A.M. Best Upgrades Ratings of Homesteaders Life Company

OLDWICK, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- A.M. Best Co. has upgraded the financial strength rating to A- (Excellent) from B++ (Good) and issuer credit rating to “a-” from “bbb+” of Homesteaders Life Company (Homesteaders) (Des Moines, IA). The outlook for both ratings is stable.

The rating actions reflect Homesteaders’ improving risk-adjusted capital position, consistently favorable operating performance and strong growth in new premium production. Absolute surplus levels have increased during the last five years, which along with reduction in credit risk in the fixed income portfolio, has improved the risk-adjusted capitalization position of the company. Operating earnings have grown due to emerging profitability from Homesteaders’ seasoned block of life business and rising investment income resulting from the corresponding increase in invested asset levels. As a leader in the pre-need insurance market, Homesteaders has demonstrated continued growth in premium levels in recent periods driven by strong new sales production from its diversified distribution channels.

Offsetting these positive rating factors is A.M. Best’s concern with the magnitude of Homesteaders’ commercial mortgage loan portfolio relative to surplus, reinsurance exposure to a weak counterparty and the challenge for the company to sustain its operating performance going forward in the competitive pre-need market. Homesteaders maintains a significant exposure to commercial real estate through its direct mortgage loan portfolio. A.M. Best notes that the mortgage loan portfolio has performed well to date with very little problem loan activity and that the portfolio also is diversified by property type and geographic exposure and maintains favorable loan-to-value and debt service coverage ratios. With the ongoing low interest rate environment, Homesteaders will be challenged to consistently improve operating earnings given low reinvestment rates for new premium revenue. In addition, ongoing competition in the pre-need market will continue to challenge Homesteaders to maintain the strong premium growth it has demonstrated.

The principal methodology used in determining these ratings is Best’s Credit Rating Methodology -- Global Life and Non-Life Insurance Edition, which provides a comprehensive explanation of A.M. Best’s rating process and highlights the different rating criteria employed. Additional key criteria utilized include: “Understanding BCAR for Life and Health Insurers” and “Risk Management and the Rating Process for Insurance Companies.” Methodologies can be found at www.ambest.com/ratings/methodology.

Founded in 1899, A.M. Best Company is the world's oldest and most authoritative insurance rating and information source. For more information, visit www.ambest.com.

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A.M. Best Co.
Kenneth Monahan, 908-439-2200, ext. 5342
Financial Analyst
[email protected]
or
Richard McMillan, 908-439-2200, ext. 5615
Managing Senior Financial Analyst
[email protected]
or
Rachelle Morrow, 908-439-2200, ext. 5378
Senior Manager, Public Relations
[email protected]
or
Jim Peavy, 908-439-2200, ext. 5644
Assistant Vice President, Public Relations
[email protected]

Source: A.M. Best Company