Category: Uncategorized

Stonetrust Workers’ Compensation is upgraded to “A” (Excellent) Rating by AM Best

Posted on August 22, 2025 by - Uncategorized

Stonetrust AM Best Rating Upgraded to A

Stonetrust AM Best rating, the world’s leading insurance industry credit rating agency, upgraded Baton Rouge-based regional workers’ compensation insurer, Stonetrust Commercial Insurance Company’s Financial Strength and Credit Ratings from A– (Excellent) to A (Excellent). Stonetrust provides workers’ compensation coverage and services to more than 5,000 policyholders in Louisiana and eleven other states in the Midwest and Southeastern regions of the United States, supporting businesses of all sizes with reliable and comprehensive insurance solutions. Their offerings include claims management, risk assessment, and dedicated customer support, ensuring policyholders receive the guidance and protection they need.

The AM Best upgrade reflects Stonetrust’s very strong balance sheet strength and consistent operating performance, highlighted by five consecutive years of positive income in every area of the business. Stonetrust President, Michael G. Dileo, commented, “The upgrade is a compliment to the tremendous team that we’ve assembled at Stonetrust and reinforces the momentum and progress that we’ve achieved over the last few years. We had just achieved our A– rating in 2022, so we’re truly excited to receive this upgrade so soon after the last one. It affirms our profitability-first strategy, the partnerships we’ve built with our outstanding agency partners, and supports our plans to expand our products into additional states.”

For policyholders and agency partners, this upgrade means continued confidence in Stonetrust’s financial stability, exceptional service, and long-term commitment to providing high-quality workers’ compensation coverage. It demonstrates that the company not only meets but exceeds industry standards, offering peace of mind to businesses and employees alike.

The recognition from AM Best is a testament to Stonetrust’s ongoing dedication to excellence, innovation, and growth. By maintaining strong financials and fostering trusted partnerships with agencies, Stonetrust continues to set itself apart as a leading workers’ compensation insurer in the region. With a focus on continuous improvement, training, and technology-driven solutions, Stonetrust ensures policyholders receive timely, efficient, and reliable support.

Here’s to continued growth, excellence, and dedication in serving Stonetrust’s agency partners and valued policyholders!

2025 Stonetrust Annual Report

Posted on April 4, 2025 by - Uncategorized

Stonetrust 2025 Annual Report

The Stonetrust 2025 Annual Report provides a comprehensive overview of the company’s performance in 2024. Stonetrust Commercial Insurance Company achieved remarkable financial success in 2024 in a challenging and hyper-competitive workers’ compensation insurance environment. The company reported strong net underwriting and investment gains, resulting in total net income of $13.1 million for the year. Stonetrust’s surplus increased significantly again in 2024, reaching $170.7 million, reflecting its strong financial foundation and stability. These results demonstrate the company’s ability to maintain profitability while navigating market challenges and continuing to provide excellent coverage and dedicated support to policyholders across all operating regions.

This year’s Annual Report features APEX Insurance Consultants of Arkadelphia, Arkansas, as the spotlight agency. APEX operates under the leadership of Stan Elrod, his daughter Melanie Bobo, and his son Michael Elrod. Since partnering with Stonetrust in 2013, APEX has grown to become Stonetrust’s largest agency in Arkansas, exemplifying the type of long-term relationships highlighted in the Stonetrust 2025 Annual Report. Their success showcases how collaborative agency partnerships contribute to sustainable growth, operational efficiency, and enhanced service for policyholders.

Stonetrust’s continued success is built on the loyalty and commitment of its agency partners and employees. The company emphasizes ongoing training, innovative claims solutions, and personalized support, ensuring policyholders receive high-quality coverage and personalized guidance every step of the way. With additional state expansion targeted for late 2025, Stonetrust plans to continue growing its business profitably with current agency partners and agencies in new markets. The 2025 Annual Report highlights these strategic initiatives, demonstrating Stonetrust’s focus on financial strength, operational excellence, and long-term agency relationships. By maintaining consistent growth, strong community engagement, and a respected reputation within the insurance industry, Stonetrust continues to position itself as a trusted and reliable provider of workers’ compensation solutions across all its operating regions.

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2024 Stonetrust Annual Report

Posted on August 19, 2024 by - Uncategorized

2024 Stonetrust Annual Report – 2023 Results & AM Best Upgrade

The 2024 Stonetrust Annual Report provides a comprehensive overview of the company’s performance and key milestones in 2023. Notably, Stonetrust Commercial Insurance Company achieved significant financial success, reporting a 6% growth in total premiums, which amounted to $52.4 million in written premiums and $51.7 million in net earned premiums. The company’s net underwriting gain reached $11.1 million, while a net investment gain of $2.5 million contributed to a total net income of $9.4 million. Stonetrust also saw a nearly $17 million increase in its surplus, which grew to $149.5 million, further strengthening its financial position.

In line with these achievements, Stonetrust’s total assets increased from $230.8 million at the end of 2022 to $253.4 million. These results reflect a consistent trend of underwriting profitability and strong investment returns, maintaining a competitive edge in the workers’ compensation insurance market. Despite the challenges posed by declining claim frequencies, lower claim costs, and fierce competition, Stonetrust remained resilient in 2023, underwriting nearly $12 million in new business premiums.

Stonetrust’s success was further validated by its July 2024 AM Best evaluation, which reaffirmed the company’s Financial Strength Rating of A- (Excellent) and Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of “a-” (Excellent). Most notably, AM Best upgraded Stonetrust’s outlook from “Stable” to “Positive,” citing the company’s very strong balance sheet strength, consistent operating performance, robust underwriting earnings, and steady investment income.

The report also highlights the importance of partnerships, showcasing One General Agency (OGA) as a key contributor to Stonetrust’s growth and success in Oklahoma. The company expressed gratitude for the ongoing commitment and support from its agency partners, emphasizing that Stonetrust’s continued success is largely due to these strong collaborations.

Looking ahead to 2024, Stonetrust remains focused on maintaining its growth trajectory and delivering excellent results, even in the face of evolving market conditions and technological advancements. For a full view of the company’s financial results and strategic initiatives, you can download the complete 2024 Stonetrust Annual Report below.

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Unveiling the Stonetrust Difference: Fast, Reliable, and Easy Every Time!

Posted on April 9, 2024 by - Uncategorized

Stonetrust Difference

Since 1993, our commitment to reliability has defined the Stonetrust Difference, guiding us on an incredible journey with our agents and policyholders. Our dedication to building and fostering these relationships is at the heart of everything we do. When our agents and policyholders spoke up, we listened.

They expressed their prior frustrations with other workers’ compensation companies and the hurdles they have faced over the years. From fancy gimmicks and unclear incentives, to going round and round with underwriters, it has become clear that some companies simply drop the ball all too frequently.

As we listened carefully to the feedback from our customers and partners, a vision began to emerge. The complicated interaction and slow response times of other companies reminded us of a Rube Goldberg machine, a contraption intentionally designed to perform a simple task in an overly complicated way. This comparison seemed to capture the complexity and additional steps required of agents and policyholders by other insurance companies as part of their workers’ compensation underwriting process. 

Please take a moment to watch our version of the Rube Goldberg machine. To us, it illustrates how other workers’ compensation companies have complicated processes and unreliable service.  Stonetrust provides a better way – always available and responsive, delivering personalized service every time. We believe in making the process simple, fast, and reliable, so you never have to jump through hoops or wait on the phone for answers.

With Stonetrust, we’ve streamlined the process, offering efficient service that’s just a phone call away. We’ve built our reputation by consistently delivering on our promises, and we continue to be a trusted partner for our agents and policyholders. At the end of the day, it’s about providing service that is reliable, responsive, and easy. That’s the Stonetrust Difference —the way insurance should always be.

Stonetrust Insurance Announces Donation Funds and Donations in Honor of Cancer Survivors

Posted on July 27, 2023 by - Uncategorized

Stonetrust Cancer Donations: Supporting Survivors and Research

Stonetrust Commercial Insurance Company has announced two cancer research and treatment donation funds, as well as company donations in honor of two members of the Stonetrust team. The company recently hosted a luncheon in their Baton Rouge office to celebrate cancer survivors in the Stonetrust family and kick off their fundraising efforts for these leading nonprofits. 

Stonetrust has donated $5,000 to Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center (in honor of employee Lydia Acosta) and $5,000 to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (in honor of Dawson Bunch, son of employee David Bunch). These Stonetrust cancer donations reflect the company’s dedication to improving cancer care and raising awareness. Both organizations are leaders in research and treatment: Mary Bird Perkins provides comprehensive cancer care in Louisiana, while St. Jude focuses on saving the lives of children battling cancer across the globe. Through these contributions, Stonetrust empowers both employees and the community to celebrate survivorship and hope.

“We wanted to honor these Stonetrust team members and their families, and celebrate their courage,” said Stonetrust President and CEO Mike Dileo. “It presents an opportunity for us to learn more and understand the challenges that accompany cancer survivorship. It’s also a great reminder of the immense strength, courage, and resilience of these individuals and their families,” Dileo said. By sharing these stories, Stonetrust encourages empathy and community engagement, highlighting the importance of both corporate responsibility and personal inspiration.

Dileo emphasized that while the Stonetrust family celebrates the triumphs of Lydia and Dawson, the company is acknowledging the importance of cancer prevention and continued research towards further advances in cancer treatment.

“We encourage everyone to join us by donating individually as well. Lydia and Dawson each have a unique story that brings hope to others,” Dileo said.

READ LYDIA ACOSTA’S STORY AND DONATE
https://fundraise.givesmart.com/vf/Lydia

WAYS TO GIVE TO ST. JUDE
stjude.org

2023 STONETRUST ANNUAL REPORT

Posted on July 25, 2023 by - Uncategorized

2023 Stonetrust Annual Report

Stonetrust is proud to announce the release of the 2023 Stonetrust Annual Report, highlighting a year of strong financial performance, operational success, and milestone achievements. This report provides a comprehensive overview of the company’s performance, including A.M. Best’s recent affirmation of Stonetrust’s A- rating, demonstrating continued financial stability and commitment to excellence in workers’ compensation insurance. For more information on industry standards and the role of financial ratings in insurance, visit A.M. Best to learn how companies like Stonetrust are evaluated.

The 2023 Stonetrust Annual Report also celebrates Stonetrust’s 30th anniversary, showcasing the growth and development of the company since its founding in 1993. A special agency spotlight highlights the partnerships that have been integral to the company’s success, recognizing the critical role insurance agents play in delivering exceptional service to policyholders. These features underscore Stonetrust’s dedication to maintaining strong relationships, supporting agencies, and fostering a collaborative insurance community.

Readers will find detailed financial information, including updated earnings, underwriting results, and investment performance, demonstrating the company’s consistent ability to navigate a competitive market while maintaining a solid balance sheet. The report reflects Stonetrust’s long-term commitment to providing reliable coverage and personalized service for businesses across multiple industries.

The 2023 Stonetrust Annual Report also reinforces the company’s strategic focus on innovation, safety operations, and policyholder support, showing how Stonetrust continues to enhance the insurance experience for all clients. By reviewing the report, stakeholders can gain insight into Stonetrust’s approach to sustainable growth and its dedication to delivering dependable results year after year.

The 2023 Stonetrust Annual Report is a testament to the company’s unwavering commitment to financial strength, operational excellence, and meaningful partnerships that have shaped three decades of trusted insurance service.

For more information about Stonetrust services, agents, or claims, explore our Agent Portal or Policyholder Portal.

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Financial Services Review Honors Stonetrust’s Francis Chou

Posted on January 12, 2023 by - Uncategorized

Stonetrust Owner, Francis Chou, founder of Chou Associates Management Inc. recently received the award for Top Canada Investment Firm 2022.

The flagship Chou Associate Funds boasts a long-running and consistent track record since their inception in 1986 as the best-performing equity fund in Canada, says the Financial Services Review.  

Read more about Chou’s investment strategy by reading the article below.

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Stonetrust Owner Francis Chou Featured In The Globe And Mail

Posted on November 22, 2022 by - Uncategorized

Stonetrust’s owner, Francis Chou, was recently interviewed by The Globe and Mail about his award-winning successes within volatile financial markets.

Chou spoke with the publication about his investment strategy and his outlook for the future. The full feature article delves into Chou’s opinions on bonds vs equities, as well as his philosophy on stock valuation.

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STONETRUST ENTERS IOWA & GEORGIA

Posted on September 1, 2022 by - Uncategorized

Stonetrust Workers’ Compensation Insurance Company will begin writing workers’ compensation coverage in Iowa and Georgia effective October 1st, 2022. This announcement follows the Baton Rouge based company’s recent Financial Strength Rating (FSR) upgrade to A- Excellent by AM Best. We look forward to growing our “First Choice” brand in both new states!

View Press Release

For information about establishing an agency partnership with Stonetrust in Iowa or Georgia, please contact us.

2022 STONETRUST ANNUAL REPORT

Posted on July 6, 2022 by - Uncategorized

We are very pleased to share with you our 2022 Annual Report, which showcases the many accomplishments the company achieved throughout 2021!

Stonetrust continues to perform exceptionally well, and we are looking forward to the opportunities created by our new A- rating. Our vision is to be the premier or “First Choice” workers’ compensation carrier for all our agents and policyholders. Although the current market environment remains extremely competitive, we have built a solid reputation as a financially strong company that is easy to work with and committed to outperforming our peers. Because of the talented team that we have assembled at Stonetrust and the support that we receive from all of you, our expectation is that we will achieve another strong result in 2022!

This year’s Annual Report also includes a tribute to long-time Stonetrust employee Glen Grigsby, who led the company’s marketing and underwriting efforts for many years. Glen contributed significantly to the formation, establishment, and growth of Stonetrust. His passion and legacy have endured, and his commitment to making Stonetrust the best workers’ compensation insurance company around continues to serve as the inspirational vision for the company’s future.

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