Questions and Answers on Affirmations by Fitch Ratings of TIAA’s “Triple-A” Insurer Financial Strength Rating
What was announced?
Fitch Ratings affirmed TIAA’s “AAA” insurer financial strength rating with a stable outlook.
What does this mean?
The insurer financial strength ratings assess the financial strength of an insurance organization, including the ability of the insurer to meet its obligations. In its statement affirming the AAA rating, Fitch recognized TIAA’s “ability to generate strong and stable statutory operating earnings.” TIAA’s rating also reflects Fitch’s view that “the company’s liability structure is extremely stable and relatively low risk.”
Fitch assigns a “AAA” insurer financial strength rating only in the case of exceptionally strong capacity to meet policyholder and contract obligations that is highly unlikely to be adversely affected by foreseeable events.
How does TIAA’s “AAA” financial strength rating affect my TIAA holdings?
For TIAA policyholders, a AAA rating means you have entrusted your savings to a company with extremely strong financial security characteristics.
Where can I find more information about TIAA’s performance?
For more information on the investment performance of TIAA’s General Account, click here.
What have other ratings agencies had to say?
In addition to today’s affirmation from Fitch, TIAA holds the highest insurer financial strength ratings from Moody’s, S&P and A.M. Best Company.
TIAA is rated A++, A.M. Best Company (as of 12/09); AAA, Fitch Ratings (as of 4/10); Aaa, Moody’s Investors Service (as of 10/09); AAA, Standard & Poor’s (as of 12/09) – the highest possible ratings from these independent analysts.
These ratings do not apply to variable annuities, mutual funds, or any other product or service not fully backed by TIAA’s/TIAA-CREF Life’s claims-paying ability.
The TIAA General Account is an insurance company account and does not present an investment return, and is not available to investors.
