W. R. Berkley Corporation (WRB)
NYSE:WRB
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Earnings Data
Report Date
Jul 27, 2026After Close (Confirmed)
Period Ending
2026 (Q2)Consensus EPS Forecast
1.09Last Year’s EPS
1.05Same Quarter Last Year
Based on 14 Analysts Ratings
Earnings Call Summary
Earnings Call Sentiment|Positive
The earnings call was broadly positive: the company delivered record investment income, strong underwriting profits, high ROE (21.2%), premium growth in the insurance segment, robust operating cash flow ($668M), active capital return ($302M buybacks), and a strong balance sheet with low leverage (~22.6%). Offsetting items include intensified competition—especially in property/reinsurance—a shrinking reinsurance book, persistent concerns in auto and certain workers' compensation jurisdictions (California), and the fact that the low effective tax rate was a one-time benefit expected to normalize. Management emphasized disciplined cycle management and underwriting discipline while noting selective shifts toward growth where margins permit. Overall, the positive operational and financial metrics outweigh the highlighted market challenges.Company Guidance
Record Net Investment Income
Net investment income reached a record $404 million, up 12.2% year-over-year, driven by core portfolio growth of 11.8% to $354 million and investment fund income rising 46.3% to $40 million (reported with one-quarter lag).
Strong Underwriting and Profitability
Record operating income of $514 million ($1.30/share) and net income of $515 million ($1.31/share) produced a return on beginning of year stockholders' equity of 21.2% for the quarter.
Healthy Combined Ratios and Lower Cat Impact
Current accident year combined ratio excluding catastrophes was 88.3% and the calendar year combined ratio was 90.7%. Current accident year catastrophe losses were 2.4 loss-ratio points ($76 million) versus 3.7 points ($111 million) in the prior-year quarter.
Premium Growth in Insurance Segment
Insurance segment gross premiums written grew 4.5% to $3.4 billion and net premiums written increased 3.2% to $2.8 billion; net premiums written grew across all lines except workers' compensation.
Strong Cash Flow and Capital Returns
Operating cash flow was $668 million for the quarter. The company repurchased approximately 4.5 million common shares for $302 million and paid regular dividends of $34 million while stockholders' equity increased to about $9.75 billion.
Improving Investment Portfolio Quality and Opportunity
Investment portfolio credit quality improved to an AA- rating; book yield ~4.7% with new-money rates above 5% and duration increased to 3.1 years, giving flexibility to extend duration and benefit from higher yields over time.
Expense Discipline
Expense ratio held at 28.6% for the quarter and management expects the full-year 2026 expense ratio to remain comfortably below 30% barring material market changes.
Strong Capital Position and Leverage
Financial leverage was low at approximately 22.6% (near multi-decade low), providing flexibility to return capital to shareholders or selectively increase leverage for compelling opportunities.
WRB Earnings History
The table shows recent earnings report dates and whether the forecast was beat or missed. See the change in forecast and EPS from the previous year.
Beat
Missed
WRB Earnings-Related Price Changes
Report Date | Price 1 Day Before | Price 1 Day After | Percentage Change |
|---|---|---|---|
Apr 21, 2026 | $65.40 | $67.50 | +3.21% |
Jan 26, 2026 | $66.80 | $67.14 | +0.52% |
Oct 20, 2025 | $72.23 | $73.73 | +2.07% |
Jul 21, 2025 | $66.57 | $67.29 | +1.09% |
Earnings announcements can affect a stock’s price. This table shows the stock's price the day before and the day after recent earnings reports, including the percentage change.
FAQ
When does W. R. Berkley Corporation (WRB) report earnings?
W. R. Berkley Corporation (WRB) is schdueled to report earning on Jul 27, 2026, After Close (Confirmed).
What is W. R. Berkley Corporation (WRB) earnings time?
W. R. Berkley Corporation (WRB) earnings time is at Jul 27, 2026, After Close (Confirmed).
Where can I see when companies are reporting earnings?
You can see which companies are reporting today on our designated earnings calendar.
What companies are reporting earnings today?
You can see a list of the companies which are reporting today on TipRanks earnings calendar.
What is WRB EPS forecast?
WRB EPS forecast for the fiscal quarter 2026 (Q2) is 1.09.