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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OLDWICK - NOVEMBER 14, 2018 04:24 PM (EST)
A.M. Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of A- (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of “a-” of Economical Mutual Insurance Company (EMIC) and its wholly owned subsidiary, Waterloo Insurance Company (WIC). Both companies are domiciled in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. The outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) remains stable.
The ratings reflect EMIC and WIC’s balance sheet strength, which A.M. Best categorizes as very strong, as well as its marginal operating performance, neutral business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management.
Following a brand consolidation, A.M. Best has withdrawn the ratings of WIC upon management’s request for that entity to no longer participate in A.M. Best’s interactive rating process, as all future broker-distributed business will be written or renewed on EMIC paper.
Resources required to support the demutualization process and investments in other strategic initiatives, as well as weather-related events have impacted EMICs balance sheet and operating performance in recent years. Nevertheless, A.M. Best expects capital expenditures and other investments in the company’s operations to yield long-term benefits, despite recent hurdles. Evidence of management’s commitment to improving and transforming its operations have been noted in systems upgrades, brand consolidations and development of a direct distribution method.
While operations are expected to return to more historical norms in the near- to mid-term, A.M. Best recognizes that continued depletion of capital or further deterioration of performance at the current rate is not sustainable in the long-term. Further monitoring by the A.M. Best analytical team will remain a priority as EMIC advances through the demutualization process.
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 a global rating agency and information provider with a unique focus on the insurance industry.