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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OLDWICK, N.J. - APRIL 20, 2012 12:00 AM (EDT)
A.M. Best Co. has downgraded the financial strength rating to A- (Excellent) from A (Excellent) and issuer credit rating to a- from a of Southern Mutual Church Insurance Company (SMCIC) (Columbia, SC). The outlook for both ratings has been revised to negative from stable.
The rating actions reflect SMCICs poor underwriting and operating results in recent years, its geographic concentration of risk and its susceptibility to natural catastrophe events, as evidenced by the companys sizeable catastrophe related losses in recent years and the outcome from its modeled catastrophe loss. SMCICs business profile is somewhat geographically concentrated relative to its rating level, as more than 80% of its writings are derived from two southeastern states, which leaves the company exposed to regulatory, competitive and catastrophe risks. The outlook reflects A.M. Bests concern that further storm activity may materially impact earnings and capitalization as well as the execution risk associated with managements turnaround efforts.
Offsetting these negative rating factors are SMCICs adequate level of capitalization, managements efforts to improve operating results going forward and the companys established presence in its niche market of providing coverages to churches and religious organizations. The company also benefits from strong relationships with its insured base focusing on customer service and efficient claims management. Management continues to tighten underwriting standards, enhance loss prevention measures, while achieving better rate adequacy on new and renewal business as well as refining SMCICs reinsurance program.
Further negative rating actions may occur if SMCICs poor underwriting performance persists, causing a further deterioration in its risk-adjusted capitalization.
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 and Understanding BCAR for Property/Casualty Insurers. 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.