On Dec. 13, 2002, Standard & Poor's Ratings Services assigned its 'A+' senior debt rating to The Allstate Corp.'s (Allstate) $250 million, 30-year notes issuance, which was sold at a 6.125% coupon rate. Allstate intends to use the net proceeds from this offering to fund the redemption of $250 million of 7.125% senior quarterly interest bonds (QUIBS) that it issued in 1997. The maturity date was 2097. The principal plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of redemption will be paid on Dec. 19, 2002. On that date, Standard & Poor's will withdraw the QUIBS rating. The company expects to finance this redemption through its existing shelf registration statement. After the redemption, Allstate's financial leverage (i.e., debt plus preferred
