AM Best Upgrades Credit Ratings of Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company and Its Subsidiaries

OLDWICK, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--AM Best has upgraded the Financial Strength Rating to A (Excellent) from A- (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Ratings to “a” from “a-” for the members of the Virginia Farm Bureau Group: Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company (Virginia Farm Bureau) and its wholly owned subsidiaries, Virginia Farm Bureau Fire and Casualty Insurance Company, Virginia Farm Bureau Town and Country Insurance, and Countryway Insurance Company (Syracuse, NY). All companies are domiciled in Richmond, VA, except where specified. The outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) has been revised to stable from positive.

The ratings reflect Virginia Farm Bureau’s balance sheet strength, which AM Best categorizes as very strong, as well as its adequate operating performance, neutral business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management.

The rating upgrades reflect the continued improvement in the group’s balance sheet strength. As a result of strict underwriting guidelines and extensive risk and exposure management, the group’s operating returns have improved steadily. The returns have resulted in significant surplus additions, debt reductions and underwriting leverage relief. Surplus has increased over $90 million, and $30 million in surplus note principal was repaid. Additionally, the group’s underwriting leverage ratio now tracks with peer averages, while in the past it had been relatively higher.

This press release relates to Credit Ratings that have been published on AM 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 AM Best’s Recent Rating Activity web page. For additional information regarding the use and limitations of Credit Rating opinions, please view Guide to Best’s Credit Ratings. For information on the proper media use of Best’s Credit Ratings and AM Best press releases, please view Guide for Media - Proper Use of Best’s Credit Ratings and AM Best Rating Action Press Releases.

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