A.M. Best Affirms Ratings of Standard Casualty Company
A.M. Best Affirms Ratings of Standard Casualty Company
OLDWICK, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- A.M. Best Co. has affirmed the financial strength rating of A- (Excellent) and issuer crediting rating "a-" of Standard Casualty Company (Standard Casualty) (New Braunfels, TX). The outlook for all ratings is stable. Standard Casualty is a subsidiary of Cavco Industries Inc. (Delaware Corporation) [NASDAQ: CVCO], a manufacturer of factory-built homes.
The rating actions reflect Standard Casualty's adequate risk-adjusted capitalization, excellent local market knowledge and generally favorable operating results. Standard Casualty has shown a historical pattern of net earnings driven by its conservative underwriting philosophy and a steady stream of investment income. As a result, the company has reported positive pre-tax operating gains in four of the last five years (2007 - 2011). The exception being 2011, in which the company was adversely impacted by weather-related events and wildfire losses. Furthermore, Standard Casualty's investment portfolio is fairly conservative and has been the primary driver of pre-tax operating gains. In addition, balance sheet liquidity is excellent and the company has generated positive operating cash flow in most years.
These positive rating factors are partially offset by Standard Casualty's aggressive growth mainly in Arizona and New Mexico and its recent operating losses driven by frequent and severe weather-related events. As a result, underwriting losses were reported in 2011 and have continued into 2012. A.M. Best anticipates that Standard Casualty may experience underwriting volatility due to its anticipated aggressive growth and inherent exposure to frequent and severe weather-related events. In addition, as a predominate Texas writer, Standard Casualty is exposed to potential judicial, regulatory and economic concerns. However, these risks are partially mitigated as the company historically has adhered to strict underwriting guidelines and a conservative operating philosophy.
In future rating cycles, pressure may be put on Standard Casualty's ratings and outlook should its growth strategy result in operating losses and loss of surplus, which may lead to weaker risk-adjusted capitalization.
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. Key criteria utilized include: "Risk Management and the Rating Process for Insurance Companies"; "Understanding BCAR for Property/Casualty Insurers"; and "Rating Members of Insurance Groups." 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.
Najam Sharif
Financial Analyst
908-439-2200, ext. 5326
najam.sharif@ambest.com
Rachelle Morrow
Senior Manager, Public Relations
908-439-2200, ext. 5378
rachelle.morrow@ambest.com
Joseph Burtone
Assistant Vice President
908-439-2200, ext. 5125
joseph.burtone@ambest.com
Jim Peavy
Assistant Vice President, Public Relations
908-439-2200, ext. 5644
james.peavy@ambest.com
KEYWORDS: United States North America New Jersey Texas
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