A.M. Best Affirms Aspen Insurance Ratings
Ratings agency A.M. Best Europe – Rating Services Limited has affirmed the financial strength rating of A [Excellent] and the issuer credit ratings [ICR] of “a” of Aspen Insurance UK Limited [AIUK] [United Kingdom] and Aspen Bermuda Limited [ABL] [Bermuda]. At the same time, A.M. Best has affirmed the ICR of “bbb” and the debt ratings of Aspen Insurance Holdings Limited [Aspen] [Bermuda], the non-operating holding company of the Aspen group of companies. The outlook for all ratings remains stable.
A statement from the ratings agency said, “The ratings reflect A.M. Best’s expectation that Aspen’s consolidated risk-adjusted capitalization will continue to be maintained at a strong level, after taking account of the USD 300 million share repurchases planned for 2013. Projected growth in premium volumes, which is mainly targeted within the US insurance market, is expected to be supported by internal capital generation. Additionally, AIUK and ABL are expected to maintain strong stand-alone risk-adjusted capitalization. AIUK continues to be the main earnings contributor of the Aspen group, whilst ABL remains important to Aspen’s capital management strategy as the provider of internal reinsurance to other Aspen group companies.
“Aspen’s performance is expected to remain at a good level, assuming normal catastrophe activity for the remainder of the year. This is demonstrated by the pre-tax profit of USD 139 million reported in the first half of 2013 [half-year 2012:USD 175 million], despite exposure to the high incidences of catastrophe losses. The performance of Aspen’s US-domiciled subsidiaries remains a negative rating factor. This largely reflects the subsidiaries’ high start-up costs relative to net earned premiums. Although the US market conditions remain challenging, A.M. Best notes Aspen’s strategy to target the better priced risks and will continue to monitor the technical results of the US subsidiaries.
“Aspen maintains a robust business profile in the London and Bermudian markets, supported by its diversified portfolio of property/casualty and specialty insurance and reinsurance business. Diversification has improved significantly in recent years, due to a combination of growth in insurance lines and due to improved geographical diversification. Aspen’s access to business is enhanced by its US subsidiaries and network of branches in Europe, Canada, Singapore and Australia.
“Positive rating actions could occur if Aspen continues to maintain its excellent risk-adjusted capitalization levels and generates good underwriting results across the group’s subsidiaries. Unexpected weak operating performance or a material deterioration in the group’s consolidated risk-adjusted capitaliation could lead to negative rating pressure.”
