NY -- Standard & Poor's CreditWire 4/7/98 -- Standard & Poor's today affirmed its double-'A'-plus claims-paying ability rating on Aid Association for Lutherans. The affirmation reflects the company's excellent business position, superior capitalization, excellent operating performance, and high-quality investment portfolio. Partially offsetting these strengths are challenges facing the company in improving sales growth and field force productivity, while encountering increased competition. Major rating factors include: -- AAL has an excellent business review as the leading provider of life insurance and annuities to Lutherans, which is enhanced by its affinity with policyholders. The society has focused efforts on reversing prior declines in sales through a restructuring of its field force and the implementation of strategic initiatives designed to increase sales performance
