A.M. Best Co. Affirms A (Excellent) Rating for the Insurance Companies of National Life Group

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) December 6, 2011 -- Montpelier, Vermont – A.M. Best Co. has affirmed its A (Excellent) financial strength ratings for National Life Insurance Company and Life Insurance Company of the Southwest, the two insurance companies of National Life Group.

In addition, the rating firm upgraded the issuer credit ratings for the two companies from “a” to “a+.”

The two ratings evaluate different aspects of a financial services company. The traditional financial strength rating is designed to provide an opinion of a company’s ability to meet its policyholder obligations. The insurer credit rating is an opinion of the company’s ability to meet its senior obligations.

“Taken together these two ratings send a clear message of our financial strength,” said Mehran Assadi, president and CEO of National Life Group. “I am especially pleased by A.M. Best’s upgrade of our insurer credit ratings.”

In a press release announcing its decision, A.M. Best said, “The rating actions reflect National Life's favorable financial performance over the last several years despite a difficult economic environment.”

“National Life's ratings recognize its consistent operating performance, continued conservative risk profile and diverse distribution channels,” said the Best press release. “The company also benefits from its competitive positions in the indexed universal life (UL) insurance and 403(b) indexed annuity markets, as well as its good expense management.”

Assadi said, “The fact that we remain strong after 163 years is no accident. Our strength as a company comes from our ability to react to today and plan for tomorrow.”

National Life Group® is a trade name of National Life Insurance Company, Montpelier, Vt., Life Insurance Company of the Southwest, Addison, Texas, and their affiliates. Each company of National Life Group is solely responsible for its own financial condition and contractual obligations. Life Insurance Company of the Southwest is not an authorized insurer in New York and does not conduct insurance business in New York. National Life Insurance Company was founded in 1848; Life Insurance Company of the Southwest was chartered in 1955.

Sentinel Investments® is the unifying brand name for Sentinel Financial Services Company, Sentinel Asset Management, Inc., and Sentinel Administrative Services, Inc.TC65845(1111)

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