A.M. Best Affirms Ratings of Citi Assurance Services' Life/Health Companies

Business Wire, Jan 12, 2007

OLDWICK, N.J. -- A.M. Best Co. has affirmed the financial strength rating (FSR) of A (Excellent) and the issuer credit ratings (ICR) of "a" of Citi Assurance Services Group's two life/health companies, American Health and Life Insurance Company and its subsidiary, Sears Life Insurance Company (collectively referred to as AHL). The Texas-domiciled companies are indirect subsidiaries of Citigroup, Inc. (Dover, DE) [NYSE: C], one of the world's largest financial services companies with consolidated assets of approximately $1.75 trillion.

The ratings of AHL are based upon its consistent earnings, favorable balance sheet quality and liquidity and strong risk-adjusted capitalization. The ratings also acknowledge the competitive advantage derived from the sale of its core credit life and credit disability products through its parent, CitiFinancial Credit Company (CCC). CCC is an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Citigroup, Inc. and one of the leading consumer finance institutions with a network of branch offices throughout the United States and Canada. A.M. Best believes AHL's activities, which are principally conducted through the consumer finance operations of CCC, will continue to provide AHL with a more stable source of premium income relative to its competitors.

Partially offsetting these strengths is AHL's operational concentration in credit insurance products, the challenges inherent in the credit insurance market and high dividend requirements to Citigroup, Inc.

For Best's Ratings, an overview of the rating process and rating methodologies, please visit www.ambest.com/ratings.> A.M. Best Co., established in 1899, is the world's oldest and most authoritative insurance rating and information source. For more information, visit A.M. Best's Web site at www.ambest.com.