Emirates Insurance Company (EIC) has a demonstrated track record of strong operating performance, with profits reported in each of the past five years (2019-2023), says AM Best.
Results over that period were underpinned by positive underwriting performance and good, albeit somewhat volatile, investment returns, resulting in a return on equity that fluctuated between 5% and 10%. In 2023, EIC reported a net-net combined ratio of 89.7% (2022: 94.4%), and whilst exposed to the 2024 UAE flood events, underwriting results over the first six months of the year have been robust.
Ratings affirmed
AM Best has affirmed EIC’s Financial Strength Rating of ‘A-’ (Excellent) and Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of ‘a’ (Excellent). The outlook of these credit ratings is ‘Stable’.
The ratings reflect EIC’s balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as very strong, as well as its strong operating performance, limited business profile, and appropriate enterprise risk management.
Balance sheet strength
EIC’s balance sheet strength is underpinned by its risk-adjusted capitalisation, as measured by Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR), which was at the strongest level at year-end 2023.
AM Best expects the company’s risk-adjusted capitalisation to remain comfortably at the strongest level, underpinned by sufficient organic capital generation to support growth. The company’s balance sheet strength assessment benefits from its strong liquidity position and prudent reserving practices.
A partial offsetting factor is EIC’s investment concentration toward domestic equities, which exposes the company to potential volatility in earnings. In addition, AM Best views the company to have a moderately high reliance on reinsurance; however, the associated credit risk is mitigated in part by the use of a diversified reinsurance panel of sound financial strength.
Business profile
EIC maintains a well-established brand and position in the UAE insurance market, ranking as the seventh-largest listed insurer in the UAE in 2023 by insurance revenue. The company reported insurance revenue of AED1.1bn in 2023 (U$309m), a 3% increase over 2022. EIC writes a diversified portfolio of non-life insurance and reinsurance business. EIC’s business profile is enhanced by geographic diversification from its specialist international reinsurance arm, which contributed approximately 13% of insurance revenue in 2023.