HONG KONG, Sept 5 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- A.M. Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of A- (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of “a-” of Macau Insurance Company Limited (MIC) (Macau). The outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable.

The ratings reflect MIC’s sound risk-adjusted capitalization, as measured by Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR), and stable underwriting performance for fiscal-year 2016. MIC continues to maintain a strong balance sheet, driven by a conservative level of net premium leverage, sound liquidity, a prudent investment strategy and a comprehensive reinsurance program.

Offsetting rating factors include MIC’s underwriting profit margin being low in certain lines of business such as motor and employee compensation in a market with increased competition and higher claims inflation. In addition, volatility in revaluations of MIC’s investment properties also has negatively impacted the company’s overall investment performance in the past two years.

Positive rating actions could occur if MIC demonstrates consistent and sustained improvement in its business profile and underwriting performance, coupled with a strong level of risk-adjusted capitalization. Negative rating actions could occur if MIC’s operating performance deteriorates, leading to a decline in its risk-adjusted capitalization level.

Ratings are communicated to rated entities prior to publication. Unless stated otherwise, the ratings were not amended subsequent to that communication.

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.

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