Founded in Janesville, Wisconsin, in 1857, Northwestern Mutual moved to Milwaukee in 1859, where it is still headquartered today.
The company has grown significantly in the past 163 years, now with more than 4.5 million clients and the highest financial strength ratings. The company paid $4.8 billion to policyholders or their beneficiaries in life, disability and long-term care insurance claims in 2018. As a mutual company, Northwestern Mutual is owned by its policyholders, rather than stockholders, who can receive dividends based on the company’s investment performance. The company expects to pay a total of $6.2 billion in dividends to participating policyholders in 2021. Dividends are not guaranteed, but Northwestern Mutual has paid a dividend to its policyholders every year since 1872.
The company is also known for its network of more than 6,400 financial advisors throughout the country, who help clients with insurance protection, investments, and business and estate planning.