A. M. Best

A.M. Best is a U.S.-based rating agency headquartered in Oldwick, New Jersey, that focuses on the insurance industry. Both the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners have designated the company as a Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organization (NRSRO) in the United States.

Unlike other NRSROs like Standard & Poor's, Moody's, and Fitch Ratings, whose ratings focus on the business sector, A.M. Best historically has focused exclusively on the insurance marketplace. A.M. Best issues financial-strength ratings measuring insurance companies' ability to pay claims. It also rates financial instruments issued by insurance companies, such as bonds, notes, and securitization products.

In addition, A.M. Best also publishes a series of printed and online directories of insurance professionals and publications. The oldest and best known is Best's Directories of Recommended Insurance Attorneys & Adjusters. Insurance publications include BestWeek, a weekly newsletter, Best's Review, a monthly magazine, and an online wire service called BestWire.