A.M. Best has revised the outlooks to stable from negative and
affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of C+ (Marginal) and the
Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of “b-” of Country-Wide Insurance
Company (Country-Wide) (New York, NY).
The Credit Ratings (ratings) reflect Country-Wide’s balance sheet
strength, which A.M. Best categorizes as weak, as well as its marginal
operating performance, limited business profile and marginal enterprise
risk management.
The revision of the outlooks reflects the improved operating performance
as a result of underwriting initiatives taken by management to address
rate and reserve adequacy. In addition, Country-Wide’s expense ratio has
improved after changes were made to the commission structure. These
changes have shown some improvement to the operating ratio in 2017 and
through the first six months of 2018.
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 a global rating agency and information provider with a
unique focus on the insurance industry. Visit www.ambest.com
for more information.
Copyright © 2018 by A.M. Best Rating Services, Inc. and/or its
affiliates. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180801005899/en/