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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OLDWICK, N.J. - FEBRUARY 15, 2012 12:00 AM (EST)
A.M. Best Co. has upgraded the financial strength rating (FSR) to A- (Excellent) from B++ (Good) and issuer credit rating (ICR) to a- from bbb+ of Plateau Insurance Company (PIC). Concurrently, A.M. Best has affirmed the FSR of A- (Excellent) and ICR of a- of PICs parent company, Plateau Casualty Insurance Company (PCIC). The outlook for all ratings is stable. Both companies are domiciled in Crossville, TN.
The rating upgrades consider PICs consistent growth in capital as reflected in its solid risk-adjusted capitalization, as well as its positive earnings stream and the expanded geographic diversification in its distribution network. The ratings also reflect A.M. Bests view of PICs role as a subsidiary of the Plateau Group, Inc. (life and property/casualty), its ability to deliver a broad range of credit insurance product offerings and services to its customers, and the synergies gained by common management, marketing platforms and shared services.
A.M. Best also notes that PICs investment portfolio is very short term in nature with little interest rate risk and high levels of liquidity. A.M. Best believes that PIC is well positioned to grow premium volume organically given the growth in its distribution network, and opportunistically from business flow from entities exiting the credit insurance market.
While recognizing PICs solid capital position and the consistent profitability, A.M. Best notes that growth within the enterprise depends upon the health and strength of the economy, specifically domestic auto sales. A.M. Best notes that while auto sales have improved over the past year, a potential decrease in consumer activity can still adversely impact the associated opportunities to market the companys core credit products. Additionally, the ratings consider the challenges PIC faces in balancing a high level of new premium growth while maintaining its historical consistent financial profitability in the short term.
The rating affirmations of PCIC recognize its historical profitability, niche market expertise and supportive capitalization. The rating affirmations also recognize PCICs role within the Plateau Group, its importance as a licensed property/casualty insurer within the group as well as the same inherent benefits afforded by common management, marketing and shared services. PCIC is primarily a credit property/casualty insurance writer that offers various consumer credit insurance products marketed by consumer finance companies and community banks, and extended service contracts as well as GAP insurance marketed by automobile dealers.
A.M. Best believes the companies are well positioned at the current ratings.
Negative rating actions could occur if PICs capitalization and/or operating performance falls markedly short of A.M. Bests expectations. Negative rating pressure also could occur if the business profile and/or the relative importance of either insurance company changes materially.
The methodology used in determining these ratings is Bests Credit Rating Methodology, which provides a comprehensive explanation of A.M. Bests rating process and contains the different rating criteria employed in the rating process. Key criteria utilized include: Risk Management and the Rating Process for Insurance Companies; Understanding BCAR for Life/Health Insurers; Understanding BCAR for Property/Casualty Insurers; Rating Members of Insurance Groups; and Assessing Country Risk. Bests Credit Rating Methodology can be found at www.ambest.com/ratings/methodology.
Founded in 1899, A.M. Best Company is the worlds oldest and most authoritative insurance rating and information source.