A.M. Best Revises Outlooks to Stable for Hyundai Marine & Fire Insurance Co., Ltd.

HONG KONG--()--A.M. Best has revised the outlooks to stable from negative and affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of A (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of “a” of Hyundai Marine & Fire Insurance Co., Ltd. (HMF) (South Korea).

The ratings reflect HMF’s balance sheet strength, which A.M. Best categorizes as strong, as well as its adequate operating performance, favorable business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management.

The company’s risk-adjusted capitalization, as measured by Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR), improved to a very strong level after HMF issued a total of KRW 500 billion (approximately USD 450 million) in hybrid bonds in August 2018. These bonds receive full equity credit in the BCAR assessment due to their level of subordination, interest deferment option and long maturity. A.M. Best expects the company’s risk-adjusted capitalization to remain at a very strong level in the medium term. The balance sheet assessment is at the strong level as HMF’s asset leverage and premium leverage ratios, albeit improved, remain high. Financial leverage and interest coverage remain supportive of the current ratings.

Positive rating actions are unlikely in the near future. Negative rating actions could occur if the company’s risk-adjusted capitalization deteriorates substantially.

Ratings are communicated to rated entities prior to publication. Unless stated otherwise, the ratings were not amended subsequent to that communication.

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. 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 a global rating agency and information provider with a unique focus on the insurance industry. Visit www.ambest.com for more information.

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

Contacts

A.M. Best
Sergio Hidenori Agena, +852-2827-3407
Associate Financial Analyst
sergio.agena@ambest.com
or
Christie Lee, +852-2827-3413
Director, Analytics
christie.lee@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
Sergio Hidenori Agena, +852-2827-3407
Associate Financial Analyst
sergio.agena@ambest.com
or
Christie Lee, +852-2827-3413
Director, Analytics
christie.lee@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