A.M. Best Affirms Ratings of XL Group plc, Its Property/Casualty Subsidiaries and XLIT Ltd.

Motley Fool Staff
Updated

A.M. Best Affirms Ratings of XL Group plc, Its Property/Casualty Subsidiaries and XLIT Ltd.

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" ofthe property/casualty subsidiaries of the holding company, XL Group plc (XL) (Ireland) [NYSE:XL], led by XL Insurance (Bermuda) Ltd (Hamilton, Bermuda). Concurrently, A.M. Best has affirmed the ICRs of "bbb" of XL and XLIT Ltd. (Cayman Islands) as well as all debt ratings of XLIT Ltd. The outlook for all ratings is stable. (See below for a detailed listing of the companies and ratings.)

The rating affirmations reflect the organization's excellent risk-based capitalization, strong worldwide market presence and the completed de-risking of the group's investment portfolio. XL subsidiaries' property/casualty operating results have been profitable through the first six months of 2012, with a combined ratio of 93.0%. The group averaged a favorable combined ratio of 95.9% for the previous five years.

The XL management team has implemented strategies that support and promote an enhanced risk management program and a continuing focus on underwriting as the key component of the group's business approach. Management's focus on its core underwriting strengths has been exhibited by the addition of a substantial number of new senior underwriters. Furthermore, as a result of XL's completed de-risking of its investment portfolio, the organization has successfully reduced the level of market volatility in its investment results.

XL's debt-to-capital ratio is expected to remain in the 15%-25% range as capital is anticipated to be enhanced by strong earnings. The fixed charge coverage has stabilized and is expected to remain comparable with the current level over the near term.

Positive rating actions could occur if over the next several years XL exhibits consistency in its underwriting and net earnings in line with other comparably rated peers, along with retained earnings growth. Negative rating actions could occur if the organization's operating performance is consistently below the market by a significant margin for several years, or if capital erosion due to operating performance or investment volatility exceeds A.M. Best's expectations.

The FSR of A (Excellent) and ICRs of "a" have been affirmed for the following subsidiaries of XL Group plc:

  • XL Re Ltd

  • Indian Harbor Insurance Company

  • Greenwich Insurance Company

  • XL Insurance Company of New York, Inc.

  • XL Insurance America, Inc.

  • XL Select Insurance Company

  • XL Reinsurance America Inc.

  • XL Specialty Insurance Company

  • XL Insurance (Bermuda) Ltd

  • XL Re Latin America Ltd

  • XL Insurance Company Limited

  • XL Re Europe Limited

  • XL Insurance Switzerland Ltd

The following debt ratings have been affirmed:

XLIT Ltd.—

-- "bbb" on $600 million 5.25% senior unsecured notes, due 2014
-- "bbb" on $350 million 6.375% senior unsecured bonds, due 2024
-- "bbb" on $325 million 6.25% senior unsecured notes, due 2027
-- "bbb" on $400 million 5.75% senior unsecured notes due 2021
-- "bb+" on $1.0 billion Series E non-cumulative preference shares, redeemable 2017
--"bb+" on $350 million Series D non-cumulative preference shares

The following indicative ratings on shelf securities have been affirmed:

XLIT Ltd.—

-- "bbb" on senior unsecured
-- "bbb-" on subordinated
-- "bb+" on preferred stock

The methodology used in determining these ratings is Best's Credit Rating Methodology, which provides a comprehensive explanation of A.M. Best's rating process and contains the different rating criteria employed in the rating process. Additional key criteria utilized include: "Understanding BCAR for Property/Casualty Insurers"; "Rating Members of Insurance Groups"; "Natural Catastrophe Stress Test"; "Risk Management and the Rating Process for Insurance Companies"; "Understanding Universal BCAR"; and "Insurance Holding Company and Debt Ratings." Best's Credit Rating Methodology can be found at www.ambest.com/ratings/methodology.

Founded in 1899, A.M. Best Company is the world's oldest and most authoritative insurance rating and information source. For more information, visitwww.ambest.com.

Copyright © 2012 by A.M. Best Company, Inc.ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.



A.M. Best Co.
Peter Dickey
Assistant Vice President
908-439-2200, ext. 5053
peter.dickey@ambest.com
or
Rachelle Morrow
Senior Manager, Public Relations
908-439-2200, ext. 5378
rachelle.morrow@ambest.com
or
John Andre
Group Vice President
908-439-2200, ext. 5619
john.andre@ambest.com
or
Jim Peavy
Assistant Vice President, Public Relations
908-439-2200, ext. 5644
james.peavy@ambest.com

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