W. R. Berkley 10-K 2024-12-31
Filed 2025-02-24. 23 sections, 606K characters. Original on sec.gov · Markdown · JSON
Cover and table of contents
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form 10-K
| (Mark One) | |||||
| ☒ | ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024
OR
| ☐ | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the transition period from ______ to ______.
Commission file number 1-15202
W. R. BERKLEY CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
| Delaware | 22-1867895 | ||||||||||
| (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number) | ||||||||||
| 475 Steamboat Road | Greenwich, | CT | 06830 | ||||||||
| (Address of principal executive offices) | (Zip Code) |
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (203) 629-3000
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
| Title of each class | Trading Symbol(s) | Name of each exchange on which registered | ||||||
| Common Stock, par value $.20 per share | WRB | New York Stock Exchange | ||||||
| 5.700% Subordinated Debentures due 2058 | WRB-PE | New York Stock Exchange | ||||||
| 5.100% Subordinated Debentures due 2059 | WRB-PF | New York Stock Exchange | ||||||
| 4.250% Subordinated Debentures due 2060 | WRB-PG | New York Stock Exchange | ||||||
| 4.125% Subordinated Debentures due 2061 | WRB-PH | New York Stock Exchange |
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
None
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Act.
Yes ☐ No ☒
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
| Large accelerated filer | ☒ | Accelerated filer | ☐ | |||||||||||
| Non-accelerated filer | ☐ | Smaller reporting company | ☐ | |||||||||||
| Emerging growth company | ☐ |
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.
☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management's assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. ☒
If securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements
of the registrant included in the filing reflect the correction of an error to previously issued financial statements. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based compensation received by any of the registrant’s executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant
to §240.10D-1(b). ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes ☐ No ☒
The aggregate market value of the registrant's common stock held by non-affiliates as of June 30, 2024, the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter, was $15,700,741,833.
Number of shares of common stock, $.20 par value, outstanding as of February 13, 2025: 379,226,056
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the Company’s definitive proxy statement, which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days after December 31, 2024, are incorporated herein by reference in Part III.
SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT
UNDER THE PRIVATE SECURITIES
LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995
This is a “Safe Harbor” Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. This document may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Some of the forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as “believes,” “expects,” “potential,” “continued,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “seeks,” “approximately,” “predicts,” “intends,” “plans,” “estimates,” “anticipates” or the negative version of those words or other comparable words. Any forward-looking statements contained in this report including statements related to our outlook for the industry and for our performance for the year 2025 and beyond, are based upon our historical performance and on current plans, estimates and expectations. The inclusion of this forward-looking information should not be regarded as a representation by us that the future plans, estimates or expectations contemplated by us will be achieved. They are subject to various risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to:
-
the cyclical nature of the property casualty industry;
-
the impact of significant competition, including new entrants to the industry;
-
the long-tail and potentially volatile nature of the insurance and reinsurance business;
-
product demand and pricing;
-
claims development and the process of estimating reserves;
-
investment risks, including those of our portfolio of fixed maturity securities and investments in equity securities, including investments in financial institutions, municipal bonds, mortgage-backed securities, loans receivable, investment funds, including real estate, merger arbitrage, energy-related and private equity investments;
-
the effects of emerging claim and coverage issues;
-
the uncertain nature of damage theories and loss amounts, including claims for cyber security-related risks;
-
natural and man-made catastrophic losses, including as a result of terrorist activities;
-
the impact of climate change, which may alter the frequency and increase the severity of catastrophe events;
-
general economic and market activities, including inflation, interest rates and volatility in the credit and capital markets;
-
the impact of conditions in the financial markets and the global economy, and the potential effect of legislative, regulatory, accounting or other initiatives taken in response to it, on our results and financial condition;
-
cyber security breaches of our information technology systems and the information technology systems of our vendors and other third parties;
-
the use of artificial intelligence technologies by us or third-parties on which we rely could expose us to technological, security, legal, and other risks;
-
the risk of future pandemics, as well as continuing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic;
-
foreign currency and political risks relating to our international operations;
-
our ability to attract and retain key personnel and qualified employees;
-
continued availability of capital and financing;
-
the success of our new ventures or acquisitions and the availability of other opportunities;
-
the availability of reinsurance;
-
our retention under the Terrorism Risk Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2019 ("TRIPRA");
-
the ability or willingness of our reinsurers to pay reinsurance recoverables owed to us;
-
other legislative and regulatory developments, including those related to business practices in the insurance industry;
-
credit risk relating to our policyholders, independent agents and brokers;
-
changes in the ratings assigned to us or our insurance company subsidiaries by rating agencies;
-
the availability of dividends from our insurance company subsidiaries;
-
the effectiveness of our controls to ensure compliance with guidelines, policies and legal and regulatory standards; and
-
other risks detailed in this Form 10-K and from time to time in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).
We describe these risks and uncertainties in greater detail in Item 1A, Risk Factors. These risks and uncertainties could cause our actual results for the year 2025 and beyond to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statement we make. Any projections of growth in our revenues would not necessarily result in commensurate levels of earnings. Our future financial performance is dependent upon factors discussed elsewhere in this Form 10-K and our other SEC filings. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made.
PART I
Item 1. BUSINESS
W. R. Berkley Corporation is an insurance holding company that is among the largest commercial lines writers in the United States and operates worldwide in two segments of the property casualty insurance business:
-
Insurance - Our Insurance businesses underwrite predominantly commercial insurance business, including excess and surplus lines, admitted lines and specialty personal lines throughout the United States, as well as insurance business in Asia, Australia, Canada, Continental Europe, Mexico, Scandinavia, South America and the United Kingdom.
-
Reinsurance & Monoline Excess - Our Reinsurance businesses provide facultative and treaty reinsurance in the United States, the Asia Pacific region, Australia, Continental Europe, South Africa and the United Kingdom, as well as operations that solely retain risk on an excess basis and certain program management business.
Our two reporting segments are each composed of individual businesses that serve a market defined by geography, products, services or industry served. Each of our businesses is positioned close to its customer base and participates in a niche market requiring specialized knowledge. This strategy of decentralized operations allows each of our businesses to identify and respond quickly and effectively to changing market conditions and specific customer needs, while capitalizing on the benefits of centralized capital, investment and reinsurance management, and corporate actuarial, financial, enterprise risk management and compliance support.
Our business approach is focused on meeting the needs of our customers, maintaining a high quality balance sheet, and allocating capital to our best opportunities. New businesses are started when opportunities are identified and when the right talent and expertise are found to lead a business. Of our 58 businesses, 51 have been organized and developed internally and seven have been added through acquisition.
Net premiums written, as reported based on United States generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), for each of our reporting segments for each of the past three years were as follows:
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (In thousands) | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net premiums written: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Insurance | $ | 10,549,550 | $ | 9,560,533 | $ | 8,609,028 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Reinsurance & Monoline Excess | 1,422,546 | 1,393,934 | 1,395,042 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 11,972,096 | $ | 10,954,467 | $ | 10,004,070 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Percentage of net premiums written: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Insurance | 88.1 | % | 87.3 | % | 86.1 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Reinsurance & Monoline Excess | 11.9 | 12.7 | 13.9 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 100.0 | % | 100.0 | % | 100.0 | % |
Thirty-three of our insurance company subsidiaries are rated by A.M. Best Company, Inc. ("A.M. Best") and have financial strength ratings of A+ (Superior) (the second highest rating out of 15 possible ratings). A.M. Best's ratings are based upon factors of concern to policyholders, insurance agents and brokers and are not directed toward the protection of investors. A.M. Best states: “A Best's Financial Strength Rating (FSR) is an independent opinion of an insurer's financial strength and ability to meet its ongoing insurance policy and contract obligations. An FSR is not assigned to specific insurance policies or contracts and does not address any other risk.” A.M. Best reviews its ratings on a periodic basis, and its ratings of the Company's subsidiaries are therefore subject to change.
Our twenty-three insurance company subsidiaries rated by Standard & Poor's (“S&P”) have financial strength ratings of A+ (the fifth highest rating out of twenty-seven possible ratings).
Our Moody's financial strength ratings are A1 for Berkley Insurance Company, Berkley Regional Insurance Company and Admiral Insurance Company (the fifth highest rating out of twenty-one possible ratings).
Our twenty-five insurance company subsidiaries rated by Fitch Ratings ("Fitch") have insurer financial strength ratings of AA- (the fourth highest rating out of twenty-seven possible ratings).
The following sections describe our reporting segments and their businesses in greater detail. These businesses underwrite on behalf of one or more affiliated insurance companies within the group. The businesses are identified for descriptive purposes only and are not legal entities, but for marketing purposes may sometimes be referred to individually as "a Berkley company" or collectively as "Berkley companies." Unless otherwise indicated, all references in this Form 10-K to “Berkley,” “we,” “us,” “our,” the “Company” or similar terms refer to W. R. Berkley Corporation together with its subsidiaries and businesses. W. R. Berkley Corporation is a Delaware corporation formed in 1970.
Insurance
Our Insurance businesses underwrite predominantly commercial and specialty personal lines insurance business primarily throughout the United States. Many units offer coverage globally, while others specialize in specific international markets. The Insurance businesses focus on the following general areas:
Excess & Surplus Lines: A number of our businesses are dedicated to the U.S. excess and surplus lines market. They serve a diverse group of customers that often have complex risk or unique exposures that typically fall outside the underwriting guidelines of the standard insurance market. Lines of business underwritten by our excess and surplus lines bus
Showing the first 8K of 116K characters. Open the full section
Item 1A. RISK FACTORS
Our businesses face significant risks. If any of the events or circumstances described as risks below occur, our businesses, results of operations and/or financial condition could be materially and adversely affected. In addition to those
described below, our businesses may also be adversely affected by risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently consider immaterial.
Risks Relating to Our Industry
Our results may fluctuate as a result of many factors, including cyclical changes in the insurance and reinsurance industry.
The results of companies in the property casualty insurance industry historically have been subject to significant fluctuations and uncertainties in supply and demand and pricing, causing cyclical changes in the insurance and reinsurance industry.
The demand for insurance is influenced primarily by general economic conditions, while the supply of insurance is often directly related to available capacity based on the perceived profitability of the business. The adequacy of premium rates is affected mainly by the severity and frequency of claims, which are influenced by many factors, including natural disasters and other catastrophic events, regulatory measures and court decisions that define and expand the extent of coverage, and the effects of economic and social inflation on the amount of claims payments due for injuries or losses. In addition, investment rates of return impact rate adequacy. These factors can have a significant impact on ultimate profitability because a property casualty insurance policy is priced before its costs are known as premiums usually are determined long before claims are reported. These factors could produce results that would have a negative impact on our results of operations and financial condition.
The uncertainty of an insurer’s ultimate loss costs, and fluctuating competitive conditions, result in alternating periods of “hard” markets (more profitable for insurers) and “soft” markets (less profitable for insurers). In recent years, improvement (or deterioration) in various lines of property casualty insurance has become less uniform in its cyclicality, with changes frequently happening at different rates, and even at times in different directions. Over the past several years, premium rates have increased for most lines of business, while they have decreased in others, most notably workers' compensation and certain professional liability lines of business.
We face significant competitive pressures in our businesses, which can pressure premium rates in certain areas and could harm our ability to maintain or increase our profitability and premium volume in some parts of our business.
We compete with a large number of other companies in our selected lines of business. We compete, and will continue to compete, with major U.S. and non-U.S. insurers and reinsurers, other regional companies, as well as mutual companies, specialty insurance companies, underwriting agencies, diversified financial services companies and insurtech companies. Competitiveness in our businesses is based on many factors, including premium charges, ratings assigned by independent rating agencies, commissions paid to producers, the perceived financial strength of the company, other terms and conditions offered, services provided, ease of doing business, speed of claims payment and reputation and experience in the lines to be written. Periods of insurance industry consolidation may further increase competition in some parts of our business and may cause our insurance subsidiaries to incur greater customer retention and acquisition expenses, affecting the profitability of existing and new business. At times, we have faced significant competition in our business as a result of existing insurers seeking to gain or maintain market share as well as new entrants and capital providers.
Various types of investors seek to participate in the property and casualty insurance and reinsurance industries. Well-capitalized new entrants to the property and casualty insurance and reinsurance industries, or existing competitors that receive substantial infusions of capital or access to third-party capital, provide increasing competition, which may adversely impact our business and profitability. Further, an expanded supply of capital may lower costs for insurers and, as a consequence, those insurers may be able to price their products more competitively. In addition, technology companies or other third parties have created, and may in the future create technology-enabled business models, processes, platforms or alternate distribution channels that may adversely impact our competitive position in some parts of our business.
Some of our competitors, particularly in the reinsurance business, have greater financial and/or marketing resources than we do. These competitors within the reinsurance market include Swiss Re, Munich Re, Berkshire Hathaway and Partner Re. We expect that perceived financial strength, in particular, will become more important as customers seek high quality reinsurers.
This intense competition could cause the supply and/or demand for insurance or reinsurance to change, which affect our ability to price our products at attractive rates and retain existing business or write new products at adequate rates or on terms and conditions acceptable to us. If we are unable to retain existing business or write new business at adequate rates or on terms and conditions acceptable to us, our results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.
Recently, insurance prices have generally increased for most lines of business, excluding workers' compensation and certain professional liability lines of business. However, loss costs have also increased and the duration and magnitude of the improved pricing environment remains uncertain. Despite higher interest rates, current price levels for certain lines of business
may remain below the prices required for us to achieve our long-term return objectives. We expect to continue to face strong competition in our business.
Our actual claims losses may exceed our reserves for claims, which may require us to establish additional reserves.
Our gross reserves for losses and loss expenses were approximately $20.4 billion as of December 31, 2024. Our loss reserves reflect our best estimates of the cost of settling claims and related expenses with respect to insured events that have occurred.
Reserves do not represent an exact calculation of liability. Rather, reserves represent an estimate of what management expects the ultimate settlement and claims administration will cost for claims that have occurred, whether known or unknown. The major assumptions about anticipated loss emergence patterns are subject to unanticipated fluctuation. These estimates, which generally involve actuarial projections, are based on management's assessment of facts and circumstances then known, as well as estimates of future trends in claims severity and frequency, inflation, judicial theories of liability, reinsurance coverage, legislative changes and other factors, including the actions of third parties, which are beyond our control.
The inherent uncertainties of estimating reserves are greater for certain types of liabilities, where long periods of time elapse before a definitive determination of liability is made and settlement is reached. In periods with increased economic volatility, it becomes more difficult to accurately estimate claim costs. It is especially difficult to estimate the impact of inflation on loss reserves given the current economic environment and related government actions. Both inflation overall and medical cost inflation, which has historically been greater than inflation overall, can have an adverse impact. In addition, although the Company has estimated the potential COVID-19 impact to its contingency and event cancellation, workers’ compensation, and other lines of business under a number of possible scenarios, there remains uncertainty around COVID-19's ultimate impact on the Company and its related reserves.
Reserve estimates are continually refined in an ongoing process as experience develops and further claims are reported and settled. Adjustments to reserves are reflected in the results of the periods in which such estimates are changed. Because setting reserves is inherently uncertain, we cannot assure that our current reserves will prove adequate in light of subsequent events. Should we need to increase our reserves, our pre-tax income for the reporting period would decrease by a corresponding amount.
We discount our reserves for excess and assumed workers' compensation business because of the long period of time over which losses are paid. Discounting is intended to appropriately match losses and loss expenses to income earned on investment securities supporting liabilities. The expected loss and loss expense payout pattern subject to discounting is derived from our loss payout experience. Changes in the loss and loss expense payout pattern are recorded in the period they are determined. If the actual loss payout pattern is shorter than anticipated, the discount will be reduced and pre-tax income will decrease by a corresponding amount.
The effects of emerging claim and coverage issues on our business are uncertain.
As industry practices and economic, legal, judicial, social, technological and other environmental conditions change, unexpected and unintended issues related to claim and coverage frequently emerge. These issues may adversely affect our business by either extending coverage beyond our underwriting intent or by increasing the number or size of claims. Examples of emerging claims and coverage issues include, but are not limited to:
-
judicial expansion of policy coverage and a greater propensity to grant claimants more favorable amounts and the impact of new theories of liability;
-
plaintiffs targeting property and casualty insurers, including us, in purported class action litigation relating to claims-handling and other practices;
-
social inflation trends, including higher and more frequent claims, more favorable judgments and legislated increases;
-
medical developments that link health issues to particular causes, resulting in liability claims;
-
claims relating to unanticipated consequences of current or new technologies, including cyber security related risks;
-
claims relating to potentially changing climate conditions; and
-
increased claims due to third party funding of litigation.
In some instances, these emerging issues may not become apparent for some time after we have issued the affected insurance policies. As a result, the full extent of liability under our insurance policies may not be known until many years after the policies are issued.
In addition, the potential passage of new legislation designed to expand the right to sue, to remove limitations on recovery, to extend the statutes of limitations or otherwise to repeal or weaken tort reforms could have an adverse impact on our business.
The effects of these and other unforeseen emerging claim and coverage issues are difficult to predict and could harm our business and materially and adversely affect our results of operations.
As a property casualty insurer, we face losses from natural and man-made catastrophes.
Property casualty insurers are subject to claims arising out of catastrophes that may have a significant effect on their results of operations, liquidity and financial condition. Catastrophe losses have had a significant impact on our results. For example, current accident year catastrophe losses net of reinsurance recoveries were $298 million in 2024, $195 million in 2023, and $212 million in 2022. Similarly, man-made catastrophes can also have a material impact on our financial results. Depending on market conditions and other factors, we may seek to increase our writing of property casualty insurance, and, accordingly, our exposure to catastrophic events would be increased.
Catastrophes can be caused by various events, including hurricanes, windstorms, earthquakes, tsunamis, hailstorms, explosions, severe winter weather and wildfires, pandemics, as well as terrorist and other man-made activities, including drilling, mining and other industrial accidents, the bankruptcy of a major company, war or other military actions, social unrest,
cyber events or terrorist activities. The incidence and severity of catastrophes are inherently unpredictable, and longer-term natural catastrophe trends may be changing due to climate change causing increased variability and unpredictability. The extent of losses from a catastrophe is a function of both the total amount of insured exposure in the area affected by the event and the severity of the event. Some catastrophes are restricted to small geographic areas; however, hurricanes, earthquakes, tsunamis and other disasters may produce significant damage in large, heavily populated areas. Catastrophes can cause losses in a variety of our property and casualty lines, and most of our past catastrophe-related claims have resulted from severe storms. Seasonal weather variations or the impact of climate change may affect the severity and frequency of our losses. Insurance companies are not permitted to reserve for a catastrophe until it has occurred. It is therefore possible that a catastrophic event or multiple catastrophic events could produce significant losses and have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.
New or emerging pandemics, whether related to COVID-19 or otherwise, may materially and adversely affect our results of operations, financial position and liquidity in the future.
The COVID-19 pandemic, including the related impact on the U.S. and global economies, materially and adversely affected our results of operations. New or emerging pandemics, whether related to COVID-19 or otherwise, may materially and adversely affect our results of operations, financial position and liquidity, including the following:
-
Legislative and regulatory initiatives in response to pandemics may adversely affect us by, for example, retroactively mandating coverage for losses that our policies were not intended to cover.
-
Although the Company has estimated the potential COVID-19 impact to its contingency and event cancellation, workers’ compensation, and other lines of business under a number of possible scenarios, there remains uncertainty around COVID-19's ultimate impact on the Company and its related reserves.
-
Claims and coverage issues may emerge that extend coverage beyond our underwriting intent or increase the number and/or size of claims.
-
Our reinsurers may refuse to pay reinsurance recoverables due to uncertainty regarding reinsurance coverage for losses related to COVID-19 or any future pandemics. For example, as described in "Item 3. Legal Proceedings," in December 2023, one of our subsidiaries filed a lawsuit against certain reinsurers to recover in excess of $90 million in respect of certain losses under certain event cancellation insurance policies. In addition, we may be unable to renew our reinsurance coverages or obtain other appropriate reinsurance covers with respect to pandemic-related exposures.
-
Reduced economic activity relating to potential pandemics is likely to decrease demand for our insurance products.
-
Disruptions in global financial markets due to future pandemics could cause us to incur investment losses.
-
Our operations could be disrupted if our senior management or a significant percentage of our workforce or of our agents, brokers, suppliers or other service providers are unable to continue to work because of illness, government directives or otherwise.
Changing climate conditions may alter the frequency and increase the severity of catastrophic events and thereby adversely affect our financial condition and results.
In recent years, changing weather patterns and climatic conditions, such as global warming, appear to have contributed to the unpredictability, frequency and severity of natural disasters and created additional uncertainty as to future trends and exposures. There is a scientific consensus that global warming and other climate change are altering the frequency, severity and peril characteristics of catastrophic weather events, such as hurricanes, windstorms, floods, wildfires and other natural disasters. Such changes make it more difficult for us to predict and model catastrophic events, reducing our ability to accurately price our exposure to such events and mitigate our risks. Any increase in the frequency or severity of natural disasters may adversely affect our financial condition and results.
We, as a primary insurer, may have significant exposure for terrorist acts.
To the extent an act of terrorism, whether a domestic or foreign act, is certified by the Secretary of Treasury, we may be covered under the Terrorism Risk Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2019 (“TRIPRA”), for up to 80% of our covered losses for certain property/casualty lines of insurance. However, any such coverage would be subject to a mandatory deductible based on 20% of earned premium for the prior year for the covered lines of commercial property and casualty insurance. Based on our 2024 earned premiums, our aggregate deductible under TRIPRA during 2025 is approximately $1,663 million. In addition, the coverage provided under TRIPRA does not apply to reinsurance that we write. To the extent that our reinsurers have excluded coverage for certain terrorist acts or have priced this coverage at rates that make purchasing such coverage economically infeasible, we may not have reinsurance protection and could be exposed to potential losses as a result of any acts of terrorism.
We are exposed to, and may face adverse developments involving, mass tort claims.
We are exposed to, and may face adverse developments involving, mass tort claims such as those relating to exposure to potentially harmful products or substances. We face potential exposure to mass tort claims, including claims related to exposure to potentially harmful products or substances, such as lead paint, polyfluoroalkyl substances, talc and opioids. Establishing loss reserves for mass tort claims is subject to uncertainties because of many factors, including adverse changes to the tort environment (e.g., increased and more aggressive attorney involvement in insurance claims, increased litigation, expanded theories of liability, higher jury awards, lawsuit abuse and third-party litigation finance, among others); evolving judicial interpretations, including application of various theories of joint and several liabilities; disputes concerning medical causation with respect to certain diseases; geographical concentration of the lawsuits asserting the claims; and the potential for a large rise in the total number of claims without underlying epidemiological developments suggesting an increase in disease rates. Because of the uncertainties set forth above, additional liabilities may arise for amounts in excess of the current loss reserves. In addition, our estimate of loss reserves may change. These additional liabilities or increases in estimates, or a range of either, could vary significantly from period to period and could materially and adversely affect our results of operations and/or our financial position.
We are subject to extensive governmental regulation, which increases our costs and could restrict the conduct of our business.
We are subject to extensive governmental regulation and supervision in both the United States and foreign jurisdictions. Most insurance regulations are designed to protect the interests of policyholders rather than stockholders and other investors. This system of regulation, generally administered in the United States by a department of insurance in each state in which we do business, relates to, among other things:
-
standards of solvency, including risk-based capital measurements;
-
restrictions on the nature, quality and concentration of investments;
-
limitations on the amount of dividends, tax distributions, intercompany loans and other payments that can be made without prior regulatory approval;
-
requirements pertaining to certain methods of accounting;
-
evaluating enterprise risk to an insurer;
-
privacy, data protection, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence;
-
rate and form regulation pertaining to certain of our insurance businesses;
-
potential assessments for the provision of funds necessary for the settlement of covered claims under certain policies provided by impaired, insolvent or failed insurance companies; and
-
involvement in the payment or adjudication of catastrophe or other claims beyond the terms of the policies.
State insurance departments conduct periodic examinations of the affairs of insurance companies and require the filing of annual and other reports relating to the financial condition of insurance companies, holding company issues and other matters. Our Insurance business internationally is also generally subject to a similar regulatory scheme in each of the jurisdictions where we conduct operations outside the United States.
Federal financial services modernization legislation and legislative and regulatory initiatives taken or which may be taken in response to conditions in the financial markets, global insurance supervision and other factors may lead to additional federal regulation of the insurance industry in the coming years.
The Dodd-Frank Act effected sweeping changes to financial services regulation in the United States. The Dodd-Frank Act established the FSOC, which is authorized to recommend that certain systemically significant non-bank financial companies, including insurance companies, be regulated by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve. The Dodd-Frank Act also established a FIO which is authorized to study, monitor and report to Congress on the U.S. insurance industry and the significance of global reinsurance to the U.S. insurance market. The FIO also can recommend that the FSOC designate an insurer as an entity posing risks to the United States financial stability in the event of the insurer's material financial distress or failure. Our business could be affected by changes, whether as a result of potential changes to the Dodd-Frank Act, to the U.S. system of insurance regulation or our designation or the designation of insurers or reinsurers with which we do business as systemically significant non-bank financial companies.
The topic of climate risk has come under increased scrutiny by the NAIC and insurance regulators. For instance, in New York, the NYDFS’s circular letter, which applies to our insurance subsidiaries licensed in New York, states that regulated insurers are expected to integrate financial risks related to climate change into their governance frameworks, risk management processes, business strategies and scenario analysis, and develop their approach to climate-related financial disclosure. The NYDFS also amended the regulation governing enterprise risk management, which applies to our insurance subsidiaries licensed in New York, that requires an insurance group's enterprise risk management function to address certain additional risks, including climate change risk. In addition, the FIO is assessing how the insurance sector may help mitigate climate- related risks and achieve national climate-related goals, and it released a report in June 2023 urging insurance regulators to adopt climate-related risk monitoring guidance. These measures may subject us to increased oversight at the state and federal level.
State regulation is the primary form of regulation of insurance and reinsurance in the United States, although Congress has considered various proposals regarding federal regulation of insurance, in addition to the changes brought about by the Dodd-Frank Act, such as proposals for the creation of an optional federal charter for insurance companies. We may be subject to potentially increased federal oversight as a financial institution. In addition, the new U.S. administration and the volatile political environment increases the chance of other federal legislative and regulatory changes that could affect us in ways we cannot predict.
With respect to international measures, Solvency II, the EU regime concerning the capital adequacy, risk management and regulatory reporting for insurers and reinsurers may affect our insurance businesses. As described in “International Regulation” above, the EU has recently amended certain provisions in Solvency II, which EU member states will implement in their domestic regulation over the next two years. In addition, despite the waiver of the Solvency II group capital requirements we received, any changes in the application of Solvency II (or any further amendments to Solvency II itself) may have the effect of increasing the capital requirements of our EU domiciled insurers. Additionally, our capital requirements and compliance requirements may be adversely affected if the European Commission does not deem the insurance regulatory regimes of the jurisdictions outside the EU in which we have insurance or reinsurance companies domiciled to be “equivalent” to Solvency II.
Similar considerations apply to our U.K. subsidiaries, which are now subject to a separate U.K. prudential regime that derives from Solvency II. However, the two regimes, and their respective requirements, have begun to diverge due to both the EU’s recent amendments to Solvency II described above and the reforms to the U.K.’s domestic prudential regime (please see “International Regulation” above for more information). We therefore may be required to utilize additional resources to ensure compliance with the different rules in each regime.
If our compliance with Solvency II, the U.K.’s prudential regime or any other regulatory regime is challenged, we may be subject to monetary or other penalties. In addition, in order to ensure compliance with applicable regulatory requirements or as a result of any investigation, including remediation efforts, we could be required to incur significant expenses and undertake additional work, which in turn may divert resources from our business.
We may be unable to maintain all required licenses and approvals and our business may not fully comply with the
wide variety of applicable laws and regulations or the relevant authority's interpretation of the laws and regulations. Also, some regulatory authorities have relatively broad discretion to grant, renew or revoke licenses and approvals. If we do not have the requisite licenses and approvals or do not comply with applicable regulatory requirements, the insurance regulatory authorities could preclude or temporarily suspend us from carrying on some or all of our activities or monetarily penalize us. Also, changes in the level of regulation of the insurance industry, whether federal, state or foreign, or changes in laws or regulations themselves or interpretations thereof by regulatory authorities, may further restrict the conduct of our business.
Risks Relating to Our Business
Our expanding international operations expose us to increased investment, political, legal/regulatory, and economic risks, including foreign currency and credit risk.
Our expanding international operations in the United Kingdom, Continental Europe, South America, Canada, Mexico, Scandinavia, the Asia-Pacific region, South Africa and Australia expose us to increased investment, political, legal/regulatory, and economic risks, including foreign currency and credit risk. Changes in the value of the U.S. dollar relative to other currencies have had and could in the future have an adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.
Our investments in non-U.S.-denominated assets are subject to fluctuations in non-U.S. securities and currency markets, and those markets can be volatile. Non-U.S. currency fluctuations also affect the value of any dividends paid by our non-U.S. subsidiaries to their parent companies in the U.S.
We face additional risks as a result of our international operations which could have an adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition including: burdens and costs of compliance with a variety of foreign laws and regulations and the associated risk and costs of non-compliance; exposure to undeveloped or evolving legal systems, which may result in unpredictable or inconsistent application of laws and regulations; exposure to commercial, political, legal or regulatory corruption; political, economic or other instability in countries in which we conduct business, including possible terrorist acts; the imposition of tariffs, trade barriers or other protectionist laws or business practices that favor local competition, increased costs and adverse effects on our business; changes to visa or immigration policies; diminished ability to enforce our contractual rights; potential increased risk of data breaches; differences in cultural environments; sociopolitical instability; social, political or economic instability resulting from climate change; changes in regulatory requirements, including changes in regulatory treatment of certain products or services; exposure to local economic conditions and its impact on our clients’ performance and creditworthiness; and restrictions on the repatriation of non-U.S. investments and earnings.
Our U.K. business could be specifically adversely impacted by trade barriers between the EU and the U.K. following Brexit, which has reduced the level of trade between the two markets and the U.K.’s overall trade exports, thereby negatively affecting the attractiveness of the U.K. market.
We may be unable to attract and retain key personnel and qualified employees.
We depend on our ability to attract and retain key personnel, including our President and CEO, Executive Chairman, senior executive officers, presidents of our businesses, experienced underwriters and other skilled employees who are knowledgeable about our business. If the quality of our underwriting team and other personnel decreases, we may be unable to maintain our current competitive position in the specialized markets in which we operate, and be unable to expand our operations into new products and markets.
We cannot guarantee that our reinsurers will pay in a timely fashion, if at all, and, as a result, we could experience losses.
We purchase reinsurance by transferring part of the risk that we have assumed, known as ceding, to a reinsurance company in exchange for part of the premium we receive in connection with the risk. Although reinsurance makes the reinsurer contractually liable to us to the extent the risk is transferred or ceded to the reinsurer, it does not relieve us, the reinsured, of our liability to our policyholders. Our reinsurers may not pay the reinsurance recoverables that they owe to us or they may not pay such recoverables on a timely basis. This failure to pay or failure to pay on a timely basis may be due to factors such as whether reinsurers, their affiliates or certain indemnitors have the financial capacity and willingness to make payments under the terms of a reinsurance treaty or contract. Accordingly, we bear credit risk with respect to our reinsurers, and if our reinsurers fail to pay us, our financial results would be adversely affected. Underwriting results and investment returns of some of our reinsurers may affect their future ability to pay claims. As of December 31, 2024, the amount due from our reinsurers was approximately $3,558 million, including amounts due from state funds and industry pools where it was intended that we would bear no risk. Certain of these amounts are secured by letters of credit or by funds held in trust on our behalf.
We are subject to credit risk relating to our policyholders, independent agents and brokers.
In addition to exposure to credit risk related to our reinsurance recoverables and investment portfolio, we are exposed to credit risk in several other areas of our business, including credit risk relating to policyholders, independent agents and brokers. For example our policyholders, independent agents or brokers may not pay a part of or the full amount of premiums owed to us or our brokers or other third party claim administrators may not deliver amounts owed on claims under our insurance and reinsurance contracts for which we have provided funds.
As credit risk is generally a function of the economy, we face a greater credit risk in an economic downturn. While we attempt to manage credit risks through underwriting guidelines, collateral requirements and other oversight mechanisms, our efforts may not be successful. For example, to reduce such credit risk, we require certain third parties to post collateral for some or all of their obligations to us. In cases where we receive pledged securities and the applicable counterparty is unable to honor its obligations, we may be exposed to credit risk on the securities pledged and/or the risk that our access to that collateral may be stayed as a result of bankruptcy. In cases where we receive letters of credit from banks as collateral and one of our counterparties is unable to honor its obligations, we are exposed to the credit risk of the banks that issued the letters of credit.
We are rated by A.M. Best, Standard & Poor's, Moody's, and Fitch, and a decline in these ratings could affect our standing in the insurance industry and cause our sales and earnings to decrease.
Ratings have become an increasingly important factor in establishing the competitive position of insurance companies. Certain of our insurance company subsidiaries are rated by A.M. Best, Standard & Poor's, Moody's and Fitch. Our ratings are subject to periodic review, and we cannot assure you that we will be able to retain our current or any future ratings, especially given that rating agencies may change their criteria or increase capital requirements for various rating levels.
If our ratings are reduced from their current levels by A.M. Best, Standard & Poor's, Moody's or Fitch, our competitive position in the insurance industry could suffer and it would be more difficult for us to market our products. A ratings downgrade could also adversely limit our access to capital markets, which may increase the cost of debt. A significant downgrade could result in a substantial loss of business as policyholders move to other companies with higher financial strength ratings.
If market conditions cause reinsurance to be more costly or unavailable, we may be required to bear increased risks or reduce the level of our underwriting commitments.
As part of our overall risk and capacity management strategy, we purchase reinsurance for certain amounts of risk underwritten by our insurance company subsidiaries, especially catastrophe risks and those risks with relatively high policy limits. We also purchase reinsurance on risks underwritten by others which we reinsure. Market conditions beyond our control determine the availability and cost of the reinsurance protection we seek to purchase, which may affect the level of our business and profitability. Our reinsurance contracts are generally subject to annual renewal, and we may be unable to maintain our current reinsurance contracts or to obtain other reinsurance contracts in adequate amounts and at favorable rates. In addition, we may be unable to obtain reinsurance on terms acceptable to us relating to certain lines of business that we intend to begin writing. If we are unable to renew our expiring contracts or to obtain new reinsurance contracts, either our net exposures would increase or, if we are unwilling to bear an increase in net exposures, we would have to reduce the level of our underwriting commitments, especially catastrophe exposed risks.
Depending on conditions in the financial markets and the general economy, we may be unable to raise debt or equity capital if needed.
If conditions in the financial markets and the general economy are unfavorable, which may result from disruptions, uncertainty or volatility in the capital and credit markets, we may be unable to access debt or equity capital on acceptable terms if needed, which could have a negative impact on our ability to invest in our insurance company subsidiaries and/or to take advantage of opportunities to expand our business, such as the creation of new ventures and possible acquisitions, and inhibit our ability to refinance our existing indebtedness if we desire to do so, on terms acceptable to us.
We may not find suitable new insurance ventures and acquisition candidates and even if we do, we may not successfully invest in such ventures or successfully integrate any such acquired companies.
As part of our present strategy, we continue to evaluate the possible start-up of complementary businesses and acquisition transactions on an ongoing basis, and at any given time we may be engaged in discussions with respect to possible new ventures and acquisitions. We cannot assure you that we will be able to identify suitable insurance ventures or acquisition targets, that such transactions will be financed and completed on acceptable terms or that our future start-up ventures or acquisitions will be successful. Our financial results could be adversely affected by acquired businesses not performing as projected, unforeseen liabilities, routine and unanticipated transaction-related charges, diversion of management time and resources to acquisition integration challenges or growth strategies, loss of key employees, challenges in integrating information technology systems of acquired companies with our own, amortization of expenses related to intangibles, charges
for impairment of long-term assets or goodwill and indemnification. The process of investing in new ventures or integrating any companies we do acquire may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.
If our information technology, telecommunications or other computer systems become unavailable or unreliable, our ability to conduct our business could be negatively or severely impacted.
Our business is highly dependent upon our employees' ability to perform necessary business functions in an efficient and uninterrupted fashion. A shutdown of, or inability to access, one or more of our facilities, a power outage or a failure of one or more of our information technology, telecommunications or other computer systems could significantly impair our employees' ability to perform such functions on a timely basis. In the event of a disaster such as a natural catastrophe, terrorist attack or industrial accident, physical or electronic security breaches, such as breaches by computer hackers, the infection of our systems
by a malicious computer virus, denial of service attack, or other cybersecurity incident, our systems could be inaccessible for an extended period of time. In addition, because our information technology and telecommunications systems interface with and depend on third-party systems and infrastructure beyond our control, we could experience service denials or failures of controls if demand for our service exceeds capacity or a third-party system or infrastructure fails or experiences an interruption. If our business continuity plans or system security does not sufficiently address such a business interruption, system failure or service denial, our ability to write and process new and renewal business, provide customer service, pay claims in a timely manner or perform other necessary business functions could be significantly impaired and our business could be harmed.
Failure to maintain the security of information technology systems and confidential data may expose us to liability.
Although we have taken steps intended to protect our data and information technology systems and mitigate the risk of harm caused by cybersecurity incidents or breaches, no safeguards are perfect and any failure of these safeguards could cause a substantial disruption of our business operations, which could result in service interruptions, data security compromises, regulatory action, and other similar operational and legal issues, as well as substantial remediation and other costs. Our operations rely on the secure processing, storage and transmission of confidential and other sensitive information, including personal information, in our computer systems and networks. Cybersecurity breaches, including physical or electronic break-ins, computer viruses, malware, attacks by hackers, ransomware attacks, phishing attacks, supply chain attacks, breaches due to employee error or misconduct and other similar breaches can create system disruptions, shutdowns or unauthorized access to, or disclosure of, information maintained in our information technology systems and in the information technology systems of our vendors and other third parties.
We have in the past experienced cybersecurity incidents affecting our information technology systems as well as the information technology systems of our vendors and other third parties, but, to our knowledge, we have not experienced any material cybersecurity breaches. We expect cybersecurity threats to continue to occur in the future and we are constantly managing efforts to infiltrate and compromise our systems and data. Our electronic transmission of personal, confidential and proprietary information to third parties with whom we have business relationships and our outsourcing of certain technology and business process functions to third parties may expose us to enhanced risk related to data security. While we have implemented secure data transmission capabilities with these third-party vendors and others with whom we do business, such capabilities may not function as intended and our vendors and third parties could still suffer data breaches that could result in the exposure of sensitive data and the infiltration of our computer systems. Our failure to effectively protect sensitive personal and/or proprietary information, whether owing to breaches of our own systems or those of our vendors and other third parties, could result in significant monetary and reputational damages, material adverse effects to our financial condition, costly litigation, or other regulatory enforcement actions. These increased risks, and expanding regulatory requirements regarding data security, including required compliance with applicable privacy and data protection laws (e.g., the GDPR, CCPA, and other state-specific privacy statutes and regulations), could expose us to data loss, monetary and reputational damages and significant increases in compliance costs. As a result, our ability to conduct our business could be materially and adversely affected.
Use of artificial intelligence technologies by us or third-parties on which we rely could expose us to technological, security, legal, and other risks.
Products or services offered that develop or adopt artificial intelligence (“AI”) technologies, including generative AI and machine learning, offer potential benefits (e.g., with respect to efficiency) but likewise may raise technological, security, legal and other risks and challenges that may adversely affect our operations, business, or reputation. Such risks include the misuse, inadvertent or otherwise, of personal data or other sensitive, confidential or proprietary information; flaws in our models or training datasets resulting in biased, inaccurate or unanticipated outcomes; ethical considerations regarding the use and deployment of AI technologies; potential infringement of third-party intellectual property rights or the dilution of our intellectual property; and our ability to implement appropriate governance controls to ensure the ongoing, safe deployment of AI systems. AI technologies may be misused, and that risk is increased by the relative newness of the technology, the speed at which it is being adopted, and ongoing uncertainty with respect to the laws, regulations, and standards governing its
development and deployment federally, across states, and internationally. Such misuse, and a realization of the previously mentioned risks, could negatively impact our reputation, financial condition and results of operations, the demand for our products and services, otherwise cause competitive harm, and/or draw adverse legal and regulatory scrutiny. Moreover, because some AI technologies are relatively new, such as generative AI, many of the potential risks regarding their use are currently unknown.
We could be adversely affected if our controls to ensure compliance with guidelines, policies and legal and regulatory standards are not effective.
Our business is highly dependent on our ability to engage on a daily basis in a large number of insurance underwriting, claim processing and investment activities, many of which are highly complex. These activities often are subject to internal guidelines and policies, as well as legal and regulatory standards, including those related to privacy and data security, anti-corruption, anti-bribery and global finance and insurance matters. Our continued expansion into new international markets has brought about additional requirements. A control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance that the control system's objectives will be met. If our controls are not effective, it could lead to financial loss, unanticipated risk exposure (including underwriting, credit and investment risk), regulatory scrutiny, and/or damage to our reputation.
Limitations in risk management and loss limitation methods may adversely impact our business.
We seek to effectively manage risk and limit our losses in a variety of ways including through effective underwriting, tailoring policy terms, and the use of reinsurance. However, there are certain limitations in these and similar tactics and as a result, loss levels may be higher than modeled or otherwise expected, which could have a material adverse effect on our business.
Scrutiny of our social responsibility and the efforts we take to implement related measures, or the failure to take such measures, may adversely impact our business.
There continues to be scrutiny from regulators and investors of the measures companies take to be socially responsible. Although we have made efforts to be responsible in this manner, for example through our commitment to fostering a unifying culture and encouraging innovation across our operating units, these types of pressures may nonetheless present challenges and have an adverse impact on our business. In addition, we may be subject to negative publicity based on a failure or perceived failure to achieve various social responsibility initiatives and goals relating to diversity, equity and inclusion, and commitment to long-term sustainability we may announce from time to time, or based on an actual or perceived increase in related risks as a result of our or our industry’s business activities.
Risks Relating to Our Investments
A significant amount of our assets is invested in fixed maturity securities and is subject to market fluctuations.
Our investment portfolio consists substantially of fixed maturity securities. As of December 31, 2024, our investment in fixed maturity securities was approximately $22.4 billion, or 75.0% of our total investment portfolio including cash and cash equivalents. As of that date, our portfolio of fixed maturity securities consisted of the following types of securities: U.S. Government securities (10.0%); state and municipal securities (10.5%); corporate securities (37.6%); asset-backed securities (17.3%); mortgage-backed securities (16.8%) and foreign government (7.8%).
The fair value of these assets and the investment income from these assets fluctuate depending on general economic and market conditions. The fair value of fixed maturity securities generally decreases as interest rates rise. If a significant increase in interest rates were to occur, the fair value of our fixed maturity securities would be negatively impacted, while investment income earned from future investments in fixed maturity securities would be higher. Conversely, if interest rates decline, the fair value of our fixed maturity securities would be positively impacted, and investment income earned from future investments in fixed maturity securities will be lower. Some fixed maturity securities, such as mortgage-backed and other asset-backed securities, also carry prepayment risk as a result of interest rate fluctuations. In low interest rate environments, we may not be able to successfully reinvest the proceeds from maturing securities at yields commensurate with our target performance goals.
The value of investments in fixed maturity securities is subject to impairment as a result of deterioration in the credit worthiness of the issuer, default by the issuer (including states and municipalities) in the performance of its obligations in respect of the securities and/or increases in market interest rates. To a large degree, the credit risk we face is a function of the economy; accordingly, we face a greater risk in an economic downturn or recession. During periods of market disruption, it may be difficult to value certain of our securities, particularly if trading becomes less frequent and/or market data becomes less observable. There may be certain asset classes that were in active markets with significant observable data that become illiquid
due to the then current financial environment. In such cases, the valuation of a greater number of our securities may require additional subjectivity and management judgment.
Although the historical rates of default on state and municipal securities have been relatively low, our state and municipal fixed maturity securities could be subject to a higher risk of default or impairment due to declining municipal tax bases and revenue. Many states and municipalities operate under deficits or projected deficits, the severity and duration of which could have an adverse impact on both the valuation of our state and municipal fixed maturity securities and the issuer's ability to perform its obligations thereunder. Additionally, our investments are subject to losses as a result of a general decrease in commercial and economic activity for an industry sector in which we invest, as well as risks inherent in particular securities.
Although we attempt to manage these risks through the use of investment guidelines and other oversight mechanisms and by diversifying our portfolio and emphasizing preservation of principal, our efforts may not be successful. Impairments, defaults and/or rate increases could reduce our net investment income or realized and unrealized investment gains or result in investment losses. Investment returns are currently, and will likely continue to be, impacted by economic uncertainty, more generally, and the shape of the yield curve. As a result, our exposure to the risks described above could materially and adversely affect our results of operations, liquidity and financial condition.
We have invested a portion of our assets in equity securities, merger arbitrage securities, investment funds, private equity, loans and real estate related assets, which are subject to significant volatility and may decline in value.
We invest a portion of our investment portfolio in equity securities, merger arbitrage securities, investment funds, private equity, loans and real estate related assets. At December 31, 2024, our investment in these assets was approximately $5.5 billion, or 18.4%, of our investment portfolio, including cash and cash equivalents.
Merger and arbitrage trading securities were $1.1 billion, or 3.8% of our investment portfolio, including cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2024. Merger arbitrage involves investing in the securities of publicly held companies that are the targets in announced tender offers and mergers. Merger arbitrage differs from other types of investments in its focus on transactions and events believed likely to bring about a change in value over a relatively short time period, usually four months or less. Our merger arbitrage positions are exposed to the risk associated with the completion of announced deals, which are subject to regulatory as well as political and other risks.
Real estate related investments, including directly owned, investment funds and loans receivable, were $1.9 billion, or 6.3% of our investment portfolio, including cash and cash equivalents, at December 31, 2024. We also invest in real estate, financial services, energy, transportation and other investment funds. The values of these investments are subject to fluctuation based on changes in the economy and interest rates in general and the related asset valuations in particular. In addition, our investments in real estate related assets and other alternative investments are less liquid than our other investments.
These investments are subject to significant volatility as a result of the conditions in the financial and commodity markets and the global economy.
Risks Relating to Limitations on Dividends from Subsidiaries and Anti-Takeover Provisions
We are an insurance holding company and, therefore, may not be able to receive dividends in needed amounts.
As an insurance holding company, our principal assets are the shares of capital stock of our insurance company subsidiaries. We have to rely on dividends from our insurance company subsidiaries to meet our obligations for paying principal and interest on outstanding debt obligations, paying dividends to stockholders and repurchasing our shares and paying corporate expenses. The payment of dividends by our insurance company subsidiaries is subject to regulatory restrictions and competitive pressures on maintaining financial strength ratings and will depend on the surplus and future earnings of these subsidiaries. During 2025, the maximum amount of dividends that can be paid without regulatory approval is approximately $1.6 billion. Future regulatory actions could further restrict our insurance subsidiaries’ ability to pay us dividends. As a result, in the future we may not be able to receive dividends from these subsidiaries at times and in amounts necessary to meet our obligations, pay dividends or repurchase shares.
Laws and regulations of the jurisdictions in which we conduct business could delay, deter or prevent an attempt to acquire control of us that stockholders might consider to be desirable, and may restrict a stockholder's ability to purchase our common stock.
Generally, United States insurance holding company laws require that, before a person can acquire control of an insurance company, prior written approval must be obtained from the insurance regulatory authority in the state in which that insurance company is domiciled. Pursuant to applicable laws and regulations, “control” over an insurer is generally presumed to exist if any person, directly or indirectly, owns, controls, holds the power to vote, or holds proxies representing 10% or more of
the voting securities of that insurer or any parent company of such insurer. Indirect ownership includes ownership of the shares of our common stock. Thus, the insurance regulatory authorities of the states in which our insurance subsidiaries are domiciled are likely to apply these restrictions on acquisition of control to any proposed acquisition of our common stock. Some states require a person seeking to acquire control of an insurer licensed but not domiciled in that state to make a filing prior to completing an acquisition if the acquirer and its affiliates, on the one hand, and the target insurer and its affiliates, on the other hand, have specified market shares in the same lines of insurance in that state. Additionally, many foreign jurisdictions where we conduct business impose similar restrictions and requirements.
These provisions can also lead to the imposition of conditions on an acquisition that could delay or prevent its consummation. These laws may discourage potential acquisition proposals and may delay, deter or prevent a change in control of us through transactions, and in particular unsolicited transactions, that some or all of our stockholders might consider to be desirable.
Certain provisions in our organizational documents may have the effect of hindering, delaying or preventing third party takeovers and thus may prevent our stockholders from receiving premium prices for their shares in an unsolicited takeover or make it more difficult for third parties to replace our current management.
Provisions of our Restated Certificate of Incorporation and By-Laws, as well as state insurance statutes, may hinder, delay or prevent unsolicited acquisitions or changes of our control. These provisions may also have the effect of making it more difficult for third parties to cause the replacement of our current management without the concurrence of our Board of Directors.
These provisions include:
-
our classified board of directors and the ability of our board to increase its size and to appoint directors to fill newly created directorships;
-
the requirement that the holders of 80% of our shares must approve mergers and other transactions between us and the holder of 5% or more of our shares, unless the transaction was approved by our board of directors prior to such holder's acquisition of 5% of our shares; and
-
the need for advance notice in order to raise business or make nominations at stockholders' meetings.
These provisions may discourage potential acquisition proposals and may delay, deter or prevent a change in control of us through transactions, and in particular unsolicited transactions, that some or all of our stockholders might consider to be desirable.
Item 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
There are no unresolved written comments that were received from the SEC staff 180 days or more before the end of our fiscal year relating to our periodic or current reports under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Item 1C. CYBERSECURITY
Cybersecurity Risk Management and Strategy
The Company has a documented information security program (the "Program"), which is integrated into its overall risk management processes, to identify, assess, monitor and manage potential cybersecurity threats and incidents. The Program is designed to protect the confidentiality, integrity and availability of our information systems and assets that store, process, or transmit information. The Program is modeled on the global standard for risk assessment, International Organization for Standardization 27001, and is guided by the six domains of cybersecurity established by the National Institute of Standards and Technology Cybersecurity Framework (i.e., govern, identify, protect, detect, respond, and recovery). The Program seeks to adhere to applicable U.S. and international laws and regulations, including New York State’s cybersecurity regulation applicable to financial services institutions authorized by the New York State Department of Financial Services.
The Program’s security and risk policies and standards, implemented by either the Company or third party assessors or consultants, include:
–information security management tools, such as firewalls, intrusion prevention and detection systems, anti-malware functionality, and access privilege controls;
–vulnerability management, including penetration and control testing and vulnerability scans of information systems;
–incident monitoring, breach notification and escalation, including disaster recovery and incident response plans and resources;
–risk based assessment of third party service providers; and
–annual cybersecurity awareness training for employees and contractors.
The Company engages third party consultants with respect to cybersecurity, including to conduct vulnerability assessments and penetration testing of its information technology systems. The Company has established a regular vendor risk management process to evaluate and address potential risks associated with the use of such third parties.
The Company has not identified any cybersecurity incidents that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect the Company, including its business strategy, results of operations, or financial condition, for the period covered by this annual report. For a discussion regarding risks associated with cybersecurity threats, see “Risk Factors – Risks Relating to Our Business – If our information technology, telecommunications or other computer systems become unavailable or unreliable, our ability to conduct our business could be negatively or severely impacted” and “Failure to maintain the security of information technology systems and confidential data may expose us to liability”; and “Use of artificial intelligence technologies, by us or third-parties on whom we rely, could expose us to technological, security, legal, and other risks.”
Board Oversight, Governance and Risk Management
The entire Board of Directors has oversight of risks from cybersecurity threats and receives periodic updates on such risks from the Company’s management, including from the Company’s President and CEO and its Senior Vice President - Chief Information Security Officer (CISO).
Our CISO, who has over 25 years of information security experience and is licensed as a Certified Information Systems Security Professional, is principally responsible for assessing and managing all aspects of the Program, including the Company’s Regional Information Security Officers (RISOs), third-party consultants, development of industry trends and control testing and tracking by risk level. Our CISO meets periodically with senior executives, including the Company’s President and CEO, to discuss the Company’s cybersecurity strategy, and its monitoring, prevention, detection, mitigation, and remediation of cybersecurity risks. Regular reporting on the Program is also provided to the Company’s Enterprise Risk Management Committee, which is comprised of the President and CEO, Senior Vice President – Enterprise Risk Management, Executive Vice President – Investments, Executive Vice President – Chief Financial Officer, and Executive Vice President – Secretary. Collectively, the CISO and RISOs, along with their teams, in collaboration with the technology and business owners, implement the Program. Legal, Compliance, and Internal Audit functions also assess the Program’s adherence to regulatory requirements and internal controls.
In the event of a potentially material cybersecurity incident, the Company’s incident response plans establish escalation protocols for relevant IT leaders and functional leaders within Legal, Compliance and Internal Audit to engage management as appropriate.
Item 2. PROPERTIES
W. R. Berkley Corporation and its subsidiaries own or lease office buildings or office space suitable to conduct their operations. At December 31, 2024, the Company had aggregate office space of 4,177,891 square feet, of which 1,051,681 were owned and 3,126,210 were leased.
Rental expense for the Company's operations was approximately $45,718,000, $44,256,000 and $43,383,000 for 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Future minimum lease payments, without provision for sublease income, are $48,822,000 in 2025, $41,861,000 in 2026 and $172,679,000 thereafter.
Item 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
The Company's subsidiaries are subject to disputes, including litigation and arbitration, arising in the ordinary course of their insurance and reinsurance businesses. The Company's estimates of the costs of settling such matters are reflected in its aggregate reserves for losses and loss expenses, and the Company does not believe that the ultimate outcome of such matters will have a material adverse effect on its financial condition or results of operations.
On December 22, 2023, one of the Company’s subsidiaries filed a lawsuit against certain reinsurers to recover in excess of $90 million in respect of certain losses paid to its policyholders under certain event cancellation and related insurance policies. The Company believes its claims against the reinsurers are meritorious and expects a positive resolution to its lawsuit. While an adverse outcome is possible, the Company believes that the outcome, in any case, will not be material to the Company’s financial condition.
Item 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.
PART II
Item 5. MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
The common stock of the Company is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “WRB”.
In 2024, the Board declared regular quarterly cash dividends of $0.07 per share in the first quarter and $0.08 per share in each of the remaining three quarters, as well as special dividends of $0.33 per share, $0.25 per share and $0.50 per share in the second, third, and fourth quarters, for a total of $532 million in aggregate dividends in 2024.
The approximate number of record holders of the common stock on February 13, 2025 was 327.
The chart below shows a comparison of 5 year cumulative total return.
Comparison of 5 Year Cumulative Total Return
Assumes initial investment of $100 on January 1, 2019, with dividends reinvested.

As of December 31, 2024, the S&P 500® Property and Casualty Insurance Index consisted of The Allstate Corporation, Arch Capital Group Ltd. (added Nov. 2022), Chubb Limited, Cincinnati Financial Corporation, The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc., Loews Corporation (CNA), The Progressive Corporation, The Travelers Companies, Inc., and W. R. Berkley Corporation.
| 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||
| W. R. Berkley Corporation | Cum $ | 100.00 | 96.85 | 123.32 | 165.10 | 165.50 | 210.49 | ||||||||||||||||
| S&P 500 Index - Total Returns | Cum $ | 100.00 | 118.38 | 152.33 | 124.65 | 157.48 | 196.49 | ||||||||||||||||
| S&P 500 Property and Casualty Insurance Index | Cum $ | 100.00 | 106.33 | 124.95 | 148.60 | 164.61 | 222.06 |
Set forth below is a summary of the shares repurchased by the Company during the fourth quarter of 2024 and the remaining number of shares authorized for purchase by the Company during such period.
| Total Number of Shares Purchased | Average Price Paid per Share | Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs | Maximum Number of Shares that may yet be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs | ||||||||||||||||||||
| October 2024 | 715,920 | $ | 57.91 | 715,920 | 14,608,875 | ||||||||||||||||||
| November 2024 | 449,947 | 57.69 | 449,947 | 14,158,928 | |||||||||||||||||||
| December 2024 | — | — | — | 14,158,928 |
Item 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Overview
W. R. Berkley Corporation is an insurance holding company that is among the largest commercial lines writers in the United States and operates worldwide in two segments of the property and casualty business: Insurance and Reinsurance & Monoline Excess. Our decentralized structure provides us with the flexibility to respond quickly and efficiently to local or specific market conditions and to pursue specialty business niches. It also allows us to be closer to our customers in order to better understand their individual needs and risk characteristics. While providing our business units with certain operating autonomy, our structure allows us to capitalize on the benefits of economies of scale through centralized capital, investment, reinsurance, enterprise risk management, and actuarial, financial and corporate compliance support. The Company’s primary sources of revenues and earnings are its insurance operations and its investments.
An important part of our strategy is to form new businesses to capitalize on various opportunities. Over the years, the Company has formed numerous businesses that are focused on important parts of the economy in the U.S., including healthcare, cyber security, energy and agriculture, and on growing international markets, including the Asia-Pacific region, South America and Mexico.
The profitability of the Company’s insurance business is affected primarily by the adequacy of premium rates. The ultimate adequacy of premium rates is not known with certainty at the time an insurance policy is issued because premiums are determined before claims are reported. The ultimate adequacy of premium rates is affected mainly by the severity and frequency of claims, which are influenced by many factors, including natural and other disasters, regulatory measures and court decisions that define and change the extent of coverage and the effects of economic or social inflation on the amount of compensation for injuries or losses. General insurance prices are also influenced by available insurance capacity, i.e., the level of capital employed in the industry, and the industry’s willingness to deploy that capital.
The Company’s profitability is also affected by its investment income and investment gains. The Company’s invested assets are invested principally in fixed maturity securities. The return on fixed maturity securities is affected primarily by general interest rates, as well as the credit quality and duration of the securities.
The Company also invests in equity securities, merger arbitrage securities, investment funds, private equity, loans and real estate related assets. The Company's investments in investment funds and its other alternative investments have experienced, and the Company expects to continue to experience, greater fluctuations in investment income. The Company's share of the earnings or losses from investment funds is generally reported on a one-quarter lag in order to facilitate the timely completion of the Company's consolidated financial statements.
Commencing with the first quarter of 2024, the Company reclassified a program management business from the Insurance segment to the Reinsurance & Monoline Excess segment. The reclassified business is a program management business offering support on a nationwide basis for commercial casualty and property program administrators. Reclassifications have been made to the Company's 2023 and 2022 financial information to conform with this presentation.
On June 12, 2024, the Company announced that its Board of Directors approved a 3-for-2 common stock split which was paid in the form of a stock dividend to holders of record as of June 24, 2024. The additional shares were issued on July 10, 2024. Shares outstanding and per share amounts in this Form 10-K reflect such 3-for-2 common stock split.
Critical Accounting Estimates
The following presents a discussion of accounting policies and estimates relating to reserves for losses and loss expenses, assumed reinsurance premiums and other-than-temporary impairments of investments. Management believes these policies and estimates are the most critical to its operations and require the most difficult, subjective and complex judgments.
Reserves for Losses and Loss Expenses. To recognize liabilities for unpaid losses, either known or unknown, insurers establish reserves, which is a balance sheet account representing estimates of future amounts needed to pay claims and related expenses with respect to insured events which have occurred. Estimates and assumptions relating to reserves for losses and loss expenses are based on complex and subjective judgments, often including the interplay of specific uncertainties with related accounting and actuarial measurements. Such estimates are also susceptible to change as significant periods of time may elapse between the occurrence of an insured loss, the report of the loss to the insurer, the ultimate determination of the cost of the loss and the insurer’s payment of that loss.
In general, when a claim is reported, claims personnel establish a “case reserve” for the estimated amount of the ultimate payment based upon known information about the claim at that time. The estimate represents an informed judgment based on general reserving practices and reflects the experience and knowledge of the claims personnel regarding the nature and value of the specific type of claim. Reserves are also established on an aggregate basis to provide for losses incurred but not reported (“IBNR”) to the insurer, potential inadequacy of case reserves and the estimated expenses of settling claims, including legal and other fees and general expenses of administrating the claims adjustment process. Reserves are established based upon the then current legal interpretation of coverage provided.
In examining reserve adequacy, several factors are considered in estimating the ultimate economic value of losses. These factors include, among other things, historical data, legal developments, changes in social attitudes and economic conditions, including the effects of inflation. The actuarial process relies on the basic assumption that past experience, adjusted judgmentally for the effects of current developments and anticipated trends, is an appropriate basis for predicting future outcomes. Reserve amounts are based on management’s informed estimates and judgments using currently available data. As additional experience and other data become available and are reviewed, these estimates and judgments may be revised. This may result in reserve increases or decreases that would be reflected in our results in periods in which such estimates and assumptions are changed.
Reserves do not represent a certain calculation of liability. Rather, reserves represent an estimate of what management expects the ultimate settlement and claim administration will cost. While the methods for establishing reserves are well tested over time, the major assumptions about anticipated loss emergence patterns are subject to uncertainty. These estimates, which generally involve actuarial projections, are based on management’s assessment of facts and circumstances then known, as well as estimates of trends in claims severity and frequency, judicial theories of liability and other factors, including the actions of third parties which are beyond the Company’s control. These variables are affected by external and internal events, such as inflation and economic volatility, judicial and litigation trends, reinsurance coverage, legislative changes and claim handling and reserving practices, which make it more difficult to accurately predict claim costs. The inherent uncertainties of estimating reserves are greater for certain types of liabilities where long periods of time elapse before a definitive determination of liability is made. Because setting reserves is inherently uncertain, the Company cannot provide assurance that its
Showing the first 8K of 94K characters. Open the full section
Item 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Market Risk. The fair value of the Company’s investments is subject to risks of fluctuations in credit quality and interest rates. The Company uses various models and stress test scenarios to monitor and manage interest rate risk. The Company attempts to manage its interest rate risk by maintaining an appropriate relationship between the effective duration of the investment portfolio and the average number of years held for its liabilities (i.e., policy claims and debt obligations). The effective duration for the fixed maturity portfolio (including cash and cash equivalents) was 2.6 years and 2.4 years at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
In addition, the fair value of the Company’s international investments is subject to currency risk. The Company attempts to manage its currency risk by matching its foreign currency assets and liabilities where considered appropriate.
The following table outlines the groups of fixed maturity securities and their effective duration at December 31, 2024:
| Effective | |||||||||||
| Duration | |||||||||||
| ($ in thousands) | (Years) | Fair Value | |||||||||
| Mortgage-backed securities | 4.3 | $ | 3,767,851 | ||||||||
| U.S. government and government agencies | 3.7 | 2,235,341 | |||||||||
| State and municipal | 2.7 | 2,338,256 | |||||||||
| Foreign government | 2.7 | 1,755,325 | |||||||||
| Corporate | 2.6 | 8,417,641 | |||||||||
| Loans receivable | 2.4 | 405,248 | |||||||||
| Asset-backed securities | 1.4 | 3,885,012 | |||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | 0.0 | 1,404,931 | |||||||||
| Total | 2.6 | $ | 24,209,605 |
Duration is a common measure of the price sensitivity of fixed maturity securities to changes in interest rates. The Company determines the estimated change in fair value of the fixed maturity securities, assuming parallel shifts in the yield curve for treasury securities while keeping spreads between individual securities and treasury securities static. The estimated fair value at specified levels at December 31, 2024 would be as follows:
| (In thousands) | Estimated Fair Value | Change in Fair Value | |||||||||
| Change in interest rates: | |||||||||||
| 300 basis point rise | $ | 22,258,604 | $ | (1,951,001) | |||||||
| 200 basis point rise | 22,898,254 | (1,311,351) | |||||||||
| 100 basis point rise | 23,555,609 | (653,996) | |||||||||
| Base scenario | 24,209,605 | — | |||||||||
| 100 basis point decline | 24,827,143 | 617,538 | |||||||||
| 200 basis point decline | 25,393,892 | 1,184,287 | |||||||||
| 300 basis point decline | 25,928,699 | 1,719,094 | |||||||||
Arbitrage investing differs from other types of investments in that its focus is on transactions and events believed likely to bring about a change in value over a relatively short time period (usually four months or less). The Company believes that this makes arbitrage investments less vulnerable to changes in general stock market conditions. Potential changes in market conditions are also mitigated by the implementation of hedging strategies, including short sales.
Additionally, the arbitrage positions are generally hedged against market declines by purchasing put options, selling call options or entering into swap contracts. The Company's merger arbitrage securities are primarily exposed to the risk of completion of announced deals, which are subject to regulatory as well as transactional and other risks.
Item 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Stockholders and the Board of Directors
W. R. Berkley Corporation:
Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of W. R. Berkley Corporation and subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three‑year period ended December 31, 2024, and the related notes and financial statement schedules II to VI (collectively, the consolidated financial statements). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2024, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2024, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission, and our report dated February 24, 2025 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
Basis for Opinion
These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical Audit Matter
The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of a critical audit matter does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.
Reserves for losses and loss expenses
As discussed in Notes 1 and 13 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company estimates the reserves for losses and loss expenses (reserves) using a variety of actuarial techniques and methods. The key assumptions used to arrive at the best estimate of recorded reserves are expected loss ratios, rate of loss cost inflation, reported and paid loss emergence patterns, loss frequency and severity, and the loss reporting lag. Such amounts are adjusted for certain qualitative factors. The reserves as of December 31, 2024 were $20.4 billion.
We identified the assessment of the estimate of reserves as a critical audit matter because it involved significant measurement uncertainty, which required complex auditor judgement. Specialized actuarial skills and knowledge were required to evaluate the actuarial method or methods and assumptions used. Assumptions included loss development
factors; the weighting of actuarial methods when more than one was used; the impact of qualitative factors; and whether payments are fixed and reliably determinable for certain reserves subject to discounting.
The following are the primary procedures we performed to address the critical audit matter. With the assistance of actuarial professionals, when appropriate, we evaluated the design and tested the operating effectiveness of certain internal controls over the Company’s reserving process. This included controls over the Company’s process to develop the Company’s best estimate of reserves based on actuarial methodologies and assumptions employed by the Company’s actuaries. We involved actuarial professionals with specialized skills and knowledge, who assisted in:
-
examining the Company’s actuarial methodologies for compliance with Actuarial Standards of Practice
-
evaluating the Company’s ability to discount certain reserves by comparing the expected payout pattern of claims paid to actual claims paid
-
evaluating the Company’s actuarial point estimate by performing independent actuarial analyses for certain of the larger, more complex businesses
-
evaluating the Company’s actuarial point estimate by examining the Company actuaries’ process, and key assumptions for certain of the remaining businesses
-
developing an independent range of reserves based on actuarial methodologies and assumptions and comparing to the Company’s recorded reserves
-
evaluating the Company’s recorded reserves and year-over-year movements of the Company’s reserves relative to, and within, the independently developed range of reserves.
/S/ KPMG LLP
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 1972.
New York, New York
February 24, 2025
W. R. BERKLEY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||
| (In thousands, except per share data) | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||||||
| REVENUES: | |||||||||||||||||
| Net premiums written | $ | 11,972,096 | $ | 10,954,467 | $ | 10,004,070 | |||||||||||
| Change in net unearned premiums | (423,611) | (553,780) | (442,641) | ||||||||||||||
| Net premiums earned | 11,548,485 | 10,400,687 | 9,561,429 | ||||||||||||||
| Net investment income | 1,333,161 | 1,052,835 | 779,185 | ||||||||||||||
| Net investment gains: | |||||||||||||||||
| Net realized and unrealized gains on investments | 79,738 | 47,540 | 217,311 | ||||||||||||||
| Change in allowance for expected credit losses on investments | 37,970 | (498) | (14,914) | ||||||||||||||
| Net investment gains | 117,708 | 47,042 | 202,397 | ||||||||||||||
| Revenues from non-insurance businesses | 528,012 | 535,508 | 509,548 | ||||||||||||||
| Insurance service fees | 108,935 | 106,485 | 110,544 | ||||||||||||||
| Other income |
Showing the first 8K of 248K characters. Open the full section
Item 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.
Item 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
The Company's management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, have conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(b) as of the end of the period covered by this annual report. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company has in place effective controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports it files or submits under the Exchange Act and the rules thereunder, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Commission's rules and forms.
During the quarter ended December 31, 2024, there were no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.
Management's Report On Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of Treadway Commission. Based on our evaluation under the framework in Internal Control - Integrated Framework, our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2024.
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Stockholders and the Board of Directors
W. R. Berkley Corporation:
Opinion on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
We have audited W. R. Berkley Corporation and subsidiaries’ (the Company) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2024, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2024, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2024, and the related notes and financial statement schedules II to VI (collectively, the consolidated financial statements), and our report dated February 24, 2025 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.
Basis for Opinion
The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management's Report On Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
/S/ KPMG LLP
New York, New York
February 24, 2025
Item 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
None.
Item 9C. DISCLOSURE REGARDING FOREIGN JURISDICTIONS THAT PREVENT INSPECTIONS
Not applicable.
PART III
Item 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Reference is made to the registrant's definitive proxy statement, which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days after December 31, 2024, and which is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Reference is made to the registrant's definitive proxy statement, which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days after December 31, 2024, and which is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
(a) Security ownership of certain beneficial owners
Reference is made to the registrant's definitive proxy statement, which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days after December 31, 2024, and which is incorporated herein by reference.
(b) Security ownership of management
Reference is made to the registrant's definitive proxy statement, which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days after December 31, 2024, and which is incorporated herein by reference.
(c) Changes in control
Reference is made to the registrant's definitive proxy statement, which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days after December 31, 2024, and which is incorporated herein by reference.
(d) Equity compensation plan information
Reference is made to the registrant's definitive proxy statement, which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days after December 31, 2024, and which is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
Reference is made to the registrant's definitive proxy statement, which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days after December 31, 2024, and which is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
Our independent registered public accounting firm is KPMG LLP, New York, NY, Auditor Firm ID: 185.
Reference is made to the registrant's definitive proxy statement, which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days after December 31, 2024, and which is incorporated herein by reference.
PART IV
Item 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
(a) Index to Financial Statements
The schedules to the consolidated financial statements listed below should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Financial statement schedules not included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K have been omitted because they are not applicable or required information is shown in the financial statements or notes thereto.
(b) Exhibits
EXHIBITS
| Number | |||||
| (3.1) | The Company’s Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended through May 10, 2004 (incorporated by reference to Exhibits 3.1 and 3.2 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 1-15202) filed with the Commission on August 6, 2003). | ||||
| (3.2) | Amendment, dated May 11, 2004, to the Company’s Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 1-15202) filed with the Commission on August 5, 2004). | ||||
| (3.3) | Amendment, dated May 16, 2006, to the Company’s Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 1-15202) filed with the Commission on May 17, 2006). | ||||
| (3.4) | Amendment, dated June 12, 2020, to the Company’s Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 1-15202) filed with the Commission on June 16, 2020). | ||||
| (3.5) | Amendment, dated June 15, 2022, to the Company’s Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 1-15202) filed with the Commission on June 16, 2022). | ||||
| (3.6) | Amended and Restated By-Laws of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 1-15202) filed with the Commission on March 1, 2023). | ||||
| (4.1) | Description of Registrant’s Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No. 1-15202) filed with the Commission on February 24, 2023). | ||||
| (4.2) | Indenture, dated as of February 14, 2003, between the Company and The Bank of New York, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No. 1-15202) filed with the Commission on March 31, 2003). | ||||
| (4.3) | Fifth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of February 9, 2007, between the Company and The Bank of New York, as Trustee, relating to $250,000,000 principal amount of the Company’s 6.250% Senior Notes due 2037, including the form of the Notes as Exhibit A (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.7 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No. 1-15202) filed with the Commission on March 1, 2007). | ||||
| (4.4) | Ninth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of August 6, 2014, between the Company and The Bank of New York Mellon, as Trustee, relating to $350,000,000 principal amount of the Company’s 4.750% Senior Notes due 2044, including the form of the Notes as Exhibit A (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 1-15202) filed with the Commission on August 6, 2014). | ||||
| (4.5) | Indenture, dated as of May 12, 2020, between the Company and The Bank of New York Mellon, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 1-15202) filed with the Commission on May 12, 2020). | ||||
| (4.6) | First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of May 12, 2020, between the Company and The Bank of New York Mellon, as Trustee, relating to $470,000,000 principal amount of the Company’s 4.000% Senior Notes due 2050, including the form of the Notes as Exhibit A (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 1-15202) filed with the Commission on May 12, 2020). | ||||
| (4.7) | Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 16, 2021, between the Company and The Bank of New York Mellon, as Trustee, relating to $400,000,000 principal amount of the Company’s 3.550% Senior Notes due 2052, including the form of the Notes as Exhibit A (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 1-15202) filed with the Commission on March 16, 2021). | ||||
| (4.8) | Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of September 15, 2021, between the Company and The Bank of New York Mellon, as Trustee, relating to $350,000,000 principal amount of the Company’s 3.150% Senior Notes due 2061, including the form of the Notes as Exhibit A (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 1-15202) filed with the Commission on September 15, 2021). | ||||
| (4.9) | Subordinated Indenture, dated as of March 26, 2018, between the Company and The Bank of New York Mellon, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 1-15202) filed with the Commission on March 26, 2018). | ||||
| (4.10) | First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 26, 2018, between the Company and The Bank of New York Mellon, as Trustee, relating to $185,000,000 principal amount of the Company’s 5.700% Subordinated Debentures due 2058, including the form of the Securities as Exhibit A (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 1-15202) filed with the Commission on March 26, 2018). | ||||
| (4.11) | Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of December 16, 2019, between the Company and the Bank of New York Mellon, as Trustee, relating to $300,000,000 principal amount of the Company's 5.100% Subordinated Debentures due 2059, including the form of the Securities as Exhibit A (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 1-15202) filed with the Commission on December 16, 2019). | ||||
| (4.12) | Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of September 21, 2020, between the Company and The Bank of New York Mellon, as Trustee, relating to $250,000,000 principal amount of the Company’s 4.250% Subordinated Debentures due 2060, including the form of the Securities as Exhibit A (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 1-15202) filed with the Commission on September 21, 2020). | ||||
| (4.13) | Fourth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of February 10, 2021, between the Company and The Bank of New York Mellon, as Trustee, relating to $300,000,000 principal amount of the Company’s 4.125% Subordinated Debentures due 2061, including the form of the Securities as Exhibit A (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 1-15202) filed with the Commission on February 10, 2021). | ||||
| (4.14) | The instruments defining the rights of holders of the other long term debt securities of the Company are omitted pursuant to Section (b)(4)(iii)(A) of Item 601 of Regulation S-K. The Company agrees to furnish supplementally copies of these instruments to the Commission upon request. | ||||
| (10.1) | Credit Agreement, dated as of April 1, 2022, by and among W. R. Berkley Corporation, as borrower, each lender from time to time party thereto, Credit Suisse AG, New York Branch, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. and Morgan Stanley Senior Funding, Inc. as Syndication Agents, and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent, Several L/C Agent and Fronting L/C Issuer (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 1-15202) filed with the Commission on April 4, 2022). | ||||
| (10.2) | W. R. Berkley Corporation 2018 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Annex B of the Company’s 2018 Proxy Statement (File No. 1-15202) filed with the Commission on April 19, 2018). | ||||
| (10.3) | Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement for grant of April 4, 2003 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 1-15202) filed with the Commission on August 6, 2003). | ||||
| (10.4) | Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement under the W. R. Berkley Corporation 2003 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 1-15202) filed with the Commission on May 3, 2005). | ||||
| (10.5) | Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement under the W. R. Berkley Corporation 2003 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 1-15202) filed with the Commission on August 6, 2010). | ||||
| (10.6) | Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement under the W. R. Berkley Corporation 2012 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 1-15202) filed with the Commission on November 8, 2012). | ||||
| (10.7) | Form of 2014 Performance-Based Restricted Stock Unit Agreement under the W. R. Berkley Corporation 2012 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 1-15202) filed with the Commission on November 7, 2014). | ||||
| (10.8) | Form of 2015 Performance-Based Restricted Stock Unit Agreement under the W. R. Berkley Corporation 2012 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 1-15202) filed with the Commission on November 9, 2015). | ||||
| (10.9) | Form of 2017 Performance-Based Restricted Stock Unit Agreement under the W. R. Berkley Corporation 2012 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 1-15202) filed with the Commission on November 8, 2017). | ||||
| (10.10) | Form of 2018 Performance-Based Restricted Stock Unit Agreement under the W. R. Berkley Corporation 2018 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 1-15202) filed with the Commission on November 7, 2018). | ||||
| (10.11) | Form of 2020 Performance-Based Restricted Stock Unit Agreement under the W. R. Berkley Corporation 2018 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 1-15202) filed with the Commission on November 5, 2020). | ||||
| (10.12) | Form of 2023 Performance-Based Restricted Stock Unit Agreement Under the W. R. Berkley Corporation 2018 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No. 1-15202) filed with the Commission on February 23, 2024). | ||||
| (10.13) | Form of 2024 Performance-Based Restricted Stock Unit Agreement Under the W. R. Berkley Corporation 2018 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 1-15202) filed with the Commission on November 4, 2024). | ||||
| (10.14) | W. R. Berkley Corporation Deferred Compensation Plan for Officers as amended and restated effective December 1, 2021 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 1-15202) filed with the Commission on November 12, 2021). | ||||
| (10.15) | W. R. Berkley Corporation Deferred Compensation Plan for Directors as amended and restated effective December 1, 2021 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 1-15202) filed with the Commission on November 12, 2021). | ||||
| (10.16) | W. R. Berkley Corporation Amended and Restated Annual Incentive Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 1-15202) filed with the Commission on February 25, 2019). | ||||
| (10.17) | W. R. Berkley Corporation 2019 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company's current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 1-15202) filed with the Commission on February 25, 2019). | ||||
| (10.18) | Form of 2021 Performance Unit Award Agreement under the W. R. Berkley Corporation 2019 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 1-15202) filed with the Commission on November 4, 2021). | ||||
| (10.19) | Form of 2022 Performance Unit Award Agreement under the W. R. Berkley Corporation 2019 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 1-15202) filed with the Commission on May 3, 2022). | ||||
| (10.20) | Form of 2023 Performance Unit Award Agreement under the W. R. Berkley Corporation 2019 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 1-15202) filed with the Commission on May 4, 2023). | ||||
| (10.21) | Form of 2024 Performance Unit Award Agreement under the W. R. Berkley Corporation 2019 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 1-15202) filed with the Commission on May 3, 2024). | ||||
| (10.22) | W. R. Berkley Corporation 2009 Directors Stock Plan (incorporated by reference to Annex B of the Company’s 2021 Proxy Statement (File No. 1-15202) filed with the Commission on April 27, 2021). | ||||
| (10.23) | Supplemental Benefits Agreement between William R. Berkley and the Company as amended and restated as of December 21, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No. 1-15202) filed with the Commission on February 28, 2012). | ||||
| (14) | Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 14 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No. 1-15202) filed with the Commission on March 14, 2005). | ||||
| (19.1) | Insider Trading Policy |
| (21) | List of the Company’s subsidiaries. | ||||
| (23) | Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. | ||||
| (31.1) | Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/ 15d-14(a). | ||||
| (31.2) | Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/ 15d-14(a). | ||||
| (32.1) | Certification of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. | ||||
| (97) | W. R. Berkley Corporation Clawback Policy (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 97 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No. 1-15202) filed with the Commission on February 23, 2024). |
Item 16. FORM 10-K Summary
None.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
W. R. BERKLEY CORPORATION
| By | /s/ W. Robert Berkley, Jr. | |||||||
| W. Robert Berkley, Jr. President and Chief Executive Officer |
February 24, 2025
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
| Signature | Title | Date | ||||||||||||
| /s/ William R. Berkley | Executive Chairman | February 24, 2025 | ||||||||||||
| William R. Berkley | of the Board of Directors | |||||||||||||
| /s/ W. Robert Berkley, Jr. | President | February 24, 2025 | ||||||||||||
| W. Robert Berkley, Jr. | Chief Executive Officer and Director | |||||||||||||
| (Principal executive officer) | ||||||||||||||
| /s/ Christopher L. Augostini | Director | February 24, 2025 | ||||||||||||
| Christopher L. Augostini | ||||||||||||||
| /s/ Ronald E. Blaylock | Director | February 24, 2025 | ||||||||||||
| Ronald E. Blaylock | ||||||||||||||
| /s/ Mary C. Farrell | Director | February 24, 2025 | ||||||||||||
| Mary C. Farrell | ||||||||||||||
| /s/ María Luisa Ferré | Director | February 24, 2025 | ||||||||||||
| María Luisa Ferré | ||||||||||||||
| /s/ Marie A. Mattson | Director | February 24, 2025 | ||||||||||||
| Marie A. Mattson | ||||||||||||||
| /s/ Daniel L. Mosley | Director | February 24, 2025 | ||||||||||||
| Daniel L. Mosley | ||||||||||||||
| /s/ Mark L. Shapiro | Director | February 24, 2025 | ||||||||||||
| Mark L. Shapiro | ||||||||||||||
| /s/ Jonathan Talisman | Director | February 24, 2025 | ||||||||||||
| Jonathan Talisman | ||||||||||||||
| /s/ Richard M. Baio | Executive Vice President | February 24, 2025 | ||||||||||||
| Richard M. Baio | and Chief Financial Officer | |||||||||||||
| (Principal financial officer and principal accounting officer) | ||||||||||||||
Schedule II
W. R. Berkley Corporation
Condensed Financial Information of Registrant
Balance Sheets (Parent Company)
| December 31, | |||||||||||
| (In thousands) | 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||
| Assets: | |||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 112,931 | $ | 128,434 | |||||||
| Fixed maturity securities available for sale at fair value (cost $251,938 and $190,708 at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively) | 251,800 | 189,189 | |||||||||
| Loans receivable (net of allowance for expected credit losses of $591 and $1,146 at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively) | 27,659 | 91,304 | |||||||||
| Equity securities, at fair value (cost $3,430 at both December 31, 2024 and 2023) | 3,430 | 3,430 | |||||||||
| Investment in subsidiaries | 10,770,734 | 9,887,117 | |||||||||
| Current federal income taxes | 36,417 | — | |||||||||
| Deferred federal income taxes | 228,329 | 278,946 | |||||||||
| Property, furniture and equipment at cost, less accumulated depreciation | 9,320 | 10,382 | |||||||||
| Other assets | 126,799 | 44,186 | |||||||||
| Total assets | $ | 11,567,419 | $ | 10,632,988 | |||||||
| Liabilities and stockholders’ equity: | |||||||||||
| Liabilities: | |||||||||||
| Due to subsidiaries | $ | 182,445 | $ | 178,676 | |||||||
| Other liabilities | 158,281 | 166,399 | |||||||||
| Current federal income taxes | — | 1,721 | |||||||||
| Subordinated debentures | 1,009,808 | 1,009,090 | |||||||||
| Senior notes | 1,821,774 | 1,821,671 | |||||||||
| Total liabilities | 3,172,308 | 3,177,557 | |||||||||
| Stockholders’ equity: | |||||||||||
| Preferred stock | — | — | |||||||||
| Common stock | 158,705 | 158,705 | |||||||||
| Additional paid-in capital | 984,825 | 964,789 | |||||||||
| Retained earnings (including accumulated undistributed net income of subsidiaries of $9,216,210 and $8,497,674 at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively) | 12,265,070 | 11,040,908 | |||||||||
| Accumulated other comprehensive loss | (934,269) | (925,838) | |||||||||
| Treasury stock, at cost | (4,079,220) | (3,783,133) | |||||||||
| Total stockholders’ equity | 8,395,111 | 7,455,431 | |||||||||
| Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity | $ | 11,567,419 | $ | 10,632,988 |
See Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm and note to condensed financial information.
Schedule II, Continued
W. R. Berkley Corporation
Condensed Financial Information of Registrant, Continued
Statements of Income (Parent Company)
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||
| (In thousands) | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||||||
| Management fees and investment income including dividends from subsidiaries of $1,196,538, $1,261,166, and $22,807 for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively | $ | 1,252,194 | $ | 1,325,997 | $ | 32,585 | |||||||||||
| Net investment gains (losses) | 90,284 | (5,895) | 1,007 | ||||||||||||||
| Other income | 853 | 368 | 1,916 | ||||||||||||||
| Total revenues | 1,343,331 | 1,320,470 | 35,508 | ||||||||||||||
| Operating costs and expense | 277,679 | 272,750 | 192,175 | ||||||||||||||
| Interest expense | 126,400 | 126,397 | 129,633 | ||||||||||||||
| Income (loss) before federal income taxes | 939,252 | 921,323 | (286,300) | ||||||||||||||
| Federal income taxes: | |||||||||||||||||
| Federal income taxes provided by subsidiaries on a separate return basis | 424,456 | 253,292 | 414,660 | ||||||||||||||
| Federal income tax expense on a consolidated return basis | (356,943) | (284,757) | (258,776) | ||||||||||||||
| Net federal income tax benefit (expense) | 67,513 | (31,465) | 155,884 | ||||||||||||||
| Income (loss) before undistributed equity in net income of subsidiaries | 1,006,765 | 889,858 | (130,416) | ||||||||||||||
| Equity in undistributed net income of subsidiaries | 749,350 | 491,501 | 1,511,478 | ||||||||||||||
| Net income | $ | 1,756,115 | $ | 1,381,359 | $ | 1,381,062 |
See Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm and note to condensed financial information.
Schedule II, Continued
W. R. Berkley Corporation
Condensed Financial Information of Registrant, Continued
Statements of Cash Flows (Parent Company)
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||
| (In thousands) | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||||||
| Cash flow from (used in) operating activities: | |||||||||||||||||
| Net income | $ | 1,756,115 | $ | 1,381,359 | $ | 1,381,062 | |||||||||||
| Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from operating activities: | |||||||||||||||||
| Net investment (gains) losses | (90,284) | 5,895 | (1,007) | ||||||||||||||
| Depreciation and (accretion) amortization | (5,120) | (6,753) | 4,281 | ||||||||||||||
| Equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries | (749,350) | (491,501) | (1,511,478) | ||||||||||||||
| Tax payments received from subsidiaries | 432,402 | 373,504 | 321,682 | ||||||||||||||
| Federal income taxes provided by subsidiaries on a separate return basis | (424,456) | (253,292) | (414,660) | ||||||||||||||
| Stock incentive plans | 54,381 | 51,000 | 49,411 | ||||||||||||||
| Change in: | |||||||||||||||||
| Federal income taxes | (9,346) | (15,793) | (40,746) | ||||||||||||||
| Equity in undistributed earnings of other investments | (10,444) | — | — | ||||||||||||||
| Other assets | (9,888) | (5,647) | 3,163 | ||||||||||||||
| Other liabilities | 114,418 | (88,954) | 87,100 | ||||||||||||||
| Accrued investment income | (1,740) | 1,200 | 890 | ||||||||||||||
| Net cash from (used in) operating activities | 1,056,688 | 951,018 | (120,302) | ||||||||||||||
| Cash (used in) from investing activities: | |||||||||||||||||
| Proceeds from sales of fixed maturity securities | 598,915 | 748,825 | 543,549 | ||||||||||||||
| Proceeds from maturities and prepayments of fixed maturity securities | 260,999 | 82,075 | 83,134 | ||||||||||||||
| Cost of purchases of fixed maturity securities | (824,476) | (732,685) | (109,289) | ||||||||||||||
| Change in loans receivable | 64,200 | 17,843 | (16,249) | ||||||||||||||
| Investments in and advances to subsidiaries, net | (238,337) | 21,605 | (171,062) | ||||||||||||||
| Change in balance due to security broker | (71,143) | (38) | (10,289) | ||||||||||||||
| Net additions to real estate, furniture & equipment | (37) | (18) | (432) | ||||||||||||||
| Other, net | 73 | 290 | 368 | ||||||||||||||
| Net cash (used in) from investing activities | (209,806) | 137,897 | 319,730 | ||||||||||||||
| Cash used in financing activities: | |||||||||||||||||
| Net proceeds from issuance of senior notes | — | — | (914) | ||||||||||||||
| Repayment and redemption of debt | — | — | (426,503) | ||||||||||||||
| Purchase of common treasury shares | (303,655) | (537,163) | (94,140) | ||||||||||||||
| Cash dividends to common stockholders | (531,953) | (501,456) | (235,192) | ||||||||||||||
| Other, net | (26,777) | (25,384) | (23,194) | ||||||||||||||
| Net cash used in from financing activities | (862,385) | (1,064,003) | (779,943) | ||||||||||||||
| Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents | (15,503) | 24,912 | (580,515) | ||||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year | 128,434 | 103,522 | 684,037 | ||||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents at end of year | $ | 112,931 | $ | 128,434 | $ | 103,522 |
See Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm and note to condensed financial information.
W. R. Berkley Corporation
Condensed Financial Information of Registrant, Continued
December 31, 2024
Note to Condensed Financial Information (Parent Company)
The accompanying condensed financial information should be read in conjunction with the notes to consolidated financial statements included elsewhere herein. Reclassifications have been made in the 2023 and 2022 financial statements as originally reported to conform them to the presentation of the 2024 financial statements.
The Company files a consolidated federal income tax return with the results of its domestic insurance subsidiaries included on a statutory basis. Under present Company policy, federal income taxes payable by subsidiary companies on a separate-return basis are paid to W. R. Berkley Corporation, and the Company pays the tax due on a consolidated return basis.
Schedule III
W. R. Berkley Corporation and Subsidiaries
Supplementary Insurance Information
December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022
| (In thousands) | Deferred Policy Acquisition Cost | Reserve for Losses and Loss Expenses | Unearned Premiums | Net Premiums Earned | Net Investment Income | Loss and Loss Expenses | Amortization of Deferred Policy Acquisition Cost | Other Operating Costs and Expenses | Net Premiums Written | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| December 31, 2024 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Insurance | $ | 840,917 | $ | 16,887,821 | $ | 5,836,435 | $ | 10,086,308 | $ | 1,057,738 | $ | 6,332,490 | $ | 1,081,170 | $ | 1,825,758 | $ | 10,549,550 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Reinsurance & Monoline Excess | 110,811 | 3,480,209 | 538,677 | 1,462,177 | 234,728 | 799,105 | 138,679 | 292,526 | 1,422,546 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Corporate, other and eliminations | — | — | — | — | 40,695 | — | — | 264,173 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 951,728 | $ | 20,368,030 | $ | 6,375,112 | $ | 11,548,485 | $ | 1,333,161 | $ | 7,131,595 | $ | 1,219,849 | $ | 2,382,457 | $ | 11,972,096 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| December 31, 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Insurance | $ | 736,348 | $ | 15,298,372 | $ | 5,322,869 | $ | 9,007,376 | $ | 783,660 | $ | 5,615,526 | $ | 897,908 | $ | 1,684,514 | $ | 9,560,533 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Reinsurance & Monoline Excess | 125,261 | 3,441,280 | 599,457 | 1,393,311 | 221,966 | 756,616 | 141,067 | 268,309 | 1,393,934 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Corporate, other and eliminations | — | — | — | — | 47,209 | — | — | 372,138 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 861,609 | $ | 18,739,652 | $ | 5,922,326 | $ | 10,400,687 | $ | 1,052,835 | $ | 6,372,142 | $ | 1,038,975 | $ | 2,324,961 | $ | 10,954,467 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| December 31, 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Insurance | $ | 633,493 | $ | 13,655,613 | $ | 4,708,586 | $ | 8,171,828 | $ | 543,844 | $ | 5,013,614 | $ | 881,567 | $ | 1,418,374 | $ | 8,609,028 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Reinsurance & Monoline Excess | 129,993 | 3,355,610 | 589,068 | 1,389,601 | 200,512 | 848,136 | 157,336 | 247,918 | 1,395,042 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Corporate, other and eliminations | — | — | — | — | 34,829 | — | — | 256,310 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 763,486 | $ | 17,011,223 | $ | 5,297,654 | $ | 9,561,429 | $ | 779,185 | $ | 5,861,750 | $ | 1,038,903 | $ | 1,922,602 | $ | 10,004,070 |
See Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
Schedule IV
W. R. Berkley Corporation and Subsidiaries
Reinsurance
Years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022
| Premiums Written | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (In thousands, other than percentages) | Direct Amount | Ceded to Other Companies | Assumed from Other Companies | Net Amount | Percentage of Amount Assumed to Net | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Year ended December 31, 2024 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Insurance | $ | 12,417,129 | $ | 2,112,582 | $ | 245,003 | $ | 10,549,550 | 2.3 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Reinsurance & Monoline Excess | 487,764 | 126,413 | 1,061,195 | 1,422,546 | 74.6 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 12,904,893 | $ | 2,238,995 | $ | 1,306,198 | $ | 11,972,096 | 10.9 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Year ended December 31, 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Insurance | $ | 11,209,325 | $ | 1,900,560 | $ | 251,768 | $ | 9,560,533 | 2.6 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Reinsurance & Monoline Excess | 467,418 | 116,979 | 1,043,495 | 1,393,934 | 74.9 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 11,676,743 | $ | 2,017,539 | $ | 1,295,263 | $ | 10,954,467 | 11.8 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Year ended December 31, 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Insurance | $ | 10,193,154 | $ | 1,796,845 | $ | 212,719 | $ | 8,609,028 | 2.5 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Reinsurance & Monoline Excess | 501,984 | 108,137 | 1,001,195 | 1,395,042 | 71.8 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 10,695,138 | $ | 1,904,982 | $ | 1,213,914 | $ | 10,004,070 | 12.1 | % |
See Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
Schedule V
W. R. Berkley Corporation and Subsidiaries
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
Years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022
| (In thousands) | Opening Allowance Balance | Additions- Charged to Expense | Deduction- Amounts Written Off | Ending Allowance Balance | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Year ended December 31, 2024 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Premiums, fees and other receivables | $ | 42,325 | $ | 15,743 | $ | (8,587) | $ | 49,481 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Due from reinsurers | 8,404 | 568 | (622) | 8,350 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Deferred federal and foreign income taxes | 36,283 | 9,219 | (9,439) | 36,063 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fixed maturity securities | 36,751 | 2,053 | (38,133) | 671 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Loan loss reserves | 3,004 | 5 | (1,895) | 1,114 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 126,767 | $ | 27,588 | $ | (58,676) | $ | 95,679 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Year ended December 31, 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Premiums, fees and other receivables | $ | 36,931 | $ | 13,637 | $ | (8,243) | $ | 42,325 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Due from reinsurers | 8,064 | 340 | — | 8,404 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Deferred federal and foreign income taxes | 47,166 | 3,864 | (14,747) | 36,283 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fixed maturity securities | 37,466 | 5,013 | (5,728) | 36,751 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Loan loss reserves | 1,791 | 1,782 | (569) | 3,004 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 131,418 | $ | 24,636 | $ | (29,287) | $ | 126,767 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Year ended December 31, 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Premiums, fees and other receivables | $ | 30,860 | $ | 13,734 | $ | (7,663) | $ | 36,931 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Due from reinsurers | 7,713 | 352 | (1) | 8,064 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Deferred federal and foreign income taxes | 75,230 | 1,046 | (29,110) | 47,166 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fixed maturity securities | 22,625 | 15,152 | (311) | 37,466 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Loan loss reserves | 1,718 | 73 | — | 1,791 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 138,146 | $ | 30,357 | $ | (37,085) | $ | 131,418 |
See Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
Schedule VI
W. R. Berkley Corporation and Subsidiaries
Supplementary Information Concerning Property-Casualty Insurance Operations
Years Ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022
| (In thousands) | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||||||
| Deferred policy acquisition costs | $ | 951,728 | $ | 861,609 | $ | 763,486 | |||||||||||
| Reserves for losses and loss expenses | 20,368,030 | 18,739,652 | 17,011,223 | ||||||||||||||
| Unearned premiums | 6,375,112 | 5,922,326 | 5,297,654 | ||||||||||||||
| Net premiums earned | 11,548,485 | 10,400,687 | 9,561,429 | ||||||||||||||
| Net investment income | 1,333,161 | 1,052,835 | 779,185 | ||||||||||||||
| Losses and loss expenses incurred: | |||||||||||||||||
| Current year | 7,083,999 | 6,311,780 | 5,774,713 | ||||||||||||||
| Prior years | 14,350 | 29,681 | 54,511 | ||||||||||||||
| Loss reserve discount accretion | 33,246 | 30,681 | 32,526 | ||||||||||||||
| Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs | 1,219,849 | 1,038,975 | 1,038,903 | ||||||||||||||
| Paid losses and loss expenses | 5,484,430 | 4,981,610 | 4,347,910 | ||||||||||||||
| Net premiums written | 11,972,096 | 10,954,467 | 10,004,070 |
See Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.