PACRA Maintains IFS Rating of Premier Insurance Limited

The rating reflects sustained efforts of the incumbent leadership to steer the company out of prevalent challenges. The company is envisaged to cautiously underwrite insurance business; the market share remains constant. The results are depicting a fall in GPW but with greater decrease in the amount of underwriting losses. The support comes from investment income, though largely contributed by relatively high-risk equity investments. The company has accumulated a high quantum of liabilities, protected by reinsurance receivables and liquid investments; some evasion therein is seen. High level of equity maintenance is imperative.
The rating is dependent on fast scale towards indicators. The management of insurance assets to liability structure remains crucial wherein timely realization of outstanding premium along with the prompt settlement of claims is vital.

About the Entity
Premier Insurance was incorporated in 1952 and is listed on Pakistan Stock Exchange. It holds 0.9% market share at end Dec' 18 and operates through two business Hubs South and North.
Crescent Group and its associated companies hold 70% shareholding. State Life Insurance Company is another major shareholder (11%). The Crescent Group (CG) operates in diversified sectors of textile, steel, sugar, and power. The end Dec' 18 accounts of the company were reviewed by M/s Deloitte Yousuf Adil, issuing an unqualified opinion.
Premier insurance has eight-member board, including CEO, comprising five representations of Crescent Group and one of State Life Insurance. Mr. Asad ullah Khawaja has joined the Board as an independent Director since June 2017. Mr. Zahid Bashir has been in charge of the company since June'17.