OLDWICK, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--A.M. Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating (FSR) of A+ (Superior) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating (Long-Term ICR) of “aa-” of Industrial Alliance Insurance and Financial Services Inc. (IA) (Quebec) (TSX:IAG). Additionally, A.M. Best has affirmed the existing Long-Term Issue Credit Ratings (Long-Term IR) of IA. Concurrently, A.M. Best has affirmed the FSR of A (Excellent) and the Long-Term ICRs of “a” of IA’s U.S. life insurance subsidiaries: IA American Life Insurance Company, American-Amicable Life Insurance Company of Texas, Pioneer Security Life Insurance Company, Pioneer American Insurance Company and Occidental Life Insurance Company of North Carolina. (These companies are collectively known as the IA American Life Group.) All U.S. companies are domiciled in Waco, TX. Additionally, A.M. Best has affirmed the FSR of A (Excellent) and the Long-Term ICR of “a+” of Industrial Alliance Pacific General Insurance Corporation (IAPG) (headquartered in Vancouver, Canada). The outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable. (See below for a detailed listing of the Long-Term IRs.)
The ratings of IA reflect its solid absolute and risk-adjusted capitalizations, consistent profitability and continued growth in the retail services and segregated fund businesses. A.M. Best notes that IA has reported favorable capital levels despite the low interest rate environment, and financial leverage that remains at targeted levels and within A.M. Best’s tolerances for the company’s current rating level. Net income trends have been favorable, and the company had a strong return on equity in 2016 at 13%. The ratings also recognize IA’s diversified business profile and earnings stream, which has grown throughout Canada. The company’s distribution network also has grown through recent strategic acquisitions in the insurance, wealth management and group dealer services business.
Partially offsetting these positive rating factors is IA’s exposure, albeit somewhat reduced, to equity and interest rate volatility. The equity market exposure is largely through the organization’s mutual fund and segregated fund lines of business in Canada. This exposure makes IA susceptible to lower fee income from assets under management and administration, lower sales from its savings and investment products and the possibility of higher reserve charges. However, IA’s dynamic hedging program for its segregated fund products has performed well. Additionally, top line growth has been impacted by slower mutual fund growth due to the very competitive market, weaker industry sales and recent equity market volatility.
The ratings for the IA American Life Group recognize the support it has received from IA through capital contributions via surplus notes, several capital infusions, and synergies from home office management of its actuarial reserves and investment portfolio. A.M. Best also views positively IA American Life Group’s core focus on individual life insurance in the United States and positive, albeit modest, earnings in 2016.
The IA American Life Group will continue to face challenges to gain market share in a highly competitive life insurance market in the United States, where it faces larger, more established players. While significant overall earnings have not yet materialized, A.M. Best expects further premium growth, and improved returns following progress made in reducing new business expense strain and improvements in underwriting.
The ratings and outlooks reflect IAPG’s strong capitalization, solid operating performance, prominent market profile, and the implicit and explicit support it receives from its parent company, IA. Partially offsetting these positive rating factors are the company’s recent non-operationally based capital fluctuations, changing of product mix, competitive and economic market conditions in Canada, as well as upward pressure on operating expenses.
The following Long-Term IRs have been affirmed:
Industrial Alliance Insurance and Financial Services Inc.—
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“a” on CAD 250 million 2.80% subordinated debentures, due 2024
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“a” on CAD 250 million 2.64% subordinated debentures, due 2027
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“a” on CAD 400 million 3.30% subordinated debentures, due 2028
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“a-” on CAD 125 million 4.60% non-cumulative perpetual preferred shares,
Series B
-- “a-” on CAD 250 million 4.30% non-cumulative perpetual
preferred shares, Series G
The following indicative Long-Term IRs on securities available under the shelf registration have been affirmed:
Industrial Alliance Insurance and Financial Services Inc.—
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“a+” on senior unsecured debt
-- “a” on subordinated debt
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“a-” on preferred shares
This press release relates to Credit Ratings that have been published on A.M. 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 A.M. Best’s Recent Rating Activity web page. For additional information regarding the use and limitations of Credit Rating opinions, please view Understanding Best’s Credit Ratings.
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