A.M. Best Revises Outlooks to Negative for STICO Mutual Insurance Company, Risk Retention Group

Business Wire

OLDWICK, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- A.M. Best has revised the outlooks to negative from stable and affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of A- (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of “a-” of STICO Mutual Insurance Company, Risk Retention Group (STICO) (Burlington, VT).

These Credit Rating (ratings) reflect STICO’s balance sheet strength, which A.M. Best categorizes as very strong, as well as its adequate operating performance, limited business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management.

The revised outlooks reflect the negative trend in operating performance due to competitive market conditions, weaker economies of scale and volatility in the energy sector over the last couple of years. Earnings prospects could face further headwinds as recent results continue to be challenged by declining net written premium due to policyholder consolidation and business closures, in addition to potential volatility in steel prices and loss costs related to steel tank replacement costs. The recent federal proposal for steel tariffs has increased prices and volatility, creating uncertainty in the energy market. To counter these inherent challenges, management has taken steps to diversify STICO’s revenue stream with related ancillary product offerings, but the company continues to face pressure from large multi-line insurers in its niche market segment.

This press release relates to Credit Ratings that have been published on A.M. Best’s website. For all rating information relating to the release and pertinent disclosures, including details of the office responsible for issuing each of the individual ratings referenced in this release, please see A.M. Best’s Recent Rating Activity web page. For additional information regarding the use and limitations of Credit Rating opinions, please view Understanding Best’s Credit Ratings. For information on the proper media use of Best’s Credit Ratings and A.M. Best press releases, please view Guide for Media - Proper Use of Best’s Credit Ratings and A.M. Best Rating Action Press Releases.

A.M. Best is the world’s oldest and most authoritative insurance rating and information source. For more information, visit www.ambest.com.

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A.M. Best

Charlie Smentkowski, +1 908-439-2200, ext. 5684

Financial Analyst

charlie.smentkowski@ambest.com

or

Dan Teclaw, +1 908-439-2200, ext. 5394

Senior Financial Analyst

dan.teclaw@ambest.com

or

Christopher Sharkey, +1 908-439-2200, ext. 5159

Manager, Public Relations

christopher.sharkey@ambest.com

or

Jim Peavy, +1 908-439-2200, ext. 5644

Director, Public Relations

james.peavy@ambest.com