

 

Total

        3,992  
     

 

 

 

Consumer, Non-cyclical (3.1%)

     

Abbott Laboratories, 4.900%, 11/30/46

     400,000        458  

AbbVie, Inc., 2.900%, 11/6/22

     325,000        326  

AbbVie, Inc., 4.450%, 5/14/46

     350,000        380  

Actavis Funding SCS, 3.850%, 6/15/24

     150,000        154  

Actavis Funding SCS, 4.550%, 3/15/35

     170,000        180  

Aetna, Inc., 2.750%, 11/15/22

     230,000        228  

Aetna, Inc., 3.875%, 8/15/47

     170,000        167  

Amgen, Inc., 3.625%, 5/22/24

     140,000        145  

Anheuser-Busch InBev Finance, Inc., 3.650%, 2/1/26

     1,420,000        1,465  

Anheuser-Busch InBev Finance, Inc., 4.900%, 2/1/46

     500,000        579  

Anheuser-Busch InBev Worldwide, Inc., 7.750%, 1/15/19

     100,000        106  

Anthem, Inc., 4.650%, 1/15/43

     200,000        219  

Becton Dickinson and Co., 3.700%, 6/6/27

     400,000        403  

Catholic Health Initiatives, 2.950%, 11/1/22

     100,000        99  

Celgene Corp., 3.625%, 5/15/24

     50,000        51  

Celgene Corp., 5.000%, 8/15/45

     170,000        193  

Constellation Brands, Inc., 3.500%, 5/9/27

     170,000        173  

Constellation Brands, Inc., 3.700%, 12/6/26

     340,000        350  

Diageo Capital PLC, 2.625%, 4/29/23

     200,000        200  

Duke University Health System, Inc., 3.920%, 6/1/47

     268,000        280  

Ecolab, Inc., 4.350%, 12/8/21

     294,000        313  

Express Scripts Holding Co., 3.400%, 3/1/27

     200,000        196  

Express Scripts Holding Co., 4.500%, 2/25/26

     200,000        212  

General Mills, Inc., 3.150%, 12/15/21

     670,000        683  

Gilead Sciences, Inc., 3.650%, 3/1/26

     200,000        207  

Gilead Sciences, Inc., 4.150%, 3/1/47

     165,000        175  

Gilead Sciences, Inc., 4.400%, 12/1/21

     485,000        517  

Johnson & Johnson, 3.500%, 1/15/48

     360,000        368  

Kaiser Foundation Hospitals, 4.150%, 5/1/47

     200,000        216  

Kimberly-Clark Corp., 3.900%, 5/4/47

     340,000        360  

Kraft Heinz Foods Co., 4.375%, 6/1/46

     300,000        297  

The Kroger Co., 3.875%, 10/15/46

     400,000        366  

Medtronic, Inc., 2.500%, 3/15/20

     100,000        101  

Medtronic, Inc., 3.500%, 3/15/25

     80,000        83  
 

 

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

 

140   Inflation Protection Portfolio  


Table of Contents

Inflation Protection Portfolio

 

                               
Corporate Bonds (20.7%)    Shares/
$ Par
     Value
$ (000’s)
 

Consumer, Non-cyclical continued

     

Medtronic, Inc., 4.625%, 3/15/45

     350,000        407  

Mylan NV, 3.950%, 6/15/26

     200,000        202  

Northwell Health, Inc., 4.260%, 11/1/47

     180,000        184  

PepsiCo, Inc., 3.450%, 10/6/46

     320,000        310  

Shire Acquisitions Investments Ireland Designated Activity Co., 3.200%, 9/23/26

      160,000        156  

Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc., 2.950%, 9/19/26

     250,000        243  

Unilever Capital Corp., 2.200%, 3/6/19

     200,000        200  

UnitedHealth Group, Inc., 3.750%, 10/15/47

     350,000        357  

UnitedHealth Group, Inc., 4.250%, 3/15/43

     150,000        164  

Zoetis, Inc., 3.000%, 9/12/27

     60,000        59  
     

 

 

 

Total

        12,532  
     

 

 

 

Energy (2.7%)

     

Apache Corp., 4.750%, 4/15/43

     325,000        334  

BP Capital Markets PLC, 2.500%, 11/6/22

     160,000        159  

BP Capital Markets PLC, 2.750%, 5/10/23

     200,000        200  

Cenovus Energy, Inc., 4.250%, 4/15/27

     200,000        199  

Chevron Corp., 2.427%, 6/24/20

     100,000        101  

Cimarex Energy Co., 4.375%, 6/1/24

     100,000        106  

Concho Resources, Inc., 4.875%, 10/1/47

     80,000        88  

ConocoPhillips Co., 2.400%, 12/15/22

     500,000        494  

Enbridge, Inc., 3.500%, 6/10/24

     150,000        152  

Enbridge, Inc., 3.700%, 7/15/27

     200,000        201  

Energy Transfer Partners LP, 3.600%, 2/1/23

     100,000        100  

Energy Transfer Partners LP, 4.050%, 3/15/25

     200,000        200  

Energy Transfer Partners LP, 5.300%, 4/15/47

     330,000        328  

Enterprise Products Operating LLC, 3.750%, 2/15/25

     200,000        206  

Enterprise Products Operating LLC, 4.850%, 3/15/44

     100,000        110  

Exxon Mobil Corp., 3.043%, 3/1/26

     200,000        203  

Hess Corp., 6.000%, 1/15/40

     300,000        331  

Kinder Morgan Energy Partners LP, 5.300%, 9/15/20

     270,000        288  

Kinder Morgan, Inc., 5.550%, 6/1/45

     500,000        547  

Magellan Midstream Partners LP, 5.150%, 10/15/43

     150,000        170  

Marathon Oil Corp., 3.850%, 6/1/25

     170,000        173  

Marathon Oil Corp., 5.200%, 6/1/45

     100,000        111  

Marathon Petroleum Corp., 3.625%, 9/15/24

     250,000        255  

MPLX LP, 4.875%, 6/1/25

     400,000        429  

MPLX LP, 5.200%, 3/1/47

     200,000        219  

Noble Energy, Inc., 4.150%, 12/15/21

     480,000        500  

Occidental Petroleum Corp., 4.100%, 2/15/47

     330,000        350  

ONEOK, Inc., 4.000%, 7/13/27

     225,000        228  

Petroleos Mexicanos, 3.500%, 1/30/23

     130,000        127  

Petroleos Mexicanos, 4.625%, 9/21/23

     200,000        206  

Petroleos Mexicanos, 4.875%, 1/18/24

     400,000        414  

Phillips 66, 4.650%, 11/15/34

     200,000        219  

Plains All American Pipeline LP / PAA Finance Corp., 3.650%, 6/1/22

     200,000        201  

Sabine Pass Liquefaction LLC, 5.625%, 3/1/25

     500,000        551  

Shell International Finance BV, 2.375%, 8/21/22

     1,170,000        1,161  

Statoil ASA, 2.450%, 1/17/23

     250,000        248  

Suncor Energy, Inc., 6.500%, 6/15/38

     170,000        230  

Sunoco Logistics Partners Operations LP, 3.450%, 1/15/23

     300,000        298  
                               
Corporate Bonds (20.7%)    Shares/
$ Par
     Value
$ (000’s)
 

Energy continued

     

TransCanada PipeLines, Ltd., 2.500%, 8/1/22

     100,000        99  

Williams Partners LP, 4.125%, 11/15/20

     80,000        83  

Williams Partners LP, 4.300%, 3/4/24

     200,000        209  
     

 

 

 

Total

        10,828  
     

 

 

 

Financial (6.0%)

     

The Allstate Corp., 4.200%, 12/15/46

     150,000        163  

American Express Credit Corp., 3.300%, 5/3/27

     450,000        456  

American International Group, Inc., 4.125%, 2/15/24

     250,000        264  

American International Group, Inc., 4.500%, 7/16/44

     150,000        161  

American Tower Corp., 3.375%, 10/15/26

     400,000        393  

AvalonBay Communities, Inc., 3.200%, 1/15/28

     280,000        279  

Banco Inbursa SA Institucion de Banca Multiple, 4.375%, 4/11/27 144A

     200,000        200  

Bank of America Corp., 3.248%, 10/21/27

     1,625,000        1,612  

Bank of America Corp., 3.300%, 1/11/23

     350,000        358  

Bank of America Corp., 4.443%, (3 Month LIBOR plus 1.99%), 1/20/48

     80,000        90  

Berkshire Hathaway, Inc., 4.500%, 2/11/43

     335,000        386  

Boston Properties LP, 3.650%, 2/1/26

     150,000        152  

BPCE SA, 3.500%, 10/23/27

     250,000        246  

Branch Banking & Trust Co., 3.800%, 10/30/26

     200,000        209  

Capital One Financial Corp., 3.750%, 3/9/27

     330,000        333  

Capital One Financial Corp., 4.200%, 10/29/25

     150,000        154  

Chubb INA Holdings, Inc., 3.150%, 3/15/25

     200,000        202  

Citigroup, Inc., 2.350%, 8/2/21

     300,000        297  

Citigroup, Inc., 3.200%, 10/21/26

     500,000        496  

Citigroup, Inc., 4.000%, 8/5/24

     250,000        261  

Citigroup, Inc., 4.050%, 7/30/22

     450,000        468  

Citigroup, Inc., 4.281%, (3 Month LIBOR plus 1.84%), 4/24/48

     200,000        217  

Citigroup, Inc., 4.450%, 9/29/27

     775,000        820  

Cooperatieve Rabobank UA, 3.875%, 2/8/22

     200,000        210  

Credit Suisse AG, 3.625%, 9/9/24

     250,000        259  

Crown Castle International Corp., 4.450%, 2/15/26

     240,000        252  

DDR Corp., 3.900%, 8/15/24

     60,000        60  

Discover Bank, 3.450%, 7/27/26

     300,000        296  

Discover Financial Services, 3.750%, 3/4/25

     200,000        201  

Essex Portfolio LP, 3.625%, 8/15/22

     100,000        103  

Fifth Third Bancorp, 4.300%, 1/16/24

     60,000        64  

GE Capital International Funding Co. Unlimited Co., 4.418%, 11/15/35

     500,000        541  

The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., 2.300%, 12/13/19

     300,000        300  

The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., 3.500%, 11/16/26

     400,000        402  

The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., 3.750%, 5/22/25

     850,000        875  

The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., 4.800%, 7/8/44

     675,000        769  

The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., 5.750%, 1/24/22

     330,000        366  

The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc., 5.125%, 4/15/22

     150,000        164  

HSBC Holdings PLC, 2.950%, 5/25/21

     400,000        403  

HSBC Holdings PLC, 4.041%, (3 Month LIBOR plus 1.55%), 3/13/28

     230,000        240  

HSBC Holdings PLC, 4.300%, 3/8/26

     200,000        213  

HSBC Holdings PLC, 4.375%, 11/23/26

     200,000        209  
 

 

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

 

  Inflation Protection Portfolio     141  


Table of Contents

Inflation Protection Portfolio

 

                               
Corporate Bonds (20.7%)    Shares/
$ Par
     Value
$ (000’s)
 

Financial continued

     

Huntington Bancshares, Inc., 2.300%, 1/14/22

     200,000        197  

International Lease Finance Corp., 5.875%, 8/15/22

     200,000        222  

Jefferies Group LLC, 4.850%, 1/15/27

     330,000        351  

JPMorgan Chase & Co., 3.875%, 9/10/24

     1,250,000        1,304  

JPMorgan Chase & Co., 3.964%, (3 Month LIBOR plus 1.38%), 11/15/48

     835,000        861  

JPMorgan Chase & Co., 4.500%, 1/24/22

     500,000        535  

JPMorgan Chase & Co., 4.625%, 5/10/21

     250,000        267  

KeyBank NA, 3.400%, 5/20/26

     250,000        249  

Kilroy Realty LP, 3.800%, 1/15/23

     120,000        123  

Kilroy Realty LP, 4.375%, 10/1/25

     40,000        42  

Liberty Mutual Group, Inc., 4.250%, 6/15/23 144A

     225,000        237  

Markel Corp., 3.500%, 11/1/27

     200,000        199  

Morgan Stanley, 3.875%, 1/27/26

     400,000        417  

Morgan Stanley, 4.000%, 7/23/25

     700,000        733  

Morgan Stanley, 4.375%, 1/22/47

     170,000        186  

Prudential Financial, Inc., 3.935%, 12/7/49 144A

     251,000        256  

Simon Property Group LP, 4.250%, 11/30/46

     300,000        316  

Suntrust Bank, 3.300%, 5/15/26

     200,000        198  

The Travelers Cos, Inc., 3.750%, 5/15/46

     200,000        204  

U.S. Bancorp, 3.600%, 9/11/24

     400,000        414  

Ventas Realty LP / Ventas Capital Corp., 3.250%, 8/15/22

     250,000        253  

Wells Fargo & Co., 3.000%, 4/22/26

     200,000        196  

Wells Fargo & Co., 3.550%, 9/29/25

     175,000        180  

Wells Fargo & Co., 4.100%, 6/3/26

     330,000        346  

Wells Fargo & Co., 4.125%, 8/15/23

     220,000        232  

Wells Fargo & Co., 4.400%, 6/14/46

     600,000        632  

Wells Fargo & Co., 4.750%, 12/7/46

     300,000        335  

Welltower, Inc., 3.750%, 3/15/23

     300,000        311  
     

 

 

 

Total

        23,940  
     

 

 

 

Industrial (1.6%)

     

Burlington Northern Santa Fe LLC, 3.000%, 4/1/25

     200,000        201  

Burlington Northern Santa Fe LLC, 3.750%, 4/1/24

     200,000        212  

Burlington Northern Santa Fe LLC, 4.125%, 6/15/47

     380,000        416  

Burlington Northern Santa Fe LLC, 4.950%, 9/15/41

     100,000        119  

CSX Corp., 3.800%, 11/1/46

     180,000        179  

FedEx Corp., 4.400%, 1/15/47

     200,000        213  

General Electric Co., 2.100%, 12/11/19

     250,000        249  

General Electric Co., 4.125%, 10/9/42

     770,000        806  

General Electric Co., 4.375%, 9/16/20

     100,000        105  

John Deere Capital Corp., 3.150%, 10/15/21

     290,000        297  

Lockheed Martin Corp., 3.550%, 1/15/26

     100,000        104  

Lockheed Martin Corp., 3.800%, 3/1/45

     200,000        202  

Lockheed Martin Corp., 4.250%, 11/15/19

     200,000        208  

Norfolk Southern Corp., 3.150%, 6/1/27

     150,000        150  

Norfolk Southern Corp., 3.850%, 1/15/24

     75,000        79  

Norfolk Southern Corp., 5.750%, 4/1/18

     100,000        101  

Republic Services, Inc., 3.375%, 11/15/27

     300,000        302  

Republic Services, Inc., 3.800%, 5/15/18

     100,000        101  

Rockwell Collins, Inc., 4.350%, 4/15/47

     300,000        326  

Union Pacific Corp., 2.750%, 4/15/23

     100,000        100  

Union Pacific Corp., 3.350%, 8/15/46

     165,000        159  
                               
Corporate Bonds (20.7%)    Shares/
$ Par
     Value
$ (000’s)
 

Industrial continued

     

Union Pacific Corp., 4.000%, 4/15/47

     340,000        367  

United Parcel Service, Inc., 3.400%, 11/15/46

     300,000        290  

United Technologies Corp., 3.750%, 11/1/46

     525,000        525  

Waste Management, Inc., 3.125%, 3/1/25

     150,000        151  

Waste Management, Inc., 3.150%, 11/15/27

     200,000        200  

Waste Management, Inc., 3.500%, 5/15/24

     250,000        259  
     

 

 

 

Total

        6,421  
     

 

 

 

Technology (1.4%)

     

Apple, Inc., 2.900%, 9/12/27

     650,000        642  

Apple, Inc., 3.200%, 5/11/27

     550,000        557  

Apple, Inc., 4.250%, 2/9/47

     370,000        411  

Broadcom Corp. / Broadcom Cayman Finance, Ltd., 3.500%, 1/15/28 144A

     200,000        191  

Dell International LLC / EMC Corp., 6.020%, 6/15/26 144A

     470,000        518  

Fidelity National Information Services, Inc., 3.000%, 8/15/26

     200,000        193  

Intel Corp., 4.100%, 5/11/47

     340,000        374  

Microsoft Corp., 2.125%, 11/15/22

     330,000        326  

Microsoft Corp., 3.450%, 8/8/36

      400,000        412  

Microsoft Corp., 4.250%, 2/6/47

     550,000        628  

Oracle Corp., 2.500%, 10/15/22

     300,000        300  

Oracle Corp., 2.650%, 7/15/26

     150,000        146  

Oracle Corp., 4.000%, 7/15/46

     500,000        532  

Oracle Corp., 5.750%, 4/15/18

     300,000        303  
     

 

 

 

Total

        5,533  
     

 

 

 

Utilities (1.7%)

     

AEP Transmission Co., LLC, 3.750%, 12/1/47 144A

     200,000        205  

Alabama Power Co., 3.700%, 12/1/47

     640,000        653  

American Electric Power Co., Inc., 3.200%, 11/13/27

     200,000        198  

Consolidated Edison Co. of New York, Inc., 3.875%, 6/15/47

     400,000        418  

Dominion Resources, Inc., 3.625%, 12/1/24

     200,000        207  

Dominion Resources, Inc., 4.900%, 8/1/41

     320,000        369  

Dominion Resources, Inc., 6.400%, 6/15/18

     340,000        347  

Duke Energy Corp., 3.150%, 8/15/27

     150,000        149  

Duke Energy Corp., 3.550%, 9/15/21

     150,000        155  

Duke Energy Progress LLC, 3.700%, 10/15/46

     720,000        735  

Exelon Corp., 4.450%, 4/15/46

     160,000        174  

Exelon Generation Co. LLC, 5.600%, 6/15/42

     480,000        526  

FirstEnergy Corp., 4.850%, 7/15/47

     300,000        334  

Georgia Power Co., 4.300%, 3/15/42

     100,000        106  

MidAmerican Energy Co., 4.400%, 10/15/44

     600,000        682  

NextEra Energy Capital Holdings, Inc., 3.550%, 5/1/27

     200,000        204  

Pacific Gas & Electric Co., 4.000%, 12/1/46

     570,000        570  

Potomac Electric Power Co., 3.600%, 3/15/24

     80,000        84  

Sempra Energy, 3.250%, 6/15/27

     250,000        249  

Southern Co. Gas Capital Corp., 3.950%, 10/1/46

     200,000        198  

Southwestern Public Service Co., 3.700%, 8/15/47

     250,000        256  

Virginia Electric and Power Co., 3.450%, 2/15/24

     50,000        52  
     

 

 

 

Total

        6,871  
     

 

 

 

Total Corporate Bonds

     

(Cost: $80,902)

        82,934  
     

 

 

 
 

 

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

 

142   Inflation Protection Portfolio  


Table of Contents

Inflation Protection Portfolio

 

                               
Governments (52.4%)    Shares/
Par
     Value
$ (000’s)
 

Governments (52.4%)

     

Australian Government Bond, 6.709%, 8/20/20 AUD (f)

     715,000        1,025  

Canadian Government Real Return Bond, 4.250%, 12/1/21 CAD (f)

     756,293        695  

Canadian Government Real Return Bond, 4.250%, 12/1/26 CAD (f)

     1,490,420        1,589  

Mexico Government International Bond, 4.750%, 3/8/44

     200,000        202  

Saudi Government International Bond, 2.375%, 10/26/21 144A

     300,000        293  

US Treasury Inflation Index Bond, 0.125%, 4/15/21

     7,025,130        6,998  

US Treasury Inflation Index Bond, 0.125%, 1/15/22

     517,674        516  

US Treasury Inflation Index Bond, 0.125%, 4/15/22

     7,099,960        7,052  

US Treasury Inflation Index Bond, 0.125%, 7/15/22 (b)

     10,190,080        10,180  

US Treasury Inflation Index Bond, 0.125%, 1/15/23

     3,740,275        3,713  

US Treasury Inflation Index Bond, 0.125%, 7/15/24

     1,817,970        1,798  

US Treasury Inflation Index Bond, 0.125%, 7/15/26

     13,171,968        12,879  

US Treasury Inflation Index Bond, 0.250%, 1/15/25

     7,290,010        7,230  

US Treasury Inflation Index Bond, 0.375%, 7/15/23

     2,649,850        2,671  

US Treasury Inflation Index Bond, 0.375%, 7/15/25 (b)

     19,138,944        19,180  

US Treasury Inflation Index Bond, 0.625%, 7/15/21 (b)

     9,849,960        10,042  

US Treasury Inflation Index Bond, 0.625%, 1/15/24 (b)

     13,373,074        13,614  

US Treasury Inflation Index Bond, 0.625%, 1/15/26 (k)

     4,463,916        4,538  

US Treasury Inflation Index Bond, 0.625%, 2/15/43

     7,134,652        6,992  

US Treasury Inflation Index Bond, 0.750%, 2/15/42 (b)

     8,542,083        8,638  

US Treasury Inflation Index Bond, 0.750%, 2/15/45

     4,032,875        4,060  

US Treasury Inflation Index Bond, 0.875%, 2/15/47

     2,656,810        2,766  

US Treasury Inflation Index Bond, 1.000%, 2/15/46

     2,446,444        2,618  

US Treasury Inflation Index Bond, 1.375%, 1/15/20

     7,984,760        8,195  

US Treasury Inflation Index Bond, 1.375%, 2/15/44

     11,250,686        13,008  

US Treasury Inflation Index Bond, 1.750%, 1/15/28

     4,703,833        5,291  

US Treasury Inflation Index Bond, 2.000%, 1/15/26

     3,044,860        3,427  

US Treasury Inflation Index Bond, 2.125%, 2/15/40

     2,168,356        2,825  

US Treasury Inflation Index Bond, 2.125%, 2/15/41

     6,009,237        7,884  

US Treasury Inflation Index Bond, 2.375%, 1/15/25

     13,936,697        15,890  

US Treasury Inflation Index Bond, 2.375%, 1/15/27

     4,189,323        4,904  

US Treasury Inflation Index Bond, 2.500%, 1/15/29

     7,140,414        8,668  

US Treasury Inflation Index Bond, 3.375%, 4/15/32

     2,174,849        3,011  

US Treasury Inflation Index Bond, 3.625%, 4/15/28

     2,287,635        3,003  

US Treasury Inflation Index Bond, 3.875%, 4/15/29

     3,601,128        4,913  
     

 

 

 

Total Governments

     

(Cost: $208,600)

        210,308  
     

 

 

 
Municipal Bonds (0.4%)                

Municipal Bonds (0.4%)

     

Bay Area Toll Authority, California, Series 2010, 6.918%, 4/1/40 RB

     35,000        51  

City of San Antonio TX Electric & Gas System Revenue, 5.985%, 2/1/39 RB

     150,000        202  

City of San Francisco CA Public Utilities Commission Water Revenue, 6.950%, 11/1/50 RB

     25,000        37  

Los Angeles Community College District, Series 2010-E, 6.750%, 8/1/49 GO

     95,000        147  
                               
Municipal Bonds (0.4%)    Shares/
$ Par
     Value
$ (000’s)
 

Municipal Bonds continued

     

Metropolitan Transportation Authority, 6.814%, 11/15/40 RB

     50,000        72  

Missouri Highway & Transportation Commission, 5.445%, 5/1/33 RB

     100,000        121  

New Jersey Turnpike Authority, Series 2010, 7.102%, 1/1/41 RB

     100,000        149  

Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, Series 168, 4.926%, 10/1/51 RB

     50,000        62  

Rutgers - The State University of New Jersey, 5.665%, 5/1/40 RB

     55,000        68  

Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority, 5.876%, 4/1/32 RB

     50,000        61  

State of California, Series 2009, 7.550%, 4/1/39 GO

     250,000        393  

State of Illinois, 5.100%, 6/1/33 GO

     150,000        150  

State of Texas, Series 2009A, 5.517%, 4/1/39 GO

     30,000        39  
     

 

 

 

Total Municipal Bonds

     

(Cost: $1,500)

        1,552  
     

 

 

 
Structured Products (18.6%)                

Asset Backed Securities (1.5%)

     

Avis Budget Rental Car Funding AESOP LLC, Series 2012-3A, Class A, 2.100%, 3/20/19 144A

     375,000        375  

Avis Budget Rental Car Funding AESOP LLC, Series 2013-1A, Class A, 1.920%, 9/20/19 144A

     625,000        624  

BRE Grand Islander Timeshare Issuer, Series 2017-1A, Class A, 2.940%, 5/25/29 144A

     543,959        540  

Hilton Grand Vacations Trust, Series 2014-AA, Class A, 1.770%, 11/25/26 144A

     255,062        251  

MVW Owner Trust, Series 2015-1A, Class A, 2.520%, 12/20/32 144A

     503,842        501  

MVW Owner Trust, Series 2016-1A, Class A, 2.250%, 12/20/33 144A

     445,491        441  

Sierra Receivables Funding Co. LLC, Series 2015-1A, Class A, 2.400%, 3/22/32 144A

     140,651        140  

Sierra Timeshare Receivables Funding LLC, Series 2016-1A, Class A, 3.080%, 3/21/33 144A

     406,904        408  

Towd Point Mortgage Trust, Series 2016-1, Class A1, 3.500%, (AFC), 2/25/55 144A

     550,617        559  

Towd Point Mortgage Trust, Series 2017-2, Class A1, 2.750%, (AFC), 4/25/57 144A

     982,175        981  

VSE VOI Mortgage LLC, Series 2017-A, Class A, 2.330%, 3/20/35

     1,124,560        1,109  
     

 

 

 

Total

        5,929  
     

 

 

 

Mortgage Securities (17.1%)

     

Agate Bay Mortgage Trust, Series 2014-1, Class 1A6, 3.500%, (AFC), 7/25/44 144A

     1,185,461        1,199  

Agate Bay Mortgage Trust, Series 2014-3, Class A2, 3.500%, (AFC), 11/25/44 144A

     844,140        845  

Agate Bay Mortgage Trust, Series 2015-7, Class A3, 3.500%, (AFC), 10/25/45 144A

     1,626,825        1,653  

Agate Bay Mortgage Trust, Series 2016-1, Class A3, 3.500%, (AFC), 12/25/45 144A

     1,220,330        1,234  

Agate Bay Mortgage Trust, Series 2016-2, Class A3, 3.500%, (AFC), 3/25/46 144A

     1,489,897        1,514  
 

 

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

 

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Structured Products (18.6%)    Shares/
$ Par
     Value
$ (000’s)
 

Mortgage Securities continued

     

Agate Bay Mortgage Trust, Series 2016-3, Class A3, 3.500%, (AFC), 8/25/46 144A

     784,045        797  

BAMLL Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust, Series 2015-200P, Class A, 3.218%, 4/14/33 144A

     825,000        834  

BAMLL Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust, Series 2015-200P, Class B, 3.490%, 4/14/33

     1,110,000        1,124  

BB-UBS Trust, Series 2012, Class A, 3.430%, 11/5/36 144A

     1,000,000        1,013  

CD Mortgage Trust, Series 2016-CD2, Class A4, 3.526%, (AFC), 11/10/49

     700,000        722  

Citicorp Mortgage Securities Trust, Series 2007-8, Class 1A3, 6.000%, 9/25/37

     40,015        41  

Citigroup / Deutsche Bank Mortgage Trust, Series 2016-CD1, Class AM, 2.926%, 8/10/49

     1,000,000        968  

Commercial Mortgage Pass Through Certificates, Series 2014-CR15, Class AM, 4.426%, (AFC), 2/10/47

     1,000,000        1,065  

Commercial Mortgage Pass Through Certificates, Series 2014-UBS5, Class AM, 4.193%, (AFC), 9/10/47

     850,000        887  

Commercial Mortgage Pass Through Certificates, Series 2015-CR22, Class AM, 3.603%, (AFC), 3/10/48

     900,000        915  

Commercial Mortgage Pass Through Certificates, Series 2016-CR28, Class B, 4.647%, (CSTR), 2/10/49

     880,000        940  

Commercial Mortgage Pass Through Certificates, Series 2017-PANW, Class A, 3.244%, 11/10/34

     850,000        857  

Commercial Mortgage Pass Through Certificates, Series 2015-3BP, Class A, 3.178%, 2/10/35 144A

     875,000        881  

Core Industrial Trust, Series 2015-CALW, Class C, 3.555%, 2/10/34

     1,500,000        1,523  

Core Industrial Trust, Series 2015-TEXW, Class B, 3.329%, 2/10/34 144A

     725,000        736  

Core Industrial Trust, Series 2015-WEST, Class A, 3.292%, 2/10/37 144A

     950,000        964  

Credit Suisse Mortgage Trust, Series 2015-WIN1, Class A10, 3.500%, (AFC), 12/25/44 144A

     300,000        301  

Credit Suisse Mortgage Trust, Series 2017-HL1, Class A3, 3.500%, (AFC), 6/25/47

     1,164,951        1,179  

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp., 4.000%, 5/1/42

     3,692,157        3,887  

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp., 4.500%, 4/1/41

     3,002,820        3,232  

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp., Series DNA3, Class M1, 2.302%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.75%), 3/25/30

     650,855        653  

Federal National Mortgage Association, 4.000%, 2/1/46

     5,531,258        5,789  

Federal National Mortgage Association, Series 2017-C03, Class 1M1, 2.502%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.95%), 10/25/29

     829,391        836  

Flagstar Mortgage Trust, Series 2017-1, Class 1A5, 3.500%, (AFC), 3/25/47

     1,628,164        1,648  

GS Mortgage Securities Trust, Series 2015-GC28, Class A5, 3.396%, 2/10/48

     1,000,000        1,023  
                               
Structured Products (18.6%)    Shares/
$ Par
     Value
$ (000’s)
 

Mortgage Securities continued

     

GS Mortgage Securities Trust, Series 2016-GS2, Class B, 3.759%, (AFC), 5/10/49

     750,000        764  

Hudson Yards Mortgage Trust, Series 2016-10HY, Class B, 3.076%, (CSTR), 8/10/38 144A

     1,175,000        1,136  

Irvine Core Office Trust, Series 2013-IRV, Class A2, 3.173%, (CSTR), 5/15/48 144A

     800,000        812  

JP Morgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust, Series 2013-C16, Class A4, 4.166%, 12/15/46

     600,000        641  

JP Morgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust, Series 2016-JP2, Class A4, 2.822%, 8/15/49

     600,000        587  

JP Morgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust, Series 2016-JP3, Class AS, 3.144%, 8/15/49

     675,000        660  

JP Morgan Mortgage Trust, Series 2013-1, Class 2A2, 2.500%, (AFC), 3/25/43 144A

     830,434        825  

JP Morgan Mortgage Trust, Series 2014-5, Class A1, 3.000%, (AFC), 10/25/29 144A

     914,257        923  

JP Morgan Mortgage Trust, Series 2016-1, Class A7, 3.500%, 5/25/46 144A

     1,750,000        1,734  

JP Morgan Mortgage Trust, Series 2017-1, Class A2, 3.500%, (AFC), 1/25/47 144A

     1,854,521        1,880  

JPMBB Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust, Series 2014-C21, Class B, 4.341%, (AFC), 8/15/47

     700,000        718  

JPMDB Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust, Series 2017-C5, Class A4, 3.414%, 3/15/50

     930,000        952  

Morgan Stanley BAML Trust, Series 2017-C34, Class A3, 3.276%, 11/15/52

     1,350,000        1,361  

Morgan Stanley Capital I Trust, Series 2014-CPT, Class AM, 3.402%, 7/13/29

     2,000,000        2,038  

Morgan Stanley Capital I Trust, Series 2014-CPT, Class C, 3.446%, (CSTR), 7/13/29 144A

     600,000        604  

Morgan Stanley Capital I Trust, Series 2016-UB11, Class A4, 2.782%, 8/15/49

     1,575,000        1,535  

New Residential Mortgage Loan Trust, Series 2017-2A, Class A3, 4.000%, (CSTR), 3/25/57 144A

     1,386,485        1,433  

New Residential Mortgage Loan Trust, Series 2017-5A, Class A1, 3.052%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 1.50%), (AFC), 6/25/57

     1,560,485        1,599  

PHHMC Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2007-6, Class A1, 5.897%, (CSTR), 12/18/37

     5,953        6  

Sequoia Mortgage Trust, Series 2013-12, Class A1, 4.000%, 12/25/43 144A

     194,301        201  

Sequoia Mortgage Trust, Series 2014-3, Class A14, 3.000%, (AFC), 10/25/44 144A

     251,394        253  

Sequoia Mortgage Trust, Series 2014-4, Class A2, 3.500%, (AFC), 11/25/44 144A

     227,603        231  

Sequoia Mortgage Trust, Series 2017-5, Class A4, 3.500%, (AFC), 8/25/47

     1,601,695        1,624  

Sequoia Mortgage Trust, Series 2017-7, Class A7, 3.500%, 10/25/47

     2,250,000        2,231  

Sequoia Mortgage Trust, Series 2017-CH1, Class A1, 4.000%, (AFC), 10/25/47

     1,876,452        1,908  

Structured Adjustable Rate Mortgage Loan Trust, Series 2004-6, Class 3A2, 3.447%, (CSTR), 6/25/34

     435,683        453  
 

 

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

 

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Structured Products (18.6%)    Shares/
$ Par
     Value
$ (000’s)
 

Mortgage Securities continued

     

Thornburg Mortgage Securities Trust, Series 2004-3, Class A, 2.292%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.74%), (AFC), 9/25/44

     329,335        312  

USB Commercial Mortgage Trust, Series 2017-C1, Class A3, 3.196%, 6/15/50

     700,000        702  

Wells Fargo Mortgage Backed Securities Trust, Series 2005-17, Class 1A1, 5.500%, 1/25/36

     37,833        37  

Wells Fargo Mortgage Backed Securities Trust, Series 2005-AR10, Class 1A1, 3.473%, (CSTR), 6/25/35

     270,812        283  

Wells Fargo Mortgage Backed Securities Trust, Series 2005-AR10, Class 2A15, 3.473%, (CSTR), 6/25/35

      782,896        804  

Wells Fargo Mortgage Backed Securities Trust, Series 2006-10, Class A4, 6.000%, 8/25/36

     53,168        53  

Wells Fargo Mortgage Backed Securities Trust, Series 2007-AR10, Class 1A1, 3.806%, (CSTR), 1/25/38

     53,918        51  

WinWater Mortgage Loan Trust, Series 2014-1, Class A4, 3.500%, (AFC), 6/20/44 144A

     184,672        186  
     

 

 

 

Total

        68,797  
     

 

 

 

Total Structured Products

     

(Cost: $75,081)

        74,726  
     

 

 

 
                               
Short-Term Investments (5.3%)    Shares/
$ Par
     Value
$ (000’s)
 

Money Market Funds (4.7%)

     

State Street Institutional U.S. Government Money Market Fund - Premier Class, 1.209% #

     18,971,973        18,972  
     

 

 

 

Total

        18,972  
     

 

 

 

US Government & Agencies (0.6%)

     

US Treasury, 0.000%, 5/3/18

     2,500,000        2,488  
     

 

 

 

Total

        2,488  
     

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments

     

(Cost: $21,460)

        21,460  
     

 

 

 

Total Investments (97.4%)

     

(Cost: $387,543)(a)

        390,980  
     

 

 

 

Other Assets, Less Liabilities (2.6%)

        10,731  
     

 

 

 

Net Assets (100.0%)

        401,711  
     

 

 

 
 
# 7-day yield as of December 31, 2017.

144A after the name of a security represents a security exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities may be resold as transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. At December 31, 2017 the value of these securities (in thousands) was $29,759 representing 7.4% of the net assets.

AFC — Available Funds Cap security—Security accrues interest at an assumed or uncapped rate. If the interest rate on the underlying loans is lower than the uncapped rate, then the security will pay at the lower rate.

CSTR — Collateral Strip Rate security—interest is based on the weighted net interest rate of the collateral.

GO — General Obligation

RB — Revenue Bond

 

(a) At December 31, 2017, the aggregate cost of investments, including derivatives, for federal tax purposes (in thousands) was $387,400 and the net unrealized appreciation of investments based on that cost was $647 which is comprised of $7,951 aggregate gross unrealized appreciation and $7,304 aggregate gross unrealized depreciation.

 

(b) All or a portion of the securities have been pledged as collateral for open futures positions or when-issued securities. Information regarding open futures contracts as of period end is summarized below.

 

Issuer    Long/Short    Currency    Notional Par
(000’s)
   Number of
Contracts
   Expiration
Date
   Notional Value
(000’s)
     Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
(000’s)
 

US Long Treasury Bond Futures

   Short    USD    $8,700    87    3/18    $ 13,311      $ 20  

US Ten Year Treasury Note Futures

   Short    USD    4,800    48    3/18      5,954        31  

US Ten Year Ultra Treasury Bond Futures

   Short    USD    6,000    60    3/18      8,014        36  

US Two Year Treasury Note Futures

   Long    USD    41,200    206    3/18      44,107        (90

US Ultra Long Treasury Bond Futures

   Short    USD    1,900    19    3/18      3,185        (15

 

(f) Foreign Bond — par value is foreign denominated

 

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

 

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(h) Forward foreign currency contracts outstanding on December 31, 2017.

 

Type    Counterparty    Currency    Foreign
Principal
Amount
Covered by
Contract (000s)
   USD Principal
Amount
Covered by
Contract (000’s)
   Settlement
Month
   Unrealized
Appreciation
(000’s)
     Unrealized
(Depreciation)
(000’s)
    Net Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
(000’s)
 

Sell

   Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.    AUD    1,294    1,009    3/18    $ -        $ (26   $ (26

Sell

   Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.    CAD    2,844    2,265    3/18      -          (50     (50
                 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
                  $ -        $ (76   $ (76
                 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

AUD — Australian Dollar

CAD — Canadian Dollar

CPURNSA — U.S. Consumer Price Index — All Urban Consumers — Not Seasonally Adjusted

 

(j) Swap agreements outstanding on December 31, 2017.

Total Return Swaps

 

Floating Rate Index    Counterparty    Pay/Receive
Floating
Rate
   Fixed
Rate
   Expiration
Date
   Notional
Amount
(000’s)
     Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)(000’s)
    Market
Value
(000’s)
 

CPURNSA

  

Bank of America, N.A.

   Receive    2.42%    4/18      2,000      $ (139   $ (139

CPURNSA

  

Bank of America, N.A.

   Receive    2.22%    5/18      2,500        (119     (119

CPURNSA

  

Bank of America, N.A.

   Receive    2.21%    3/19      6,500        (253     (253

CPURNSA

  

Bank of America, N.A.

   Receive    2.64%    3/19      4,500        (340     (340

CPURNSA

  

Bank of America, N.A.

   Receive    2.51%    3/19      2,000        (175     (175

CPURNSA

  

Barclays Bank PLC

   Receive    1.71%    2/20      1,000        (2     (2

CPURNSA

  

Bank of America, N.A.

   Receive    2.64%    2/20      2,800        (302     (302

CPURNSA

  

Bank of America, N.A.

   Receive    2.67%    4/22      3,000        (372     (372

CPURNSA

  

Barclays Bank PLC

   Receive    2.53%    5/23      5,500        (476     (476

CPURNSA

  

Barclays Bank PLC

   Receive    2.54%    5/23      1,000        (87     (87

CPURNSA

  

Barclays Bank PLC

   Receive    2.59%    7/24      1,400        (117     (117

CPURNSA

  

Bank of America, N.A.

   Receive    2.53%    8/24      2,750        (212     (212

CPURNSA

  

Barclays Bank PLC

   Receive    2.39%    9/24      4,000        (242     (242

CPURNSA

  

Barclays Bank PLC

   Receive    2.31%    9/24      1,400        (73     (73

CPURNSA

  

Bank of America, N.A.

   Receive    2.14%    7/25      2,900        (23     (23

CPURNSA

  

Bank of America, N.A.

   Receive    1.79%    8/25      1,500        36       36  

CPURNSA

  

Goldman Sachs International

   Receive    1.87%    5/26      17,000        562       562  

CPURNSA

  

Goldman Sachs International

   Receive    1.92%    5/26      7,000        197       197  

CPURNSA

  

Goldman Sachs International

   Receive    1.77%    6/26      6,000        255       255  

CPURNSA

  

Goldman Sachs International

   Receive    2.25%    11/26      3,000        (15     (15

CPURNSA

  

Goldman Sachs International

   Receive    2.28%    11/26      3,000        (26     (26

CPURNSA

  

Goldman Sachs International

   Receive    2.28%    11/26      4,000        (35     (35

CPURNSA

  

Bank of America, N.A.

   Receive    2.24%    4/27      3,500        (27     (27

CPURNSA

  

Bank of America, N.A.

   Receive    2.22%    4/27      2,000        (11     (11

CPURNSA

  

Bank of America, N.A.

   Receive    2.24%    4/27      2,000        (13     (13

CPURNSA

  

Bank of America, N.A.

   Receive    2.24%    5/27      5,000        (32     (32

CPURNSA

  

Barclays Bank PLC

   Receive    2.90%    12/27      1,700        (409     (409

CPURNSA

  

Barclays Bank PLC

   Receive    2.78%    7/44      1,400        (310     (310

CPURNSA

  

Bank of America, N.A.

   Receive    2.76%    3/23      700        (77     (77

CPURNSA

  

Barclays Bank PLC

   Receive    2.36%    9/24      3,500        (201     (201
                 

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ (3,038   $ (3,038
                 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Centrally Cleared Total Return Swaps

 

Floating Rate Index   Pay/Receive
Floating
Rate
  Fixed
Rate
  Expiration
Date
  Upfront
Premiums Paid/
Received
(000’s)
    Notional
Amount
(000’s)
  Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)(000’s)
    Market
Value
(000’s)
 

U.S. Consumer Price Index – 3 Month USD LIBOR

 

Receive

  2.16%   9/27   $ -       9,000   $ 94     $ 94  

U.S. Consumer Price Index – 3 Month USD LIBOR

 

Receive

  2.15%   11/27     1     5,000     44     $ 44  

U.S. Consumer Price Index – 3 Month USD LIBOR

 

Receive

  2.07%   8/27     -       3,500     61     $ 61  
           

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $ 199     $ 199  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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

 

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(k) Cash or securities with an aggregate value of $4,538 (in thousands) has been pledged as collateral for swap contracts outstanding, short sales or written options on December 31, 2017.

The following is a summary of the inputs used in valuing the Portfolio’s assets and liabilities at December 31, 2017. See Note 3 for additional information on portfolio valuation.

 

    Valuation Inputs      
Description   Level 1 –
Quoted Prices
    Level 2 –
Other Significant
Observable Inputs
    Level 3 –
Significant
Unobservable Inputs
     
    (Amounts in thousands)      

Assets:

       

Municipal Bonds

  $ -       $ 1,552     $ -      

Corporate Bonds

    -         82,934       -      

Governments

    -         210,308       -      

Structured Products

    -         74,726       -      

Short-Term Investments

       

Money Market Funds

    18,972       -         -      

US Government & Agencies

    -         2,488       -      

Other Financial Instruments^

       

Futures

    87       -         -      

Total Return Swaps

    -         1,249       -      

Total Assets:

  $ 19,059     $ 373,257     $ -      

Liabilities:

       

Other Financial Instruments^

       

Futures

    (105     -         -      

Forward Currency Contracts

    -         (76     -      

Total Return Swaps

    -         (4,088     -      

Total Liabilities:

  $ (105   $ (4,164   $ -      

^ Other financial instruments are derivative instruments such as futures and forwards, which are valued at the unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on the instrument and short sales, written options and swaps contracts, which are valued at market value.

 

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

 

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Table of Contents

High Yield Bond Portfolio (unaudited)

 

 

Objective:    Portfolio Strategy:    Net Assets:

High current income and

capital appreciation.

   Invest in non-investment grade debt securities.    $812 million

Portfolio Overview

Mason Street Advisors, LLC (“Mason Street Advisors”), the investment adviser for the High Yield Bond Portfolio (the “Portfolio”), has engaged Federated Investment Management Company (“Federated”) to act as sub-adviser for the Portfolio. Normally, the Portfolio invests in non-investment grade debt securities, which are securities rated below investment grade by major credit rating agencies, or if unrated, determined to be of comparable quality. The Portfolio may invest up to 30% of net assets in non-investment grade foreign securities. The securities in which the Portfolio primarily invests are considered speculative and are sometimes known as “junk bonds.” These securities tend to offer higher yields than higher rated securities of comparable maturities primarily because of the market’s greater uncertainty about the issuer’s ability to make all required interest and principal payments, and therefore about the returns that will in fact be realized by the Portfolio. The Portfolio invests in securities believed to have attractive investment characteristics and seeks to minimize default risk and other risks through careful security selection and diversification. The Portfolio’s security selection process consists of a credit-intensive, fundamental analysis of the issuer. The Portfolio does not limit the investments to securities of a particular maturity range.

Market Overview

The high yield market posted a solid return in 2017, benefiting from a synchronized global economic expansion. The market environment was characterized by a business-friendly administration in Washington, accommodative central bank policy outside the U.S., high levels of employment and strong levels of business and consumer confidence. These factors led to strong corporate earnings, high levels of cash generation by high yield companies and declining default rates, all of which supported high yield bonds. The impact of these factors can be seen in the narrowing spread between high yield bonds and U.S. Treasury securities with comparable maturities. According to the Bloomberg Barclays® U.S. Corporate High Yield 2% Issuer Capped Index, the aggregate high yield spread began the reporting period at 409 basis points and ended the reporting period at 343 basis points.

Within the high yield market, major industry sectors that substantially outperformed the overall market included Pharmaceuticals, Transportation Services, Banking, Electric Utilities and Diversified Manufacturing. Major industry sectors that substantially underperformed the overall market included Wireline Telecommunications, Retail, Consumer Products, Wireless Telecommunications and Media & Entertainment. From a credit quality perspective, lower quality bonds performed best, as the CCC-rated sector returned 10.38%, while the BB-rated and B-rated sectors returned 7.32% and 6.48%, respectively.

Portfolio Results

The Portfolio returned 6.88% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2017. By comparison, the Portfolio’s benchmark, the Bloomberg Barclays® U.S. Corporate High Yield 2% Issuer Capped Index (the “Index”), returned 7.50%. (The Index is unmanaged, cannot be invested in directly and does not include administrative expenses.) According to Lipper® Analytical Services, Inc., an independent mutual fund rating agency, the average return for the High Yield Funds peer group was 6.49% for 2017.

The Portfolio was negatively impacted by its security selection during the period. This was especially true in the Retail, Consumer Products, Pharmaceutical, Midstream and Chemicals industry sectors. Specific high yield issuers held by the Portfolio that negatively impacted performance relative to the Index included FGI Operating Co., PetSmart, Mallinckrodt, Team Health and Northern Oil & Gas.

The Portfolio was positively impacted by its sector allocation during the period under review. This was mainly a result of its substantial underweight to the poorly performing Wireline Telecommunications industry sector. This was partially offset by the Portfolio’s cash holdings and its underweight to the strong performing Banking sector. An overweight to the strong performing Pharmaceutical sector and an underweight to the poorly performing Retail sector helped to offset some of the poor security selection in these two sectors.

The Portfolio was positively impacted by security selection in the Healthcare, Cable & Satellite, Automotive, Wireless Telecommunications, Packaging, Metals and the Media & Entertainment industry sectors. Specific high yield issuers held by the Portfolio that positively impacted performance relative to the Index included Intelsat, Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics, Valeant Pharmaceutical, Tenet Healthcare and Freeport-McMoRan.

 

148   High Yield Bond Portfolio  


Table of Contents

High Yield Bond Portfolio (unaudited)

 

 

Portfolio Manager Outlook

The following forward-looking comments are the opinion of Federated, the Portfolio’s sub-adviser.

We continue to believe that the lows in credit spreads for this cycle are yet to come as the synchronized global economic expansion, strong corporate earnings aided by tax reform and surging corporate valuations, as illustrated by rising stock markets, will push credit spreads to lows consistent with prior cycles. However, low absolute (and possible rising) interest rates and well below median starting yield spread levels will most likely temper both the absolute and relative returns expected for high yield bonds. In the short term, tax reform will benefit most high yield issuers; although, a subset may be negatively impacted by a limit on the deductibility of interest expense. Intermediate term, the limits on the deductibility of interest expense may lead those corporations negatively impacted to optimize their capital structures to reduce this negative impact.

 

Relative Performance

 

LOGO

 

Average Annual Total Returns
For Periods Ended December 31, 2017
 
     1 Year     5 Years     10 Years  

High Yield Bond Portfolio

    6.88     5.28     7.28

Bloomberg Barclays® U.S. Corporate High Yield 2% Issuer Capped Index

    7.50     5.78     8.09

Lipper® Variable Insurance Products (VIP) High Yield Funds Average

    6.49     4.74     6.46

The performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance is historical and does not guarantee future performance. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate, so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. For the most recent month-end performance information visit www.northwesternmutual.com.

This chart assumes an initial investment of $10,000 made on 12/31/07. Returns shown reflect fee waivers, deductions for management and other portfolio expenses, and reinvestment of all dividends. In the absence of fee waivers, total return would be reduced. Returns exclude deductions for separate account sale loads and account fees. Please refer to the Benchmark Definitions section of this report for information about the indices cited in the above chart and graph.

The Portfolio invests in lower quality securities, which may represent a significant risk for loss of principal and interest. Bonds and other debt obligations are affected by changes in interest rates, inflation risk and the creditworthiness of their issuers. High yield bonds generally have greater price swings and higher default risks than investment grade bonds. Return of principal is not guaranteed. When interest rates rise, bond prices fall. With a fixed income fund, when interest rates rise, the value of the fund’s existing bonds drops, which could negatively affect overall fund performance.

Investing in bonds issued by foreign corporations and governments carries additional risk, including foreign currency risk, and may increase the volatility of the Portfolio’s performance.

Currently, interest rates remain at historically low levels on a relative basis, although the U.S. federal funds rate has been subject to modest increases over the course of the last two years. A significant rise in interest rates over a short period of time could cause significant losses in the market value of the Portfolio’s fixed income investments.

 

 

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Table of Contents

High Yield Bond Portfolio (unaudited)

 

 

Top 10 Fixed Income Holdings 12/31/17

 

Security Description

    % of Net Assets      

HCA, Inc., Various

    1.9    

Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc., Various

    1.8    

CCO Holdings LLC / CCO Holdings Capital Corp., Various

    1.3    

First Data Corp., Various

    1.2    

T-Mobile USA, Inc., Various

    1.1    

Sprint Corp., Various

    1.0    

TransDigm, Inc., Various

    0.9    

Post Holdings, Inc., Various

    0.9    

Intelsat Jackson Holdings SA, Various

    0.9    

BWAY Holding Co., Various

    0.9    

Sector Allocation 12/31/17

 

LOGO

 

Sector Allocation is based on Net Assets.

Sector Allocation and Top 10 Holdings are subject to change.

 

 

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Table of Contents

High Yield Bond Portfolio

 

Schedule of Investments

December 31, 2017

 

                               
Corporate Bonds (95.4%)    Shares/
$ Par
     Value
$ (000’s)
 

Basic Materials (4.8%)

     

Alpha 3 BV / Alpha US Bidco, Inc., 6.250%, 2/1/25 144A

     2,250,000        2,306  

ArcelorMittal, 6.125%, 6/1/25

     425,000        489  

Clearwater Paper Corp., 5.375%, 2/1/25 144A

     3,350,000        3,367  

Compass Minerals International, Inc., 4.875%, 7/15/24 144A

     2,225,000        2,192  

Freeport-McMoRan, Inc., 3.550%, 3/1/22

     175,000        173  

Freeport-McMoRan, Inc., 3.875%, 3/15/23

     2,775,000        2,761  

Freeport-McMoRan, Inc., 5.400%, 11/14/34

     3,425,000        3,485  

Hexion, Inc., 6.625%, 4/15/20

     3,000,000        2,692  

HudBay Minerals, Inc., 7.250%, 1/15/23 144A

     600,000        636  

HudBay Minerals, Inc., 7.625%, 1/15/25 144A

     1,050,000        1,150  

Huntsman International LLC, 4.875%, 11/15/20

     730,000        759  

Platform Specialty Products Corp., 5.875%, 12/1/25 144A

     1,450,000        1,439  

Platform Specialty Products Corp., 6.500%, 2/1/22 144A

     5,000,000        5,169  

PQ Corp., 5.750%, 12/15/25 144A

     350,000        356  

PQ Corp., 6.750%, 11/15/22 144A

     450,000        480  

Signode Industrial Group Lux SA / Signode Industrial Group US, Inc., 6.375%, 5/1/22 144A

     4,175,000        4,363  

Steel Dynamics, Inc., 5.000%, 12/15/26

     525,000        555  

Steel Dynamics, Inc., 5.125%, 10/1/21

     620,000        635  

Steel Dynamics, Inc., 5.500%, 10/1/24

     930,000        988  

Teck Resources, Ltd., 6.000%, 8/15/40

     850,000        946  

Teck Resources, Ltd., 6.125%, 10/1/35

     1,075,000        1,204  

Teck Resources, Ltd., 6.250%, 7/15/41

     175,000        200  

Teck Resources, Ltd., 8.500%, 6/1/24 144A

     1,175,000        1,328  

Valvoline, Inc., 5.500%, 7/15/24

     300,000        319  

Versum Materials, Inc., 5.500%, 9/30/24 144A

     550,000        589  

W.R. Grace & Co., 5.625%, 10/1/24 144A

     480,000        518  
     

 

 

 

Total

        39,099  
     

 

 

 

Communications (17.8%)

     

Acosta, Inc., 7.750%, 10/1/22 144A

     2,850,000        2,080  

Altice Luxembourg SA, 7.625%, 2/15/25 144A

     3,875,000        3,710  

Altice Luxembourg SA, 7.750%, 5/15/22 144A

     200,000        196  

Altice US Finance I Corp., 5.375%, 7/15/23 144A

     1,100,000        1,127  

Altice US Finance I Corp., 5.500%, 5/15/26 144A

     650,000        662  

AMC Networks, Inc., 4.750%, 8/1/25

     1,550,000        1,536  

AMC Networks, Inc., 5.000%, 4/1/24

     1,875,000        1,898  

Anixter, Inc., 5.500%, 3/1/23

     275,000        296  

Cablevision Systems Corp., 5.875%, 9/15/22

     2,225,000        2,192  

CBS Radio, Inc., 7.250%, 11/1/24 144A

     1,675,000        1,766  

CCO Holdings LLC, 5.000%, 2/1/28 144A

     2,450,000        2,383  

CCO Holdings LLC / CCO Holdings Capital Corp., 5.125%, 5/1/27 144A

     1,475,000        1,453  

CCO Holdings LLC / CCO Holdings Capital Corp., 5.250%, 9/30/22

     1,350,000        1,384  

CCO Holdings LLC / CCO Holdings Capital Corp., 5.375%, 5/1/25 144A

     650,000        670  

CCO Holdings LLC / CCO Holdings Capital Corp., 5.500%, 5/1/26 144A

     550,000        564  
                               
Corporate Bonds (95.4%)    Shares/
$ Par
     Value
$ (000’s)
 

Communications continued

     

CCO Holdings LLC / CCO Holdings Capital Corp., 5.750%, 9/1/23

     1,000,000        1,025  

CCO Holdings LLC / CCO Holdings Capital Corp., 5.750%, 1/15/24

     3,050,000        3,142  

CCO Holdings LLC / CCO Holdings Capital Corp., 5.750%, 2/15/26 144A

     1,825,000        1,896  

CCO Holdings LLC / CCO Holdings Capital Corp., 5.875%, 5/1/27 144A

     575,000        591  

Cequel Communications Holdings I LLC / Cequel Capital Corp., 5.125%, 12/15/21 144A

     3,335,000        3,335  

Cequel Communications Holdings I LLC / Cequel Capital Corp., 7.750%, 7/15/25 144A

     1,325,000        1,418  

Clear Channel International BV, 8.750%, 12/15/20 144A

     375,000        387  

Clear Channel Worldwide Holdings, Inc.,
6.500%, 11/15/22

     2,925,000        2,973  

CommScope Technologies LLC, 6.000%, 6/15/25 144A

     650,000        691  

CommScope, Inc., 5.500%, 6/15/24 144A

     1,925,000        2,002  

CSC Holdings LLC, 5.250%, 6/1/24

     1,450,000        1,421  

CSC Holdings LLC, 5.500%, 4/15/27 144A

     2,250,000        2,295  

CSC Holdings LLC, 6.625%, 10/15/25 144A

     1,250,000        1,353  

CSC Holdings LLC, 10.125%, 1/15/23 144A

     1,000,000        1,126  

Digicel Group, Ltd., 7.125%, 4/1/22 144A

     525,000        486  

Digicel Group, Ltd., 8.250%, 9/30/20 144A

     425,000        418  

DISH DBS Corp., 5.000%, 3/15/23

     1,810,000        1,720  

DISH DBS Corp., 5.875%, 7/15/22

     1,080,000        1,085  

DISH DBS Corp., 5.875%, 11/15/24

     3,075,000        2,990  

DISH DBS Corp., 7.750%, 7/1/26

     500,000        526  

The EW Scripps Co., 5.125%, 5/15/25 144A

     400,000        398  

Gray Television, Inc., 5.125%, 10/15/24 144A

     675,000        673  

Gray Television, Inc., 5.875%, 7/15/26 144A

     2,150,000        2,204  

iHeartCommunications, Inc., 9.000%, 3/1/21

     600,000        429  

iHeartCommunications, Inc., 9.000%, 9/15/22

     1,515,000        1,087  

Intelsat Jackson Holdings SA, 5.500%, 8/1/23

     2,925,000        2,391  

Intelsat Jackson Holdings SA, 7.250%, 10/15/20

     1,490,000        1,401  

Intelsat Jackson Holdings SA, 7.500%, 4/1/21

     1,550,000        1,411  

Intelsat Jackson Holdings SA, 8.000%, 2/15/24 144A

     1,125,000        1,184  

Intelsat Jackson Holdings SA, 9.750%, 7/15/25 144A

     950,000        914  

Lamar Media Corp., 5.875%, 2/1/22

     1,725,000        1,762  

LIN Television Corp., 5.875%, 11/15/22

     2,000,000        2,080  

Match Group, Inc., 5.000%, 12/15/27 144A

     1,150,000        1,167  

Match Group, Inc., 6.375%, 6/1/24

     725,000        786  

Nexstar Broadcasting, Inc., 6.125%, 2/15/22 144A

     1,850,000        1,915  

Nexstar Escrow Corp., 5.625%, 8/1/24 144A

     1,075,000        1,110  

Outdoor Americas Capital LLC / Outfront Media Capital Corp., 5.875%, 3/15/25

     1,850,000        1,956  

Radio One, Inc., 7.375%, 4/15/22 144A

     1,825,000        1,820  

Radio One, Inc., 9.250%, 2/15/20 144A

     1,450,000        1,363  

SFR Group SA, 6.000%, 5/15/22 144A

     345,000        349  

SFR Group SA, 6.250%, 5/15/24 144A

     850,000        852  

SFR Group SA, 7.375%, 5/1/26 144A

     5,425,000        5,588  

Sinclair Television Group, Inc., 5.125%, 2/15/27 144A

     1,150,000        1,140  

Sinclair Television Group, Inc., 5.375%, 4/1/21

     1,370,000        1,394  
 

 

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

 

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High Yield Bond Portfolio

 

 

                               
Corporate Bonds (95.4%)    Shares/
$ Par
     Value
$ (000’s)
 

Communications continued

     

Sinclair Television Group, Inc., 5.625%, 8/1/24 144A

     825,000        851  

Sinclair Television Group, Inc., 5.875%, 3/15/26 144A

     325,000        338  

Sinclair Television Group, Inc., 6.125%, 10/1/22

     990,000        1,020  

Sirius XM Radio, Inc., 4.625%, 5/15/23 144A

     550,000        562  

Sirius XM Radio, Inc., 5.000%, 8/1/27 144A

     775,000        777  

Sirius XM Radio, Inc., 5.375%, 4/15/25 144A

     1,100,000        1,145  

Sirius XM Radio, Inc., 5.375%, 7/15/26 144A

     1,675,000        1,736  

Sirius XM Radio, Inc., 6.000%, 7/15/24 144A

     2,185,000        2,311  

Sprint Capital Corp., 6.875%, 11/15/28

     4,375,000        4,402  

Sprint Communications, Inc., 6.000%, 11/15/22

     1,675,000        1,675  

Sprint Corp., 7.125%, 6/15/24

     1,150,000        1,170  

Sprint Corp., 7.875%, 9/15/23

     6,190,000        6,592  

Symantec Corp., 5.000%, 4/15/25 144A

     1,075,000        1,118  

TEGNA, Inc., 5.125%, 7/15/20

     980,000        1,003  

TEGNA, Inc., 5.500%, 9/15/24 144A

     495,000        519  

TEGNA, Inc., 6.375%, 10/15/23

     700,000        733  

Telenet Finance Luxembourg Notes Sarl,
5.500%, 3/1/28 144A

     3,600,000        3,591  

T-Mobile USA, Inc., 5.125%, 4/15/25

     2,700,000        2,805  

T-Mobile USA, Inc., 5.375%, 4/15/27

     350,000        373  

T-Mobile USA, Inc., 6.000%, 3/1/23

     775,000        811  

T-Mobile USA, Inc., 6.125%, 1/15/22

     575,000        593  

T-Mobile USA, Inc., 6.375%, 3/1/25

     1,035,000        1,107  

T-Mobile USA, Inc., 6.500%, 1/15/24

     425,000        451  

T-Mobile USA, Inc., 6.500%, 1/15/26

     875,000        955  

T-Mobile USA, Inc., 6.625%, 4/1/23

     1,375,000        1,433  

T-Mobile USA, Inc., 6.836%, 4/28/23

     225,000        236  

Tribune Media Co., 5.875%, 7/15/22

     3,050,000        3,134  

Unitymedia Hessen GmbH & Co., KG / Unitymedia NRW GmbH, 5.000%, 1/15/25 144A

     1,250,000        1,278  

Unitymedia KabelBW GmbH, 6.125%, 1/15/25 144A

     2,525,000        2,664  

VeriSign, Inc., 4.750%, 7/15/27

     550,000        562  

VeriSign, Inc., 5.250%, 4/1/25

     350,000        381  

Virgin Media Finance PLC, 5.750%, 1/15/25 144A

     2,350,000        2,397  

Virgin Media Secured Finance PLC, 5.250%, 1/15/26 144A

     3,175,000        3,207  

Virgin Media Secured Finance PLC, 5.500%, 8/15/26 144A

     425,000        436  

Ziggo Bond Finance BV, 5.875%, 1/15/25 144A

     625,000        616  

Ziggo Bond Finance BV, 6.000%, 1/15/27 144A

     1,225,000        1,194  

Ziggo Secured Finance BV, 5.500%, 1/15/27 144A

     2,425,000        2,422  
     

 

 

 

Total

        144,769  
     

 

 

 

Consumer, Cyclical (12.6%)

     

1011778 BC Unlimited Liability Co. / New Red Finance, Inc., 4.250%, 5/15/24 144A

     475,000        474  

1011778 BC Unlimited Liability Co. / New Red Finance, Inc., 5.000%, 10/15/25 144A

     4,075,000        4,106  

Adient Global Holdings, Ltd., 4.875%, 8/15/26 144A

     2,050,000        2,106  

Allison Transmission, Inc., 5.000%, 10/1/24 144A

     750,000        773  

AMC Entertainment Holdings, Inc., 5.875%, 11/15/26

     825,000        815  

AMC Entertainment Holdings, Inc., 6.125%, 5/15/27

     225,000        223  

American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.,
6.500%, 4/1/27 144A

     2,450,000        2,594  

American Builders & Contractors Supply Co., Inc., 5.625%, 4/15/21 144A

     1,083,000        1,102  
                               
Corporate Bonds (95.4%)    Shares/
$ Par
     Value
$ (000’s)
 

Consumer, Cyclical continued

     

American Builders & Contractors Supply Co., Inc., 5.750%, 12/15/23 144A

     125,000        132  

Aramark Services, Inc., 5.000%, 4/1/25 144A

     1,450,000        1,532  

Aramark Services, Inc., 5.125%, 1/15/24

     1,525,000        1,600  

Argos Merger Sub, Inc., 7.125%, 3/15/23 144A

     3,975,000        2,355  

BCD Acquisition, Inc., 9.625%, 9/15/23 144A

     1,750,000        1,921  

Beacon Escrow Corp., 4.875%, 11/1/25 144A

     850,000        853  

Beacon Roofing Supply, Inc., 6.375%, 10/1/23

     625,000        665  

Boyd Gaming Corp., 6.375%, 4/1/26

     775,000        835  

Boyd Gaming Corp., 6.875%, 5/15/23

     2,050,000        2,173  

Cedar Fair LP / Canada’s Wonderland Co. / Magnum Management Corp., 5.375%, 6/1/24

     2,280,000        2,383  

CRC Escrow Issuer LLC / CRC Finco, Inc., 5.250%, 10/15/25 144A

     4,300,000        4,344  

Dana Financing Luxembourg Sarl, 5.750%, 4/15/25 144A

     400,000        421  

Dana Financing Luxembourg Sarl, 6.500%, 6/1/26 144A

     2,025,000        2,195  

Eldorado Resorts, Inc., 6.000%, 4/1/25

     1,800,000        1,881  

EMI Music Publishing Group North America Holdings, Inc., 7.625%, 6/15/24 144A

     2,100,000        2,310  

Ferrellgas LP / Ferrellgas Finance Corp.,
6.500%, 5/1/21

     850,000        796  

Ferrellgas LP / Ferrellgas Finance Corp.,
6.750%, 1/15/22

     2,350,000        2,174  

Ferrellgas LP / Ferrellgas Finance Corp.,
6.750%, 6/15/23

     1,400,000        1,284  

GLP Capital LP / GLP Financing II, Inc.,
5.375%, 11/1/23

     175,000        187  

GLP Capital LP / GLP Financing II, Inc.,
5.375%, 4/15/26

     500,000        536  

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., 4.875%, 3/15/27

     375,000        384  

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., 5.000%, 5/31/26

     1,150,000        1,186  

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., 5.125%, 11/15/23

     350,000        365  

Hanesbrands, Inc., 4.875%, 5/15/26 144A

     1,100,000        1,127  

HD Supply, Inc., 5.750%, 4/15/24 144A

     375,000        398  

Hilton Worldwide Finance LLC / Hilton Worldwide Finance Corp., 4.625%, 4/1/25

     1,175,000        1,207  

JB Poindexter & Co., Inc., 9.000%, 4/1/22 144A

     842,000        874  

KFC Holding Co. / Pizza Hut Holdings LLC / Taco Bell of America LLC, 4.750%, 6/1/27 144A

     550,000        562  

KFC Holding Co. / Pizza Hut Holdings LLC / Taco Bell of America LLC, 5.000%, 6/1/24 144A

     800,000        825  

KFC Holding Co. / Pizza Hut Holdings LLC / Taco Bell of America LLC, 5.250%, 6/1/26 144A

     1,600,000        1,684  

MGM Resorts International, 6.000%, 3/15/23

     2,525,000        2,727  

MGM Resorts International, 6.625%, 12/15/21

     1,040,000        1,141  

MGM Resorts International, 6.750%, 10/1/20

     510,000        551  

Michaels Stores, Inc., 5.875%, 12/15/20 144A

     1,875,000        1,901  

Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority, 7.875%, 10/15/24 144A

     2,250,000        2,306  

Party City Holdings, Inc., 6.125%, 8/15/23 144A

     2,425,000        2,504  

Penn National Gaming, Inc., 5.625%, 1/15/27 144A

     1,150,000        1,193  

Performance Food Group, Inc., 5.500%, 6/1/24 144A

     325,000        336  

PetSmart, Inc., 8.875%, 6/1/25 144A

     1,000,000        602  

Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc., 5.625%, 5/1/24

     2,225,000        2,381  

 

 

 

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

 

152   High Yield Bond Portfolio  


Table of Contents

High Yield Bond Portfolio

 

                               
Corporate Bonds (95.4%)    Shares/
$ Par
     Value
$ (000’s)
 

Consumer, Cyclical continued

     

Red Rock Resorts, Inc., 5.000%, 10/1/25 144A

     1,675,000        1,683  

Regal Entertainment Group, 5.750%, 3/15/22

     310,000        320  

Regal Entertainment Group, 5.750%, 2/1/25

     1,025,000        1,051  

Rite Aid Corp., 6.125%, 4/1/23 144A

     2,025,000        1,828  

Rivers Pittsburgh Borrower LP / Rivers Pittsburgh Finance Corp., 6.125%, 8/15/21 144A

     1,950,000        1,935  

Sabre GLBL, Inc., 5.375%, 4/15/23 144A

     1,275,000        1,313  

Sally Holdings LLC / Sally Capital, Inc.,
5.625%, 12/1/25

     2,225,000        2,214  

Schaeffler Verwaltung Zwei GmbH, 4.500%, 9/15/23 144A

     375,000        382  

Schaeffler Verwaltung Zwei GmbH, 4.750%, 9/15/26 144A

     3,325,000        3,375  

The Scotts Miracle-Gro Co., 5.250%, 12/15/26

     125,000        131  

Seminole Hard Rock Entertainment, Inc. / Seminole Hard Rock International LLC, 5.875%, 5/15/21 144A

     3,865,000        3,923  

Seminole Tribe of Florida, Inc., 7.804%, 10/1/20 144A

     1,320,000        1,333  

Six Flags Entertainment Corp., 4.875%, 7/31/24 144A

     850,000        863  

Six Flags Entertainment Corp., 5.500%, 4/15/27 144A

     3,725,000        3,855  

Springs Industries, Inc., 6.250%, 6/1/21

     980,000        1,000  

Suburban Propane Partners LP / Suburban Energy Finance Corp., 5.500%, 6/1/24

     3,425,000        3,391  

Suburban Propane Partners LP / Suburban Energy Finance Corp., 5.750%, 3/1/25

     275,000        272  

Suburban Propane Partners LP / Suburban Energy Finance Corp., 5.875%, 3/1/27

     900,000        880  

Sugarhouse HSP Gaming Prop Mezz LP / Sugarhouse HSP Gaming Finance Corp., 5.875%, 5/15/25 144A

     1,675,000        1,591  

Tenneco, Inc., 5.000%, 7/15/26

     350,000        359  

TI Group Automotive Systems LLC, 8.750%, 7/15/23 144A

     899,000        964  

WMG Acquisition Corp., 4.875%, 11/1/24 144A

     450,000        463  

WMG Acquisition Corp., 5.000%, 8/1/23 144A

     250,000        259  

Wynn Las Vegas, LLC / Wynn Las Vegas Capital Corp., 5.250%, 5/15/27 144A

     1,200,000        1,216  

ZF North America Capital, Inc., 4.750%, 4/29/25 144A

     531,000        562  
     

 

 

 

Total

        102,187  
     

 

 

 

Consumer, Non-cyclical (20.9%)

     

Acadia Healthcare Co., Inc., 5.625%, 2/15/23

     575,000        584  

Acadia Healthcare Co., Inc., 6.500%, 3/1/24

     2,625,000        2,730  

Air Medical Merger Sub Corp., 6.375%, 5/15/23 144A

     3,025,000        2,904  

Albertsons Cos. LLC / Safeway, Inc. / New Albertson’s, Inc. / Albertsons’s LLC, 5.750%, 3/15/25

     2,250,000        2,031  

Albertsons Cos. LLC / Safeway, Inc. / New Albertson’s, Inc. / Albertsons’s LLC, 6.625%, 6/15/24

     1,600,000        1,528  

AmSurg Corp., 5.625%, 7/15/22

     1,275,000        1,288  

Avantor, Inc., 6.000%, 10/1/24 144A

     825,000        822  

Avantor, Inc., 9.000%, 10/1/25 144A

     1,925,000        1,896  

Avis Budget Car Rental LLC / Avis Budget Finance, Inc., 5.250%, 3/15/25 144A

     725,000        718  

Avis Budget Car Rental LLC / Avis Budget Finance, Inc., 6.375%, 4/1/24 144A

     1,875,000        1,951  
                               
Corporate Bonds (95.4%)    Shares/
$ Par
     Value
$ (000’s)
 

Consumer, Non-cyclical continued

     

CHS / Community Health Systems, Inc.,
5.125%, 8/1/21

     800,000        720  

CHS / Community Health Systems, Inc.,
6.250%, 3/31/23

     1,550,000        1,395  

CHS / Community Health Systems, Inc.,
6.875%, 2/1/22

     2,910,000        1,673  

Crimson Merger Sub, Inc., 6.625%, 5/15/22 144A

     6,950,000        6,985  

DaVita HealthCare Partners, Inc., 5.750%, 8/15/22

     425,000        437  

Eagle Holding Co. II LLC, 7.625%, 5/15/22 144A

     1,475,000        1,501  

Endo Finance LLC / Endo Finco, Inc., 6.000%, 2/1/25 144A

     2,875,000        2,228  

Endo Finance LLC / Endo, Ltd. / Endo Finco, Inc., 6.000%, 7/15/23 144A

     1,850,000        1,452  

Envision Healthcare Corp., 5.125%, 7/1/22 144A

     2,280,000        2,212  

First Quality Finance Co., Inc., 4.625%, 5/15/21 144A

     3,235,000        3,259  

First Quality Finance Co., Inc., 5.000%, 7/1/25 144A

     425,000        433  

Gartner, Inc., 5.125%, 4/1/25 144A

     850,000        888  

GW Honos Security Corp., 8.750%, 5/15/25 144A

     1,750,000        1,881  

HCA Healthcare, Inc., 6.250%, 2/15/21

     1,385,000        1,468  

HCA, Inc., 4.500%, 2/15/27

     1,050,000        1,055  

HCA, Inc., 5.000%, 3/15/24

     2,575,000        2,678  

HCA, Inc., 5.250%, 6/15/26

     450,000        477  

HCA, Inc., 5.375%, 2/1/25

     2,250,000        2,329  

HCA, Inc., 5.875%, 3/15/22

     1,475,000        1,578  

HCA, Inc., 5.875%, 5/1/23

     2,520,000        2,690  

HCA, Inc., 5.875%, 2/15/26

     2,825,000        2,987  

HCA, Inc., 6.500%, 2/15/20

     1,485,000        1,574  

Hearthside Group Holdings LLC / Hearthside Finance Co., 6.500%, 5/1/22 144A

     2,000,000        2,042  

The Hertz Corp., 5.500%, 10/15/24 144A

     1,000,000        902  

The Hertz Corp., 6.250%, 10/15/22

     775,000        748  

The Hertz Corp., 7.625%, 6/1/22 144A

     1,125,000        1,178  

Hologic, Inc., 4.375%, 10/15/25 144A

     275,000        279  

Jaguar Holding Co. II / Pharmaceutical Product Development LLC, 6.375%, 8/1/23 144A

     5,750,000        5,807  

KAR Auction Services, Inc., 5.125%, 6/1/25 144A

     1,425,000        1,461  

Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc., 4.875%, 11/1/26 144A

     1,225,000        1,280  

LifePoint Health, Inc., 5.375%, 5/1/24

     325,000        323  

LifePoint Hospitals, Inc., 5.500%, 12/1/21

     1,415,000        1,443  

Live Nation Entertainment, Inc., 4.875%, 11/1/24 144A

     600,000        615  

Mallinckrodt International Finance SA,
4.750%, 4/15/23

     1,850,000        1,452  

Mallinckrodt International Finance SA / Mallinckrodt CB LLC, 5.500%, 4/15/25 144A

     2,975,000        2,425  

Mallinckrodt International Finance SA / Mallinckrodt CB LLC, 5.625%, 10/15/23 144A

     1,550,000        1,317  

Matthews International Corp., 5.250%, 12/1/25 144A

     875,000        884  

MEDNAX, Inc., 5.250%, 12/1/23 144A

     425,000        432  

MPH Acquisition Holdings LLC, 7.125%, 6/1/24 144A

     5,525,000        5,884  

New Amethyst Corp., 6.250%, 12/1/24 144A

     1,925,000        1,983  

The Nielsen Co. (Luxembourg) Sarl,
5.000%, 2/1/25 144A

     1,175,000        1,219  

Nielsen Finance LLC / Nielsen Finance Co., 5.000%, 4/15/22 144A

     4,000,000        4,115  
 

 

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

 

  High Yield Bond Portfolio     153  


Table of Contents

High Yield Bond Portfolio

 

                               
Corporate Bonds (95.4%)    Shares/
$ Par
     Value
$ (000’s)
 

Consumer, Non-cyclical continued

     

Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC / Pinnacle Foods Finance Corp., 5.875%, 1/15/24

     475,000        502  

Polaris Intermediate Corp., 8.500%, 12/1/22 144A

     1,975,000        2,049  

Post Holdings, Inc., 5.000%, 8/15/26 144A

     1,825,000        1,795  

Post Holdings, Inc., 5.500%, 3/1/25 144A

     1,275,000        1,320  

Post Holdings, Inc., 5.625%, 1/15/28 144A

     975,000        979  

Post Holdings, Inc., 5.750%, 3/1/27 144A

     3,225,000        3,281  

Prestige Brands, Inc., 5.375%, 12/15/21 144A

     3,475,000        3,536  

Prestige Brands, Inc., 6.375%, 3/1/24 144A

     1,600,000        1,658  

Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers, Inc., 5.375%, 1/15/25 144A

     575,000        594  

The ServiceMaster Co. LLC, 5.125%, 11/15/24 144A

     2,525,000        2,557  

Spectrum Brands, Inc., 5.750%, 7/15/25

     725,000        763  

Spectrum Brands, Inc., 6.125%, 12/15/24

     2,975,000        3,150  

Sterigenics-Nordion Holdings LLC, 6.500%, 5/15/23 144A

     3,500,000        3,649  

Sterigenics-Nordion Topco LLC, 8.125%, 11/1/21 144A

     2,900,000        2,929  

Surgery Center Holdings, 6.750%, 7/1/25 144A

     2,700,000        2,551  

Team Health Holdings, Inc., 6.375%, 2/1/25 144A

     4,875,000        4,351  

Teleflex, Inc., 4.625%, 11/15/27

     450,000        454  

Teleflex, Inc., 5.250%, 6/15/24

     1,750,000        1,824  

Tenet Healthcare Corp., 4.500%, 4/1/21

     830,000        834  

Tenet Healthcare Corp., 4.625%, 7/15/24 144A

     850,000        829  

Tenet Healthcare Corp., 6.750%, 6/15/23

     3,500,000        3,395  

Tenet Healthcare Corp., 7.500%, 1/1/22 144A

     700,000        735  

Tenet Healthcare Corp., 8.125%, 4/1/22

     330,000        336  

THC Escrow Corp. III, 5.125%, 5/1/25 144A

     2,400,000        2,340  

THC Escrow Corp. III, 7.000%, 8/1/25 144A

     575,000        541  

United Rentals North America, Inc., 4.875%, 1/15/28

     2,075,000        2,085  

United Rentals North America, Inc., 5.500%, 7/15/25

     475,000        504  

United Rentals North America, Inc., 5.500%, 5/15/27

     1,750,000        1,842  

United Rentals North America, Inc., 5.875%, 9/15/26

     1,225,000        1,311  

US Foods, Inc., 5.875%, 6/15/24 144A

     2,800,000        2,940  

Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc.,
5.500%, 3/1/23 144A

     2,700,000        2,471  

Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc.,
5.500%, 11/1/25 144A

     725,000        738  

Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc.,
5.625%, 12/1/21 144A

     1,055,000        1,031  

Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc.,
5.875%, 5/15/23 144A

     3,225,000        2,987  

Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc.,
6.125%, 4/15/25 144A

     5,425,000        4,964  

Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc.,
6.500%, 3/15/22 144A

     300,000        315  

Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc.,
7.000%, 3/15/24 144A

     875,000        936  

Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc.,
7.250%, 7/15/22 144A

     500,000        506  

Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc.,
9.000%, 12/15/25 144A

     800,000        834  

Vizient, Inc., 10.375%, 3/1/24 144A

     2,775,000        3,122  

West Street Merger Sub, Inc., 6.375%, 9/1/25 144A

     1,625,000        1,629  
     

 

 

 

Total

        169,308  
     

 

 

 
                               
Corporate Bonds (95.4%)    Shares/
$ Par
     Value
$ (000’s)
 

Energy (12.4%)

     

Alliance Resource Operating Partners LP / Alliance Resource Finance Corp., 7.500%, 5/1/25 144A

     1,525,000        1,620  

Antero Midstream Partners LP / Antero Midstream Finance Corp., 5.375%, 9/15/24

     2,000,000        2,060  

Antero Resources Corp., 5.000%, 3/1/25

     375,000        382  

Antero Resources Corp., 5.125%, 12/1/22

     465,000        474  

Antero Resources Corp., 5.375%, 11/1/21

     730,000        748  

Antero Resources Corp., 5.625%, 6/1/23

     1,225,000        1,274  

Ascent Resources - Utica LLC / AEU Finance Corp., 1.000%, 4/1/22 144A

     2,075,000        2,225  

Callon Petroleum Co., 6.125%, 10/1/24

     1,502,000        1,547  

Carrizo Oil & Gas, Inc., 6.250%, 4/15/23

     1,725,000        1,790  

Carrizo Oil & Gas, Inc., 7.500%, 9/15/20

     127,000        129  

Carrizo Oil & Gas, Inc., 8.250%, 7/15/25

     425,000        467  

Cheniere Corpus Christi Holdings LLC,
5.125%, 6/30/27

     575,000        595  

Cheniere Corpus Christi Holdings LLC,
5.875%, 3/31/25

     1,725,000        1,869  

Cheniere Corpus Christi Holdings LLC,
7.000%, 6/30/24

     1,025,000        1,167  

Cheniere Energy Partners LP, 5.250%, 10/1/25 144A

     2,850,000        2,900  

Chesapeake Energy Corp., 5.375%, 6/15/21

     625,000        603  

Chesapeake Energy Corp., 5.750%, 3/15/23

     225,000        208  

Chesapeake Energy Corp., 8.000%, 12/15/22 144A

     805,000        868  

Chesapeake Energy Corp., 8.000%, 1/15/25 144A

     425,000        429  

Chesapeake Energy Corp., 8.000%, 6/15/27 144A

     2,000,000        1,920  

Coeur Mining, Inc., 5.875%, 6/1/24

     1,750,000        1,728  

Continental Resources, Inc., 4.500%, 4/15/23

     1,275,000        1,300  

CrownRock LP / CrownRock Finance, Inc.,
5.625%, 10/15/25 144A

     2,600,000        2,613  

CVR Refining LLC / Coffeyville Finance, Inc., 6.500%, 11/1/22

     3,150,000        3,244  

Diamondback Energy, Inc., 5.375%, 5/31/25

     575,000        592  

Endeavor Energy Resources LP / EER Finance, Inc., 5.500%, 1/30/26 144A

     125,000        127  

Endeavor Energy Resources LP / EER Finance, Inc., 5.750%, 1/30/28 144A

     750,000        770  

Energy Transfer Equity LP, 5.500%, 6/1/27

     225,000        229  

Energy Transfer Equity LP, 5.875%, 1/15/24

     2,025,000        2,131  

Enviva Partners LP / Enviva Partners Finance Corp., 8.500%, 11/1/21

     2,750,000        2,929  

EP Energy LLC / Everest Acquisition Finance, Inc., 6.375%, 6/15/23

     350,000        189  

EP Energy LLC / Everest Acquisition Finance, Inc., 8.000%, 11/29/24 144A

     1,275,000        1,316  

Gulfport Energy Corp., 6.000%, 10/15/24

     550,000        550  

Gulfport Energy Corp., 6.375%, 5/15/25

     1,025,000        1,030  

Gulfport Energy Corp., 6.375%, 1/15/26 144A

     425,000        428  

Gulfport Energy Corp., 6.625%, 5/1/23

     875,000        893  

Holly Energy Partners LP / Holly Energy Finance Corp., 6.000%, 8/1/24 144A

     2,725,000        2,841  

Laredo Petroleum, Inc., 5.625%, 1/15/22

     1,025,000        1,035  

Laredo Petroleum, Inc., 6.250%, 3/15/23

     400,000        414  

NGPL PipeCo LLC, 4.875%, 8/15/27 144A

     150,000        156  

NuStar Logistics LP, 5.625%, 4/28/27

     2,400,000        2,442  

Oasis Petroleum, Inc., 6.500%, 11/1/21

     1,395,000        1,425  
 

 

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

 

154   High Yield Bond Portfolio  


Table of Contents

High Yield Bond Portfolio

 

                               
Corporate Bonds (95.4%)    Shares/
$ Par
     Value
$ (000’s)
 

Energy continued

     

Oasis Petroleum, Inc., 6.875%, 3/15/22

     645,000        662  

Parsley Energy LLC / Parsley Finance Corp., 5.250%, 8/15/25 144A

     425,000        426  

Parsley Energy LLC / Parsley Finance Corp., 5.375%, 1/15/25 144A

     450,000        455  

Parsley Energy LLC / Parsley Finance Corp., 5.625%, 10/15/27 144A

     1,225,000        1,253  

Parsley Energy LLC / Parsley Finance Corp., 6.250%, 6/1/24 144A

     300,000        316  

PDC Energy, Inc., 5.750%, 5/15/26 144A

     800,000        820  

PDC Energy, Inc., 6.125%, 9/15/24

     575,000        595  

Peabody Securities Finance Corp., 6.000%, 3/31/22 144A

     300,000        311  

Peabody Securities Finance Corp., 6.375%, 3/31/25 144A

     1,325,000        1,378  

Precision Drilling Corp., 6.500%, 12/15/21

     254,000        259  

Precision Drilling Corp., 7.125%, 1/15/26 144A

     700,000        714  

Precision Drilling Corp., 7.750%, 12/15/23

     1,000,000        1,050  

QEP Resources, Inc., 5.250%, 5/1/23

     575,000        582  

QEP Resources, Inc., 5.625%, 3/1/26

     525,000        532  

Range Resources Corp., 4.875%, 5/15/25

     1,000,000        965  

Range Resources Corp., 5.000%, 3/15/23

     225,000        224  

Range Resources Corp., 5.750%, 6/1/21

     955,000        991  

RSP Permian, Inc., 5.250%, 1/15/25

     750,000        769  

RSP Permian, Inc., 6.625%, 10/1/22

     750,000        787  

SESI LLC, 7.125%, 12/15/21

     325,000        333  

SESI LLC, 7.750%, 9/15/24 144A

     2,075,000        2,205  

SM Energy Co., 5.625%, 6/1/25

     600,000        582  

SM Energy Co., 6.500%, 1/1/23

     665,000        678  

SM Energy Co., 6.750%, 9/15/26

     725,000        747  

Southwestern Energy Co., 4.100%, 3/15/22

     1,025,000        1,010  

Southwestern Energy Co., 7.500%, 4/1/26

     300,000        319  

Southwestern Energy Co., 7.750%, 10/1/27

     1,775,000        1,895  

SRC Energy, Inc., 6.250%, 12/1/25 144A

     1,775,000        1,815  

Summit Midstream Holdings LLC / Summit Midstream Finance Corp., 5.500%, 8/15/22

     2,355,000        2,355  

Summit Midstream Holdings, LLC / Summit Midstream Finance Corp., 5.750%, 4/15/25

     2,275,000        2,294  

Targa Resources Partners LP / Targa Resources Partners Finance Corp., 5.000%, 1/15/28 144A

     1,400,000        1,397  

Targa Resources Partners LP / Targa Resources Partners Finance Corp., 5.125%, 2/1/25

     1,025,000        1,049  

Targa Resources Partners LP / Targa Resources Partners Finance Corp., 5.375%, 2/1/27

     2,150,000        2,206  

TerraForm Power Operating LLC, 4.250%, 1/31/23 144A

     175,000        174  

TerraForm Power Operating LLC, 5.000%, 1/31/28 144A

     2,300,000        2,277  

TerraForm Power Operating LLC, 6.625%, 6/15/25 144A

     950,000        1,036  

Tesoro Corp., 5.125%, 4/1/24

     325,000        343  

Tesoro Corp., 5.375%, 10/1/22

     555,000        573  

Tesoro Logistics LP / Tesoro Finance Corp., 5.250%, 1/15/25

     725,000        762  

Tesoro Logistics LP / Tesoro Logistics Finance Corp., 6.250%, 10/15/22

     503,000        534  
                               
Corporate Bonds (95.4%)    Shares/
$ Par
     Value
$ (000’s)
 

Energy continued

     

Tesoro Logistics LP / Tesoro Logistics Finance Corp., 6.375%, 5/1/24

     825,000        895  

Ultra Resources, Inc., 6.875%, 4/15/22 144A

     350,000        351  

Ultra Resources, Inc., 7.125%, 4/15/25 144A

     1,325,000        1,322  

Weatherford International LLC, 6.800%, 6/15/37

     400,000        332  

Weatherford International, Ltd., 7.000%, 3/15/38

     1,400,000        1,176  

Weatherford International, Ltd., 8.250%, 6/15/23

     1,575,000        1,591  

Whiting Petroleum Corp., 5.750%, 3/15/21

     410,000        421  

Whiting Petroleum Corp., 6.250%, 4/1/23

     1,150,000        1,180  

Whiting Petroleum Corp., 6.625%, 1/15/26 144A

     600,000        612  

The Williams Cos., Inc., 4.550%, 6/24/24

     900,000        934  

Williams Partners LP / ACMP Finance Corp.,
4.875%, 3/15/24

     475,000        496  

WPX Energy, Inc., 5.250%, 9/15/24

     1,125,000        1,121  

WPX Energy, Inc., 6.000%, 1/15/22

     375,000        392  

WPX Energy, Inc., 7.500%, 8/1/20

     84,000        91  

WPX Energy, Inc., 8.250%, 8/1/23

     350,000        397  
     

 

 

 

Total

        100,641  
     

 

 

 

Financial (5.4%)

     

Acrisure LLC / Acrisure Finance, Inc.,
7.000%, 11/15/25 144A

     2,000,000        1,928  

Ally Financial, Inc., 3.750%, 11/18/19

     1,950,000        1,975  

Ally Financial, Inc., 4.125%, 2/13/22

     400,000        409  

Ally Financial, Inc., 5.750%, 11/20/25

     3,725,000        4,060  

AssuredPartners, Inc., 7.000%, 8/15/25 144A

     2,500,000        2,487  

Hub Holdings LLC / Hub Holdings Finance, Inc., 8.125%, 7/15/19 144A(c)

     810,000        811  

HUB International, Ltd., 7.875%, 10/1/21 144A

     5,615,000        5,847  

Iron Mountain, Inc., 5.750%, 8/15/24

     425,000        430  

KIRS Midco 3 PLC, 8.625%, 7/15/23 144A

     2,150,000        2,225  

MGM Growth Properties Operating Partnership LP / MGP Finance Co-Issuer, Inc., 5.625%, 5/1/24

     475,000        506  

National Financial Partners Corp., 6.875%, 7/15/25 144A

     2,650,000        2,670  

Navient Corp., 5.500%, 1/25/23

     500,000        499  

Navient Corp., 5.875%, 10/25/24

     2,200,000        2,183  

Navient Corp., 6.125%, 3/25/24

     1,725,000        1,747  

Navient Corp., 6.500%, 6/15/22

     200,000        210  

Navient Corp., 6.750%, 6/25/25

     325,000        334  

Navient Corp., 7.250%, 9/25/23

     1,150,000        1,225  

Quicken Loans, Inc., 5.250%, 1/15/28 144A

     950,000        938  

Quicken Loans, Inc., 5.750%, 5/1/25 144A

     4,150,000        4,295  

RHP Hotel Properties LP / RHP Finance Corp., 5.000%, 4/15/23

     325,000        332  

Tempo Acquisition LLC / Tempo Acquisition Finance Corp., 6.750%, 6/1/25 144A

     3,625,000        3,688  

Trident Merger Sub, Inc., 6.625%, 11/1/25 144A

     1,725,000        1,721  

USIS Merger Sub, Inc., 6.875%, 5/1/25 144A

     2,775,000        2,803  

Vantiv LLC, 4.375%, 11/15/25 144A

     325,000        329  
     

 

 

 

Total

        43,652  
     

 

 

 

Industrial (11.5%)

     

ARD Finance SA, 7.125%, 9/15/23

     3,275,000        3,422  

Ardagh Packaging Finance PLC / Ardagh Holdings USA, Inc., 4.625%, 5/15/23 144A

     525,000        535  
 

 

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

 

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High Yield Bond Portfolio

 

                               
Corporate Bonds (95.4%)    Shares/
$ Par
     Value
$ (000’s)
 

Industrial continued

     

Ardagh Packaging Finance PLC / Ardagh Holdings USA, Inc., 6.000%, 6/30/21 144A

     1,475,000        1,514  

Ardagh Packaging Finance PLC / Ardagh Holdings USA, Inc., 6.000%, 2/15/25 144A

     2,100,000        2,210  

Ardagh Packaging Finance PLC / Ardagh Holdings USA, Inc., 7.250%, 5/15/24 144A

     2,000,000        2,178  

Ball Corp., 5.250%, 7/1/25

     475,000        517  

Belden, Inc., 5.250%, 7/15/24 144A

     325,000        335  

Berry Plastics Corp., 5.125%, 7/15/23

     1,150,000        1,196  

Berry Plastics Corp., 5.500%, 5/15/22

     4,205,000        4,331  

Berry Plastics Corp., 6.000%, 10/15/22

     275,000        288  

BWAY Holding Co., 5.500%, 4/15/24 144A

     2,175,000        2,262  

BWAY Holding Co., 7.250%, 4/15/25 144A

     4,775,000        4,930  

CD&R Waterworks Merger Sub LLC, 6.125%, 8/15/25 144A

     1,050,000        1,066  

Engility Corp., 8.875%, 9/1/24

     1,475,000        1,576  

FGI Operating Co. LLC / FGI Finance, Inc.,
7.875%, 5/1/20

     1,200,000        264  

Flex Acquisition Co., Inc., 6.875%, 1/15/25 144A

     4,700,000        4,867  

Gates Global LLC / Gates Global Co.,
6.000%, 7/15/22 144A

     4,092,000        4,184  

The Hillman Group, Inc., 6.375%, 7/15/22 144A

     3,200,000        3,192  

JELD-WEN, Inc., 4.625%, 12/15/25 144A

     300,000        302  

JELD-WEN, Inc., 4.875%, 12/15/27 144A

     275,000        278  

JPW Industries Holding Corp., 9.000%, 10/1/24 144A

     1,150,000        1,202  

Koppers, Inc., 6.000%, 2/15/25 144A

     1,150,000        1,219  

Masonite International Corp., 5.625%, 3/15/23 144A

     800,000        836  

Multi-Color Corp., 4.875%, 11/1/25 144A

     450,000        452  

Multi-Color Corp., 6.125%, 12/1/22 144A

     3,125,000        3,262  

NCI Building Systems, Inc., 8.250%, 1/15/23 144A

     1,200,000        1,272  

Owens-Brockway Glass Container, Inc.,
5.375%, 1/15/25 144A

     2,350,000        2,479  

Owens-Brockway Glass Container, Inc.,
5.875%, 8/15/23 144A

     500,000        539  

Owens-Brockway Glass Container, Inc.,
6.375%, 8/15/25 144A

     325,000        363  

Park Aerospace Holdings, Ltd., 4.500%, 3/15/23 144A

     550,000        525  

Park Aerospace Holdings, Ltd., 5.250%, 8/15/22 144A

     425,000        422  

Park Aerospace Holdings, Ltd., 5.500%, 2/15/24 144A

     5,050,000        5,012  

Ply Gem Industries, Inc., 6.500%, 2/1/22

     1,525,000        1,575  

Reynolds Group Issuer, Inc. / Reynolds Group Issuer LLC / Reynolds Group Issuer LU,
5.750%, 10/15/20

     2,815,258        2,857  

Reynolds Group Issuer, Inc. / Reynolds Group Issuer LLC / Reynolds Group Issuer LU,
6.875%, 2/15/21

     502,305        509  

Reynolds Group Issuer, Inc. / Reynolds Group Issuer LLC / Reynolds Group Issuer LU,
7.000%, 7/15/24 144A

     2,575,000        2,758  

RSI Home Products, Inc., 6.500%, 3/15/23 144A

     2,725,000        2,854  

Sealed Air Corp., 4.875%, 12/1/22 144A

     1,375,000        1,452  

Sealed Air Corp., 5.125%, 12/1/24 144A

     1,950,000        2,087  

Standard Industries, Inc., 5.000%, 2/15/27 144A

     2,900,000        2,965  

Standard Industries, Inc., 6.000%, 10/15/25 144A

     1,275,000        1,361  

Tervita Escrow Corp., 7.625%, 12/1/21 144A

     1,900,000        1,905  

TransDigm, Inc., 6.000%, 7/15/22

     520,000        532  

TransDigm, Inc., 6.375%, 6/15/26

     1,575,000        1,597  

TransDigm, Inc., 6.500%, 7/15/24

     4,875,000        4,997  
                               
Corporate Bonds (95.4%)    Shares/
$ Par
     Value
$ (000’s)
 

Industrial continued

     

TransDigm, Inc., 6.500%, 5/15/25

     300,000        307  

TTM Technologies, Inc., 5.625%, 10/1/25 144A

     1,675,000        1,717  

USG Corp., 4.875%, 6/1/27 144A

     1,525,000        1,581  

WESCO Distribution, Inc., 5.375%, 12/15/21

     2,780,000        2,850  

WESCO Distribution, Inc., 5.375%, 6/15/24

     1,750,000        1,798  

Wrangler Buyer Corp., 6.000%, 10/1/25 144A

     1,000,000        1,030  
     

 

 

 

Total

        93,762  
     

 

 

 

Other Holdings (–%)

     

General Motors Co. Escrow, 7.200%, 1/15/15(d), (l),*

     610,000        —    

General Motors Co. Escrow, 8.375%, 7/15/49(d), (l),*

     4,865,000        —    
     

 

 

 

Total

        —    
     

 

 

 

Technology (8.1%)

     

BMC Software Finance, Inc., 8.125%, 7/15/21 144A

     3,775,000        3,799  

CDW LLC / CDW Finance Corp., 5.000%, 9/1/25

     450,000        466  

CDW LLC / CDW Finance Corp., 5.500%, 12/1/24

     2,075,000        2,256  

Diamond 1 Finance Corp. / Diamond 2 Finance Corp., 5.875%, 6/15/21 144A

     450,000        467  

Diamond 1 Finance Corp. / Diamond 2 Finance Corp., 7.125%, 6/15/24 144A

     3,025,000        3,312  

Entegris, Inc., 4.625%, 2/10/26 144A

     2,275,000        2,309  

First Data Corp., 5.375%, 8/15/23 144A

     2,450,000        2,550  

First Data Corp., 5.750%, 1/15/24 144A

     4,600,000        4,777  

First Data Corp., 7.000%, 12/1/23 144A

     2,400,000        2,538  

IMS Health, Inc., 5.000%, 10/15/26 144A

     1,625,000        1,666  

Inception Merger Sub, Inc. / Rackspace Hosting, Inc., 8.625%, 11/15/24 144A

     3,675,000        3,923  

Infor Software Parent LLC / Infor Software Parent, Inc., 7.125%, 5/1/21 144A(c)

     4,760,000        4,867  

Infor US, Inc., 6.500%, 5/15/22

     3,625,000        3,752  

Informatica LLC, 7.125%, 7/15/23 144A

     2,775,000        2,837  

JDA Escrow LLC / JDA Bond Finance, Inc.,
7.375%, 10/15/24 144A

     2,750,000        2,881  

Micron Technology, Inc., 5.250%, 1/15/24 144A

     225,000        234  

MSCI, Inc., 5.250%, 11/15/24 144A

     300,000        316  

MSCI, Inc., 5.750%, 8/15/25 144A

     1,100,000        1,181  

NCR Corp., 4.625%, 2/15/21

     675,000        681  

NCR Corp., 5.000%, 7/15/22

     635,000        646  

NCR Corp., 5.875%, 12/15/21

     2,150,000        2,204  

NCR Corp., 6.375%, 12/15/23

     520,000        545  

Nuance Communications, Inc., 5.375%, 8/15/20 144A

     1,072,000        1,087  

Nuance Communications, Inc., 5.625%, 12/15/26

     1,675,000        1,744  

Nuance Communications, Inc., 6.000%, 7/1/24

     1,375,000        1,475  

Qorvo, Inc., 7.000%, 12/1/25

     325,000        363  

Riverbed Technology, Inc., 8.875%, 3/1/23 144A

     2,550,000        2,406  

Sensata Technologies BV, 5.625%, 11/1/24 144A

     1,250,000        1,373  

Sensata Technologies UK Financing Co. PLC, 6.250%, 2/15/26 144A

     425,000        462  

Solera LLC / Solera Finance, Inc., 10.500%, 3/1/24 144A

     3,575,000        4,022  

Sophia LP / Sophia Finance, Inc., 9.000%, 9/30/23 144A

     2,625,000        2,776  

SS&C Technologies Holdings, Inc., 5.875%, 7/15/23

     1,500,000        1,582  
     

 

 

 

Total

        65,497  
     

 

 

 
 

 

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

 

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High Yield Bond Portfolio

 

                               
Corporate Bonds (95.4%)    Shares/
$ Par
     Value
$ (000’s)
 

Utilities (1.9%)

     

AmeriGas Partners LP / AmeriGas Finance Corp., 5.500%, 5/20/25

     350,000        353  

AmeriGas Partners LP / AmeriGas Finance Corp., 5.625%, 5/20/24

     975,000        1,014  

AmeriGas Partners LP / AmeriGas Finance Corp., 5.750%, 5/20/27

     550,000        556  

AmeriGas Partners LP / AmeriGas Finance Corp., 5.875%, 8/20/26

     2,775,000        2,858  

Calpine Corp., 5.250%, 6/1/26 144A

     550,000        539  

Calpine Corp., 5.375%, 1/15/23

     2,800,000        2,727  

Calpine Corp., 5.750%, 1/15/25

     1,375,000        1,308  

Calpine Corp., 6.000%, 1/15/22 144A

     455,000        469  

NRG Energy, Inc., 5.750%, 1/15/28 144A

     225,000        227  

NRG Energy, Inc., 6.250%, 7/15/22

     1,450,000        1,508  

NRG Energy, Inc., 6.250%, 5/1/24

     1,750,000        1,833  

NRG Energy, Inc., 6.625%, 1/15/27

     925,000        978  
                               
Corporate Bonds (95.4%)    Shares/
$ Par
     Value
$ (000’s)
 

Utilities continued

     

NRG Energy, Inc., 7.250%, 5/15/26

     1,150,000        1,252  
     

 

 

 

Total

        15,622  
     

 

 

 

Total Corporate Bonds

     

(Cost: $762,315)

        774,537  
     

 

 

 
Short-Term Investments (3.0%)                

Money Market Funds (3.0%)

     

State Street Institutional U.S. Government Money
Market Fund - Premier Class, 1.209% #

     24,750,445        24,750  
     

 

 

 

Total

        24,750  
     

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments

     

(Cost: $24,750)

        24,750  
     

 

 

 

Total Investments (98.4%)

     

(Cost: $787,065)(a)

        799,287  
     

 

 

 

Other Assets,

     

Less Liabilities (1.6%)

        12,591  
     

 

 

 

Net Assets (100.0%)

        811,878  
     

 

 

 
 
* Non-Income Producing

 

# 7-Day yield as of December 31, 2017

144A after the name of a security represents a security exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities may be resold as transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. At December 31, 2017 the value of these securities (in thousands) was $469,517 representing 57.8% of the net assets.

 

(a) At December 31, 2017, the aggregate cost of investments, including deriatives, for federal tax purposes (in thousands) was $787,065 and the net unrealized appreciation of investments based on that cost was $12,222 which is comprised of $24,729 aggregate gross unrealized appreciation and $12,507 aggregate gross unrealized depreciation.

 

(b) All or a portion of the securities have been pledged as collateral for when-issued securities.

 

(c) PIK — Payment In Kind. PIK rates of Hub Holdings LLC / Hub Holdings Finance, Inc. 8.875%, Infor Software Parent LLC / Infor Software Parent, Inc. 7.875%

 

(d) Defaulted Security

 

(l) This security is being valued using significant unobservable inputs.

The following is a summary of the inputs used in valuing the Portfolio’s assets and liabilities at December 31, 2017. See Note 3 for additional information on portfolio valuation.

 

    Valuation Inputs      
Description  

Level 1 –

Quoted Prices

     Level 2 –
Other Significant
Observable Inputs
     Level 3 –
Significant
Unobservable Inputs
     
    (Amounts in thousands)      

Assets:

         

Corporate Bonds

  $ -        $ 774,537      $ -   (m)   

Short-Term Investments

    24,750        -          -      

Total Assets:

  $ 24,750      $ 774,537      $ -      

^ Other financial instruments are derivative instruments such as futures, forwards, written options and swaps contracts, which are valued at the unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on the instrument and short sales, which are valued at market value. On December 31, 2017, this Portfolio did not hold any derivative instruments.

 

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

 

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Table of Contents

Multi-Sector Bond Portfolio (unaudited)

 

 

Objective:    Portfolio Strategy:    Net Assets:
Maximum total return, consistent with prudent investment management.   

Invest in a diversified portfolio of fixed income instruments

of varying maturities and quality, and in derivatives designed to replicate such securities.

   $841 million

Portfolio Overview

Mason Street Advisors, LLC (“Mason Street Advisors”), the investment adviser for the Multi-Sector Bond Portfolio (the “Portfolio”), has engaged Pacific Investment Management Company LLC (“PIMCO”) to act as sub-adviser for the Portfolio. Normally, the Portfolio invests in a diversified portfolio of fixed income instruments of varying maturities, which may be represented by forwards or derivatives such as options, futures contracts or swap agreements. The average portfolio duration (an aggregate measure of the sensitivity of the Portfolio’s fixed income portfolio securities to changes in interest rates) of the Portfolio normally varies from three to eight years, based on the Portfolio’s forecast for interest rates. The Portfolio may invest all of its assets in high yield securities subject to a maximum of 10% of its total assets in securities rated below B by Moody’s or equivalently rated by S&P or Fitch or, if unrated, determined to be of comparable quality (so called “junk bonds”). The Portfolio may invest, without limitation, in securities denominated in foreign currencies and U.S. dollar denominated securities of foreign issuers. In addition, the Portfolio may invest without limit in fixed income securities of issuers that are economically tied to emerging securities markets.

Market Overview

Headlines in 2017 were largely dominated by political developments, namely Donald Trump’s surprise victory in the U.S. presidential election, the U.S. Federal Reserve’s (the “Fed”) policy decisions and geopolitics. In the U.S., solid fundamental data, relatively easy financial conditions, and optimism among businesses and consumers provided an opportunity for the Fed to continue on its path towards policy normalization. As such, the Fed raised rates and unveiled details of its plan to gradually unwind its balance sheet. A perceived hawkish shift in tone from other major central banks spurred most developed market yields to rise. Still, the fundamental backdrop remained largely intact and the broader risk rally continued as equities marched higher, credit spreads tightened and emerging market assets strengthened.

Portfolio Results

The Portfolio returned 8.38% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2017. By comparison, the Portfolio’s benchmark, the Bloomberg Barclays® Global Credit Hedged USD Index returned 5.89%. The Portfolio’s custom benchmark, comprised of 1/3 each: Bloomberg Barclays® Global Aggregate - Credit Component ex Emerging Markets, Hedged USD; BofA Merrill Lynch® Global High Yield BB-B Rated Constrained Developed Markets Index, Hedged USD; J.P. Morgan® EMBI Global (the “Equal Weighted Composite Index”), returned 7.28%. (These Indices are unmanaged, cannot be invested in directly and does not include administrative expenses.) According to Morningstar® Inc., an independent mutual fund ranking agency, the average return of the Multisector Bond peer group was 6.50% for 2017.

When compared to the Equal Weighted Composite Index, the Portfolio’s corporate credit allocation benefited from strength in investment grade and high yield Financials and Utilities, given recent rallies in credit spreads. During the year, the Portfolio’s credit exposure was partially obtained through the use of credit default swaps. Tactical exposure to non-Agency mortgage-backed securities was additive to performance due to continued strength in the U.S. housing market. An overweight to taxable municipals contributed to performance. Additionally, positioning within European interest rates, partially implemented through the use of futures and option contracts, contributed to performance as rates sold off throughout the period. Currency positioning, which was partially facilitated through currency forward contracts, was neutral.

The primary detractor over the period was an underweight to investment grade and high yield industrials as spreads continued to rally. Additionally, an underweight to external emerging market credit detracted as spreads tightened.

Portfolio Manager Outlook

The following forward-looking comments are the opinion of PIMCO, the Portfolio’s sub-adviser.

We expect world GDP growth to remain above-trend at 3.0%–3.5% in 2018. Easier financial conditions, resulting in buoyant risk assets and low interest rates, and fiscal stimulus in several advanced economies imply near-term tailwinds.

In the U.S., we look for above-consensus growth of 2.25%–2.75% in 2018. Tax cuts and higher federal spending are expected to boost growth. With unemployment likely to drop below 4%, we expect some upward pressure on wages and consumer prices, and core inflation to rise above 2% over the course of 2018. Under new leadership, the Fed is expected to continue tightening gradually; our baseline forecast calls for three rate hikes this year.

 

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Multi-Sector Bond Portfolio (unaudited)

 

 

Relative Performance

 

 

LOGO

 

Average Annual Total Returns

For Periods Ended December 31, 2017

 
      1 Year     5 Years     10 Years  

Multi-Sector Bond Portfolio

     8.38     3.65     6.39

Bloomberg Barclays® Global Credit Hedged USD Index

     5.89     4.02     5.55

1/3 each: Bloomberg Barclays® Global Aggregate — Credit Component ex Emerging Markets, Hedged USD; BofA Merrill Lynch® Global High Yield BB-B Rated Constrained Developed Markets Index, Hedged USD; JP Morgan® EMBI Global

     7.28     4.40     6.72

Morningstar® US Insurance Fund Multisector Bond Average

     6.50     3.51     5.60

The performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance is historical and does not guarantee future performance. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate, so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. For the most recent month-end performance information visit www.northwesternmutual.com.

This chart assumes an initial investment of $10,000 made on 12/31/07. Returns shown reflect fee waivers, deductions for management and other portfolio expenses, and reinvestment of all dividends.

In the absence of fee waivers, total return would be reduced. Returns exclude deductions for separate account sale loads and account fees. Please refer to the Benchmark Definitions section of this report for information about the indices cited in the above chart and graph.

The Portfolio invests in lower-quality securities, which may present a significant risk for loss of principal and interest. Bonds and other debt obligations are affected by changes in interest rates, inflation risk and the creditworthiness of their issuers. High yield bonds generally have greater price swings and higher default risks than investment grade bonds. Return of principal is not guaranteed. When interest rates rise, bond prices fall. With a fixed income fund, when interest rates rise, the value of the fund’s existing bonds drops, which could negatively affect overall fund performance.

Investing in bonds issued by foreign corporations and governments carries additional risk, including foreign currency risk, and may increase the volatility of the Portfolio’s performance.

The Portfolio may use derivative instruments for hedging purposes or as alternatives to direct investments. Use of these instruments may involve certain costs and risks such as liquidity risk, interest rate risk, market risk, credit risk, management risk and the risk of mispricing or improper valuation. Certain derivatives involve leverage, which could magnify losses, and portfolios investing in derivatives could lose more than the principal amount invested in those instruments.

The Portfolio may invest a portion of its assets in fixed-and floating-rate loans, including senior loans, through loan participations and assignments. Investing in loans may expose the Portfolio to additional risks, including credit risk, interest rate risk, liquidity risk, call risk, settlement risk, and risks associated with being a lender.

The Portfolio may also invest in municipal securities, which may be more sensitive to certain adverse conditions than other fixed income securities, may be or become illiquid, and may have yields which move differently and adversely compared to the yields of the overall debt securities markets.

Currently, interest rates remain at historically low levels on a relative basis, although the U.S. federal funds rate has been subject to modest increases over the course of the last two years. A significant rise in interest rates over a short period of time could cause significant losses in the market value of the Portfolio’s fixed income investments.

 

 

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Multi-Sector Bond Portfolio (unaudited)

 

 

Top 10 Fixed Income Holdings 12/31/17

 

Security Description   % of Net Assets

US Treasury, Various

  7.0%

Spain Letras del Tesoro, 0.01%, 1/19/18

  4.1%

Italy Buoni Poliennali Del Tesoro, 4.50%, 2/1/18

  3.6%

Turkey Government International Bond, Various

  2.4%

Energy Future Intermediate Holding Co., LLC, 1.00%, 6/30/18

  1.9%

Argentine Republic Government International Bond, Various

  1.9%

Petroleos Mexicanos, Various

  1.7%

Blackstone CQP Holdco LP, 6.50%, 3/20/21

  1.7%

Master Asset Backed Securities Trust, Series 2006-FRE2, Class A1, 1.70%, 3/25/36

  1.6%

Republic of Indonesia, Various

  1.3%

Sector Allocation 12/31/17

 

 

LOGO

Sector Allocation is based on Net Assets.

Sector Allocation and Top 10 Holdings are subject to change.

    

 

 

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Multi-Sector Bond Portfolio

 

Schedule of Investments

December 31, 2017

 

                               
Corporate Bonds (50.6%)    Shares/
Par
     Value
$ (000’s)
 

Basic Materials (0.5%)

     

FMG Resources August 2006 PTY, Ltd., 9.750%, 3/1/22 144A

     1,800,000        1,992  

Georgia-Pacific LLC, 8.875%, 5/15/31

     200,000        310  

Ineos Finance PLC, 4.000%, 5/1/23 144A EUR (f)

     1,500,000        1,847  

Solvay Finance America LLC, 4.450%, 12/3/25 144A

     200,000        212  

Suzano Austria GmbH, 7.000%, 3/16/47 144A

     200,000        229  
     

 

 

 

Total

        4,590  
     

 

 

 

Communications (8.7%)

     

Altice Financing SA, 5.250%, 2/15/23 EUR (f)

     2,800,000        3,494  

Altice Financing SA, 6.625%, 2/15/23 144A

     2,427,000        2,541  

Altice Financing SA, 7.500%, 5/15/26 144A

     1,200,000        1,278  

Altice Luxembourg SA,
6.250%, 2/15/25 EUR (f)

     1,500,000        1,764  

Altice Luxembourg SA, 7.625%, 2/15/25 144A

     1,600,000        1,532  

Altice SA, 7.250%, 5/15/22 EUR (f)

     4,900,000        5,956  

AT&T, Inc., 3.400%, 5/15/25 (k)

     1,000,000        983  

AT&T, Inc., 4.900%, 8/14/37

     200,000        203  

AT&T, Inc., 5.300%, 8/14/58 (b)

     6,200,000        6,215  

Charter Communications Operating LLC / Charter Communications Operating Capital, 4.200%, 3/15/28 (k)

     1,700,000        1,683  

Charter Communications Operating LLC / Charter Communications Operating Capital Corp., 4.464%, 7/23/22 (b)

     2,400,000        2,504  

CommScope Technologies LLC,
5.000%, 3/15/27 144A

     100,000        100  

Deutsche Telekom International Finance BV, 8.750%, 6/15/30 (k)

     700,000        1,035  

DISH DBS Corp., 5.125%, 5/1/20 (k)

     1,342,000        1,369  

Koninklijke KPN NV, 5.750%, 9/17/29 GBP (f)

     750,000        1,296  

Qwest Corp., 7.250%, 9/15/25

     500,000        536  

SFR Group SA, 5.375%, 5/15/22 EUR (f)

     1,800,000        2,222  

SFR Group SA, 6.250%, 5/15/24 144A

     2,400,000        2,406  

SFR Group SA, 7.375%, 5/1/26 144A

     6,000,000        6,180  

SoftBank Group Corp., 4.000%, 9/19/29 EUR (f)

     2,500,000        2,944  

TDC A/S, 5.625%, 2/23/23 GBP (f)

     100,000        157  

Telenet Finance Luxembourg Notes,
3.500%, 3/1/28 144A EUR (f)

     1,100,000        1,313  

Time Warner Cable LLC, 5.875%, 11/15/40

     300,000        325  

Time Warner Cable LLC, 6.750%, 6/15/39

     200,000        240  

UPCB Finance IV, Ltd.,
4.000%, 1/15/27 EUR (f)

     350,000        445  

UPCB Finance VII, Ltd.,
3.625%, 6/15/29 EUR (f)

     2,800,000        3,345  

Verizon Communications, Inc., 3.125%, 3/16/22

     200,000        203  

Verizon Communications, Inc., 4.522%, 9/15/48

     100,000        98  

Verizon Communications, Inc.,
4.672%, 3/15/55 (k)

     2,150,000        2,074  

Verizon Communications, Inc.,
5.012%, 4/15/49 (b)

     2,449,000        2,566  

Verizon Communications, Inc., 5.250%, 3/16/37

     200,000        220  

Virgin Media Investment Holdings, Ltd.,
5.125%, 1/15/25 144A GBP (f)

     700,000        983  

Virgin Media Secured Finance PLC,
4.875%, 1/15/27 GBP (f)

     3,100,000        4,256  

Virgin Media Secured Finance PLC,
5.000%, 4/15/27 144A GBP (f)

     500,000        686  
                               
Corporate Bonds (50.6%)    Shares/
Par
     Value
$ (000’s)
 

Communications continued

     

Wind Tre SPA, 2.625%, 1/20/23 144A EUR (f)

     3,000,000        3,523  

Wind Tre SPA, 2.750%, 1/20/24 144A EUR (f)

     600,000        708  

Wind Tre SPA, 3.125%, 1/20/25 144A EUR (f)

     4,200,000        4,905  

Ziggo Secured Finance BV, 4.250%, 1/15/27 144A EUR (f)

     500,000        623  

Ziggo Secured Finance BV,
4.250%, 1/15/27 EUR (f)

     200,000        249  
     

 

 

 

Total

        73,160  
     

 

 

 

Consumer, Cyclical (4.2%)

     

American Airlines Pass Through Trust, Series 2011-1, Class A, 5.250%, 7/31/22

     101,927        107  

American Airlines Pass Through Trust, Series 2014-1, Class A, 3.700%, 4/1/28

     498,420        510  

Continental Airlines Pass Through Trust, Series 2009-2, Class A, 7.250%, 5/10/21

     189,029        204  

Continental Airlines Pass Through Trust, Series 2010, Class A, 4.750%, 7/12/22

     61,074        64  

CVS Pass-Through Trust, 4.704%, 1/10/36 144A

     444,206        470  

CVS Pass-Through Trust, 5.926%, 1/10/34 144A

     758,790        865  

CVS Pass-Through Trust, 7.507%, 1/10/32 144A

     80,431        99  

DriveTime Automotive Group, Inc.,
8.000%, 6/1/21 144A

     1,500,000        1,500  

Ford Motor Credit Co. LLC, 4.134%, 8/4/25 (k)

     800,000        827  

General Motors Financial Co., Inc.,
3.450%, 4/10/22

     300,000        304  

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.,
4.875%, 3/15/27

     200,000        205  

Hilton Worldwide Finance Corp.,
4.875%, 4/1/27 (k)

     700,000        732  

INA-Holding Schaeffler GmbH & Co. KG, 3.750%, 9/15/26 EUR (c),(f)

     4,300,000        5,520  

L Brands, Inc., 6.875%, 11/1/35 (k)

     2,040,000        2,060  

Marks & Spencer PLC, 3.000%, 12/8/23 GBP (f)

     300,000        420  

Melco Resorts Finance, Ltd., 4.875%, 6/6/25 144A

     700,000        708  

Mitchells & Butlers Finance PLC, 0.966%, (ICE LIBOR GBP 3 Month plus 0.45%), 12/15/30 GBP (f)

     1,533,510        1,905  

QVC, Inc., 4.375%, 3/15/23 (k)

     2,000,000        2,051  

QVC, Inc., 5.450%, 8/15/34 (k)

     800,000        803  

Spirit Issuer PLC, 6.582%, 12/28/27 GBP (f)

     1,100,000        1,565  

Travis Perkins PLC, 4.375%, 9/15/21 GBP (f)

     200,000        284  

Travis Perkins PLC, 4.500%, 9/7/23 GBP (f)

     200,000        282  

The Unique Pub Finance Co. PLC,
5.659%, 6/30/27 GBP (f)

     155,045        236  

The Unique Pub Finance Co. PLC,
6.542%, 3/30/21 GBP (f)

     640,120        933  

The Unique Pub Finance Co. PLC,
7.395%, 3/28/24 GBP (f)

     400,000        613  

United Airlines Pass Through Trust, Series 2013-1, Class A, 4.300%, 8/15/25

     85,232        90  

US Airways Pass-Through Trust, Series 2012-1, Class A, 5.900%, 4/1/26 (k)

     1,090,286        1,210  

The Virgin Australia 2013-1A Pass Through Trust, 5.000%, 4/23/25 144A

     43,722        45  

Volkswagen Group of America Finance LLC, 2.125%, 5/23/19 144A

     200,000        199  
 

 

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

 

  Multi-Sector Bond Portfolio     161  


Table of Contents

Multi-Sector Bond Portfolio

 

                               
Corporate Bonds (50.6%)    Shares/
Par
     Value
$ (000’s)
 

Consumer, Cyclical continued

     

Wynn Las Vegas LLC / Wynn Las Vegas Capital Corp., 5.500%, 3/1/25 144A

     6,250,000        6,437  

Wynn Las Vegas, LLC / Wynn Las Vegas Capital Corp., 5.250%, 5/15/27 144A

     800,000        811  

ZF North America Capital, Inc.,
4.500%, 4/29/22 144A

     436,000        458  

ZF North America Capital, Inc.,
4.750%, 4/29/25 144A

     2,232,000        2,363  
     

 

 

 

Total

        34,880  
     

 

 

 

Consumer, Non-cyclical (2.4%)

     

Amgen, Inc., 4.663%, 6/15/51 (k)

     1,041,000        1,163  

CHS / Community Health Systems, Inc., 5.125%, 8/1/21

     200,000        180  

Endo Finance LLC, 5.750%, 1/15/22 144A

     2,900,000        2,414  

Endo Finance LLC & Endo Finco, Inc., 5.375%, 1/15/23 144A

     3,200,000        2,496  

Greene King Finance PLC, 2.596%, (ICE LIBOR GBP 3 Month plus 2.08%), 3/15/36 GBP (f)

     450,000        510  

Hamilton College, 4.750%, 7/1/13

     100,000        103  

HCA, Inc., 4.500%, 2/15/27

     100,000        100  

HCA, Inc., 4.750%, 5/1/23 (b)

     2,655,000        2,735  

HCA, Inc., 6.500%, 2/15/20 (k)

     2,000,000        2,120  

Mallinckrodt International Finance SA, 4.750%, 4/15/23

     700,000        549  

Mallinckrodt International Finance SA / Mallinckrodt CB LLC, 5.750%, 8/1/22 144A

     400,000        363  

Pfizer, Inc., 5.800%, 8/12/23

     200,000        232  

Tenet Healthcare Corp., 4.500%, 4/1/21

     300,000        302  

Teva Pharmaceutical Finance Co. BV, 2.950%, 12/18/22

     120,000        108  

Teva Pharmaceutical Finance Co. BV, 3.650%, 11/10/21 (k)

     1,000,000        951  

Teva Pharmaceutical Finance IV BV, 3.650%, 11/10/21

     400,000        380  

Teva Pharmaceutical Finance Netherlands III BV, 2.200%, 7/21/21

     200,000        183  

Teva Pharmaceutical Finance Netherlands III BV, 2.800%, 7/21/23 (k)

     2,300,000        2,003  

Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc., 4.500%, 5/15/23 EUR (f)

     1,600,000        1,717  

Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc., 5.375%, 3/15/20 144A

     1,400,000        1,404  

Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc., 9.000%, 12/15/25 144A

     300,000        313  
     

 

 

 

Total

        20,326  
     

 

 

 

Diversified (0.5%)

     

Co-operative Group Holdings 2011, Ltd., 6.875%, 7/8/20 GBP (e),(f)

     700,000        1,040  

Co-operative Group Holdings 2011, Ltd., 7.500%, 7/8/26 GBP (e),(f)

     1,700,000        2,839  
     

 

 

 

Total

        3,879  
     

 

 

 

Energy (9.8%)

     

Andeavor Logistics LP / Tesoro Logistics Finance Corp., 4.250%, 12/1/27

     100,000        101  

Borets Finance, Ltd., 7.625%, 9/26/18 (b)

     2,700,000        2,785  
                               
Corporate Bonds (50.6%)    Shares/
Par
     Value
$ (000’s)
 

Energy continued

     

Continental Resources, Inc., 4.375%, 1/15/28 144A

     1,400,000        1,382  

Dolphin Energy, Ltd., 5.500%, 12/15/21 144A

     1,000,000        1,085  

El Paso Natural Gas Co. LLC, 8.375%, 6/15/32

     200,000        263  

Energy Transfer LP, 3.600%, 2/1/23

     100,000        100  

Energy Transfer LP, 4.150%, 10/1/20

     400,000        413  

Energy Transfer LP, 4.650%, 6/1/21

     200,000        210  

Energy Transfer LP, 7.500%, 7/1/38

     100,000        124  

Ensco PLC, 5.750%, 10/1/44

     200,000        137  

Ensco PLC, 8.000%, 1/31/24

     80,000        80  

Harvest Operations Corp., 2.330%, 4/14/21 144A

     2,970,000        2,879  

Kinder Morgan Energy Partners LP,
6.550%, 9/15/40 (b)

     2,382,000        2,783  

Kinder Morgan, Inc., 7.750%, 1/15/32 (k)

     1,216,000        1,570  

Midcontinent Express Pipeline LLC, 6.700%, 9/15/19 144A

     1,700,000        1,776  

Newfield Exploration Co., 5.625%, 7/1/24 (k)

     2,100,000        2,257  

Novatek OAO via Novatek Finance, Ltd.,
4.422%, 12/13/22 (k)

     1,690,000        1,738  

Novatek OAO via Novatek Finance, Ltd.,
6.604%, 2/3/21 (k)

     1,600,000        1,756  

Odebrecht Drilling Norbe VIII/IX, Ltd.,
6.350%, 12/1/21 (l)

     1,133,333        1,113  

Odebrecht Drilling Norbe VIII/IX, Ltd.,
7.350%, 12/1/26 (l)

     1,339,260        462  

Odebrecht Oil & Gas Finance, Ltd., 0.000%, 2/9/18 (l)

     782,000        15  

Petrobras Global Finance BV, 5.999%, 1/27/28 144A

     4,403,000        4,414  

Petrobras Global Finance BV, 6.125%, 1/17/22 (b)

     3,600,000        3,820  

Petrobras Global Finance BV, 7.375%, 1/17/27 (k)

     500,000        550  

Petrofac, Ltd., 3.400%, 10/10/18 144A

     2,510,000        2,485  

Petroleos de Venezuela SA, 5.375%, 4/12/27 (k)

     6,500,000        1,511  

Petroleos de Venezuela SA, 5.500%, 4/12/37 (k)

     4,300,000        1,021  

Petroleos Mexicanos, 2.750%, 4/21/27 EUR (f)

     1,100,000        1,265  

Petroleos Mexicanos, 3.750%, 2/21/24 EUR (f)

     400,000        520  

Petroleos Mexicanos, 4.875%, 2/21/28 EUR (f)

     600,000        799  

Petroleos Mexicanos, 5.625%, 1/23/46 (b)

     5,000,000        4,627  

Petroleos Mexicanos, 6.500%, 3/13/27 144A

     1,700,000        1,858  

Petroleos Mexicanos, 6.500%, 6/2/41 (k)

     2,000,000        2,057  

Petroleos Mexicanos, 6.625%, 6/15/38 (k)

     1,800,000        1,872  

Petroleos Mexicanos, 6.750%, 9/21/47 (k)

     1,400,000        1,461  

QEP Resources, Inc., 5.625%, 3/1/26 (k)

     700,000        710  

QGOG Constellation SA, 9.500%, 11/9/24 (c)

     200,000        134  

Ras Laffan Liquefied Natural Gas Co., Ltd. III, 5.838%, 9/30/27 144A

     2,300,000        2,576  

Regency Energy Partners LP / Regency Energy Finance Corp., 4.500%, 11/1/23

     300,000        311  

Regency Energy Partners LP / Regency Energy Finance Corp., 5.000%, 10/1/22 (k)

     1,100,000        1,172  

Regency Energy Partners LP / Regency Energy Finance Corp., 5.750%, 9/1/20

     300,000        319  

Regency Energy Partners LP / Regency Energy Finance Corp., 5.875%, 3/1/22 (k)

     800,000        875  

Reliance Holdings USA, Inc., 4.500%, 10/19/20

     300,000        314  

Rio Oil Finance Trust, Series 2014-3, 9.750%, 1/6/27

     505,998        546  

Rockies Express Pipeline LLC, 5.625%, 4/15/20 144A

     1,000,000        1,048  

Rockies Express Pipeline LLC, 6.850%, 7/15/18 144A

     4,200,000        4,274  
 

 

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

 

162   Multi-Sector Bond Portfolio  


Table of Contents

Multi-Sector Bond Portfolio

 

                               
Corporate Bonds (50.6%)    Shares/
Par
     Value
$ (000’s)
 

Energy continued

     

Sabine Pass Liquefaction LLC, 5.625%, 2/1/21 (k)

     1,100,000        1,179  

Sabine Pass Liquefaction LLC, 5.625%, 4/15/23

     100,000        110  

Sabine Pass Liquefaction LLC, 5.625%, 3/1/25 (b)

     4,900,000        5,404  

Sabine Pass Liquefaction LLC, 5.750%, 5/15/24 (k)

     700,000        778  

Sabine Pass Liquefaction LLC, 5.875%, 6/30/26

     200,000        225  

Tallgrass Energy Partners LP, 5.500%, 1/15/28 144A

     8,400,000        8,502  

Williams Partners LP, 3.600%, 3/15/22 (b)

     2,500,000        2,557  
     

 

 

 

Total

        82,323  
     

 

 

 

Financial (21.3%)

     

AerCap Ireland Capital DAC / AerCap Global Aviation Trust, 4.250%, 7/1/20

     150,000        156  

AerCap Ireland Capital DAC / AerCap Global Aviation Trust, 5.000%, 10/1/21 (k)

     1,500,000        1,599  

Alliance Data Systems Corp., 5.875%, 11/1/21 144A

     2,900,000        2,972  

Ally Financial, Inc., 3.250%, 2/13/18 (k)

     1,500,000        1,501  

Ally Financial, Inc., 3.250%, 11/5/18

     100,000        100  

Ally Financial, Inc., 3.500%, 1/27/19

     371,000        373  

Ally Financial, Inc., 3.600%, 5/21/18

     100,000        100  

Ally Financial, Inc., 3.750%, 11/18/19 (b)

     5,290,000        5,357  

Ally Financial, Inc., 4.125%, 3/30/20

     537,000        548  

Ally Financial, Inc., 4.250%, 4/15/21

     246,000        252  

Ally Financial, Inc., 4.750%, 9/10/18

     100,000        101  

Ally Financial, Inc., 8.000%, 12/31/18

     30,000        31  

Ally Financial, Inc., 8.000%, 11/1/31 (k)

     1,361,000        1,769  

Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria SA, 7.000%, (Euro Swap Annual 5 Year plus 6.16%), 12/29/49 EUR (f)

     600,000        757  

Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentina SA, 6.750%, 12/29/49 EUR (f)

     5,000,000        6,486  

Banistmo SA, 3.650%, 9/19/22 144A

     200,000        197  

Bank of America Corp., 3.419%, (3 Month Libor plus 1.04%), 12/20/28 144A

     973,000        973  

Bank of America Corp., 4.000%, 4/1/24 (k)

     1,081,000        1,143  

Bank of Ireland, 7.375%, (Euro Swap Annual 5 Year plus 6.96%), 12/29/49 EUR (f)

     400,000        538  

Barclays Bank PLC, 7.625%, 11/21/22 (k)

     2,000,000        2,265  

Barclays Bank PLC, 7.750%, (USD SWAP SEMI 30/360 (>2 - 10Y) 5Y plus 6.83%), 4/10/23 (b)

     3,200,000        3,248  

Barclays Bank PLC, 14.000%, (ICE LIBOR GBP 3 Month plus 13.40%), 11/29/49 GBP (f)

     800,000        1,266  

Barclays PLC, 2.375%, 10/6/23 GBP (f)

     200,000        273  

Barclays PLC, 3.250%, 2/12/27 GBP (f)

     500,000        705  

Barclays PLC, 3.650%, 3/16/25 (b)

     3,100,000        3,094  

Barclays PLC, 6.500%, (Euro Swap Annual 5 Year plus 5.88%), 12/29/49 EUR (f)

     2,300,000        2,946  

Barclays PLC, 7.000%, (GBP Swap Semi-Annual 5 Year plus 5.08%), 6/15/49 GBP (f)

     800,000        1,135  

Barclays PLC, 8.000%, (Euro Swap Annual 5 Year plus 6.75%), 12/15/49 EUR (f)

     900,000        1,242  

Blackstone CQP Holdco LP, 6.500%, 3/20/21 144A

     14,200,000        14,413  

Cantor Fitzgerald LP, 6.500%, 6/17/22 144A

     200,000        222  

Cantor Fitzgerald LP, 7.875%, 10/15/19 144A

     1,500,000        1,623  

CIT Group, Inc., 3.875%, 2/19/19 (k)

     1,000,000        1,010  

CIT Group, Inc., 5.000%, 8/15/22

     272,000        288  

CIT Group, Inc., 5.000%, 8/1/23

     100,000        106  
                               
Corporate Bonds (50.6%)    Shares/
Par
     Value
$ (000’s)
 

Financial continued

     

Citigroup, Inc., 3.400%, 5/1/26 (k)

     600,000        603  

Cooperatieve Rabobank UA, 6.625%, 12/29/49 EUR (f)

     1,000,000        1,387  

Credit Agricole Assurances SA, 4.250%, (Euro Swap Annual 5 Year plus 4.50%), 12/31/49 EUR (f)

     2,000,000        2,681  

Credit Suisse AG, 6.500%, 8/8/23 144A

     7,400,000        8,281  

Credit Suisse AG, 6.500%, 8/8/23 (k)

     1,700,000        1,902  

Deutsche Bank AG, 4.250%, 10/14/21 (b)

     4,500,000        4,693  

The Doctors Co., 6.500%, 10/15/23 144A

     300,000        332  

Emerald Bay SA, %, 10/15/20 144A EUR (f)

     3,796,000        4,202  

Equinix, Inc., 2.875%, 2/1/26 EUR (f)

     1,200,000        1,439  

Freedom Mortgage Corp., 8.125%, 11/15/24 144A

     190,000        194  

The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., 2.788%, (3 Month LIBOR plus 1.20%), 9/15/20

     200,000        204  

The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., 3.232%, 2/25/21

     200,000        207  

The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., 3.750%, 5/22/25 (b)

     2,700,000        2,781  

The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., 3.850%, 7/8/24 (k)

     1,000,000        1,037  

The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., 4.000%, 3/3/24

     400,000        420  

The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., 5.750%, 1/24/22

     400,000        443  

HBOS PLC, 5.374%, 6/30/21 EUR (f)

     600,000        842  

The Howard Hughes Corp., 5.375%, 3/15/25 144A

     300,000        308  

HSBC Holdings PLC, 3.600%, 5/25/23 (k)

     2,100,000        2,160  

ING Bank NV, 5.800%, 9/25/23 144A

     2,100,000        2,356  

International Lease Finance Corp., 5.875%, 4/1/19 (k)

     1,400,000        1,457  

International Lease Finance Corp., 5.875%, 8/15/22

     400,000        443  

International Lease Finance Corp., 6.250%, 5/15/19

     450,000        472  

International Lease Finance Corp., 8.250%, 12/15/20 (b)

     2,100,000        2,412  

International Lease Finance Corp., 8.625%, 1/15/22

     400,000        482  

Intesa Sanpaolo SPA, 5.017%, 6/26/24 144A

     2,700,000        2,764  

Intesa Sanpaolo SPA, 6.500%, 2/24/21 144A

     4,100,000        4,517  

Jefferies Finance LLC / JFIN Co-Issuer Corp., 6.875%, 4/15/22 144A

     800,000        810  

Jefferies Finance LLC / JFIN Co-Issuer Corp., 7.375%, 4/1/20 144A

     2,000,000        2,058  

Jefferies Finance LLC / JFIN Co-Issuer Corp., 7.500%, 4/15/21 144A

     500,000        518  

Kennedy Wilson Europe Real Estate PLC, 3.950%, 6/30/22 GBP (f)

     2,700,000        3,830  

Lincoln Finance, Ltd., 6.875%, 4/15/21 EUR (f)

     4,000,000        5,037  

Lloyds Bank PLC, Series EMTN, 7.625%, 4/22/25 GBP (f)

     1,200,000        2,171  

Lloyds Banking Group PLC, 7.000%, 12/29/49 GBP (f)

     800,000        1,137  

Macquarie Group, Ltd., 6.250%, 1/14/21 144A

     300,000        329  

Morgan Stanley, 2.293%, 7/22/22 (k)

     1,000,000        1,008  

Morgan Stanley, 4.000%, 7/23/25 (b)

     3,600,000        3,768  

Navient Corp., 4.875%, 6/17/19 (b)

     3,648,000        3,710  

Navient Corp., 5.000%, 10/26/20

     100,000        101  

Navient Corp., 5.875%, 3/25/21

     200,000        207  

Navient Corp., 6.500%, 6/15/22 (k)

     1,200,000        1,259  

Navient Corp., 6.625%, 7/26/21 (k)

     1,100,000        1,161  

Navient Corp., 7.250%, 1/25/22 (k)

     400,000        429  

Navient Corp., 8.000%, 3/25/20 (k)

     763,000        825  

NN Group NV, 4.500%, (Euribor 3 Month plus 4.00%), 7/15/49 EUR (f)

     2,600,000        3,515  
 

 

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

 

  Multi-Sector Bond Portfolio     163  


Table of Contents

Multi-Sector Bond Portfolio

 

                               
Corporate Bonds (50.6%)    Shares/
Par
     Value
$ (000’s)
 

Financial continued

     

OMEGA Healthcare Investors, Inc., 4.500%, 1/15/25

     100,000        100  

OMEGA Healthcare Investors, Inc., 4.950%, 4/1/24

     100,000        104  

OneMain Financial Holdings LLC, 6.750%, 12/15/19 144A

     1,146,000        1,184  

OneMain Financial Holdings LLC, 7.250%, 12/15/21 144A

     530,000        551  

Oxford Finance LLC / Oxford Finance Co-Issuer II, Inc., 6.375%, 12/15/22 144A

     200,000        207  

Peru Enhanced Pass-Through Finance, Ltd., 0.000%, 5/31/18 144A

     13,448        13  

Quicken Loans, Inc., 5.250%, 1/15/28 144A

     1,500,000        1,481  

Rio Oil Finance Trust, Series 2014-1, 9.250%, 7/6/24 144A

     1,700,187        1,836  

Rio Oil Finance Trust, Series 2014-1, 9.250%, 7/6/24 (k)

     1,310,562        1,415  

Royal Bank of Scotland Group PLC, 2.500%, 3/22/23 EUR (f)

     100,000        129  

Royal Bank of Scotland Group PLC, 4.800%, 4/5/26 (b)

     2,800,000        3,008  

Royal Bank of Scotland Group PLC, 7.500%, (USD SWAP SEMI 30/360 (>2 - 10Y) 5Y plus 5.80%), 12/29/49

     200,000        212  

Santander UK Group Holdings PLC, 3.125%, 1/8/21 (k)

     2,100,000        2,120  

Santander UK Group Holdings PLC, 6.750%, (GBP Swap Semi-Annual 5 Year plus 5.79%), 12/31/99 GBP (f)

     1,390,000        2,048  

Sberbank of Russia Via SB Capital SA, 3.080%, 3/7/19 EUR (f)

     1,400,000        1,723  

SL Green Realty Corp., 5.000%, 8/15/18 (k)

     1,100,000        1,113  

Societe Generale SA, 8.250%, (USD 5 Year Swap Rate plus 6.39%), 9/29/49

     200,000        209  

Springleaf Finance Corp., 5.250%, 12/15/19

     311,000        320  

Springleaf Finance Corp., 6.000%, 6/1/20 (k)

     418,000        433  

Springleaf Finance Corp., 6.125%, 5/15/22 (b)

     2,900,000        3,009  

Springleaf Finance Corp., 8.250%, 12/15/20

     206,000        227  

Tesco Property Finance 2 PLC, 6.051%, 10/13/39 GBP (f)

     1,138,804        1,856  

Tesco Property Finance 3 PLC, 5.744%, 4/13/40 GBP (f)

     97,529        156  

Tesco Property Finance 6 PLC, 5.411%, 7/13/44 GBP (f)

     2,733,666        4,263  

UBS AG, 4.750%, (USD 5 Year Swap Rate plus 3.77%), 5/22/23 (k)

     2,300,000        2,316  

UBS AG, 7.625%, 8/17/22 (b)

     4,400,000        5,140  

UBS Group Funding AG, 4.125%, 9/24/25 144A

     700,000        734  

UniCredit SPA, 3.750%, 4/12/22 144A

     200,000        203  

VEREIT Operating Partnership LP, 4.125%, 6/1/21

     100,000        104  

VIVAT NV, 2.375%, 5/17/24 EUR (f)

     500,000        594  

Vonovia Finance BV, 5.000%, 10/2/23 144A

     300,000        318  

Weyerhaeuser Co., 7.375%, 10/1/19

     400,000        433  

Weyerhaeuser Co., 7.375%, 3/15/32 (k)

     1,500,000        2,071  
     

 

 

 

Total

        179,311  
     

 

 

 

Industrial (1.7%)

     

Asciano Finance, Ltd., 4.625%, 9/23/20 144A

     500,000        517  

Asciano Finance, Ltd., 5.000%, 4/7/18 144A

     800,000        805  
                               
Corporate Bonds (50.6%)    Shares/
Par
     Value
$ (000’s)
 

Industrial continued

     

Aviation Capital Group Corp., 4.625%, 1/31/18 144A

     1,900,000        1,904  

Cemex SAB de CV, 4.375%, 3/5/23 144A EUR (f)

     1,400,000        1,772  

Crown European Holdings SA, 3.375%, 5/15/25 144A EUR (f)

     500,000        627  

DAE Funding LLC, 4.000%, 8/1/20 144A

     2,920,000        2,949  

Flex, Ltd., 4.625%, 2/15/20

     200,000        206  

Fortress Transportation & Infrastructure, 6.750%, 3/15/22 144A

     700,000        725  

Lima Metro Line 2 Finance, Ltd., 5.875%, 7/5/34 144A

     600,000        648  

Park Aerospace Holdings, Ltd., 4.500%, 3/15/23 144A

     3,800,000        3,629  

Park Aerospace Holdings, Ltd., 5.500%, 2/15/24 144A

     400,000        397  
     

 

 

 

Total

        14,179  
     

 

 

 

Technology (0.4%)

     

Dell International LLC / EMC Corp, 5.450%, 6/15/23 144A

     1,400,000        1,513  

Dell International LLC / EMC Corp, 8.100%, 7/15/36 144A

     300,000        378  

Fidelity National Information Services, Inc., 4.500%, 10/15/22

     395,000        423  

Pitney Bowes, Inc., 3.625%, 9/15/20

     100,000        99  

Quintiles IMS, Inc., 3.250%, 3/15/25 144A EUR (f)

     500,000        619  
     

 

 

 

Total

        3,032  
     

 

 

 

Telecommunications (0.0%)

     

Sprint Communications, Inc., 7.000%, 8/15/20

     110,000        117  
     

 

 

 

Total

        117  
     

 

 

 

Utilities (1.1%)

     

Calpine Corp., 5.250%, 6/1/26 144A

     650,000        637  

Centrais Electricas Brasileiras SA, 6.875%, 7/30/19 (k)

     700,000        732  

Dynegy, Inc., 7.375%, 11/1/22 (b)

     2,500,000        2,637  

Dynegy, Inc., 7.625%, 11/1/24 (k)

     875,000        938  

Dynegy, Inc., 8.000%, 1/15/25 144A

     100,000        108  

Dynegy, Inc., 8.125%, 1/30/26 144A

     700,000        765  

Exelon Generation Co. LLC, 4.250%, 6/15/22

     500,000        525  

FirstEnergy Corp., 7.375%, 11/15/31 (k)

     600,000        809  

Nakilat, Inc., 6.067%, 12/31/33 (k)

     1,100,000        1,282  

Nakilat, Inc., 6.267%, 12/31/33 144A

     573,554        665  

National Fuel Gas Co., 5.200%, 7/15/25

     300,000        322  

Puget Energy, Inc., 5.625%, 7/15/22

     200,000        221  
     

 

 

 

Total

        9,641  
     

 

 

 

Total Corporate Bonds (Cost: $414,779)

        425,438  
     

 

 

 
Governments (32.8%)                

Governments (32.8%)

     

Argentina Treasury Bill, 0.010%, 6/15/18

     400,000        394  

Argentina Treasury Bill, 0.010%, 9/14/18 ARS (f)

     18,920,000        859  

Argentina Treasury Bill, 0.010%, 11/16/18

     500,000        485  

Argentine Republic, 0.000%, 9/28/18 (b)

     3,800,000        3,706  

Argentine Republic, 0.010%, 3/16/18 (k)

     1,400,000        1,391  

Argentine Republic, 0.010%, 5/11/18

     500,000        494  

Argentine Republic, 0.010%, 5/24/18

     400,000        395  
 

 

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

 

164   Multi-Sector Bond Portfolio  


Table of Contents

Multi-Sector Bond Portfolio

 

                               
Governments (32.8%)    Shares/
Par
     Value
$ (000’s)
 

Governments continued

     

Argentine Republic, 0.010%, 10/26/18 (k)

     900,000        875  

Argentine Republic, 0.010%, 10/12/18 (k)

     800,000        779  

Argentine Republic, 7.820%, 12/31/33 EUR (f)

     4,953,973        6,944  

Argentine Republic Government International Bond, 3.375%, 1/15/23 EUR (f)

     950,000        1,162  

Argentine Republic Government International Bond, 3.875%, 1/15/22 EUR (f)

     600,000        758  

Argentine Republic Government International Bond, 5.000%, 1/15/27 EUR (f)

     4,900,000        6,092  

Argentine Republic Government International Bond, 5.250%, 1/15/28 EUR (f)

     950,000        1,185  

Autonomous Community of Catalonia, 4.750%, 6/4/18 EUR (f)

     4,550,000        5,529  

Autonomous Community of Catalonia, 4.900%, 9/15/21 EUR (f)

     700,000        886  

Autonomous Community of Catalonia, 4.950%, 2/11/20 EUR (f)

     200,000        253  

Columbia Government International Bond, 5.000%, 6/15/45(b)

     6,000,000        6,345  

Commonwealth of Australia, 4.250%, 4/21/26 AUD (f)

     2,400,000        2,104  

Dominican Republic, 6.850%, 1/27/45 (k)

     900,000        1,010  

Dominican Republic, 6.875%, 1/29/26

     500,000        570  

Dominican Republic, 7.450%, 4/30/44

     400,000        477  

Ecuador Government International Bond, 9.650%, 12/13/26 144A

     600,000        689  

Ecuador Government International Bond, 10.750%, 3/28/22 (k)

     1,300,000        1,519  

Egypt Government International Bond, 8.500%, 1/31/47 144A

     1,100,000        1,263  

Export-Import Bank of India, 3.375%, 8/5/26 144A

     600,000        589  

Gazprom Neft OAO Via GPN Capital SA, 6.000%, 11/27/23(b)

     3,000,000        3,313  

Hellenic Republic Treasury Bill, 0.010%, 3/9/18 EUR (f)

     3,400,000        4,067  

Hellenic Republic Treasury Bill, 0.010%, 3/16/18 EUR (f)

     1,900,000        2,272  

Hellenic Republic Treasury Bill, 0.010%, 6/8/18 EUR (f)

     1,800,000        2,143  

Indonesia Government International Bond, 3.375%, 7/30/25 EUR (f)

     100,000        136  

Indonesia Government International Bond, 3.750%, 6/14/28 EUR (f)

     3,600,000        4,978  

Indonesia Government International Bond, 5.125%, 1/15/45(k)

     700,000        774  

Italy Buoni Poliennali Del Tesoro, 4.500%, 2/1/18 EUR (f)

     25,000,000        30,112  

Japan Treasury Discount Bill, 0.010%, 1/29/18 JPY (f)

     70,000,000        621  

Mexico Government International Bond, 4.600%, 1/23/46 (b)

     4,700,000        4,634  

Mexico Government International Bond, 4.750%, 3/8/44 (k)

     600,000        607  

Nigeria Government International Bond, 7.875%, 2/16/32 144A

     200,000        226  
                               
Governments (32.8%)    Shares/
Par
     Value
$ (000’s)
 

Governments continued

     

Oman Government International Bond, 6.500%, 3/8/47 (k)

  

 

1,800,000

 

     1,803  

Panama Government International Bond, 6.700%, 1/26/36 (b)

     1,900,000        2,529  

Panama Government International Bond, 8.125%, 4/28/34

     100,000        139  

Perusahaan Penerbit SBSN Indonesia III, 3.400%, 3/29/22 144A

     600,000        608  

Province of Ontario Canada, 2.400%, 6/2/26 CAD (f)

     2,800,000        2,198  

Province of Ontario Canada, 2.600%, 6/2/25 CAD (f)

     600,000        480  

Province of Quebec Canada, 2.750%, 9/1/25 CAD (f)

     3,000,000        2,426  

Republic of Costa Rica, 7.000%, 4/4/44(k)

     700,000        723  

Republic of Costa Rica, 7.158%, 3/12/45

     500,000        525  

Republic of Croatia, 6.625%, 7/14/20(b)

     5,000,000        5,445  

Republic of Ecuador, 8.875%, 10/23/27 144A

     900,000        990  

Republic of Ghana, 9.250%, 9/15/22

     200,000        227  

Republic of Indonesia, 3.375%, 7/30/25 144A EUR (f)

     3,300,000        4,469  

Republic of Indonesia, 3.750%, 6/14/28 144A EUR (f)

     1,900,000        2,627  

Republic of Indonesia, 6.750%, 1/15/44 (b)

     2,900,000        3,854  

Republic of Kazakhstan, 5.125%, 7/21/25 (b)

     5,200,000        5,790  

Republic of Kazakhstan, 6.500%, 7/21/45 (k)

     1,100,000        1,411  

Republic of South Africa Government International Bond, 5.875%, 9/16/25

     500,000        544  

The Republic of Trinidad & Tobago, 4.500%, 8/4/26

     400,000        409  

Republic of Venezuela, 9.250%, 5/7/28

     1,241,000        251  

Romania, 2.375%, 4/19/27 EUR (f)

     1,600,000        1,967  

Russian Federation, 5.625%, 4/4/42 (k)

     2,000,000        2,240  

Saudi Government International Bond, 2.875%, 3/4/23 144A

     600,000        590  

Senegal Government International Bond, 6.250%, 5/23/33 144A

     400,000        422  

Spain Letras del Tesoro, 0.010%, 1/19/18 EUR (f)

     28,400,000        34,085  

Turkey Government International Bond, 4.875%, 10/9/26 (b)

     4,000,000        3,945  

Turkey Government International Bond, 5.125%, 3/25/22 (b)

     12,600,000        13,060  

Turkey Government International Bond, 5.750%, 5/11/47

     300,000        293  

Turkey Government International Bond, 5.750%, 3/22/24 (b)

     2,400,000        2,540  

Ukraine Government International Bond, 7.375%, 9/25/32 144A

     600,000        590  

Ukraine Government International Bond, 7.750%, 9/1/19 (b)

     3,100,000        3,255  

Ukraine Government International Bond, 7.750%, 9/1/20 (b)

     4,400,000        4,659  

United Kingdom Treasury Bill, 0.010%, 1/15/18 GBP (f)

     6,200,000        8,370  

Uruguay Government International Bond, 5.100%, 6/18/50 (k)

     2,100,000        2,331  

US Treasury, 2.000%, 5/31/24 (b)

     50,500,000        49,546  

US Treasury, 2.250%, 2/15/27 (b)

     150,000        148  

US Treasury, 2.750%, 2/15/24 (b)

     8,700,000        8,927  
 

 

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

 

  Multi-Sector Bond Portfolio     165  


Table of Contents

Multi-Sector Bond Portfolio

 

                               
Governments (32.8%)    Shares/
$ Par
     Value
$ (000’s)
 

Governments continued

     

Venezuela Government International Bond, 6.000%, 12/9/20

     32,000        7  

Venezuela Government International Bond, 7.000%, 3/31/38

     204,000        42  

Venezuela Government International Bond, 7.650%, 4/21/25

     1,955,000        391  

Venezuela Government International Bond, 8.250%, 10/13/24

     356,000        71  

Venezuela Government International Bond, 9.000%, 5/7/23

     32,000        7  

Venezuela Government International Bond, 9.375%, 1/13/34

     1,400,000        284  
     

 

 

 

Total Governments (Cost: $269,563)

        275,854  
     

 

 

 
Municipal Bonds (1.5%)                

Municipal Bonds (1.5%)

     

Alameda County Joint Powers Authority, 7.046%, 12/1/44 RB

     100,000        151  

American Municipal Power, Inc., Series 2010B, 7.834%, 2/15/41 RB

     100,000        156  

Bay Area Toll Authority, California, Series 2010, 6.918%, 4/1/40 RB

     200,000        289  

City of Chicago, 7.750%, 1/1/42 GO (k)

     1,300,000        1,444  

City of Riverside CA Electric Revenue, 7.605%, 10/1/40 RB

     200,000        304  

Indiana Finance Authority, Series 2009-B, 6.596%, 2/1/39 RB

     300,000        425  

Irvine Ranch California Water District, 6.622%, 5/1/40 RB

     100,000        139  

Los Angeles County California Public Works Financing Authority, 7.618%, 8/1/40 RB

     200,000        311  

Metropolitan Government of Nashville & Davidson County Tennessee, 6.568%, 7/1/37 RB

     100,000        135  

Municipal Electric Authority of Georgia, 6.655%, 4/1/57 RB

     100,000        126  

New York City Transitional Finance Authority, 5.508%, 8/1/37 RB

     300,000        382  

New York State Urban Development Corp., 5.770%, 3/15/39 RB

     100,000        122  

Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, 5.647%, 11/1/40 RB, GO OF AUTH (k)

     1,100,000        1,443  

Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, Series 168, 4.926%, 10/1/51 RB, GO OF AUTH

     200,000        247  

Regents of the University of California Medical Center Pooled Revenue, 6.548%, 5/15/48 RB

     100,000        142  

San Diego County Regional Airport Authority, Series C, 6.628%, 7/1/40 RB

     100,000        110  

San Diego Redevelopment Agency, Series A, 7.625%, 9/1/30 RB

     100,000        114  

State of California, 7.950%, 3/1/36 GO (k)

     900,000        1,005  

State of Illinois, 6.630%, 2/1/35 GO

     245,000        272  

State of Illinois, 6.725%, 4/1/35 GO

     95,000        105  

State of Illinois, 7.350%, 7/1/35 GO

     200,000        231  
                               
Municipal Bonds (1.5%)    Shares/
$ Par
     Value
$ (000’s)
 

Municipal Bonds continued

     

Texas Public Finance Authority, 8.250%, 7/1/24 RB

     200,000        209  

Tobacco Settlement Finance Authority of West Virginia, Series A, 7.467%, 6/1/47 RB (k)

     1,110,000        1,079  

Tobacco Settlement Financing Corp., Series 2007A, 6.706%, 6/1/46 RB (b)

     3,340,000        3,012  

Triborough Bridge & Tunnel Authority, 5.550%, 11/15/40 RB, GO OF AUTH (k)

     800,000        1,015  
     

 

 

 

Total Municipal Bonds (Cost: $10,463)

        12,968  
     

 

 

 
Structured Products (8.3%)                

Asset Backed Securities (6.3%)

     

Accredited Mortgage Loan Trust, Series 2005-3, Class M3, 1.810%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.48%), 9/25/35

     50,000        48  

ACE Securities Corp. Home Equity Loan Trust, Series 2004-HE4, Class M1, 2.452%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.90%), 12/25/34

     89,592        85  

ACE Securities Corp. Home Equity loan Trust, Series 2004-RM2, Class M2, 2.347%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.80%), 1/25/35

     60,154        60  

ACE Securities Corp. Home Equity Loan Trust, Series 2005-HE4, Class M4, 2.527%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.98%), 7/25/35

     100,000        101  

ACE Securities Corp. Home Equity Loan Trust, Series 2006-FM1, Class A2C, 1.702%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.15%), 7/25/36(b)

     8,249,998        2,921  

Aegis Asset Backed Securities Trust, Series 2004-6, Class M2, 2.552%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 1.00%), (AFC), 3/25/35

     199,437        185  

Aircraft Certificate Owner Trust, Series 2003-1A, Class E, 7.001%, 9/20/22 144A (l)

     96,331        102  

Ameriquest Mortgage Securities, Inc., Series 2004-R5, Class M1, 2.422%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.87%), 7/25/34

     45,880        46  

Asset Backed Securities Corp. Home Equity Loan Trust, Series 2003-HE4, Class M1, 2.722%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 1.25%), 8/15/33

     35,112        35  

Asset Backed Securities Corp. Home Equity Loan Trust, Series WMC 2005-HE5, Class M4, 2.452%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.90%), 6/25/35

     200,000        198  

Bayview Opportunity Master Fund IIIb Trust, Series 2017-RN2, Class A1, 3.475%, (AFC), 4/28/32 144A

     74,117        74  

Bear Stearns Asset Backed Securities I Trust, Series 2005-HE11, Class M1, 1.973%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.65%), 11/25/35

     33,040        33  

Bear Stearns Asset Backed Securities I Trust, Series 2005-SD3, Class 1A, 2.042%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.49%), 7/25/35

     26,152        26  

Bear Stearns Asset Backed Securities I Trust, Series 2006-HE10, Class 1A2, 1.752%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.20%), 12/25/36

     53,695        53  

Bear Stearns Asset Backed Securities I Trust, Series 2007-AQ1, Class A1, 1.662%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.11%), 4/25/31

     11,188        14  
 

 

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

 

166   Multi-Sector Bond Portfolio  


Table of Contents

Multi-Sector Bond Portfolio

 

                               
Structured Products (8.3%)    Shares/
$ Par
     Value
$ (000’s)
 

Asset Backed Securities continued

     

Bear Stearns Asset Backed Securities I Trust, Series 2007-HE3, Class 1A2, 1.752%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.20%), 4/25/37

     194,000        235  

Bear Stearns Asset Backed Securities I Trust, Series 2007-HE6, Class 1A1, 2.802%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 1.25%), 8/25/37

     272,302        269  

Citi Held For Asset Issuance, Series 2016-PM1, Class A, 4.650%, 4/15/25 144A

     159,798        160  

Citigroup Mortgage Loan Trust, Inc., Series 2005-HE3, Class M2, 2.272%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.72%), 9/25/35

     145,314        146  

Citigroup Mortgage Loan Trust, Series 2007-AHL1, Class A2C, 1.762%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.21%), 12/25/36

     100,000        92  

Countrywide Asset-Backed Certificates, Series 2004-9, Class MV4, 3.127%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 1.58%), 11/25/34

     100,000        87  

Countrywide Asset-Backed Certificates, Series 2004-AB2, Class M1, 2.332%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.78%), 5/25/36

     141,819        142  

Countrywide Asset-Backed Certificates, Series 2005-4, Class AF6, 4.740%, (AFC), 10/25/35

     11,981        12  

Countrywide Asset-Backed Certificates, Series 2005-AB, Class 2A4, 1.902%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.35%), 3/25/36

     95,365        86  

Countrywide Asset-Backed Certificates, Series 2006-1, Class AF5, 4.764%, (AFC), 7/25/36 (e)

     100,000        83  

Countrywide Asset-Backed Certificates, Series 2006-23, Class 2A3, 1.722%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.17%), 5/25/37

     142,278        141  

Countrywide Asset-Backed Certificates, Series 2006-26, Class 1A, 1.692%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.14%), 6/25/37 (k)

     704,652        638  

Countrywide Asset-Backed Certificates, Series 2006-4, Class 2A3, 1.842%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.29%), 7/25/36

     75,645        74  

Countrywide Asset-Backed Certificates, Series 2006-5, Class 2A3, 1.842%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.29%), 8/25/36

     127,938        125  

Countrywide Asset-Backed Certificates, Series 2006-BC3, Class M2, 1.872%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.32%), 2/25/37 (k)

     900,000        613  

Countrywide Asset-Backed Certificates, Series 2007-1, Class 2A3, 1.692%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.14%), 7/25/37

     54,904        48  

Countrywide Asset-Backed Certificates, Series 2007-13, Class 1A, 2.392%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.84%), 10/25/47 (b)

     3,125,717        3,084  

Countrywide Asset-Backed Certificates, Series 2007-9, Class 1A, 1.752%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.20%), 6/25/47 (k)

     1,246,036        1,041  

Countrywide Asset-Backed Certificates, Series 2007-SEA1, Class 1A1, 2.102%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.55%), (AFC), 5/25/47 144A

     2,911,623        2,038  
                               
Structured Products (8.3%)    Shares/
Par
     Value
$ (000’s)
 

Asset Backed Securities continued

     

Credit Suisse First Boston Mortgage Securities Corp., Series 01-HE17, Class A1, 2.172%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.62%), 1/25/32

     6,387        6  

Ellington Loan Acquisition Trust, Series 2007-2, Class A1, 2.602%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 1.05%), 5/25/37 144A

     438,138        417  

Enterprise Inns PLC, 6.875%, 5/9/25 GBP (f)

     1,600,000        2,383  

First Franklin Mortgage Loan Trust, Series 2005-FF12, Class A2B, 1.812%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.26%), 11/25/36

     145,912        146  

First Franklin Mortgage Loan Trust, Series 2006-FF10, Class A4, 1.702%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.15%), 7/25/36

     16,997        17  

First Franklin Mortgage Loan Trust, Series 2006-FF12, Class A4, 1.692%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.14%), 9/25/36

     94,804        94  

First Franklin Mortgage Loan Trust, Series 2006-FF5, Class 2A504/25/36

     200,000        170  

Fremont Home Loan Trust, Series 2005-02, Class M4, 2.482%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.93%), 6/25/35

     300,000        281  

GSAA Home Equity Trust, Series 2006-17, Class A1, 1.612%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.06%), 11/25/36

     68,545        35  

GSAMP Trust, Series 2004-WF, Class M2, 3.202%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 1.65%), 10/25/34

     74,829        73  

GSAMP Trust, Series 2007-FM2, Class A2B, 1.642%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.09%), 1/25/37

     230,562        147  

GSAMP Trust, Series 2007-NC1, Class A2A, 1.602%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.05%), 12/25/46

     18,176        11  

Home Equity Loan Trust, Series 2007-FRE1, Class 2AV4, 1.892%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.34%), 4/25/37

     500,000        385  

Home Equity Mortgage Loan Asset-Backed Trust, Series 2007-B, Class 2A2, 1.712%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.16%), 7/25/37

     439,237        296  

HSI Asset Securitization Corp. Trust, Series 2005-I1, Class 2A4, 1.942%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.39%), 11/25/35

     300,000        286  

Lehman XS Trust, Series 2005-4, Class 1A3, 2.352%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.80%), 10/25/35

     22,211        22  

Lendmark Funding Trust, Series 2016-A2, Class A, 3.260%, 4/21/25 144A

     400,000        402  

Long Beach Mortgage Loan Trust, Series 2006-1, Class 2A4, 1.852%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.30%), 2/25/36

     86,292        61  

Long Beach Mortgage Loan Trust, Series 2006-3, Class 2A4, 1.822%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.27%), 5/25/46

     367,641        174  

Long Beach Mortgage Loan Trust, Series 2006-4, Class 1A, 1.702%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.15%), 5/25/36(k)

     1,725,618        1,213  

Mastr Asset Backed Securities Trust, Series 2004-WMC2, Class M1, 2.229%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.90%), 4/25/34

     197,229        195  
 

 

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

 

  Multi-Sector Bond Portfolio     167  


Table of Contents

Multi-Sector Bond Portfolio

 

                               
Structured Products (8.3%)    Shares/
Par
     Value
$ (000’s)
 

Asset Backed Securities continued

     

Mastr Asset Backed Securities Trust, Series 2006-FRE2, Class A1, 1.702%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.15%), 3/25/36 (b)

     16,330,255        13,309  

Mastr Asset Backed Securities Trust, Series 2006-HE3, Class A2, 1.652%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.10%), 8/25/36 (k)

     2,458,493        1,162  

Mastr Asset Backed Securities Trust, Series 2006-WMC4, Class A5, 1.702%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.15%), 10/25/36

     1,056,752        479  

Merrill Lynch Mortgage Investors Trust, Series 2007-SD1, Class A1, 2.002%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.45%), 2/25/47 (k)

     1,107,414        837  

Morgan Stanley ABS Capital I, Inc. Trust, Series 2005-HE7, Class A2C, 1.872%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.32%), 11/25/35

     9,515        9  

Morgan Stanley ABS Capital I, Inc. Trust, Series 2005-NC1, Class A2MZ, 2.132%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.58%), 1/25/35 (k)

     784,058        781  

Morgan Stanley ABS Capital I, Inc. Trust, Series 2005-NC1, Class M2, 2.257%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.71%), 1/25/35

     162,120        156  

Morgan Stanley ABS Capital I, Inc. Trust, Series 2005-WMC5, Class M5, 2.542%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.99%), 6/25/35

     300,000        303  

Morgan Stanley ABS Capital I, Inc., Series 2006-HE7, Class A2C, 1.712%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.16%), 9/25/36

     81,463        51  

Morgan Stanley ABS Capital I, Inc., Series 2006-HE8, Class A2C, 1.692%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.14%), 10/25/36

     75,978        44  

Morgan Stanley ABS Capital I, Inc., Series 2007-HE5, Class A2C, 1.802%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.25%), 3/25/37

     74,541        40  

Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Capital I, Inc., Series 2002-HE1, Class M1, 2.452%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.90%), 7/25/32

     8,708        9  

Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Capital I, Inc., Series 2003-NC1, Class M1, 3.127%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 1.58%), 11/25/32

     111,245        111  

Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Capital I, Inc., Series 2003-NC2, Class M1, 2.902%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 1.35%), 2/25/33

     42,584        42  

NovaStar Mortgage Funding Trust, Series 2007-2, Class A2B, 1.712%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.16%), (AFC), 9/25/37(k)

     846,306        812  

OneMain Financial Issuance Trust, Series 2016-2A, Class A, 4.100%, 3/20/28 144A

     1,000,000        1,013  

Park Place Securities, Inc. Asset-Backed Pass Through Certificates, Series 2005 -WCW2, Class M1, 2.302%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.75%), 7/25/35

     48,108        48  

People’s Choice Home Loan Securities Trust, Series 2005-3, Class M2, 2.123%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.80%), (AFC), 8/25/35

     216,502        213  

RAC Bond Co. PLC, 4.870%, 5/6/46 GBP (f)

     900,000        1,337  
                               
Structured Products (8.3%)    Shares/
$ Par
     Value
$ (000’s)
 

Asset Backed Securities continued

     

Residential Asset Mortgage Products, Inc., Series 2005-EFC4, Class M3, 2.032%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.48%), (AFC), 9/25/35

     300,000        300  

Residential Asset Mortgage Products, Inc., Series 2006-NC2, Class A2, 1.742%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.19%), (AFC), 2/25/36

     5,474        5  

Residential Asset Mortgage Products, Inc., Series 2007-RP4, Class A, 1.902%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.35%), (AFC), 11/25/46 144A

     329,953        297  

Residential Asset Securities Corp., Series 2006-EMX1, Class M1, 1.962%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.41%), (AFC), 1/25/36

     179,248        178  

Residential Asset Securities Corp., Series 2007-KS1, Class A3, 1.702%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.15%), (AFC), 1/25/37

     264,037        257  

Residential Asset Securities Corp., Series 2007-KS3, Class AI4, 1.892%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.34%), (AFC), 4/25/37(k)

     1,600,000        1,348  

Saxon Asset Securities Trust, Series 2006-1, Class M1, 2.017%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.47%), (AFC), 3/25/36

     400,000        350  

Securitized Asset Backed Receivables LLC Trust, Series 2005-FR4, Class M2, 2.512%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.96%), 1/25/36

     122,327        85  

SLM Private Education Loan Trust, Series 2010-A, Class 1A, 4.200%, (Prime Rate by County United States less 0.05%), 5/16/44 144A

     21,126        21  

SLM Private Education Loan Trust, Series 2011-B, Class A3, 3.727%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 2.25%), 6/16/42 144A

     100,000        104  

Soundview Home Loan Trust, Series 2005-3, Class M3, 2.377%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.83%), 6/25/35

     163,542        162  

Soundview Home Loan Trust, Series 2006-2, Class M2, 1.902%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.35%), 3/25/36

     400,000        379  

Soundview Home Loan Trust, Series 2006-3, Class A3, 1.712%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.16%), 11/25/36

     328,510        318  

Soundview Home Loan Trust, Series 2006-OPT2, Class A4, 1.832%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.28%), 5/25/36

     200,000        190  

Soundview Home Loan Trust, Series 2006-OPT3, Class M1, 1.862%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.31%), 6/25/36(b)

     7,088,368        3,757  

Specialty Underwriting & Residential Finance Trust, Series 2005-BC2, Class M3, 2.527%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.98%), 12/25/35

     400,372        399  

Structured Asset Investment Loan Trust, Series 2003-BC11, Class M1, 2.527%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.98%), 10/25/33

     290,474        289  

Structured Asset Investment Loan Trust, Series 2005-5, 2.242%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.69%), 6/25/35

     46,559        47  
 

 

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

 

168   Multi-Sector Bond Portfolio  


Table of Contents

Multi-Sector Bond Portfolio

 

                               
Structured Products (8.3%)    Shares/
$ Par
     Value
$ (000’s)
 

Asset Backed Securities continued

     

Structured Asset Investment Loan Trust, Series 2005-7, Class M2, 2.317%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.77%), 8/25/35

     500,000        475  

Structured Asset Investment Loan Trust, Series 2006-BNC3, Class A3, 1.702%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.15%), 9/25/36

     41,061        39  

Structured Asset Securities Corp. Mortgage Loan Trust, Series 2001-WF1, Class A 6, 1.762%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.21%), 2/25/37

     150,125        142  

Structured Asset Securities Corp. Mortgage Loan Trust, Series 2006-BC4, Class A 4, 1.722%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.17%), 12/25/36

     518,933        502  

Structured Asset Securities Corp. Mortgage Loan Trust, Series 2006-GEL2, Class M1, 1.922%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.37%), 4/25/36 144A

     95,802        89  

Structured Asset Securities Corp. Mortgage Loan Trust, Series 2007-BC3, Class 2 A2, 1.692%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.14%), 5/25/47

     17,888        18  

Truman Capital Mortgage Loan Trust, Series 2006-1, Class A, 1.812%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.26%), 3/25/36 144A

     1,839,304        1,802  

Vericrest Opportunity Loan Transferee, Series 2015-NP14, Class A1, 4.375%, (AFC), 11/27/45 144A (e)

     554,617        556  

Vericrest Opportunity Loan Transferee, Series 2017-NPL4, Class A1, 3.375%, (AFC), 4/25/47 144A (e)

     220,789        222  

WaMu Asset-Backed Certificates, Series 2007-HE1, Class 1A, 1.702%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.15%), 1/25/37

     211,172        168  
     

 

 

 

Total

        53,164  
     

 

 

 

Mortgage Securities (2.0%)

     

American Home Mortgage Investment Trust, Series 2005-2, Class 4A1, 3.152%, (ICE LIBOR USD 6 Month plus 1.50%), (AFC), 9/25/45

     3,728        4  

Banc of America Funding Trust, Series 2005-H, Class 5A1, 3.745%, (CSTR), 11/20/35

     178,583        167  

Banc of America Funding Trust, Series 2006-J, Class 4A1, 3.830%, (CSTR), 1/20/47

     90,901        87  

Banc of America Funding Trust, Series 2007-6, Class A1, 1.842%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.29%), 7/25/37

     97,028        93  

Banc of America Funding Trust, Series 2007-D, Class 14A, 1.731%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.23%), 6/20/47

     34,757        35  

Barclays Capital LLC, Series 2009-RR14, Class 2A2, 3.721%, (CSTR), 7/26/36 144A

     47,928        40  

Barclays Capital LLC, Series 2009-RR5, Class 3A3, 5.954%, (CSTR), 8/26/36 144A

     3,169,939        2,329  

Bear Stearns Adjustable Rate Mortgage Trust, Series 2004-3, Class 4A, 3.789%, (CSTR), 7/25/34

     11,654        12  

Bear Stearns ALT-A Trust, Series 2006-6, Class 2A1, 3.506%, (CSTR), 11/25/36

     228,286        208  

Citicorp Mortgage Securities Trust, Series 2007-8, Class 1A3, 6.000%, 9/25/37

     6,669        7  

Citigroup Mortgage Loan Trust, Series 2007-10, Class 22AA, 3.674%, (CSTR), 9/25/37

     20,650        19  
                               
Structured Products (8.3%)    Shares/
$ Par
     Value
$ (000’s)
 

Mortgage Securities continued

     

Citigroup Mortgage Loan Trust, Series 2007-10, Class 2A3A, 3.830%, (CSTR), 9/25/37

     99,942        95  

Countrywide Alternative Loan Trust, Series 2004-28CB, Class 5A1, 5.750%, 1/25/35

     30,583        31  

Countrywide Alternative Loan Trust, Series 2005-59, Class 1A1, 1.831%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.33%), 11/20/35

     9,469        9  

Countrywide Alternative Loan Trust, Series 2005-76, Class 1A1, 2.543%, (Federal Reserve US 12 Month Cumulative Avg 1 year CMT plus 1.48%), 1/25/36

     25,711        25  

Countrywide Alternative Loan Trust, Series 2005-79CB, Class A3, 5.500%, 1/25/36

     301,257        256  

Countrywide Alternative Loan Trust, Series 2005-J1, Class 3A1, 6.500%, 8/25/32

     15,834        16  

Countrywide Alternative Loan Trust, Series 2006-0A12, Class A1B, 1.691%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.19%), 9/20/46

     31,323        26  

Countrywide Alternative Loan Trust, Series 2006-0A17, Class 1A1A, 1.696%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.20%), 12/20/46

     47,745        40  

Countrywide Alternative Loan Trust, Series 2006-0A9, Class 2A1A, 1.711%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.21%), 7/20/46

     14,314        10  

Countrywide Alternative Loan Trust, Series 2006-45T1, Class 1A13, 6.000%, 2/25/37

     162,018        112  

Countrywide Alternative Loan Trust, Series 2006-5T2, Class A1, 2.052%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.50%), 4/25/36

     619,843        364  

Countrywide Alternative Loan Trust, Series 2006-HY10, Class 2A1, 3.398%, (CSTR), 5/25/36

     21,068        18  

Countrywide Alternative Loan Trust, Series 2006-OA2, Class A1, 1.711%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.21%), 5/20/46

     581,017        488  

Countrywide Alternative Loan Trust, Series 2006-OA6, Class 2A, 2.902%, (CSTR), 7/25/46

     600        1  

Countrywide Alternative Loan Trust, Series 2006-OC9, Class A2A, 1.712%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.16%), 12/25/46

     12,285        12  

Countrywide Alternative Loan Trust, Series 2007-0A3, Class 1A1, 1.692%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.14%), 4/25/47

     54,161        48  

Countrywide Alternative Loan Trust, Series 2007-9T1, Class 2A2, 6.000%, 5/25/37

     323,268        241  

Countrywide Home Loan Mortgage Pass Through Trust, Series 2005-22, Class 3A1, 3.334%, (CSTR), 10/25/35

     21,041        18  

Countrywide Home Loan Mortgage Pass Through Trust, Series 2005-HYB8, 3.443%, (CSTR), 12/20/35

     15,417        13  

Countrywide Home Loan Mortgage Pass Through Trust, Series 2006-16, Class 2A1, 6.500%, 11/25/36

     30,563        25  

Countrywide Home Loan Mortgage Pass Through Trust, Series 2006-9, Class A1, 6.000%, 5/25/36

     214,004        180  
 

 

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

 

  Multi-Sector Bond Portfolio     169  


Table of Contents

Multi-Sector Bond Portfolio

 

                               
Structured Products (8.3%)    Shares/
Par
     Value
$ (000’s)
 

Mortgage Securities continued

     

Countrywide Home Loan Mortgage Pass Through Trust, Series 2006-OA4, Class A1, 2.023%, (Federal Reserve US 12 Month Cumulative Avg 1 year CMT plus 0.96%), 4/25/46

     44,873        24  

Countrywide Home Loan Mortgage Pass Through Trust, Series 2006-OA4, Class A2, 1.822%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.27%), 4/25/46

     1,189,123        570  

Countrywide Home Loan Mortgage Pass Through Trust, Series 2007-HYB1, Class 3A1, 3.263%, (CSTR), 3/25/37

     16,469        15  

Credit Suisse First Boston Mortgage Securities, Series 2003-8, Class 5A1, 6.500%, 4/25/33

     2,322        2  

Deutsche Alt-A Securities, Inc. Mortgage Loan Trust, Series 2005-6, Class 2A3, 5.500%, 12/25/35 (k)

     712,367        635  

EMF-NL BV, Series 2008-APRX, Class A2, 0.471%, (Euribor 3 Month plus 0.80%), 4/17/41 EUR (f)

     208,977        238  

Eurosail-NL BV, Series 2007-NL2X, Class A, 1.171%, (Euribor 3 Month plus 1.50%), 10/17/40 EUR(f)

     137,207        165  

Federal National Mortgage Association, Series 2003-W6, Class F, 1.678%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.35%), 9/25/42

     28,303        28  

First Horizon Mortgage Pass-Through Trust, Series 2005-5, Class 2A1, 5.000%, 10/25/20

     8,614        9  

First Horizon Mortgage Pass-Through Trust, Series 2007-2, Class 1A5, 5.750%, 5/25/37

     361,388        279  

GSR Mortgage Loan Trust, Series 2005-AR6, Class 1A1, 3.506%, (CSTR), 9/25/35

     13,165        14  

GSR Mortgage Loan Trust, Series 2006-2F, Class 3A6, 6.000%, 2/25/36

     154,583        129  

GSR Mortgage Loan Trust, Series 2006-AR1, Class 2A1, 3.639%, (CSTR), 1/25/36

     3,718        4  

GSR Mortgage Loan Trust, Series 2007-AR1, Class 2A1, 3.537%, (CSTR), 3/25/47

     17,723        16  

Harborview Mortgage Loan Trust, Series 2005-10, Class 2A1A, 1.805%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.31%), (AFC), 11/19/35

     16,812        16  

Harborview Mortgage Loan Trust, Series 2005-3, Class 2A1A, 1.735%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.24%), (AFC), 6/19/35

     35,081        34  

HomeBanc Mortgage Trust, Series 2005-1, Class A1, 1.802%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.25%), 3/25/35

     11,061        10  

HSI Asset Securitization Corp. Trust, Series 2006-NC1, Class 2A, 1.772%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.22%), 11/25/35 (k)

     1,486,953        1,230  

Impac Secured Assets Trust, Series 2007-1, Class A2, 1.712%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.16%), (AFC), 3/25/37

     149,024        135  

IndyMac INDX Mortgage Loan Trust, Series 2004-AR6, Class 5A1, 3.583%, (CSTR), 10/25/34

     37,146        37  

IndyMac INDX Mortgage Loan Trust, Series 2005-AR12, Class 2A1A, 1.792%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.24%), (AFC), 7/25/35

     3,175        3  
                               
Structured Products (8.3%)    Shares/
$ Par
     Value
$ (000’s)
 

Mortgage Securities continued

     

IndyMac INDX Mortgage Loan Trust, Series 2005-AR14, Class 2A1A, 1.852%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.30%), 7/25/35

     17,548        17  

JP Morgan Mortgage Trust, Series 2005-ALT1, Class 2A1, 3.596%, (CSTR), 10/25/35

     17,102        16  

JP Morgan Mortgage Trust, Series 2007-A1, Class 6A1, 3.575%, (CSTR), 7/25/35

     19,663        20  

JP Morgan Mortgage Trust, Series 2007-A4, Class 3A1, 3.375%, (CSTR), 6/25/37

     106,392        96  

Merrill Lynch Alternative Note Asset Trust, Series 2007-OAR1, Class A1, 1.498%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.17%), 2/25/37

     12,184        12  

Merrill Lynch Mortgage Investors Trust, Series 2005-A6, Class 2A3, 1.932%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.38%), 8/25/35

     41,931        41  

Merrill Lynch Mortgage Investors Trust, Series 2005-A9, Class 5A1, 3.149%, (CSTR), 12/25/35

     315,098        291  

Merrill Lynch Mortgage Investors Trust, Series 2006-1, Class 1A, 3.260%, (CSTR), 2/25/36

     8,348        8  

Merrill Lynch Mortgage Investors Trust, Series 2006-A3, Class 6A1, 3.773%, (CSTR), 5/25/36

     27,336        26  

Morgan Stanley Mortgage Loan Trust, Series 2005-3AR, Class 4A, 3.330%, (CSTR), 7/25/35

     99,679        89  

Morgan Stanley Mortgage Loan Trust, Series 2005-5AR, Class 1A1, 1.822%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.27%), 9/25/35

     799        1  

Nomura Asset Acceptance Corp. Alternative Loan Trust, Series 2005-AR4, Class 3A 1, 3.906%, (CSTR), 8/25/35

     17,256        17  

Nomura Resecuritization Trust, Series 2014-1R, Class 2A1, 1.925%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.13%), 2/26/37 144A

     1,611,363        1,610  

Residential Accredit Loans, Inc., Series 2005-QA3, Class NB2, 3.812%, (CSTR), 3/25/35

     193,619        176  

Residential Accredit Loans, Inc., Series 2005-QR1, Class A, 6.000%, 10/25/34

     283,571        289  

Residential Accredit Loans, Inc., Series 2006-QA7, Class 1A1, 1.742%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.19%), 8/25/36

     15,674        14  

Residential Accredit Loans, Inc., Series 2006-QA8, Class A1, 1.742%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.19%), 9/25/36

     33,916        31  

Residential Accredit Loans, Inc., Series 2007-QA1, Class A1, 1.692%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.14%), 1/25/37

     30,783        29  

Residential Asset Securitization Trust, Series 2007-A2, Class 2A2, 6.500%, 4/25/37 (k)

     3,903,493        2,197  

Rise, Ltd., Series 2014-1, Class A, 4.750%, 2/15/39 (l) (p)

     482,701        480  

Structured Adjustable Rate Mortgage Loan Trust, Series 2005-19XS, Class 1A1, 1.872%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.32%), 10/25/35

     94,307        92  

Structured Asset Mortgage Investments II Trust, Series 2005-AR8, Class A2, 2.076%, (Federal Reserve US 12 Month Cumulative Avg 1 year CMT plus 1.48%), 2/25/36(k)

     722,074        717  
 

 

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

 

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Structured Products (8.3%)    Shares/
$ Par
     Value
$ (000’s)
 

Mortgage Securities continued

     

Structured Asset Mortgage Investments II Trust, Series 2006-AR6, Class 1A1, 1.732%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.18%), (AFC), 7/25/46

     374,362        338  

Structured Asset Securities Corp. Mortgage Loan Trust, Series 2005-1, Class 1A1, 1.902%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.35%), 2/25/35

     34,984        34  

Suntrust Alternative Loan Trust, Series 2005-1F, Class 1A1, 2.202%, (ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month plus 0.65%), 12/25/35

     25,804        21  

WaMu Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2002-AR19, Class A6, 3.029%, (CSTR, AFC), 2/25/33

     2,241        2  

WaMu Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2006-AR12, Class 3A3, 3.254%, (CSTR), 10/25/36

     36,926        34  

WaMu Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2006-AR2, Class 1A1, 2.979%, (CSTR), 3/25/36

     383,505        366  

WaMu Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2006-AR8, Class 2A1, 3.213%, (CSTR), 8/25/36

     18,117        18  

WaMu Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2007-HY1, Class 3A1, 3.229%, (CSTR), 2/25/37

     6,048        6  

WaMu Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2007-OA3, Class 4 A2, 1.763%, (Federal Reserve US 12 Month Cumulative Avg 1 year CMT plus 0.70%), 4/25/47

     532,142        406  

Wells Fargo Alternative Loan Trust, Series 2007-PA4, Class 2A1, 3.682%, (CSTR), 7/25/37

     84,703        78  

Wells Fargo Mortgage Backed Securities Trust, Series 2005-AR2, Class 1A1, 3.285%, (CSTR), 3/25/35

     31,387        32  

Wells Fargo Mortgage Backed Securities Trust, Series 2006-AR10, Class 4A1, 3.281%, (CSTR), 7/25/36

     229,810        232  

Wells Fargo Mortgage Backed Securities Trust, Series 2006-AR5, Class 2A1, 3.325%, (CSTR), 4/25/36

     132,397        125  

Wells Fargo Mortgage Backed Securities Trust, Series 2006-AR8, Class 1A3, 3.493%, (CSTR), 4/25/36

     4,288        4  

Wells Fargo Mortgage Backed Securities Trust, Series 2007-11, Class A81, 6.000%, 8/25/37

     158,087        158  

Wells Fargo Mortgage Backed Securities Trust, Series 2007-AR8, Class A1, 3.707%, (CSTR), 11/25/37

     91,403        87  
     

 

 

 

Total

        16,832  
     

 

 

 

Total Structured Products

     

(Cost: $67,309)

        69,996  
     

 

 

 
Bank Loan Obligations (4.3%)                

Bank Loan Obligations (4.3%)

     

Albany Molecular Research, Inc., 4.566%, 8/30/24

     99,750        98  

Avolon TLK Borrower 1 US LLC, 4.097%, 4/3/22

     1,990,249        1,973  

CenturyLink, Inc., 4.076%, 1/31/25

     1,900,000        1,831  
                               
Bank Loan Obligations (4.3%)    Shares/
Par
     Value
$ (000’s)
 

Bank Loan Obligations continued

     

Charter Communications Operating LLC, 3.329%, 1/15/22

     3,520,610        3,521  

Chesapeake Energy Corp., 8.817%, 8/23/21

     700,000        744  

CommScope, Inc., 3.810%, 12/29/22

     141,800        142  

Community Health Systems, Inc., 4.065%, 12/31/19

     2,300,063        2,208  

Dell International LLC, 3.350%, 9/7/23

     1,554,693        1,553  

Energy Future Intermediate Holding Co., LLC, 1.000%, 6/30/18

     16,200,000        16,228  

Grifols SA, 3.561%, 1/31/25

     694,750        696  

Hilton Worldwide Holdings, Inc., 3.324%, 10/25/23

     1,411,171        1,418  

INEOS Finance PLC, 1.000%, 3/31/24 EUR (f)

     1,000,000        1,195  

Intelsat Jackson Holdings SA, 5.212%, 11/27/23

     1,900,000        1,858  

Las Vegas Sands, LLC, 3.334%, 3/29/24

     681,740        685  

Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc., 6.078%, 4/1/22

     430,792        437  

Ziggo Secured Finance BV, 3.000%, 4/15/25 EUR (f)

     1,000,000        1,193  
     

 

 

 

Total Bank Loan Obligations

     

(Cost: $35,599)

        35,780  
     

 

 

 
Short-Term Investments (1.0%)                

Money Market Funds (0.6%)

     

State Street Institutional U.S. Government Money Market Fund - Premier Class, 1.209% #

     4,635,241        4,635  
     

 

 

 

Total

        4,635  
     

 

 

 

Repurchase Agreements (0.4%)

     

Tri-Party JP Morgan repurchase, 1.230%, 1/2/18 (Purchased 12/29/17, to be repurchased at $3,500,704, collateralized by Government National Mortgage Association, 3.500%, due 12/20/47, par and fair value of $3,482,587 and $3,605,974, respectively)

     3,500,000        3,500  
     

 

 

 

Total

        3,500  
     

 

 

 

US Government & Agencies (0.0%)

     

US Treasury Bill, 0.000%, 1/4/18 (b)

     6,000        6  
     

 

 

 

Total

        6  
     

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments

     

(Cost: $8,141)

        8,141  
     

 

 

 

Total Investments (98.5%)

     

(Cost: $805,854)(a)

        828,177  
     

 

 

 

Other Assets, Less

     

Liabilities (1.5%)

        12,804  
     

 

 

 

Net Assets (100.0%)

        840,981  
     

 

 

 
 

 

# 7-day yield as of December 31, 2017.

 

   144A after the name of a security represents a security exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities may be resold as transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. At December 31, 2017 the value of these securities (in thousands) was $180,875 representing 21.5% of the net assets.

 

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

 

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AFC — Available Funds Cap security — Security accrues interest at an assumed or uncapped rate. If the interest rate on the underlying loans is lower than the uncapped rate, then the security will pay at the lower rate.

CSTR — Collateral Strip Rate security — interest is based on the weighted net interest rate of the collateral.

GO — General Obligation

RB — Revenue Bond

ARS — Argentine Peso

AUD — Australian Dollar

BRL — Brazilian Real

CAD — Canadian Dollar

CNH — CNH

EUR — Euro

GBP — British Pound

INR — Indian Rupee

JPY — Japanese Yen

KRW — South Korean Won

MXN — Mexican New Peso

RUB — Russian Ruble

TRY — Turkish Lira

 

(a) At December 31, 2017, the aggregate cost of investments, including derivatives, for federal tax purposes (in thousands) was $800,371 and the net unrealized appreciation of investments based on that cost was $23,773 which is comprised of $38,225 aggregate gross unrealized appreciation and $14,452 aggregate gross unrealized depreciation.

 

(b) All or a portion of the securities have been pledged as collateral for open futures positions or when-issued securities. Information regarding open futures contracts as of period end is summarized below.

 

Issuer    Long/Short    Currency    Notional Par
(000’s)
   Number of
Contracts
   Expiration
Date
   Notional Value
(000’s)
   Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
(000’s)
 

Euro-Bobl Future

   Long    EUR    3,300    33    3/18    $5,211    $ (16

Euro-Buxl Future

   Long    EUR    1,500    15    3/18    2,949      (39

Euro-Schatz Future

   Long    EUR    5,900    59    3/18    7,927      (7

US Five Year Treasury Note Future

   Long    USD    24,000    240    3/18    27,879      (126

US Ten Year Treasury Note Future

   Long    USD    92,300    923    3/18    114,495      (300

US Two Year Treasury Note Future

   Long    USD    45,400    227    3/18    48,603      (113

US Ultra Long Treasury Bond Future

   Long    USD    10,100    101    3/18    16,933      195  

 

(c) PIK — Payment In Kind. PIK rates of INA-Holding Schaeffler GmbH & Co. KG 4.50%, QGOG Constellation SA 0.50%

 

(e) Step bond security that presently receives no coupon payments. At the predetermined date the stated coupon rate becomes effective.

 

(f) Foreign Bond — par value is foreign denominated

 

(h) Forward foreign currency contracts outstanding on December 31, 2017.

 

Type   Counterparty   Currency   Foreign
Principal
Amount
Covered by
Contract (000s)
  USD Principal
Amount
Covered by
Contract (000’s)
  Settlement
Month
  Unrealized
Appreciation
(000’s)
    Unrealized
(Depreciation)
(000’s)
    Net Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
(000’s)
 

Buy

 

UBS AG

  AUD   12,447   9,712   1/18   $ 351     $ -       $ 351  

Sell

 

Bank of America NA

  AUD   20,447   15,954   1/18     -         (438     (438

Buy

 

Goldman Sachs International

  BRL   13,300   4,010   1/18     3       -         3  

Buy

 

HSBC Bank USA NA

  BRL   6,746   2,034   1/18     -         (29     (29

Buy

 

Goldman Sachs International

  BRL   13,279   3,990   2/18     -         (22     (22

Sell

 

Goldman Sachs International

  BRL   13,300   4,010   1/18     185       -         185  

Sell

 

HSBC Bank USA NA

  BRL   6,746   2,034   1/18     6       -         6  

Sell

 

Goldman Sachs International

  BRL   6,554   1,969   2/18     -         (10     (10

Sell

 

Goldman Sachs International

  CAD   6,400   5,092   1/18     -         (91     (91

Sell

 

Goldman Sachs International

  CNH   26,081   3,989   3/18     -         (84     (84

 

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

 

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Type    Counterparty   Currency   Foreign
Principal
Amount
Covered by
Contract (000s)
  USD
Principal
Amount
Covered by
Contract (000’s)
  Settlement
Month
  Unrealized
Appreciation
(000’s)
    Unrealized
(Depreciation)
(000’s)
    Net Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
(000’s)
 

Sell

  

Goldman Sachs International

  EUR   93,382   112,092   1/18     -         (860     (860

Sell

  

HSBC Bank USA NA

  EUR   1,671   2,005   1/18     -         (27     (27

Sell

  

JP Morgan Chase Bank NA

  EUR   1,573   1,888   1/18     -         (28     (28

Sell

  

UBS AG

  EUR   2,620   3,145   1/18     -         (39     (39

Sell

  

Royal Bank Of Canada

  EUR   28,435   34,149   1/18     -         (449     (449

Sell

  

UBS AG

  EUR   25,000   30,046   2/18     -         (380     (380

Sell

  

JP Morgan Chase Bank NA

  EUR   3,385   4,078   3/18     -         (62     (62

Sell

  

Goldman Sachs International

  EUR   1,900   2,290   3/18     -         (40     (40

Sell

  

Bank of America NA

  EUR   400   485   6/18     -         (4     (4

Sell

  

UBS AG

  EUR   2,400   2,908   6/18     -         (51     (51

Sell

  

Royal Bank Of Canada

  EUR   1,782   2,160   6/18     -         (33     (33

Sell

  

HSBC Bank USA NA

  GBP   86   116   1/18     -   (m)      -         -   (m) 

Sell

  

UBS AG

  GBP   30,691   41,446   1/18     -         (594     (594

Sell

  

Barclays Bank PLC

  GBP   3,100   4,187   1/18     -         (19     (19

Sell

  

Goldman Sachs International

  GBP   3,100   4,187   1/18     -         (20     (20

Buy

  

HSBC Bank USA NA

  INR   128,639   1,999   3/18     41       -         41  

Buy

  

BNP Paribas

  JPY   460,200   4,085   1/18     -         (61     (61

Sell

  

Barclays Bank PLC

  JPY   22,400   199   1/18     1       -         1  

Sell

  

BNP Paribas

  JPY   40,000   355   1/18     -         (2     (2

Sell

  

UBS AG

  JPY   30,000   267   1/18     -         (1     (1

Sell

  

UBS AG

  KRW   4,466,820   4,177   3/18     -         (164     (164

Buy

  

HSBC Bank USA NA

  MXN   79,390   4,022   1/18     -         (201     (201

Buy

  

HSBC Bank USA NA

  RUB   123,331   2,123   3/18     44       -         44  

Buy

  

JP Morgan Chase Bank NA

  TRY   6,966   1,827   1/18     82       -         82  
            

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
             $ 713     $ (3,709   $ (2,996
            

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(i) Written options outstanding on December 31, 2017.

 

Description    Counterparty    Currency    Notional Par
(000’s)
   Exercise
Price
   Expiration
Date
   Number of
Contracts
   Value
(000’s)
 

Call — US Ten Year Treasury Note

  

Merrill Lynch Capital Services

   USD    80    $125.000    1/18    80    $ (11

Put — US Ten Year Treasury Note

  

Merrill Lynch Capital Services

   USD    80    123.500    1/18    80      (19

Put — US Ten Year Treasury Note

  

Merrill Lynch Capital Services

   USD    83    124.000    1/18    83      (35
                    

 

 

 

(Premiums Received $66)

   $ (65
                    

 

 

 

 

(j) Swap agreements outstanding on December 31, 2017.

Credit Default Swaps on Corporate or Sovereign Issues - Sell Protection

 

Reference Entity   Counterparty   Receive
Fixed
Rate
  Expiration
Date
  Implied
Credit
Spread
  Currency     Notional
Amount
(000’s)
  Upfront
Premium Paid/
(Received)
(000’s)
    Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
(000’s)
    Market
Value
(000’s)
 

Deutsche Bank AG,
0.763%, 12/20/21

 

BNP Paribas

  1.00%   12/21   1.226%     EUR     700   $ (89   $ 81     $ (8

Deutsche Bank AG,
1.448%, 12/20/21

 

Goldman Sachs International

  1.00%   12/21   1.226%     EUR     1,100     (78     66       (12

Deutsche Bank AG,
1.448%, 12/20/21

 

JP Morgan Chase Bank NA

  1.00%   12/21   1.226%     EUR     700     (91     84       (7

Federative Republic of Brazil,
4.25%, 1/7/25

 

Goldman Sachs International

  1.00%   6/22   1.442%     USD     500     (27     18       (9

 

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

 

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Credit Default Swaps on Corporate or Sovereign Issues - Sell Protection (continued)

 

Reference Entity   Counterparty   Receive
Fixed
Rate
  Expiration
Date
  Implied
Credit
Spread
  Currency     Notional
Amount
(000’s)
  Upfront
Premium Paid/
(Received)
(000’s)
    Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
(000’s)
    Market
Value
(000’s)
 

Federative Republic of Brazil, 4.25%, 1/7/25

 

Goldman Sachs International

  1.00%   12/22   1.605%     USD     1,000   $ (46   $ 18     $ (28

Federative Republic of Brazil, 4.25%, 1/7/25

 

HSBC Bank USA NA

  1.00%   12/22   1.605%     USD     800     (37     15       (22

Novo Banco,
5.00%, 12/20/21

 

Morgan Stanley Capital Services

  5.00%   12/21   7.576%     EUR     100     (21     12       (9

(l) Park Aerospace Holdings, Ltd.,
4.50%, 3/15/23

 

UBS AG

  5.00%   7/20   1.000%     USD     200     10       (1     9  

Republic of Brazil,
4.25%, 1/7/25

 

Barclays Bank PLC

  1.00%   6/22   1.442%     USD     200     (10     6       (4

Republic of Peru, 8.75%,11/21/33

 

Barclays Bank PLC

  1.00%   3/23   0.776%     USD     1,100     (16     28       12  

Republic of South Africa, 5.50%, 3/9/20

 

Barclays Bank PLC

  1.00%   6/24   1.959%     USD     4,600     (316     61       (255

Russian Federation,
7.50%, 3/31/30

 

Goldman Sachs International

  1.00%   9/20   0.583%     USD     400     (24     28       4  

Russian Federation,
7.50%, 3/31/30

 

Goldman Sachs International

  1.00%   9/20   0.583%     USD     900     (47     57       10  

Russian Federation,
7.50%, 3/31/30

 

Goldman Sachs International

  1.00%   6/22   1.054%     USD     2,100     (55     50       (5

Russian Federation,
7.50%, 3/31/30

 

HSBC Bank USA NA

  1.00%   6/21   0.780%     USD     4,200     (209     240       31  

Russian Federation,
7.50%, 3/31/30

 

JP Morgan Chase Bank NA

  1.00%   9/20   0.583%     USD     1,500     (89     106       17  

Russian Federation,
7.50%, 3/31/30

 

JP Morgan Chase Bank NA

  1.00%   12/20   0.620%     USD     800     (60     68       8  

Teva Pharmaceutical Finance Co. BV,
3.65%, 11/10/21

 

Goldman Sachs International

  1.00%   6/22   2.559%     USD     1,600     (69     (31     (100

Unicredit Spa,
4.70%, 6/14/17

 

JP Morgan Chase Bank NA

  1.00%   12/22   1.872%     EUR     900     (58     13       (45

United Mexican States,
5.95%, 3/19/19

 

BNP Paribas

  1.00%   12/22   1.059%     USD     1,500     (49     45       (4

United Mexican States,
5.95%, 3/19/19

 

JP Morgan Chase Bank NA

  1.00%   12/22   1.059%     USD     3,800     (129     119       (10
             

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
              $ (1,510   $ 1,083     $ (427
             

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Centrally Cleared Interest Rate Swaps - Receive Floating Rate

 

Floating Rate Index    Fixed
Rate
   Expiration
Date
   Notional
Amount (000’s)
   Currency    Upfront
Premium Paid/
(Received)
(000’s)
    Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)(000’s)
    Market
Value
(000’s)
 

6-Month Euribor

   1.00%    6/28    8,800    EUR    $ (48   $ 30     $ (18

6-Month Euribor

   1.00%    3/28    6,800    EUR      (79     22       (57

6-Month GBP-LIBOR

   1.75%    3/48    2,200    GBP      (183     (52     (235

6-Month GBP-LIBOR

   1.50%    3/28    3,900    GBP      (69     (32     (101

6-Month JPY-LIBOR

   0.45%    3/29    1,280,000    JPY      (68     44       (24
              

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ (447   $ 12     $ (435
              

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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

 

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Multi-Sector Bond Portfolio

 

Centrally Cleared Credit Default Swaps on Corporate or Sovereign Issues - Sell Protection

 

Reference Entity    Receive
Fixed
Rate
   Expiration
Date
   Implied
Credit
Spread
   Notional
Amount
(000’s)
   Currency    Upfront
Premium Paid/
(Received)
(000’s)
    Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
(000’s)
     Market
Value
(000’s)
 

Ally Financial, Inc, 7.50%, 9/15/20

  

5.00%

   6/22    9.042%    1,300    USD    $ 227     $ (1    $ 226  

Berkshire Hathaway, Inc., 2.75%, 3/15/23

  

1.00%

   12/22    0.524%    800    USD      16       2        18  

Ford Motor Co., 6.50%, 8/1/18

  

5.00%

   12/23    1.106%    200    USD      44       (1      43  

General Motors, Co., 3.50%, 10/2/18

  

5.00%

   6/22    0.775%    200    USD      37       (1      36  

Marks & Spencer PLC, 6.125%, 12/2/19

  

1.00%

   12/22    1.318%    2,900    EUR      (39     (14      (53

Navient Corp., 5.50%, 1/25/23

  

5.00%

   12/21    2.144%    650    USD      74       (5      69  

Navient Corp., 5.50%, 1/15/23

  

5.00%

   12/22    2.895%    100    USD      10       (1      9  

Novo Banco SA, 5.00%, 4/23/19

  

5.00%

   12/21    7.576%    600    EUR      (119     62        (57

Telefonica Emisiones SAU, 2.73%, 5/29/19

  

1.00%

   6/22    0.670%    3,000    EUR      62       (7      55  

Telefonica Emisiones SAU, 2.736%, 5/19/19

  

1.00%

   12/22    0.750%    1,500    EUR      26       (4      22  

Volkswagen International Finance NV,
5.375%, 5/22/18

  

1.00%

   6/22    0.458%    500    EUR      13       2        15  

Volkswagen International Finance NV,
5.375%, 5/22/18

  

1.00%

   12/21    0.381%    700    EUR      18       2        20  
                 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 369     $ 34      $ 403  
                 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Centrally Cleared Credit Default Swaps on Credit Indices - Sell Protection

 

Reference Entity    Receive
Fixed
Rate
   Expiration
Date
   Implied
Credit
Spread
   Notional
Amount
(000’s)
   Currency    Upfront
Premium Paid/
(Received)
(000’s)
    Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
(000’s)
     Market
Value
(000’s)
 

Markit Roll CDX

  

1.00%

   12/22    1.196%    8,342    USD    $ (353   $ 277      $ (76

Markit CDX North America High Yield

  

5.00%

   12/22    3.070%    60,400    USD      4,661       443        5,104  
                 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 4,308     $ 720      $ 5,028  
                 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(k) Cash or securities with an aggregate value of $110,302 (in thousands) has been pledged as collateral for swap contracts outstanding, short sales or written options on December 31, 2017.

 

(l) Security valued using significant unobservable inputs.

 

(m) Amount is less than one thousand.

 

(p) Restricted securities (excluding 144A issues) on December 31, 2017.

 

Description   Coupon    Maturity
Date
   Acquisition
Date
  Cost
(000’s)
   Value
(000’s)
   Value as a
Percentage
of Net
Assets

Rise, Ltd., Series 2014-1, Class A

  4.750%    2/15/39    2/21/14   $484    $480    0.06%

 

 

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

 

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Multi-Sector Bond Portfolio

 

The following is a summary of the inputs used in valuing the Portfolio’s assets and liabilities at December 31, 2017. See Note 3 for additional information on portfolio valuation.

 

   

Valuation Inputs

     
Description   Level 1 –
Quoted Prices
    Level 2 –
Other Significant
Observable Inputs
    Level 3 –
Significant
Unobservable Inputs
     
    (Amounts in thousands)    

Assets:

       

Bank Loan Obligations

  $ -       $ 35,780     $ -      

Municipal Bonds

    -         12,968       -      

Corporate Bonds

       

Energy

    -         80,733       1,590    

All Others

    -         343,115       -      

Governments

    -         275,854       -      

Structured Products

    -         69,414       582    

Short-Term Investments

       

Money Market Funds

    4,635       -         -      

All Others

    -         3,506       -      

Other Financial Instruments^

       

Futures

    195       -         -      

Forward Currency Contracts

    -         713       -      

Credit Default Swaps

    -         5,702       9    

Total Assets:

  $ 4,830     $ 827,785     $ 2,181    

Liabilities:

       

Other Financial Instruments^

       

Futures

    (601     -         -      

Forward Currency Contracts

    -         (3,709     -      

Written Options

    (65     -         -      

Interest Rate Swaps

    -         (435     -      

Credit Default Swaps

    -         (704     -      

Total Liabilities:

  $ (666   $ (4,848   $ -      

^ Other financial instruments are derivative instruments such as futures and forwards, which are valued at the unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on the instrument, and short sales, written options and swaps contracts, which are valued at market value.

For the period ended December 31, 2017, there was a transfer from Level 2 to Level 3 in the amount of $102 (in thousands). This transfer was the result of a decrease in the quantity of observable inputs for the security that was previously priced by a third-party vendor utilizing a broker quote.

 

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

 

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Balanced Portfolio (unaudited)

 

 

Objective:    Portfolio Strategy:    Net Assets:

Realize as high a level of total return

as is consistent with prudent investment risk, through income and capital appreciation.

  

Invest in the stock, bond and money market sectors,

attempting to capitalize on the variation in return potential produced by the interaction of changing financial markets and economic conditions.

   $2.3 billion

Portfolio Overview

Mason Street Advisors, LLC is the investment adviser for the Balanced Portfolio (the “Portfolio”). The Portfolio invests in the stock, bond and money market sectors. The Portfolio is tactically and strategically managed to capitalize on changing financial markets and economic conditions following a flexible policy for allocating assets across the stock, bond and money market sectors. The Portfolio operates primarily as a “fund of funds” to gain the Portfolio’s equity and fixed income exposure by investing in one or more of the portfolios of Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc. (each an “Underlying Portfolio”). The adviser allocates the Portfolio’s assets among the Underlying Portfolios based on the adviser’s economic and market outlook and the investment objectives and strategies of the Underlying Portfolios. Under normal market conditions, the Portfolio will typically hold between 35-55% of assets in equity investments, 40-60% of assets in fixed income investments, and 0-20% of assets in cash equivalent investments.

Market Overview

U.S. equities delivered another year of strong performance. The sharp gains in business and consumer confidence following the U.S. election and improving global economic growth were among the catalysts for equities, as investors anticipated market-friendly policies from the new administration. That confidence was generally well placed—corporate earnings finally improved after three flat years and Congress passed one of the largest tax cuts in U.S. history. The improving economy favored equities over bonds; although, fixed income sectors still posted positive returns.

The U.S. economy expanded at a pace of approximately 3% during the second half of the year. The strong growth prompted the U.S. Federal Reserve (the “Fed”) to raise rates and begin reducing its $4 trillion balance sheet. In that environment, large cap stocks, as represented by the S&P 500® Index, posted a return of 21.83%, outperforming the S&P SmallCap 600® and the S&P MidCap 400® Indices, which returned 13.23% and 16.24%, respectively. Meanwhile, the broader bond market, as represented by the Bloomberg Barclays® U.S. Aggregate Index returned 3.54%, while the Bloomberg Barclays® U.S. Corporate High Yield Index advanced 7.50%.

Portfolio Results

The Portfolio returned 11.98% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2017, trailing the 21.83% return of the broad stock market, as measured by the S&P 500® Index, but outstripping the Bloomberg Barclays® U.S. Aggregate Index return of 3.54%. The Portfolio underperformed the Balanced Portfolio Blended Composite Benchmark return of 12.71%. (The benchmark weights are detailed in the “Benchmark Definitions” section of this annual report.) When compared to peers in 2017, the Portfolio outperformed its Morningstar® Inc. Allocation – 30% to 50% Equity peer group average return of 10.84% but lagged its Lipper® Analytical Services, Inc. Mixed-Asset Target Allocation Moderate Funds peer group average return of 13.33%. Morningstar® Inc. and Lipper® Analytical Services, Inc. are independent mutual fund ranking agencies.

The Portfolio’s underperformance relative to the blended benchmark reflected the challenged performance of its Underlying Portfolios, as many of the Underlying Portfolios underperformed their respective benchmarks during the year. In particular, the Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio, the Growth Stock Portfolio and the International Equity Portfolio trailed their respective benchmarks by relatively wide margins.

Overall, asset allocation decisions were a positive contributor to relative performance. The Portfolio began the year with an overweight to U.S. equities and an underweight to fixed income, a favorable position that was maintained throughout the reporting period. As domestic equities outpaced fixed income by a wide margin and the global economy gained strength, the Portfolio added to the equity position during the second half of the year, funded by investment grade fixed income. Low rates, improving economic growth, and less central bank accommodation present difficulties for fixed income markets going forward.

During the year, equity futures contracts were used for cash management purposes. The Portfolio’s use of futures did not have a significant effect on the Portfolio’s relative results during 2017.

Portfolio Manager Outlook

Entering the new year, we will maintain our overweight in U.S. equities and an underweight in fixed income. We believe the global economy is picking up momentum, which should support earnings growth and equity prices. Valuations are relatively high across asset classes, but low inflation and strong growth are likely to continue to benefit risk assets. Business and

 

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Table of Contents

Balanced Portfolio (unaudited)

 

 

consumer confidence remain at elevated levels, pointing to persistent strength in the economy. The world is enjoying synchronized global growth for the first time since the Great Recession suggesting that we have entered another stage of the expansion. Moreover, the tax cuts in December 2017 are likely to boost near-term growth and improve equity valuations.

Our expectations for bonds are less sanguine. Treasury yields and the premiums on corporate bonds are already very low, leaving little room for error as the bond market faces stiff headwinds in 2018. The tax cuts are likely to lead to larger deficits and increased issuance, which will be concurrent with the Fed’s increasing bond sales. Also, there are some signs that inflation pressures are building due to the acceleration in economic growth and the increase in commodity prices, especially oil. We will minimize risks in the bond portfolio while closely monitoring geopolitical and economic developments during the year ahead. As always, we will seek an optimal mix of the most attractive asset classes from a risk and return perspective.

 

Relative Performance

 

LOGO

 

Average Annual Total Returns
For Periods Ended December 31, 2017
 
     1 Year     5 Years     10 Years  

Balanced Portfolio

    11.98%       7.12%       5.20%  

S&P 500® Index

    21.83%       15.79%       8.50%  

Bloomberg Barclays® U.S. Aggregate Index

    3.54%       2.10%       4.01%  

Balanced Portfolio Blended Composite Benchmark

    12.71%       8.16%       6.22%  

Morningstar® US Insurance Fund Allocation - 30% to 50% Equity Index

    10.84%       5.95%       4.67%  

Lipper® Variable Insurance Products (VIP) Mixed Asset Target Allocation Moderate Funds Average

    13.33%       7.61%       5.38%  

The performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance is historical and does not guarantee future performance. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate, so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. For the most recent month-end performance information visit www.northwesternmutual.com.

This chart assumes an initial investment of $10,000 made on 12/31/07. Returns shown reflect fee waivers, deductions for management and other portfolio expenses, and reinvestment of all dividends. In the absence of fee waivers, total return would be reduced. Returns exclude deductions for separate account sale loads and account fees. Please refer to the Benchmark Definitions section of this report for information about the indices cited in the above chart and graph.

Investors should be aware of the risks of investments in foreign securities, particularly investments in securities of companies in developing nations. These include the risks of currency fluctuation, of political and economic instability and of less well-developed government supervision and regulation of business and industry practices, as well as differences in accounting standards. Small cap stocks also may carry additional risk. Smaller or newer issuers are more likely to realize more substantial growth as well as suffer more significant losses than larger or more established issuers. Investments in such companies can be both volatile and more speculative. Bonds and other debt obligations are affected by changes in interest rates, inflation risk and the creditworthiness of their issuers. High yield bonds generally have greater price swings and higher default risks than investment grade bonds.

 

 

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Balanced Portfolio (unaudited)

 

 

The Portfolio may obtain its exposure to domestic and foreign equity securities by investing in other Series Fund portfolios (Underlying Portfolios). Each of the Underlying Portfolios has its own investment risks, and the Portfolio is indirectly exposed to all the risks of the Underlying Portfolios in which it invests, including that risk that an Underlying Portfolio will not perform as expected. To the extent that the Portfolio invests a significant portion of its assets in a single Underlying Portfolio, it will be particularly sensitive to the risks associated with that Underlying Portfolio may have a significant effect on the Portfolio’s net asset value. The Portfolio will bear a pro rata share of the Underlying Portfolio’s expenses.

The Portfolio may use derivative instruments to gain exposure to certain markets, sectors or regions as alternatives to direct investments, to adjust the Portfolio duration, to provide increased flexibility in asset allocation, to earn income and to otherwise seek to enhance returns or to hedge foreign currency exposure. Use of these instruments may involve certain costs and risks such as liquidity risk, interest rate risk, mispricing or improper valuation. Certain derivatives involve leverage, which could magnify losses, and portfolios investing in derivatives could lose more than the principal amount invested in those investments.

Currently, interest rates remain at historically low levels on a relative basis, although the U.S. federal funds rate has been subject to modest increases over the course of the last two years. A significant rise in interest rates over a short period of time could cause significant losses in the market value of the Portfolio’s fixed income investments.

Top 10 Equity Holdings 12/31/17

 

Security Description    % of Net Assets  

Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc., Select Bond Portfolio

     34.2

Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc., Growth Stock Portfolio

     6.6

Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc., High Yield Bond Portfolio

     6.0

Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc., Research International Core Portfolio

     5.4

Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc., Mid Cap Value Portfolio

     4.9

Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc., Mid Cap Growth Stock Portfolio

     4.8

Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc., Large Cap Blend Portfolio

     3.3

Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc., Domestic Equity Portfolio

     3.3

Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc., Large Company Value Portfolio

     3.3

Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc., Equity Income Portfolio

     3.3

Sector Allocation 12/31/17

 

LOGO

Sector Allocation is based on Net Assets.

Sector Allocation and Top 10 Holdings are subject to change.

 

 

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Balanced Portfolio

 

Schedule of Investments

December 31, 2017

 

                               
Investment Companies (95.2%)    Shares/
$ Par
     Value
$ (000’s)
 
Domestic Equity (40.6%)      

iShares Russell 2000 ETF

     122,600        18,692  

iShares Russell Mid-Cap ETF

     2,000        416  

Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc., Domestic Equity Portfolio(q)

     45,137,221        75,695  

Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc., Equity Income Portfolio(q)

     40,577,249        75,677  

Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc., Focused Appreciation Portfolio(q)

     27,914,560        75,676  

Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc., Growth Stock Portfolio(q)

     49,798,067        151,087  

Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc., Large Cap Blend Portfolio(q)

     62,893,388        75,787  

Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc., Large Cap Core Stock Portfolio(q)

     38,649,047        75,636  

Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc., Large Company Value Portfolio(q)

     71,267,246        75,686  

Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc., Mid Cap Growth Stock Portfolio(q)

     32,256,388        111,510  

Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc., Mid Cap Value Portfolio(q)

     61,936,496        113,530  

Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc., Small Cap Growth Stock Portfolio(q)

     13,074,014        37,601  

Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc., Small Cap Value Portfolio(q)

     19,774,941        50,129  
     

 

 

 

Total

        937,122  
     

 

 

 
Fixed Income (42.3%)      

Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc., High Yield Bond Portfolio(q)

     186,728,658        139,300  

Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc., Inflation Protection Portfolio(q)

     41,189,828        45,885  

Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc., Select Bond Portfolio(q)

     628,621,208        790,177  
     

 

 

 

Total

        975,362  
     

 

 

 
Foreign Equity (12.3%)      

iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF

     400,475        22,787  

iShares MSCI EAFE ETF

     248,779        17,492  

Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc., Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio(q)

     12,187,543        13,467  

Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc., International Equity Portfolio(q)

     27,101,948        51,900  
                               
Investment Companies (95.2%)    Shares/
$ Par
     Value
$ (000’s)
 
Foreign Equity (12.3%) continued      

Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc., International Growth Portfolio(q)

     33,312,588        53,067  

Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc., Research International Core Portfolio(q)

     121,020,593        125,619  
     

 

 

 

Total

        284,332  
     

 

 

 

Total Investment Companies

     

(Cost: $2,024,545)

        2,196,816  
     

 

 

 
Short-Term Investments (3.5%)                
Commercial Paper (3.2%)      

Apple, Inc., 0.000%, 2/22/18 144A

     5,000,000        4,989  

Apple, Inc., 0.000%, 2/20/18 144A

     5,000,000        4,989  

Bank of America Corp., 1.400%, 1/8/18

     10,000,000        10,000  

General Mills, Inc., 0.000%, 1/10/18 144A

     3,900,000        3,898  

General Mills, Inc., 0.000%, 1/17/18 144A

     5,000,000        4,996  

General Mills, Inc., 0.000%, 1/16/18 144A

     1,000,000        999  

Mondelez International, Inc., 0.000%, 1/17/18 144A

     5,000,000        4,995  

Pfizer, Inc., 0.000%, 1/16/18 144A

     2,000,000        1,999  

Pfizer, Inc., 0.000%, 3/1/18 144A

     1,000,000        997  

Pfizer, Inc., 0.000%, 3/15/18 144A

     7,000,000        6,978  

Societe Generale SA, 0.000%, 2/8/18 144A

     6,000,000        5,989  

Societe Generale SA, 0.000%, 2/15/18 144A

     4,000,000        3,992  

United Parcel Service, Inc., 0.000%, 3/5/18 144A

     10,000,000        9,972  

The Walt Disney Co., 0.000%, 3/23/18 144A

     10,000,000        9,964  
     

 

 

 

Total

        74,757  
     

 

 

 
Money Market Funds (0.1%)      

State Street Institutional U.S. Government Money Market Fund - Premier Class, 1.209% #

     3,361,136        3,361  
     

 

 

 

Total

        3,361  
     

 

 

 
U.S. Government & Agencies (0.2%)      

Federal Home Loan Bank, 0.000%, 1/12/18

     1,500,000        1,499  

Federal Home Loan Bank, 0.000%, 3/15/18 (b)

     2,000,000        1,995  
     

 

 

 

Total

        3,494  
     

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments

     

(Cost: $81,627)

        81,612  
     

 

 

 

Total Investments (98.7%)

     

(Cost: $2,106,172)(a)

        2,278,428  
     

 

 

 

Other Assets, Less

     

Liabilities (1.3%)

        29,042  
     

 

 

 

Net Assets (100.0%)

        2,307,470  
     

 

 

 
 

 

# 7-day yield as of December 31, 2017.

 

   144A after the name of a security represents a security exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities may be resold as transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. At December 31, 2017 the value of these securities (in thousands) was $64,757 representing 2.8% of the net assets.

 

(a) At December 31, 2017, the aggregate cost of investments, including derivatives, for federal tax purposes (in thousands) was $2,106,541 and the net unrealized appreciation of investments based on that cost was $171,824 which is comprised of $174,641 aggregate gross unrealized appreciation and $2,817 aggregate gross unrealized depreciation.

 

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

 

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Balanced Portfolio

 

 

(b) All or a portion of the securities have been pledged as collateral for open futures positions. Information regarding open futures contracts as of period end is summarized below.

 

Issuer    Long/Short    Currency    Notional Par
(000’s)
   Number of
Contracts
   Expiration
Date
   Notional
Value
(000’s)
     Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
(000’s)
 

E-Mini S&P 500 Future

   Long    USD    $4    85    3/18    $ 11,373      $ (63

 

(q) Affiliated Company

 

     The following is a summary of the inputs used in valuing the Portfolio’s assets and liabilities at December 31, 2017. See Note 3 for additional information on portfolio valuation.

 

    Valuation Inputs      
Description   Level 1 –
Quoted Prices
    Level 2 –
Other Significant
Observable Inputs
     Level 3 –
Significant
Unobservable Inputs
     
    (Amounts in thousands)      

Assets:

        

Investment Companies

  $ 2,196,816     $ -        $ -      

Short-Term Investments

        

Money Market Funds

    3,361       -          -      

All Others

    -         78,251        -      

Total Assets:

  $ 2,200,177     $ 78,251      $ -      

Liabilities:

        

Other Financial Instruments^

        

Futures

  $ (63   $ -        $ -      

Total Liabilities:

  $ (63   $ -        $ -      

^ Other financial instruments are derivative instruments such as futures, forwards, written options and swaps contracts, which are valued at the unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on the instrument and short sales, which are valued at market value.

 

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

 

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Table of Contents

Asset Allocation Portfolio (unaudited)

 

 

Objective:    Portfolio Strategy:    Net Assets:

Realize as high a level of total return

as is consistent with reasonable investment risk.

   Invest in the stock, bond and money market sectors, attempting to capitalize on the variation in return potential produced by the interaction of changing financial markets and economic conditions.    $277 million

Portfolio Overview

Mason Street Advisors, LLC is the investment adviser for the Asset Allocation Portfolio (the “Portfolio”). The Portfolio invests in the stock, bond and money market sectors. The Portfolio is tactically and strategically managed to capitalize on changing financial markets and economic conditions following a flexible policy for allocating assets across the stock, bond and money market sectors. The Portfolio operates primarily as a “fund of funds” to gain the Portfolio’s equity and fixed income exposure by investing in one or more of the portfolios of Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc. (each an “Underlying Portfolio”). The adviser allocates the Portfolio’s assets among the Underlying Portfolios based on the adviser’s economic and market outlook and the investment objectives and strategies of the Underlying Portfolios. Under normal market conditions, the Portfolio will typically hold between 55-75% of assets in equity investments, 25-45% of assets in fixed income investments, and 0-15% of assets in cash equivalent investments.

Market Overview

U.S. equities delivered another year of strong performance. The sharp gains in business and consumer confidence following the U.S. election and improving global economic growth were among the catalysts for equities, as investors anticipated market-friendly policies from the new administration. That confidence was generally well placed – corporate earnings finally improved after three flat years and Congress passed one of the largest tax cuts in U.S. history. The improving economy favored equities over bonds; although, fixed income sectors still posted positive returns.

The U.S. economy expanded at a pace of approximately 3% during the second half of the year. The strong growth prompted the U.S. Federal Reserve (the “Fed”) to raise rates and begin reducing its $4 trillion balance sheet. In that environment, large cap stocks, as represented by the S&P 500® Index, posted a return of 21.83%, outperforming the S&P SmallCap 600® and the S&P MidCap 400® Indices, which returned 13.23% and 16.24%, respectively. Meanwhile, the broader bond market, as represented by the Bloomberg Barclays® U.S. Aggregate Index returned 3.54%, while the Bloomberg Barclays® U.S. Corporate High Yield Index advanced 7.50%.

Portfolio Results

The Portfolio returned 14.87% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2017, trailing the 21.83% return of the broad stock market, as measured by the S&P 500® Index, but outstripping the Bloomberg Barclays® U.S. Aggregate Index return of 3.54%. The Portfolio underperformed the Asset Allocation Portfolio Blended Composite Benchmark return of 15.87%. (The benchmark weights are detailed in the “Benchmark Definitions” section of this annual report.) When compared to peers in 2017, the Portfolio outperformed its Morningstar® Inc. Allocation – 50% to 70% Equity peer group average return of 14.47% but lagged its Lipper® Analytical Services, Inc. Mixed-Asset Target Allocation Growth Funds peer group average return of 15.82%. Morningstar® Inc. and Lipper® Analytical Services, Inc. are independent mutual fund ranking agencies.

The Portfolio’s underperformance relative to the blended benchmark reflected the challenged performance of its Underlying Portfolios, as many of the Underlying Portfolios underperformed their respective benchmarks during the year. In particular, the Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio, the Growth Stock Portfolio and the International Equity Portfolio trailed their respective benchmarks by relatively wide margins.

Overall, asset allocation decisions were a positive contributor to relative performance. The Portfolio began the year with an overweight to U.S. equities and an underweight to fixed income, a favorable position that was maintained throughout the reporting period. As domestic equities outpaced fixed income by a wide margin and the global economy gained strength, the Portfolio added to the equity position during the second half of the year, funded by investment grade fixed income. Low rates, improving economic growth and less central bank accommodation present difficulties for fixed income markets going forward.

During the year, equity futures contracts were used for cash management purposes. The Portfolio’s use of futures did not have a significant effect on the Portfolio’s relative results during 2017.

Portfolio Manager Outlook

Entering the new year, we will maintain our overweight in U.S. equities and an underweight in fixed income. We believe the global economy is picking up momentum, which should support earnings growth and equity prices. Valuations are relatively

 

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Table of Contents

Asset Allocation Portfolio (unaudited)

 

 

high across asset classes, but low inflation and strong growth are likely to continue to benefit risk assets. Business and consumer confidence remain at elevated levels, pointing to persistent strength in the economy. The world is enjoying synchronized global growth for the first time since the Great Recession suggesting that we have entered another stage of the expansion. Moreover, the tax cuts in December 2017 are likely to boost near-term growth and improve equity valuations.

Our expectations for bonds are less sanguine. Treasury yields and the premiums on corporate bonds are already very low, leaving little room for error as the bond market faces stiff headwinds in 2018. The tax cuts are likely to lead to larger deficits and increased issuance, which will be concurrent with the Fed’s increasing bond sales. Also, there are some signs that inflation pressures are building due to the acceleration in economic growth and the increase in commodity prices, especially oil. We will minimize risks in the bond portfolio while closely monitoring geopolitical and economic developments during the year ahead. As always, we will seek an optimal mix of the most attractive asset classes from a risk and return perspective.

 

Relative Performance

 

 

LOGO

 

Average Annual Total Returns
For Periods Ended December 31, 2017
 
      1 Year     5 Years     10 Years  

Asset Allocation Portfolio

     14.87     8.63     5.35

S&P 500® Index

     21.83     15.79     8.50

Bloomberg Barclays® U.S. Aggregate Index

     3.54     2.10     4.01

Asset Allocation Portfolio Blended Composite Benchmark

     15.87     9.94     6.74

Morningstar® US Insurance Fund Allocation - 50% to 70% Equity Index

     14.47     8.57     5.72

Lipper® Variable Insurance Products (VIP) Mixed Asset Target Allocation Growth Funds Average

     15.82     9.25     5.77

The performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance is historical and does not guarantee future performance. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate, so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. For the most recent month-end performance information visit www.northwesternmutual.com.

This chart assumes an initial investment of $10,000 made on 12/31/07. Returns shown reflect fee waivers, deductions for management and other portfolio expenses, and reinvestment of all dividends. In the absence of fee waivers, total return would be reduced. Returns exclude deductions for separate account sale loads and account fees. In the graph and chart, the Portfolio is compared against various indices representing the three major components of the Portfolio: equities, fixed income and cash equivalent instruments. Please refer to the Benchmark Definitions section of this report for information about the indices cited in the above chart and graph.

Investors should be aware of the risks of investments in foreign securities, particularly investments in securities of companies in developing nations. These include the risks of currency fluctuation, of political and economic instability and of less well-developed government supervision and regulation of business and industry practices, as well as differences in accounting standards. Small cap stocks also may carry additional risk. Smaller or newer issuers are more likely to realize more substantial growth as well as suffer more significant losses than larger or more established issuers. Investments in such companies can be both volatile and more speculative. Bonds and other debt obligations are affected by changes in interest rates, inflation risk and the creditworthiness of their issuers. High yield bonds generally have greater price swings and higher default risks than investment grade bonds.

The Portfolio obtains its exposure to equity and fixed income securities by investing in other Series Fund portfolios (Underlying Portfolios). Each of the Underlying Portfolios has its own investment risks, and the Portfolio is indirectly exposed to all the risks of the Underlying Portfolios in which it invests, including that risk that an Underlying Portfolio will not perform as expected. To the extent that the Portfolio invests a significant portion of its assets in a single Underlying Portfolio, it will be particularly sensitive to the risks associated with that Underlying Portfolio may have a significant effect on the Portfolio’s net asset value. The Portfolio will bear a pro rata share of the Underlying Portfolio’s expenses.

 

 

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Table of Contents

Asset Allocation Portfolio (unaudited)

 

 

The Portfolio may use derivative instruments to gain exposure to certain markets, sectors or regions as alternatives to direct investments, to adjust the Portfolio duration, to provide increased flexibility in asset allocation, to earn income and to otherwise seek to enhance returns or to hedge foreign currency exposure. Use of these instruments may involve certain costs and risks such as liquidity risk, interest rate risk, mispricing or improper valuation. Certain derivatives involve leverage, which could magnify losses, and portfolios investing in derivatives could lose more than the principal amount invested in those investments.

Currently, interest rates remain at historically low levels on a relative basis, although the U.S. federal funds rate has been subject to modest increases over the course of the last two years. A significant rise in interest rates over a short period of time could cause significant losses in the market value of the Portfolio’s fixed income investments.

Top 10 Equity Holdings 12/31/17

Security Description    % of Net Assets

Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc., Select Bond Portfolio

   15.7%

Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc., High Yield Bond Portfolio

   8.0%

Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc., Growth Stock Portfolio

   7.9%

Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc., Research International Core Portfolio

   7.5%

Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc., Mid Cap Value Portfolio

   5.9%

Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc., Mid Cap Growth Stock Portfolio

   5.8%

Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc., Large Cap Blend Portfolio

   4.5%

Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc., Large Cap Core Stock Portfolio

   4.5%

Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc., Focused Appreciation Portfolio

   4.0%

Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc., Large Co. Value Portfolio

   4.0%

Sector Allocation 12/31/17

 

 

LOGO

Sector Allocation is based on Net Assets.

Sector Allocation and Top 10 Holdings are subject to change.

 

 

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Asset Allocation Portfolio

 

                               
Investment Companies (95.3%)    Shares/
$ Par
     Value
$ (000’s)
 

Domestic Equity (51.5%)

 

  

iShares Russell 2000 ETF

     12,750        1,944  

iShares Russell Mid-Cap ETF

     3,300        687  

Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc., Domestic Equity Portfolio (q)

     6,575,705        11,027  

Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc., Equity Income Portfolio (q)

     5,914,000        11,030  

Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc., Focused Appreciation Portfolio (q)

     4,070,284        11,034  

Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc., Growth Stock Portfolio (q)

     7,257,605        22,019  

Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc., Large Cap Blend Portfolio (q)

     10,313,394        12,428  

Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc., Large Cap Core Stock Portfolio (q)

     6,338,737        12,405  

Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc., Large Company Value Portfolio (q)

     10,386,302        11,030  

Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc., Mid Cap Growth Stock Portfolio (q)

     4,666,667        16,133  

Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc., Mid Cap Value Portfolio (q)

     8,918,646        16,348  

Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc., Small Cap Growth Stock Portfolio (q)

     2,588,259        7,444  

Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc., Small Cap Value Portfolio (q)

     3,643,850        9,237  
     

 

 

 

Total

        142,766  
     

 

 

 

Fixed Income (26.3%)

 

  

iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF

     12,250        1,339  

Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc., High Yield Bond Portfolio (q)

     29,879,203        22,290  

Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc., Inflation Protection Portfolio (q)

     5,032,767        5,607  

Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc., Select Bond Portfolio (q)

     34,708,094        43,628  
     

 

 

 

Total

        72,864  
     

 

 

 

Foreign Equity (17.5%)

 

  

iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF

     15,075        858  

iShares MSCI EAFE ETF

     31,597        2,222  

Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc., Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio (q)

     4,809,353        5,314  
                               
Investment Companies (95.3%)    Shares/
$ Par
     Value
$ (000’s)
 

Foreign Equity (17.5%) continued

 

  

Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc., International Equity Portfolio (q)

     4,983,685        9,544  

Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc., International Growth Portfolio (q)

     6,098,866        9,716  

Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc., Research International Core Portfolio (q)

     20,117,041        20,881  
     

 

 

 

Total

        48,535  
     

 

 

 

Total Investment Companies

     

(Cost: $236,804)

        264,165  
     

 

 

 
Short-Term Investments (3.5%)                

Commercial Paper (2.2%)

 

  

Apple, Inc., 0.000%, 1/3/18 144A

     1,000,000        1,000  

Bank of America Corp., 1.400%, 1/8/18

     1,000,000        1,000  

General Mills, Inc., 0.000%, 1/17/18 144A

     1,000,000        999  

Pfizer, Inc., 0.000%, 3/1/18 144A

     600,000        599  

Pfizer, Inc., 0.000%, 3/15/18 144A

     400,000        399  

United Parcel Service, Inc.,0.000%, 3/5/18 144A

     1,000,000        997  

The Walt Disney Co., 0.000%, 3/23/18 144A

     1,000,000        996  
     

 

 

 

Total

        5,990  
     

 

 

 

Money Market Funds (0.6%)

 

  

State Street Institutional U.S. Government Money Market Fund - Premier Class, 1.209% #

     1,737,140        1,737  
     

 

 

 

Total

        1,737  
     

 

 

 

US Government & Agencies (0.7%)

 

  

Federal Home Loan Bank, 0.000%, 1/3/18

     1,000,000        1,000  

Federal Home Loan Bank, 0.000%, 3/15/18 (b)

     1,000,000        997  
     

 

 

 

Total

        1,997  
     

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments

     

(Cost: $9,724)

        9,724  
     

 

 

 

Total Investments (98.8%)

     

(Cost: $246,528)(a)

        273,889  
     

 

 

 

Other Assets, Less

     

Liabilities (1.2%)

        3,324  
     

 

 

 

Net Assets (100.0%)

        277,213  
     

 

 

 
 

 

# 7-day yield as of December 31, 2017.

144A after the name of a security represents a security exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities may be resold as transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. At December 31, 2017 the value of these securities (in thousands) was $4,990 representing 1.8% of the net assets.

 

(a) At December 31, 2017, the aggregate cost of investments, including derivatives, for federal tax purposes (in thousands) was $246,573 and the net unrealized appreciation of investments based on that cost was $27,315 which is comprised of $27,704 aggregate gross unrealized appreciation and $389 aggregate gross unrealized depreciation.

 

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

 

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Asset Allocation Portfolio

 

 

(b) All or a portion of the securities have been pledged as collateral for open futures positions. Information regarding open futures contracts as of period end is summarized below.

 

Issuer    Long/Short    Currency    Notional
Par
(000’s)
     Number of
Contracts
   Expiration Date    Notional
Value
(000’s)
     Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
(000’s)
 

E-Mini S&P 500 Future

   Long    USD    $ 1      22    3/18    $ 2,944      $ -   (m) 

 

(m) Amount is less than one thousand.

 

(q) Affiliated Company

The following is a summary of the inputs used in valuing the Portfolio’s assets and liabilities at December 31, 2017. See Note 3 for additional information on portfolio valuation.

 

   

Valuation Inputs

     
Description   Level 1 –
Quoted Prices
    Level 2 –
Other Significant
Observable Inputs
     Level 3 –
Significant
Unobservable Inputs
     
    (Amounts in thousands)      

Assets:

        

Investment Companies

  $ 264,165     $ -        $ -      

Short-Term Investments

        

Money Market Funds

    1,737       -          -      

All Others

    -         7,987        -      

Total Assets:

  $ 265,902     $ 7,987      $ -      

Liabilities:

        

Other Financial Instruments^

        

Futures

  $ -   (m)    $ -        $ -      

Total Liabilities:

  $ -   (m)    $ -        $ -      

^ Other financial instruments are derivative instruments such as futures, forwards, written options and swaps contracts, which are valued at the unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on the instrument and short sales, which are valued at market value.

 

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

 

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Benchmark Definitions (unaudited)

 

 

The following indices are used to illustrate investment market, sector or style performance or to serve as Portfolio performance comparisons. Unlike the Portfolios, the indices are not professionally managed and do not incur fees or expenses. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

 

1/3 each: Bloomberg Barclays® Global Aggregate — Credit Component ex Emerging Markets , Hedged USD; BofA Merrill Lynch® Global High Yield BB-B Rated Constrained Developed Markets Index, Hedged USD; JPMorgan® EMBI Global — The Bloomberg Barclays Global Aggregate — Credit Component ex Emerging Markets, Hedged USD provides a broad-based measure of the global developed markets investment grade fixed income markets. The BofA Merrill Lynch Global High Yield BB-B Rated Constrained Developed Markets Index, Hedged USD tracks the performance of below investment grade bonds of corporate issuers domiciled in developed market countries rated BB1 through B3, based on an average of Moody’s, S&P and Fitch. Qualifying bonds are capitalization weighted provided the total allocation to an individual issuer (defined by Bloomberg tickers) does not exceed 2%. Issuers that exceed the limit are reduced to 2% and the face value of each of their bonds is adjusted on a pro-rata basis. Similarly, the face value of bonds of all other issuers that fall below the 2% cap are increased on a pro-rata basis. The index is rebalanced on the last calendar day of the month. The JPMorgan EMBI Global tracks total returns for U.S. dollar-denominated debt instruments issued by emerging market sovereign and quasi-sovereign entities, Brady bonds, loans, Eurobonds and local market instruments. It is not possible to invest in an unmanaged index.

Asset Allocation Portfolio Blended Composite — The Asset Allocation Portfolio Blended Composite Benchmark is an unmanaged, hypothetical combination of unmanaged indices that correspond to the Asset Allocation Portfolio’s model allocation and consists of the Russell 3000® Index (50%), the MSCI® All Country World (ex-US) Index (15%), the Bloomberg Barclays® U.S. Aggregate Index (25%), and the Bloomberg Barclays® U.S. Corporate High Yield 2% Issuer Capped Index (10%).

Balanced Portfolio Blended Composite — The Balanced Portfolio Blended Composite Benchmark is an unmanaged, hypothetical combination of unmanaged indices that correspond to the Balanced Portfolio’s model allocation and consists of the Russell 3000® Index (40%), the MSCI® All Country World (ex-US) Index (10%), the Bloomberg Barclays® U.S. Aggregate Index (45%) and the Bloomberg Barclays® U.S. Corporate High Yield 2% Issuer Capped Index (5%).

Bloomberg Barclays® 1-3 Year U.S. Government/Credit Bond Index — The Bloomberg Barclays® 1-3 Year U.S.

Government/Credit Bond Index is an unmanaged index of publicly issued medium and larger issues of U.S. Government, investment-grade corporate and investment-grade international dollar denominated bonds that have maturities of between one and three years.

Bloomberg Barclays® U.S. Aggregate Index — The Bloomberg Barclays® U.S. Aggregate Index is an unmanaged index of publicly issued investment-grade fixed-rate debt securities including corporate, U.S. Treasury and government agency securities, mortgage pass-through and asset-backed securities with remaining maturities of at least one year regardless of call features.

Bloomberg Barclays® U.S. Corporate High Yield 2% Issuer Capped Index — The Bloomberg Barclays® U. S. Corporate High Yield 2% Issuer Capped Index is an unmanaged index of U.S. Dollar-denominated, non-convertible, fixed-rate, noninvestment-grade debt. Issuers are capped at 2% of the Index. Index holdings must have at least one year to final maturity, at least $150 million par amount outstanding, and be publicly issued with a rating of Ba1 or lower.

Bloomberg Barclays® Global Credit Hedged USD Index — The Bloomberg Barclays® Global Credit Hedged USD Index is an unmanaged index composed of investment-grade and high yield credit securities from the Multiverse represented in U.S. dollars on a hedged basis (Multiverse is the merger of two groups: the Global Aggregate and the Global High Yield).

Bloomberg Barclays® Long-Term U.S. Treasury Index — The Bloomberg Barclays® Long-Term U.S. Treasury Index is an unmanaged index comprised of fixed-income securities with various maturities greater than 10 years.

Bloomberg Barclays® U.S. Treasury Inflation Protected Securities (TIPS) Index — The Bloomberg Barclays® U.S. Treasury Inflation Protected Securities (TIPS) Index is an unmanaged index of inflation-protected public obligations of the U.S. Treasury. The index is market capitalization weighted and includes all publicly-issued U.S. Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities that have at least one year remaining to maturity and have $250 million or more of outstanding face value.

Lipper® Variable Insurance Products (VIP) Average — Each Lipper® Variable Insurance Products (VIP) Average is calculated by Lipper® Analytical Services, Inc. and reflects the investment return of certain portfolios underlying variable life and annuity products. Source: Lipper®, Inc.

Morningstar® Insurance Fund Category Averages — Each Morningstar® category average is an equal-weighted category return. The calculation is simply the average of the returns at the end of the period for all the underlying variable insurance funds in a given category. Source: Morningstar®, Inc.

 

 

 

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Benchmark Definitions (unaudited)

 

 

 

MSCI® All Country World (ex-US) Index — The MSCI® All Country World (ex-US) Index is an unmanaged, free float-adjusted market capitalization-weighted index that is designed to measure equity performance of companies in the developed and emerging markets, excluding the U.S.

MSCI® All Country World (ex-US) Growth Index — The MSCI® All Country World (ex-US) Growth Index is an unmanaged, free float-adjusted market capitalization-weighted index that is designed to measure equity performance of companies in the developed and emerging markets, excluding the U.S., with higher historical and forecasted growth characteristics.

MSCI EAFE® (Europe-Australasia-Far-East) Index — The MSCI EAFE® (“Europe-Australasia-Far East”) Index is an unmanaged, free float-adjusted, market capitalization-weighted index that is designed to measure equity performance of companies in the developed markets, excluding the U.S. & Canada.

MSCI EAFE® (Europe-Australasia-Far-East) Growth
Index
— The MSCI EAFE® (“Europe-Australasia-Far East”) Index is an unmanaged, free float-adjusted, market capitalization-weighted index that is designed to measure equity performance of companies in the developed markets, excluding the U.S. & Canada, with higher historical and forecasted growth characteristics.

MSCI® Emerging Markets Index — The MSCI® Emerging Markets Index is an unmanaged, free float-adjusted, market capitalization-weighted index that is designed to measure equity market performance in the global emerging markets.

Russell 1000® Growth Index — The Russell 1000® Growth Index is an unmanaged index that measures the performance of those companies in the Russell 1000® Index with higher price-to-book ratios and higher forecasted growth values. The Russell 1000® Index is an unmanaged, market capitalization-weighted, large cap index that measures the performance of the 1000 largest companies in the Russell 3000® Index.

Russell 1000® Value Index — The Russell 1000® Value Index is an unmanaged index that measures the performance of those companies in the Russell 1000® Index with lower price-to-book ratios and lower forecasted growth values. The Russell 1000® Index is an unmanaged, market capitalization-weighted, large cap index that measures the performance of the 1000 largest companies in the Russell 3000® Index.

Russell 2000® Index — The Russell 2000® Index is an unmanaged, market capitalization-weighted index that measures the performance of the 2000 smallest of the 3000 largest publicly traded U.S. companies, based on total market capitalization.

Russell 2000® Growth Index — The Russell 2000® Growth Index is an unmanaged index that measures the performance of those companies in the Russell 2000® Index with higher price-to-book ratios and higher forecasted growth values. The Russell 2000® Index is an unmanaged, market capitalization-weighted index that measures the performance of the 2000 smallest of the 3000 largest publicly traded U.S. companies, based on total market capitalization.

Russell 2000® Value Index — The Russell 2000® Value Index is an unmanaged index measures the performance of those companies in the Russell 2000® Index with lower price-to-book ratios and lower forecasted growth values. The Russell 2000® Index is an unmanaged, market-capitalization weighted index that measures the performance of the 2000 smallest of the 3000 largest publicly traded U.S. companies, based on total market capitalization.

Russell 3000® Index — The Russell 3000® Index measures the performance of the largest 3000 U.S. companies representing approximately 98% of the investable U.S. equity market.

Russell MidCap® Growth Index — The Russell MidCap® Growth Index is an unmanaged index that measures the performance of the Russell MidCap® companies with higher price-to-book ratios and higher forecasted growth values. The Russell MidCap® Index is an unmanaged index that measures the performance of the 800 smallest companies in the Russell 1000® Index, which represents approximately 25% of the total market capitalization of the Russell 1000® Index.

Russell MidCap® Value Index — The Russell MidCap® Value Index is an unmanaged index that measures the performance of the Russell MidCap® companies with lower price-to-book and lower forecasted growth values. The Russell MidCap® Index is an unmanaged index that measures the performance of the 800 smallest companies in the Russell 1000® Index, which represents approximately 25% of the total market capitalization of the Russell 1000® Index.

S&P 500® Index — The S&P 500® Composite Stock Price Index is an unmanaged, capitalization-weighted index of 500 selected common stocks designed to measure the performance of the broad domestic economy.

S&P MidCap 400® Index — The S&P MidCap 400® Index is an unmanaged, capitalization-weighted index that measures the performance of the mid-range sector of the U.S. stock market.

S&P SmallCap 600® Index — The S&P SmallCap 600® Index is an unmanaged index of 600 selected common stocks of U.S.-based companies with small market capitalizations.

 

 

 

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Statements of Assets and Liabilities

 

Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc.

December 31, 2017 (in thousands)

 

     

Growth

Stock

Portfolio

    

Focused

Appreciation

Portfolio

    

Large Cap

Core Stock

Portfolio

    

Large Cap

Blend

Portfolio

    

Index 500

Stock

Portfolio

 

Assets

              

Unaffiliated Investments, at Value (1)

   $ 966,305      $ 949,711      $ 593,371      $ 177,551      $ 3,217,347  

Cash

     -          -          -          -          18  

Foreign Currency, at Value (4)

     -          -          -          -          -    

Cash Collateral for Derivative Positions

     -          -          -          -          -    

Receivable for Portfolio Shares Sold

     97        69        63        2        737  

Receivable for Investment Securities Sold

     -          -          6,967        2,194        3,379  

Outstanding Swap Contracts, at Value

     -          -          -          -          -    

Receivable for Foreign Currency

     -          -          -          -          -    

Prepaid Expenses and Other Assets

     6        7        4        1        31  

Dividends and Interest Receivable

     382        620        679        221        3,254  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Assets

     966,790        950,407        601,084        179,969        3,224,766  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Liabilities

              

Payable for Portfolio Shares Redeemed

     6,563        4,484        3,616        3,607        731  

Payable for Investment Securities Purchased

     -          -          4,644        -          1,115  

Payable to Custodian

     -          -          -          -          -    

Contingent Liability

     -          -          -          -          -    

Futures Variation Margin

     -          -          -          -          149  

Payable for Foreign Currency

     -          -          -          -          -    

Collateral from Counterparty

     -          -          -          -          -    

Investment Advisory Fees

     335        496        212        117        525  

Accrued Expenses

     38        42        35        25        109  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Liabilities

     6,936        5,022        8,507        3,749        2,629  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Assets

   $ 959,854      $ 945,385      $ 592,577      $ 176,220      $ 3,222,137  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Represented By:

              

Aggregate Paid in Capital (10) (11)

   $ 632,023      $ 659,486      $ 366,604      $ 124,077      $ 1,426,928  

Undistributed Net Investment Income (Loss)

     6,853        5,780        8,722        1,299        53,108  

Undistributed Accumulated Net Realized Gain (Loss)

     105,119        24,248        167,044        7,455        21,389  

Net Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation)

     215,859        255,871        50,207        43,389        1,720,712  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Assets for Shares Outstanding (10) (11)

   $ 959,854      $ 945,385      $ 592,577      $ 176,220      $ 3,222,137  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Asset Value, Offering and Redemption Price per Share

   $ 3.03      $ 2.71      $ 1.96      $ 1.20      $ 4.93  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

(1) Unaffiliated Investments, at Cost

   $ 750,446      $ 693,839      $ 543,164      $ 134,162      $ 1,496,791  

(4) Foreign Currency, at Cost

     -          -          -          -          -    

(10) Shares Outstanding

     316,319        348,717        302,834        146,235        653,973  

(11) Shares Authorized, $.01 Par Value

     2,000,000        2,000,000        2,000,000        2,000,000        2,000,000  

 

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

 

  Statements of Assets and Liabilities     189  


Table of Contents

    

 

    

    

 

Large

Company

Value

Portfolio

   

Domestic

Equity

Portfolio

   

Equity

Income

Portfolio

   

Mid Cap

Growth

Stock

Portfolio

   

Index 400

Stock

Portfolio

   

Mid Cap

Value

Portfolio

   

Small Cap

Growth

Stock
Portfolio

   

Index 600

Stock

Portfolio

   

Small Cap
Value

Portfolio

 
                        
$ 202,063     $ 818,736     $ 841,473     $ 1,103,334     $ 896,739     $ 569,505     $ 628,237     $ 221,659     $ 672,044  
  -         -         -         -         44       -         -         -         7  
  10,063       -         -         -         -         5,738       -         -         -    
  160       -         -         -         -         -         -         -         -    
  6       123       41       60       395       71       40       97       7,519  
  427       3,382       5,834       477       636       918       155       1,101       -    
  -         -         -         -         -         -         -         10       -    
  5       -         -         -         -         8       -         -         -    
  1       5       6       8       8       5       4       6       4  
  437       1,222       1,672       588       1,286       1,244       390       265       1,202  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  213,162       823,468       849,026       1,104,467       899,108       577,489       628,826       223,138       680,776  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
                        
  1,609       3,858       3,362       5,648       139       5,280       412       19       218  
  1,013       -         138       858       2,068       768       185       551       6,802  
  10,219       -         -         -         -         5,509       -         -         -    
  -         -         649       -         -         -         -         -         -    
  -         -         -         -         103       -         -         -         -    
  199       -         -         -         -         292       -         -         -    
  140       -         -         -         -         410       -         120       -    
  116       358       432       485       173       346       284       46       472  
  30       39       47       43       66       260       44       54       50  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  13,326       4,255       4,628       7,034       2,549       12,865       925       790       7,542  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
$ 199,836     $ 819,213     $ 844,398     $ 1,097,433     $ 896,559     $ 564,624     $ 627,901     $ 222,348     $ 673,234  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
                        
$ 163,237     $ 542,218     $ 603,215     $ 864,867     $ 567,495     $ 437,687     $ 419,418     $ 164,153     $ 393,855  
  3,613       14,479       16,447       2,294       9,983       9,027       -         3,400       3,487  
  12,247       28,658       59,026       180,283       57,851       45,578       50,735       9,766       45,724  
  20,739       233,858       165,710       49,989       261,230       72,332       157,748       45,029       230,168  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
$ 199,836     $ 819,213     $ 844,398     $ 1,097,433     $ 896,559     $ 564,624     $ 627,901     $ 222,348     $ 673,234  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
$ 1.06     $ 1.68     $ 1.86     $ 3.46     $ 2.11     $ 1.83     $ 2.88     $ 1.45     $ 2.54  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
$ 181,131     $ 584,878     $ 675,766     $ 1,053,345     $ 635,631     $ 496,889     $ 470,489     $ 176,640     $ 441,876  
  10,063       -         -         -         -         5,738       -         -         -    
  188,179       488,366       452,869       317,428       425,076       308,077       218,357       153,369       265,533  
  2,000,000       2,000,000       2,000,000       2,000,000       2,000,000       2,000,000       2,000,000       2,000,000       2,000,000  

 

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

 

190   Statements of Assets and Liabilities  


Table of Contents

Statements of Assets and Liabilities

 

Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc.

December 31, 2017 (in thousands)

 

     

    

International
Growth
Portfolio

    Research
International
Core Portfolio
    International
Equity Portfolio
    Emerging
Markets Equity
Portfolio
    Government
Money Market
Portfolio
 

Assets

          

Unaffiliated Investments, at Value (1)

   $ 695,896     $ 659,409     $ 1,924,768     $ 725,185     $ 270,906  

Affiliated Investments, at Value (2)

     –         –         –         –         –    

Investments in Repurchase Agreements, at Value (3)

     –         –         –         –         169,500  

Cash

     55       –         –         –         –    

Foreign Currency, at Value (4)

     11       –         –         890       –    

Cash Collateral for Derivative Positions

     –         –         –         –         –    

Receivable for Portfolio Shares Sold

     141       198       222       185       206  

Receivable for Investment Securities Sold

     –         2,971       120       1,277       –    

Receivable for Financing Transactions

     –         –         –         –         –    

Futures / Cleared Swap Variation Margin

     –         –         –         –         –    

Outstanding Swap Contracts, at Value (8)

     –         –         –         –         –    

Receivable for Foreign Currency

     –         –         –         1       –    

Prepaid Expenses and Other Assets

     5       4       13       5       3  

Dividends and Interest Receivable

     2,153       1,823       4,343       324       295  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Assets

     698,261       664,405       1,929,466       727,867       440,910  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Liabilities

          

Payable for Portfolio Shares Redeemed

     133       109       650       130       1,324  

Payable for Investment Securities Purchased

     113       5,785       181       8,777       –    

Payable for Financing Transactions

     –         –         –         –         –    

Futures / Cleared Swap Variation Margin

     –         –         –         –         –    

Outstanding Options Written, at Value (6)

     –         –         –         –         –    

Payable to Custodian

     –         19       –         –         –    

Outstanding Swap Contracts, at Value (9)

     –         –         –         –         –    

Payable for Foreign Currency

     –         6       –         1       –    

Collateral from Counterparty

     –         –         –         –         –    

Investment Advisory Fees

     349       398       821       555       112  

Deferred Income for Financing Transactions

     –         –         –         –         –    

Accrued Expenses

     85       83       141       123       36  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Liabilities

     680       6,400       1,793       9,586       1,472  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Assets

   $ 697,581     $ 658,005     $ 1,927,673     $ 718,281     $ 439,438  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Represented By:

          

Aggregate Paid in Capital (10) (11)

   $ 571,330     $ 541,705     $ 1,575,554     $ 618,229     $ 439,438  

Undistributed Net Investment Income (Loss)

     9,025       10,078       45,322       9,186       –    

Undistributed Accumulated Net Realized Gain (Loss)

     (21,257     (9,319     (25,639     (18,871     –    

Net Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation)

     138,483       115,541       332,436       109,737       –    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Assets for Shares Outstanding (10) (11)

   $ 697,581     $ 658,005     $ 1,927,673     $ 718,281     $ 439,438  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Asset Value, Offering and Redemption Price per Share

   $ 1.59     $ 1.04     $ 1.91     $ 1.10     $ 1.00  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(1) Unaffiliated Investments, at Cost

   $ 557,427     $ 543,861     $ 1,592,392     $ 615,445     $ 270,906  

(2) Affiliated Investments, at Cost

     –         –         –         –         –    

(3) Investments in Repurchase Agreements, at Cost

     –         –         –         –         169,500  

(4) Foreign Currency, at Cost

     11       –         –         890       –    

(6) Premiums Received on Options Written

     –         –         –         –         –    

(8) Premiums Paid on Swap Contracts

     –         –         –         –         –    

(9) Premiums Received on Swap Contracts

     –         –         –         –         –    

(10) Shares Outstanding

     437,728       633,878       1,006,655       650,179       439,436  

(11) Shares Authorized, $.01 Par Value

     2,000,000       2,000,000       3,000,000       2,000,000       2,000,000  

 

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

 

  Statements of Assets and Liabilities     191  


Table of Contents

    

 

    

    

 

Short-Term

Bond

Portfolio

   

Select Bond

Portfolio

   

Long-Term U.S.

Government

Bond

Portfolio

    Inflation
Protection
Portfolio
    High Yield
Bond
Portfolio
    Multi-Sector
Bond
Portfolio
    Balanced
Portfolio
    Asset
Allocation
Portfolio
 
             
$ 293,229     $ 3,185,850     $ 156,437     $ 390,980     $ 799,287     $ 824,677     $ 140,999     $ 16,774  
  –         –         –         –         –         –         2,137,429       257,115  
  –         –         –         –         –         3,500       –         –    
  –         –         –         –         –         172       –         –    
  –         –         –         –         –         540       –         –    
  –         –         1,272       11       –         10,172       –         –    
  169       458       17       13,166       815       811       139       60  
  1       246,334       5,796       –         –         1,736       48,091       6,511  
  –         –         88,344       –         –         –         –         –    
  18       –         1       26       –         151       –         –    
  –         –         –         1,050       –         92       –         –    
  –         –         –         –         –         719       –         –    
  4       22       1       3       6       6       17       2  
  1,321       14,876       1,039       1,855       12,298       10,461       70       7  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  294,742       3,447,540       252,907       407,091       812,406       853,037       2,326,745       280,469  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
             
  52       564       106       78       174       346       1,091       5  
  1,025       502,180       10,630       –         –         1,693       18,000       3,200  
  –         –         125,885       –         –         –         –         –    
  11       –         40       59       –         339       41       11  
  –         –         –         –         –         65       –         –    
  –         19       –         –         –         –         –         –    
  –         –         –         4,088       –         518       –         –    
  –         –         –         76       –         3,715       –         –    
  –         –         418       860       –         4,785       –         –    
  83       731       46       162       287       494       98       12  
  –         –         25       –         –         –         –         –    
  57       112       44       57       67       101       45       28  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  1,228       503,606       137,194       5,380       528       12,056       19,275       3,256  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
$ 293,514     $ 2,943,934     $ 115,713     $ 401,711     $ 811,878     $ 840,981     $ 2,307,470     $ 277,213  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
             
$ 292,105     $ 2,893,298     $ 116,407     $ 398,393     $ 761,351     $ 812,642     $ 2,034,004     $ 237,227  
  4,647       67,846       2,221       7,085       43,280       21,941       52,700       5,391  
  (2,613     (13,391     (2,333     (4,330     (4,975     (14,529     48,573       7,234  
  (625     (3,819     (582     563       12,222       20,927       172,193       27,361  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
$ 293,514     $ 2,943,934     $ 115,713 $       401,711     $ 811,878     $ 840,981     $ 2,307,470     $ 277,213  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
 

$

    

1.03

 

 

  $ 1.26     $ 1.08 $       1.11     $ 0.75     $ 1.09     $ 1.47     $ 1.21  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
$ 293,765     $ 3,189,669     $ 157,066     $ 387,543     $ 787,065     $ 802,355     $ 139,688     $ 16,656  
  –         –         –         –         –         –         1,966,484       229,872  
  –         –         –         –         –         3,500       –         –    
  –         –         –         –         –         527       –         –    
  –         –         –         –         –         65       –         –    
  –         –         442       1       –         5,198       –         –    
  –         –         27       –         –         2,478       –         –    
  284,254       2,341,746       107,336       360,339       1,087,909       768,811       1,564,464       229,599  
  2,000,000       6,000,000       2,000,000       2,000,000       3,000,000       2,000,000       4,000,000       2,000,000  

 

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

 

192   Statements of Assets and Liabilities  


Table of Contents

Statement of Operations

 

Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc.

For the Year Ended December 31, 2017 (in thousands)

 

      Growth Stock
Portfolio
    Focused
Appreciation
Portfolio
    Large Cap
Core Stock
Portfolio
    Large Cap
Blend
Portfolio
     Index 500
Stock Portfolio
    Large
Company
Value
Portfolio
 

Investment Income

             

Income

             

Interest (1)

   $ 113     $ 65     $ 5     $ 110      $ 395     $ 16  

Unaffiliated Dividends (1)

     10,853       11,216       11,243       2,585        59,167       5,666  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Income

     10,966       11,281       11,248       2,695        59,562       5,682  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Expenses

             

Investment Advisory Fees

     3,808       6,435       2,395       1,310        5,891       1,374  

Custodian Fees

     4       3       4       3        26       26  

Shareholder Reporting Fees

     32       43       23       7        76       7  

Audit Fees

     27       27       27       24        42       28  

Valuation Services

     1       -         1       1        5       1  

Compliance Fees

     8       8       7       6        13       6  

Directors Fees

     43       40       39       34        72       34  

Professional Fees

     10       10       11       9        15       9  

Trade Name Fees

     -          -          -          -           132       -     

Other Expenses

     11       11       7       2        33       3  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Expenses

     3,944       6,577       2,514       1,396        6,305       1,488  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Less Waived Fees:

             

Paid by Affiliate

     (96     (1,076     (31     -           (189     (46

Paid Indirectly

     -          -          (1     -           (1     (1
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Expenses

     3,848       5,501       2,482       1,396        6,115       1,441  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Investment Income (Loss)

     7,118       5,780       8,766       1,299        53,447       4,241  

Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments

             

Net Realized Gain (Loss) on:

             

Unaffiliated Investment Securities

     105,442       25,025       167,854       8,073        25,799       14,406  

Futures Contracts

     -          -          -          -           6,699       -     

Swap Contracts

     -          -          -          -           -          -     

Foreign Currency Transactions

     -          -          -          -           -          (659
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Realized Gain (Loss) on Investments

     105,442       25,025       167,854       8,073        32,498       13,747  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) of:

             

Unaffiliated Investment Securities

     84,809       219,761       (52,818     20,698        488,162       3,111  

Affiliated Investment Securities

     -          -          -          -           -          -     

Futures Contracts

     -          -          -          -           300       -     

Swap Contracts

     -          -          -          -           -          -     

Foreign Currency Transactions

     -          -          -          -           -          (148
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) of Investments

     84,809       219,761       (52,818     20,698        488,462       2,963  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Gain (Loss) on Investments

     190,251       244,786       115,036       28,771        520,960       16,710  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations

   $ 197,369     $ 250,566     $ 123,802     $ 30,070      $ 574,407     $ 20,951  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

(1) Net of Foreign Tax

   $ -        $ 371     $ 529     $ 82      $ -        $ 68  

 

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

 

  Statement of Operations     193  


Table of Contents

    

 

    

    

 

Domestic
Equity
Portfolio
    Equity Income
Portfolio
    Mid Cap
Growth Stock
Portfolio
    Index 400
Stock Portfolio
    Mid Cap
Value
Portfolio
    Small Cap
Growth Stock
Portfolio
    Index 600
Stock Portfolio
    Small Cap
Value Portfolio
    International
Growth
Portfolio
    Research
International
Core
Portfolio
 
                 
                 
$ 68     $ 175     $ 133     $ 187     $ 138     $ 59     $ 126     $ 28     $ 81     $ 49  
  18,484       21,399       6,942       11,983       13,539       3,159       2,536       9,049       12,330       14,817  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  18,552       21,574       7,075       12,170       13,677       3,218       2,662       9,077       12,411       14,866  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
                 
  4,008       5,108       5,459       2,063       4,565       3,159       486       5,414       3,780       4,612  
  2       37       8       17       35       9       36       23       220       251  
  38       41       40       48       52       43       20       59       56       43  
  28       32       29       26       28       27       24       27       29       28  
  -         5       1       4       2       1       6       1       -         -    
  8       8       9       8       7       7       6       7       7       7  
  40       41       46       40       36       38       33       39       39       38  
  9       9       11       10       9       9       10       9       28       27  
  -         -         -         84       -         -         19       -         -         -    
  9       10       13       10       7       8       2       8       7       7  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  4,142       5,291       5,616       2,310       4,741       3,301       642       5,587       4,166       5,013  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
                 
  (69     (222     (10     (163     (681     -         -         (68     -         (291
  -         (29     -         (1     -         -         (1     (20     -         -    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  4,073       5,040       5,606       2,146       4,060       3,301       641       5,499       4,166       4,722  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  14,479       16,534       1,469       10,024       9,617       (83     2,021       3,578       8,245       10,144  
                 
                 
  28,658       60,785       199,647       57,168       49,681       51,269       9,989       46,804       (472     12,154  
  -         (5     -         1,126       -         -         -         -         -         -    
  -         -         -         -         -         -         1,359       -         -         -    
  -         39       (7     -         (632     -         -         -         (6     84  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  28,658       60,819       199,640       58,294       49,049       51,269       11,348       46,804       (478     12,238  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
                 
  57,061       45,349       (8,354     54,777       1,915       63,084       11,347       20,016       151,263       119,890  
  -         -         -         -         -         -         -         -         -         -    
  -         -         -         424       -         -         -         -         -         -    
  -         -         -         -         -         -         60       -         -         -    
  -         5       -         -         (208     -         -         -         132       124  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
 

    

57,061

 

 

    45,354       (8,354     55,201       1,707       63,084       11,407       20,016       151,395       120,014  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  85,719       106,173       191,286       113,495       50,756       114,353       22,755       66,820       150,917       132,252  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
$ 100,198     $ 122,707     $ 192,755     $ 123,519     $ 60,373     $ 114,270     $ 24,776     $ 70,398     $ 159,162     $ 142,396  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
$ -       $ 314     $ 3     $ 8     $ 141     $ -       $ -       $ 18     $ 362     $ 417  

 

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

 

194   Statement of Operations  


Table of Contents

Statement of Operations

 

Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc.

For the Year Ended December 31, 2017 (in thousands)

 

      International
Equity
Portfolio
    Emerging
Markets Equity
Portfolio
    Government
Money Market
Portfolio
     Short-Term
Bond Portfolio
    Select Bond
Portfolio
    Long-Term
U.S.
Government
Bond Portfolio
 

Investment Income

             

Income

             

Interest (1)

   $ 344     $ 73     $ 4,297      $ 5,679     $ 71,194     $ 4,046  

Unaffiliated Dividends (1)

     53,218       16,682       -          -         -         1  

Affiliated Dividends

     -         -         -          -         -         -    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Income

     53,562       16,755       4,297        5,679       71,194       4,047  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Expenses

             

Investment Advisory Fees

     11,833       6,794       1,406        942       8,692       625  

Custodian Fees

     522       404       14        28       69       10  

Shareholder Reporting Fees

     100       97       18        24       72       9  

Audit Fees

     32       28       26        30       39       39  

Valuation Services

     -         -         3        95       129       23  

Compliance Fees

     10       7       7        7       12       6  

Directors Fees

     56       38       38        34       61       33  

Professional Fees

     29       46       10        10       15       14  

Trade Name Fees

     -         2       -          -         -         -    

Interest Expense

     -         -         -          -         -         304  

Other Expenses

     22       3       5        3       37       3  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Expenses

     12,604       7,419       1,527        1,173       9,126       1,066  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Less Waived Fees:

             

Paid by Affiliate

     (2,384     (765     -          -         (179     (21

Paid Indirectly

     -         -         -          (4     -         (1
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Expenses

     10,220       6,654       1,527        1,169       8,947       1,044  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Investment Income (Loss)

     43,342       10,101       2,770        4,510       62,247       3,003  

Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments

             

Net Realized Gain (Loss) on:

             

Unaffiliated Investment Securities

     44,879       30,152       5        87       9,220       (73

Affiliated Investment Securities

     -         -         -          -         -         -    

Futures Contracts

     -         -         -          (354     -         50  

Options Written

     -         -         -          -         -         -    

Swap Contracts

     -         -         -          -         -         816  

Foreign Currency Transactions

     93       (451     -          11       -         -    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Realized Gain (Loss) on Investments

     44,972       29,701       5        (256     9,220       793  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) of:

             

Unaffiliated Investment Securities

     269,671       109,971       -          (577     31,121       6,265  

Affiliated Investment Securities

     -         -         -          -         -         -    

Futures Contracts

     -         -         -          (92     -         76  

Options Written

     -         -         -          -         -         -    

Swap Contracts

     -         -         -          -         -         (1,053

Foreign Currency Transactions

     240       (2     -          -         -         -    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) of Investments

     269,911       109,969       -          (669     31,121       5,288  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Gain (Loss) on Investments

     314,883       139,670       5        (925     40,341       6,081  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations

   $ 358,225     $ 149,771     $ 2,775      $ 3,585     $ 102,588     $ 9,084  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(1) Net of Foreign Tax

   $ 1,742     $ 532     $ -        $ 3     $ 6     $ -    

 

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

 

  Statement of Operations     195  


Table of Contents

 

 

    

    

 

Inflation
Protection
Portfolio
    High Yield
Bond
Portfolio
    Multi-Sector
Bond
Portfolio
    Balanced
Portfolio
    Asset
Allocation
Portfolio
 
       
       
$ 9,270     $ 46,838     $ 37,112     $ 1,097     $ 129  
  -         -         7       1,367       294  
  -         -         -         38,348       4,256  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  9,270       46,838       37,119       40,812       4,679  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
       
  1,915       3,308       5,971       6,784       1,409  
  28       11       86       40       18  
  44       64       49       29       9  
  28       41       45       37       28  
  71       93       131       2       2  
  7       8       8       12       7  
  35       40       38       65       35  
  11       10       14       13       9  
  -         -         -         -         -    
  -         -         -         -         -    
  3       9       9       29       3  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  2,142       3,584       6,351       7,011       1,520  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
       
  (136     -         (571     (5,653     (1,276
  -         -         -         (2     -    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  2,006       3,584       5,780       1,356       244  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  7,264       43,254       31,339       39,456       4,435  
 

    

    

 

 

       
       
  1,104       5,357       2,234       2,537       769  
  -         -         -         60,143       7,297  
  (1,636     -         2,677       624       278  
  -         -         720       -         -    
  (975     -         1,771       -         -    
  (553     -         (10,008     -         -    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
 

    

(2,060

 

    5,357       (2,606     63,304       8,344  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
       
  7,601       3,538       34,030       1,944       149  
  -         -         -         150,998       23,774  
  (8     -         (266     (63     2  
  -         -         (152     -         -    
  232       -         1,629       -         -    
  (245     -         (3,366     -         -    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
 

    

    

7,580

 

 

 

    3,538       31,875       152,879       23,925  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  5,520       8,895       29,269       216,183       32,269  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
    
$

12,784

 
  $ 52,149     $ 60,608     $ 255,639     $ 36,704  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
$ 3     $ -       $ (3   $ -       $ -    

 

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

 

196   Statement of Operations  


Table of Contents

Statement of Changes in Net Assets

 

Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc.

(in thousands)

 

     Growth Stock Portfolio     Focused Appreciation
Portfolio
    Large Cap Core Stock
Portfolio
 
      For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2017
    For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2016
    For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2017
    For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2016
    For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2017
    For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2016
 

Change in Net Assets

            

Operations

            

Net Investment Income (Loss)

   $ 7,118     $ 8,054     $ 5,780     $ 6,368     $ 8,766     $ 9,903  

Net Realized Gain (Loss) on Investments

     105,442       41,844       25,025       16,541       167,854       (830

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) of Investments

     84,809       (29,832     219,761       21,209       (52,818     28,134  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations

     197,369       20,066       250,566       44,118       123,802       37,207  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Distributions to Shareholders from:

            

Net Investment Income

     (7,919     (7,202     (6,369     (1,814     (9,903     (10,934

Net Realized Gain on Investments

     (41,619     (80,811     (16,079     (214,229     -         (9,149
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Decrease in Net Assets Resulting from Distributions to Shareholders

     (49,538     (88,013     (22,448     (216,043     (9,903     (20,083
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Capital Transactions:

            

Shares Sold

     23,840       31,187       42,642       47,940       15,135       14,623  

Reinvestment of Distributions Paid

     49,538       88,014       22,448       216,043       9,903       20,083  

Shares Redeemed

     (99,335     (73,622     (119,623     (99,095     (60,855     (46,746
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Capital Transactions

     (25,957     45,579       (54,533     164,888       (35,817     (12,040
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets

     121,874       (22,368     173,585       (7,037     78,082       5,084  

Net Assets

            

Beginning of Period

     837,980       860,348       771,800       778,837       514,495       509,411  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of Period

   $ 959,854     $ 837,980     $ 945,385     $ 771,800     $ 592,577     $ 514,495  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Undistributed Net Investment Income (Loss)

   $ 6,853     $ 8,019     $ 5,780     $ 6,369     $ 8,722     $ 9,903  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Portfolio Share Transactions:

            

Shares Sold

     8,407       11,811       17,606       20,183       8,587       9,409  

Reinvestment of Distributions Paid

     17,724       33,503       9,019       99,881       5,459       12,663  

Shares Redeemed

     (34,493     (27,288     (48,788     (40,065     (33,701     (29,869
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares Resulting from Portfolio Share Transactions

     (8,362     18,026       (22,163     79,999       (19,655     (7,797
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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

 

  Statement of Changes in Net Assets     197  


Table of Contents

    

 

    

    

 

Large Cap Blend Portfolio     Index 500 Stock Portfolio     Large Company Value
Portfolio
    Domestic Equity Portfolio     Equity Income Portfolio  
For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2017
    For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2016
    For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2017
    For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2016
    For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2017
    For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2016
    For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2017
    For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2016
    For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2017
    For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2016
 
                          
                          
$ 1,299     $ 1,520     $ 53,447     $ 48,788     $ 4,241     $ 3,738     $ 14,479     $ 13,252     $ 16,534     $ 18,046  
  8,073       8,220       32,498       31,503       13,747       7,401       28,658       18,505       60,819       37,899  
 
    
20,698

 
    10,948       488,462       200,667       2,963       15,211       57,061       61,502       45,354       76,955  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
 
    
30,070

 
    20,688       574,407       280,958       20,951       26,350       100,198       93,259       122,707       132,900  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
                 
  (1,520     (1,635     (52,281     (46,095     (3,917     (3,178     (12,408     (12,521     (17,838     (15,268
  (8,213     (12,029     (30,749     (52,413     (7,833     (16,812     (18,505     (25,926     (37,935     (39,660

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
 
    
(9,733

    (13,664     (83,030     (98,508     (11,750     (19,990     (30,913     (38,447     (55,773     (54,928

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
                 
  7,134       5,156       217,672       226,962       10,861       15,169       73,348       84,306       29,597       35,008  
  9,733       13,664       83,030       98,507       11,750       19,989       30,913       38,447       55,773       54,929  
  (25,736     (14,933     (248,856     (215,258     (27,749     (20,174     (75,273     (67,083     (106,073     (102,523

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  (8,869    
    
3,887

 
    51,846       110,211       (5,138     14,984       28,988       55,670       (20,703     (12,586

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  11,468       10,911       543,223       292,661       4,063       21,344       98,273       110,482       46,231       65,386  
                 
  164,752       153,841       2,678,914       2,386,253       195,773       174,429       720,940       610,458       798,167       732,781  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
$ 176,220     $ 164,752     $ 3,222,137     $ 2,678,914     $ 199,836     $ 195,773     $ 819,213     $ 720,940     $ 844,398     $ 798,167  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
$ 1,299     $ 1,520     $ 53,108     $ 52,559     $ 3,613     $ 3,987     $ 14,479     $ 12,655     $ 16,447     $ 18,215  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
                 
  6,254       4,918       48,043       57,360       10,382       15,262       46,374       57,076       16,579       21,719  
  8,800       13,126       18,370       24,401       11,797       20,909       20,204       25,563       32,540       34,309  
  (22,159     (14,175     (54,718     (54,324     (26,318     (20,739     (47,254     (45,433     (59,237     (63,374

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  (7,105    
    
3,869

 
    11,695       27,437       (4,139     15,432       19,324       37,206       (10,118     (7,346

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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

 

198   Statement of Changes in Net Assets  


Table of Contents

Statement of Changes in Net Assets

 

Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc.

(in thousands)

 

     Mid Cap Growth Stock
Portfolio
    Index 400 Stock Portfolio     Mid Cap Value Portfolio  
      For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2017
    For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2016
    For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2017
    For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2016
    For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2017
    For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2016
 

Change in Net Assets

            

Operations

            

Net Investment Income (Loss)

   $ 1,469     $ 2,845     $ 10,024     $ 9,004     $ 9,617     $ 7,787  

Net Realized Gain (Loss) on Investments

     199,640       (17,881     58,294       48,093       49,049       18,620  

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) of Investments

     (8,354     22,418       55,201       73,684       1,707       69,864  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations

     192,755       7,382       123,519       130,781       60,373       96,271  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Distributions to Shareholders from:

            

Net Investment Income

     (2,583     (1,831     (8,964     (8,024     (7,902     (7,853

Net Realized Gain on Investments

     -         (79,591     (47,765     (52,210     (19,110     (35,261
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Decrease in Net Assets Resulting from Distributions to Shareholders

     (2,583     (81,422     (56,729     (60,234     (27,012     (43,114
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Capital Transactions:

            

Shares Sold

     24,615       44,302       72,075       68,624       42,853       61,280  

Reinvestment of Distributions Paid

     2,583       81,422       56,729       60,234       27,012       43,114  

Shares Redeemed

     (103,333     (93,440     (72,192     (60,649     (56,819     (49,567
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Capital Transactions

     (76,135     32,284       56,612       68,209       13,046       54,827  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets

     114,038       (41,756     123,402       138,756       46,407       107,984  

Net Assets

            

Beginning of Period

     983,395       1,025,151       773,157       634,401       518,217       410,233  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of Period

   $ 1,097,433     $ 983,395     $ 896,559     $ 773,157     $ 564,624     $ 518,217  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Undistributed Net Investment Income (Loss)

   $ 2,294     $ 2,582     $ 9,983     $ 8,968     $ 9,027     $ 8,105  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Portfolio Share Transactions:

            

Shares Sold

     7,810       14,709       35,541       37,613       24,158       37,185  

Reinvestment of Distributions Paid

     809       27,884       29,779       33,169       15,974       27,014  

Shares Redeemed

     (32,507     (31,349     (35,640     (33,113     (32,153     (30,646
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares Resulting from Portfolio Share Transactions

     (23,888     11,244       29,680       37,669       7,979       33,553  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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

 

  Statement of Changes in Net Assets     199  


Table of Contents

    

 

    

    

 

Small Cap Growth Stock
Portfolio
    Index 600 Stock Portfolio     Small Cap Value Portfolio     International Growth
Portfolio
    Research International Core
Portfolio
 
For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2017
    For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2016
    For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2017
    For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2016
    For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2017
    For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2016
    For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2017
    For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2016
    For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2017
    For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2016
 
                 
                 
$ (83   $ 933     $ 2,021     $ 1,367     $ 3,578     $ 5,166     $ 8,245     $ 8,349     $ 10,144     $ 9,802  
  51,269       5,988       11,348       9,451       46,804       32,549       (478     (16,270     12,238       (18,551
 
    
63,084

 
    52,886       11,407       23,687       20,016       123,684       151,395       (9,407     120,014       4,499  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
 
    
114,270

 
    59,807       24,776       34,505       70,398       161,399       159,162       (17,328     142,396       (4,250

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
                 
  (625     (1,158     (3,771     (793     (4,984     (5,244     (8,203     (5,957     (9,827     (8,773
  (6,457     (51,660     (6,956     (6,350     (33,520     (70,226     -         -         -         (4,342

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
 
    
(7,082

    (52,818     (10,727     (7,143     (38,504     (75,470     (8,203     (5,957     (9,827     (13,115

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
                 
  25,314       40,765       42,637       40,201       35,589       39,601       72,456       96,384       72,547       79,725  
  7,082       52,818       10,727       7,143       38,504       75,470       8,203       5,957       9,827       13,118  
  (56,735     (50,452     (18,948     (14,816     (80,582     (68,140     (57,159     (41,247     (56,587     (74,224

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  (24,339    
    
43,131

 
    34,416       32,528       (6,489     46,931       23,500       61,094       25,787       18,619  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  82,849       50,120       48,465       59,890       25,405       132,860       174,459       37,809       158,356       1,254  
                 
  545,052       494,932       173,883       113,993       647,830       514,970       523,122       485,313       499,649       498,395  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
$ 627,901     $ 545,052     $ 222,348     $ 173,883     $ 673,235     $ 647,830     $ 697,581     $ 523,122     $ 658,005     $ 499,649  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
$ -       $ 625     $ 3,400     $ 3,844     $ 3,487     $ 5,105     $ 9,025     $ 8,041     $ 10,078     $ 9,557  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
                 
  9,657       17,728       30,997       33,773       14,351       17,863       49,958       75,878       76,894       97,427  
  2,722       23,495       8,329       5,943       16,858       35,887       5,520       4,493       10,173       15,430  
  (21,694     (22,126     (13,768     (12,440     (33,318     (30,845     (39,225     (32,466     (59,961     (89,855

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  (9,315    
    
19,097

 
    25,558       27,276       (2,109     22,905       16,253       47,905       27,106       23,002  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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

 

200   Statement of Changes in Net Assets  


Table of Contents

Statement of Changes in Net Assets

 

Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc.

(in thousands)

 

     International Equity
Portfolio
    Emerging Markets Equity
Portfolio
    Government Money Market
Portfolio
 
      For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2017
    For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2016
    For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2017
    For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2016
    For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2017
    For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2016
 

Change in Net Assets

            

Operations

            

Net Investment Income (Loss)

   $ 43,342     $ 41,400     $ 10,101     $ 6,039     $ 2,770     $ 536  

Net Realized Gain (Loss) on Investments

     44,972       (67,233     29,701       (21,156     5       39  

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) of Investments

     269,911       72,238       109,969       59,470       -         -    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations

     358,225       46,405       149,771       44,353       2,775       575  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Distributions to Shareholders from:

            

Net Investment Income

     (42,550     (33,744     (5,748     (3,683     (2,770     (562

Net Realized Gain on Investments

     -         (20,770     -         -         (5     (39
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Decrease in Net Assets Resulting from Distributions to Shareholders

     (42,550     (54,514     (5,748     (3,683     (2,775     (601
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Capital Transactions:

            

Shares Sold

     108,920       130,094       101,162       96,382       198,453       280,259  

Reinvestment of Distributions Paid

     42,550       54,514       5,748       3,683       2,774       601  

Shares Redeemed

     (167,739     (154,180     (54,452     (63,232     (263,423     (224,486
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Capital Transactions

     (16,269     30,428       52,458       36,833       (62,196     56,374  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets

     299,406       22,319       196,481       77,503       (62,196     56,348  

Net Assets

            

Beginning of Period

     1,628,267       1,605,948       521,800       444,297       501,635       445,287  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of Period

   $ 1,927,673     $ 1,628,267     $ 718,281     $ 521,800     $ 439,439     $ 501,635  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Undistributed Net Investment Income (Loss)

   $ 45,322     $ 42,171     $ 9,186     $ 5,746     $ -       $ 3  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Portfolio Share Transactions:

            

Shares Sold

     60,655       84,805       99,983       116,570       198,452       280,259  

Reinvestment of Distributions Paid

     23,547       34,678       5,490       4,084       2,774       601  

Shares Redeemed

     (93,626     (99,670     (53,874     (74,182     (263,423     (224,486
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares Resulting from Portfolio Share Transactions

     (9,424     19,813       51,599       46,472       (62,197     56,374  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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

 

  Statement of Changes in Net Assets     201  


Table of Contents

    

 

    

    

 

Short-Term Bond Portfolio     Select Bond Portfolio     Long-Term U.S.
Government Bond Portfolio
    Inflation Protection
Portfolio
    High Yield Bond Portfolio  
For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2017
    For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2016
    For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2017
    For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2016
    For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2017
    For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2016
    For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2017
    For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2016
    For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2017
    For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2016
 
                 
                 
$ 4,510     $ 3,390     $ 62,247     $ 54,899     $ 3,003     $ 2,670     $ 7,264     $ 4,658     $ 43,254     $ 43,038  
  (256     (267     9,220       33,412       793       6,286       (2,060     (361     5,357       (9,145
  (669     1,009      
    
31,121

 
    (4,066     5,288       (8,770     7,580       9,070       3,538       66,202  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  3,585       4,132      
    
102,588

 
    84,245       9,084       186       12,784       13,367       52,149       100,095  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
                 
  (3,730     (3,014     (59,951     (54,600     (2,157     (2,240     (2,412     (3,649     (43,155     (39,861
  -         -         (38,818     (15,134     (4,416     (2,060     (1,002     -         -         -    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
 
    
(3,730

    (3,014     (98,769     (69,734     (6,573     (4,300     (3,414     (3,649     (43,155     (39,861

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
                 
  52,650       55,068       261,713       306,188       16,641       31,985       90,861       64,335       61,646       90,495  
  3,730       3,014       98,769       69,734       6,573       4,300       3,414       3,649       43,155       39,861  
  (32,554     (33,571     (259,412     (408,346     (20,403     (26,293     (28,861     (37,864     (58,863     (121,767

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
 
    
23,826

 
    24,511       101,070       (32,424     2,811       9,992       65,414       30,120       45,938       8,589  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  23,681       25,629       104,889       (17,913     5,322       5,878       74,784       39,838       54,931       68,823  
                 
  269,833       244,204       2,839,045       2,856,958       110,391       104,513       326,927       287,089       756,947       688,124  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
$ 293,514     $ 269,833     $ 2,943,934     $ 2,839,045     $ 115,713     $ 110,391     $ 401,711     $ 326,927     $ 811,878     $ 756,947  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
$ 4,647     $ 3,730     $ 67,846     $ 59,282     $ 2,221     $ 2,138     $ 7,085     $ 2,241     $ 43,280     $ 43,156  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
                 
  50,772       53,074       206,659       238,149       15,440       27,499       82,521       59,146       81,679       126,073  
  3,610       2,912       78,952       54,056       6,189       3,571       3,121       3,314       58,635       55,133  
  (31,382     (32,380     (204,707     (319,391     (18,859     (23,311     (26,253     (34,953     (77,840     (169,484

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
 
    
23,000

 
    23,606       80,904       (27,186     2,770       7,759       59,389       27,507       62,474       11,722  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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

 

202   Statement of Changes in Net Assets  


Table of Contents

Statement of Changes in Net Assets

 

Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc.

(in thousands)

 

     Multi-Sector Bond Portfolio     Balanced Portfolio     Asset Allocation Portfolio  
      For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2017
    For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2016
    For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2017
    For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2016
    For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2017
    For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2016
 

Change in Net Assets

            

Operations

            

Net Investment Income (Loss)

   $ 31,339     $ 24,620     $ 39,456     $ 38,101     $ 4,435     $ 4,178  

Net Realized Gain (Loss) on Investments

     (2,606     1,476       63,304       94,444       8,344       12,914  

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) of Investments

     31,875       38,528       152,879       7,764       23,925       1,493  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations

     60,608       64,624       255,639       140,309       36,704       18,585  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Distributions to Shareholders from:

            

Net Investment Income

     (30,040     (29,034     (49,621     (49,667     (5,486     (5,868

Net Realized Gain on Investments

     -         -         (82,890     (62,181     (11,468     (9,122

Net Decrease in Net Assets Resulting from Distributions to Shareholders

     (30,040     (29,034     (132,511     (111,848     (16,954     (14,990
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Capital Transactions:

            

Shares Sold

     153,044       124,597       110,602       112,327       17,526       12,710  

Reinvestment of Distributions Paid

     30,040       29,034       132,511       111,848       16,954       14,990  

Shares Redeemed

     (62,520     (80,006     (261,605     (269,268     (27,416     (30,309
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Capital Transactions

     120,564       73,625       (18,492     (45,093     7,064       (2,609
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets

     151,132       109,215       104,636       (16,632     26,814       986  

Net Assets

            

Beginning of Period

     689,849       580,634       2,202,834       2,219,466       250,399       249,413  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of Period

   $ 840,981     $ 689,849     $ 2,307,470     $ 2,202,834     $ 277,213     $ 250,399  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Undistributed Net Investment Income (Loss)

   $ 21,941     $ 29,247     $ 52,700     $ 49,621     $ 5,391     $ 5,486  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Portfolio Share Transactions:

            

Shares Sold

     140,652       119,181       76,125       80,453       14,931       11,471  

Reinvestment of Distributions Paid

     27,866       27,365       93,913       79,834       14,858       13,456  

Shares Redeemed

     (57,521     (77,141     (180,257     (193,183     (23,360     (27,323
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares Resulting from Portfolio Share Transactions

     110,997       69,405       (10,219     (32,896     6,429       (2,396
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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

 

  Statement of Changes in Net Assets     203  


Table of Contents

Statement of Cash Flows

 

Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc.

For the Year Ended December 31, 2017 (in thousands)

 

      Long-Term U.S.
Government Bond
Portfolio
 

Cash Flows from Operating Activities

  

Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations

   $ 9,084  

Adjustments to Reconcile Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations to Net Cash from Operating Activities Purchase of Investment Securities

     (112,543

Proceeds from Disposition of Investment Securities

     102,275  

Proceeds from Disposition (Purchase) of Short-Term Investments, net

     (1,291

Proceeds from (Payments for) Closed Futures Contracts and Cleared Swaps

     165  

Proceeds from (Payments for) Swap Contracts

     (315

Premiums Received for Options Written

  

Amortization (Accretion) of Premium/Discount, net

     (88

(Increase) Decrease in:

  

Cash Collateral for Derivative Positions

     226  

Receivable for Investment Securities Sold

     8,546  

Dividends and Interest Receivable

     (201

Increase (Decrease) in:

  

Payable for Investment Securities Purchased

     (1,609

Payable for Reverse Repurchase Agreement

     (1,568

Payable for Investment Advisory Fees

     (6

Accrued Expenses

     21  

Change in Net Unrealized (Appreciation) Depreciation of:

  

Investment Securities

     (6,265

Futures Contracts

     (76

Swap Contracts

     1,053  

Net Realized (Gain) Loss from:

  

Investment Securities

     73  

Futures Contracts

     (50

Options Written

  

Paydowns

  

Swap Contracts

     (816
  

 

 

 

Total Adjustments

     (12,469
  

 

 

 

Net Cash (Used in) Provided by Operating Activities

     (3,385
  

 

 

 

Cash Flows from Financing Activities

  

Cash Received from Financing Transactions

     1,201,515  

Cash (Used for) Financing Transactions

     (1,200,750

Proceeds from Capital Shares Sold

     16,709  

Payment on Capital Shares Redeemed

     (20,317
  

 

 

 

Net Cash (Used in) Provided by Financing Activities

     (2,843
  

 

 

 

Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents

     (6,228

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Period

     6,228  
  

 

 

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Period

   $ -    
  

 

 

 

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:

Non-cash financing activities not included herein consist of reinvestment of dividends and distributions of $6,573.

Interest paid was $304 for the period ended December 31, 2017.

 

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

 

204   Statement of Cash Flows  


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights

 

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

      Net Asset Value,
Beginning
of Period
     Net Investment
Income (Loss)
    Net Realized and
Unrealized Gain
(Loss) on
Investments
    Total from
Investment
Operations
    Distributions
from Net
Investment
Income
    Distributions
from Realized
Gains on
Investments
    Total
Distributions
     Net Asset Value,
End of Period
 

Growth Stock Portfolio

 

2017

   $ 2.58      $ 0.02     $ 0.59     $ 0.61     $ (0.03   $ (0.13   $ (0.16    $ 3.03  

2016

     2.81        0.03       0.04       0.07       (0.02     (0.28     (0.30      2.58  

2015

     2.87        0.02       0.15       0.17       (0.02     (0.21     (0.23      2.81  

2014

     2.94        0.02       0.22       0.24       (0.02     (0.29     (0.31      2.87  

2013

     2.35        0.02       0.78       0.80       (0.02     (0.19     (0.21      2.94  

Focused Appreciation Portfolio

 

        

2017

   $ 2.08      $ 0.02     $ 0.68     $ 0.70     $ (0.02   $ (0.05   $ (0.07    $ 2.71  

2016

     2.68        0.02       0.17       0.19       (0.01     (0.78     (0.79      2.08  

2015

     2.63        0.01       0.34       0.35       –         (0.30     (0.30      2.68  

2014

     2.69        0.00 (e)      0.22       0.22       (0.00 )(e)      (0.28     (0.28      2.63  

2013

     2.09        0.00 (e)      0.61       0.61       (0.01     –         (0.01      2.69  

Large Cap Core Stock Portfolio

 

2017

   $ 1.60      $ 0.03     $ 0.36     $ 0.39     $ (0.03   $ –       $ (0.03    $ 1.96  

2016

     1.54        0.03       0.09       0.12       (0.03     (0.03     (0.06      1.60  

2015

     1.65        0.03       (0.08     (0.05     (0.04     (0.02     (0.06      1.54  

2014

     1.70        0.04       0.10       0.14       (0.03     (0.16     (0.19      1.65  

2013

     1.34        0.03       0.35       0.38       (0.02     –         (0.02      1.70  

Large Cap Blend Portfolio

 

2017

   $ 1.07      $ 0.01     $ 0.20     $ 0.21     $ (0.01   $ (0.06   $ (0.07    $ 1.21  

2016

     1.03        0.01       0.12       0.13       (0.01     (0.08     (0.09      1.07  

2015

     1.12        0.01       (0.03     (0.02     (0.01     (0.06     (0.07      1.03  

2014

     1.04        0.01       0.11       0.12       (0.00 )(e)      (0.04     (0.04      1.12  

2013

     0.83        0.01       0.25       0.26       (0.01     (0.04     (0.05      1.04  

Index 500 Stock Portfolio

 

2017

   $ 4.17      $ 0.08     $ 0.81     $ 0.89     $ (0.08   $ (0.05   $ (0.13    $ 4.93  

2016

     3.88        0.08       0.37       0.45       (0.07     (0.09     (0.16      4.17  

2015

     3.98        0.07       (0.03     0.04       (0.07     (0.07     (0.14      3.88  

2014

     3.61        0.07       0.41       0.48       (0.06     (0.05     (0.11      3.98  

2013

     2.84        0.06       0.84       0.90       (0.06     (0.07     (0.13      3.61  

Large Company Value Portfolio

 

2017

   $ 1.02      $ 0.02     $ 0.08     $ 0.10     $ (0.02   $ (0.04   $ (0.06    $ 1.06  

2016

     0.99        0.02       0.12       0.14       (0.02     (0.09     (0.11      1.02  

2015

     1.15        0.02       (0.06     (0.04     (0.02     (0.10     (0.12      0.99  

2014

     1.07        0.02       0.12       0.14       –         (0.06     (0.06      1.15  

2013

     0.84        0.02       0.24       0.26       (0.01     (0.02     (0.03      1.07  

Domestic Equity Portfolio

 

2017

   $ 1.54      $ 0.03     $ 0.18     $ 0.21     $ (0.03   $ (0.04   $ (0.07    $ 1.68  

2016

     1.41        0.03       0.19       0.22       (0.03     (0.06     (0.09      1.54  

2015

     1.44        0.03       (0.03     –         (0.03     –         (0.03      1.41  

2014

     1.29        0.03       0.14       0.17       (0.02     –         (0.02      1.44  

2013

     0.98        0.02       0.31       0.33       (0.02     –         (0.02      1.29  

 

(e) Amount is less than $0.005.

 

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

 

  Financial Highlights     205  


Table of Contents

    

 

 

Total Return(d)     Net Assets, End
of Period
(thousands)
     Ratio of Gross
Expenses to
Average Net
Assets
    Ratio of Net
Expenses to
Average Net
Assets
    Ratio of Net
Investment
Income (Loss) to
Average Net
Assets
    Portfolio
Turnover Rate
 
                   
  24.27   $ 959,854        0.43     0.42     0.78     57.70
  2.47       837,980        0.43       0.43       0.97       65.66  
  6.01       860,348        0.43       0.42       0.82       50.12  
  9.02       885,880        0.43       0.41       0.76       42.36  
  35.86       847,384        0.44       0.43       0.79       85.54  
                   
  33.62   $ 945,385        0.75     0.63     0.66     3.50
  5.87       771,800        0.76       0.63       0.83       9.38  
  13.64       778,837        0.76       0.63       0.27       131.33  
  9.43       722,379        0.77       0.64       (0.02     54.58  
  29.01       624,512        0.79       0.71       0.04       63.90  
          
  24.87   $ 592,577        0.45     0.44     1.56     100.72
  7.57       514,495        0.45       0.45       1.96       6.83  
  (3.06     509,411        0.45       0.44       2.04       13.36  
  8.56       555,639        0.45       0.44       2.08       5.92  
  28.58       538,368        0.46       0.46       1.78       72.60  
                   
  19.02   $ 176,221        0.81     0.81     0.75     16.09
  13.99       164,752        0.82       0.81       0.97       21.12  
  (2.42     153,841        0.81       0.81       0.99       16.11  
  12.58       166,948        0.82       0.82       0.91       27.31  
  30.86       151,099        0.83       0.83       1.01       55.43  
          
  21.52   $ 3,222,137        0.21     0.21     1.82     2.92
  11.73       2,678,914        0.21       0.21       1.97       3.28  
  1.17       2,386,253        0.21       0.21       1.87       4.17  
  13.46       2,370,298        0.22       0.22       1.84       2.65  
  32.05       2,164,501        0.22       0.22       1.90       3.76  
                   
  11.10   $ 199,836        0.75     0.73     2.15     53.45
  15.36       195,773        0.75       0.72       2.07       79.86  
  (3.85     174,429        0.74       0.71       1.49       52.53  
  13.03       190,954        0.75       0.72       1.55       55.92  
  31.29       170,062        0.78       0.76       1.73       49.12  
                   
  13.78   $ 819,214        0.55     0.54     1.93     12.37
  14.98       720,940        0.55       0.55       2.00       12.24  
  (0.09     610,458        0.56       0.55       2.06       14.15  
  13.87       620,021        0.56       0.56       1.92       7.97  
  34.03       570,648        0.57       0.57       2.10       17.09  

 

(d) Total Return includes deductions for management and other fund expenses; excludes deductions for sales loads and account fees, not annualized for periods less than one year.

 

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

 

206   Financial Highlights  


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights

 

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

      Net Asset Value,
Beginning
of Period
     Net Investment
Income (Loss)
    Net Realized and
Unrealized Gain
(Loss) on
Investments
    Total from
Investment
Operations
    Distributions
from Net
Investment
Income
    Distributions
from Realized
Gains on
Investments
    Total
Distributions
     Net Asset Value,
End of Period
 

Equity Income Portfolio

 

2017

   $ 1.72      $ 0.04     $ 0.23     $ 0.27     $ (0.04   $ (0.09   $ (0.13    $ 1.86  

2016

     1.56        0.04       0.24       0.28       (0.03     (0.09     (0.12      1.72  

2015

     1.77        0.03       (0.14     (0.11     (0.03     (0.07     (0.10      1.56  

2014

     1.72        0.03       0.10       0.13       (0.02     (0.06     (0.08      1.77  

2013

     1.34        0.03       0.37       0.40       (0.02     –         (0.02      1.72  

Mid Cap Growth Stock Portfolio

 

2017

   $ 2.88      $ 0.00 (e)    $ 0.59     $ 0.59     $ (0.01   $ –       $ (0.01    $ 3.46  

2016

     3.11        0.01       0.02       0.03       (0.01     (0.25     (0.26      2.88  

2015

     3.40        0.01       0.02       0.03       (0.00 )(e)      (0.32     (0.32      3.11  

2014

     3.92        0.01       0.27       0.28       (0.01     (0.79     (0.80      3.40  

2013

     3.26        0.02       0.80       0.82       (0.01     (0.15     (0.16      3.92  

Index 400 Stock Portfolio

 

2017

   $ 1.96      $ 0.02     $ 0.27     $ 0.29     $ (0.02   $ (0.12   $ (0.14    $ 2.11  

2016

     1.77        0.02       0.33       0.35       (0.02     (0.14     (0.16      1.96  

2015

     1.96        0.02       (0.07     (0.05     (0.02     (0.12     (0.14      1.77  

2014

     1.90        0.02       0.15       0.17       (0.02     (0.09     (0.11      1.96  

2013

     1.49        0.02       0.47       0.49       (0.02     (0.06     (0.08      1.90  

Mid Cap Value Portfolio

 

2017

   $ 1.73      $ 0.03     $ 0.16     $ 0.19     $ (0.03   $ (0.06   $ (0.09    $ 1.83  

2016

     1.54        0.03       0.32       0.35       (0.03     (0.13     (0.16      1.73  

2015

     1.77        0.02       (0.04     (0.02     (0.03     (0.18     (0.21      1.54  

2014

     1.67        0.03       0.24       0.27       (0.02     (0.15     (0.17      1.77  

2013

     1.30        0.02       0.37       0.39       (0.01     (0.01     (0.02      1.67  

Small Cap Growth Stock Portfolio

 

2017

   $ 2.39      $ 0.00 (e)    $ 0.52     $ 0.52     $ (0.00 )(e)    $ (0.03   $ (0.03    $ 2.88  

2016

     2.37        0.00 (e)      0.28       0.28       (0.01     (0.25     (0.26      2.39  

2015

     2.50        0.01       (0.01     –         (0.00 )(e)      (0.13     (0.13      2.37  

2014

     2.60        0.00 (e)      0.20       0.20       –         (0.30     (0.30      2.50  

2013

     1.88        0.00 (e)      0.73       0.73       (0.01     –         (0.01      2.60  

Index 600 Stock Portfolio

 

2017

   $ 1.36      $ 0.01     $ 0.16     $ 0.17     $ (0.03   $ (0.05   $ (0.08    $ 1.45  

2016

     1.13        0.01       0.29       0.30       (0.01     (0.06     (0.07      1.36  

2015

     1.16        0.01       (0.04     (0.03     –         (0.00 )(e)      (0.00 )(e)       1.13  

2014

     1.33        0.01       0.06       0.07       (0.02     (0.22     (0.24      1.16  

2013

     1.01        0.01       0.39       0.40       (0.04     (0.04     (0.08      1.33  

Small Cap Value Portfolio

 

2017

   $ 2.42      $ 0.02     $ 0.25     $ 0.27     $ (0.02   $ (0.13   $ (0.15    $ 2.54  

2016

     2.10        0.02       0.61       0.63       (0.02     (0.29     (0.31      2.42  

2015

     2.38        0.02       (0.14     (0.12     (0.02     (0.14     (0.16      2.10  

2014

     2.45        0.02       (0.02     0.00 (e)      (0.01     (0.06     (0.07      2.38  

2013

     1.89        0.01       0.59       0.60       (0.03     (0.01     (0.04      2.45  

 

(e) Amount is less than $0.005.

 

 

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

 

  Financial Highlights     207  


Table of Contents

    

 

 

Total Return(d)     Net Assets, End
of Period
(thousands)
     Ratio of Gross
Expenses to
Average Net
Assets
    Ratio of Net
Expenses to
Average Net
Assets
    Ratio of Net
Investment
Income (Loss) to
Average Net
Assets
    Portfolio
Turnover Rate
 
                   
  16.24   $ 844,398        0.65     0.62     2.04     21.27
  19.17       798,167        0.66       0.64       2.42       23.09  
  (6.74     732,781        0.65       0.65       2.08       37.97  
  7.43       781,735        0.66       0.66       1.94       13.56  
  29.94       676,031        0.67       0.67       1.77       15.98  
                   
  20.29   $ 1,097,433        0.54     0.54     0.14     148.03
  0.83       983,395        0.54       0.54       0.29       57.23  
  0.71       1,025,151        0.53       0.52       0.17       68.54  
  8.49       1,098,155        0.54       0.51       0.25       82.51  
  25.53       1,073,332        0.54       0.52       0.44       137.80  
          
  15.96   $ 896,559        0.28     0.26     1.22     18.08
  20.38       773,157        0.28       0.27       1.31       19.44  
  (2.38     634,401        0.28       0.27       1.23       18.70  
  9.42       652,404        0.28       0.27       1.25       12.20  
  33.16       624,092        0.29       0.28       1.15       11.21  
                   
  11.81   $ 564,624        0.88     0.76     1.79     46.45
  23.23       518,217        0.89       0.77       1.71       53.81  
  (1.33     410,233        0.89       0.77       1.38       71.46  
  16.69       427,853        0.90       0.78       1.56       66.16  
  30.24       343,933        0.91       0.85       1.54       68.43  
                   
  21.61   $ 627,901        0.56     0.56     (0.01 )%      43.11
  12.25       545,052        0.58       0.58       0.19       44.26  
  0.32       494,932        0.57       0.56       0.22       48.21  
  8.66       529,548        0.57       0.57       0.12       27.07  
  38.60       520,492        0.59       0.59       0.00       155.34  
                   
  12.93   $ 222,348        0.33     0.33     1.04     36.46
  26.12       173,883        0.36       0.35       1.00       52.14  
  (2.35     113,993        0.36       0.34       0.95       46.59  
  5.34       101,286        0.39       0.35       0.93       49.73  
  40.67       123,487        0.38       0.35       0.76       47.23  
                   
  11.65   $ 673,234        0.88     0.86     0.56     14.51
  32.39       647,830        0.89       0.88       0.93       24.02  
  (5.45     514,970        0.88       0.88       1.00       35.53  
  0.22       583,367        0.88       0.88       0.81       16.29  
  31.76       576,830        0.88       0.88       0.46       9.17  

 

(d) Total Return includes deductions for management and other fund expenses; excludes deductions for sales loads and account fees, not annualized for periods less than one year.

 

 

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

 

208   Financial Highlights  


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights

 

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

      Net Asset Value,
Beginning
of Period
     Net Investment
Income (Loss)
    Net Realized and
Unrealized Gain
(Loss) on
Investments
    Total from
Investment
Operations
    Distributions
from Net
Investment
Income
    Distributions
from Realized
Gains on
Investments
    Total
Distributions
     Net Asset Value,
End of Period
 

International Growth Portfolio

 

2017

   $ 1.24      $ 0.02     $ 0.35     $ 0.37     $ (0.02   $ –       $ (0.02    $ 1.59  

2016

     1.30        0.02       (0.07     (0.05     (0.01     –         (0.01      1.24  

2015

     1.34        0.02       (0.04     (0.02     (0.02     –         (0.02      1.30  

2014

     1.43        0.02       (0.09     (0.07     (0.02     –         (0.02      1.34  

2013

     1.21        0.02       0.22       0.24       (0.02     –         (0.02      1.43  

Research International Core Portfolio

 

2017

   $ 0.82      $ 0.02     $ 0.22     $ 0.24     $ (0.02   $ –       $ (0.02    $ 1.04  

2016

     0.85        0.02       (0.03     (0.01     (0.01     (0.01     (0.02      0.82  

2015

     0.90        0.02       (0.03     (0.01     (0.02     (0.02     (0.04      0.85  

2014

     0.99        0.02       (0.09     (0.07     (0.01     (0.01     (0.02      0.90  

2013

     0.83        0.01       0.15       0.16       (0.00 )(e)      –         (0.00 )(e)       0.99  

International Equity Portfolio

 

2017

   $ 1.60      $ 0.04     $ 0.31     $ 0.35     $ (0.04   $ –       $ (0.04    $ 1.91  

2016

     1.61        0.04       (0.00 )(e)      0.04       (0.03     (0.02     (0.05      1.60  

2015

     1.77        0.04       (0.08     (0.04     (0.05     (0.07     (0.12      1.61  

2014

     2.13        0.06       (0.24     (0.18     (0.04     (0.14     (0.18      1.77  

2013

     1.79        0.04       0.34       0.38       (0.04     (0.00 )(e)      (0.04      2.13  

Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio

 

2017

   $ 0.87      $ 0.02     $ 0.22     $ 0.24     $ (0.01   $ –       $ (0.01    $ 1.10  

2016

     0.80        0.01       0.07       0.08       (0.01     –         (0.01      0.87  

2015

     0.93        0.01       (0.13     (0.12     (0.01     –         (0.01      0.80  

2014

     0.99        0.01       (0.06     (0.05     (0.01     0.00 (e)      (0.01      0.93  

2013

     1.06        0.01       (0.07     (0.06     (0.01     0.00 (e)      (0.01      0.99  

Government Money Market Portfolio

 

2017

   $ 1.00      $ 0.01     $ 0.00 (e)    $ 0.01     $ (0.01   $ (0.00 )(e)    $ (0.01    $ 1.00  

2016

     1.00        0.00 (e)      –         0.00 (e)      (0.00 )(e)      (0.00 )(e)      (0.00 )(e)       1.00  

2015

     1.00        0.00 (e)      –         0.00 (e)      (0.00 )(e)      (0.00 )(e)      (0.00 )(e)       1.00  

2014

     1.00        0.00 (e)      –         0.00 (e)      (0.00 )(e)      –         (0.00 )(e)       1.00  

2013

     1.00        0.00 (e)      –         0.00 (e)      (0.00 )(e)      –         (0.00 )(e)       1.00  

Short-Term Bond Portfolio

 

2017

   $ 1.03      $ 0.02     $ (0.01   $ 0.01     $ (0.01   $ –       $ (0.01    $ 1.03  

2016

     1.03        0.01       –         0.01       (0.01     –         (0.01      1.03  

2015

     1.03        0.01       (0.00 )(e)      0.01       (0.01     –         (0.01      1.03  

2014

     1.03        0.01       –         0.01       (0.01     –         (0.01      1.03  

2013

     1.03        0.01       (0.01     0.00 (e)      (0.00 )(e)      –         (0.00 )(e)       1.03  

Select Bond Portfolio

 

2017

   $ 1.26      $ 0.03     $ 0.02     $ 0.05     $ (0.03   $ (0.02   $ (0.05    $ 1.26  

2016

     1.25        0.02       0.03       0.05       (0.03     (0.01     (0.04      1.26  

2015

     1.27        0.02       (0.01     0.01       (0.02     (0.01     (0.03      1.25  

2014

     1.23        0.02       0.05       0.07       (0.03     –         (0.03      1.27  

2013

     1.30        0.03       (0.05     (0.02     (0.03     (0.02     (0.05      1.23  

 

(e) Amount is less than $0.005.

 

 

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

 

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Total Return(d)     Net Assets, End
of Period
(thousands)
     Ratio of Gross
Expenses to
Average Net
Assets
    Ratio of Net
Expenses to
Average Net
Assets
    Ratio of Net
Investment
Income (Loss) to
Average Net
Assets
    Portfolio
Turnover Rate
 
                   
  30.03   $ 697,581        0.67     0.67     1.32     19.52
  (3.41     523,122        0.71       0.71       1.67       25.57  
  (1.73     485,313        0.74       0.74       1.12       134.92  
  (4.52     436,931        0.74       0.74       1.75       64.20  
  19.81       420,218        0.76       0.76       1.20       77.33  
                   
  28.21   $ 658,005        0.86     0.81     1.74     27.88
  (1.12     499,649        0.92       0.88       1.99       40.80  
  (1.11     498,395        0.91       0.91       1.78       32.43  
  (6.71     457,008        0.94       0.94       2.45       25.24  
  18.92       412,413        0.98       0.98       1.65       30.41  
                   
  22.30   $ 1,927,673        0.70     0.57     2.40     20.68
  2.89       1,628,267        0.71       0.62       2.65       16.25  
  (2.21     1,605,948        0.73       0.64       2.05       18.80  
  (8.80     1,635,378        0.72       0.66       2.91       17.84  
  21.38       1,778,202        0.73       0.66       2.10       34.06  
                   
  27.84   $ 718,281        1.18     1.06     1.61     98.21
  9.06       521,800        1.25       1.16       1.24       47.33  
  (12.24     444,297        1.32       1.32       0.91       45.83  
  (6.25     416,997        1.34       1.35       1.02       45.75  
  (5.15     357,253        1.40       1.40       0.81       31.60  
                   
  0.60   $ 439,438        0.33     0.33     0.59     –  
  0.13       501,635        0.32       0.32       0.11       –    
  0.01       445,287        0.33       0.26       0.01       –    
  0.07       438,752        0.33       0.07       0.07       –    
  0.10       483,182        0.32       0.07       0.10       –    
                   
  1.33   $ 293,514        0.42     0.41     1.60     45.77
  1.67       269,833        0.43       0.43       1.33       36.61  
  0.72       244,204        0.43       0.42       1.17       35.76  
  0.38       234,487        0.41       0.41       0.76       196.15  
  0.55       196,198        0.42       0.42       0.76       199.33  
                   
  3.58   $ 2,943,934        0.32     0.31     2.15     390.26 %(g) 
  3.06       2,839,045        0.32       0.31       1.91       524.79 (g) 
  0.53       2,856,958        0.31       0.31       1.76       476.41 (g) 
  5.56       2,841,156        0.32       0.32       1.97       308.80 (g) 
  (2.16     1,712,896        0.32       0.32       1.99       131.49 (g) 

 

(d) Total Return includes deductions for management and other fund expenses; excludes deductions for sales loads and account fees, not annualized for periods less than one year.

 

(g) Portfolio Turnover Rate excludes the impact of mortgage dollar roll transactions.

 

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

 

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Financial Highlights

 

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

      Net Asset Value,
Beginning
of Period
     Net Investment
Income (Loss)
     Net Realized and
Unrealized Gain
(Loss) on
Investments
    Total from
Investment
Operations
    Distributions
from Net
Investment
Income
    Distributions
from Realized
Gains on
Investments
    Total
Distributions
     Net Asset Value,
End of Period
 

Long-Term U.S. Government Bond Portfolio

 

2017

   $ 1.06      $ 0.03      $ 0.05     $ 0.08     $ (0.02   $ (0.04   $ (0.06    $ 1.08  

2016

     1.08        0.03        (0.01     0.02       (0.02     (0.02     (0.04      1.06  

2015

     1.12        0.03        (0.05     (0.02     (0.02     –         (0.02      1.08  

2014

     0.92        0.03        0.19       0.22       (0.02     –         (0.02      1.12  

2013

     1.07        0.03        (0.18     (0.15     0.00 (e)      (0.00 )(e)      (0.00 )(e)       0.92  

Inflation Protection Portfolio

 

2017

   $ 1.09      $ 0.02      $ 0.01     $ 0.03     $ (0.01   $ (0.00 )(e)    $ (0.01    $ 1.11  

2016

     1.05        0.02        0.03       0.05       (0.01     –         (0.01      1.09  

2015

     1.10        0.01        (0.03     (0.02     (0.03     –         (0.03      1.05  

2014

     1.08        0.01        0.03       0.04       (0.01     (0.01     (0.02      1.10  

2013

     1.22        0.01        (0.12     (0.11     (0.01     (0.02     (0.03      1.08  

High Yield Bond Portfolio

 

2017

   $ 0.74      $ 0.04      $ 0.01     $ 0.05     $ (0.04   $ –       $ (0.04    $ 0.75  

2016

     0.68        0.04        0.06       0.10       (0.04     –         (0.04      0.74  

2015

     0.72        0.04        (0.05     (0.01     (0.03     –         (0.03      0.68  

2014

     0.75        0.04        (0.03     0.01       (0.04     –         (0.04      0.72  

2013

     0.75        0.04        –         0.04       (0.04     –         (0.04      0.75  

Multi-Sector Bond Portfolio

 

2017

   $ 1.05      $ 0.04      $ 0.04     $ 0.08     $ (0.04   $ –       $ (0.04    $ 1.09  

2016

     0.99        0.04        0.07       0.11       (0.05     –         (0.05      1.05  

2015

     1.08        0.04        (0.05     (0.01     (0.06     (0.02     (0.08      0.99  

2014

     1.08        0.04        (0.01     0.03       (0.03     –         (0.03      1.08  

2013

     1.14        0.04        (0.05     (0.01     (0.04     (0.01     (0.05      1.08  

Balanced Portfolio

 

2017

   $ 1.40      $ 0.03      $ 0.12     $ 0.15     $ (0.03   $ (0.05   $ (0.08    $ 1.47  

2016

     1.38        0.02        0.07       0.09       (0.03     (0.04     (0.07      1.40  

2015

     1.48        0.02        (0.02     –         (0.03     (0.07     (0.10      1.38  

2014

     1.56        0.02        0.07       0.09       (0.04     (0.13     (0.17      1.48  

2013

     1.51        0.03        0.14       0.17       (0.05     (0.07     (0.12      1.56  

Asset Allocation Portfolio

 

2017

   $ 1.12      $ 0.02      $ 0.15     $ 0.17     $ (0.03   $ (0.05   $ (0.08    $ 1.21  

2016

     1.11        0.02        0.06       0.08       (0.03     (0.04     (0.07      1.12  

2015

     1.20        0.02        (0.03     (0.01     (0.02     (0.06     (0.08      1.11  

2014

     1.28        0.01        0.05       0.06       (0.03     (0.11     (0.14      1.20  

2013

     1.13        0.02        0.17       0.19       (0.04     –         (0.04      1.28  

 

(e) Amount is less than $0.005.

 

 

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

 

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Total Return(d)     Net Assets, End
of Period
(thousands)
     Ratio of Gross
Expenses to
Average Net
Assets
    Ratio of Net
Expenses to
Average Net
Assets
    Ratio of Net
Investment
Income (Loss) to
Average Net
Assets
    Portfolio
Turnover Rate
 
                   
  8.28   $ 115,713        0.94 %(s)      0.92 %(s)      2.64     50.94 %(g) 
  1.09       110,391        0.77 (s)      0.77 (s)      2.19       126.34 (g 
  (1.47     104,513        0.69 (s)      0.67 (s)      2.32       32.93 (g) 
  23.73       109,250        0.68 (s)      0.67 (s)      2.67       116.62 (g) 
  –         87,627        0.69 (s)      0.68 (s)      2.69       125.96 (g) 
                   
  3.58   $ 401,711        0.61     0.57     2.05     20.82
  4.68       326,927        0.64       0.59       1.54       33.80  
  (2.20     287,089        0.63       0.59       0.52       17.29  
  3.14       285,685        0.63       0.59       1.26       20.25  
  (8.33     252,708        0.64       0.62       0.91       31.82  
                   
  6.88   $ 811,878        0.45     0.45     5.48     31.59
  14.59       756,947        0.47       0.46       5.83       35.58  
  (1.36     688,124        0.46       0.46       5.55       27.49  
  1.18       701,988        0.47       0.47       5.43       96.48  
  5.84       518,387        0.48       0.48       5.70       53.07  
          
  8.38   $ 840,981        0.82     0.75     4.06     48.84
  11.09       689,849        0.84       0.78       3.86       42.81  
  (2.22     580,634        0.85       0.79       4.13       58.14 (g) 
  3.25       546,059        0.86       0.81       3.89       58.51 (g) 
  (1.58     459,258        0.88       0.88       3.91       65.10 (g) 
          
  11.98   $ 2,307,470        0.31 %(v)      0.06 %(v)      1.75     16.58
  6.58       2,202,834        0.31 (v)      0.07 (v)      1.73       23.64  
  (0.12     2,219,466        0.31 (v)      0.08 (v)      1.43       13.53  
  5.56       2,367,127        0.32 (v)      0.16 (v)      1.29       56.83 (g)(h) 
  12.08       2,366,285        0.32       0.32       1.91       112.58 (g) 
          
  14.87   $ 277,213        0.57 %(v)      0.09 %(v)      1.68     22.05
  7.79       250,399        0.58 (v)      0.09 (v)      1.69       25.59  
  (0.43     249,413        0.58 (v)      0.08 (v)      1.47       15.36  
  5.15       266,409        0.62 (v)      0.23 (v)      1.13       39.50 (g)(h) 
  16.67       260,576        0.65       0.60       1.65       105.28 (g) 

 

(d) Total Return includes deductions for management and other fund expenses; excludes deductions for sales loads and account fees, not annualized for periods less than one year.

 

(g) Portfolio Turnover Rate excludes the impact of mortgage dollar roll transactions.

 

(h) Portfolio Turnover Rate excludes the impact of in kind transactions.

 

(s) The ratios of gross expenses to average net assets and net expenses to average net assets include interest expense. Excluding interest expense, the ratios would be 0.67% and 0.66% respectively for the period ended December 31, 2017, 0.64% and 0.64% respectively for the period ended December 31, 2016, 0.67% and 0.64% respectively in 2015, 0.67% and 0.65% respectively in 2014, and 0.67% and 0.65% respectively in 2013.

 

(v) The ratios do not reflect the fund of fund’s proportionate share of income and expenses of the underlying investee funds.

 

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

 

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Notes to Financial Statements

 

Note 1. Organization

Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc. (the “Series Fund”) is registered as an open-end management investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (“1940 Act”). The Series Fund is also considered an investment company following the accounting and reporting guidance in Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 946. The Series Fund consists of the Growth Stock Portfolio, Focused Appreciation Portfolio, Large Cap Core Stock Portfolio, Large Cap Blend Portfolio, Index 500 Stock Portfolio, Large Company Value Portfolio, Domestic Equity Portfolio, Equity Income Portfolio, Mid Cap Growth Stock Portfolio, Index 400 Stock Portfolio, Mid Cap Value Portfolio, Small Cap Growth Stock Portfolio, Index 600 Stock Portfolio, Small Cap Value Portfolio, International Growth Portfolio, Research International Core Portfolio, International Equity Portfolio, Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio, Government Money Market Portfolio, Short-Term Bond Portfolio, Select Bond Portfolio, Long-Term U.S. Government Bond Portfolio, Inflation Protection Portfolio, High Yield Bond Portfolio, Multi-Sector Bond Portfolio, Balanced Portfolio and Asset Allocation Portfolio (each, a “Portfolio” or collectively, the “Portfolios”). All of the outstanding shares of each Portfolio are held by The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company (“Northwestern Mutual”) for its segregated asset accounts (either directly or indirectly through one or more underlying Portfolios operating as affiliated fund of funds).

Note 2. Significant Accounting Policies

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Series Fund in the preparation of its financial statements.

A. Use of Estimates — The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and 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 reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

B. Foreign Income and Capital Gains Taxes — The Portfolios may be subject to income taxes imposed by certain countries in which they invest. Foreign withholding taxes on dividends and interest are netted against income and separately disclosed in the Statements of Operations.

Some of the Portfolios may be subject to capital gains taxes imposed by certain countries in which they invest. Any applicable foreign capital gains tax is accrued daily based upon net unrealized gains, and may be payable following the sale of any applicable investments.

C. Federal Income Taxes — The Portfolios’ policy is to continue to comply with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code that are applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute all of their taxable income to their respective shareholders. The Portfolios also intend to distribute sufficient net investment income and net capital gains, if any, so that they will not be subject to excise tax, as applicable, on distributable income and gains.

In accordance with the authoritative guidance for uncertainty in income taxes, management of the Series Fund has reviewed all open tax years (2014 to 2017) for major jurisdictions and concluded there was no material impact to the Portfolios’ net assets or results of operations. There is no material tax liability relating to uncertain income tax positions taken or expected to be taken in future tax returns. The Portfolios are also not aware of any tax positions for which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will significantly change in the next 12 months.

D. Distributions — Dividends from net investment income and net realized capital gains are declared and paid each business day for the Government Money Market Portfolio and at least annually for the remaining Portfolios, when applicable. During 2017 and 2016, the Government Money Market Portfolio utilized earnings and profits distributions to shareholders on redemption of shares as part of the dividends paid deduction for income tax purposes.

E. Other — The Portfolios record security transactions on trade date. The basis for determining cost on sale of securities is identified cost. Interest income is recorded daily on the accrual basis and dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date or as soon as information from issuers is available. Where applicable, dividends are recorded net of foreign withholding tax. Discounts and premiums on securities purchased are amortized using the effective interest method. Expenses directly attributable to a Portfolio are incurred by the respective Portfolio. Expenses that are not directly attributable to one or more Portfolios are allocated among applicable Portfolios on an equitable and consistent basis considering such things as the nature

 

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Notes to Financial Statements

 

and type of expenses and the relative net assets of the Portfolios. The Portfolios consider highly liquid temporary cash investments purchased with an original maturity of less than three months to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents are included in the short-term investments on the Schedule of Investments as well as in investments on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Temporary cash overdrafts are reported as a payable to custodian.

F. New Accounting Pronouncements — In August 2016, the FASB issued an Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-15 which amends ASC 230 to clarify guidance on the classification of certain cash receipts and cash payments in the statement of cash flows. The ASU is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those annual periods. In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18 which amends ASC 230 to provide guidance on the classification and presentation of changes in restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents on the statement of cash flows. The ASU is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those annual periods. Management is currently evaluating the impact that adopting both ASU 2016-15 and ASU 2016-18 will have on the financial statements.

In March 2017, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2017-08, “Receivables—Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs (Subtopic 310-20), Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities” (ASU 2017-08). ASU 2017-08 amends the amortization period for certain purchased callable debt securities held at a premium, shortening such period to the earliest call date. The amendments are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018. Management is currently evaluating the impact that adopting ASU 2017-08 will have on the financial statements.

Note 3. Security Valuation

For purposes of calculating a net asset value, Portfolio securities and other assets are valued as of the close of trading on the New York Stock Exchange (“Exchange”) on each day during which the Exchange is open for trading.

The Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures Topic of the Financial Accounting Standards Codification defines fair value as the price that a fund would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. It establishes and requires disclosure of a fair value hierarchy, separately for each major category of asset and liability, which segregates fair value measurements into levels. A summary of the fair value hierarchy is described below:

 

    Level 1 — fair value is determined by unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical securities or derivatives

 

    Level 2 — fair value is determined by other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, and other data used in fair valuation)

 

    Level 3 — fair value is determined by significant unobservable inputs (including the Portfolios’ own assumptions in determining fair value)

The categorization of a value determined for a financial instrument within the hierarchy is based upon the pricing transparency of the instrument and does not necessarily correspond to the Portfolios’ perceived risk of that instrument.

The following is a description of the valuation techniques and significant inputs used in determining the value of the Portfolios’ investments classified as Level 1 and Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy:

 

    Equity securities (common and preferred stock) for which market quotations are readily available are valued at the last sale or official closing price as reported by an independent pricing service on the primary market or exchange on which they are traded. In the event there were no sales during the day or closing prices are not available, securities are valued at the last quoted bid price. Equity securities traded only in the over-the-counter market and not on a securities exchange are valued at the last sale price or closing bid price, if no sales have occurred. To the extent these securities are actively traded and valuation adjustments are not applied, they are categorized as Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. Additionally, for foreign securities, fair value procedures are used if a significant event occurs between the close of the foreign market and the U.S. market close. The fair value price is reflected as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy where applicable.

 

   

Fixed income securities, including corporate, convertible and municipal bonds and notes, U.S. government agencies, U.S. treasury obligations, sovereign issues, and non-U.S. bonds are generally valued on the basis of service provider prices that use broker dealer quotations or valuation estimates from internal pricing models. The service providers’

 

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Notes to Financial Statements

 

  internal models use inputs that are observable such as issuer details, interest rates, yield curves, call features, maturities, credit risks/spreads and default rates. Securities that use similar valuation techniques and inputs as described above are categorized as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.

 

    Fixed income securities purchased on a delayed delivery basis are marked to market daily until settlement at the forward settlement date and are categorized as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.

 

    Mortgage related and asset backed securities are generally issued as separate tranches, or classes, of securities within each deal. These securities are normally valued by pricing service providers that use broker dealer quotations or valuation estimates from their internal pricing models. The pricing models for these securities usually consider tranche level attributes, current market data, estimated cash flows and market based yield spreads for each tranche, and incorporate deal collateral performance, as available. Mortgage related and asset backed securities that use similar valuation techniques and inputs as described above are categorized as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.

 

    Investments in open-end mutual funds (including other Portfolios) are valued at the mutual fund’s closing net asset value per share and are categorized as Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy. Investments in privately held mutual funds are valued at the mutual fund’s closing net asset value per share and are categorized as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.

 

    Money market investments, other than in the Government Money Market Portfolio, are generally valued by a pricing service. All securities in the Government Money Market Portfolio are valued using amortized cost, unless the current market value differs substantially from the amortized cost, at which time the securities are marked to market. Because the value is not obtained from a quoted price in an active market, such securities are reflected as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.

 

    Listed derivatives, such as futures or option contracts, which are actively traded on a national securities exchange, are stated at the last reported sale or settlement price on the day of valuation and are categorized as Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy.

 

    Centrally cleared swaps are valued at the daily settlement price determined by the respective exchange. For centrally cleared credit default swaps the clearing facility requires its members to provide actionable levels across complete term structures. These levels along with external third party prices are used to produce daily settlement prices. These securities are categorized as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. Centrally cleared interest rate swaps are valued using a pricing model that references the underlying rates including the overnight index swap rate and London Interbank Offered Rate forward rate to produce the daily settlement price. These securities are categorized as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.

 

    Over-the-counter financial derivatives, such as foreign currency contracts, futures contracts, options contracts, or swap agreements derive their value from underlying asset prices, indices, reference rates, and other inputs or a combination of these factors. These derivatives are normally valued on the basis of quotes obtained from brokers and dealers or pricing services. Depending on the product and the terms of the transaction, the value of the derivatives can be estimated using a series of techniques, including simulation pricing models. The pricing models use inputs that are observed from actively quoted markets such as issuer details, indices, spreads, interest rates, curves, dividends and exchange rates. Financial derivatives that use similar valuation techniques and inputs as described above are categorized as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.

The following is a description of the valuation techniques and significant inputs used in determining the value the Portfolios’ investments classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy:

 

    Securities and other assets for which market quotes are not readily available are valued at fair market value as determined in good faith in accordance with procedures adopted by the Series Fund’s Board of Directors (“Board”). Market quotes are considered not readily available in circumstances where there is an absence of current or reliable market-based data (e.g. trade information or broker quotes). The factors considered in reaching these values at December 31, 2017 included, but were not limited to, broker quotes, analysis of the likely outcome of pending litigation, liquidity, prepayment speed, duration and recoverability.

A table summarizing each Portfolio’s investments under this hierarchy is included following each Portfolio’s Schedule of Investments. Transfers between investment levels may occur as markets fluctuate and/or the availability of data used in

 

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investments’ valuation changes. The Portfolios recognize transfers between levels as of the end of the period. The amounts of transfers between Levels 1 and 2 are disclosed in the Notes to Schedules of Investments for the Portfolio. For fair valuations using significant unobservable inputs, U.S. GAAP requires a reconciliation of the beginning to ending balances for reported fair values that presents changes attributable to total realized and unrealized gains or losses, purchases and sales, and transfers in or out of the Level 3 category during the period. Additionally, U.S GAAP requires quantitative information regarding the significant unobservable inputs used in the determination of fair value of assets categorized as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. In accordance with the requirements, a Level 3 reconciliation and details of significant unobservable inputs have been included in the notes to the Schedule of Investments for Portfolios that have a material amount of Level 3 investments.

The Series Fund has adopted policies and procedures which govern the pricing of Portfolio securities. The Board has delegated the day-to-day responsibility for pricing Portfolio securities and other investments to Mason Street Advisors, LLC (“MSA”), the Portfolios’ investment adviser, Northwestern Mutual in its capacity as fund administrator, and State Street Bank and Trust Company in its capacity as fund accountant, subject to the oversight of a Pricing Committee appointed by the Board and comprised of representatives of MSA, Northwestern Mutual and Series Fund officers. The Pricing Committee is charged with the primary and day-to-day operational responsibility for executing the valuation process. The Pricing Committee has been delegated the authority to approve the override of any prices as permitted under the pricing procedures approved by the Board and any variances from these pricing procedures when appropriate. All such actions are subject to further review and approval by the Board at its next regular meeting.

Note 4. Securities and Other Investments

A. Delayed Delivery Transactions and When-Issued Securities — Certain Portfolios may engage in securities transactions on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis. In these transactions, the securities’ prices and yields are fixed on the date of the commitment, with payment and delivery scheduled for a future date. During this period, the securities are subject to market fluctuations. When delayed delivery purchases are outstanding, a Portfolio will earmark liquid assets on its records in amounts sufficient to meet the purchase price. A Portfolio may dispose of or renegotiate a delayed delivery transaction, which may result in a capital gain or loss.

B. Repurchase Agreements — Certain Portfolios may engage in repurchase transactions. Under the terms of a typical repurchase agreement, a Portfolio takes possession of an underlying debt obligation subject to an obligation of the seller to repurchase, and a Portfolio to resell, the obligation at an agreed upon price and time. The underlying securities for all repurchase agreements are held in safekeeping at the Portfolio’s custodian or designated sub-custodians under tri-party repurchase agreements. The market value of the collateral must be equal to or exceed at all times the total amount of the repurchase obligations, including interest. Securities purchased under repurchase agreements are reflected as an asset on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities. Generally, in the event of counterparty default, a Portfolio has the right to use the collateral to offset losses incurred. If the counterparty should default, a Portfolio will seek to sell the securities which it holds as collateral. This could involve procedural costs or delays in addition to a loss on the securities if their value should fall below their repurchase price.

C. Restricted Securities — Certain Portfolios may invest in securities that are subject to legal or contractual restrictions on resale. These securities may be sold privately, but are required to be registered or exempted from registration before being sold to the public. Disposal of these securities may involve time-consuming negotiations and expense, and prompt sale at an acceptable price may be difficult.

D. Foreign Currency Transactions — Certain Portfolios may have securities and other assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies which are translated into U.S. dollar amounts on the date of valuation. Purchases and sales of securities and income items denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollar amounts on the respective dates of such transactions. When the Portfolios purchase or sell a foreign security they may enter into a foreign currency exchange contract to minimize exchange rate risk from the trade date to the settlement date of such transaction. Such foreign currency exchange contracts are marked to market daily.

The Portfolios do not separately report the results of operations due to fluctuations in foreign exchange rates on investments from the changes arising from changes in market prices of securities held. Such fluctuations are included with the net realized or unrealized gain or loss from investments.

 

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Net realized foreign exchange gains or losses arise from sales of foreign currencies, currency gains or losses realized between the trade date and the settlement date on security transactions, and the differences between the amounts of dividends and foreign withholding taxes recorded on the Portfolios’ books and the U.S. dollar equivalent of the amounts actually received or paid.

E. Mortgage Backed and Asset Backed Securities — Certain Portfolios may invest in mortgage backed securities, including collateralized mortgage obligations, and asset backed securities. Mortgage backed securities are interests in pools of residential or commercial mortgage loans and asset backed securities are interests in pools of other assets, including various types of loans and credit card receivables. These securities provide a monthly payment, consisting of both a principal and interest component. Interest payments may be based on either fixed rates or adjustable rates. Receipt of principal payment reduces the outstanding par amount of the security and may generate realized gains or losses. Yields on mortgage backed securities are affected by interest and prepayment rates, which, in turn, are influenced by a variety of economic, geographical, social and other factors. Maturities on mortgage backed securities represent stated maturity dates. Actual maturity dates may differ based on prepayment rates. Unlike mortgage backed securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or one of its sponsored entities, mortgage backed securities and asset backed securities issued by private issuers do not have a government or government sponsored entity guarantee. These issuers may provide credit enhancements through external entities such as financial institutions or through the structuring of the transaction itself. There is no guarantee that credit enhancements, if any, will be sufficient to prevent losses.

F. Inflation-Indexed Bonds — Certain Portfolios may invest in inflation-indexed bonds. Inflation-indexed bonds are fixed income securities whose principal value is periodically adjusted to the rate of inflation. The interest rate on these bonds is generally fixed at issuance at a rate lower than typical bonds. Over the life of an inflation-indexed bond, interest will be paid based on a principal value, which is adjusted for inflation. Any increase in the principal amount of an inflation-indexed bond will be included as interest income in the applicable Portfolio’s Statement of Operations even though investors do not receive their principal until maturity.

G. Short Sales — Certain Portfolios may enter into short sale transactions. A short sale is a transaction in which a Portfolio sells a security it does not own in anticipation of a decline in the market price of the security. Securities sold in short sale transactions and the interest payable on such securities, if any, are reflected as a liability on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities. A Portfolio is obligated to deliver the security at the market price at the time the short position is closed. The risk of loss on a short sale transaction is theoretically unlimited, because there is no limit to the cost of replacing the security sold short, whereas losses from purchase transactions cannot exceed the total amount invested. As of December 31, 2017, there were no short positions held by any Portfolio.

H. Financing Transactions — Certain Portfolios may enter into financing transactions. In a financing transaction, the Portfolio transfers a security to a counterparty with a simultaneous agreement to repurchase the same security at an agreed upon price and future settlement date. For U.S. GAAP purposes, a financing transaction is accounted for as a secured borrowing and not as a purchase or sale. During the term of the borrowing, the Portfolio is entitled to the interest on the security. The difference between the sale price and repurchase price is included in net investment income with the cost of the secured borrowing transaction being recorded in interest expense over the term of the borrowing. The Portfolio will benefit from the transaction if the income earned on the investment purchased with the cash received in the financing transaction exceeds the interest expense incurred by the Portfolio. If the interest expense exceeds the income earned, the Portfolio’s net investment income and dividends to shareholders may be adversely impacted. Financing transactions involve the risk that the market value of the securities that the Portfolio is required to repurchase may decline below the agreed upon repurchase price of those securities.

I. Loan Participation and Assignments — Certain Portfolios may invest in direct debt instruments which are interests in amounts owed to lenders or lending syndicates by corporate, governmental, or other borrowers. The Portfolios’ investments in a loan may be in the form of either actual participation in loans or assignments of all or part of the loans from third parties. A loan is often administered by a bank or other financial institution that acts as an agent for all holders. The agent administers the terms of the loan which are specified in the loan agreement. The Portfolios may invest in multiple series or tranches of a loan, each of which can have different terms and associated risks. The Portfolios generally do not have a right to enforce compliance with the terms of the loan agreement and as a result, the Portfolios may be subject to the credit risk of the borrower and lender that is selling the loan agreement. When the Portfolios purchase assignments from lenders they acquire direct rights against the borrower of the loan. The Portfolios may also enter into unfunded loan commitments, which are contractual obligations for future funding. Unfunded loan commitments can include lines of credit, which may require the Portfolios to grant additional cash to the borrower upon demand from the borrower. These unfunded loan commitments are in fact a future obligation in full,

 

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although a percentage of the loan amount may not be utilized by the borrower. When investing in a loan, the Portfolios have the right to receive principal, interest and any fees from the lender selling the loan agreement and only when the payments are received by the lender from the borrower. There may also be a commitment fee due to the Portfolios based on the unused portion of the line of credit of the floating rate loan. In certain cases, the Portfolios may be entitled to a penalty fee if there was a prepayment of a floating rate loan by the borrower. Fees that are earned or paid will be reflected as interest income or interest expense on the Statements of Operations. For the period ended December 31, 2017, only the Multi Sector Bond Portfolio invested in loan participations and assignments. At December 31, 2017, there were no unfunded loan commitments outstanding.

J. Reverse Repurchase Agreements — Certain Portfolios may enter into reverse repurchase agreements. In a reverse repurchase agreement, a Portfolio delivers a security in exchange for cash to a financial institution, the counterparty, with a simultaneous agreement to repurchase the same or substantially the same security at an agreed upon price and date. The Portfolio is entitled to receive principal and interest payments, if any, made on the security delivered to the counterparty during the term of the agreement. Cash received in exchange for securities delivered plus accrued interest payments to be made by the Portfolio to counterparties are reflected as a liability on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities. Interest payments made by a Portfolio to counterparties are recorded as a component of interest expense on the Statements of Operations. In periods of increased demand for the security, a Portfolio may receive a fee for use of the security by the counterparty, which may result in interest income to the Portfolio. When effecting reverse repurchase transactions, the Portfolio will hold securities of a dollar amount equal in value to the securities subject to the reverse repurchase agreement in a segregated account. As of December 31, 2017, there were no reverse repurchase agreements held by any Portfolio.

K. Zero Strike Warrants — Certain Portfolios may invest in low exercise price call warrants (zero strike warrants). Zero strike warrants are issued by banks or broker-dealers and allow the Portfolio to gain exposure to common stocks in markets that place restrictions on direct investments by foreign investors and may or may not be traded on an exchange. Income received from zero strike warrants is recorded as dividend income in the Statement of Operations. To the extent a Portfolio invests in zero strike warrants whose returns correspond to the performance of a foreign stock, investing in zero strike warrants will involve risks similar to the risks of investing in foreign securities. Additional risks associated with zero strike warrants include the potential inability of the counterparty to fulfill their obligations under the warrant, inability to transfer or liquidate the warrants and potential delays or an inability to redeem before expiration under certain market conditions.

Note 5. Derivative Instruments

The Portfolios may use derivative instruments for various purposes, including as a cash management strategy, to earn income and enhance returns, to increase or decrease exposure to a particular market, to manage or adjust the risk profile of the Portfolio, to hedge exposure to a foreign currency, or as an alternative to direct investments. Because the Portfolios are required to account for derivative instruments at fair value and recognize changes in fair value through the Statements of Operations, the Portfolios’ derivatives do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment.

Certain Portfolios segregate cash to cover margin requirements for derivative positions. These amounts are denoted as “Cash Collateral for Derivative Positions” on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities.

A. Futures Contracts — Certain Portfolios invest in futures contracts as an alternative to investing in individual securities and could be exposed to market risk due to changes in the value of the underlying securities or due to an illiquid secondary market. Futures contracts are marked to market daily based upon quoted settlement prices. The Portfolios receive from or pay to brokers an amount of cash equal to the daily fluctuation in the value of the contracts. Such receipts or payments, known as the “variation margin,” are recorded by the Portfolios as unrealized gains or losses. When a contract is closed, the Portfolios record a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the value of the contract at the time it was opened and the value at the time it was closed.

B. Forward Foreign Currency Contracts — The Portfolios may enter into forward foreign currency contracts to hedge against exchange rate risk arising from investments in securities denominated in foreign currencies or as part of an investment strategy. Contracts are valued at the contractual forward rate and are marked to market daily, with the change in market value recorded as an unrealized gain or loss. When the contracts are closed, a realized gain or loss is recorded. Risks may arise from changes in market value of the underlying instruments and from the possible inability of counterparties to meet the terms of their contracts.

 

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C. Options — Certain Portfolios may write call and put options on futures, swaps, securities or currencies they own or in which they may invest. Writing put options tends to increase a Portfolio’s exposure to the underlying instrument. Writing call options tends to decrease a Portfolio’s exposure to the underlying instrument. The Portfolio receives a premium on the sale of a call option but gives up the opportunity to profit from any increase in the value of the security above the exercise price of the option. When a Portfolio writes a put option, it is exposed to a decline in the price of the underlying security. When a Portfolio writes a call or put option, an amount equal to the premium received is recorded as a liability and subsequently marked to market to reflect the current value of the option written. These liabilities are reflected as written options outstanding in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities. Payments received or made, if any, from writing options with premiums to be determined on a future date are reflected as such on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities. Premiums received from writing options which expire are treated as realized gains. Premiums received from writing options which are exercised or closed are added to the proceeds or offset against amounts paid on the underlying future, swap, security or currency transaction to determine the realized gain or loss. A Portfolio as a writer of an option has no control over whether the underlying future, swap, security or currency may be sold (called) or purchased (put) and as a result bears the market risk of an unfavorable change in the price of the future, swap, security or currency underlying the written option. There is a risk a Portfolio may not be able to enter into a closing transaction because of an illiquid market.

Certain Portfolios may also purchase call and put options on futures, swaps, securities or currencies they own or in which they may invest. Purchasing call options tends to increase a Portfolio’s exposure to the underlying instrument. Purchasing put options tends to decrease a Portfolio’s exposure to the underlying instrument. The Portfolio pays a premium on the purchase of a put option but receives the opportunity to profit from any increase in the value of the security above the exercise price of the option. When a Portfolio purchases a call option, it is exposed to a decline in the price of the underlying security. Premiums paid are reflected in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities as an investment and are subsequently marked to market to reflect the current value of the option. Premiums paid from purchasing options which expire are treated as realized losses. Premiums paid for purchasing options which are exercised or closed are added to the amount paid or offset against the proceeds on the underlying future, swap, security or currency transaction to determine realized gain or loss. The risk associated with a Portfolio purchasing call or put options is limited to the premium paid.

D. Swap Agreements — The Portfolios may enter into swap agreements on interest rate, total return and credit default to manage their exposure to interest rates, foreign currencies, investment style risk and credit risk or as an alternative to direct investing. In connection with these agreements, securities may be identified as collateral in accordance with the terms of the respective swap agreements. Swap agreements are privately negotiated in the over-the-counter market (“OTC swaps”) and may be executed in a multilateral or other trade facility platform, such as a registered commodities exchange (“centrally cleared swaps”).

Swaps are marked to market daily based upon quotations from market makers or values from third party vendors, which may include a registered commodities exchange, and the change in value, if any, is recorded as unrealized gain or loss in the Statements of Operations. Daily changes in the valuation of centrally cleared swaps, if any, are recorded as a receivable or payable for the change in value as appropriate (“variation margin”) on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities. OTC swap payments received or made at the beginning of the measurement period of the swap are reflected on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities. Upfront payments are amortized to realized gain or loss. Upon termination of the swap, unamortized upfront payments are recorded as realized gain or loss in the Statements of Operations. A liquidation payment received or made at the termination of the swap is recorded as realized gain or loss in the Statements of Operations. Net periodic payments received by the Portfolios are included as part of realized gain (loss) on the Statements of Operations. Entering into these agreements involves, to varying degrees, elements of credit and market risk in excess of the amounts recognized on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities. Such risks involve the possibility that there will be no liquid market for these agreements, that the counterparty to the agreements may default on its obligation to perform and that there may be unfavorable changes in interest rates.

Interest Rate Swaps — Interest rate swap agreements involve the exchange by a Portfolio with another party to pay or receive a set of cash flows, e.g., an exchange of floating rate payments for fixed rate payments based on a notional amount of principal.

Total Return Swaps — Total return swap agreements involve commitments to pay or receive a financing rate in exchange for the total return of an underlying reference entity, both based on notional amounts. To the extent the total return of the security or index underlying the transaction exceeds or falls short of the offsetting interest rate obligation, a Portfolio will receive a payment from or make a payment to the counterparty.

 

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Credit Default Swaps — Credit default swap agreements involve one party making a series of payments to another party in exchange for the right to receive a cash payment equal to the notional value of the swap in the event of a default by a third party, typically corporate issues or sovereign issues of an emerging market country. A Portfolio may use credit default swaps to provide a measure of protection against defaults of the issuers where the Portfolio owns or has exposure to the corporate or sovereign issue or to take an active long or short position on the likelihood of a particular issuer’s default.

As a seller of protection, the Portfolio generally receives an upfront payment and/or a fixed rate of income throughout the term of the swap provided that there is no credit event. As the seller, the Portfolio adds leverage to its investments because the Portfolio has investment exposure on the notional amount of the swap. As a buyer of protection, the Portfolio generally makes an upfront payment or pays a fixed rate of interest throughout the term of the swap provided that there is no credit event. The Portfolio generally receives an amount up to the notional value of the swap if a credit event occurs.

Implied credit spreads, represented in absolute terms, utilized in determining the market value of credit default swap agreements on corporate issues or sovereign issues of an emerging market country serve as an indicator of the current status of the payment/performance risk and represent the likelihood of a credit event occurring. The implied credit spread of a particular referenced entity reflects the cost of selling protection and may include upfront payments required to be made to enter into the agreement. For credit default swap agreements on credit indices, the quoted market prices and resulting values serve as the indicator of the current status of the payment/performance risk. Wider credit spreads and increasing market values, in absolute terms when compared to the notional amount of the swap, represent a deterioration of the referenced entity’s credit soundness and indicate a greater likelihood a credit event could occur as defined under the terms of the agreement. Open credit default swaps on corporate or sovereign issues and credit indices are disclosed in the Schedules of Investments.

If the Portfolio is a seller of protection and a credit event occurs, the Portfolio will either pay to the buyer of the protection an amount equal to the notional value of the swap and may take delivery of the obligation or pay a net settlement amount in the form of cash or securities equal to the notional amount of the swap less the recovery value of the referenced obligation. The maximum potential amount of future payments (undiscounted) that a Portfolio as a seller of protection could be required to make under a credit default swap agreement would be equal to the notional amount of the agreement. Notional amounts and fair market value of all credit default swap agreements outstanding for each Portfolio are disclosed in the footnotes to the Schedules of Investments. These maximum potential amounts would be partially offset by any recovery values of the referenced obligations, upfront payments received upon entering into the agreement, or net amounts received by the Portfolio from the settlement of credit default swap agreements purchasing protection for the same referenced obligation.

E. Derivative Disclosures – Derivative positions held by the Portfolios by contract type and primary risk exposure, including location on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities and value as of December 31, 2017, are (amounts in thousands):

 

    

Asset Derivatives

    

Liability Derivatives

 
Portfolio   

Statement of Assets and

Liabilities Location

   Value     

Statement of Assets and

Liabilities Location

   Value  

Index 500 Stock Portfolio

           

Equity contracts

   Receivables – Futures Variation Margin    $ -        Payables – Futures Variation Margin    $ 149  

Large Company Value Portfolio

           

Foreign exchange contracts

   Receivables – Foreign Currency Sold      5      Payables – Foreign Currency Purchased      199  

Index 400 Stock Portfolio

           

Equity contracts

   Receivables – Futures Variation Margin      -        Payables – Futures Variation Margin      103  

Mid Cap Value Portfolio

           

Foreign exchange contracts

   Receivables – Foreign Currency Sold      8      Payables – Foreign Currency Purchased      292  

Index 600 Portfolio

           

Total return contracts

   Receivables – Outstanding Swaps Contracts, at Value      10      Payables – Outstanding Swaps Contracts, at Value      -    

Research International Core Portfolio

           

Foreign exchange contracts

   Receivables – Foreign Currency Sold      -        Payables – Foreign Currency Purchased      6  

Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio

           

Foreign exchange contracts

   Receivables – Foreign Currency Sold      1      Payables – Foreign Currency Purchased      1  

 

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Asset Derivatives

    

Liability Derivatives

 
Portfolio   

Statement of Assets and

Liabilities Location

   Value     

Statement of Assets and

Liabilities Location

   Value  

Short-Term Bond Portfolio

           

Interest rate contracts

   Receivables – Futures Variation Margin    $ 18      Payables – Futures Variation Margin    $ 11  

Long-Term U.S. Government Bond Portfolio

           

Interest rate contracts

   Receivables – Futures Variation Margin      1      Payables – Futures Variation Margin      17  

Interest rate contracts

   Receivables – Cleared Swap Variation Margin      -        Payables – Cleared Swap Variation Margin      24  

Inflation Protection Portfolio

           

Foreign exchange contracts

   Receivables – Foreign Currency Sold      -        Payables – Foreign Currency Purchased      76  

Interest rate contracts

   Receivables – Futures Variation Margin      13      Payables – Futures Variation Margin      59  

Other contracts

   Receivables – Cleared Swap Variation Margin      13      Payables – Cleared Swap Variation Margin      -    

Other contracts

   Receivables – Outstanding Swaps Contracts, at Value      1,050      Payables – Outstanding Swaps Contracts, at Value      4,088  

Multi-Sector Bond Portfolio

           

Credit contracts

   Receivables – Outstanding Swaps Contracts, at Value      92      Payables – Outstanding Swaps Contracts, at Value      518  

Credit contracts

   Receivables – Cleared Swap Variation Margin      151      Payables – Cleared Swap Variation Margin      1  

Foreign exchange contracts

   Receivables – Foreign Currency Sold      719      Payables – Foreign Currency Purchased      3,715  

Option contracts

   Receivables – Options      -        Payables – Options      65  

Interest rate contracts

   Receivables – Futures Variation Margin      82      Payables – Futures Variation Margin      311  

Interest rate contracts

   Receivables – Cleared Swap Variation Margin      -        Payables – Cleared Swap Variation Margin      27  

Balanced Portfolio

           

Equity contracts

   Receivables – Futures Variation Margin      -        Payables – Futures Variation Margin      41  

Asset Allocation Portfolio

           

Equity contracts

   Receivables – Futures Variation Margin      -        Payables – Futures Variation Margin      11  

Realized gains and losses on derivative instruments, by contract type and primary risk exposure, for the period ended December 31, 2017 are (amounts in thousands):

 

     Realized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Instruments  
Portfolio    Options      Futures     Forward
Currency
Contracts
    Swaps     Total  

Index 500 Stock Portfolio

           

Equity contracts

   $ -        $ 6,699     $ -       $ -       $ 6,699  

Large Company Value Portfolio

           

Foreign currency exchange contracts

     -          -         (659     -         (659

Equity Income Portfolio

           

Equity contracts

     -          (5     -         -         (5

Index 400 Stock Portfolio

           

Equity contracts

     -          1,126       -         -         1,126  

Mid Cap Value Portfolio

           

Foreign currency exchange contracts

     -          -         (632     -         (632

Index 600 Stock Portfolio

           

Equity contracts

     -          -         -         1,359       1,359  

International Growth Portfolio

           

Foreign currency exchange contracts

     -          -         (6     -         (6

Research International Core Portfolio

           

Foreign currency exchange contracts

     -          -         84       -         84  

International Equity Portfolio

           

Foreign currency exchange contracts

     -          -         93       -         93  

Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio

           

Foreign currency exchange contracts

     -          -         (451     -         (451

Short-Term Bond Portfolio

           

Interest rate contracts

     -          (354     -         -         (354

Long-Term U.S. Government Bond Portfolio

           

Interest rate contracts

     -          50       -         816       866  

Inflation Protection Portfolio

           

Foreign currency exchange contracts

     -          -         (553     -         (553

Interest rate contracts

     -          (1,636     -         -         (1,636

Other contracts

     -          -         -         (975     (975

 

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         Realized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Instruments      
Portfolio    Options      Futures      Forward
Currency
Contracts
    Swaps      Total  

Multi-Sector Bond Portfolio

             

Credit contracts

   $ -        $ -        $ -       $ 1,759      $ 1,759  

Foreign currency exchange contracts

     -          -          (10,008     -          (10,008

Interest rate contracts

     720        2,677        -         12        3,409  

Balanced Portfolio

             

Equity contracts

     -          624        -         -          624  

Asset Allocation Portfolio

             

Equity contracts

     -          278        -         -          278  

Change in unrealized appreciation and depreciation on derivative instruments, by contract type and primary risk exposure for the period ended December 31, 2017 are (amounts in thousands):

 

     Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on
Derivative Instruments
 
Portfolio    Options     Futures     Forward
Currency
Contracts
    Swaps     Total  

Index 500 Stock Portfolio

          

Equity contracts

   $ -       $ 300     $ -       $ -       $ 300  

Large Company Value Portfolio

          

Foreign currency exchange contracts

     -         -         (148     -         (148

Equity Income Portfolio

          

Foreign currency exchange contracts

     -         -         5       -         5  

Index 400 Stock Portfolio

          

Equity contracts

     -         424       -         -         424  

Mid Cap Value Portfolio

          

Foreign currency exchange contracts

     -         -         (208     -         (208

Index 600 Stock Portfolio

          

Interest Rate Contracts

     -         -         -         60       60  

International Growth Portfolio

          

Foreign currency exchange contracts

     -         -         132       -         132  

Research International Core Portfolio

          

Foreign currency exchange contracts

     -         -         124       -         124  

International Equity Portfolio

          

Foreign currency exchange contracts

     -         -         240       -         240  

Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio

          

Foreign currency exchange contracts

     -         -         (2     -         (2

Short-Term Bond Portfolio

          

Interest rate contracts

     -         (92     -         -         (92

Long-Term U.S. Government Bond Portfolio

          

Interest rate contracts

     -         76       -         (1,053     (977

Inflation Protection Portfolio

          

Foreign currency exchange contracts

     -         -         (245     -         (245

Interest rate contracts

     -         (8     -         -         (8

Other contracts

     -         -         -         232       232  

Multi-Sector Bond Portfolio

          

Credit contracts

     -         -         -         1,183       1,183  

Foreign currency exchange contracts

     -         -         (3,366     -         (3,366

Interest rate contracts

     (152     (266     -         446       28  

Balanced Portfolio

          

Equity contracts

     -         (63     -         -         (63

Asset Allocation Portfolio

          

Equity contracts

     -         2       -         -         2  

 

222   Notes to Financial Statements  


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Notes to Financial Statements

 

Volumes on derivative instruments by contract type and primary risk exposure, for the period ended December 31, 2017 are:

 

     Volume of Derivative Instruments Held  
      Average Number of Contracts      Average Notional
(Amounts in Thousands)
 
Portfolio   

Exchange

Traded Options

     Futures      Forward
Currency
Contracts
     Swaps      Over the
Counter
Options
 

Index 500 Stock Portfolio

              

Equity contracts

   $ -        $ 309      $ -        $ -        $ -    

Large Company Value Portfolio

              

Foreign currency exchange contracts

     -          -          11,923        -          -    

Equity Income Portfolio

              

Foreign currency exchange contracts

     -          -          40        -          -    

Index 400 Stock Portfolio

              

Equity contracts

     -          87        -          -          -    

Mid Cap Value Portfolio

              

Foreign currency exchange contracts

     -          -          16,357        -          -    

Index 600 Stock Portfolio

              

Interest rate contracts

     -          -          -          12,278        -    

Short-Term Bond Portfolio

              

Interest rate contracts

     -          300        -          -          -    

Long-Term U.S. Government Bond Portfolio

              

Interest rate contracts

     -          58        -          12,790        -    

Inflation Protection Portfolio

              

Foreign currency exchange contracts

     -          -          8,533        -          -    

Interest rate contracts

     -          502        -          -          -    

Other contracts

     -          -          -          112,750        -    

Multi-Sector Bond Portfolio

              

Credit contracts

     -          -          -          98,149        -    

Foreign currency exchange contracts

     -          -          380,610        -          -    

Interest rate contracts

     210        1,326        -          305,320        110  

Balanced Portfolio

              

Equity contracts

     -          73        -          -          -    

Asset Allocation Portfolio

              

Equity contracts

     -          20        -          -          -    

Note 6. Portfolio Risk

In the normal course of business the Portfolios trade financial instruments and enter into financial transactions where risk of potential loss exists. Security values fluctuate (market risk) and may decline due to factors affecting securities markets in general, particular industries represented in the securities markets or conditions specifically related to a particular company. Failure of the other party to a transaction to perform (credit risk), for example by not making principal and interest payments when due, reduces the value of the issuer’s debt and could reduce the Portfolios’ income. Similar to credit risk, the Portfolios may be exposed to counterparty risk, or the risk that an institution or other entity with which the Portfolios have unsettled or open transactions will fail to make required payments or otherwise comply with the terms of the instrument, transaction or contract. The potential loss could exceed the value of the financial assets recorded in the financial statements. Some of the Portfolios’ investments may be illiquid and the Portfolios may not be able to vary the portfolio investments in response to changes in economic and other conditions. If a Portfolio is required to liquidate all or a portion of its investments quickly, the Portfolio may realize significantly less than the value at which it previously recorded those investments.

Master Netting Arrangements

The Portfolios are subject to various Master Agreements that govern the terms of certain transactions. Master Repurchase Agreements and Global Master Repurchase Agreements are in place that govern repurchase, reverse repurchase, and sale-buyback financing transactions. Master Securities Forward Transaction Agreements are in place that govern the settlement of certain forward settling transactions, including to-be-announced securities, delayed-delivery or sale-buyback financing transactions. Customer Account Agreements and related addenda are in place that govern certain cleared derivative transactions, including futures and cleared OTC derivatives. International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. Master Agreements and Credit Support Annexes (“ISDA agreements”) are in place that govern certain OTC financial derivative transactions. ISDA agreements maintain provisions for general obligations, representations, agreements, collateral and events of default or termination. Events of termination include conditions that may entitle counterparties to elect to terminate early and cause settlement of all outstanding transactions under the applicable ISDA agreement. The terms of Master Agreements may reduce counterparty risk with respect to transactions governed by the Master Agreement under certain circumstances.

 

  Notes to Financial Statements     223  


Table of Contents

Notes to Financial Statements

 

Certain Portfolios have agreements with counterparties that contain provisions, or contingency features, that allow net settlement in the event of contract termination and permit termination by either party prior to maturity upon the occurrence of certain stated events, such as failure to pay or bankruptcy. In addition, certain agreements specify other events, the occurrence of which would allow one of the parties to terminate. For example, a downgrade in credit rating of a counterparty would allow the Portfolio to terminate while a decline in the Portfolio’s net assets of more than a certain percentage would allow the counterparty to terminate. In such a situation, the counterparty involved would have the option to waive the triggering event or liquidate the affected positions pursuant to the terms of the related agreement. The aggregate amount of derivatives in a liability position is disclosed in Note 5.

Offsetting Assets and Liabilities

Certain Portfolios are parties to enforceable master netting or similar agreements which provide for the right of offset under certain circumstances. The Portfolios have made an accounting policy election not to offset qualifying financial and derivative instruments on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities. As such, all financial and derivative instruments are presented on a gross basis on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities. The impacts of netting arrangements that provide the right to offset are detailed below (amounts in thousands). The net amount represents the net receivable or payable that would be due from or to the counterparty in the event of default. Exposure from borrowings and other financing transactions such as repurchase agreements and certain forward settling transactions can only be netted across transactions governed under the same Master Agreement with the same legal entity. For certain Portfolios, derivative amounts do not reconcile to the Statements of Assets and Liabilities due to the Statements of Assets and Liabilities including derivatives that are not covered under master netting or similar agreements. The amount of collateral, for the period ended December 31, 2017, has been limited such that the net amount cannot be less than zero.

Large Company Value Portfolio

 

Offsetting of Financial Assets and Derivative Assets  
            (i)     (ii)      (iii) = (i) - (ii)  
Description           Gross Amounts of
Recognized Assets
    Gross Amounts
Offset in the
Statement of Assets
and Liabilities
     Net Amounts of Assets
Presented in the Statement
of Assets and Liabilities
 

Foreign Currency

      $ 5     $ -        $ 5  
Financial Assets, Derivative Assets, and Collateral Held  
     (iii)      (iv)      (v) = (iii) - (iv)  
            Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of
Assets and Liabilities
        
Counterparty    Net Amounts of
Assets in the
Statement of Assets
and Liabilities
     Financial Instruments     Cash Collateral
Received
     Net Amount  

Morgan Stanley Capital Services

   $ 5      $ (5   $ -        $ -    
            (i)     (ii)      (iii) = (i) - (ii)  
Description           Gross Amounts of
Recognized Liabilities
    Gross Amounts
Offset in the
Statement of Assets
and Liabilities
     Net Amounts of Liabilities
Presented in the Statement
of Assets and Liabilities
 

Foreign Currency

      $ 199     $ -        $ 199  
Financial Liabilities, Derivative Liabilities, and Collateral Pledged  
     (iii)      (iv)      (v) = (iii) - (iv)  
            Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of
Assets and Liabilities
        
Counterparty    Net Amounts of
Liabilities in the
Statement of Assets
and Liabilities
     Financial Instruments     Cash Collateral
Pledged
     Net Amount  

Morgan Stanley Capital Services

   $ 199      $ (5)     $ -        $ 194  

 

224   Notes to Financial Statements  


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Notes to Financial Statements

 

Mid Cap Value Portfolio

 

Offsetting of Financial Assets and Derivative Assets  
            (i)     (ii)      (iii) = (i) - (ii)  
Description           Gross Amounts of
Recognized Assets
    Gross Amounts
Offset in the
Statement of Assets
and Liabilities
     Net Amounts of Assets
Presented in the Statement
of Assets and Liabilities
 

Foreign Currency

      $ 8     $ -        $ 8  
Financial Assets, Derivative Assets, and Collateral Held  
     (iii)      (iv)      (v) = (iii) - (iv)  
            Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of
Assets and Liabilities
        
Counterparty    Net Amounts of
Assets in the
Statement of Assets
and Liabilities
     Financial Instruments     Cash Collateral
Received
     Net Amount  

Morgan Stanley Capital Services

   $ 8      $ (8   $  -        $ -    
Offsetting of Financial Liabilities and Derivative Liabilities  
            (i)     (ii)      (iii) = (i) - (ii)  
Description           Gross Amounts of
Recognized Liabilities
    Gross Amounts
Offset in the
Statement of Assets
and Liabilities
     Net Amounts of Liabilities
Presented in the Statement
of Assets and Liabilities
 

Foreign Currency

      $ 292     $ -        $ 292  
Financial Liabilities, Derivative Liabilities, and Collateral Pledged  
     (iii)      (iv)      (v) = (iii) - (iv)  
            Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of
Assets and Liabilities
        
Counterparty    Net Amounts of
Liabilities in the
Statement of Assets
and Liabilities
     Financial Instruments     Cash Collateral
Pledged
     Net Amount  

Morgan Stanley Capital Services

   $ 292      $ (8   $ -        $ 285  

Government Money Market Portfolio

 

Offsetting of Financial Assets and Derivative Assets  
            (i)      (ii)      (iii) = (i) - (ii)  
Description           Gross Amounts of
Recognized Assets
     Gross Amounts
Offset in the
Statement of Assets
and Liabilities
     Net Amounts of Assets
Presented in the Statement
of Assets and Liabilities
 

Repurchase Agreements

      $ 169,500      $ -        $ 169,500  

 

Financial Assets, Derivative Assets, and Collateral Held  
     (iii)      (iv)      (v) = (iii) - (iv)  
            Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statement
of Assets and Liabilities
        
Counterparty    Net Amounts of
Assets in the
Statement of Assets
and Liabilities
     Financial Instruments     Cash Collateral
Received
     Net Amount  

Bank of Nova Scotia.

   $ 4,000      $ (4,000   $ -        $ -    

BNP Paribas SA

     11,000        (11,000     -          -    

Citigroup Global Markets.

     20,000        (20,000     -          -    

Credit Agricole SA

     20,000        (20,000     -          -    

Goldman Sachs International

     20,000        (20,000     -          -    

HSBC Bank USA.

     17,500        (17,500     -          -    

Mitsubishi UFJ Securities USA

     10,000        (10,000     -          -    

Mizuho Bank

     15,000        (15,000     -          -    

Natixis SA

     22,000        (22,000     -          -    

 

  Notes to Financial Statements     225  


Table of Contents

Notes to Financial Statements

 

Government Money Market Portfolio (continued)

 

Financial Assets, Derivative Assets, and Collateral Held (continued)  
     (iii)      (iv)      (v) = (iii) - (iv)  
            Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of
Assets and Liabilities
        
Counterparty    Net Amounts of
Assets in the
Statement of Assets
and Liabilities
     Financial Instruments     Cash Collateral
Received
     Net Amount  

RBC Capital Markets

   $ 10,000      $ (10,000   $ -        $ -    

TD Securities USA

     20,000        (20,000     -          -    
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 169,500      $ (169,500   $ -        $ -    
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Long-Term U.S. Government Bond Portfolio

 

Offsetting of Financial Liabilities and Derivative Liabilities  
            (i)     (ii)      (iii) = (i) - (ii)  
Description           Gross Amounts of
Recognized Liabilities
    Gross Amounts
Offset in the
Statement of Assets
and Liabilities
     Net Amounts of Liabilities
Presented in the Statement
of Assets and Liabilities
 

Financing Transactions

      $ 125,885     $ -        $ 125,885  
     

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

      $ 125,885     $ -        $ 125,885  
     

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
Financial Liabilities, Derivative Liabilities, and Collateral Pledged  
     (iii)      (iv)      (v) = (iii) - (iv)  
            Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of
Assets and Liabilities
        
Counterparty    Net Amounts of Liabilities
in the Statement of
Assets and Liabilities
     Financial Instruments     Cash Collateral
Pledged
     Net Amount  

Barclays Capital

   $ 3,325      $ (3,323   $ -        $ 2  

Goldman Sachs & Co.

     88,353        (88,344     -          9  

Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC

     34,207        (34,141     -          66  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 125,885      $ (125,808   $ -        $ 77  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Inflation Protection Portfolio

 

Offsetting of Financial Assets and Derivative Assets  
            (i)     (ii)     (iii) = (i) - (ii)  
Description           Gross Amounts of
Recognized Assets
    Gross Amounts
Offset in the
Statement of Assets
and Liabilities
    Net Amounts of Assets
Presented in the Statement
of Assets and Liabilities
 

Swaps

      $ 1,050     $ -       $ 1,050  
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

      $ 1,050     $ -       $ 1,050  
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Financial Assets, Derivative Assets, and Collateral Held  
     (iii)      (iv)     (v) = (iii) - (iv)  
            Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of
Assets and Liabilities
       
Counterparty    Net Amounts of
Assets in the
Statement of Assets
and Liabilities
     Financial Instruments     Cash Collateral
Received
    Net Amount  

Bank of America, N.A.

   $ 36      $ (36   $ -       $ -    

Goldman Sachs International

     1,014        (75     (860     79  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 1,050      $ (111   $ (860   $ 79  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

226   Notes to Financial Statements  


Table of Contents

Notes to Financial Statements

 

Inflation Protection Portfolio (continued)

 

Offsetting of Financial Liabilities and Derivative Liabilities  
            (i)     (ii)      (iii) = (i) - (ii)  
Description           Gross Amounts of
Recognized Liabilities
    Gross Amounts
Offset in the
Statement of Assets
and Liabilities
     Net Amounts of Liabilities
Presented in the Statement
of Assets and Liabilities
 

Foreign Currency

      $ 76     $ -        $ 76  

Swaps

        4,088       -          4,088  
     

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

      $ 4,163     $ -        $ 4,163  
     

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
Financial Liabilities, Derivative Liabilities, and Collateral Pledged  
     (iii)      (iv)      (v) = (iii) - (iv)  
            Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of
Assets and Liabilities
        
Counterparty    Net Amounts of Liabilities
in the Statement of
Assets and Liabilities
     Financial Instruments     Cash Collateral
Pledged
     Net Amount  

Bank of America, N.A.

   $ 2,094      $ (2,094   $ -        $ -    

Barclays Bank PLC

     1,917        (1,684     -          233  

Goldman Sachs International

     75        (75     -          -    

Morgan Stanley Capital Services

     76        -         -          76  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 4,163      $ (3,853   $ -        $ 309  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Multi-Sector Bond Portfolio

 

Offsetting of Financial Assets and Derivative Assets  
            (i)     (ii)      (iii) = (i) - (ii)  
Description           Gross Amounts of
Recognized Assets
    Gross Amounts
Offset in the
Statement of Assets
and Liabilities
     Net Amounts of Assets
Presented in the Statement
of Assets and Liabilities
 

Foreign Currency

      $ 719     $
 
-
  

   $ 719  

Repurchase Agreements

        3,500       -          3,500  

Swaps

        92       -          92  
     

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

      $ 4,311     $ -        $ 4,311  
     

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
Financial Assets, Derivative Assets, and Collateral Held  
     (iii)      (iv)      (v) = (iii) - (iv)  
            Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of
Assets and Liabilities
        
Counterparty    Net Amounts of Assets
in the Statement of
Assets and Liabilities
     Financial Instruments     Cash Collateral
Received
     Net Amount  

Barclays Bank PLC.

   $ 13      $ (13   $ -        $ -    

Goldman Sachs International

     208        (208     -          -    

HSBC Bank USA

     122        (122     -          -    

JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.

     3,607        (3,607     -          -    

UBS AG

     360        (360     -          -    
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 4,310      $ (3,998   $ -        $ -    
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
Offsetting of Financial Liabilities and Derivative Liabilities  
            (i)     (ii)      (iii) = (i) - (ii)  
Description           Gross Amounts of
Recognized Liabilities
    Gross Amounts
Offset in the
Statement of Assets
and Liabilities
     Net Amounts of Liabilities
Presented in the Statement
of Assets and Liabilities
 

Foreign Currency

      $ 3,715     $ -        $ 3,715  

Options

        65       -          65  

Swaps

        518       -          518  
     

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

      $ 4,298     $ -        $ 4,298  
     

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  Notes to Financial Statements     227  


Table of Contents

Notes to Financial Statements

 

Multi-Sector Bond Portfolio (continued)

 

Financial Liabilities, Derivative Liabilities, and Collateral Pledged

 

     (iii)      (iv)      (v) = (iii) - (iv)  
            Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statement
of Assets and Liabilities
        
Counterparty    Net Amounts of
Liabilities in the
Statement of Assets
and Liabilities
     Financial Instruments     Cash Collateral
Pledged
     Net Amount  

Bank of America, N.A.

   $ 507      $ (263   $ -        $ 244  

Barclays Bank PLC

     278        (278     -          -    

BNP Paribas SA

     74        (74     -          -    

Goldman Sachs International

     1,286        (487     -          799  

HSBC Bank USA

     279        (279     -          -    

JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.

     153        (153     -          -    

Morgan Stanley Capital Services

     9        -         -          9  

Royal Bank of Canada

     482        -         -          482  

UBS AG

     1,230        (900     -          330  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 4,298      $ (2,434   $ -        $ 1,864  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Note 7. Investment Advisory, Sub-Advisory, and Compliance Fees

The Series Fund and its Portfolios are parties to annually renewable contracts pursuant to which each Portfolio pays a charge for investment management and administrative services to MSA, a wholly owned subsidiary of Northwestern Mutual. Certain Portfolios, listed below, pay at a fixed annual rate based on the average daily net asset values of the Portfolio.

 

Portfolio

   Fee  

Index 500 Stock Portfolio

     0.20%  

Index 400 Stock Portfolio

     0.25%  

Mid Cap Value Portfolio

     0.85%  

Small Cap Value Portfolio

     0.85%  

Government Money Market Portfolio

     0.30%  

Select Bond Portfolio

     0.30%  

Balanced Portfolio

     0.30%  

For the other Portfolios, the rate for the investment advisory fee is graded by the asset size of the Portfolio according to the following schedules:

 

Portfolio

   First
$50
Million
     Next
$50
Million
     Excess Over
$100
Million
        

Growth Stock Portfolio

     0.60%        0.50%        0.40%     

Large Cap Core Stock Portfolio

     0.60%        0.50%        0.40%     

Mid Cap Growth Stock Portfolio

     0.80%        0.65%        0.50%     

Small Cap Growth Stock Portfolio

     0.80%        0.65%        0.50%     

High Yield Bond Portfolio

     0.60%        0.50%        0.40%     

Portfolio

   First
$100
Million
     Next
$400
Million
     Excess Over
$500
Million
        

Focused Appreciation Portfolio

     0.80%        0.75%        0.70%     

Portfolio

   First
$100
Million
     Next
$150
Million
     Excess Over
$250

Million
        

Large Company Value Portfolio

     0.72%        0.67%        0.62%     

Domestic Equity Portfolio

     0.65%        0.55%        0.50%     

International Growth Portfolio

     0.75%        0.65%        0.55%     

Short-Term Bond Portfolio

     0.35%        0.33%        0.30%     

Long-Term U.S. Government Bond Portfolio

     0.555%        0.515%        0.495%     

Inflation Protection Portfolio

     0.58%        0.55%        0.49%     

Multi-Sector Bond Portfolio

     0.79%        0.78%        0.77%     

Asset Allocation Portfolio

     0.60%        0.50%        0.40%     

 

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Portfolio

   First
$150
Million
     Next
$150
Million
     Next
$200
Million
     Excess Over
$500

Million
 

Large Cap Blend Portfolio

     0.77%        0.70%        0.62%        0.56%  

Research International Core Portfolio

     0.88%        0.82%        0.75%        0.68%  

Portfolio

   First
$500
Million
     Excess Over
$500

Million
               

Equity Income Portfolio

     0.65%        0.60%        

Portfolio

   First
$200
Million
     Excess Over
$200

Million
               

Index 600 Stock Portfolio

     0.25%        0.20%        

Portfolio

   First
$50
Million
     Excess Over
$50

Million
               

International Equity Portfolio

     0.85%        0.65%        

Portfolio

   First
$250
Million
     Next
$250
Million
     Next
$500
Million
     Excess Over
$1.0

Billion
 

Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio

     1.14%        1.08%        0.96%        0.78%  

MSA, which is the manager and investment adviser of the Series Fund, contractually agreed to waive the management fee and absorb certain other operating expenses to the extent necessary so that Total Operating Expenses (excluding taxes, brokerage, other investment-related costs, interest and dividend expenses and charges, acquired fund fees and expenses and such non-recurring and extraordinary expenses as they may arise) will not exceed the following amounts:

 

Portfolio

         Expiration  

Focused Appreciation Portfolio

     0.90     April 30, 2018  

Large Cap Blend Portfolio

     0.85     April 30, 2018  

Large Company Value Portfolio

     0.80     April 30, 2018  

Domestic Equity Portfolio

     0.75     April 30, 2018  

Equity Income Portfolio

     0.75     April 30, 2018  

Mid Cap Value Portfolio

     1.00     April 30, 2018  

Index 600 Stock Portfolio

     0.35     April 30, 2018  

Small Cap Value Portfolio

     1.00     April 30, 2018  

International Growth Portfolio

     1.10     April 30, 2018  

Research International Core Portfolio

     1.15     April 30, 2018  

Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio

     1.50     April 30, 2018  

Short-Term Bond Portfolio

     0.45     April 30, 2018  

Long-Term U.S. Government Bond Portfolio

     0.65     April 30, 2018  

Inflation Protection Portfolio

     0.65     April 30, 2018  

Multi-Sector Bond Portfolio

     0.90     April 30, 2018  

Asset Allocation Portfolio

     0.75     April 30, 2018  

Growth Stock Portfolio — MSA has agreed to waive a portion of its management fee such that the management fee is 0.60% on the Portfolio’s first $50 million of average net assets, 0.50% on the next $50 million, 0.40% on the next $400 million, and 0.38% on average net assets in excess of $500 million. MSA may terminate this fee waiver agreement at any time after April 30, 2018.

Focused Appreciation Portfolio — MSA has agreed to waive a portion of its management fee such that the management fee is 0.66% on the Portfolio’s first $100 million of average net assets, 0.61% on the next $400 million, 0.60% on the next $500 million, and 0.57% on average net assets in excess of $1 billion. MSA may terminate this fee waiver agreement at any time after April 30, 2018.

Large Cap Core Stock Portfolio — MSA has agreed to waive a portion of its management fee such that the management fee is 0.60% on the Portfolio’s first $50 million of average net assets, 0.50% on the next $50 million, 0.40% on the next $400 million, and 0.35% on average net assets in excess of $500 million. MSA may terminate this fee waiver agreement at any time after April 30, 2018.

 

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Index 500 Stock Portfolio — MSA has agreed to waive a portion of its management fee such that the management fee is 0.20% on the Portfolio’s first $2 billion of average net assets, and 0.18% on average net assets in excess of $2 billion. MSA may terminate this fee waiver agreement at any time after April 30, 2018.

Large Company Value Portfolio — For the period from January 1, 2017 through April 30, 2017, MSA agreed to waive a portion of its management fee such that the management fee was 0.68% on the Portfolio’s first $100 million of average net assets, 0.65% on the next $150 million, 0.59% on the next $250 million, and 0.57% on the average net assets in excess of $500 million. Effective May 1, 2017, MSA has agreed to waive a portion of its management fee such that the management fee is 0.70% on the Portfolio’s first $100 million of average net assets, 0.65% on the next $150 million, 0.59% on the next $250 million, and 0.57% on the average net assets in excess of $500 million. MSA may terminate this fee waiver agreement at any time after April 30, 2018.

Domestic Equity Portfolio — For the period from January 1, 2017 through April 30, 2017, MSA agreed to waive a portion of its management fee such that the management fee was 0.65% on the Portfolio’s first $100 million of average net assets, 0.55% on the next $150 million, 0.50% on the next $250 million, and 0.48% on the average net assets in excess of $500 million. Effective May 1, 2017, MSA has agreed to waive a portion of its management fee such that the management fee is 0.65% on the Portfolio’s first $100 million of average net assets, 0.55% on the next $150 million, 0.50% on the next $250 million, and 0.47% on the average net assets in excess of $500 million. MSA may terminate this fee waiver agreement at any time after April 30, 2018.

Equity Income Portfolio — For the period from January 1, 2017 through April 30, 2017, MSA agreed to waive a portion of its management fee such that the management fee was 0.65% on the Portfolio’s first $500 million of average net assets, 0.55% on the next $1 billion, and 0.52% on average net assets in excess of $1.5 billion. Effective May 1, 2017, MSA has agreed to waive a portion of its management fee such that the management fee is 0.63% on the Portfolio’s first $500 million of average net assets, 0.55% on the next $1 billion, and 0.52% on the average net assets in excess of $1.5 billion. MSA may terminate this fee waiver agreement at any time after April 30, 2018.

Mid Cap Growth Stock Portfolio — MSA has agreed to waive a portion of its management fee such that the management fee is 0.80% on the Portfolio’s first $50 million, 0.65% on the next $50 million, 0.50% on the next $900 million, and 0.48% on average net assets in excess of $1 billion. MSA may terminate this fee waiver agreement at any time after April 30, 2018.

Index 400 Stock Portfolio — MSA has agreed to waive a portion of its management fee such that the management fee is 0.25% on the Portfolio’s first $500 million and 0.20% on average net assets in excess of $500 million. MSA may terminate this fee waiver agreement at any time after April 30, 2018.

Mid Cap Value Portfolio — For the period from January 1, 2017 through April 30, 2017, MSA agreed to waive a portion of its management fee such that the management fee was 0.79% on the Portfolio’s first $150 million of average net assets, 0.70% on the next $350 million, and 0.68% on average net assets in excess of $500 million. Effective May 1, 2017, MSA has agreed to waive a portion of its management fee such that the management fee is 0.79% on the Portfolio’s first $150 million of average net assets, 0.70% on the next $350 million, and 0.67% on the average net assets in excess of $500 million. MSA may terminate this fee waiver agreement at any time after April 30, 2018.

Small Cap Value Portfolio — MSA has agreed to waive a portion of its management fee such that the management fee is 0.85% on the Portfolio’s first $500 million of average net assets, and 0.80% on average net assets in excess of $500 million. MSA may terminate this fee waiver agreement at any time after April 30, 2018.

Research International Core Portfolio — MSA has agreed to waive a portion of its management fee such that the management fee is 0.83% on the Portfolio’s first $150 million of average net assets, 0.77% of the next $150 million, 0.70% on the next $200 million, and 0.63% on average net assets in excess of $500 million. MSA may terminate this fee waiver agreement at any time after April 30, 2018.

International Equity Portfolio — For the period from January 1, 2017 through April 30, 2017, MSA agreed to waive a portion of its management fee such that the management fee was 0.80% on the Portfolio’s first $50 million of average net assets, 0.60% on the next $450 million, 0.57% on the next $500 million, 0.50% on the next $500 million, and 0.45% on the average net assets in excess of $1.5 billion. Effective May 1, 2017, MSA has agreed to waive a portion of its management fee such that the management fee is 0.77% on the Portfolio’s first $50 million of average net assets, 0.57% on the next $450 million, 0.54% on the next $500 million, 0.47% on the next $500 million, and 0.42% on the average net assets in excess of $1.5 billion. MSA may terminate this fee waiver agreement at any time after April 30, 2018.

 

 

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Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio — MSA has agreed to waive a portion of its management fee such that its management fee is 1.01% on the Portfolio’s first $250 million of average net assets, 0.93% on the next $250 million, 0.91% on the next $500 million, and 0.78% on average net assets in excess of $1 billion. MSA may terminate this fee waiver agreement at any time after April 30, 2018.

Government Money Market Portfolio — MSA has agreed to waive a portion of its management fee such that the management fee is 0.30% on the Portfolio’s first $500 million of average net assets, 0.29% on the next $500 million, and 0.28% in excess of $1 billion. MSA may terminate this fee waiver agreement at any time after April 30, 2018. In addition, MSA has voluntarily agreed to waive its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in excess of the Portfolio’s daily yield so as to maintain a zero or positive yield for the Portfolio. This voluntary waiver will be reviewed periodically by MSA in light of market and economic developments and may be revised or discontinued at any time without advance notice.

Short-Term Bond Portfolio — MSA has agreed to waive a portion of its management fee such that the management fee is 0.35% on the Portfolio’s first $100 million of average net assets, 0.33% on the next $150 million, 0.30% on the next $250 million, and 0.28% on average net assets in excess of $500 million. MSA may terminate this fee waiver agreement at any time after April 30, 2018.

Select Bond Portfolio — MSA has agreed to waive a portion of its management fee such that the management fee is 0.30% on the Portfolio’s first $2 billion of average net assets, and 0.28% on average net assets in excess of $2 billion. MSA may terminate this fee waiver agreement at any time after April 30, 2018.

Long-Term U.S. Government Bond Portfolio — MSA has agreed to waive a portion of its management fee such that the management fee is 0.555% on the Portfolio’s first $100 million of average net assets, 0.515% on the next $150 million, 0.495% on the next $250 million, and 0.445% on average net assets in excess of $500 million. MSA may terminate this fee waiver agreement at any time after April 30, 2018.

Inflation Protection Portfolio — MSA agreed to waive a portion of its management fee such that the management fee is 0.55% on the Portfolio’s first $100 million of average net assets, 0.50% on the next $150 million, and 0.46% on average net assets in excess of $250 million. MSA may terminate this fee waiver agreement at any time after April 30, 2018.

High Yield Bond Portfolio — MSA agreed to waive a portion of its management fee such that the management fee is 0.60% on the Portfolio’s first $50 million of average net assets, 0.50% on the next $50 million, 0.40% on the next $900 million, and 0.30% on average net assets in excess of $1 billion. MSA may terminate this fee waiver agreement at any time after April 30, 2018.

Multi-Sector Bond Portfolio — MSA has agreed to waive a portion of its management fee such that the management fee is 0.74% on the Portfolio’s first $100 million of average net assets, 0.73% on the next $150 million, 0.70% on the next $250 million, and 0.67% on average net assets in excess of $500 million. MSA may terminate this fee waiver agreement at any time after April 30, 2018.

Balanced Portfolio — MSA has agreed to waive a portion of its management fee such that the management fee is 0.05% on all average net assets. MSA may terminate this fee waiver agreement at any time after April 30, 2018.

Asset Allocation Portfolio — MSA has agreed to waive a portion of its management fee such that the management fee is 0.05% on all average net assets. MSA may terminate this fee waiver agreement at any time after April 30, 2018.

Waivers are not recoupable in future periods.

Certain Portfolios pay a portion of their custodian fees indirectly through expense offset arrangements. Custodian fees are reduced for Portfolios that maintain compensating balances in non-interest bearing accounts. These Portfolios could have invested the assets used to pay for the custodian fees, had the assets not been used in the expense offset arrangements. Expense offset arrangements are reflected as Waived Fees Paid Indirectly on the Statements of Operations.

 

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Notes to Financial Statements

 

With respect to certain Portfolios, MSA has engaged and oversees sub-advisers who manage the day-to-day investment operations of such Portfolios. MSA pays each sub-adviser a fee based on the average daily net assets of each such Portfolio out of its investment management fee.

Compliance fees are paid to Northwestern Mutual, an affiliate of the Series Fund. The compliance fees paid are for the compensation, benefits and expenses of the Chief Compliance Officer and compliance staff. The amounts paid relate only to the Chief Compliance Officer and compliance staffs’ duties and functions performed for the Series Fund.

Note 8. Federal Income Tax Matters

Taxable distributions from net investment income and realized capital gains in the Portfolios may differ from book amounts earned during the period due to differences in the timing of capital gains recognition and due to the reclassification of certain gains or losses between capital and income. The differences between cost amounts for book purposes and tax purposes are primarily due to the tax treatment of deferred losses, corporate actions, passive foreign investment companies, and financing transactions.

It is the policy of the Portfolios to reclassify the net effect of permanent differences between book and taxable income to capital accounts on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities. Permanent differences primarily relate to character differences with respect to income on swaps, foreign currency transactions, foreign bond sales, passive foreign investment companies, corporate actions and paydowns on structured product investments.

A summary of the Portfolios’ capital loss carryovers as of December 31, 2017 is provided below:

 

     Short-Term
Loss
Carryover
     Long-Term
Loss
Carryover
     Losses
Utilized
     Losses
Expired
 
     (Amounts in thousands)  

Large Cap Core Stock Portfolio

   $ -        $ -        $ 837      $ -    

Mid Cap Growth Stock Portfolio

     -          -          16,965        -    

International Growth Portfolio

     16,110        2,426        -          7,111  

Research International Core Portfolio

     -          5,832        10,894        -    

International Equity Portfolio

     13,732        8,138        44,876        -    

Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio

     -          17,231        28,060        -    

Short-Term Bond Portfolio

     1,179        1,246        -          -    

Select Bond Portfolio

     2,235        414        -          -    

Inflation Protection Portfolio

     725        1,132        -          -    

High Yield Bond Portfolio

     -          4,975        5,331        19,925  

Multi-Sector Bond Portfolio

     13,094        -          6,249        -    

Capital losses are carried forward indefinitely and retain the character of the original loss. These losses are deferred to the first day of the next fiscal year.

When applicable, each of the Portfolios made distributions during the year of ordinary income and long-term capital gains. The tax character of distributions paid for the periods ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 was as follows:

 

     2017 Distributions
Paid From:
     2016 Distributions
Paid From:
 

Portfolio

   Ordinary
Income
     Long-term
Capital Gain
     Ordinary
Income
     Long-term
Capital Gain
 
     (Amounts in thousands)  

Growth Stock Portfolio

   $ 7,919      $ 41,619      $ 7,202      $ 80,811  

Focused Appreciation Portfolio

     7,447        15,000        50,577        165,466  

Large Cap Core Stock Portfolio

     9,903        -          10,936        9,147  

Large Cap Blend Portfolio

     1,572        8,161        3,122        10,542  

Index 500 Stock Portfolio

     53,611        29,420        46,439        52,069  

Large Company Value Portfolio

     6,519        5,231        3,858        16,132  

Domestic Equity Portfolio

     16,927        13,986        12,521        25,926  

Equity Income Portfolio

     19,168        36,605        15,268        39,661  

Mid Cap Growth Stock Portfolio

     2,583        -          3,826        77,596  

Index 400 Stock Portfolio

     9,365        47,364        8,024        52,210  

Mid Cap Value Portfolio

     11,745        15,266        17,599        25,515  

Small Cap Growth Stock Portfolio

     625        6,457        3,262        49,556  

Index 600 Stock Portfolio

     5,210        5,517        1,140        6,003  

Small Cap Value Portfolio

     4,984        33,520        5,244        70,226  

International Growth Portfolio

     8,203        -          5,957        -    

 

232   Notes to Financial Statements  


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Notes to Financial Statements

 

     2017 Distributions
Paid From:
     2016 Distributions
Paid From:
 

Portfolio

   Ordinary
Income
     Long-term
Capital Gain
     Ordinary
Income
     Long-term
Capital Gain
 
     (Amounts in thousands)  

Research International Core Portfolio

   $ 9,827      $ -          9,199      $ 3,916  

International Equity Portfolio

     42,550        -          33,744        20,770  

Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio

     5,748        -          3,683        -    

Government Money Market Portfolio

     2,770        5        611        2  

Short-Term Bond Portfolio

     3,730        -          3,014        -    

Select Bond Portfolio

     98,769        -          67,490        2,244  

Long-Term U.S. Government Bond Portfolio

     4,589        1,984        4,300        -    

Inflation Protection Portfolio

     3,414        -          3,649        -    

High Yield Bond Portfolio

     43,155        -          39,861        -    

Multi-Sector Bond Portfolio

     30,040        -          29,034        -    

Balanced Portfolio

     56,193        76,318        49,667        62,181  

Asset Allocation Portfolio

     6,212        10,741        5,868        9,122  

As of December 31, 2017, the components of distributable earnings on a tax basis were as follows:

 

Portfolio

   Undistributed
Ordinary
Income
     Undistributed
Long-Term
Gains
     Accumulated
Losses
    Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
     (Amounts in thousands)  

Growth Stock Portfolio

   $ 19,285      $ 92,900      $ -       $ 215,852  

Focused Appreciation Portfolio

     6,290        24,536        -         255,073  

Large Cap Core Stock Portfolio

     13,132        162,866        -         49,974  

Large Cap Blend Portfolio

     1,436        7,945        -         42,762  

Index 500 Stock Portfolio

     56,053        28,215        -         1,710,942  

Large Company Value Portfolio

     6,624        11,246        -         18,729  

Domestic Equity Portfolio

     16,392        26,745        -         233,858  

Equity Income Portfolio

     18,673        58,411        -         164,096  

Mid Cap Growth Stock Portfolio

     49,554        135,034        -         47,978  

Index 400 Stock Portfolio

     11,288        57,309        -         260,802  

Mid Cap Value Portfolio

     14,596        43,616        -         68,739  

Small Cap Growth Stock Portfolio

     6,699        44,317        -         157,467  

Index 600 Stock Portfolio

     5,864        7,520        -         44,836  

Small Cap Value Portfolio

     4,946        45,060        -         229,373  

International Growth Portfolio

     9,449        -          (18,536     135,731  

Research International Core Portfolio

     10,585        -          (5,832     112,138  

International Equity Portfolio

     45,977        -          (21,870     328,607  

Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio

     9,192        -          (17,231     109,096  

Short-Term Bond Portfolio

     4,647        -          (2,426     (519

Select Bond Portfolio

     67,892        -          (2,649     (14,575

Long-Term U.S. Government Bond Portfolio

     4,123        671        -         (5,323

Inflation Protection Portfolio

     7,026        -          (1,857     647  

High Yield Bond Portfolio

     43,280        -          (4,975     12,222  

Multi-Sector Bond Portfolio

     26,934        -          (13,094     23,773  

Balanced Portfolio

     55,332        46,465        -         171,824  

Asset Allocation Portfolio

     6,104        6,578        -         27,315  

Note 9. Voluntary Reimbursements

Northwestern Mutual voluntarily reimburses foreign equity portfolios for the benefit Northwestern Mutual receives from foreign dividend taxes charged against the Portfolios. The amounts reimbursed represent approximately 65% of the foreign dividend taxes withheld attributable to the portion of the Portfolio owned by Northwestern Mutual. Reimbursements are recorded when foreign dividend taxes are accrued and are included in Unaffiliated Dividends on the Statement of Operations.

Voluntary reimbursements for the periods ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 are summarized below:

 

Portfolio

   2017
Reimbursements
     2016
Reimbursements
 

International Growth Portfolio

   $ 972,733      $ 552,098  

Research International Core Portfolio

     1,277,132        726,889  

International Equity Portfolio

     3,938,457        3,444,135  

Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio

     991,056        736,438  

 

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Notes to Financial Statements

 

Note 10. Guarantees

In the normal course of business the Portfolios enter into contracts that contain a variety of representations which provide general indemnifications. The Portfolios’ maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Portfolios that have not yet occurred. However, the Portfolios expect the risk of loss to be remote.

Note 11. Investment Income and Securities Transactions

For the period ended December 31, 2017, transactions in securities other than short term investments were:

 

Portfolio

   Non U.S.
Govt.
Security
Purchases
     U.S. Govt.
Security
Purchases
     Non U.S.
Govt.
Security
Sales/
Maturities
     U.S. Govt.
Security
Sales/
Maturities
 
     (Amount in thousands)  

Growth Stock Portfolio

   $ 517,252      $ -        $ 583,214      $ -    

Focused Appreciation Portfolio

     30,215        -          89,324        -    

Large Cap Core Stock Portfolio

     561,919        -          599,285        -    

Large Cap Blend Portfolio

     25,066        -          47,908        -    

Index 500 Stock Portfolio

     112,465        -          84,962        -    

Large Company Value Portfolio

     104,471        -          115,873        -    

Domestic Equity Portfolio

     122,647        -          92,305        -    

Equity Income Portfolio

     168,738        -          227,809        -    

Mid Cap Growth Stock Portfolio

     1,521,633        -          1,592,442        -    

Index 400 Stock Portfolio

     157,261        -          146,255        -    

Mid Cap Value Portfolio

     243,627        -          249,723        -    

Small Cap Growth Stock Portfolio

     249,918        -          275,985        -    

Index 600 Stock Portfolio

     92,038        -          67,012        -    

Small Cap Value Portfolio

     91,545        -          132,429        -    

International Growth Portfolio

     141,928        -          118,978        -    

Research International Core Portfolio

     179,396        -          159,797        -    

International Equity Portfolio

     363,510        -          391,936        -    

Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio

     626,462        -          603,516        -    

Short-Term Bond Portfolio

     137,570        40,263        102,294        23,378  

Select Bond Portfolio

     5,578,663        6,962,470        5,377,183        6,868,878  

Long-Term U.S. Government Bond Portfolio

     103        85,835        623        74,779  

Inflation Protection Portfolio

     68,089        59,546        41,977        28,839  

High Yield Bond Portfolio

     273,981        -          239,896        -    

Multi-Sector Bond Portfolio

     522,688        61,918        274,177        59,317  

Balanced Portfolio

     357,747        -          404,921        -    

Asset Allocation Portfolio

     58,312        -          55,679        -    

Transactions with Affiliated Companies

An affiliated company is a company in which a Portfolio has ownership of at least 5% of the voting securities or which the Portfolio controls, is controlled by or with which the Portfolio is under common control. Transactions with affiliated companies during the period ended December 31, 2017 are as follows:

 

234   Notes to Financial Statements  


Table of Contents

Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

Portfolio

   Value at
12/31/2016
     Purchases      Sales      Value at
12/31/2017
     Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation

/Depreciation
     Realized
Gain
(Loss)
    Income
Dividends
     Capital Gain
Distributions
     % Ownership,
12/31/2017
 
                          (Amount in thousands)                             

Balanced:

                         

Growth Stock

   $ 145,302      $ 8,100      $ 27,584      $ 151,087      $ 22,248      $ 3,021     $ 1,295      $ 6,805        15.7

Focused Appreciation

     70,124        1,923        16,880        75,676        18,418        2,092       546        1,378        8.0

Large Cap Core Stock

     72,644        1,318        14,103        75,636        13,314        2,464       1,318        -          12.8

Large Cap Blend

     75,542        4,285        13,282        75,787        6,813        2,428       669        3,616        43.0

Large Company Value

     78,481        4,486        11,007        75,686        2,811        915       1,495        2,990        37.9

Domestic Equity

     78,011        3,065        12,472        75,695        3,361        3,730       1,230        1,835        9.2

Equity Income

     80,130        5,186        16,243        75,677        4,136        2,467       1,659        3,528        9.0

Mid Cap Growth Stock

     102,724        281        11,500        111,510        21,147        (1,141     281        -          10.2

Mid Cap Value

     112,334        5,877        11,500        113,530        5,275        1,543       1,719        4,158        20.1

Small Cap Growth Stock

     36,493        487        6,000        37,601        5,766        855       43        444        6.0

Small Cap Value

     40,066        14,757        6,000        50,129        1,082        224       324        2,182        7.4

International Growth

     36,675        5,598        -          53,067        10,794        -         598        -          7.6

Research International Core

     101,555        6,890        8,500        125,619        23,747        1,927       1,890        -          19.1

International Equity

     45,218        4,159        6,000        51,900        7,561        963       1,159        -          2.7

Emerging Markets Equity

     5,356        6,557        -          13,467        1,554        -         57        -          1.9

Select Bond

     833,447        27,175        72,000        790,177        737        817       16,495        10,680        26.8

Inflation Protection

     16,561        28,662        -          45,885        662        -         115        48        11.4

High Yield Bond

     135,098        7,455        5,000        139,300        1,572        174       7,455        -          17.2
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    
   $ 2,065,761      $ 136,261      $ 238,070      $ 2,137,429      $ 150,998      $ 22,479     $ 38,348      $ 37,664     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

Asset Allocation:

                         

Growth Stock

   $ 19,888      $ 1,165      $ 2,541      $ 22,019      $ 3,227      $ 281     $ 186      $ 979        2.3

Focused Appreciation

     9,569        876        2,273        11,034        2,628        234       78        198        1.2

Large Cap Core Stock

     11,259        213        1,554        12,405        2,212        275       213        -          2.1

Large Cap Blend

     11,708        693        1,434        12,428        1,191        268       108        585        7.1

Large Company Value

     11,091        645        1,233        11,030        424        104       215        430        5.5

Domestic Equity

     10,768        428        1,154        11,027        646        340       172        256        1.3

Equity Income

     11,152        745        1,803        11,030        659        277       238        507        1.3

Mid Cap Growth Stock

     13,907        38        600        16,133        2,813        (26     38        -          1.5

Mid Cap Value

     15,156        793        600        16,348        892        107       232        561        2.9

Small Cap Growth Stock

     6,771        90        700        7,444        1,182        100       8        82        1.2

Small Cap Value

     7,424        2,214        700        9,237        272        26       60        404        1.4

International Growth

     5,706        2,296        -          9,716        1,714        -         96        -          1.4

Research International Core

     15,934        2,400        1,500        20,881        3,684        364       300        -          3.2

International Equity

     7,720        1,894        1,500        9,544        1,189        241       194        -          0.5

Emerging Markets Equity

     2,404        2,225        -          5,314        685        -         26        -          0.7

Select Bond

     50,467        1,519        8,500        43,628        41        101       922        597        1.5

Inflation Protection

     2,007        3,520        -          5,607        80        -         14        6        1.4

High Yield Bond

     20,200        1,855        -          22,290        235        -         1,156        -          2.7
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    
   $ 233,131      $ 23,611      $ 26,092      $ 257,115      $ 23,774      $ 2,692     $ 4,256      $ 4,605     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

The Series Fund and its Portfolios are permitted to purchase securities from, and sell securities to (so called “cross-trades”), (i) other Portfolios, (ii) any registered investment company which is an affiliate, or an affiliate of an affiliate, or (iii) any person which is an affiliate, or an affiliate of an affiliate, of the Series Fund or the Portfolio solely by reason of having a common investment adviser or sub-adviser (or affiliated investment advisers) or common directors and/or officers, pursuant to procedures adopted by the Board under Rule 17a-7 of the 1940 Act (“Procedures”). These Procedures have been designed to ensure that any cross-trade of securities by a Portfolio complies with Rule 17a-7 of the 1940 Act. Each cross-trade is effected at the current market price as defined under the Procedures. Pursuant to the Procedures, for the period ended December 31, 2017, the Series Fund Portfolios engaged in the following cross-trades (amounts in thousands):

 

        

Portfolio

   Cross Trade
Purchases
 

Large Cap Core Portfolio

   $ 11,971  

Large Company Value Portfolio

     1,096  

Mid Cap Growth Stock Portfolio

     4,432  

Mid Cap Value Portfolio

     670  

International Growth Portfolio

     63,585  

Research International Core Portfolio

     4,922  

Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio

     6,462  

High Yield Bond Portfolio

     1,219  
     Cross Trade Sales  

Portfolio

   Proceeds      Net Realized Gains
(Losses) on Sales
 

Large Company Value Portfolio

   $ 482      $ (13

Equity Income Portfolio

     73        9  

Mid Cap Growth Stock Portfolio

     10,552        847  

Mid Cap Value Portfolio

     534        61  

Small Cap Value Portfolio

     780        (189

International Growth Portfolio

     89,223        110  

Research International Core Portfolio

     7,677        125  

Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio

     6,776        5  
 

 

 

  Notes to Financial Statements     235  


Table of Contents

Notes to Financial Statements

 

Note 12. Litigation

The Index 500 Stock, Small Cap Value and Equity Income Portfolios are among the defendants in two lawsuits relating to their receipt of proceeds from the 2007 Tribune Co. leveraged buy-out (“Tribune LBO”) transaction. One lawsuit, filed in a U.S. Bankruptcy Court by a group of unsecured creditors, asserts that the directors and officers of Tribune Co. intentionally defrauded Tribune creditors because Tribune was either insolvent or rendered insolvent by the transactions. Counsel for the Series Fund and other institutional defendants filed a motion to dismiss the intentional fraudulent transfer case in the Southern District of New York and the district court judge granted the motion to dismiss without leave to amend. The trustee’s counsel has filed a motion to certify the dismissal for appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. The other set of lawsuits, filed by a group of secured creditors in various U.S. federal courts, asserts that the transfer of proceeds to the above-noted Portfolios (and other shareholders) as part of the Tribune LBO were constructively fraudulent. Following the grant of a motion to dismiss the secured creditors’ constructive fraud claim by the District Court, the affirmation of that dismissal by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, followed by a denial of a motion for reconsideration, the Plaintiffs requested review of the decision by the U.S. Supreme Court. A decision from the U.S. Supreme Court on the request for review is pending. The lawsuits allege no misconduct by the Portfolios or management, and management intends to vigorously defend all claims and allegations. The plaintiffs in both lawsuits seek to recover amounts paid to Tribune shareholders in the leveraged buyout transaction, plus interest and attorneys’ fees and expenses. The value of the proceeds received by these Portfolios in 2007, and the percentage the proceeds represent of each Portfolio’s net assets as of December 31,2017, were: Index 500 Stock Portfolio $977,000 (0.03%) of net assets; Small Cap Value Portfolio $618,000 (0.09% of net assets); and Equity Income Portfolio $2,873,000 (0.34% of net assets). Management has not concluded that a loss is reasonably likely to occur, and therefore no loss accrual has been recorded.

In 2016, the Series Fund was a participant in an appraisal action relating to the share of Dell, Inc. (“Dell”) held by the Equity Income Portfolio. In consultation with T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. (“T. Rowe Price”), the sub-adviser for the Equity Income Portfolio, the Equity Income Portfolio declined to receive consideration of $13.75 per share, plus a special dividend of $0.13 per share, in connection with a going private transaction approved by Dell shareholders in September 2013. Instead, the Portfolio was seeking an appraisal of the fair value of its Dell shares in the Delaware Chancery Court. Ultimately, the Chancery Court issued a finding that the correct value of the Dell shares at the time of the merger was $17.62 per share, or $3.87 over the merger price of $13.75. However, due to an inadvertent error in the voting process by T. Rowe Price, the Equity Income Portfolio lost the right to seek appraisal and benefit from the higher share valuation as determined by the Court, and was therefore only entitled to receive the consideration offered by Dell.

T. Rowe Price subsequently informed the Series Fund that they intended to reimburse the Equity Income Portfolio by an amount designed to put the Portfolio in the same position it would have been in had its valuation rights not been lost due to the voting error, and payment to the Portfolio was made in the amount of $2,084,801.77. The Series Fund also entered into a settlement agreement with Dell, under which it received the merger share price for the Dell Shares held by the Portfolio. Pursuant to the settlement agreement with T. Rowe Price, the Equity Income Portfolio is required to repay T. Rowe Price if the valuation decision is reversed or reduced on appeal. On December 14, 2017, the Delaware Supreme Court issued an opinion reversing the trial court’s judgment and remanding the case to the trial court for further proceedings. Although it is not clear how the trial court will eventually rule or what the ultimate valuation would be, the Supreme Court’s opinion strongly suggested that the trial court’s valuation of $17.62 would be reduced. Accordingly, a contingent liability has been recorded for $648,550 (the estimated amount of the reduction in value).

 

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Table of Contents

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of

Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc.

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the schedule of investments, of the Growth Stock Portfolio, Focused Appreciation Portfolio, Large Cap Core Stock Portfolio, Large Cap Blend Portfolio, Index 500 Stock Portfolio, Large Company Value Portfolio, Domestic Equity Portfolio, Equity Income Portfolio, Mid Cap Growth Stock Portfolio, Index 400 Stock Portfolio, Mid Cap Value Portfolio, Small Cap Growth Stock Portfolio, Index 600 Stock Portfolio, Small Cap Value Portfolio, International Growth Portfolio, Research International Core Portfolio, International Equity Portfolio, Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio, Government Money Market Portfolio, Short-Term Bond Portfolio, Select Bond Portfolio, Long-Term U.S. Government Bond Portfolio, Inflation Protection Portfolio, High Yield Bond Portfolio, Multi-Sector Bond Portfolio, Balanced Portfolio and Asset Allocation Portfolio (constituting Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc., hereafter referred to as the “Fund”) as of December 31, 2017, the related statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2017, cash flows for the Long-Term U.S. Government Bond Portfolio for the year ended December 31, 2017, the statement of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2017, including the related notes, and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period ended December 31, 2017 (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Fund as of December 31, 2017, the results of its operations for the year then ended, its cash flows for the Long-Term U.S. Government Bond Portfolio for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2017 and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period ended December 31, 2017 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Basis for Opinion

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Fund’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Fund’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Fund in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits of these financial statements in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud.

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of December 31, 2017 by correspondence with the custodian, transfer agent and brokers. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

LOGO

Milwaukee, WI

February 23, 2018

We have served as the auditor of one or more Portfolios in Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc. since 1984.

 

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

 

  Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm     237  


Table of Contents

Proxy Voting and Portfolio Holdings (unaudited)

 

Proxy Voting Guidelines

A description of the policies and procedures that the Portfolios use to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities is available without charge, upon request, by calling toll free 1-888-455-2232. It is also available on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

Information regarding how the Portfolios voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent twelve-month period ended June 30 is available without charge, upon request, by calling toll free 1-888-455-2232. It is also available on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

Quarterly Filing of Portfolio Holdings

Each Portfolio files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The Portfolio’s Form N-Q filings are available (i) on the SEC website at http://www.sec.gov, and may be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. Information on the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 1-800-SEC-0330. The Portfolios also make their complete schedule of portfolio holdings for the most recent quarter of their fiscal year available on the Internet at www.northwesternmutual.com.

 

238   Proxy Voting and Portfolio Holdings  


Table of Contents

Director and Officer Information (unaudited)

 

Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc.

The name, address and year of birth of the directors, as well as their affiliations, positions held with the Series Fund, principal occupations during the past five years and the number of portfolios overseen in the Northwestern Mutual fund complex, are shown below as of December 31, 2017, except as otherwise noted. Each director (whenever elected) shall hold office until the next annual meeting of shareholders and until his or her successor is elected and qualifies or until his or her earlier death, resignation or removal. A director shall retire at the end of the calendar year in which the first of the two events occurs: (i) he or she attains the age of seventy-three (73), or (ii) he or she has served a term or successive terms totaling thirteen (13) years, commencing on the date of his or her election or appointment to the Board. The statement of additional information contains additional information about Series Fund directors and is available without charge, upon request, by calling 1-888-455-2232.

Independent Directors1

Name, Address, and
Year of Birth
   Position    Length of
Time Served
   Number of Portfolios
in Fund Complex
Overseen by Director
  

Other Directorships

Held1

Miriam M. Allison

720 East Wisconsin Avenue

Milwaukee, WI 53202

1947

   Director    Since 2006    27    Director of Wasatch Funds, Inc. (19 portfolios)
Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years: Rancher since 2004. From 2001 to 2005, Chairman of UMB Fund Services, Inc. (formerly Sunstone Financial Group, Inc.), a mutual fund service provider.

Robert H. Huffman III

720 East Wisconsin Avenue

Milwaukee, WI 53202

1959

   Director    Since 2007    27    None
Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years: Since 2004, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Relative Value Group, LLC, a registered investment adviser.

Christy L. Brown

720 East Wisconsin Avenue

Milwaukee, WI 53202

1965

   Director    Since 2012    27    None
Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years: Since October 2012, Chief Executive Officer, Girl Scouts of Wisconsin Southeast. From 2007 to 2012, Vice Chancellor, Finance and Administrative Affairs, University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee.

Gail L. Hanson

720 East Wisconsin Avenue

Milwaukee, WI 53202

1955

   Director    Since 2012    27    Director of Artisan Funds, Inc. (15 portfolios)
Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years: Since February 2011, Chief Financial Officer, Aurora Health Care. Prior thereto, Deputy Executive Director, State of Wisconsin Investment Board.

 

  Director and Officer Information     239  


Table of Contents

Director and Officer Information (unaudited)

 

 

Name, Address, and
Year of Birth
   Position    Length of
Time Served
   Number of Portfolios
in Fund Complex
Overseen by Director
   Other Directorships Held

William Gerber

720 East Wisconsin Avenue

Milwaukee, WI 53202

1958

   Director    Since 2017    27    Director of Ballantyne Strong, Inc., a developer of technology solutions for digital applications (2015 to present)
Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years: Retired. From 2006 to 2015, Chief Financial Officer, and from 2007 to 2015, Executive Vice President, of TD Ameritrade Holdings Corporation.
         

David Ribbens

720 East Wisconsin Avenue

Milwaukee, WI 53202

1961

   Director    Since 2017    27    None
Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years: Founder and President of Distribution Team Alpha LLC, founded in 2016. From 2015 to 2016, President, Managing Partner, and Director of Heartland Advisors, Inc. From 2008 to 2015, Executive Vice President and Head of Distribution, Managing Partner, and Director of Heartland Advisors, Inc.
         

Donald M. Ullmann

720 East Wisconsin Avenue

Milwaukee, WI 53202

1957

   Director    Since 2017    27    None
Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years: Since 2015, Principal of DMU Financial Consulting, LLC. From 2013 to 2015, Managing Director, Head of Product Development, Fixed Income at Guggenheim Securities. From 2012 to 2013, Executive Managing Director, Co-head, MBS and Rates Division at Gleacher & Co. From 2009 to 2011, Executive Vice President, Head of Fixed Income Trading and Co-Head of Fixed Income Sales at Keefe, Bruyette and Woods, Inc.

 

1.  This column includes only directorships of companies required to report to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (i.e., “public companies”) or other investment companies registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.

Other Directors

Name, Address, and
Year of Birth
   Position    Length of
Time Served
   Number of Portfolios
in Fund Complex
Overseen by Director
   Other Directorships Held
Ronald P. Joelson 720 East Wisconsin Avenue Milwaukee, WI 53202 1958    Chairman of the Board    Since 2015    27    None
Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years: Since 2012, Executive Vice President of The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company (NM) and Chief Investment Officer of NM. Prior thereto, Chief Investment Officer of Genworth Financial from 2009 to 2012.

 

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Table of Contents

Director and Officer Information (unaudited)

 

Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc.

Executive Officers

 

Name, Address, and
Year of Birth
   Position    Length of
Time Served

Kate M. Fleming

720 East Wisconsin Avenue Milwaukee, WI 53202

1962

   President    Since 2013
Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years: Since January 2015, President of Mason Street Advisors. Since 2014, a member of the Board of Directors of Mason Street Advisors. Prior thereto, Vice President – Operations of Mason Street Advisors from 2004-December 2014 and Treasurer of Mason Street Advisors from 2008-December 2014.

Todd M Jones

720 East Wisconsin Avenue Milwaukee, WI 53202

1968

  

Vice President;

Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer

   Since 2015
Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years: Since April 2015, Vice President and Controller of Northwestern Mutual. From November 2012 to April 2015, Vice President and Chief Risk Officer of Northwestern Mutual. From April 2012 to October 2012, Vice President of Product Finance for Northwestern Mutual and Treasurer and Financial and Operations Principal (FINOP) of Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC.

Barbara E. Courtney

720 East Wisconsin Avenue Milwaukee, WI 53202

1957

  

Controller &

Chief Accounting Officer

   Since 1996
Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years: Director of Mutual Fund Accounting of Northwestern Mutual since 2002.

Randy M. Pavlick

720 East Wisconsin Avenue Milwaukee, WI 53202

1959

   Chief Compliance Officer    Since 2014
Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years: Chief Compliance Officer of Mason Street Advisors since 2014; from 2004 to 2014, Assistant General Counsel of Northwestern Mutual, Secretary of the Fund and Assistant Secretary of Mason Street Advisors.

Leslie H. McLinden

720 East Wisconsin Avenue Milwaukee, WI 53202

1962

   Secretary    Since 2014
Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years: Assistant General Counsel of Northwestern Mutual since 2007, Secretary of the Fund and Assistant Secretary of Mason Street Advisors, each since 2014.

 

  Director and Officer Information     241  


Table of Contents

Approval and Continuance of Investment Advisory and Sub-Advisory Agreements (unaudited)

 

Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc.

Annual Contract Review Process

Under Section 15(c) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), contracts for investment advisory services are required to be reviewed, evaluated and approved by a majority of an investment company’s independent directors each year. In addition, each investment company is required to disclose in its annual or semi-annual report, as applicable, the material factors and conclusions that formed the basis for the board’s approval or renewal of any investment advisory agreements within the investment company’s most recently completed fiscal half-year period.

At least annually, the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc. (the “Series Fund”) considers and votes upon the renewal of the investment sub-advisory agreements between Mason Street Advisors, LLC (“Mason Street Advisors”) and each of the sub-advisers of those portfolios of the Series Fund (each, a “Portfolio” and collectively, the “Portfolios”) for which Mason Street Advisors and the Board have appointed a sub-adviser. In order to afford the Board the opportunity to focus on a smaller number of relationships at any one meeting, the Board considers the annual continuation of the sub-advisory agreements on a staggered basis during the course of the year.

Board Approvals During the Six-Month Period Ended December 31, 2017

At its August 15, 2017 meeting, the Board, including the directors who are not “interested persons” (as that term is defined in the 1940 Act) of the Series Fund or Mason Street Advisors (“Independent Directors”), unanimously approved two new Investment Sub-Advisory Agreements between Mason Street Advisors and Wellington Management Company LLP (“Wellington”) relating to the Series Fund’s Mid Cap Growth Stock and Large Cap Core Stock Portfolios (the “New Sub-Advisory Agreements”).

Also at its August 15, 2017 meeting, the Board, including the Independent Directors, unanimously approved the continuance of (1) the Second Amended and Restated Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between Mason Street Advisors and American Century Investment Management, Inc. (“ACI”) relating to the Series Fund’s Mid Cap Value, Large Company Value and Inflation Protection Portfolios, (2) the Amended and Restated Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between Mason Street Advisors and Delaware Investments Fund Advisers, a series of Macquarie Investment Management Business Trust (“Delaware”) relating to the Series Fund’s Domestic Equity Portfolio, (3) the Amended and Restated Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between Mason Street Advisors and Federated Investment Management Company (“Federated”) relating to the Series Fund’s High Yield Bond Portfolio, and (4) the Amended and Restated Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between Mason Street Advisors and Loomis, Sayles & Company, L.P. (“Loomis Sayles”) relating to the Series Fund’s Focused Appreciation Portfolio. Each of the foregoing Investment Sub-Advisory Agreements with the above-named Sub-Advisers was, in connection with their continuance, modified to incorporate certain updated terms and conditions which resulted in the Investment Sub-Advisory Agreements being amended and restated.

At its November 17, 2017 meeting, the Board, including the Independent Directors, unanimously approved the continuance of (1) the Third Amended and Restated Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between Mason Street Advisors and T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. (“T. Rowe Price”) relating to the Series Fund’s Short Term Bond, Small Cap Value and Equity Income Portfolios, (2) the Amended and Restated Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between Mason Street Advisors and Wells Capital Management, Incorporated (“Wells”) relating to the Series Fund’s Select Bond Portfolio, (3) the Second Amended and Restated Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between Mason Street Advisors and Pacific Investment Management Company LLC (“PIMCO”) relating to the Series Fund’s Long-Term U.S. Government Bond and Multi-Sector Bond Portfolios, and (4) the Amended and Restated Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between Mason Street Advisors and BlackRock Advisors, LLC (“BlackRock”) relating to the Series Fund’s Government Money Market Portfolio. In addition, the Board, including the Independent Directors, unanimously approved an Amendment to the Amended and Restated Agreement between Mason Street Advisors and BlackRock incorporating a modification to the fee schedule.

ACI, Delaware, Federated, Loomis Sayles, T. Rowe Price, Wells, PIMCO and BlackRock are sometimes collectively referred to hereinafter as the “Existing Sub-Advisers,” and their respective sub-advised Portfolios are collectively referred to herein as the “Sub-Advised Portfolios.” The respective Investment Sub-Advisory Agreements with the Existing Sub-Advisers are collectively referred to herein as the “Existing Sub-Advisory Agreements.”

 

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In determining whether to approve the New Sub-Advisory Agreements and the Existing Sub-Advisory Agreements on behalf of the Series Fund, the Board requested and received detailed information from Mason Street Advisors, Wellington and the Existing Sub-Advisers in advance of each meeting at which such Agreements were considered, to assist them in their evaluation, including information compiled by certain independent providers of evaluative data. With respect to the continuation of the Existing Sub-Advisory Agreements, while particular focus was given to an evaluation of the services, performance, fees, costs, and certain other relevant information under such Agreements at the meeting at which their continuation is formally considered, the evaluation process with respect to the Existing Sub-Advisers and the nature, extent and quality of the services they provide to the Portfolios, together with related information, is an ongoing one. As a result, the Board’s consideration of such services, and the performance, fees, costs and other relevant factors was informed by information provided and deliberations that occurred at other meetings throughout the year.

The Independent Directors also received a memorandum from their counsel advising them of their responsibilities in connection with the approval of the New Sub-Advisory Agreements and the continuance of the Existing Sub-Advisory Agreements, and summarizing the legal standards governing the review and approval of these Agreements. The Independent Directors reviewed these standards with their counsel during the course of the meetings, including how these standards should be applied to the review of information relating to sub-advisers under the Series Fund’s manager of managers structure. In addition, during the course of their deliberations, the Independent Directors had the opportunity to meet privately without representatives of Mason Street Advisors, the Existing Sub-Advisers, and Wellington present, and were represented throughout the process by legal counsel.

Continuation of Existing Sub-Advisory Agreements

At its August 15, 2017 and November 17, 2017 meetings, the Board, including the Independent Directors, unanimously approved the continuance of the Existing Sub-Advisory Agreements with respect to the Sub-Advised Portfolios. In connection with those meetings, the directors received a presentation from representatives of each Existing Sub-Adviser involved in the management of the respective Sub-Advised Portfolios. In addition to the information presented by and about the Existing Sub-Advisers during the course of those meetings, the directors also had available for consideration each Existing Sub-Adviser’s Section 15(c) Report, which contained responses to the information request letter prepared by counsel to the Independent Directors requesting certain information from the Existing Sub-Advisers designed to assist the directors in fulfilling their responsibilities when considering the continuation of the Existing Sub-Advisory Agreements. The directors also had available Mason Street Advisors’ Executive Summary and Overview regarding each of the Existing Sub-Advisers and other materials prepared by Mason Street Advisors. The materials contained detailed information concerning management and personnel, expenses, performance, brokerage commissions, portfolio turnover, portfolio construction and investment processes and other factors with respect to each of the Sub-Advised Portfolios, as well as a recap of the Existing Sub-Advisers’ responses to the compliance questions contained in the Section 15(c) Report and the observations of the Series Fund’s Chief Compliance Officer regarding the compliance structure and practices of each of the Existing Sub-Advisers. The directors also considered their experience with and knowledge of the nature and quality of the services provided by the Existing Sub-Advisers and their ongoing discussions with representatives of Mason Street Advisors, its affiliates and each Existing Sub-Adviser.

The material factors and conclusions that formed the basis for the Board’s approval of the continuance of each of the Existing Sub-Advisory Agreements include those discussed below. The directors evaluated a variety of information they deemed relevant on a Portfolio-by-Portfolio basis. No one particular factor was identified as determinative, but rather it was a combination of all the factors and conclusions that formed the basis for the determinations made by the Board. Further, different directors may have placed greater weight on certain factors than did other directors.

Nature, Extent and Quality of Services. In considering the nature, extent and quality of each Existing Sub-Adviser’s services, factors considered by the directors included each Existing Sub-Adviser’s financial strength, assets under management, overall business, organization and management structure. Also included in the directors’ consideration was an evaluation of the services provided, and investment strategies employed, by each of the Existing Sub-Advisers, as well as the personnel providing such services with respect to the Sub-Advised Portfolios. The directors considered firm updates given by the portfolio managers and how the Sub-Advised Portfolios were being positioned in the current market environment. With respect to Federated, the directors noted the continuity with respect to the personnel on the investment team, and commented favorably on the firm’s succession plan. With respect to ACI, the directors expressed satisfaction with the quality of the presentation provided by the portfolio manager for the Inflation Protection Portfolio, and considered the stability and tenure of the Portfolio’s investment team. In addition, the directors viewed favorably the successful implementation of strategies to help manage position size limitations imposed by the Internal Revenue Code on the Portfolio. The directors considered the recent

 

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merger of ACI’s large company value team with its value team, and observed that the combined investment team for value-focused management helped increase the amount and quality of information available to the portfolio managers and provide greater depth in underlying research capabilities, thereby helping to facilitate improved efficiency. The directors also viewed positively the depth of investment talent and resources at ACI, noting that this provided the firm with a competitive advantage. With respect to Delaware, the directors commented positively on the quality of the presentation delivered to the Board by the portfolio manager for the Domestic Equity Portfolio. The directors considered the potential favorable impact of the addition of a dedicated information technology analyst to the Delaware portfolio management team. The directors considered the departure of a portfolio management team member in 2016 and its impact to the delivery of services. The directors also considered the heightened level of involvement by Delaware’s parent company in Delaware’s operations. The directors commented favorably on the stability of Delaware’s assets under management. With respect to Loomis Sayles, the directors considered the investment process as employed for the Focused Appreciation Portfolio and the stability of its portfolio management team. The directors expressed satisfaction with the level of service provided to the Portfolio. With respect to T. Rowe Price, the directors commented favorably on the quality of the presentations provided by the portfolio managers. The directors considered the additional resources that had been added by T. Rowe Price to its team serving the Short-Term Bond Portfolio. With respect to the Small Cap Value Portfolio, the directors noted that the close working relationship between the portfolio manager and the supporting analysts had resulted in strong stock selection, and expressed satisfaction regarding the Portfolio’s sector neutral strategy. The directors considered the multi-CIO management structure that had been put into place by T. Rowe Price. With respect to Wells, the directors considered the additional resources that had been added to its fixed income investment team. The directors expressed a high degree of comfort with the succession plan that Wells had put in place for its fixed income investment team. The directors considered certain internal restructuring that had occurred with respect to Wells and its related asset management entities. The directors also commented favorably on the strong credit discipline exercised by the portfolio managers at Wells. With respect to PIMCO, the directors considered the recent retirement of PIMCO’s president and the associated appointment of co-chief operating officers. The directors also considered and expressed satisfaction with each Existing Sub-Adviser’s investment philosophy and process and the scope of services provided by the Existing Sub-Advisers. Consideration was also given to the Existing Sub-Advisers’ respective reputations and experience in providing investment management services and the performance of each Sub-Advised Portfolio. Also considered were recent organizational and other firm developments. Based on their review of these factors, their discussions with the Existing Sub-Advisers and their experience with the services provided by the Existing Sub-Advisers for the respective Sub-Advised Portfolios, the Board concluded, within the context of their overall determinations regarding the Existing Sub-Advisory Agreements, that they were satisfied with the nature, extent and quality of services, and the resources committed by each Existing Sub-Adviser in providing those services.

Investment Performance. The directors reviewed the investment performance of each of the Sub-Advised Portfolios over a variety of time periods. In addition to reviewing the performance of each Sub-Advised Portfolio for both short-term and long-term periods, the directors considered (i) a comparison of each Sub-Advised Portfolio’s one-, three- and five-year (as applicable) performance to the returns of appropriate benchmarks and indices, and to the performance averages of each Sub-Advised Portfolio’s respective Morningstar and Lipper categories for the same periods, (ii) the Morningstar overall star rating for each Sub-Advised Portfolio and (iii) the Morningstar and the Lipper rankings for the one-, three- and five-year periods. The directors evaluated each Sub-Advised Portfolio’s performance against these peer groups and industry benchmarks and indices, and viewed this information as providing an objective comparative benchmark against which they could assess the performance of the Sub-Advised Portfolios. The directors also considered the performance of accounts managed in a similar manner by each of the Existing Sub-Advisers and information from the Existing Sub-Advisers regarding any significant differences in the performance of those accounts from that of the Sub-Advised Portfolios. In connection with the review of investment performance of the Sub-Advised Portfolios over the time periods identified herein, the directors also considered investment performance since the date on which each Existing Sub-Adviser began managing their respective Sub-Advised Portfolio.

The directors commented favorably on the overall strong performance of Federated with respect to the High Yield Bond Portfolio, Delaware with respect to the Domestic Equity Portfolio, Loomis Sayles with respect to the Focused Appreciation Portfolio, and ACI with respect to the Mid Cap Value and the Inflation Protection Portfolios. With respect to the Large Company Value Portfolio managed by ACI, the directors noted that the involvement of ACI’s chief investment officer in the portfolio construction process for the Portfolio was a positive development. The directors considered the performance of the Large Company Value Portfolio, observing that the Portfolio tended to perform more favorably in difficult markets. The directors also noted that the Large Company Value Portfolio retained a model-based investment approach following the combination of the internal ACI large company value and value investment teams, and that this model-based process differed from the approach utilized by the Mid Cap Value Portfolio, which was grounded in fundamental analysis. The directors

 

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considered how the use of a model as part of a portfolio construction process for the Large Company Value Portfolio’s holdings produced differentiation in terms of performance results when compared with the Mid Cap Value Portfolio. The directors expressed satisfaction with the downside protection provided by the Portfolios sub-advised by ACI. With respect to T. Rowe Price, the directors noted the strong performance of each of the Portfolios sub-advised by the firm and commented favorably on the performance results achieved for the Equity Income and the Small Cap Value Portfolios during the tenures of the current portfolio managers. In considering the Short-Term Bond Portfolio, the directors noted the cyclical nature of performance, and expressed continued confidence in the investment strategy employed for the Portfolio. With respect to Wells, the directors considered favorably the consistency of performance achieved for the Select Bond Portfolio during its tenure as sub-adviser. The directors commented with approval on the continued strong performance of PIMCO with respect to the Long-Term U.S. Government Bond and Multi-Sector Bond Portfolios, and BlackRock with respect to the Government Money Market Portfolio.

In addition to performance information presented at the meeting, the directors considered the detailed performance information, market commentary, portfolio analysis and portfolio manager presentations they received periodically throughout the year. Generally speaking, while attentive to the short-term performance results, the directors accorded greater weight to longer term performance. For the reasons and based on the discussion summarized above, the Board concluded that, in the totality of circumstances and within the context of its overall determinations regarding the Existing Sub-Advisory Agreements, it was satisfied with the relative investment performance of the Sub-Advised Portfolios.

Management Fees and Other Expenses. The directors evaluated the reasonableness of the management fees and total expenses paid by the Sub-Advised Portfolios under the Existing Sub-Advisory Agreements. The directors considered the actual and contractual fees paid by each Sub-Advised Portfolio. The directors also considered the sub-advisory fees paid by Mason Street Advisors out of its management fee, including a comparison of those fees with fees charged by the respective Existing Sub-Advisers for similarly managed accounts. In considering the level of management fees, the directors also considered the size of the Sub-Advised Portfolios, expenses assumed by Mason Street Advisors, and the existing expense limitation and/or fee waiver arrangements agreed to by Mason Street Advisors with respect to each Sub-Advised Portfolio.

As part of their evaluation, the directors received and reviewed an independent analysis prepared by Morningstar of comparative expense data for each Sub-Advised Portfolio. Morningstar provided data as of December 31, 2016 comparing each Sub-Advised Portfolio’s net and total expenses with those of a peer group of funds underlying variable insurance products, as well as a universe of funds underlying variable insurance products across each fund’s investment classification and objective, each as selected by Morningstar. The directors considered the comparative data as a guide to help assess the reasonableness of each Sub-Advised Portfolio’s net and total expense ratios. The directors considered that the Morningstar expense rankings of the Portfolios sub-advised by ACI (with respect to the Mid Cap Value Portfolio), Delaware (Domestic Equity Portfolio), Federated (High Yield Bond Portfolio), Loomis Sayles (Focused Apprecation Portfolio), T. Rowe Price (with respect to the Short-Term Bond, Small Cap Value and Equity Income Portfolios), Wells (Select Bond Portfolio) and BlackRock (Government Money Market Portfolio) were in the top Morningstar quartiles (meaning lowest net expenses) of their respective peer groups. The directors considered that the rankings of the remaining Portfolios, i.e., the Large Company Value and the Inflation Protection Portfolios sub-advised by ACI, and the Long-Term U.S. Government Bond and the Multi-Sector Bond Portfolios sub-advised by PIMCO, were within the second quartile of their respective peer groups. The directors also considered BlackRock’s agreement to provide a sub-advisory fee reduction for services provided to the Government Money Market Portfolio.

Based on their review of the above information and other factors deemed relevant by the directors, the Board concluded that the management fees and total operating expenses of each of the Sub-Advised Portfolios were reasonable in relation to the nature, scope and quality of services provided and the performance of the Sub-Advised Portfolios over time and the expense limitation and fee waivers that are in place.

Costs and Profitability. The directors reviewed information provided by Mason Street Advisors regarding the profitability realized by Mason Street Advisors due to its relationship with the Sub-Advised Portfolios. The directors considered Mason Street Advisors’ quarterly presentation to the directors regarding Mason Street Advisors’ revenues, expenses, income and profit margins allocable to its services to the Sub-Advised Portfolios on an aggregate and a per Portfolio basis, and Mason Street Advisors’ allocation methodology with respect to the revenues and expenses. The profitability information presented for the directors’ consideration was supplemented by the aforementioned information regarding the ranking of each Sub-Advised Portfolio within the Portfolio’s respective Morningstar category. The directors also considered the profitability information related to certain of the Sub-Advised Portfolios where such information had been provided and the financial statements of

 

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certain Existing Sub-Advisers or their affiliates who had not provided specific profitability information. In all instances, including those where profitability information had not been provided, the sub-advisory fees were the result of arm’s-length negotiations between Mason Street Advisors and such Existing Sub-Advisers. The directors also recognized that there are limitations inherent in allocating costs and calculating profitability for organizations such as the Existing Sub-Advisers, and that it is difficult to make comparisons of profitability among investment advisers because comparative information is not generally publicly available and, when available, such information had been developed using a variety of assumptions and other factors. The directors concluded that they had received sufficient information to evaluate the Existing Sub-Advisers’ costs and profitability.

The directors considered certain fall-out benefits that may be realized by Mason Street Advisors and its affiliates due to their relationship with the Sub-Advised Portfolios, including the participation of mutual fund families advised by certain Existing Sub-Advisers to the Sub-Advised Portfolios in the brokerage platform and/or mutual fund partner programs offered by an affiliate of Mason Street Advisors and the payment of fees by those entities to affiliates of Mason Street Advisors related to such participation. The directors also reviewed information concerning certain of the Existing Sub-Advisers’ soft dollar arrangements and any other benefits to the Existing Sub-Advisers arising from their relationships with the Sub-Advised Portfolios. Based on their review, the Board concluded, within the context of their overall determinations regarding the Existing Sub-Advisory Agreements, that they were satisfied that the fees paid by each of the Sub-Advised Portfolios, and the profits realized by Mason Street Advisors and the Existing Sub-Advisers due to their relationship with the Sub-Advised Portfolios, were not excessive.

Economies of Scale. The directors also considered whether each Sub-Advised Portfolio’s expense structure permitted economies of scale to be shared with the Sub-Advised Portfolio’s investors. The directors considered the breakpoints contained in the advisory fee schedules for the Sub-Advised Portfolios and the extent to which each Sub-Advised Portfolio may benefit from economies of scale through those breakpoints. The directors also took into account the expense limitation arrangements in place for the Large Company Value, Inflation Protection, Mid Cap Value, Domestic Equity, Focused Appreciation, Equity Income, Small Cap Value, Short-Term Bond, Long-Term U.S. Government Bond and Multi-Sector Bond Portfolios, and the fee waiver arrangements in place with respect to the High Yield Bond, Large Company Value, Inflation Protection, Mid Cap Value, Domestic Equity, Focused Appreciation, Equity Income, Small Cap Value, Short-Term Bond, Select Bond, Long-Term U.S. Government Bond, Multi-Sector Bond and Government Money Market Portfolios. The directors also considered the total assets of each Sub-Advised Portfolio and the expense ratios of the Sub-Advised Portfolios. Based on this information, the Board concluded, within the context of its overall determinations regarding the Existing Sub-Advisory Agreements, that each Sub-Advised Portfolio’s fee structure reflected appropriate economies of scale for the benefit of such Portfolio’s investors.

Other Information. The directors were presented with other information intended to assist them in their consideration of the continuation of the Existing Sub-Advisory Agreements, including information about the services provided by affiliates of Mason Street Advisors to the Portfolios and information regarding Mason Street Advisors’ and the Existing Sub-Advisers’ brokerage practices and commissions. The directors took into consideration reports from Mason Street Advisors on its review of the respective compliance programs of the Existing Sub-Advisers, including any recent compliance exceptions noted and the applicable Sub-Adviser’s response. Also considered were key affiliations and business relationships between the Existing Sub-Advisers and their affiliates and Mason Street Advisors’ parent company and affiliates. Their review further included information relating to each Existing Sub-Adviser’s risk management infrastructure, pending or recent litigation or regulatory actions to which an Existing Sub-Adviser or its affiliates may have been a party, and the applicable Sub-Adviser’s responses to those actions. The directors also considered information regarding each Existing Sub-Adviser’s code of ethics, cybersecurity program and business continuity plan, portfolio manager compensation, portfolio turnover, succession planning and other matters they deemed relevant.

Conclusions of the Directors. Based on a consideration of all information deemed relevant in its totality, the Board, including the Independent Directors, and assisted by the advice of legal counsel independent of Mason Street Advisors, in the exercise of their reasonable business judgment concluded that the terms of the Existing Sub-Advisory Agreements were fair and reasonable and approved the continuation of each Agreement for another year as being in the best interests of each Portfolio.

Approval of New Investment Sub-Advisory Agreements

At its August 15, 2017 meeting, the Board, including the Independent Directors, unanimously approved two New Sub-Advisory Agreements between Mason Street Advisors and Wellington, pursuant to which Wellington was appointed to serve as sub-adviser to the Large Cap Core Stock Portfolio (“LCCS Portfolio”) and the Mid Cap Growth Stock Portfolio (“MCGS

 

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Portfolio”) effective on or about October 27, 2017 (hereinafter, collectively, the “Portfolios”). The Board’s decision to retain Wellington as sub-adviser for both the LCCS Portfolio and the MCGS Portfolio was reached after extensive research and qualitative and quantitative analysis of numerous candidate firms and their respective organizational structures, investment processes and long-term performance records.

The material factors and conclusions that formed the basis for the Board’s determination to approve the New Sub-Advisory Agreements include those discussed below. In addition to the information provided to them in anticipation of and at the August, 2017 Board meeting, the directors considered the in-person presentations of Wellington related to both the LCCS Portfolio and the MCGS Portfolio at a meeting of the Investment Oversight Committee of the Board held on August 15, 2017, and Wellington’s responses to the directors’ questions during the presentation sessions at the Investment Oversight Committee meeting.

The process that culminated with the directors determining to engage Wellington as the replacement investment sub-adviser for the LCCS Portfolio and the MCGS Portfolio had been initiated by the Board of Directors several months earlier. At its February, 2017 meeting, the directors instructed Mason Street Advisors to identify potential replacement candidates for both the LCCS Portfolio and MCGS Portfolio mandates. At its May, 2017 meeting the Board was presented with a list of qualifying sub-advisory firms for both mandates, along with a detailed review of the assessment criteria and comparative information regarding each of the candidates. The directors evaluated a compilation of information with respect to each of the candidates for the LCCS Portfolio and MCGS Portfolio mandates, including historical performance returns over multiple periods compared with applicable benchmark returns and peer group performance returns for similar periods. The directors also reviewed performance characteristics (including excess return, information ratio, beta and standard deviation data), portfolio characteristics (including cash levels, holdings, market cap and portfolio turnover data), a summary of the investment strategy, philosophy and process, and portfolio management team credentials and experience associated with each mandate under consideration, and the strengths and key points of differentiation for each firm in the candidate pool. Based upon a review of the list of qualified sub-advisers, and an evaluation and assessment of the comparative information provided regarding the candidates, the directors narrowed down the list of candidates to three final candidates for the LCCS Portfolio mandate and four final candidates for the MCGS Portfolio mandate.

With respect to the final candidates for each mandate that were reviewed and considered at the Board’s August, 2017 meeting, background information and assessment data used to evaluate, compare and contrast the potential candidates for each mandate was extensive. The information compiled for purposes of facilitating the Board’s review of the candidates was a combination of independent assessment data developed by Mason Street Advisors as well as data provided by the candidates, which was formatted in a manner to permit the Board to effectively conduct its due diligence review of the information and engage in a thorough comparative analysis. Among other factors, the Board considered details of each candidate’s investment performance and risk/return profiles over various time periods, peer group ratings and rankings, representative holdings, key points of differentiation and competitive advantages, portfolio characteristics, mandate assets under management, investment personnel, processes and strategies, proposed sub-advisory fees and breakpoints, the impact on Mason Street Advisors’ profitability, and other operational and enterprise issues. Also available for the directors’ consideration was information related to both the LCCS Portfolio and the MCGS Portfolio regularly provided at Board meetings, including net expense ratio information and certain comparative peer group data.

Also considered were reports received from Mason Street Advisors regarding its due diligence visits with each candidate for the LCCS Portfolio and the MCGS Portfolio, including Wellington. The due diligence reports were based on the candidates’ responses to the requests for proposals as well as interviews with compliance and/or legal representatives of each candidate. The reports included information about each candidate’s compliance structure, compliance policies and procedures, brokerage practices and use of soft dollars, trading policies and procedures, codes of ethics and proxy voting procedures, recent SEC exams, pricing practices, information about material business relationships with Northwestern Mutual, if any, and other matters. The directors also had available for consideration each candidate’s responses to the investment, compliance and operations sections of the requests for proposals. In addition to the written materials that were provided, the directors considered in-person interviews with each candidate to have been of particular assistance in gaining an understanding of the candidates’ investment philosophies and portfolio construction processes and the background and experience of each candidate’s key investment personnel. No one particular factor was identified as controlling, but rather it was a combination of all the factors and conclusions that formed the basis for the determinations made by the Board.

 

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Nature, Extent and Quality of Services. The directors evaluated the nature, scope, extent and quality of services to be provided by Wellington with respect to the Portfolios. The directors considered the information developed from the extensive process utilized to identify qualified sub-advisers for the Portfolios, as well as the analysis and assessment provided by Mason Street Advisors with respect to the sub-advisory candidates. The directors also considered the depth of experience of Wellington in managing accounts, including particularly its well-established business in serving as a sub-adviser to accounts for third-party mutual funds, using investment strategies similar to those employed for the Portfolios. The directors’ consideration included information about Wellington’s organization and ownership structure, and the tenure, experience and performance of the firm’s investment management team, including particularly the qualifications and experience of the investment personnel who would be providing services to each of the Portfolios. In addition, the directors considered the in-person presentations by Wellington associated with both the LCCS Portfolio and the MCGS Portfolio mandates.

The directors considered Mason Street Advisors’ positive assessment of Wellington, based upon the strength of the investment processes in place at the firm. The directors considered the substantial resources in place at Wellington and the size and breadth of its investment business, and cited positively the compensation structure in place, which incented a team-based approach. The directors noted favorably the well-developed compliance structure that was operating at Wellington. The directors also considered that the firm culture in place at Wellington was very positive, and was a culture that appeared to create a career-promoting environment fostering retention and growth of investment professionals. Wellington was also noted as being a recognized brand with a positive reputation which would be well received by the Northwestern Mutual field force.

With respect to the LCCS Portfolio, the directors cited favorably the clarity of the firm’s investment strategy and the analyst-centered portfolio management model employed by Wellington. The directors noted with approval that the Wellington investment style utilized for the LCCS Portfolio would provide differentiation from the styles employed across other Series Fund portfolios. The directors also cited favorably the significant experience of the members of the firm’s investment analyst team. The directors were positively impressed with the firm’s performance record as it related to the LCCS Portfolio mandate.

With respect to the MCGS Portfolio, the directors cited Wellington’s positive longer-term performance record, and favorable comparative performance figures versus peers and other mandate candidates. The directors also considered Masons Street Advisors’ positive assessment of the firm’s mid cap growth investment team and the substantial experience of the portfolio managers.

The directors considered the different investment approaches utilized by each of the candidates for the LCCS Portfolio and the MCGS Portfolio mandates, and the positive and negative considerations of each. The directors also took into consideration the suitability of each candidate’s respective investment mandate with respect to Northwestern Mutual’s variable products. Finally, the directors took into consideration Wellington’s general reputation and the strength of the investment-related resources available to be committed in managing both of the Portfolios. Based on their review of these factors and other factors deemed relevant, the Board concluded that they were satisfied with the nature, extent and quality of the services to be provided by Wellington with respect to both the LCCS Portfolio and the MCGS Portfolio, and the resources to be committed by Wellington in providing such services.

Investment Performance. As a newly appointed sub-adviser, the directors could not consider Wellington’s investment performance in managing the Portfolios as a factor in evaluating the New Sub-Advisory Agreements, but did consider Wellington’s performance record for a composite of other accounts, including mutual fund accounts, with investment objectives, investment policies and strategies substantially similar to the both the LCCS Portfolio and the MCGS Portfolio. The directors considered performance returns (including performance analytics reports evaluating, among other things, standard deviation, information ratio and tracking errors) for these similar accounts for both short- and long-term periods. The directors also evaluated the similar accounts’ relative performance versus the appropriate index and considered independent Morningstar rankings and ratings of the candidates to provide an objective comparative benchmark against which they could assess the experience and ability of the candidates in managing similar accounts. The directors also took into consideration information presented regarding the composition of portfolios managed by the candidates in a mandate similar to the LCCS Portfolio and the MCGS Portfolio, including (as applicable) sector and industry weightings, number of holdings, portfolio turnover, total firm ownership, and top ten holdings percentage, among other things.

Management Fees and Other Expenses. In evaluating the management fees paid by the Portfolios, the directors considered the contractual fees and applicable breakpoints paid by the Portfolios under the Advisory Agreement between Mason Street Advisors and the Series Fund with respect to each Portfolio. The directors also considered the sub-advisory fees and applicable breakpoints to be paid by Mason Street Advisors to Wellington for services provided to each of the Portfolios out of its

 

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Approval and Continuance of Investment Advisory and Sub-Advisory Agreements (unaudited)

 

management fee. The directors also separately considered the proposed allocation between Mason Street Advisors and Wellington of each Portfolio’s investment advisory fee (i.e., the amount of the advisory fee retained by Mason Street Advisors relative to that paid to Wellington as a sub-advisory fee). They determined that the allocation in each case was reasonable in light of the nature, scope and quality of services to be provided and was the product of an arm’s length negotiation between Mason Street Advisors and Wellington. In evaluating Wellington’s proposed fees relative to both the LCCS Portfolio and the MCGS Portfolio, the directors considered information relating to amounts Wellington charged under other advisory contracts involving similar investment mandates.

The directors considered the existing structure, size, and total operating expenses of each Portfolio. They also considered existing expense limitation agreements in place for each of the Portfolios as well as the advisory fee waiver arrangements that were in place.

Based on their review of the management and other expenses, comparative data and other factors deemed relevant by the directors, the Board concluded that the management fees, proposed sub-advisory fees and total operating expenses of the Portfolios were reasonable in relation to the nature, scope and quality of the services to be provided and the experience of Wellington.

Costs and Profitability. The directors considered Mason Street Advisors’ pricing methodology for its services as investment adviser for the products of which the Portfolios are an investment option. Also considered was the financial condition of Mason Street Advisors and information concerning Mason Street Advisors’ costs and profitability with respect to its relationship with the Portfolios in general as well as in light of the sub-advisory fees negotiated with Wellington for each of the Portfolios. Mason Street Advisors provided comparative information regarding the proposed sub-advisory fees of each of the candidates, and projections regarding Mason Street Advisors’ advisory fee spread. Mason Street Advisors also provided a profitability analysis for the Portfolios based on certain assumptions and metrics. In connection with its review of the profitability of Mason Street Advisors’ services to each Portfolio, the directors also considered services provided by affiliates of Mason Street Advisors.

The directors recognized that there are limitations inherent in allocating costs and calculating profitability for an organization such as Mason Street Advisors, and that it is difficult to make comparisons of profitability among investment advisers and clients because comparative information is not generally publicly available and, when available, such information has been developed using a variety of assumptions and other factors. Based on their review of the profitability analysis for each of the Portfolios, the Board concluded that they were satisfied that Mason Street Advisors’ level of profitability from its relationship with the Portfolios was not excessive.

Economies of Scale. The directors considered whether the expense structure of each of the Portfolios permitted economies of scale to be shared with investors in the Portfolios. They also took into consideration the total assets and expense ratios of each Portfolio. The directors considered the breakpoints contained in the management fee schedules applicable to each Portfolio, as well as the breakpoints contained in the proposed sub-advisory fee schedules negotiated with the final candidates for each Portfolio, and the extent to which a Portfolio may benefit from economies of scale through those breakpoints. The directors also considered the expense limitation and fee waiver agreements in place for the Portfolios. Based on this information, the Board concluded that the fee structure for each of the Portfolios reflected appropriate economies of scale between the particular Portfolio and Mason Street Advisors.

Other Information. The directors were presented with other information intended to assist them in their consideration of the approval of the New Sub-Advisory Agreements, including information regarding Wellington’s risk management structure, any pending or recent litigation or regulatory actions to which Wellington or its affiliates may have been a party, and responses to those actions. The directors also received information regarding Wellington’s cybersecurity program and business continuity plan, as well as information regarding portfolio manager compensation practices as they may apply to those portfolio managers proposed to provide services to each of the Portfolios.

Conclusions of the Directors. Based on a consideration of all information deemed relevant in its totality, the Board, including the Independent Directors, and assisted by the advice of legal counsel independent of Mason Street Advisors, in the exercise of its business judgment concluded that it was in the best interest of the LCCS Portfolio and the MCGS Portfolio to approve the New Sub-Advisory Agreements between Mason Street Advisors and Wellington.

 

  Approval and Continuance of Investment Advisory and Sub-Advisory Agreements     249  


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REPORT ON FORM N-CSR

RESPONSES FOR NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL SERIES FUND, INC.

 

Item 2. Code of Ethics

As of the end of the period covered by this report, the Registrant has adopted a code of ethics that applies to the Registrant’s principal executive officer, principal financial officer and principal accounting officer or controller.

 

Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert

The Registrant’s board of directors has determined that the Registrant has two audit committee financial experts serving on its audit committee. The names of the audit committee financial experts are Miriam M. Allison, Gail L. Hanson, and William Gerber. Each of the audit committee financial experts is independent.

 

Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services

 

(a) Audit Fees

     

Audit Fees and Expenses of Registrant

     
     2016      2017  
   $ 738,730      $ 852,730  

(b) Audit Related Fees

     

Audit-Related Fees and Expenses of Registrant

     
     2016      2017  
   $ 0      $ 0  

(c) Tax Fees

     
     2016      2017  
   $ 75,720      $ 102,720  

Review of dividend declarations

     

Review of excise tax calculations

     

Non-U.S. tax compliance

     

(d) All Other Fees

     
     2016      2017  
   $ 0      $ 0  

(e)(1) It is the audit committee’s policy to pre-approve all audit and non-audit service engagements for the Registrant; and any non-audit service engagement of the Registrant’s auditor by (1) the Registrant’s investment adviser and (2) any other entity in a control relationship with the investment adviser that provides ongoing services to the Registrant if, in each of (1) and (2) above, the non-audit service engagement relates directly to the operations and financial reporting of the Registrant. (2) Not applicable.

(f) Not applicable.

 

(g) Aggregate non-audit fees of Registrant and related service providers

     
     2016      2017  
   $ 375,220      $ 161,720  

(h) The Registrant’s audit committee has considered whether the auditor’s provision of non-audit services to the Registrant’s related service providers is compatible with the auditor’s independence.


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Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Registrants

Not applicable.

 

Item 6. Schedule of Investments

Full Schedule of Investments is included in Item 1.

 

Item 7. Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Management Investment Companies

Not applicable.

 

Item 8. Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment Companies

Not applicable.

 

Item 9. Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed-End Management Investment Company and Affiliated Purchasers

Not applicable.

 

Item 10. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

Not applicable.

 

Item 11. Disclosure Controls and Procedures

(a) The Registrant’s Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer have evaluated the Registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures within 90 days of this filing and have concluded that the Registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective, as of that date, in ensuring that information required to be disclosed by the Registrant in this filing was recorded, processed, summarized, and reported timely.

(b) There was no change in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the Investment Company Act of 1940) that occurred during the Registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter of the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Item 12. Not applicable

 

Item 13. Exhibits

(a)(1) The code of ethics referred to in the response to Item 2 above is attached as exhibit EX-99.12(a)(1).

(a)(2) Separate certifications for the Registrant’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as required by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and Rule 30a-2(a) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, are attached as exhibit EX-99.CERT.

(a)(3) Not applicable.

(a)(4) Not applicable.

(b) Separate certifications for the Registrant’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as required by 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, and Rule 30a-2(b) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, are attached as exhibit EX-99.906CERT. The certifications furnished pursuant to this paragraph are not deemed to be “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or otherwise subject to the liability of that section. Such certifications are not deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, except to the extent that the Registrant specifically incorporates them by reference.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL SERIES FUND, INC.

 

By:  

/s/ Kate M. Fleming

  Kate M. Fleming, President
Date: February 15, 2018


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Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

By:  

/s/ Kate M. Fleming

  Kate M. Fleming, President
Date: February 15, 2018

 

By:  

/s/ Todd M. Jones

  Todd M. Jones, Vice President,
  Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
Date: February 15, 2018