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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
AMSTERDAM - OCTOBER 09, 2019 08:34 AM (EDT)
AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of B+ (Good) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of “bbb-” of S2C S.p.A. Compagnia di Assicurazioni di Crediti e Cauzioni (S2C) (Italy). The outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) remains stable.
The ratings reflect S2C’s balance sheet strength, which AM Best categorises as adequate, as well as its adequate operating performance, limited business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management (ERM).
S2C’s risk-adjusted capitalisation, as measured by Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR), is categorised as strongest, and AM Best expects it to remain at least at the very strong level over the medium term. Offsetting factors in the balance sheet strength assessment include the company’s limited financial flexibility, its material, albeit reduced, exposure to Italian government bonds and its small capital base, which increases the potential for volatility in risk-adjusted capitalisation. Dependence on reinsurance is high, although the associated credit risk is mitigated partially by the company’s long-standing relationships with reinsurers of excellent credit quality.
S2C has a track record of good operating profits, driven by its robust underwriting performance which is demonstrated by a five-year average combined ratio of 74% (2014-2018). In 2018, the combined ratio rose to 81% (2017: 68%) due to a decrease in earned premiums as a result of an increase in the company’s supplementary unearned premium reserve (as required by local regulation). Although overall results since 2012 have been good,
AM Best notes that prospective performance may be volatile due to movements in the supplementary unearned premium reserve and the potential for fluctuations in loss experience from the company’s surety business.
S2C is a niche mono-line insurer that focuses on the highly competitive surety market in Italy. The company leverages its specialist expertise to compete against larger players and maintains sustainable premium rates. S2C has a developed ERM framework, with clear risk appetite and tolerance levels in place.
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 Understanding 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 rating agency and information provider with an exclusive focus on the insurance industry.