A.M. Best Affirms Credit Ratings of Quálitas Compañía de Seguros S.A.B. de C.V.

MEXICO CITY--()--A.M. Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of B+ (Good), the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of “bbb-” and the Mexico National Scale Rating of “aa-.MX” of Quálitas Compañía de Seguros S.A.B. de C.V. (Quálitas) (Mexico City, Mexico). The outlook of these Credit Ratings (rating) is stable.

The ratings reflect Quálitas´ balance sheet strength, which A.M. Best categorizes as adequate, as well as its strong operating performance, neutral business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management.

Quálitas’ balance sheet strength is underpinned by risk-adjusted capitalization being at the strong level, as measured by Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR), sustained premium sufficiency and profitability metrics, the company’s consistent leading position in the auto insurance segment and strong distribution network. Partially offsetting these positive rating factors are the company’s elevated underwriting leverage and limited diversification in terms of business lines.

Quálitas operates through a network of local agents, financial institutions and service offices and has established a strong distribution capability throughout Mexico. This has enabled the company to maintain its leading market position in Mexico’s auto insurance segment in challenging competitive conditions and reach a 31.3% market share.

Quálitas’ capital base has strengthened over time as a result of its good underwriting performance, reflected in the 15% compound annual growth rate of its capital over the past five years. In 2016, profitability was enhanced as a result of premium growth and coupled with the positive effect from non-recurring adjustments derived from implementing Solvency II-type regulations, which improved underwriting practices. In 2017, Quálitas managed to sustain profitability through both underwriting and investment results, enabling the company to generate a return on equity of 37.2%, despite a slowdown in auto sales and increased burglary rates.

Historically, the company has operated with higher than expected underwriting leverage for an auto insurance provider. At the end of 2017, the company’s underwriting leverage, as measured by the ratio of net premiums written to capital, decreased from 6.1 to 5.1 times, mainly driven by increased reinvestment of earnings and premium growth in line with the market pace. A.M. Best expects Quálitas´ dividend policy and growth targets to continue supporting current underwriting leverage trends.

Key rating drivers that could lead to positive rating actions for Quálitas include a sustained market-leading position along with continued favorable trends in risk-adjusted capitalization supported by positive technical results and an adequate reinvestment of profits. Key factors that could lead to negative rating actions include a further deterioration in its risk-adjusted capitalization to levels no longer supportive of the current ratings, whether derived from a substantial decline in profitability, aggressive dividend policy or strong growth in premiums without an appropriate capital support.

The methodology used in determining these ratings is Best’s Credit Rating Methodology, which provides a comprehensive explanation of A.M. Best’s rating process and contains the different rating criteria employed in the rating process. Best’s Credit Rating Methodology can be found at www.ambest.com/ratings/methodology.

Key insurance criteria reports utilized:

  • A.M. Best’s Ratings On a National Scale (Version Oct. 13, 2017)
  • Available Capital & Holding Company Analysis (Oct. 13, 2017)
  • Catastrophe Analysis in A.M. Best Ratings (Version Oct. 13, 2017)
  • Evaluating Country Risk (Version Oct. 13, 2017)
  • Understanding Universal BCAR (Version Oct. 13, 2017)

View a general description of the policies and procedures used to determine credit ratings. For information on the meaning of ratings, structure, voting and the committee process for determining the ratings and monitoring activities, please refer to Understanding Best’s Credit Ratings.

  • Previous Rating Date: June 1, 2017
  • Date of Financial Data Used: March 31, 2018

This press release relates to rating(s) that have been published on A.M. Best's website. For additional 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.

A.M. Best does not validate or certify the information provided by the client in order to issue a credit rating.

While the information obtained from the material source(s) is believed to be reliable, its accuracy is not guaranteed. A.M. Best does not audit the company’s financial records or statements, or otherwise independently verify the accuracy and reliability of the information; therefore, A.M. Best cannot attest as to the accuracy of the information provided.

A.M. Best’s credit ratings are independent and objective opinions, not statements of fact. A.M. Best is not an Investment Advisor, does not offer investment advice of any kind, nor does the company or its Ratings Analysts offer any form of structuring or financial advice. A.M. Best’s credit opinions are not recommendations to buy, sell or hold securities, or to make any other investment decisions. View our entire notice for complete details.

A.M. Best receives compensation for interactive rating services provided to organizations that it rates. A.M. Best may also receive compensation from rated entities for non-rating related services or products offered by A.M. Best. A.M. Best does not offer consulting or advisory services. For more information regarding A.M. Best’s rating process, including handling of confidential (non-public) information, independence, and avoidance of conflicts of interest, please read the A.M. Best Code of Conduct. For information on the proper media use of Best’s Credit Ratings and A.M. Best press releases, please view Guide for Media - Proper Use of Best’s Credit Ratings and A.M. Best Rating Action Press Releases.

A.M. Best is the world’s oldest and most authoritative insurance rating and information source. For more information, visit www.ambest.com.

Copyright © 2018 by A.M. Best Rating Services, Inc. and/or its affiliates. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Contacts

A.M. Best
Salvador Smith, +52 55 1102 2720, ext. 109
Financial Analyst
salvador.smith@ambest.com
or
Alfonso Novelo, +52 55 1102 2720, ext. 107
Senior Director, Analytics
alfonso.novelo@ambest.com
or
Christopher Sharkey, +1 908 439 2200, ext. 5159
Manager, Public Relations
christopher.sharkey@ambest.com
or
Jim Peavy, +1 908 439 2200, ext. 5644
Director, Public Relations
james.peavy@ambest.com

Contacts

A.M. Best
Salvador Smith, +52 55 1102 2720, ext. 109
Financial Analyst
salvador.smith@ambest.com
or
Alfonso Novelo, +52 55 1102 2720, ext. 107
Senior Director, Analytics
alfonso.novelo@ambest.com
or
Christopher Sharkey, +1 908 439 2200, ext. 5159
Manager, Public Relations
christopher.sharkey@ambest.com
or
Jim Peavy, +1 908 439 2200, ext. 5644
Director, Public Relations
james.peavy@ambest.com