A.M. Best Affirms Ratings for AmTrust Group; Maintains Positive Outlook (Business Wire)
Fri, 12 Jun 2009 15:00:00 Etc/GM
The ratings reflect the consolidated group's solid balance sheet strength, sustained strong operating performance within its niche market segments and the benefits derived from its parent, including the commitment to maintain sufficient capital to support the group's expanding operations.
Partially offsetting these positive factors are the group's growth in both premium volumes and associated liabilities in recent years primarily achieved through renewal rights transactions; the inherent risk associated with integrating new business; and the impact of both realized and unrealized investment losses in 2008, which constrained growth in the group's consolidated equity. Despite these concerns, the outlook reflects the group's sustained strong operating results within its market segments, ongoing access to capital and commitment to prudent underwriting through its proven business platform.
For Best’s Credit Ratings, an overview of the rating process and rating methodologies, please visit www.ambest.com/ratings.
The principal methodologies used in determining these ratings, including any additional methodologies and factors that may have been considered, can be found at www.ambest.com/ratings/methodology.
Founded in 1899, A.M. Best Company is a global full-service credit rating organization dedicated to serving the financial and health care service industries, including insurance companies, banks, hospitals and health care system providers. For more information, visit www.ambest.com.
Contact:
A.M. Best Company Analysts: Gordon McLean, 908-439-2200, ext. 5304 gordon.mclean@ambest.com or Michelle Baurkot, 908-439-2200, ext. 5507 michelle.baurkot@ambest.com or Public Relations: Jim Peavy, 908-439-2200, ext. 5644 james.peavy@ambest.com or Rachelle Morrow, 908-439-2200, ext. 5378 rachelle.morrow@ambest.com
source: http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/090612/20090612005427.html?.v=1