DES MOINES, Iowa and HOUSTON, Dec. 03, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- American Equity Investment Life Insurance Company (AEL) today announced that it has received an upgrade to its Financial Strength Rating (FSR) from AM Best to "A" from "A-". The upgrade is also applied to AEL's subsidiaries, including American Equity Investment Life Insurance Company of New York and Eagle Life Insurance Company. Jeff Lorenzen, Chief Executive Officer of AEL, said: "AEL's Financial Strength Rating upgrade from AM Best reflects our unwavering commitment to our policyholders and clients. AEL is financially strong and poised to move forward prudently with the goal of continued growth." In addition, AM Best has affirmed the FSR of "A" and removed the credit watch for American National Insurance Company and all operating subsidiaries in the group, with the exception of Garden State Life Insurance Company, which remains under review.