(Source: Donna Gehrke-White Sun Sentinel, Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (MCT) — A credit card resource website is ranking the best cards for college and high school graduates, including those offering rewards and others offering zero percent interest for at least the first few months.

CardHub.com said it is important for new graduates to establish credit. “Credit cards are the most efficient, allowing users to add positive information to their major credit reports on a monthly basis by simply keeping their accounts in good standing,” according to the website.

Here is its list of 2012’s Best Credit Cards for Graduates that includes: Journey Student Rewards from Capital One that offers 1 percent cash back on all purchases as well as another .25 percent when grads pay on time. Then there’s the Discover Open Road Card for Students  that gives a zero introductory interest rate on new purchases for nine months, the longest 0% term available to students. Both do not have an annual fee.

dgehrke@tribune.com or Twitter @donnagehrke

___

©2012 the Sun Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.)

Visit the Sun Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) at www.sun-sentinel.com

Distributed by MCT Information Services

Source: Donna Gehrke-White Sun Sentinel, Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (MCT)

OLDWICK, N.J., May 18, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) — A.M. Best Co. has affirmed the financial strength rating of A- (Excellent) and issuer credit rating of “a-” of Ardellis Insurance Ltd. (Ardellis) (Bermuda). The outlook for both ratings is stable.

The ratings of Ardellis reflect its conservative underwriting leverage, strong level of capitalization and profitable operating results driven by its excellent underwriting performance.

Partially offsetting these positive rating factors are Ardellis’ relatively high retention and limited profile as a single parent captive of Universal Forest Products Inc. (UFP). Ardellis provides coverage for general liability, auto liability, workers’ compensation, property and certain employee health benefits. Ardellis has maintained very conservative underwriting leverage ratios as surplus has remained strong to support its business volume. The company has posted low loss and loss adjustment expense ratios, reflecting UFP’s effective risk management. The ratings also recognize Ardellis’ balance sheet strength and conservative underwriting leverage measures.

Rating drivers that could lead to a positive outlook or an upgrading of Ardellis’ ratings are material and sustained improvement in its underwriting performance and capitalization. Additionally, improved overall risk management and reduced overall net exposure could lead to an upgrade.

Rating drivers that could lead to a negative outlook or a downgrading of the ratings are material deterioration of capital from either the company’s claims or investments, a reduced level of capital that does not support the ratings or an increase in net retention.

A.M. Best remains the leading rating agency of alternative risk transfer entities, with more than 200 such vehicles rated in the United States and throughout the world.

For current Best’s Credit Ratings and independent data on the captive and alternative insurance market, please visit www.ambest.com/captive .

The methodology used in determining these ratings is Best’s Credit Rating Methodology, which provides a comprehensive explanation of A.M. Best’s rating process and contains the different rating criteria employed in the rating process. Key criteria utilized include: “Risk Management and the Rating Process for Insurance Companies”; “Understanding Universal BCAR”; “Alternative Risk Transfer (ART)”, “Evaluating non-Insurance Ultimate Parents”, “Catastrophe Analysis in A.M. Best Ratings”, and “Evaluating Country Risk.” Best’s Credit Rating Methodology can be found at www.ambest.com/ratings/methodology .

Founded in 1899, A.M. Best Company is the world’s oldest and most authoritative insurance rating and information source. For more information, visit www.ambest.com .

Copyright (C) 2012 by A.M. Best Company, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

SOURCE: A.M. Best Co.

        A.M. Best Co.
        Janet Hernandez
        Senior Financial Analyst
        908-439-2200, ext. 5767
        janet.hernandez@ambest.com
        or
        Steven Chirico, CPA
        Assistant Vice President
        908-439-2200, ext. 5087
        steven.chirico@ambest.com
        or
        Rachelle Morrow
        Senior Manager, Public Relations
        908-439-2200, ext. 5378
        rachelle.morrow@ambest.com
        or
        Jim Peavy
        Assistant Vice President, Public Relations
        908-439-2200, ext. 5644
        james.peavy@ambest.com

Copyright Business Wire 2012

(Source: Donna Gehrke-White Sun Sentinel, Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (MCT) — A credit card resource website is ranking the best cards for college and high school graduates, including those offering rewards and others offering zero percent interest for at least the first few months.

CardHub.com said it is important for new graduates to establish credit. “Credit cards are the most efficient, allowing users to add positive information to their major credit reports on a monthly basis by simply keeping their accounts in good standing,” according to the website.

Here is its list of 2012’s Best Credit Cards for Graduates that includes: Journey Student Rewards from Capital One that offers 1 percent cash back on all purchases as well as another .25 percent when grads pay on time. Then there’s the Discover Open Road Card for Students  that gives a zero introductory interest rate on new purchases for nine months, the longest 0% term available to students. Both do not have an annual fee.

dgehrke@tribune.com or Twitter @donnagehrke

___

©2012 the Sun Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.)

Visit the Sun Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) at www.sun-sentinel.com

Distributed by MCT Information Services

Source: Donna Gehrke-White Sun Sentinel, Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (MCT)

OLDWICK, N.J., May 18, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) — A.M. Best Co. has downgraded the financial strength rating to C++ (Marginal) from B- (Fair) and issuer credit rating to “b” from “bb-” of Cooperativa de Seguros de Vida de Puerto Rico (COSVI) (San Juan, PR). Both ratings have been placed under review with negative implications.

The rating downgrades reflect the drop in COSVI’s surplus reported through year-end 2011. COSVI recorded an operating loss due to a reduction in its third party administrative fees and weak results for its interest sensitive products as well as investment-related losses. Capital also was negatively impacted by the need for additional real estate-related valuation reserves and the correction of an error. Thus, A.M. Best believes there is uncertainty surrounding COSVI’s ability to generate consistent and sustainable positive earnings from its core lines of business.

Partially offsetting these negative rating factors are the improvement in the quality of COSVI’s statutory capital and surplus with the conversion of most of the remaining surplus notes into common stock capital; its well-established presence in the cooperative and life insurance marketplace in Puerto Rico; diversified product offerings; and continuing business and cost-restructuring initiatives to improve its marketing platform. In addition, the ratings acknowledge COSVI members’ commitment to support the entity’s financial flexibility.

The under review with negative implications status reflects A.M. Best’s concerns with COSVI’s ability to stabilize its risk-adjusted capitalization in the near term. During the under review period, A.M. Best will evaluate the effective execution of existing plans to mitigate these losses as well as for improving its capital position.

The methodology used in determining these ratings is Best’s Credit Rating Methodology, which provides a comprehensive explanation of A.M. Best’s rating process and contains the different rating criteria employed in the rating process. Best’s Credit Rating Methodology can be found at www.ambest.com/ratings/methodology .

Founded in 1899, A.M. Best Company is the world’s oldest and most authoritative insurance rating and information source. For more information, visit www.ambest.com .

Copyright (C) 2012 by A.M. Best Company, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

SOURCE: A.M. Best Co.

        A.M. Best Co.
        Eva Sverdlova, 908-439-2200, ext. 5733
        Senior Financial Analyst
        eva.sverdlova@ambest.com
        or
        William Pargeans, 908-439-2200, ext. 5359
        Assistant Vice President
        william.pargeans@ambest.com
        or
        Rachelle Morrow, 908-439-2200, ext. 5378
        Senior Manager, Public Relations
        rachelle.morrow@ambest.com
        or
        Jim Peavy, 908-439-2200, ext. 5644
        Assistant Vice President, Public Relations
        james.peavy@ambest.com

Copyright Business Wire 2012

OLDWICK, N.J., May 18, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) — A.M. Best Co. has affirmed the financial strength rating of A- (Excellent) and issuer credit rating of “a-” of Ardellis Insurance Ltd. (Ardellis) (Bermuda). The outlook for both ratings is stable.

The ratings of Ardellis reflect its conservative underwriting leverage, strong level of capitalization and profitable operating results driven by its excellent underwriting performance.

Partially offsetting these positive rating factors are Ardellis’ relatively high retention and limited profile as a single parent captive of Universal Forest Products Inc. (UFP). Ardellis provides coverage for general liability, auto liability, workers’ compensation, property and certain employee health benefits. Ardellis has maintained very conservative underwriting leverage ratios as surplus has remained strong to support its business volume. The company has posted low loss and loss adjustment expense ratios, reflecting UFP’s effective risk management. The ratings also recognize Ardellis’ balance sheet strength and conservative underwriting leverage measures.

Rating drivers that could lead to a positive outlook or an upgrading of Ardellis’ ratings are material and sustained improvement in its underwriting performance and capitalization. Additionally, improved overall risk management and reduced overall net exposure could lead to an upgrade.

Rating drivers that could lead to a negative outlook or a downgrading of the ratings are material deterioration of capital from either the company’s claims or investments, a reduced level of capital that does not support the ratings or an increase in net retention.

A.M. Best remains the leading rating agency of alternative risk transfer entities, with more than 200 such vehicles rated in the United States and throughout the world.

For current Best’s Credit Ratings and independent data on the captive and alternative insurance market, please visit www.ambest.com/captive .

The methodology used in determining these ratings is Best’s Credit Rating Methodology, which provides a comprehensive explanation of A.M. Best’s rating process and contains the different rating criteria employed in the rating process. Key criteria utilized include: “Risk Management and the Rating Process for Insurance Companies”; “Understanding Universal BCAR”; “Alternative Risk Transfer (ART)”, “Evaluating non-Insurance Ultimate Parents”, “Catastrophe Analysis in A.M. Best Ratings”, and “Evaluating Country Risk.” Best’s Credit Rating Methodology can be found at www.ambest.com/ratings/methodology .

Founded in 1899, A.M. Best Company is the world’s oldest and most authoritative insurance rating and information source. For more information, visit www.ambest.com .

Copyright (C) 2012 by A.M. Best Company, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

SOURCE: A.M. Best Co.

        A.M. Best Co.
        Janet Hernandez
        Senior Financial Analyst
        908-439-2200, ext. 5767
        janet.hernandez@ambest.com
        or
        Steven Chirico, CPA
        Assistant Vice President
        908-439-2200, ext. 5087
        steven.chirico@ambest.com
        or
        Rachelle Morrow
        Senior Manager, Public Relations
        908-439-2200, ext. 5378
        rachelle.morrow@ambest.com
        or
        Jim Peavy
        Assistant Vice President, Public Relations
        908-439-2200, ext. 5644
        james.peavy@ambest.com

Copyright Business Wire 2012

May 16, 2012|The Credit Card Chart

 National avg. APRs as of May. 16 Standard Gold Platinum 8.20 8.88 12.76

 Reg. Ann. Grace Intro Card Name Phone APR(%) Fee($)Days APR/mos 1 First Federal Card (843)529-5800 07.15 0 25 na 2 IberiaBank Visa(R) Classic Card (800)968-0801 07.25 0 25 na 3 First Federal CashBack ScoreCard (843)529-5963 08.15 0 25 na 4 Simmons First Visa(R) Classic (800)272-2102 10.25 0 25 na

Note: Minimum income requirements apply to Gold, Platinum and Signature cards, which offer higher credit limits to qualified customers.

 Reg. Ann. Grace Intro Card Name Phone APR(%) Fee($)Days APR/mos 1 First Federal Gold MasterCard (843)529-5800 07.15 35 25 na 2 Simmons First Visa(R) Platinum (800)272-2102 07.25 0 25 na 3 IberiaBank Visa(R) Select Card (800)968-0801 07.50 35 25 0.00/12 4 BB&T Visa(R) Platinum Credit Card (800)476-4228 08.15 0 25 0.00/12 5 BBVA Compass ClearPoints Visa (800)266-7277 09.24 0 25 0.00/6 6 BBVA Compass Visa Signature Card (800)266-7277 09.24 0 25 0.00/6 7 M&T Visa(R) Credit Card (800)724-3222 09.24 0 25 na 8 IberiaBK Visa Gold Cash Back Rwds (800)968-0801 09.25 0 25 na 9 IberiaBK Visa Pltnm Rwds (800)968-0801 09.25 0 25 na 10 Simmons First Visa Pltnm Travel Rwd (800)272-2102 09.25 0 25 na 11 SunTrust Platinum Visa(R) (866)892-4683 09.99 0 25 0.00/6 12 Comerica BK Visa Pltnm (800)558-3424 09.99 0 30 0.00/12 13 KeyBank MasterCard(R) Platinum (866)951-3873 09.99 0 30 0.00/12 14 U.S. Bank Visa(R) Platinum Card (800)285-8585 09.99 0 30 0.00/12 15 Wells Fargo(R) Platinum Card (800)869-3557 10.15 0 25 0.00/6 16 Simmons First Visa(R) Gold Select (800)272-2102 10.25 0 25 na 17 Capital One(R) Platinum Prestige (800)250-1822 10.90 0 25 na 18 Fifth Third Platinum MasterCard(R) (877)579-5353 10.99 0 21 0.00/12 19 PNC Flex(SM) Visa(R) Credit Card (800)762-5684 10.99 0 21 na 20 PNC points(SM) Visa(R) Credit Card (800)762-5684 10.99 0 21 0.00/6 V - variable interest rate, usually based on an index

na -Not available

Source: Informa Research Services, Inc., 26565 Agoura Road, Suite #300, Calabasas, CA, 91302; http://www.InformaRS.com.

OLDWICK, N.J., May 18, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) — A.M. Best Co. has downgraded the financial strength rating to C++ (Marginal) from B- (Fair) and issuer credit rating to “b” from “bb-” of Cooperativa de Seguros de Vida de Puerto Rico (COSVI) (San Juan, PR). Both ratings have been placed under review with negative implications.

The rating downgrades reflect the drop in COSVI’s surplus reported through year-end 2011. COSVI recorded an operating loss due to a reduction in its third party administrative fees and weak results for its interest sensitive products as well as investment-related losses. Capital also was negatively impacted by the need for additional real estate-related valuation reserves and the correction of an error. Thus, A.M. Best believes there is uncertainty surrounding COSVI’s ability to generate consistent and sustainable positive earnings from its core lines of business.

Partially offsetting these negative rating factors are the improvement in the quality of COSVI’s statutory capital and surplus with the conversion of most of the remaining surplus notes into common stock capital; its well-established presence in the cooperative and life insurance marketplace in Puerto Rico; diversified product offerings; and continuing business and cost-restructuring initiatives to improve its marketing platform. In addition, the ratings acknowledge COSVI members’ commitment to support the entity’s financial flexibility.

The under review with negative implications status reflects A.M. Best’s concerns with COSVI’s ability to stabilize its risk-adjusted capitalization in the near term. During the under review period, A.M. Best will evaluate the effective execution of existing plans to mitigate these losses as well as for improving its capital position.

The methodology used in determining these ratings is Best’s Credit Rating Methodology, which provides a comprehensive explanation of A.M. Best’s rating process and contains the different rating criteria employed in the rating process. Best’s Credit Rating Methodology can be found at www.ambest.com/ratings/methodology .

Founded in 1899, A.M. Best Company is the world’s oldest and most authoritative insurance rating and information source. For more information, visit www.ambest.com .

Copyright (C) 2012 by A.M. Best Company, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

SOURCE: A.M. Best Co.

        A.M. Best Co.
        Eva Sverdlova, 908-439-2200, ext. 5733
        Senior Financial Analyst
        eva.sverdlova@ambest.com
        or
        William Pargeans, 908-439-2200, ext. 5359
        Assistant Vice President
        william.pargeans@ambest.com
        or
        Rachelle Morrow, 908-439-2200, ext. 5378
        Senior Manager, Public Relations
        rachelle.morrow@ambest.com
        or
        Jim Peavy, 908-439-2200, ext. 5644
        Assistant Vice President, Public Relations
        james.peavy@ambest.com

Copyright Business Wire 2012

May 16, 2012|The Credit Card Chart

 National avg. APRs as of May. 16 Standard Gold Platinum 8.20 8.88 12.76

 Reg. Ann. Grace Intro Card Name Phone APR(%) Fee($)Days APR/mos 1 First Federal Card (843)529-5800 07.15 0 25 na 2 IberiaBank Visa(R) Classic Card (800)968-0801 07.25 0 25 na 3 First Federal CashBack ScoreCard (843)529-5963 08.15 0 25 na 4 Simmons First Visa(R) Classic (800)272-2102 10.25 0 25 na

Note: Minimum income requirements apply to Gold, Platinum and Signature cards, which offer higher credit limits to qualified customers.

 Reg. Ann. Grace Intro Card Name Phone APR(%) Fee($)Days APR/mos 1 First Federal Gold MasterCard (843)529-5800 07.15 35 25 na 2 Simmons First Visa(R) Platinum (800)272-2102 07.25 0 25 na 3 IberiaBank Visa(R) Select Card (800)968-0801 07.50 35 25 0.00/12 4 BB&T Visa(R) Platinum Credit Card (800)476-4228 08.15 0 25 0.00/12 5 BBVA Compass ClearPoints Visa (800)266-7277 09.24 0 25 0.00/6 6 BBVA Compass Visa Signature Card (800)266-7277 09.24 0 25 0.00/6 7 M&T Visa(R) Credit Card (800)724-3222 09.24 0 25 na 8 IberiaBK Visa Gold Cash Back Rwds (800)968-0801 09.25 0 25 na 9 IberiaBK Visa Pltnm Rwds (800)968-0801 09.25 0 25 na 10 Simmons First Visa Pltnm Travel Rwd (800)272-2102 09.25 0 25 na 11 SunTrust Platinum Visa(R) (866)892-4683 09.99 0 25 0.00/6 12 Comerica BK Visa Pltnm (800)558-3424 09.99 0 30 0.00/12 13 KeyBank MasterCard(R) Platinum (866)951-3873 09.99 0 30 0.00/12 14 U.S. Bank Visa(R) Platinum Card (800)285-8585 09.99 0 30 0.00/12 15 Wells Fargo(R) Platinum Card (800)869-3557 10.15 0 25 0.00/6 16 Simmons First Visa(R) Gold Select (800)272-2102 10.25 0 25 na 17 Capital One(R) Platinum Prestige (800)250-1822 10.90 0 25 na 18 Fifth Third Platinum MasterCard(R) (877)579-5353 10.99 0 21 0.00/12 19 PNC Flex(SM) Visa(R) Credit Card (800)762-5684 10.99 0 21 na 20 PNC points(SM) Visa(R) Credit Card (800)762-5684 10.99 0 21 0.00/6 V - variable interest rate, usually based on an index

na -Not available

Source: Informa Research Services, Inc., 26565 Agoura Road, Suite #300, Calabasas, CA, 91302; http://www.InformaRS.com.

HONG KONG, May 17, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) — A.M. Best Co. has assigned a financial strength rating of B++ (Good) and issuer credit rating of “bbb+” to Co-operative Life Limited (Co-op Life) (New Zealand). The outlook assigned to both ratings is stable.

The assigned ratings reflect Co-op Life’s supportive risk-adjusted capitalization, continued profit generation and its status as a member of The Co-operative Bank Limited group (Co-op Bank).

In the five years to March 31, 2011, consistent profit generation and full earnings retention led Co-op Life to grow its capital 37% annually to 60% of total assets. Underwriting risk remained low compared to the company’s capital, helping it to achieve a strong risk-adjusted capitalization. Going forward, Co-op Life’s risk-adjusted capitalization is anticipated to stabilize at a lower level that is still supportive of its assigned ratings.

Co-op Life distributes its products exclusively through the Co-op Bank and benefits from its access to Co-op Bank’s membership base and branch network across the country. This helps to shield Co-op Life from the high acquisition costs and related capital strain prevalent in the adviser channel. In A.M. Best’s view, there is no parental drag on Co-op Life’s financial strength due to the parent’s strong capital ratios.

Partially offsetting these positive rating factors are the company’s static capital level target, a higher anticipated expense ratio and recent underwriting volatility. Co-op Bank is required to limit the size of its insurance assets relative to its group assets. As a result, Co-op Life’s management will likely maintain the company’s capital at around NZD 5.75 million going forward and upstream any amount in excess of this level to its parent. At the same time, underwriting risk will likely increase, as Co-op Life is planning to acquire an existing book of business. Similar to its peers, the company is experiencing higher compliance costs and a transition to a less favorable tax environment. Co-op Life’s net loss ratio increased in fiscal years 2010 and 2011. Management has been able to somewhat address this issue by adjusting premium rates on its main term life product, Life Plus. However, the un-reinsured, single premium, Loan Care product could continue to cause volatility to the company’s operating performance.

A removal of the insurance asset limit and return to earnings retention could result in upward movement on Co-op Life’s ratings.

Higher than anticipated growth in underwriting risk and a stronger than anticipated decline in Co-op Life’s risk-adjusted capitalization could lead to downward pressure on the ratings.

The ratings were released on the A.M. Best Company website on May 16, 2012.

The methodology used in determining these ratings is Best’s Credit Rating Methodology, which provides a comprehensive explanation of A.M. Best’s rating process and contains the different rating criteria employed in the rating process. Key criteria utilized include: “Risk Management and the Rating Process for Insurance Companies” and “Understanding Universal BCAR.” Best’s Credit Rating Methodology can be found at www.ambest.com/ratings/methodology .

Founded in 1899, A.M. Best Company is the world’s oldest and most authoritative insurance rating and information source. For more information, visit www.ambest.com .

Copyright (C) 2012 by A.M. Best Company, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

SOURCE: A.M. Best Co.

        A.M. Best Co.
        Chi-Yeung Lok, +852-2827-3414
        Financial Analyst
        chi-yeung.lok@ambest.com
        or
        Moungmo Lee, +852-2827-3402
        General Manager
        moungmo.lee@ambest.com
        or
        Rachelle Morrow, +(1) 908 439 2200, ext. 5378
        Senior Manager, Public Relations
        rachelle.morrow@ambest.com
        or
        Jim Peavy, +(1) 908 439 2200, ext. 5644
        Assistant Vice President, Public Relations
        james.peavy@ambest.com

Copyright Business Wire 2012

HONG KONG, May 17, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) — A.M. Best Co. has assigned a financial strength rating of B++ (Good) and issuer credit rating of “bbb+” to Co-operative Life Limited (Co-op Life) (New Zealand). The outlook assigned to both ratings is stable.

The assigned ratings reflect Co-op Life’s supportive risk-adjusted capitalization, continued profit generation and its status as a member of The Co-operative Bank Limited group (Co-op Bank).

In the five years to March 31, 2011, consistent profit generation and full earnings retention led Co-op Life to grow its capital 37% annually to 60% of total assets. Underwriting risk remained low compared to the company’s capital, helping it to achieve a strong risk-adjusted capitalization. Going forward, Co-op Life’s risk-adjusted capitalization is anticipated to stabilize at a lower level that is still supportive of its assigned ratings.

Co-op Life distributes its products exclusively through the Co-op Bank and benefits from its access to Co-op Bank’s membership base and branch network across the country. This helps to shield Co-op Life from the high acquisition costs and related capital strain prevalent in the adviser channel. In A.M. Best’s view, there is no parental drag on Co-op Life’s financial strength due to the parent’s strong capital ratios.

Partially offsetting these positive rating factors are the company’s static capital level target, a higher anticipated expense ratio and recent underwriting volatility. Co-op Bank is required to limit the size of its insurance assets relative to its group assets. As a result, Co-op Life’s management will likely maintain the company’s capital at around NZD 5.75 million going forward and upstream any amount in excess of this level to its parent. At the same time, underwriting risk will likely increase, as Co-op Life is planning to acquire an existing book of business. Similar to its peers, the company is experiencing higher compliance costs and a transition to a less favorable tax environment. Co-op Life’s net loss ratio increased in fiscal years 2010 and 2011. Management has been able to somewhat address this issue by adjusting premium rates on its main term life product, Life Plus. However, the un-reinsured, single premium, Loan Care product could continue to cause volatility to the company’s operating performance.

A removal of the insurance asset limit and return to earnings retention could result in upward movement on Co-op Life’s ratings.

Higher than anticipated growth in underwriting risk and a stronger than anticipated decline in Co-op Life’s risk-adjusted capitalization could lead to downward pressure on the ratings.

The ratings were released on the A.M. Best Company website on May 16, 2012.

The methodology used in determining these ratings is Best’s Credit Rating Methodology, which provides a comprehensive explanation of A.M. Best’s rating process and contains the different rating criteria employed in the rating process. Key criteria utilized include: “Risk Management and the Rating Process for Insurance Companies” and “Understanding Universal BCAR.” Best’s Credit Rating Methodology can be found at www.ambest.com/ratings/methodology .

Founded in 1899, A.M. Best Company is the world’s oldest and most authoritative insurance rating and information source. For more information, visit www.ambest.com .

Copyright (C) 2012 by A.M. Best Company, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

SOURCE: A.M. Best Co.

        A.M. Best Co.
        Chi-Yeung Lok, +852-2827-3414
        Financial Analyst
        chi-yeung.lok@ambest.com
        or
        Moungmo Lee, +852-2827-3402
        General Manager
        moungmo.lee@ambest.com
        or
        Rachelle Morrow, +(1) 908 439 2200, ext. 5378
        Senior Manager, Public Relations
        rachelle.morrow@ambest.com
        or
        Jim Peavy, +(1) 908 439 2200, ext. 5644
        Assistant Vice President, Public Relations
        james.peavy@ambest.com

Copyright Business Wire 2012