AM Best Affirms Credit Ratings of Maxseguros EPM Ltd.

MEXICO CITY--(BUSINESS WIRE)--AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of A- (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of “a-” of Maxseguros EPM Ltd. (Maxseguros) (Bermuda). The outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable.

The ratings reflect Maxseguros’ balance sheet strength, which AM Best categorizes as strongest, as well as its adequate operating performance, neutral business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management.

The ratings also reflect Maxseguros’ risk-adjusted capitalization assessed at the strongest level and supported by a comprehensive and adequate reinsurance program coupled with a conservative investment policy and limited premium risk exposure. The ratings recognize the important role of the company within its corporate parent structure, Empresas Públicas de Medellin E.S.P. (EPM), which is owned by the Colombian municipality of Medellin. EPM is the largest power generation and multi-utility company in Colombia. Maxseguros is a single-parent captive insurer wholly owned by EPM and provides reinsurance to the EPM group, covering property damage and business interruption, commercial crime, cyber risk, directors and officers, errors and omissions and general liability exposures.

These positive rating factors are offset partially by EPM’s substantial financial leverage and Maxseguros’ limited business and market scope, which is somewhat mitigated by the company’s stable results, favorable geographic spread of risk and the history of Maxseguros’ growing surplus position. Additionally, while Maxseguros depends on reinsurance, EPM’s senior management is involved intimately in the captive’s operations.

The stable outlooks are derived from Maxseguros’ role within EPM’s strategy and its ability to post adequate operating performance amid significant events, demonstrating its management capabilities and the adequacy of its reinsurance program. This has been proven true during the last three years, when the company presented higher net claims while producing constant and increasing positive bottom-line results. AM Best has a favorable view of Maxseguros’ overall profile within the ultimate parent’s structure; however, EPM’s credit profile and financial leverage remain key factors for future reviews of Maxseguros.

Negative rating actions could occur if the credit profile of EPM becomes pressured. Additionally, negative rating actions could arise if there is a material shift in Maxseguros’ risk profile or role within EPM that undermines its stability and profitability, including increased activity in cash outflows to parent company. Positive rating actions are not foreseen at this time.

AM Best remains the leading rating agency of alternative risk transfer entities, with more than 200 such vehicles rated throughout the world. For current Best’s Credit Ratings and independent data on the captive and alternative risk transfer insurance market, please visit www.ambest.com/captive.

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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