A.M. Best Affirms Allianz Life’s Excellent Rating With Stable Outlook
August 6, 2013 by Sara Thurin Rollin
Strength in Annuity Market, Solid Capital Position Highlighted
MINNEAPOLIS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Minneapolis-based Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America (Allianz Life®) announced that A.M. Best affirmed the company’s financial strength rating as A (Excellent) and assigned a stable outlook. This is consistent with the ratings assigned in 2012. The ratings reflect Allianz Life’s strategic position under its parent, Allianz SE, as well as its leadership in the fixed annuity market.
A.M. Best said the ratings reflected Allianz Life’s leading U.S. market position within the fixed index annuity (FIA) market, its solid risk-based capital position, well-developed enterprise risk management framework as well as other key operating practices. A.M. Best also noted that Allianz Life’s new business margins for all core lines—although positively trending—were relatively modest in 2012 due to low interest rates, and Allianz Life’s operating profile remains significantly correlated to interest rate and equity market risk. However, A.M. Best noted that Allianz Life’s new business margins are beginning to trend more favorably in response to recently rising interest rates and product refinements.
“An excellent rating should not be taken lightly. This is a key benchmark for assessing the ability of an insurance company to fulfill its long-term promises to policyholders,” said Allianz Life Chief Financial Officer Giulio Terzariol. “Preparing for retirement requires a great deal of trust between clients and the financial institutions that manage their money. This rating reflects our leadership in the FIA market and gives Americans good reason to trust us and count on Allianz Life for their retirement income solutions.”
The A.M. Best rating of A (Excellent) is the third highest of 16 possible ratings. Furthermore, the financial strength rating of Allianz Life did not change during recent financial crises, periods during which many competitors received downgrades.
About Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America, one of FORTUNE’s 100 Best Companies to Work For in 2013, has been keeping its promises since 1896. Today, it carries on that tradition, helping Americans achieve their retirement income and protection goals with a variety of annuities and life insurance products. As a leading provider of fixed index annuities, Allianz Life is part of Allianz SE, a global leader in the financial services industry with 142,000 employees worldwide. More than 78 million private and corporate customers rely on Allianz knowledge, global reach, and capital strength to help them make the most of financial opportunities.
Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America Sara Thurin Rollin, 763-765-6703 Sarathurin.rollin@allianzlife.com