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A.M. Best Affirms Ratings of Triple-S Management Corporation and Its Subsidiaries

^{Published on 2010-07-27 13:36:00 - Market Wire}
 

OLDWICK, N.J.--([ BUSINESS WIRE ])--A.M. Best Co. has affirmed the financial strength rating of B++ (Good) and issuer credit ratings (ICR) of abbb+a of Triple-S Salud, Inc. (TSS) and Triple-S Vida, Inc. (TSV). Additionally, A.M. Best has affirmed the debt rating of abbba on $50 million 6.30% senior unsecured notes due 2019 of TSS. A.M. Best also has affirmed the ICR of abb+a of the holding company, Triple-S Management Corporation (TSM) (NYSE: GTS). The outlook for all ratings is stable. All companies are domiciled in San Juan, PR.

The ratings of TSS reflect the companya™s brand strength in Puerto Rico, its increase in membership and diversified product portfolio. TSS benefits from strong brand name recognition in its market and has the largest share of all managed care companies operating in Puerto Rico. The company reported sizeable membership growth in the commercial sector in 2009 and a nominal gain in the health reform segment (Commonwealth of Puerto Ricoa™s Medicaid managed care program). TSSa™ commercial enrollment grew by more than 25%, largely due to the acquisition of the membership of La Cruz Azul de Puerto Rico. The commercial segment reported an improvement in statutory underwriting results in 2009 and its first gain in four years. The improvement is the result of initiatives taken to improve the operating performance of this sector.

Offsetting these strengths is a high concentration of earnings and premiums from government-funded programs and the very competitive operating landscape. A large portion of TSSa™ revenues are generated from the Medicare Advantage line of business, which is susceptible to federal government regulations. The large dependence on Medicare Advantage may challenge TSSa™ earnings in the future, with federal payment rates frozen for 2011 and the unknown rate change for 2012 and beyond. The health reform segment reported declining profitability over the past few years and reported an underwriting loss in 2009. Furthermore, with the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico facing budget issues, there is concern that renewal rate negotiations may be delayed and the appropriate level of increase may not be obtained. A.M. Best believes TSS may face challenges in growing its commercial segment organically due to the highly competitive and concentrated operating environment. However, due to TSSa™ diverse product portfolio and cross-selling opportunities at TSM affiliates, TSS should remain a prominent player in Puerto Rico.

The ratings of TSV recognize its strong market position as an affiliate of TSM, including the strength of the Triple-S brand name in its geographic market and its broad range of complementary insurance products and its profitable operations, when interest payments on surplus notes are excluded.

Offsetting factors include operating in an economically challenging environment with a high unemployment rate, along with the amount of surplus notes held and their effect on the companya™s net income.

For Besta™s Credit Ratings, an overview of the rating process and rating methodologies, please visit [ www.ambest.com/ratings ].

The principal methodologies used in determining these ratings, including any additional methodologies and factors that may have been considered, can be found at [ www.ambest.com/ratings/methodology ].

Founded in 1899, A.M. Best Company is a global full-service credit rating organization dedicated to serving the financial and health care service industries, including insurance companies, banks, hospitals and health care system providers. For more information, visit [ www.ambest.com ].