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The Pakistan Credit Rating Agency Limited
Press Release

Date
10-Mar-17

Analyst
Ayesha Qasim
ayesha.qasim@pacra.com
+92-42-35869504
www.pacra.com

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This press release is being transmitted for the sole purpose of dissemination through print/electronic media. The press release may be used in full or in part without changing the meaning or context thereof with due credit to PACRA

PACRA Upgrades IFS Rating of Atlas Insurance Limited

Rating Type IFS
Current
(10-Mar-17 )
Previous
(30-Dec-16 )
Action Upgrade Maintain
IFS Rating AA AA-
Outlook Stable Stable
Rating Watch - -

Atlas Insurance Limited distincts itself amongst medium-sized general insurance companies on the basis of its robust underwriting performance, persistent over the years. This results from a stable stream of quality business and a diverse segment mix. Noticeable growth in non-captive business bodes well for improved footprint in the market. The company is eying large public sector projects to drive future growth. Atlas Insurance, with launch of window takaful operations, now aims to spur growth through Shariah compliant products as well. The rating takes significant comfort from the robust liquidity profile emanating from a diverse investment book that also provides robust coverage to the company's obligations. It has prudent risk retention policies that are well supported by solid reinsurance arrangements. The company's association with Atlas group providing benefits in terms of sustained low-risk captive business, while ensuring sound governance framework, remains a key rating factor.

The rating is dependent on sustained improvement in business and financial metrics of the company in line with its relative positioning with in the industry. At the same time, the size of liquid investments should increase in tandem with growth in business. Recent improvement in claims management system should translate into reduced claims turnaround time.

About the Entity
Atlas Insurance - listed on PSX - started operations in 1934. It provides all major types of conventional and non-conventional general insurance services and has a network of 21 branches across the country. Atlas Group - having 78% stake in AIL - is a leading conglomerate of the country with interests in auto, engineering, power, financial sectors and trading.

The group has established an Executive Committee that liaises with the management team of individual companies to offer insight into strategic direction. The group also has a Group Advisory Board, headed by Mr. Yusuf H. Shirazi, the founder of the group. The Board of Directors of AIL comprises seven members, including one independent director. The CEO, Mr. Arshad P. Rana, has profound experience both in domestic and international market. He is assisted by a qualified management team.

The primary function of PACRA is to evaluate the capacity and willingness of an entity to honor its obligations. Our ratings reflect an independent, professional and impartial assessment of the risks associated with a particular instrument or an entity. PACRA's comprehensive offerings include instrument and entity credit ratings, insurer financial strength ratings, fund ratings, asset manager ratings and real estate gradings. PACRA opinion is not a recommendation to purchase, sell or hold a security, in as much as it does not comment on the security's market price or suitability for a particular investor.