Noridian's operating earnings have improved. We expect improved profitability to result in a positive return on revenue (ROR) of 1%, which is well above our prior expectation of negative 2%-negative 3% ROR for 2009. We are revising our outlook on Noridian to stable from negative and affirming the 'A-' ratings. The stable outlook reflects our expectation that the company's operating performance will not decline meaningfully from 1% ROR for 2009 and 2%-3% for 2010, given the rate approval for mid-year 2009-2010 renewals. On Oct. 27, 2009, Standard&Poor's Ratings Services affirmed its 'A-' counterparty credit and financial strength ratings on Noridian Mutual Insurance Co., which does business as Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota, and revised the outlook
