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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OLDWICK, N.J. - MAY 05, 2005 12:00 AM (EDT)
A.M. Best Co. has upgraded the financial strength rating to B+ (Very Good) from B (Fair) of American Inter-Fidelity Exchange (Merrillville, IN). The rating outlook is stable.
The rating recognizes AIFE's very good capitalization with conservative leverage and favorable liquidity, as well as its strong operating performance. AIFE has generated substantial profits in recent years primarily from effective underwriting, growing its surplus through retained earnings. It also maintains a conservative investment portfolio and has produced positive underwriting and operating cash flows to support its solid liquidity measures.
Partially offsetting these positive rating factors are AIFE's limited market profile and diversification. As its business is primarily derived from one major trucking operation, it has limited business diversification and scale. This concentration is amplified by relatively high retentions in a line of business characterized by high loss severity. Nevertheless, over several years, AIFE has demonstrated expertise in underwriting its exposures with solid underwriting and operating results.
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