OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–A.M. Best Co. has affirmed the financial strength rating of A- (Excellent) and issuer credit rating of “a-” of Nissan Global Reinsurance, Ltd. (NGRe) (Hamilton, Bermuda). The outlook for both ratings is stable.
The ratings reflect NGRe’s strong capitalization and conservative operating strategy. The ratings also consider the company’s critical role and favorable profile as part of the Nissan Motor Co. Ltd. (Nissan) [NASDAQ: NSANY], as well as its excellent operating performance since its inception in 2005.
Partially offsetting these positive rating factors are the significant exposures NGRe has to product liability, property and marine cargo claims. Additionally, the recent deterioration in the financial markets and the decline in the profitability of automakers has had some impact on premium volumes; although, investment results have not been significantly affected. Furthermore, NGRe is expecting reversal of those trends in the current year.
NGRe is a single parent captive of Nissan, the seventh-largest automaker in the world and third-largest in Japan. NGRe operates two distinctive lines of business: (1) global property/casualty programs for Nissan, which include global property (United States, Japan, Europe, Mexico and South Africa), U.S. workers’ compensation, U.S. and Japan product liability and marine transport, and (2) global platform for extended service contract business. NGRe benefits from the group’s extensive risk management and loss control programs.
The captive operates at conservative underwriting leverage levels; however, it provides coverages with large limits, and its gross exposures per loss occurrence are therefore elevated. Nevertheless, A.M. Best recognizes the quality of the substantial financial resources and support available to the captive as part of Nissan.
A.M. Best remains the leading rating agency of captive insurers rating a wide variety of more than 200 captives in the United States and throughout the world.
For current Best’s Ratings and independent data on the captive and alternative insurance market, please visit www.ambest.com/captive.
The principal methodology used in determining these ratings is Best’s Credit Rating Methodology — Global Life and Non-Life Insurance Edition, which provides a comprehensive explanation of A.M. Best’s rating process and highlights the different rating criteria employed. Additional key criteria utilized include: “Risk Management and the Rating Process for Insurance Companies”; “Understanding BCAR for Property/Casualty Insurers”; and “A.M. Best’s Rating Methodology for Captive Insurance Companies.” Methodologies 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.
Contacts
A.M. Best Company
Fred Eslami, 908-439-2200, ext. 5406
Senior Financial Analyst
fred.eslami@ambest.com
or
Steven Chirico, CPA, 908-439-2200, ext. 5087
Assistant Vice President
steven.chirico@ambest.com
or
Rachelle Morrow, 908-439-2200, ext. 5378
Senior Manager, Public Relations
rachelle.morrow@ambest.com
or
Jim Peavy, 908-439-2200, ext. 5644
Assistant Vice President, Public Relations
james.peavy@ambest.com