The operating performance of General Insurance Corporation of India (GIC Re) is viewed as adequate, supported by a five-year average return-on-equity (ROE) ratio of 6.5% (FY 2020-2024), says AM Best.
In the fiscal year 2024 ( year ended 31 March 2024), GIC Re reported an ROE ratio of 9.5% based on consolidated profits, although its underwriting performance remained unprofitable with an elevated combined ratio. Investment income, including realised gains on equity investments, is a key contributor to overall earnings and historically has made up for the lack of technical profits.
Ratings upgraded
AM Best has upgraded GIC Re’s Financial Strength Rating to ‘A-’ (Excellent) from ‘B++’ (Good) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating to ‘a-’ (Excellent) from ‘bbb+’ (Good). In addition, AM Best has revised the credit rating outlooks to ‘Stable’ from ‘Positive’. Furthermore, AM Best has affirmed the India National Scale Rating (NSR) of ‘aaa.IN’ (Exceptional) with a ‘Stable’ outlook.
Balance sheet strength
The ratings reflect GIC Re’s balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as very strong, as well as its adequate operating performance, favourable business profile, and appropriate enterprise risk management. In addition, the ratings factor in a neutral impact from the company’s ownership by the government of India.
The rating upgrades reflect an improvement in GIC Re’s balance sheet strength fundamentals. GIC Re’s risk-adjusted capitalisation, as measured by Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR), has exhibited an improving trend over the past four years, and remained at the strongest level in the fiscal year 2024. This is supported by a significant increase in shareholders’ equity over this period, driven by investment fair value gains, and an increase in retained earnings.
Prospectively, AM Best expects GIC Re’s risk-adjusted capitalisation to be maintained at the strongest level over the medium term. Notwithstanding, the company’s exposure to market risk remains a partially offsetting balance sheet factor, given its relatively high allocation to domestic equity investments.
Business profile
AM Best assesses GIC Re’s business profile as favourable. The company is the 10th largest non-IFRS 17 reinsurer globally according to AM Best’s most recent annual ranking of the top 50 global reinsurers.
GIC Re is a leading reinsurer in India, with a domestic market share averaging between 60-70% in recent years. The company benefits from mandatory domestic reinsurance cessions of 4%, and also a right of first refusal that provides it with preferential access to domestic reinsurance placements. The company’s underwriting portfolio is generally well-diversified by lines of business and geography.