A.M. Best Affirms Ratings of Arch Reinsurance Ltd. and Its Operating Affiliates
A.M. Best Affirms Ratings of Arch Reinsurance Ltd. and Its Operating Affiliates
OLDWICK, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- A.M. Best Co. has affirmed the financial strength rating (FSR) of A+ (Superior) and the issuer credit ratings (ICR) of "aa-" of Arch Reinsurance Ltd. (Arch) (Bermuda) and its strategic affiliates. A.M. Best also has assigned an FSR of A+ (Superior) and an ICR of "aa-" to Arch Insurance Canada Ltd. (Canada), which was converted from a branch company to an operating subsidiary in late 2012.
Concurrently, A.M. Best has affirmed the ICR of "bbb+" of Arch Capital Group (US) Inc. (Delaware), as well as the ICR of "a-" and all debt ratings of the ultimate holding company, Arch Capital Group Ltd (Bermuda) [NASDAQ: ACGL]. The outlook for all ratings is stable. (See below for a detailed listing of the companies and ratings.)
The affirmations reflect Arch's continued superior operating performance amidst challenging market conditions, consistently excellent capitalization and demonstrated enterprise risk management. Arch maintains a very strong underwriting culture and focuses on actively managing the cycle by being adaptive to varied market conditions. As industry investment yields continue to be at record lows, underwriting profitability is vital. The company is capable of writing a broad range of property/casualty insurance and reinsurance on a worldwide basis and focuses on specialty lines.
Overall operating results have been strong since Arch's inception and certain metrics have exceeded most peers in the sector. Typically, Arch has had a smaller share of major industry losses, as was the case in 2011 when numerous global catastrophes struck. Recently, with Hurricane Sandy inflicting approximately $25 billion of insured losses, Arch's current loss estimates are in line with its expected market share and very manageable. As a result, Arch has historically reported stable and consistent financial results with lower levels of volatility than many of its peers. Furthermore, Arch has a prudent investment portfolio and conservative reserving philosophy, which helps maintain a strong balance sheet.
Partially offsetting these positive rating attributes are the current soft market conditions through which Arch, as well as all industry participants, must navigate.
For Arch, factors that could result in negative rating pressure include unfavorable operating profitability trends, outsized catastrophe or investment losses relative to peers, significant adverse loss reserve development and/or a material decline in risk-adjusted capital. However, factors that could lead to a positive outlook or further rating upgrades would be the continuation of long-term, consistently strong operating profitability relative to its peers and maintenance of strong risk-adjusted capital levels.
The FSR of A+ (Superior) and the ICRs of "aa-" have been affirmed for Arch Reinsurance Ltd. and its following affiliates:
Arch Reinsurance Company
Arch Insurance Company
Arch Specialty Insurance Company
Arch Excess & Surplus Insurance Company
Arch Insurance Company (Europe) Ltd
The following debt ratings have been affirmed:
Arch Capital Group Ltd—
-- "a-" on $300 million 7.35% senior unsecured notes, due 2034
-- "bbb" on $325 million 6.75% non-cumulative preferred shares, Series C
The following indicative ratings have been affirmed for debt securities available under the existing shelf registration:
Arch Capital Group Ltd—
-- "a-" on senior debt
-- "bbb+" on subordinated debt
-- "bbb" on preferred stock
Arch Capital Group (U.S.) Inc. (guaranteed by Arch Capital Group Ltd)—
-- "a-" on senior debt
-- "bbb+" on subordinated debt
-- "bbb" 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. 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 © 2013 by A.M. Best Company, Inc.ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
A.M. Best Co.
Greg Reisner
Managing Senior Financial Analyst
(908) 439-2200, ext. 5224
greg.reisner@ambest.com
or
John Andre
Group Vice President
(908) 439-2200, ext. 5619
john.andre@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
KEYWORDS: United States Europe North America New Jersey
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