AM Best affirms ratings of ORIAS
AM Best has affirmed the financial strength rating of A- and the long-term issuer credit rating of “a-” (Excellent) of Ørsted Insurance A/S (ORIAS). The outlook of these ratings is stable.
It said that the ratings reflect ORIAS’ balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as very strong, as well as its adequate operating performance, neutral business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management.
ORIAS is the captive insurer for Ørsted A/S (Ørsted), a global sustainable energy group headquartered in Denmark.
ORIAS’ very strong balance sheet strength assessment is underpinned by its risk-adjusted capitalisation, which is at the strongest assessment level, as measured by Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR). The company also benefits from a very conservative and liquid investment portfolio. Offsetting factors in the assessment include the company’s high dependence on reinsurance, although the risks associated with this dependence are mitigated partially by ORIAS’ longstanding relationship with its highly rated reinsurance panel.
The adequate operating performance assessment reflects ORIAS’ track record of good but volatile underwriting results, as demonstrated by a 10-year weighted average combined ratio of 86% (2014-2023). In 2023, ORIAS reported a net profit of DKK 84.4 million (or $12.5 million), which improved compared with the DKK 141.7 million (or $20.4 million) net loss reported in 2022, mainly driven by more favourable claims experience. Prospective performance is expected to remain positive in most years but remains subject to volatility due to the company’s exposure to potentially large property losses, although moderated on a net basis by the captive’s comprehensive reinsurance programme.
As a captive monoline insurer providing commercial property and construction insurance covers for Ørsted, ORIAS’ underwriting portfolio is concentrated by line of business but well-diversified geographically. ORIAS’ neutral business profile assessment also reflects its strategic importance to Ørsted.
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