A.M. Best Affirms Excellent Rating and Outlook

(June 23, 2006) AM Best has announced that it has affirmed the A rating and stable outlook for National Life Insurance Company and Life Insurance Company of the Southwest.

In its published report, Best said the ratings reflect "solid earnings, diversified business mix, prudent risk management, improved expense ratios and continued strong spread management through the low interest rate environment.

National Life has also created programs to enhance recruiting, retention and productivity of its career agency force, Best states, noting that the company recently introduced a new indexed universal life product, “which has been well received by the marketplace and is expected to contribute significant premium growth, prospectively.”

“National Life has specific plans to grow its independent channels while preserving the integrity of its career agency force by aligning producer compensation with performance measurement throughout the organization,” the Best summary states.

National Life Insurance Company and Life Insurance Company of the Southwest are members of National Life Group, a family of financial service companies that is unified in values and purpose but differentiated by specialty, structure and size. Affiliates and divisions within National Life Group operate in locations throughout the United States and offer products and services, that help a broad spectrum of individuals and businesses meet their financial goals.

A.M. Best's financial strength rating of A "Excellent" is the third highest out of 15 ratings.