STICO’s financial strength is a concern of its’ insureds, service providers, reinsurers and prospective customers   A.M. Best, the oldest and A.M. Best, the oldest and most widely recognized insurance company rating agency, performs annual reviews of STICO’s financial viability. In 2003, A.M. Best upgraded STICO’s rating from B++ (Very Good) to A- (Excellent) where it remains today. STICO is proud to remain a financially strong insurance solution for members of the petroleum equipment industry.

                                                Date                 A.M. Best Rating

                                                02/12/07                        A-

01/23/06                        A -

                                                01/13/05                        A -

                                                05/20/04                        A -

                                                12/15/03                        A -

                                                06/17/03                        B++

                                                09/12/02                        B++

“The rating is based on STICO Mutual Insurance Company, A RRG (STICO Mutual) strong capitalization, favorable overall operation results over a five-year period and niche market expertise. Partially offsetting these positive rating factors are STICO Mutual’s limit product offerings and market scope, high expense ratios and fluctuating return measures.”

“The RRG’s underwriting leverage is more conservative than the commercial casualty composite and investment risks are well supported by capital. STICO Mutual has been able to mitigate pollution liabilities through active risk management programs and aggressive cost containment techniques resulting in a favorable pure loss ratio.” AM Best, January 2006