A.M. Best Upgrades Ratings of Center Mutual Insurance Company and Revises Outlook to Stable.

OLDWICK, N.J. -- A.M. Best Co. has upgraded the financial strength rating (FSR) to A- (Excellent) from B++ (Good) and issuer credit rating (ICR) to "a-" from "bbb+" of Center Mutual Insurance Company (Center Mutual) (Rugby, ND). The outlook for both ratings has been revised to stable from positive.

The ratings reflect Center Mutual's strong capitalization and operating performance in recent years and its long-standing local market presence in North and South Dakota.

Partially offsetting these positive rating factors is the company's geographic concentration of its personal lines book, which makes it susceptible to severe weather related losses and regulatory changes. The rating outlook derives from Center Mutual's consistently favorable operating performance and its capital position.

For Best's Ratings, an overview of the rating process and rating methodologies, please visit www.ambest.com/ratings.

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.