A.M. Best Affirms Ratings of First Insurance Company

A.M. Best Europe - Rating Services Limited has affirmed the financial strength rating of B++ (Good) and issuer credit rating of "bbb" of First Insurance Company (FIC) (Jordan). The outlook for both ratings remains stable.

The ratings reflect FIC's strong risk-adjusted capitalisation, improving business profile and sound financial performance.

FIC's risk-adjusted capitalisation is supported by its low underwriting leverage, a reinsurance programme of good credit quality and a conservative investment profile. Risk-adjusted capitalisation has remained resilient, despite strong premium growth in recent years, and is expected to adequately support the company's business plan over the medium term. FIC's overall performance remains sound, benefitting from a stable investment yield and robust underwriting profitability. Although loss-making motor business has negatively affected FIC's underwriting results in recent years, the company's combined ratio is expected to remain below 100%.

FIC has successfully developed a good competitive market position in a short period of time. The company is a leading takaful operator and is amongst the top five largest insurers within the Jordanian market.

Upward rating movement is unlikely over the medium term. Downward rating pressure could arise if there is a substantial deterioration in FIC's risk-adjusted capitalisation or financial performance.

The methodology used in determining these ratings is Best's Credit Rating Methodology, which provides a comprehensive explanation of A.M. Best's rating process and contains the different rating criteria employed in the rating process. Best's Credit Rating Methodology can be found at www.ambest.com/ratings/methodology.

In accordance with Regulation (EC) No. 1060/2009, the following is a link to required disclosures: A.M. Best Europe - Rating Services Limited Supplementary Disclosure.

A.M. Best Europe - Rating Services Limited is a subsidiary of A.M. Best Company. 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.
Tim Prince
Associate Director, Analytics
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Mahesh Mistry
Director, Analytics
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Rachelle Morrow
Senior Manager, Public Relations
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Jim Peavy
Assistant Vice President, Public Relations
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