A.M. Best Affirms Credit Ratings of the Members of GEICO and GEICO Corporation

Business Wire

OLDWICK, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- A.M. Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating (FSR) of A++ (Superior) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating (Long-Term ICR) of “aaa” of the members of Government Employees Group (GEICO) (Chevy Chase, MD). In addition, A.M. Best has affirmed the FSR of A+ (Superior) and the Long-Term ICR of “aa” of GEICO Marine Insurance Company (GEICO Marine) (Chevy Chase, MD). A.M. Best also has affirmed the Long-Term ICR of “aaa”, as well as the Long-Term Issue Credit Rating of “aaa” on $150 million 7.35% senior unsecured debentures, due 2023, of the immediate parent holding company, GEICO Corporation (Wilmington, DE). The outlook for each of these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable. (See below for a detailed list of companies and ratings.)

The ratings reflect GEICO’s superior risk-adjusted capitalization, favorable operating performance, brand name recognition and preeminent national market position in the personal automobile insurance segment. GEICO’s solid operating results reflect a considerable underwriting expense advantage, driven by its direct distribution business model. In addition, the group continues to produce favorable loss experience while benefiting from a steady stream of investment income. As a result, GEICO’s substantial capital growth over the most recent five-year period has comfortably supported the steady growth in premiums.

All ratings also recognize the considerable resources and financial strength of GEICO Corporation’s parent company, National Indemnity Company (NICO), as well as its ultimate parent, Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (Berkshire) [NYSE: BRKa and BRKb], whose financial profile included approximately $292.9 billion of stockholders’ equity at March 31, 2017, modest debt and a long history of strong profitability. Moreover, GEICO Corporation maintains minimal financial leverage and sufficient cash flows to fund fixed charges.

Partially offsetting rating factors include GEICO’s high investment leverage derived from its significant allocation of invested assets to unaffiliated equities, which could lead to fluctuations in its risk-adjusted capitalization due to market swings or potential stock market downturns. In addition, GEICO maintains a modest geographic concentration that exposes it to legislative changes and judicial decisions, as its top five states account for slightly more than half of its direct premiums written. However, this risk is largely mitigated by GEICO’s geographic spread throughout the United States and management’s proven ability to quickly adapt to changing market conditions.

A.M. Best believes that the members of GEICO are well-positioned at their current rating levels. However, if either deteriorating underwriting results or a financial market downturn causes risk-adjusted capital to decline significantly, negative rating pressure could be evident.

The ratings of GEICO Marine reflect its supportive risk-adjusted capitalization, historical ocean marine specialty niche expertise and the implicit financial support currently provided by GEICO Corporation. Berkshire remains the ultimate parent of GEICO Marine. The ratings also recognize GEICO Marine’s significant quota share participation with NICO and explicit commitment provided by Berkshire and similarly under GEICO, for which GEICO Marine receives rating enhancement.

The ratings of GEICO Marine may come under pressure if capitalization weakens; if its operating performance trends do not improve; or if the company’s role/importance within the GEICO organization changes. The ratings could see positive movement from an improved earnings trend that leads to further capital appreciation without excessive growth.

The FSR of A++ (Superior) and the Long-Term ICRs of “aaa” have been affirmed for the following members of Government Employees Group:

Government Employees Insurance Company
GEICO Indemnity Company
GEICO Casualty Company
GEICO General Insurance Company
GEICO Advantage Insurance Company
GEICO Choice Insurance Company
GEICO Secure Insurance Company
GEICO County Mutual Insurance Company

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 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

Michael T. Venezia, +1-908-439-2200, ext. 5034

Senior Financial Analyst

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Raymond Thomson, CPCU, ARe, ARM, +1-908-439-2200, ext. 5621

Associate Director

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Christopher Sharkey, +1-908-439-2200, ext. 5159

Manager, Public Relations

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Jim Peavy, +1-908-439-2200, ext. 5644

Director, Public Relations

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