Montpelier, VT - (January 27, 2017) 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. This is the third highest of A.M. Best's 16 ratings.

"Our mission is to deliver on our promises," said Mehran Assadi, president and CEO of National Life Group. “I am very pleased that A.M. Best has reaffirmed our excellent rating, which reflects our financial strength."

In a news release announcing the ratings, A.M. Best cited National Life’s “long history of solid execution in targeting life and annuity product solutions to the middle market segment."

"The group targets distributors in which members can collaborate, making for stronger partnerships and continued success," A.M. Best continued. "The group has shown strong sales growth in recent years, outperforming the broad insurance market combined with operational profitability. The profitable growth has led to an increased market position with increasing market share in its niche products, such as its K-12 educators market."

The companies of National Life Group offer a broad range of financial products, including life insurance, annuities and investments, and financial solutions in the form of estate, business succession and retirement planning strategies. They are a leading provider of 403(b) and 457(b) tax-deferred retirement plans, primarily in the K-12 school marketplace.

At National Life, our story is simple: For more than 167 years we’ve worked hard to deliver on our promises to millions of people with our vision of providing peace of mind in times of need. It's our cause, stemming from a deep passion to live our values to do good, be good and make good, every day. Learn more at National Life.

Contact: Ross Sneyd, corporate communications, National Life Group, 802.229.3866.

National Life Group® is a trade name of National Life Insurance Company, founded in Montpelier, Vt., in 1848, Life Insurance Company of the Southwest, Addison, Texas, chartered in 1955, 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. Equity Services, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC, is a Broker/Dealer and Registered Investment Adviser affiliate of National Life Insurance Company. All other entities are independent of Equity Services, Inc.

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