Standard & Poor's Ratings Services lowered its counterparty credit and financial strength ratings on Thrivent Financial for Lutherans and its subsidiary, Lutheran Brotherhood Variable Insurance Products Co. (collectively referred to as Thrivent Financial), to double-'A' from double-'A'-plus on Oct. 16, 2002. The outlook is stable. The ratings reflect the fraternal benefit society's very strong niche business position, very strong liquidity, and extremely strong capitalization. These strengths are offset by the company's exposure to the financial markets through its equity-related products and its investment portfolio, which have produced lower-than-expected earnings. In January 2002, Lutheran Brotherhood and Aid Association for Lutherans merged to form Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. Standard & Poor's views the merger favorably because of the similarities between the two
