A.M. Best Co. has affirmed the financial strength rating of ‘A+’ (Superior) and downgraded the issuer credit ratings (ICR) to “aa-” from “aa” of Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty North America (AGCS NA), which includes Allianz Global Risk US Insurance Company, Allianz Underwriters Insurance Company, both headquartered in Burbank, Calif. and AGCS Marine Insurance Company of Chicago.
Best has also downgraded the ICR to “a-” from “a” of Delaware-based Allianz of America Inc. All of the ratings have been placed under review with negative implications.
These rating actions follow the downgrade of the ICR and the placing of the ratings under review with negative implications of the group’s ultimate parent company, Allianz Societas Europaea (Allianz SE). The actions on Allianz SE’s ratings resulted from the company’s exposure to investments in several peripheral euro zone economies, Italy in particular, as well as its investment exposure to euro zone banks.
Best said it “has been actively monitoring the continued deterioration of the sovereign creditworthiness of several euro zone countries and the negative economic outlook for the region and released reports on the insurance industry exposure to these events in September and November of this year.
“The perceived strain on the economies of these countries – most notably Italy and Spain – and companies operating within their borders is growing rapidly with very little evidence of a solution being formulated to address near-term concerns. The rationale for taking rating action at this point is largely attributable to the current level of credit and liquidity risk for insurers operating within these countries, including Allianz SE.
“The ratings for AGCS NA and Allianz SE will remain under review with negative implications while Best examines their companies’ exposure to a prolonged adverse economic environment within the euro zone.”
As Best has previously indicated, it is particularly concerned by the “exposure to Italy and Spain’s sovereign bonds and the potential for contagion into other asset classes, particularly holdings of European bank securities.” Best said it would “assess the likely impact of a prolonged financial crisis and recessionary environment on these carriers’ market position and ongoing business operations.”
Best also noted that in its view “AGCS NA is a strategic cornerstone of the group’s global industrial and specialty lines business, fully integrated into the operating processes of AGCS Global, and as such, has the explicit support of the group’s ultimate parent company, Allianz SE.
“The ratings also consider AGCS NA’s sound risk-adjusted capitalization, strong business franchise and solid underwriting and operating performance in recent years.”
As offsetting factors Best cited “AGCS NA’s historically poor underwriting performance and the inherent risk associated with the recent growth in premium production. The outlook reflects ongoing support from Allianz SE and A.M. Best’s expectation for continued solid operating results over the near term.” Best also said “upward rating actions are unlikely at this point.
“Negative rating actions could occur if there were a worsening of risk-adjusted capitalization at Allianz SE tied to investment losses or a deterioration of the operating environment in key territories. Additionally, negative rating action could be taken if AGCS NA is deemed not sufficiently strategically important to the global operations of Allianz SE to receive full rating enhancement.”
Source: A.M. Best
Was this article valuable?
Here are more articles you may enjoy.
FBI Says Chinese Hackers Preparing to Attack US Infrastructure 
Investment Funds File New Suits Over Lighthouse Insurance Collapse in 2022 
Trump’s Bond Insurer Tells Judge Shortfall Is ‘Inconceivable’ 
South Carolina Ringleader Sentenced to 8 Years for Staged Accidents 
