W.R. Berkley Corp (WRB) released its third-quarter earnings report on October 23, 2023, revealing a significant increase in net income and a record net investment income. The company’s strong performance was driven by robust underwriting profits and a substantial increase in its core portfolio.
Financial Highlights
WRB’s net income for Q3 2023 surged by 45.7% to $334 million, compared to $228.9 million in the same period last year. The company’s operating return on equity was 21.7%, and the return on equity was 19.8%. The company’s net investment income reached a record $271 million, driven by a 59.3% increase in the core portfolio.
WRB’s gross premiums written for the third quarter amounted to $3.35 billion, up from $3.08 billion in Q3 2022. Net premiums written also saw a significant increase, growing by 10.5% to $2.8 billion. The company’s underwriting income and net income grew by 34.7% and 45.7% to $258.7 million and $333.6 million, respectively.
Company Commentary
Strong underwriting profits and record quarterly net investment income drove the Companys exceptional annualized operating return on equity of 21.7% in the third quarter of 2023. Net premiums written grew 10.5% in the quarter. Market segments, territories and lines of business continue to move independently of one another. Accordingly, we are expanding in areas that are likely to provide attractive risk-adjusted profitability. Overall rate increases excluding workers compensation remained strong at 8.5%.
Looking Ahead
The company remains optimistic about the remainder of 2023 and the foreseeable future, citing its focus on total risk-adjusted return, decentralized operations, and entrepreneurial culture as key factors in its continued success. The higher interest rate environment is expected to contribute to a meaningful year-over-year increase in investment income, and the company anticipates this trend will continue as it benefits from record operating cash flows and reinvests at higher interest rates.