Standard & Poor's affirms A+ financial strength rating for National Life Group's insurance companies

Standard & Poor's Ratings Services has affirmed its A+ (Strong) ratings for National Life Insurance Company and Life Insurance Company of the Southwest, the two insurance companies of National Life Group.

The rating of A+(Strong) is the fifth highest of the 21 categories used by Standard & Poor's in its ranking of financial strength.

In affirming the ratings, Standard & Poor's cited National Life Group's strong competitive position in the marketplace, strong earnings, and the company's investment and liquidity profile. The agency also gave the company high marks for expanding its distribution channels and for "developing indexed products that have generated strong sales while improving operating margins."

Mehran Assadi, president and CEO of National Life Group, welcomed the affirmation.

"This endorsement of our financial strength sends a clear signal that National Life Group remains strong," he said. "At National Life we know what it takes to navigate through troubled times. Our prudent investment strategy, the benefits of our mutual structure, and our focus on our core business have served us well through good times and hard times."

(June 22, 2009)

Ratings are subject to change without notice.

TC49869(0609)