AM Best Confirms Strong Ratings for South China Insurance

AM Best Affirms Strong Ratings for South China Insurance

AM Best has given its stamp of approval to the Financial Strength Rating of A (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of 'a' (Excellent) for South China Insurance Co., Ltd. This affirmation underscores the stability of the company’s ratings and reflects their commendable financial standing in the market.

Key Highlights of South China Insurance's Financial Stability

The ratings portray South China Insurance’s financial strength as being very robust, marked by an adequate operating performance and effective enterprise risk management. With a firm backing from its solid balance sheet, the company's risk-adjusted capitalization remains at a prime level, measured by Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR).

Impressive Growth in Capital and Surplus

At the end of 2023, South China Insurance reported a notable increase in its adjusted capital and surplus, surging by 23% to TWD 8,458 million (approximately USD 277 million). This growth was chiefly driven by the recovery from unrealized capital losses and full retention of net profit, ensuring that their statutory solvency remains at a healthy threshold. As the months of 2024 progressed, a further rise in adjusted capital was recorded, bolstering their financial foundation.

Consistent Profitability and Underwriting Performance

South China Insurance has retained its profitability over the last several years, boasting a strong five-year average return on equity ratio of 8.6% from 2019 to 2023. In 2023 alone, the company generated a net profit after tax of TWD 916 million, driven by significant improvements in both underwriting and investment earnings.

Growth in Gross Premiums and Underwriting Results

The organization displayed resilience with a high single-digit increase in gross premiums written in 2023, primarily fueled by their motor and commercial fire products. Enhanced underwriting results were evident in the reduction of loss ratios within key business lines such as motor and fire insurance. Investment income remained strong, substantiated by reliable streams of interest and dividends, further enhancing overall financial performance.

Diverse Insurance Portfolio and Strategic Operations

As a prominent player in Taiwan's non-life insurance sector, South China Insurance possesses a moderately diversified underwriting portfolio with motor insurance as its cornerstone. Other significant lines include fire, casualty, and health insurances. The company adeptly taps into a variety of revenue channels, capitalizing on its broad distribution network and cross-selling strategies with affiliates in Hua Nan Financial Holdings Co. Ltd.

Outlook for Future Ratings

While the company has established a strong footing, potential negative rating actions may emerge if there’s a significant downturn in risk-adjusted capitalization, possibly due to unforeseen underwriting or investment losses. Conversely, positive actions might be taken if there’s sustained improvement in operating performance along with a robust level of capital.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the ratings confirmed by AM Best for South China Insurance?

AM Best affirmed a Financial Strength Rating of A (Excellent) and a Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of 'a' (Excellent) for South China Insurance.

How has South China Insurance performed financially?

The company has shown consistent profitability, with a five-year average return-on-equity ratio of 8.6% and a net profit after tax of TWD 916 million in 2023.

What factors contributed to the growth of South China Insurance's capital?

The growth was largely attributed to the recovery of unrealized capital losses and maintaining net profit, leading to a 23% increase in adjusted capital and surplus in 2023.

What are the main lines of business for South China Insurance?

South China Insurance primarily focuses on motor insurance, followed by fire, casualty, and personal accident and health insurances, ensuring a moderately diversified portfolio.

What could lead to a rating downgrade for South China Insurance?

A material decline in risk-adjusted capitalization due to unexpected underwriting or investment losses could potentially lead to negative ratings actions.

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