OLDWICK, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating (FSR) of A+ (Superior) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Ratings (Long-Term ICRs) of “aa-” (Superior) of Industrial Alliance Insurance and Financial Services Inc. (IA) (Quebec). Concurrently, AM Best has affirmed the Long-Term Issue Credit Ratings (Long-Term IRs) of IA. In addition, AM Best has affirmed the FSR of A (Excellent) and the Long-Term ICRs of “a” (Excellent) of IA’s U.S. life insurance entities within the IA American Life Group (IAALG). (See below for a detailed listing of companies). AM Best also has affirmed the FSR of A (Excellent) and the Long-Term ICR of “a+” (Excellent) of Industrial Alliance Pacific General Insurance Corporation (IAPG) (headquartered in Vancouver, Canada). Lastly, AM Best has affirmed the FSR of A (Excellent) and the Long-Term ICR of “a” (Excellent) of Dealers Assurance Company (DAC) (Columbus, OH). The outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable.
The ratings of IA reflect its balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as very strong, as well as its strong operating performance, favorable business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management. The company’s Canada operations continue to have favorable risk-adjusted capitalization, supported by strong and consistent operating performance. Financial leverage and interest coverage remains within tolerances. The ratings also recognize IA’s diversified business profile and continued growth organically and through acquisitions. IA’s ERM practices reflect a developed risk framework and formalized risk appetite, as well as its focus on strong risk governance throughout the organization.
The ratings of IAALG reflect its balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as very strong, as well as its marginal operating performance, neutral business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management. The ratings also recognize the support it has received from IA through multiple capital contributions and synergies from home office management of its actuarial reserves and investment portfolio. IAALG maintains an extremely conservative investment portfolio catering to the shorter duration products it offers, with over 90% of invested assets in investment grade bonds. While operating earnings have been volatile in recent years as the group grows, top- and bottom-line trends have been positive.
The ratings of IAPG reflect its balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as very strong, as well as its adequate operating performance, neutral business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management.
The ratings of DAC reflect its balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as strong, as well as its strong operating performance, neutral business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management. The ratings of DAC and IAPG reflect lift from IA in recognition of their contribution to the group’s overall strategy.
The FSR of A (Excellent) and the Long-Term ICRs of “a” (Excellent) have been affirmed with stable outlooks for the following entities of the IA American Life Group:
- IA American Life Insurance Company
- American-Amicable Life Insurance Company of Texas
- Pioneer Security Life Insurance Company
- Pioneer American Insurance Company
- Occidental Life Insurance Company of North Carolina
The following Long-Term IRs have been affirmed with stable outlooks:
Industrial Alliance Insurance and Financial Services Inc.—
-- “a” (Excellent) on CAD 400 million 3.30% subordinated debentures, due 2028
-- “a-” (Excellent) on CAD 125 million 4.60% non-cumulative perpetual preferred shares, Series B
The following indicative Long-Term IRs on securities available under the shelf registration have been affirmed with stable outlooks:
Industrial Alliance Insurance and Financial Services Inc.—
-- “a+” (Excellent) on senior unsecured debt
-- “a” (Excellent) on subordinated debt
-- “a-” (Excellent) on preferred shares
This press release relates to Credit Ratings that have been published on AM Best’s website. For all rating information relating to the release and pertinent disclosures, including details of the office responsible for issuing each of the individual ratings referenced in this release, please see AM Best’s Recent Rating Activity web page. For additional information regarding the use and limitations of Credit Rating opinions, please view Guide to Best's Credit Ratings. For information on the proper use of Best’s Credit Ratings, Best’s Performance Assessments, Best’s Preliminary Credit Assessments and AM Best press releases, please view Guide to Proper Use of Best’s Ratings & Assessments.
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