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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OLDWICK, N.J. - JUNE 12, 2007 12:00 AM (EDT)
A.M. Best Co. has upgraded the financial strength rating to B++ (Good) from B+ (Good) and assigned an issuer credit rating of "bbb" to American Inter-Fidelity Exchange (AIFE) (Merrillville, IN). The outlook for the FSR remains stable, and the outlook assigned to the ICR is stable.
The rating upgrade recognizes AIFE's very good capitalization with conservative underwriting leverage and excellent liquidity, as well as its consistently strong operating performance. AIFE has generated substantial profits in recent years primarily through effective underwriting, leading to solid surplus growth through retained earnings. It also maintains a conservative investment portfolio and has produced positive underwriting and operating cash flows to support its favorable liquidity measures.
Partially offsetting these positive rating factors are AIFE's limited market profile, scale and business diversification. Business is primarily derived from one major source and is concentrated in commercial trucking liability exposures. This concentration is amplified by relatively high retentions in a line of business characterized by high loss severity and volatility, and dependence on the availability of reinsurance. Nevertheless, AIFE has demonstrated expertise in underwriting its exposures with overall solid underwriting and operating results.
For Best's Ratings, an overview of the rating process and rating methodologies, please visit Best's Rating Center.
Founded in 1899, A.M. Best Company is a full-service credit rating organization dedicated to serving the financial services industries, including the banking and insurance sectors.