With all due respect, no one is discounting your finance degree. You are correct in your analysis and interpretation of financial statements, as it relates to the financial stability, profitability and/or solvency of a corporation. This analysis not only applies to all businesses, but we can apply the same analysis to one's personal financial situation to determine their financial stability and credit worthiness, as well.ok I get that and I agree it doesn't mean that a lower rated company isn't going to pay or not make timely payments.
When I say correlation, I am saying that there is a correlation between not meeting financial obligations and a company having a lower rating. It is nothing more than a risk factor.
The reason for this risk assessment is to determine the statistical probability that payments will be made, or will be made on time. It serves as a metric to use when making any further determinations. It doesn't predict the future nor does it determine whether or not the insurer will pay the insured.
Deborah, the only reason you are getting pushback is your continuous use of the phrase, "timely payments", in your argument as it relates to insurance companies. In your first sentence you say, "I agree it doesn't mean that a lower rated company isn't going to....make timely payments." Yet, in the first sentence of your 3rd paragraph, you go right back to saying it does. "The reason for this risk assessment is to determine the statistical probability that payments.... will be made on time."
The ability to pay on time, or make timely payments based on the interpretation of financial statements may be applied to individuals and certain businesses. The Insurance industry, however, is the exception. These businesses pay claims. Paying claims and the ability to repay loans or creditors owed by an insurance company, on time, are distinctly different.
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