Best Affirms NZ’s Pioneer ‘B+’ Rating

A.M. Best Co. announced that it has affirmed the financial strength rating of “B+” (Very Good) of New Zealand’s Pioneer Insurance Company Limited with a stable outlook.

“The rating reflects Pioneer’s strong business growth, improved underwriting performance, highly liquid investment portfolio and prudent capitalization,” said Best.

“Pioneer has experienced strong business growth since its incorporation in 2004. Gross premiums written increased in fiscal year 2004,” the bulletin continued. “The company achieved a net profit in fiscal year 2004, compared to a small loss in the previous year.

“Pioneer improved its underwriting result in fiscal year 2004. The company’s loss ratio stood at a manageable level during the year. Pioneer continued to maintain a relatively low expense ratio, benefiting from the continued support of its stakeholders in sales, marketing and claims management.”

Best also noted that, “as of fiscal year 2004, Pioneer maintained a highly liquid investment portfolio. Cash and short-term deposits accounted for more than 70 percent of the company’s total assets.” According to Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio, which measures capitalization on a risk-adjusted basis, “Pioneer was adequately capitalized in fiscal year 2004. The reinsurance arrangements with Munich Reinsurance Company New Zealand Branch are also deemed to be conservative for Pioneer’s risk exposures.”

Best said: “Offsetting factors include the capital requirement to support the company’s business expansion plan and the intense competition within New Zealand’s insurance market. Pioneer expects to have an aggressive business expansion during fiscal year 2005. As a start-up motor insurer with limited underwriting experience, the company’s ability to sustain a profitable underwriting performance remains uncertain. Ongoing capital support is crucial for Pioneer to facilitate its rapid growth in the future. The intense competition in New Zealand’s non-life insurance market will challenge Pioneer to have a stronger market presence in the mid to long-term.”