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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OLDWICK - FEBRUARY 07, 2024 04:40 PM (EST)
AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating (FSR) of C++ (Marginal) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Ratings (Long-Term ICR) of “b+” (Marginal) of the subsidiaries of First Acceptance Corporation (Delaware) [OTCQX: FACO], collectively referred to as First Acceptance Group (First Acceptance). The outlook for the FSR is stable while the outlook for the Long-Term ICR is negative. (See below for a list of companies). Concurrently, AM Best has affirmed the Long-Term ICR of “ccc-” (Weak) of First Acceptance Corporation. The outlook of this Credit Rating (rating) is negative.
The ratings reflect First Acceptance’s balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as weak, as well as its marginal operating performance, limited business profile and marginal enterprise risk management.
The rating affirmations reflect First Acceptance’s balance sheet strength assessment, which is viewed as weak. This position is supported by risk-adjusted capitalization, as measured by Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR), which remains at the weak level due to underwriting leverage metrics that are significantly elevated when compared with the private passenger nonstandard auto composite and the group’s propensity to dramatically grow the book. Despite organic surplus growth in 2023, which was enhanced by a capital contribution following the sale of First Acceptance Corporation’s retail agency operation, the capital position remains highly sensitive to elevated premium and reserve leverage relative metrics. The negative outlook on the Long-Term ICRs reflect weak key balance sheet strength metrics and premium growth above industry thresholds that continue to negatively influence risk-adjusted adjusted capitalization. While management continues to focus on improved underwriting leverage through continued capital-raising efforts and pricing initiatives, these actions have not yet gained sufficient traction.
First Acceptance’s operating performance remains marginal due to volatility in underwriting results largely attributed to physical damage severity trends as well as continuing inflationary and supply chain economic conditions that have elevated vehicle repair costs. This position is partially offset by a material decline in the mix of full-coverage polices. In 2023, the rebound in performance reflected positive earnings that benefited from robust growth in premium and service fee income associated with the nonstandard auto business. The limited business profile reflects First Acceptance’s product and geographic concentrations, which are largely focused on nonstandard auto business that has a history of volatility due to efforts to maintain rate adequacy and competitive market conditions. Results in recent years have been further pressured by physical damage severity trends, as well as continuing inflationary, supply chain and economic conditions that have elevated vehicle repair costs.
Although still evolving, the ERM framework continues to be enhanced with a more-formalized structure integrated into its process by management. However, uncertainty and execution risks remain due to the group’s aggressive growth, elevated leverage position and profitability expectations. The stable outlook on the FSR reflects the expectation that risk-adjusted capitalization will be maintained at an acceptable level as measured by BCAR to support the balance sheet strength assessment and near-term business growth expectations.
The FSR of C++ (Marginal) and the Long-Term ICRs of “b+” (Marginal) have been affirmed, with a stable outlook on the FSR and a negative outlook on the Long-Term ICR, for the following pooled subsidiaries of First Acceptance Corporation:
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 use of Best’s Credit Ratings, Best’s Performance Assessments, Best’s Preliminary Credit Assessments and AM Best press releases, please view Guide to Proper Use of Best’s Ratings & Assessments.
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 London, Amsterdam, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore and Mexico City.