A.M. Best Affirms Ratings of Ameriprise Group and Its Members

OLDWICK, N.J.--(Business Wire)--
A.M. Best Co. has affirmed the financial strength rating (FSR) of
A (Excellent) and issuer credit ratings (ICR) of "a" of Ameriprise
Group and its members (Ameriprise). Ameriprise consists of IDS
Property Casualty Insurance Company (IDS) and its wholly owned
subsidiary, Ameriprise Insurance Company (both of De Pere, WI). The
outlook for all ratings is stable.

These ratings reflect Ameriprise's strong capital position
resulting from its conservative investment risk profile, its favorable
underwriting leverage and solid profit margins. As a result, the group
has reported pre-tax operating returns on revenue and equity that
exceed the industry averages. Also contributing to Ameriprise's
favorable operating results has been its low-cost, direct marketing
strategy.

Partially offsetting these positive rating factors is the inherent
risk associated with the business growth that the group has
experienced over the last five years. In addition, although capital
remains strong, the group dividends a majority of its net income to
its parent company. As a result, surplus appreciation has been
somewhat dampened, and underwriting leverage ratios have modestly
increased.

For Best's Ratings, an overview of the rating process and rating
methodologies, please visit www.ambest.com/ratings.

Founded in 1899, A.M. Best Company is a global full-service credit
rating organization dedicated to serving the financial and health care
service industries, including insurance companies, banks, hospitals
and health care system providers. For more information, visit
www.ambest.com.

A.M. Best Co.
Analysts
Bob Podolski, 908-439-2200, ext. 5731
bob.podolski@ambest.com
or
Joseph A. Burtone, 908-439-2200, ext. 5125
joseph.burtone@ambest.com
or
Public Relations
Jim Peavy, 908-439-2200, ext. 5644
james.peavy@ambest.com
or
Rachelle Morrow, 908-439-2200, ext. 5378
rachelle.morrow@ambest.com

Copyright Business Wire 2008