Tag: Insurance Industry

Stonetrust Owner, Francis Chou, founder of Chou Associates Management Inc., recently received a prestigious Financial Services Award, recognizing him as part of the Top Canada Investment Firm 2022. The flagship Chou Associates Funds has maintained a long-running and consistent track record since its inception in 1986, earning recognition as one of Canada’s best-performing equity funds. This Financial Services Award highlights Francis Chou’s expertise in investment management, disciplined value-oriented strategy, and strong commitment to long-term results and consistent excellence.

Francis Chou’s investment approach focuses on analyzing company fundamentals, including balance sheets, cash flow, and profitability, rather than chasing short-term market trends. By identifying undervalued opportunities, he has built a portfolio that consistently outperforms competitors. The recognition by the Financial Services Review reflects not only the success of Chou Associates Funds but also the strong leadership, vision, and strategic insight that Francis Chou brings to Stonetrust.

At Stonetrust, this same commitment to excellence is evident in how we serve our policyholders and agency partners. Our approach to workers’ compensation insurance emphasizes responsive service, workplace safety, and cost containment. Just as Francis Chou evaluates investments with care and precision, we carefully underwrite policies to manage risk and provide comprehensive coverage for all our valued clients.

This Financial Services Award also underscores the broader philosophy of Stonetrust: combining experience, diligence, and a long-term perspective to create sustainable results. Agents partnering with Stonetrust benefit from our strong leadership, extensive resources, and a partner-focused approach that helps them grow their book of business while providing clients with reliable workers’ compensation solutions.

Learn more about Francis Chou’s investment strategy and his approach to leadership by reading the full article from Financial Services Review. This recognition reinforces our dedication to excellence, both in the financial industry and in the workers’ compensation market we proudly serve every day.

Stonetrust owner Francis Chou was recently featured in The Globe and Mail, sharing his insights on market trends and his investment strategy. Known for his award-winning approach to investing, Chou has built a reputation for navigating volatile financial markets with discipline and foresight.

In the interview, Chou discusses his views on bonds versus equities, explaining how investors can balance risk and return even during periods of economic uncertainty. He emphasizes the importance of holding a security’s intrinsic value and having a strong conviction during market fluctuations. “Every five to 10 years you will go through a period where stocks that are overvalued will still go up and become more overvalued, whereas stocks that are undervalued go down in price and become more undervalued,” he says.

Chou also highlights his recent investment successes, including taking advantage of undervalued opportunities during the COVID-19 pandemic. For example, he invested in Athabasca Oil Corp. when prices were low and saw the fund quadruple its returns. In his equity-based RRSP fund, he invested in Resolute Forest Products Inc. at a significant discount, which later became highly profitable.

He notes that while many securities may have soared recently, their valuation often exceeded intrinsic worth. Chou prefers to focus on undervalued bonds and equities, patiently waiting for the right opportunity to invest, even if it means holding large cash positions until bargains appear. His strategy demonstrates the importance of discipline, patience, and avoiding the temptation to chase overvalued stocks.

For readers interested in learning more about Francis Chou’s investment strategy, the full article can be found in The Globe and Mail: How Lipper Award-Winning Money Manager Francis Chou Keeps His Edge.

At Stonetrust, Chou’s philosophy extends beyond his personal investments, influencing the company’s approach to insurance and risk management. Learn more about our services here: Stonetrust Workers’ Compensation and Contact Stonetrust.

Chou’s insights provide valuable lessons for both seasoned investors and those new to the market, demonstrating how a thoughtful and patient approach can lead to sustainable growth and long-term financial success. By following his guidance, investors can make smarter decisions that withstand market volatility.

We are happy to announce our recent A- Rating from A.M. Best, which is a testament to our hard work and commitment to our agents and policyholders.

What the A- Rating Says About Stonetrust

Earning an A- rating from A.M. Best is a significant milestone that reflects Stonetrust’s commitment to financial strength and long-term stability. This designation indicates an excellent ability to meet ongoing insurance obligations, giving policyholders confidence in the company’s reliability. It also highlights strong operating performance and disciplined risk management, which are critical in today’s evolving insurance landscape. For agents and policyholders alike, an A- rating from a trusted agency like A.M. Best reinforces Stonetrust’s position as a dependable provider focused on protecting businesses and delivering consistent value.

A.M. Best published a full press release, which credited Stonetrust’s Financial Strength Rating (FSR) of A- (Excellent) and highlighted its balance sheet strength, adequate operating performance, limited business profile, and appropriate enterprise risk management (ERM) as key factors supporting the ratings upgrade.

Upon receiving the news, Stonetrust President and CEO Michael G. Dileo shared a message of gratitude with agency partners and employees: “Although it has been quite a journey, we knew with your extraordinary commitment and loyalty that we would eventually achieve this goal. We appreciate your support and the trust that you have given us through the years. This is a benchmark milestone for our company and an accomplishment that we humbly share with all of you. Thank you for your commitment to our success. We believe the best is yet to come!”

Workers’ Compensation Coverage Across 14 States

Stonetrust is a regional insurance company headquartered in Baton Rouge, LA providing workers’ compensation and employers’ liability insurance in 14 states across the Midwest and Southeastern United States. Stonetrust provides statutory workers’ compensation insurance to employers large and small, with a concentration in construction, wholesale, retail, manufacturing, and other service-related businesses.