Ratings agency A.M. Best Co. has downgraded its financial ratings of Hartford boutique insurer The Phoenix Cos., citing continued concerns over the company’s accounting issues.
A.M. Best lowered Phoenix’s financial strength rating to B (fair) from B+ (good), and credit rating to “bb+” from “bbb-.”
The ratings agency said the downgrade is largely a result Phoenix’s continued delay in filing its restated financial statements for fiscal years 2009 through 2011 and the first half of fiscal 2012. The company said it has identified errors during that process which could materially and adversely impact the financials it previously made available for 2012.
