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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
AMSTERDAM - SEPTEMBER 25, 2020 09:08 AM (EDT)
AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of A+ (Superior) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Ratings (Long-Term ICR) of “aa-” of SCOR SE (SCOR) (France) and its main operating subsidiaries. Concurrently, AM Best has affirmed the Long-Term Issue Credit Ratings (Long-Term IR) on SCOR’s outstanding rated instruments. The outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable. See below for a detailed listing of companies and ratings.
The ratings reflect SCOR’s balance sheet strength, which AM Best categorises as very strong, as well as its strong operating performance, very favourable business profile and very strong enterprise risk management.
SCOR’s balance sheet strength is underpinned by risk-adjusted capitalisation that exceeds the level required to support the strongest assessment, as measured by Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio. AM Best expects risk-adjusted capitalisation to be maintained at the strongest level prospectively, supported by SCOR’s conservative investment portfolio and robust retrocession programme designed to shield its capital base. A partially offsetting factor is SCOR’s reliance on soft capital components, which include hybrid debt, value of in-force life business and a contingent capital facility.
SCOR’s operating performance is strong, demonstrated by a 10-year (2010-2019) weighted average return on equity of 8.4% (as calculated by AM Best). In 2019, SCOR delivered a net profit of EUR 422 million (2018: EUR 322 million), despite exposure to significant natural catastrophe events. For the first half of 2020, the group reported a net profit of EUR 26 million (half-year 2019: EUR 286 million) – the decline is mainly attributed to the EUR 456 million of COVID-19-related losses booked by SCOR in the second quarter. In 2019 and half-year 2020, profits from SCOR’s life reinsurance business partly offset losses in property/casualty reinsurance, demonstrating the benefit of the group’s good balance of earnings. Additionally, healthy investment income contributes to operating profitability.
SCOR is a top tier global reinsurer, with excellent product and geographical diversification. The group’s internationally recognised franchise, long-standing client relationships and technical expertise allow SCOR to effectively manage local and global reinsurance market cycles. The group is well-positioned to benefit from improving property/casualty reinsurance market conditions and positive pricing momentum.
The FSR of A+ (Superior) and Long-Term ICRs of “aa-” have been affirmed, with a stable outlook, for SCOR SE and its following operating subsidiaries:
The following Long-Term IRs have been affirmed with a stable outlook:
SCOR SE—
— “a” on EUR 500m 3.625% subordinated notes, due 2048
— “a” on EUR 600m 3.00% subordinated notes, due 2046
— “a” on CHF 125m 3.375% perpetual subordinated notes
— “a” on EUR 250m 3.875% perpetual subordinated notes
— “a” on EUR 250m 3.25% subordinated notes, due 2047
This press release relates to Credit Ratings that have been published on AM 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 AM Best’s Recent Rating Activity web page. For additional information regarding the use and limitations of Credit Rating opinions, please view Guide to Best’s Credit Ratings. For information on the proper media use of Best’s Credit Ratings and AM Best press releases, please view Guide for Media - Proper Use of Best’s Credit Ratings and AM Best Rating Action Press Releases.
AM Best is a global credit rating agency, news publisher and data analytics provider specializing in the insurance industry. Headquartered in the United States, the company does business in over 100 countries with regional offices in New York, London, Amsterdam, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore and Mexico City.