A.M. Best Affirms Ratings of Third Point Reinsurance Company Ltd.
A.M. Best Affirms Ratings of Third Point Reinsurance Company Ltd.
OLDWICK, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- A.M. Best Co. has affirmed the financial strength rating of A- (Excellent) and issuer credit rating of "a-" of Third Point Reinsurance Company Ltd. (TP Re) (Hamilton, Bermuda) The outlook for both ratings is stable.
The ratings of TP Re are based on its excellent risk-adjusted capitalization, the successful first year implementation of its business plan including the build-out of its management team, as well as the above average performance of its investment portfolio.
Partially offsetting these positive rating factors are the start-up nature of TP Re, the greater investment risk associated with its alternative investment strategy and the increasing competition and capacity in the reinsurance marketplace.
TP Re could be exposed to a convergence of events that could test its capital strength. The underwriting risk along with significant investment risk could have a duplicative adverse effect on its risk-adjusted capital. However, TP Re's low underwriting leverage, experienced underwriting team and its 18-year successful investment track record help to alleviate A.M. Best's concerns. The assets of TP Re will be managed by Third Point LLC, a New York-based SEC-registered investment manager with over $10.1 billion of assets under management. TP Re's assets will be in a separate portfolio within Third Point LLC and will not be combined with other investors at Third Point LLC.
In addition, A.M. Best anticipates that TP Re's management will be challenged by competition from established reinsurers as well as other start-up entities. The addition of more capital to an already overcapitalized reinsurance marketplace could pressure underwriting margins.
Key rating triggers that could result in positive rating actions would be TP Re meeting and/or exceeding its business plan over the long term.
Key rating triggers that could result in negative rating actions would be TP Re not executing its business plan over the long term.
A.M. Best remains the leading rating agency of alternative risk transfer entities, with more than 200 such vehicles rated in the United States and throughout the world.
For current Best's Ratings and independent data on the captive and alternative insurance market, please visit www.ambest.com/captive.
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: "Evaluating Country Risk"; "Rating Members of Insurance Groups"; "Rating New Company Formations"; "Risk Management and the Rating Process for Insurance Companies"; "Understanding BCAR for Property/Casualty Insurers"; and "Understanding Universal BCAR." 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 © 2013 by A.M. Best Company, Inc.ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
A.M. Best Co.
Nick Dranchak
Senior Financial Analyst
(908) 439-2200, ext. 5629
nick.dranchak@ambest.com
or
Steven Chirico, CPA
Assistant Vice President
(908) 439-2200, ext. 5087
steven.chirico@ambest.com
or
Rachelle Morrow
Senior Manager, Public Relations
(908) 439-2200, ext. 5378
rachelle.morrow@ambest.com
or
Jim Peavy
Assistant Vice President, Public Relations
(908) 439-2200, ext. 5644
james.peavy@ambest.com
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