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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OLDWICK - DECEMBER 13, 2019 10:02 AM (EST)
AM Best has upgraded the Financial Strength Rating to A (Excellent) from A- (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating to “a” from “a-” of Farmers Alliance Mutual Insurance Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Alliance Indemnity Company and Alliance Insurance Company, Inc. (all domiciled in McPherson, KS) (collectively referred to as Farmers Alliance Companies). The outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) has been revised to stable from positive.
The ratings of Farmers Alliance Companies reflect their balance sheet strength, which AM Best categorizes as strongest, as well as their adequate operating performance, neutral business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management.
The rating upgrades reflect the stabilization in the group’s underwriting performance, which has produced sustained profitability following underwriting actions in prior years. These actions included new exposure mitigation techniques, improved rate granularity and risk management processes. As a result of these changes, the group’s most recent five-year average return measures track closely with composite averages. Additionally, the group’s five-year measures of combined and operating ratios compare favorably with the private passenger standard auto and homeowners composite. Further, the group has reported favorable pre-tax operating gains and net income for five consecutive years.
Farmers Alliance Companies has tightened underwriting guidelines without radical changes to its niche profile as an insurer of midwestern farms. The majority of the group’s business continues to center on the farming communities of rural America. In 2019, the group introduced a new strategic plan, following the appointment of Brian Lopata as CEO in 2018. The plan was constructed with input from employees at all levels, and aims to improve upon many of the factors that have led to the group’s recent success.
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 credit rating agency, news publisher and data provider specializing in the insurance industry. The company does business in more than 100 countries. Headquartered in Oldwick, NJ, AM Best has offices in cities around the world, including London, Amsterdam, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore and Mexico City.