MONTERREY, Mexico--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Fitch Ratings has affirmed Reaseguradora Patria S.A.B.'s Local Currency Insurer Financial Strength (IFS) rating at BBB+ with a Stable Outlook. Also, Fitch has affirmed Reaseguradora Patria's National Scale IFS rating at 'AAA(mex)' with a Stable Outlook.
Fitch's rating action reflects Reaseguradora Patria's (Patria's) maintenance of a risk based capital approach and large levels of catastrophic reserves, and the signing of an adequate retrocession program with a solid security list. Patria's ratings are also based on the company's higher geographic diversification, improved competitive position, and consistent strategy. On the other hand, the large significance of resources held in equity investment limits Patria's ratings.
Sovereign risk also currently places constraints on Patria's ratings, as the company's investment portfolio still holds high levels of Mexican sovereign debt, currently rated at the same level of Patria's IFS rating.
Fitch believes that Patria follows a very conservative capital and reserving policy, partly driven by stringent requirements set under Mexican insurance regulation. Catastrophic reserves alone amounted to US$ 110 million; with this level, Patria can face an event loss of 50 years in hurricane catastrophe, and of 100 years in earthquake catastrophe. However, when evaluated in conjunction with catastrophic retrocession protection, the company could cope with an event loss of 1,500 years recurrence.
Fitch expects Patria's solvency margins to stabilize at around its current level, as future reserves and reinvested retained earnings are likely to compensate for future capital requirements, largely relating to expected premiums growth and to the imminent implementation of a new capital regulation.
Patria's business position has continued to improve, growing mainly in direct XL treaties in South American countries and through brokers outside Latin America (overseas). This competitiveness is based on the company's solid brand, good track record, management expertise and financial strength. However, the rating action also considers Patria's profitability challenges. In Fitch's opinion, competitive underwriting conditions in a number of business lines and exposure to natural catastrophes could challenge the company's ability to achieve earnings improvement in the short term. In addition, Patria's holding project, aimed at reaching synergies, has yet to deliver its full benefits.
Patria's ratings could be upgraded if the company successfully develops its growth strategy in a diversified and profitable way, provided risk based capital and reserves position remains strong. On the other hand, the key rating drivers that could result in a downgrade include a mayor decrease in Patria's liquidity position, and the failure to maintain a disciplined underwriting approach which could result in a sustained drop in the company's profitability. An important Mexico's sovereign rating downgrade could also trigger a negative rating action.
Additional information is available at www.fitchratings.com. The ratings above were solicited by, or on behalf of, the issuer, and therefore, Fitch has been compensated for the provision of the ratings.
Applicable Criteria and Related Research:
--'Insurance Rating
Methodology - Global Master Criteria' (Oct. 18 2012).
Applicable Criteria and Related Research:
Insurance Rating
Methodology -- Amended
http://www.fitchratings.com/creditdesk/reports/report_frame.cfm?rpt_id=692293
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