Month: April 2024

Originally published by Northwestern Mutual on Feb. 21, 2024

Company reports historic growth in its field force of financial advisors, its highest-ever dividend, strong investment performance, exceptional financial strength, and rapid expansion of its wealth business – all positioning Northwestern Mutual for continued long-term success

MILWAUKEE, April 1, 2024 /3BL/ – In a year marked by inflation, market volatility, geopolitical conflict and other uncertainties, Northwestern Mutual thrived and generated revenue of more than $36 billion and ended the year with surplus that surpassed $38 billioni – both high watermarks for the 166-year-old financial security company. A robust surplus gives Northwestern Mutual the flexibility to respond to unexpected events, staying strong while upholding the promise to pay claims to policyowners whenever needed. Business results reflected a significant expansion of the company’s field force of financial advisors and representatives, outstanding performance in its institutional investment portfolio, and extraordinary growth in its retail investments and wealth management business.

Each year, Northwestern Mutual delivers both superior product values and exceptional financial strength to its more than five million clients across America. Moreover, as a mutual company, Northwestern Mutual shares its success solely with policyowners in the form of dividends. In 2024, the financial security company expects to pay an industry-leading $7.3 billion – its largest-ever payout, eclipsing its 2023 dividend award by $550 million, and nearly three times the size of its nearest competitor.

Simultaneously, Northwestern Mutual maintained its elite financial strength, a hallmark of the company for generations. In fact, no U.S.-based life insurer has earned higher financial strength ratings. All four of the major ratings agencies – A.M. Best, Fitch Ratings, S&P Global Ratings and Moody’s Investors Service – once again affirmed Northwestern Mutual with the highest-possible financial strength ratings awarded to any U.S. life insurer.

“No financial services company is stronger than Northwestern Mutual, no company is paying out more in dividends to policyowners than Northwestern Mutual, and no company offers a more comprehensive approach to financial planning than Northwestern Mutual,” said John Schlifske, Northwestern Mutual chairman and chief executive officer. “Despite significant headwinds, we continue to deliver exceptional financial results for the five million Americans who are counting on us to help them build long-term financial security. Our strategy to help clients protect what they’ve already built while creating future prosperity is resonating – and our advisors stand out in the marketplace.”

Other standout results for 2023

Total company assets increased 5% to $359 billion, the highest in company history.The company’s General Account investment portfolio, a major contributor to Northwestern Mutual’s unsurpassed financial strength and policyowner dividendsii, grew nearly 4 percent to $308 billion from $297 billion at year-end 2022.Permanent life insurance premium sales continued to be historically strong, resulting in a 5-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) over 8%. Term life insurance sales reached a new high for the company, with strong growth in disability insurance, long-term care insurance and income annuities.Northwestern Mutual continues to lead the industry as the largest provider of individual life insuranceiii. Sales of permanent life insurance policies over the past three years are greater than any other three-year period in the company’s history.Life insurance death benefit protection reached $2.3 trillion worth of life insurance protection in force.The company’s wealth business saw a 24% increase in investment client assets, finishing the year at its highest-ever level of more than $281 billion. Investment sales grew to nearly $50 billion – a 10% increase over 2022. This was attributable to strong performance in brokerage products, which saw increased cash activity.Northwestern Mutual’s field force of financial advisors has never been larger, more productive or more diverse, with approximately 32% of advisors being women and people of color.

Well-positioned for generational success

Throughout 2023, Northwestern Mutual continued to strategically invest in the company’s relevance, growth and competitiveness in the financial planning marketplace – as well as its field force of financial advisors and representatives across the country. At year-end, the financial security company grew its field force of financial professionals to nearly 8,000 – a new record.

In addition, a record number of Northwestern Mutual advisors continue to earn industry acclaim. In 2023, hundreds were named to Forbes‘ “Best-in-State Wealth Advisors,” “Best-in-State Financial Security Professionals” and “Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors” listsiv.

Northwestern Mutual continued to invest in its client experience as well, scaling up use of the company’s proprietary planning experience digital platform to better serve clients, advisors and teams, and enhance the efficiency of its operations. Additionally, as of year-end 2023, more than one million Americans had downloaded Northwestern Mutual’s mobile app, deepening the relationship that clients, advisors and teams create with the company.

Northwestern Mutual was also recognized on several significant workplace lists in 2023, including:

Forbes: Best Employers for DiversityForbes: America’s Best Employers for WomenBlack Enterprise: Best Companies for DiversityNewsweek: America’s Greatest Workplaces for DiversityMilitary Friendly Employer, Supplier Diversity Program, and Military Friendly BrandNational Business Inclusion Consortium “Best of the Best for Inclusion”Disability Equality Index: Perfect ScoreHuman Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index: Perfect Score for the 9th Consecutive Year

“I have never felt more confident that we have the financial strength, expert talent, innovative technology and the world-class workspaces we need to deliver outstanding results and grow our lead in the industry,” said Schlifske. “Best of all, we are incredibly well-positioned to help the next generation of clients enjoy today, protect what they’ve already built, and create future prosperity.”

About Northwestern Mutual

Northwestern Mutual has been helping people and businesses achieve financial security for more than 165 years. Through a comprehensive planning approach, Northwestern Mutual combines the expertise of its financial professionals with a personalized digital experience and industry-leading products to help its clients plan for what’s most important. With over $627 billion of total assetsv being managed across the company’s institutional portfolio as well as retail investment client portfolios, more than $36 billion in revenues, and $2.3 trillion worth of life insurance protection in force, Northwestern Mutual delivers financial security to more than five million people with life, disability income and long-term care insurance, annuities, and brokerage and advisory services. Northwestern Mutual ranked 111 on the 2023 FORTUNE 500 and was recognized by FORTUNE® as one of the “World’s Most Admired” life insurance companies in 2024.

Northwestern Mutual is the marketing name for The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company (NM), Milwaukee, WI (life and disability insurance, annuities, and life insurance with long-term care benefits) and its subsidiaries. Subsidiaries include Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC (NMIS) (investment brokerage services), broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, member FINRA and SIPC; the Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company® (NMWMC) (investment advisory and services), federal savings bank; and Northwestern Long Term Care Insurance Company (NLTC) (long-term care insurance). Not all Northwestern Mutual representatives are advisors. Only those representatives with “Advisor” in their title or who otherwise disclose their status as an advisor of NMWMC are credentialed as NMWMC representatives to provide investment advisory services.

i Includes surplus and asset valuation reserve.

ii Decisions regarding the amount of dividends payable, if any, are left to the discretion of Northwestern Mutual’s Board of Trustees. Future dividends are not guaranteed, although Northwestern Mutual has paid a dividend every year since 1872.

iii Latest U.S. rank as of 2022 based on direct premiums written. Source: S&P Capital IQ Pro. Prepared and calculated by Northwestern Mutual.

iv Forbes “Best-in-State Wealth Advisors” list (April 2023), Research and ranking provided by SHOOK Research, LLC. Based upon data as of 6/30/2022. Forbes “Best-in-State Top Financial Security Professionals” list (July 2023), Forbes “Top Next-Generation Wealth Advisors” list, (August 2023). Based upon data as of 3/31/2023. Northwestern Mutual and its advisors do not pay for placement on 3rd party rating lists but do pay marketing fees to these organizations to promote the rating(s). Rankings and recognitions are no guarantee of future investment success.

v Includes investments and separate account assets of Northwestern Mutual as well as retail investment client assets held or managed by Northwestern Mutual.

SOURCE Northwestern Mutual

Luke Punzenberger, 1-800-323-7033, mediarelations@northwesternmutual.com

Originally published by KFC UK & Ireland on LinkedIn

Recently, KFC team members, community groups and local government representatives joined forces to tackle the UK’s litter problem, as part of Keep Britain Tidy‘s annual #GreatBritishSpringClean

It was great to work alongside so many local litter pickin’ heroes including Merseyside Youth Association, and local councillors Barbara Murray, Daniel Barrington and Laura Robertson-Collins, to help create cleaner, litter free communities across the UK. A HUGE thanks to everyone who got involved!

Check out some of our favourite snaps from the day.

NEW YORK, April 1, 2024 /3BL/ – International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) – the global authority on healthy buildings, organizations and communities – and Empire State Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE: ESRT) announced today that the New York-based real estate company is among the first commercial office and multifamily portfolios in the U.S. to achieve the WELL Equity Rating through the IWBI’s WELL at scale pathway. Additionally, ESRT received the 2023 IWBI Health-Safety Leadership Award for its prioritization of occupant health and well-being through industry-leading indoor environmental quality measures and achievement of the WELL Health-Safety Rating across 100% of its portfolio in each year of participation since 2020.

“Our continued leadership and long-term commitments to the wellness and health equity of our tenants and employees is celebrated through our consistent achievements within the IWBI’s WELL at scale program,” said ESRT’s Chairman and CEO Tony Malkin. “Our achievement of the inaugural WELL Equity Rating is a reflection of our accountability and strides in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within our corporate culture.”

Throughout 2023, ESRT focused on employee health and well-being and promoted an inclusive culture through competitive benefits, employee engagement and volunteerism, and industry-leading practices in sustainability and indoor environmental quality. ESRT was the first commercial real estate portfolio in the Americas to achieve the WELL Health-Safety Rating in 2020 and among the first to commit to WELL at scale and inaugural WELL Equity Rating in 2022.

“Leading organizations that prioritize the health and well-being of their employees and tenants are not only helping cultivate a safer, healthier and more productive workforce, but also experience higher occupancy and retention,” said Rachel Hodgdon, president and CEO, IWBI. “We are excited to celebrate Empire State Realty Trust for its steadfast commitment to people-first places. Not only has it achieved the WELL Health-Safety Rating for the third year in a row, but it has also achieved the WELL Equity Rating across its entire portfolio. We commend ESRT for this outstanding leadership milestone.”

The WELL Health-Safety Rating is an evidence-based, third-party verification for all new and existing buildings that focuses on operational excellence and long-term resilience through air and water quality, cleaning procedures, emergency preparedness, health resources and stakeholder engagement. The WELL Equity Rating is a roadmap designed to help organizations act on their diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility goals, and improve company culture and employee health. ESRT transparently shares targets, practices, and progress in sustainability and DEI through its annual Sustainability Report.

More information about ESRT’s environmental, social, and governance commitments can be found online.

About Empire State Realty Trust

Empire State Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE: ESRT) is a NYC-focused REIT that owns and operates a portfolio of modernized, amenitized, and well-located office, retail, and multifamily assets. The company is the recognized leader in energy efficiency and indoor environmental quality. ESRT’s flagship Empire State Building – the “World’s Most Famous Building” – includes its Observatory, the #1 attraction in the U.S. in Tripadvisor’s 2023 Travelers’ Choice Awards: Best of the Best for two consecutive years. As of December 31, 2023, ESRT’s portfolio is comprised of approximately 8.6 million rentable square feet of office space, 0.7 million rentable square feet of retail space and 727 residential units. More information about Empire State Realty Trust can be found at esrtreit.com and by following ESRT on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, and LinkedIn.

About International WELL Building Institute

The International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) is a public benefit corporation and the world’s leading organization focused on deploying people-first places to advance a global culture of health. IWBI mobilizes its community through the administration of the WELL Building Standard (WELL) and WELL ratings and certifications, management of the WELL AP credential, the pursuit of applicable research, the development of educational resources and advocacy for policies that promote health and well-being everywhere. More information on WELL can be found at wellcertified.com.

International WELL Building Institute, IWBI, the WELL Building Standard, WELL v2, WELL Certified, WELL AP, WELL EP, WELL Score, The WELL Conference, We Are WELL, the WELL Community Standard, WELL Health-Safety Rated, WELL Performance Rated, WELL Equity Rated, WELL Equity, WELL Residence, Works with WELL, WELL and others, and their related logos are trademarks or certification marks of International WELL Building Institute pbc in the United States and other countries.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Empire State Realty Trust: Brock Talbot
347-804-7863
btalbot@esrtreit.com
IWBI: Media@wellcertified.com

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Since December 2019, AEG’s LA Galaxy and Dignity Health Sports Park have delivered more than 954,000 miles to electric vehicle (EV) drivers that have used Volta’s EV charging stations at the stadium.

Volta Charging, LLC (“Volta”), which was acquired by Equilon Enterprises LLC dba Shell Oil Products US (“Shell”) in 2023, operates 12 charging stations at Dignity Health Sports Park, which offer guests convenient recharging as they enjoy events at the venue. The stations were installed as part of the LA Galaxy’s Protect the Pitch program, which continues to lead the industry in stadium sustainability and clean energy efforts.

“Volta’s innovative EV charging network has been instrumental in helping us meet the rising demand for electric vehicles at our venue. These mileage metrics are a testament to our collaboration with Volta, and our dedication to enhancing the guest experience as we continue delivering fans with alternative transportation solutions,” said Katie Pandolfo, General Manager, Dignity Health Sports Park.

Volta constructs and operates an EV charging network that offers drivers a simple and reliable EV charging experience. Volta leverages machine learning and artificial intelligence to predict the number of stations and charging speeds needed to match customer visit times, helping to maximize convenience for EV drivers and elevate the overall guest experience.

Volta’s EV chargers also feature eye-catching media screens that can help reach and influence guests as they pass by. AEG’s LA Galaxy and Dignity Health Sports Park utilize these digital communications to promote upcoming events and shows, supporting ticket sales in the process.

About Dignity Health Sports Park

Dignity Health Sports Park features an 8,000-seat tennis stadium; a 27,000-seat stadium for soccer, football and other athletic competitions and outdoor concerts; a 2,000-seat facility for track & field and a 2,450-seat indoor Velodrome – the VELO Sports Center – for track cycling. Dignity Health Sports Park is home to Major League Soccer’s LA Galaxy, the five-time MLS Cup Champions. Dignity Health Sports Park is also home to the United States Tennis Association’s (USTA) High-Performance Training Center, and the national team training headquarters for the U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF). For additional information, please visit http://www.dignityhealthsportspark.com.