AM Best affirms credit ratings of First Net

AM Best has affirmed the financial strength rating of B++ (good) and the long-term issuer credit rating of bbb+ (good) of First Net Insurance Company (Guam). The outlook of these credit ratings is “stable”.

The ratings reflect First Net’s balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as strong, as well as its adequate operating performance, limited business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management.

First Net’s risk-adjusted capitalisation is assessed at the strongest level, as measured by Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio or BCAR, and supported by its relatively low net underwriting leverage, and conservative and liquid investment portfolio, both of which partially offset its small absolute capital base.

Its reinsurance dependency is relatively high for catastrophe protection, and it has risen in recent years due to an increase in fronting-type business.

However, credit risk is limited by its stable and high-quality reinsurer panel, Bernama reported.

First Net’s adequate operating performance underpinned by positive underwriting results and stable investment returns from its fixed income portfolio.

Its combined ratios mostly outperformed its composite’s average over the past years, supported by disciplined underwriting, but the company’s small net premium base has led to moderate volatility arising from claims experience and expenses.

The company has faced an additional expense burden since April 2019 when its tax-exempt qualifying certificate expired; however, this was offset partially by an increase in commission income from fronting business in recent years.

Its underwriting performance was favourable in 2020/2021 mainly due to reduced claims in key business lines as economic activities decreased during the Covid-19 pandemic.

First Net is a domestic property/casualty insurer in Guam, and its main lines of business include fire, auto and workers’ compensation.

The geographic concentration in a small and competitive market, which leaves its business highly dependent on local economic conditions and market competition, is a major factor that has constrained the business profile assessment.

Nonetheless, the company has a stable business stream sourced through Moylan’s Insurance Underwriters, Inc, its affiliated company, and a major multi-line insurance agency with a strong distribution network in Guam and nearby jurisdictions.

Negative rating actions could occur if First Net’s risk-adjusted capitalisation or absolute capital and surplus declines substantially.

Negative rating actions also could occur if there is sustained and significant deterioration in its operating performance, for example, due to large losses or an increased expense ratio.

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

AM Best is a global credit rating agency, news publisher and data analytics provider specialising in the insurance industry.

Headquartered in the United States, the company does business in over 100 countries.