Best’s News & Research Service - June 22, 2017 02:56 PM (EDT)
A.M. Best Revises Issuer Credit Rating Outlook to Positive for SWBC Life Insurance Company
- June 22, 2017 02:56 PM (EDT)
Oldwick //BestWire// - A.M. Best has revised the outlook to positive from stable for the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating (Long-Term ICR) and affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of B++ (Good) and the Long-Term ICR of “bbb” of SWBC Life Insurance Company (SWBC Life) (San Antonio, TX). The outlook for the FSR remains stable.
The revision to the Long-Term ICR outlook reflects SWBC Life’s sustained trend of positive direct premiums written and some expansion of its business profile through the addition of distribution relationships and additional state licenses. The strong premium growth trend has driven an increase in operating profits, which has contributed to growth in its risk-adjusted capital ratios. SWBC Life maintains a somewhat differentiated investment strategy through utilization of bond ETFs and a higher-than-average allocation to common stocks. However, its overall liquidity remains strong given its high allocation to large cap common stocks, which are dividend-paying. The ratings also recognize that SWBC Life’s ultimate parent, Southwest Business Corporation, continues to report strong financial results and supports SWBC Life operationally through shared services and the expansion of its marketing efforts.
Conversely, the absolute level of the company’s capital and surplus has remained modest, despite organic growth. The company operates exclusively in the highly competitive credit insurance marketplace and historically has been writing direct business in just one state, which contributes to a concentrated regulatory and economic profile. However, A.M. Best acknowledges the progress management has made in geographic expansion to date.
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