Best’s News & Research Service - November 22, 2017 01:40 PM (EST)
A.M. Best Affirms Credit Ratings of The Bahrain National Insurance Company BSC (c)
- November 22, 2017 01:40 PM (EST)
London //BestWire// - A.M. Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of B++ (Good) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of “bbb+” of The Bahrain National Insurance Company BSC (c) (BNI) (Bahrain). The outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable.
The ratings reflect BNI’s balance sheet strength, which is categorised as very strong by A.M. Best, as well as its strong operating performance, limited business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management.
BNI’s very strong balance sheet is underpinned by risk-adjusted capitalisation at the strongest level, high degree of liquidity and well-rated reinsurance panel. BNI’s capital requirements, as measured by Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio, continue to be driven by asset risk. Whilst the company has significant exposure to equities and other unlisted securities, which accounted for 36% of the total investments at the end of 2016, its investment portfolio is considered to be well-managed and diversified in terms of asset class and geographical distribution.
BNI has a track record of strong operating and technical profitability, illustrated by a five-year average (2012-2016) return on equity of 14% and combined ratio of 88%. In 2016, whilst underwriting profit remained stable at BHD 1.3 million (USD 3.4 million), net profit decreased by 18% to BHD 2.7 million (USD 7.2 million), driven by lower contribution of realised investment gains from local equity investments. Despite increasing competitive market pressures in Bahrain, BNI’s prudent approach to risk selection and focus on profitability over growth is expected to support the company’s continued strong technical performance.
With an estimated 15% market share in 2016, BNI has a leading position in its domestic insurance market, with a strongly established franchise in the motor line of business. Whilst benefitting from a strong brand and good reputation locally, the company remains concentrated to Bahrain, which offers limited growth opportunities and constrains BNI’s business profile.
This press release relates to Credit Ratings that have been published on A.M. 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 A.M. Best’s Recent Rating Activity web page. For additional information regarding the use and limitations of Credit Rating opinions, please view Understanding Best’s Credit Ratings. For information on the proper media use of Best’s Credit Ratings and A.M. Best press releases, please view Guide for Media - Proper Use of Best’s Credit Ratings and A.M. Best Rating Action Press Releases.
A.M. Best is the world’s oldest and most authoritative insurance rating and information source.