W. R. Berkley reports Q4 EPS $1.45, consensus $1.38

Reports Q4 revenue $3.22B, consensus $3.21B. The Company commented: “Our Company completed another record-setting year in 2023, achieving a 23.6% annualized return on beginning equity in the fourth quarter. Our quarter and full year results were characterized by growth in net premiums written, along with record underwriting performance and net investment income. Book value per share grew 11.6% during the fourth quarter, before the return of $264 million of capital to shareholders through special and ordinary dividends and share repurchases. Growth in net premiums written accelerated to 12% in the fourth quarter, as we deployed capital in areas of the business that we expect to achieve or exceed our targeted risk-adjusted return on equity. In a market where lines of business increasingly move independently from each other, our decentralized structure provides us with a competitive advantage that allows us to better navigate risks and embrace opportunities. Net investment income from our fixed-maturity portfolio increased more than 50% during the quarter and 60% for the year as our portfolio grew and we (re)invested at higher interest rates. The current rates at which we can reinvest remains higher than our annual book yield, and record operating cash flow positions us well for future investment income growth. Our Company performed exceptionally well during 2023, and we anticipate 2024 will continue to be rewarding for our shareholders. We view the current property and casualty insurance and investment environments as favorable to our business model. We are confident that we will continue to deliver superior long-term risk-adjusted returns and increase value to shareholders in 2024 and beyond.”