EDGAR 10-K Filing

Company CIK: 11544
Filing Year: 2025
Filename: 11544_10-K_2025_0000011544-25-000005.json

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ITEM 1. BUSINESS
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 businesses include premises operations, auto, property, products liability, general liability and professional liability lines. Products are generally distributed through wholesale agents and brokers.
Industry Specialty: Certain other businesses focus on providing specialty coverages to customers within a particular industry that are best served by underwriters and claims professionals with specialized knowledge of that industry. They offer multiple lines of business with policies tailored to address the unique exposures of these industries, often with the flexibility of providing coverages on either an admitted or a non-admitted basis in the U.S., as well as internationally. Each business delivers its products through one or more distribution channels, including retail and wholesale agents, brokers, and managing general agents (MGAs), depending on the customer and the particular risks insured.
Product Specialty: Other businesses specialize in providing specific lines of insurance coverage, such as workers’ compensation or professional liability, to a wide range of customers. They offer insurance products, analytical tools and risk management services such as loss control and claims management that enable clients to manage their risk appropriately. Business is typically written on an admitted basis, although some businesses may offer non-admitted products in the U.S. and offer products internationally. Independent agents and brokers are the primary means of distribution.
Regional: Certain businesses offer standard insurance products and services focused on meeting the specific needs of a geographically differentiated customer base. Key clients are small-to-midsized businesses. These regionally focused businesses provide a broad array of commercial insurance products to customers primarily in 45 states and the District of Columbia and have developed expertise in niches that reflect local economies. They are organized geographically in order to provide them with the flexibility to adapt quickly to local market conditions and customer needs.
In addition, through our non-U.S. insurance businesses, we have the capability to write business in 87 countries worldwide, with branches or offices in 40 cities outside the United States, in Asia, Australia, Canada, Continental Europe, Mexico, Scandinavia, South America and the United Kingdom. In each geographic region in which we operate, we have built decentralized structures that allow products and services to be tailored to each regional customer base. Our businesses are managed by teams of professionals with expertise in local markets and knowledge of regional environments.
In addition to providing insurance products, certain businesses also provide a wide variety of fee-based services, including claims, administrative and consulting services.
Businesses comprising the Insurance segment are as follows:
Acadia Insurance is a Northeast regional property casualty underwriter offering a broad portfolio of products exclusively through local independent agents in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont. In addition to its general offerings, Acadia has specialized expertise in insuring regional industries such as construction, service contractors, lumber, and transportation.
Admiral Insurance provides excess and surplus lines coverage for commercial risks that generally consist of hard-to- place, specialized risks that involve moderate to high degrees of hazard. In both general liability and professional lines, Admiral has a broad line of products to meet the needs of existing as well as emerging opportunities. The distribution of products is limited solely to wholesale brokers.
Berkley Accident and Health underwrites accident and health insurance and reinsurance products in four primary areas: medical stop loss, managed care, special risk and group captive. It has a diversified product and service portfolio serving a range of clients from small employers, health care organizations, and membership groups to Fortune 500 companies.
Berkley Agribusiness offers insurance for larger commercial risks across the United States involved in the supply, storage, handling, processing and distribution of commodities related to the agriculture and food industries.
Berkley Alliance Managers offers tailored insurance coverages and comprehensive risk management solutions designed to enhance profitability and reduce susceptibility to loss in four target markets - Design Professionals, Construction Professionals, Accounting Professionals and miscellaneous non-medical Service Professionals.
Berkley Aspire provides excess and surplus lines coverage on a national basis to small to medium-sized insureds with low to moderate insurance risk. Its product lines include general liability, excess liability and some property and inland marine coverage. It serves a limited distribution channel, including select agents.
Berkley Asset Protection provides specialized insurance coverages for fine arts and jewelry exposures to commercial and individual clients.
Berkley Canada underwrites specialty, casualty and surety lines of business on behalf of the Canadian branch of Berkley Insurance Company. It specializes in commercial casualty and professional liability, and offers a broad portfolio of risk products that include commercial general liability, umbrella, professional liability, directors and officers, commercial property and surety, in addition to niche products for specific industries such as technology, life sciences and travel.
Berkley Construction Solutions provides excess liability coverage to residential and commercial contractors on a project or practice basis.
Berkley Custom Insurance focuses on the excess casualty insurance market and offers umbrella and excess liability coverages to clients from the small/middle market to Fortune 1000 companies in target classes of business including construction, manufacturing, retail/wholesale trade, finance, real estate, public entities and oil & gas.
Berkley Cyber Risk Solutions focuses on insurance and risk management products that respond to the changing cyber security vulnerabilities of organizations around the world. It offers specialty commercial cyber insurance coverages on a worldwide basis to clients of all sizes.
Berkley Enterprise Risk Solutions provides custom workers' compensation programs to large employers operating in a broad range of industries. Loss sensitive and/or guaranteed cost programs are offered to employers with exposure predominately in California.
Berkley Entertainment underwrites property casualty insurance products, both on an admitted and non-admitted basis, for clients in the entertainment industry and sports-related organizations.
Berkley Environmental underwrites casualty and specialty environmental products for environmental customers including contractors, consultants, property owners and facilities operators.
Berkley Financial Specialists serves the insurance needs of companies predominantly in the financial services sector. Its Berkley Crime division provides crime and fidelity related insurance products for commercial organizations, financial sector businesses and governmental entities on a primary and excess basis. Its Financial Services segment provides management liability and fidelity products to financial institutions, insurance companies and asset management firms.
Berkley Fire & Marine offers a broad range of preferred inland marine and related property risks and services to customers throughout the United States. Products are distributed through independent agents and brokers.
Berkley Healthcare underwrites customized, comprehensive insurance solutions for the full spectrum of healthcare providers. Through Berkley Healthcare Medical Professional, it offers a wide range of medical professional coverages. Through Berkley Healthcare Financial Lines, it offers a comprehensive suite of financial lines coverages.
Berkley Human Services provides property casualty insurance coverages to human services organizations, including nonprofit and for-profit organizations. Its product offerings include traditional primary and excess coverages.
Berkley Industrial Comp specializes in writing workers' compensation insurance for diverse high hazard industries in select states. Its products are distributed by a select group of independent retail agents and wholesale brokers.
Berkley Insurance Asia underwrites specialty commercial insurance coverages to clients in North Asia and Southeast Asia through offices in Hong Kong, India, Shanghai and Singapore.
Berkley Insurance Australia underwrites general insurance business in Australia, including professional indemnity insurance for companies of all sizes.
Berkley Latinoamérica provides property, casualty, auto, surety, group life and workers' compensation products and services in Argentina, Brazil, the Caribbean, Colombia, Mexico and Uruguay.
Berkley Life Sciences offers a comprehensive spectrum of property casualty products to the life sciences industry on a global basis, including both primary and excess product liability coverages. It serves pharmaceutical and biotech companies, medical device companies, dietary supplement companies, medical and research related software developers, contract research and manufacturing organizations, research institutions and organizations, and other related businesses.
Berkley Luxury Group provides both admitted and non-admitted commercial package insurance solutions for premium real estate business including high-end cooperatives and condominiums, office buildings and upscale restaurants across major metropolitan markets throughout the continental U.S. It also offers non-admitted excess property coverage for high-value properties on a shared and layered basis across the U.S.
Berkley Management Protection offers a modular suite of management liability products for small and middle market companies through a bespoke and easy to use platform tailored to independent agents. The management liability coverages they provide include directors and officers, employment practices, fiduciary, cyber, crime and miscellaneous professional liability.
Berkley Mid-Atlantic Group provides commercial property casualty coverages to a wide variety of businesses in Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. Focusing on small and middle market accounts, it complements its standard writings with specialized products in areas such as construction.
Berkley Net Underwriters focuses on small and medium-sized commercial risks, using a web-based system to allow producers to quote, bind and service workers' compensation insurance products on behalf of Berkley member insurance companies.
Berkley North Pacific offers preferred insurance products and services to a broad range of small to medium size commercial entities. It operates through independent agents in Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Utah and Washington.
Berkley Offshore Underwriting Managers is a specialist global underwriter of energy and marine risks. Its three divisions provide specialty insurance products in the energy upstream, energy liability and marine sectors.
Berkley Oil & Gas provides property casualty products and risk services to the United States energy sector. Its customer base includes risks that work in the oil patch, including operators, drillers, geophysical contractors, well-servicing contractors, and manufacturers/distributors of oil field products, as well as those in the renewable energy sector.
Berkley One provides a customizable suite of personal lines insurance solutions including home, condo/co-op, auto, fine art and collectibles, liability, collector vehicle and recreational marine. Berkley One targets high net worth individuals and families with sophisticated risk management needs.
Berkley Product Protection offers a broad product suite, including product liability and product recall and contamination, to assist clients in the manufacturing, wholesale and import space with their risk management and insurance needs.
Berkley Professional Liability specializes in professional liability insurance for publicly-traded and private entities on a worldwide basis. Its liability coverages include directors and officers, errors and omissions, fiduciary, employment practices, and sponsored insurance agents' errors and omissions. Berkley Transactional, a division of Berkley Professional Liability, underwrites a full suite of transactional insurance products, including representations and warranties insurance, and tax opinion insurance.
Berkley Public Entity specializes in providing excess coverage and services to individual governmental and scholastic entities and intergovernmental risk sharing groups. Products include general liability, auto liability, law enforcement liability, public officials and educator's legal liability, employment practices liability, incidental medical, property and crime.
Berkley Risk provides at-risk and alternative risk insurance program management services for a broad range of groups and individuals including public entity pools, professional associations, and self-insured clients. As a third party administrator, it manages workers’ compensation, liability and property claims nationwide.
Berkley Select specializes in underwriting professional liability insurance for law firms and accounting firms, as well as other professional firms and their practices. It also offers executive liability products, including directors and officers liability, employment practices and fiduciary liability, to small to middle market privately held and not-for-profit customers. Berkley Select provides these insurance products on both an admitted and surplus lines basis.
Berkley Small Business Solutions offers commercial insurance products for small businesses through a modern technology platform that leverages data and analytics. Its initial product offering focuses on preferred risks in the non-fleet transportation market.
Berkley Southeast offers a wide array of commercial lines products in six southeastern states: Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee, specializing in small to mid-sized accounts.
Berkley Southwest offers preferred commercial property and casualty insurance products and services to a wide range of small to medium size commercial entities with a focus on the construction, farm/ranch, retail and service industries. It operates through independent agents in Arizona, Arkansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas.
Berkley Specialty Excess provides excess and surplus lines coverages for hard-to-place risks involved in moderate to high degrees of hazard. It focuses on highly specialized risk exposures within specific industry verticals such as the environmental and energy industries. Its predominate focus is on providing excess insurance; however, in some cases it provides highly specialized environmental primary products tailored to the individual risk. Products are distributed through a minimal number of insurance brokers and agents that specialize in these industry verticals.
Berkley Surety provides a full spectrum of surety bonds for construction, environmental and commercial surety accounts in the U.S. and Canada, through an independent agency and broker platform across seven field locations.
Berkley Technology Underwriters provides technology error & omission (TE&O) and first party cyber coverage along with traditional package, umbrella and worker's compensation products. TE&O and cyber products provide industry specialization for both domestic and foreign technology, government contracting, telecommunications, digital media, manufacturing and private equity firms.
Carolina Casualty is a national provider of primary commercial insurance products and services to the transportation industry. It underwrites on an admitted basis in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Its Berkley Prime Transportation business provides primary auto liability, auto physical damage and general liability to a broad array of trucking operations.
Continental Western Group is a Midwest regional property and casualty insurance operation providing underwriting and risk management services to a broad array of regional businesses in thirteen Midwest states. In addition to its generalist portfolio, Continental Western offers specialty underwriting solutions for diversified agriculture, construction, light manufacturing, transportation, volunteer fire departments, rural utilities and public entities.
Gemini Transportation is a national provider of excess liability insurance for various domestic surface transportation businesses, including the railroad industry as well as the trucking, busing and other industries that use rubber-wheeled vehicles for over-the-road use.
Intrepid Direct provides commercial insurance coverages through a direct distribution model focused on the franchise market, with specialties including the restaurant, garage and fitness industries.
Key Risk specializes in writing workers' compensation insurance for diverse industries including healthcare, human services, transportation, temporary staffing, professional employer organizations and contractors requiring coverage under the United States Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (USL&H). Its products are distributed by a select group of independent retail agents and wholesale brokers located throughout the United States.
Nautilus Insurance Group insures excess and surplus lines risks for small to medium-sized commercial risks with low to moderate susceptibility to loss. It writes commercial excess and surplus lines business nationwide and admitted lines commercial business in a limited number of states. A substantial portion of Nautilus' business is written through its close, long-standing network of general agents, who are chosen on a highly selective basis.
Preferred Employers Insurance focuses exclusively on workers' compensation products and services for businesses based in California. It serves a broad spectrum of industries throughout the state.
Vela Insurance Services specializes in commercial casualty insurance on an excess and surplus lines basis. Its primary focus is on general liability insurance for construction, manufacturing and general casualty clients as well as products liability and miscellaneous professional liability coverages distributed through wholesale insurance brokers.
Verus Specialty Insurance offers tailored casualty, professional liability, and garage coverages, specializing in the excess and surplus lines market. It primarily serves the construction, manufacturing, garage service and professional sectors through a selective wholesale broker network.
W R B Europe is comprised of specialist businesses offering a focused range of insurance products to markets in Continental Europe.
W / R / B Underwriting provides a broad range of insurance products to the Lloyd's marketplace, with a concentration in specialist classes of business including property, professional indemnity and financial lines.
The following table sets forth the percentage of gross premiums written by each Insurance business:
Year Ended December 31,
2024 2023 2022
Acadia Insurance 5.4% 5.4% 5.3%
Admiral Insurance 7.3 7.0 6.3
Berkley Accident and Health 5.9 5.4 5.2
Berkley Agribusiness 0.6 0.8 0.8
Berkley Alliance Managers 2.3 2.4 2.8
Berkley Aspire 1.3 1.2 1.0
Berkley Asset Protection 0.9 0.9 1.0
Berkley Canada 1.0 1.0 1.2
Berkley Construction Solutions 0.7 0.6 0.4
Berkley Custom Insurance 2.9 2.9 3.2
Berkley Cyber Risk Solutions 0.7 0.8 0.9
Berkley Enterprise Risk Solutions 0.2 0.1 -
Berkley Entertainment 1.6 1.7 1.9
Berkley Environmental 7.3 6.7 5.7
Berkley Financial Specialists 0.6 0.6 0.6
Berkley Fire & Marine 0.8 0.9 0.8
Berkley Healthcare 1.2 1.5 1.8
Berkley Human Services 1.4 1.3 1.1
Berkley Industrial Comp 0.8 0.7 0.7
Berkley Insurance Asia 0.7 0.8 0.8
Berkley Insurance Australia 1.4 1.6 1.7
Berkley Latinoamérica 3.3 3.2 3.0
Berkley Life Sciences 0.5 0.5 0.5
Berkley Luxury Group 0.7 0.7 0.8
Berkley Management Protection 0.3 0.2 0.1
Berkley Mid-Atlantic Group 0.7 0.9 1.0
Berkley Net Underwriters 1.9 2.0 2.3
Berkley North Pacific 0.8 0.7 0.7
Berkley Offshore Underwriting Managers 1.4 1.5 1.5
Berkley Oil & Gas 1.8 3.0 3.5
Berkley One 3.7 2.6 1.8
Berkley Product Protection 0.4 0.3 0.3
Berkley Professional Liability 2.7 3.8 5.9
Berkley Public Entity 0.6 0.7 0.7
Berkley Risk 0.3 0.3 0.3
Berkley Select 1.8 1.9 1.8
Berkley Small Business Solutions 0.3 0.2 -
Berkley Southeast 2.2 2.3 2.2
Berkley Southwest 1.1 1.3 1.5
Berkley Specialty Excess 0.6 0.2 -
Berkley Surety 1.1 1.1 1.1
Berkley Technology Underwriters 0.6 0.6 0.6
Carolina Casualty 2.0 2.2 2.1
Continental Western Group 2.8 2.6 2.4
Gemini Transportation 2.8 3.0 3.1
Intrepid Direct 1.4 1.5 1.2
Key Risk 1.9 2.1 2.2
Nautilus Insurance Group 5.2 4.8 4.8
Preferred Employers Insurance 0.9 1.0 1.3
Vela Insurance Services 2.5 2.7 2.6
Verus Specialty Insurance 1.1 1.0 0.8
W R B Europe 1.2 1.1 1.1
W/R/B Underwriting 4.1 3.9 3.7
Other 2.3 1.8 1.9
Total 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%
The following table sets forth percentages of gross premiums written, by line, by our Insurance operations:
Year Ended December 31,
2024 2023 2022
Other liability 39.0% 38.7% 37.5%
Short-tail lines (1) 26.1 24.7 22.8
Auto 12.9 12.7 12.0
Professional liability 12.0 13.1 15.8
Workers' compensation 10.0 10.8 11.9
Total 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%
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(1)Short-tail lines include commercial multi-peril (non-liability), inland marine, accident and health, fidelity and surety, boiler and machinery, high net worth homeowners and other lines.
Reinsurance & Monoline Excess
We provide other insurance companies and self-insureds with assistance in managing their net risk through reinsurance on either a portfolio basis, through treaty reinsurance, or on an individual basis, through facultative reinsurance as well as certain program management businesses. Our monoline excess operations solely retain risk on an excess basis.
Businesses comprising the Reinsurance & Monoline Excess segment are as follows:
Berkley Integrated Solutions offers specialized solutions to clients through facultative reinsurance, turnkey offerings and program management through the following units: Berkley Re Solutions offers casualty facultative reinsurance products including automatic, semi-automatic and individual risk assumed to clients on a direct basis through a nationwide network of regional offices. It also provides its customers with turnkey products such as cyber, employment practices liability insurance, liquor liability insurance and violent events coverage to help enhance its clients' product offerings, along with underwriting, claims, and actuarial consultation services. Berkley Program Specialists is a program management business offering both admitted and non-admitted insurance support on a nationwide basis for commercial casualty and property program administrators with specialized insurance expertise.
Berkley Re America provides treaty and facultative reinsurance solutions on a variety of product lines through reinsurance brokers to companies whose primary operations are within the United States and Canada.
Berkley Re Asia Pacific provides property and casualty reinsurance to the Asia Pacific marketplace. With offices in Brisbane, Sydney, Beijing and Singapore, each branch focuses on excess of loss reinsurance, targeting both property and casualty treaty and facultative contracts, through multiple distribution channels.
Berkley Re UK writes international property casualty treaty and property facultative accounts. Its territorial scope includes reinsured clients domiciled in the United Kingdom, Europe, Africa, the Middle East and the Caribbean.
Lloyd's Syndicate 2791 Participation represents the Company's minority participation in a Lloyd's syndicate that writes a broad range of mainly short-tail classes of business.
Midwest Employers Casualty offers tailored excess workers' compensation insurance coverage nationwide, as well as customized captive insurance coverage to U.S. domiciled and offshore captives. It distributes its products through retail and wholesale agencies.
The following table sets forth the percentages of gross premiums written by each Reinsurance & Monoline Excess business:
Year Ended December 31,
2024 2023 2022
Berkley Integrated Solutions 14.1% 16.2% 22.5%
Berkley Re America 34.4 31.5 30.9
Berkley Re Asia Pacific 13.8 14.9 13.7
Berkley Re UK 9.9 10.6 11.3
Lloyd's Syndicate 2791 Participation 8.6 8.8 5.4
Midwest Employers Casualty 19.2 18.0 16.2
Total 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%
The following table sets forth the percentages of gross premiums written, by line, by our Reinsurance & Monoline Excess operations:
Year Ended December 31,
2024 2023 2022
Casualty 49.1% 54.1% 61.1%
Property 31.6 27.9 22.7
Monoline Excess 19.3 18.0 16.2
Total 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%
Results by Segment
Summary financial information about our segments is presented on a GAAP basis in the following table:
Year Ended December 31,
(In thousands)
2024 2023 2022
Insurance
Revenue $ 11,181,501 $ 9,827,866 $ 8,749,019
Income before income taxes 1,942,083 1,629,918 1,445,745
Reinsurance & Monoline Excess
Revenue 1,696,905 1,615,277 1,590,113
Income before income taxes 466,595 449,285 326,440
Other (1)
Revenue 760,346 699,795 827,367
Loss before income taxes (144,185) (324,800) (52,504)
Total
Revenue $ 13,638,752 $ 12,142,938 $ 11,166,499
Income before income taxes $ 2,264,493 $ 1,754,403 $ 1,719,681
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(1)Represents corporate revenues and expenses, net investment gains and losses, and revenues and expenses from non-insurance businesses that are consolidated for financial reporting purposes.
The table below represents summary underwriting ratios on a GAAP basis for our segments. Loss ratio is losses and loss expenses incurred expressed as a percentage of net premiums earned. Expense ratio is policy acquisition and insurance operating expenses expressed as a percentage of net premiums earned. Policy acquisition and insurance operating expenses do not include expenses related to insurance services or unallocated corporate expenses. Combined ratio is the sum of the loss ratio and the expense ratio. The combined ratio represents a measure of underwriting profitability, excluding investment income. A number in excess of 100 indicates an underwriting loss; a number below 100 indicates an underwriting profit:
Year Ended December 31,
2024 2023 2022
Insurance
Loss ratio 62.8 % 62.3 % 61.4 %
Expense ratio 28.4 28.3 27.7
Combined ratio 91.2 % 90.6 % 89.1 %
Reinsurance & Monoline Excess
Loss ratio 54.7 % 54.3 % 61.0 %
Expense ratio 29.4 29.4 29.2
Combined ratio 84.1 % 83.7 % 90.2 %
Total
Loss ratio 61.8 % 61.3 % 61.3 %
Expense ratio 28.5 28.4 28.0
Combined ratio 90.3 % 89.7 % 89.3 %
Investments
Investment results, before income taxes, were as follows:
Year Ended December 31,
(In thousands) 2024 2023 2022
Average investments, at cost (1) $ 28,942,819 $ 26,444,111 $ 24,438,112
Net investment income (1) $ 1,333,161 $ 1,052,835 $ 779,185
Percent earned on average investments (1) 4.6 % 3.9 % 3.2 %
Net investment gains $ 117,708 $ 47,042 $ 202,397
Change in unrealized investment gains (losses) (2) $ 84,474 $ 392,903 $ (1,248,128)
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(1)Includes investments, cash and cash equivalents, trading accounts receivable (payable) from brokers and clearing organizations, trading account securities sold but not yet purchased and unsettled purchases.
(2)Represents the pre-tax change in unrealized investment gains (losses) for available for sale securities recognized in stockholders' equity.
For comparison, the following are the coupon returns for the Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index and the dividend returns for the S&P 500® Index:
Year Ended December 31,
2024 2023 2022
Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index 3.4 % 3.3 % 2.7 %
S&P 500® Index
1.7 2.0 1.3
The percentages of the fixed maturity portfolio categorized by contractual maturity, based on fair value, on the dates indicated, are set forth below. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because certain issuers may have the right to call or prepay certain obligations.
Year Ended December 31,
2024 2023 2022
1 year or less 7.7% 9.2% 8.7%
Over 1 year through 5 years 40.5 46.2 47.2
Over 5 years through 10 years 17.4 21.2 23.4
Over 10 years 17.6 12.2 11.2
Mortgage-backed securities 16.8 11.2 9.5
Total 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%
At each of December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, the fixed maturity portfolio, including cash and cash equivalents, had an effective duration of 2.6 years, 2.4 years and 2.4 years, respectively.
Loss and Loss Expense Reserves
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 others, 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 necessarily 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.
The risk and complexity of estimating loss reserves are greater when economic conditions are uncertain. It is especially difficult to estimate the impact of inflation on loss reserves given the current economic environment and related government actions. Whereas a slowing economy would generally lead to lower inflation or even deflation, increased government spending would generally lead to higher inflation. A change in our assumptions regarding inflation would result in reserve increases or decreases that would be reflected in our earnings in periods in which such assumptions are changed.
Reserves do not represent an exact 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 the reserves are well tested over time, some of 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 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. Although the loss reserves included in the Company’s financial statements represent management’s best estimates, setting reserves is inherently uncertain and the Company cannot provide assurance that its current reserves will prove adequate in light of subsequent events.
The Company discounts its liabilities for certain workers’ compensation reserves. The amount of workers’ compensation reserves that were discounted was $1,358 million and $1,352 million at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The aggregate net discount for those reserves, after reflecting the effects of ceded reinsurance, was $405 million and $390 million at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. At December 31, 2024, discount rates by year ranged from 0.7% to 6.5%, with a weighted average discount rate of 3.6%.
Substantially all discounted workers’ compensation reserves (97% of total discounted reserves at December 31, 2024) are excess workers’ compensation reserves. In order to properly match loss expenses with income earned on investment securities supporting the liabilities, reserves for excess workers’ compensation business are discounted using risk-free discount rates determined by reference to the U.S. Treasury yield curve. These rates are determined annually based on the weighted average rate for the period. Once established, no adjustments are made to the discount rate for that period, and any increases or decreases in loss reserves in subsequent years are discounted at the same rate, without regard to when any such adjustments are recognized. The expected loss and loss expense payout patterns subject to discounting are derived from the Company’s loss payout experience.
The Company also discounts reserves for certain other long-duration workers’ compensation reserves (representing approximately 3% of total discounted reserves at December 31, 2024), including reserves for quota share reinsurance and reserves related to losses regarding occupational lung disease. These reserves are discounted at statutory rates permitted by the Department of Insurance of the State of Delaware.
To date, known environmental and asbestos claims have not had a material impact on the Company’s operations, because its subsidiaries generally did not insure large industrial companies that are subject to significant environmental or asbestos exposures prior to 1986 when an absolute exclusion was incorporated into standard policy language.
The Company’s net reserves for losses and loss expenses relating to environmental and asbestos claims on policies written before adoption of the absolute exclusion was $16 million and $17 million at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The estimation of these liabilities is subject to significantly greater than normal variation and uncertainty because it is difficult to make an actuarial estimate of these liabilities due to the absence of a generally accepted actuarial methodology for these exposures and the potential effect of significant unresolved legal matters, including coverage issues, as well as the cost of litigating the legal issues. Additionally, the determination of ultimate damages and the final allocation of such damages to financially responsible parties are highly uncertain.
The table below provides a reconciliation of the beginning of year and end of year property casualty reserves for the indicated years:
(In thousands) 2024 2023 2022
Net reserves at beginning of year $ 15,661,820 $ 14,248,879 $ 12,848,362
Net provision for losses and loss expenses:
Claims occurring during the current year (1) 7,083,999 6,311,780 5,774,713
Increase in estimates for claims occurring in prior years (2) 14,350 29,681 54,511
Loss reserve discount accretion 33,246 30,681 32,526
Total 7,131,595 6,372,142 5,861,750
Net payments for claims:
Current year 1,278,585 1,217,078 1,068,577
Prior years 4,205,845 3,764,532 3,279,333
Total 5,484,430 4,981,610 4,347,910
Foreign currency translation (142,344) 22,409 (113,323)
Net reserves at end of year 17,166,641 15,661,820 14,248,879
Ceded reserves at end of year 3,201,389 3,077,832 2,762,344
Gross reserves at end of year $ 20,368,030 $ 18,739,652 $ 17,011,223
Net change in premiums and losses occurring in prior years:
Increase in estimates for claims occurring in prior years (2) $ (14,350) $ (29,681) $ (54,511)
Retrospective premium adjustments for claims occurring in prior years (3) 18,782 10,782 18,106
Net premium and reserve development on prior years $ 4,432 $ (18,899) $ (36,405)
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(1)Claims occurring during the current year are net of loss reserve discounts of $49 million, $47 million and $35 million in 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
(2)The change in estimates for claims occurring in prior years is net of loss reserve discount. On an undiscounted basis, the estimates for claims occurring in prior years increased by $13 million in 2024, decreased by $13 million in 2023, and increased by $16 million in 2022.
(3)For certain retrospectively rated insurance policies and reinsurance agreements, changes in loss and loss expenses for prior years are offset by additional or return premiums.
Also, see Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and note 13, Reserves for Losses and Loss Expenses included in our audited consolidated financial statements for further information regarding the changes in estimates for claims occurring in prior years.
A reconciliation between the reserves as of December 31, 2024 as reported in the accompanying consolidated GAAP financial statements and those reported on the basis of statutory accounting principles (“SAP”) in the Company’s U.S. regulatory filings is as follows:
(In thousands)
Net reserves reported in U.S. regulatory filings on a SAP basis $ 16,328,835
Reserves for non-U.S. companies 922,868
Loss reserve discounting (1) (92,921)
Ceded reserves 3,201,389
Allowance for expected credit losses on due from reinsurers 7,859
Gross reserves reported in the consolidated GAAP financial statements $ 20,368,030
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(1)For statutory purposes, the Company discounts its workers’ compensation reinsurance reserves at 2.5% as prescribed or permitted by the Department of Insurance of the State of Delaware. In its GAAP financial statements, the Company discounts excess workers’ compensation reserves at the risk-free rate and assumed workers’ compensation reserves at the statutory rate.
Reinsurance
We follow a common industry practice of reinsuring a portion of our exposures and paying to reinsurers a portion of the premiums received on the policies that we write. Reinsurance is purchased principally to reduce net liability on individual risks and to protect against catastrophic losses. Although reinsurance does not legally discharge an insurer from its primary liability for the full amount of the policies, it does make the assuming reinsurer contractually liable to the insurer to the extent of the reinsurance coverage. We monitor the financial condition of our reinsurers and attempt to place our coverages only with substantial, financially sound carriers. As a result, generally the reinsurers who reinsure our casualty insurance must have an A.M. Best rating of “A (Excellent)” or better with at least $1 billion in policyholder surplus and the reinsurers who cover our property insurance must have an A.M. Best rating of “A- (Excellent)” or better with at least $1 billion in policyholder surplus.
Regulation
U.S. Regulation
Our U.S. insurance subsidiaries are principally regulated by their domiciliary state insurance departments and are subject to varying degrees of regulation and supervision in the other U.S. jurisdictions in which they do business. As of January 1, 2025, there are six domiciliary states related to our U.S. insurance subsidiaries.
Overview. Our domestic insurance subsidiaries are subject to statutes which delegate regulatory, supervisory and administrative powers to state insurance commissioners. This regulation relates to such matters as the standards of solvency which must be met and maintained; the licensing of insurers and their agents; the nature of and limitations on investments; deposits of securities for the benefit of policyholders; approval of certain policy forms and premium rates; periodic examination of the affairs of insurance companies; annual and other reports required to be filed on the financial condition of insurers or for other purposes; establishment and maintenance of reserves for unearned premiums, loss expenses and losses; and requirements regarding numerous other matters. Our property casualty subsidiaries, other than our excess and surplus lines and reinsurance subsidiaries, must generally file all rates with the insurance department of each state in which they operate. Our excess and
surplus lines and reinsurance subsidiaries generally operate free of rate and form regulation.
Holding Company Statutes. In addition to regulatory supervision of our insurance subsidiaries, we are subject to state statutes governing insurance holding company systems. Under the terms of applicable state statutes, any person or entity desiring to purchase more than a specified percentage (commonly 10%) of our outstanding voting securities would be required to obtain prior regulatory approval of the purchase. Typically, such statutes require that we periodically file information with the appropriate domiciliary state insurance commissioner, including information concerning our capital structure, ownership, financial condition and general business operations.
We are required to submit to the Delaware Department of Insurance, the lead state regulator for our group, an annual “enterprise risk management report,” which identifies the activities and circumstances of any affiliated company that might have a material adverse effect on the financial condition of our group or our U.S. licensed insurers. We must also annually submit to the Delaware Department of Insurance an Own Risk and Solvency Assessment Summary Report (“ORSA Report”), which is a confidential internal assessment of the material and relevant risks associated with an insurer’s current business plan and the sufficiency of capital resources to support those risks. We are required to, at least annually, conduct an Own Risk and Solvency Assessment regarding the adequacy of our risk management framework and our current, and estimated projected future, solvency position. We must internally document the process and results of the assessment.
Under the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (the “NAIC”) model holding company act adopted by the states, U.S. insurance regulators are authorized to lead or participate in the group-wide supervision of internationally active insurance groups (“IAIG”). In November 2019, the International Association of Insurance Supervisors (“IAIS”), an international standard setter, adopted a global framework for the supervision of IAIGs, as discussed below under “International Regulation.” In December 2024, the IAIS adopted a risk-based, group-wide global insurance capital standard (“ICS”) applicable to IAIGs. IAIS member states, including the U.S., will now update their domestic insurance group capital requirements where necessary to fully reflect the ICS. We received notice from the Delaware Department of Insurance in 2024 that we are considered an IAIG. As an IAIG, we may be subject to international oversight coordinated by the Delaware Department of Insurance.
In the United States, the NAIC has developed a group capital calculation tool that uses a risk-based capital aggregation methodology to aggregate the available capital and the minimum capital of each entity in an insurance group regardless of their structure. The NAIC has indicated that it intends to work domestically on its approach to the group capital aggregation method with respect to U.S. implementation of the ICS. Delaware has adopted the NAIC amendments to the model holding company act and regulation that require the ultimate controlling person of an insurer subject to holding company registration to submit the group capital calculation filing annually with its lead state regulator.
Cybersecurity Regulations. New York’s cybersecurity regulation applies to financial services institutions authorized by the New York State Department of Financial Services (the “NYDFS”), including our insurance subsidiaries licensed in New York. The regulation requires these entities to assess risks associated with their information systems and establish and maintain a cybersecurity program reasonably designed to protect consumers’ private data and the confidentiality, integrity and availability of the licensee’s information systems. The NYDFS has adopted amendments to New York’s cybersecurity regulation, which require additional reporting, governance and oversight measures, and enhanced cybersecurity safeguards to be implemented. The amendments take effect in phases that began in 2023 and continue through 2025.
The NAIC has adopted the Insurance Data Security Model Law (the “Cybersecurity Model Law”) for consideration by state legislatures, which establishes standards for data security, the investigation of cybersecurity events involving the unauthorized access to, or misuse of, certain nonpublic information, and reporting to insurance commissioners. The Cybersecurity Model Law imposes significant regulatory burdens intended to protect the confidentiality, integrity and availability of information systems. The Cybersecurity Model Law, or a form thereof, has been adopted by several states, including three of our U.S. insurance subsidiaries’ domiciliary states. A drafting note in the Cybersecurity Model Law states that a licensee’s compliance with New York's cybersecurity regulation is intended to constitute compliance with the Cybersecurity Model Law, but compliance remains a state-by-state issue requiring consideration of any state differences in implementation and enforcement of the Cybersecurity Model Law.
Certain other states have enacted or are considering laws and regulations related to privacy and data security. For example, the California Consumer Privacy Act (“CCPA”), broadly regulates the collection, processing and disclosure of California residents’ personal information, imposes limits on the “sale” of personal information and grants California residents certain rights to, among other things, access and delete data about them in certain circumstances. The CCPA also established a private right of action, with potentially significant statutory damages, whereby businesses that fail to implement reasonable security measures to protect against breaches of personal information could be liable to affected California consumers. California subsequently enacted the California Privacy Rights Act (“CPRA”), which imposed additional limitations and obligations with respect to covered businesses’ use and sharing of certain personal data. Compliance with the CCPA/CPRA may increase the cost of providing our products and services in California. An increasing number of U.S. states have adopted,
or are considering legislation similar to the CCPA. Additionally, the NAIC is developing amendments to update the Privacy of Consumer Financial and Health Information Regulation to reflect the extensive innovations in communications and technology since its adoption. The proposed amendments would expand the definition of nonpublic personal information; add consumer rights to request access, correction and deletion of nonpublic personal information; and add requirements for contracts with third-party service providers. The deadline to finalize the amendments was recently extended until December 31, 2025.
We cannot predict the impact, if any, that any current, proposed or future federal or state cybersecurity laws or regulations will have on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
Innovation and Technology. As a result of increased innovation and use of technology in the insurance sector, the NAIC and insurance regulators have been focusing on the use of “big data” technologies, such as artificial intelligence, machine learning and automated decision-making. In December 2023, the NAIC adopted the Model Bulletin on the Use of Artificial Intelligence Systems by Insurers (the “AI Bulletin”). The AI Bulletin may be adopted and issued by state regulators to licensed insurers. In addition to affirming that the use of artificial intelligence must comply with existing state law, the AI Bulletin sets forth regulators’ expectations on how insurers will develop, acquire and use artificial intelligence technologies including around the use of third-party data and models. In 2024, the NAIC formed a new task force to develop and propose a regulatory framework for the oversight of insurers’ use of third-party data and predictive models, the drafting of which is expected to begin in 2025.
The NAIC and state insurance regulators are also focused on addressing unfair discrimination by insurers in the use of consumer data and technology, and certain states have passed laws or are considering action targeting unfair discrimination practices. For example, Colorado has enacted a law that prohibits insurers from using external consumer data and information sources (“ECDIS”), as well as algorithms or predictive models that use ECDIS, in a way that unfairly discriminates based on race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity or gender expression. The Colorado Division of Insurance adopted regulations requiring life insurers to adopt a governance and risk management framework for the use of artificial intelligence, machine learning and other technologies that utilize “external consumer data.” In December 2024, the Colorado Division of Insurance released a draft proposed amendment to bring passenger automobile and health benefit plan insurers within its scope. It is expected that Colorado will further adopt governance and testing regulations for other lines of insurance. Similarly, in July 2024, the NYDFS issued Insurance Circular Letter 7 on the Use of Artificial Intelligence and External Consumer Data and Information Sources in Insurance Underwriting and Pricing, which applies to our insurance subsidiaries licensed in New York. Circular Letter 7 sets forth fairness principles, transparency requirements, and governance and risk management responsibilities for insurers under NYDFS’ jurisdiction that develop and/or use ECDIS, artificial intelligence systems, and other predictive models in underwriting and pricing insurance policies and annuity contracts.
We cannot predict whether states will adopt the AI Bulletin or a similar regulation, or what, if any, changes to laws or regulations may be enacted with regard to “big data” or artificial intelligence technologies.
Risk-Based Capital Requirements. The NAIC utilizes a Risk-Based Capital (“RBC”) formula that is designed to measure the adequacy of an insurer's statutory surplus in relation to the risks inherent in its business. The RBC formula develops a risk adjusted target level of adjusted statutory capital by applying certain factors to various asset, premium and reserve items. The NAIC RBC Model Law provides for four incremental levels of regulatory attention for insurers whose surplus is below the calculated RBC target. These levels of attention range in severity from requiring the insurer to submit a plan for corrective action to actually placing the insurer under regulatory control. The RBC of each of our domestic insurance subsidiaries was above the calculated RBC target level as of December 31, 2024.
Insurance Regulatory Information System. The NAIC also has developed a set of 13 financial ratios for property and casualty insurers referred to as the Insurance Regulatory Information System (“IRIS”). On the basis of statutory financial statements filed with state insurance regulators, the NAIC annually calculates these IRIS ratios to assist state insurance regulators in monitoring the financial condition of insurance companies. The NAIC has established an acceptable range for each of the IRIS financial ratios.
Guaranty Funds. Our U.S. insurance subsidiaries are also subject to assessment by state guaranty funds in states where we transact admitted business when an insurer in a particular jurisdiction has been judicially declared insolvent and the insolvent company's available funds are insufficient to pay policyholders and claimants the amounts to which they are entitled. The protection afforded under a state's guaranty fund to policyholders of the insolvent insurer varies from state to state. Generally, all licensed property casualty insurers are considered to be members of the fund, and assessments are based upon their pro rata share of direct written premiums in that state. The NAIC Post-Assessment Property and Liability Insurance Guaranty Association Model Act, a version of which has been adopted by all states, limits assessments to 2% of an insurer’s subject premiums and permits recoupment of assessments through rate setting. Likewise, several states (or underwriting organizations of which our insurance subsidiaries are required to be members) have limited assessment authority with regard to deficits in certain lines of business.
Additionally, state insurance laws and regulations require us to participate in mandatory property-liability “shared market,” “pooling” or similar arrangements that provide certain types of insurance coverage to individuals or others who otherwise are unable to purchase coverage voluntarily provided by private insurers. Shared market mechanisms include assigned risk plans and fair access to insurance requirement or “FAIR” plans. In addition, some states require insurers to participate in reinsurance pools for claims that exceed specified amounts. Our participation in these mandatory shared market or pooling mechanisms generally is related to the amount of our direct writings for the type of coverage written by the specific mechanism in the applicable state.
Dividends. We receive funds from our insurance company subsidiaries in the form of dividends and management fees for certain management services. Annual dividends in excess of maximum amounts prescribed by state statutes may not be paid without the approval of the insurance commissioner of the state in which an insurance subsidiary is domiciled. See “Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations-Liquidity and Capital Resources.”
Trade Practices. State insurance laws and regulations include numerous provisions governing trade practices and the marketplace activities of insurers, including provisions governing marketing and sales practices, policyholder services, claims management and complaint handling. State regulatory authorities generally enforce these provisions through periodic market conduct examinations.
Investment Regulation. Investments by our domestic insurance companies must comply with applicable laws and regulations which prescribe the kind, quality and concentration of investments. In general, these laws and regulations permit investments in federal, state and municipal obligations, corporate bonds, preferred and common equity securities, mortgage loans, real estate and certain other investments, subject to specified limits and certain other qualifications. Investments that do not comply with these limits and qualifications are deducted in our insurance subsidiaries' calculation of their statutory capital and surplus.
Terrorism Risk Insurance. The Terrorism Risk Insurance Act of 2002 established a Federal program that provides for a system of shared public and private compensation for insured losses resulting from acts of terrorism. Pursuant to the Terrorism Risk Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2019 (“TRIPRA”), the program was extended until December 31, 2027.
TRIPRA provides a federal backstop to all U.S. based property and casualty insurers for insurance related losses resulting from any act of terrorism on U.S. soil or against certain U.S. air carriers, vessels or foreign missions. TRIPRA is applicable to almost all commercial lines of property and casualty insurance but excludes auto, burglary and theft, surety, workers' compensation, professional liability and farm owners' multi-peril insurance. Insurers with direct commercial property and casualty insurance exposure in the United States are required to participate in the program and make available coverage for certified acts of terrorism. TRIPRA's definition of certified acts includes domestic terrorism. Federal participation will be triggered under TRIPRA when the Secretary of Treasury certifies an act of terrorism.
Under the program, the federal government will pay 80% of an insurer's covered losses in excess of the insurer's applicable deductible. The insurer's deductible is calculated as 20% of earned premium for the prior year for covered lines of commercial property and casualty insurance. Based on our 2024 earned premiums, our aggregate deductible under TRIPRA during 2025 will be approximately $1,663 million. The federal program will not pay losses for certified acts unless such losses exceed $200 million industry-wide for any calendar year. TRIPRA limits the federal government's share of losses at $100 billion for a program year. In addition, an insurer that has satisfied its deductible is not liable for the payment of losses in excess of the $100 billion cap.
Excess and Surplus Lines. The regulation of our U.S. subsidiaries' excess and surplus lines insurance business differs significantly from the regulation of our admitted business. Our surplus lines subsidiaries are subject to the surplus lines regulation and reporting requirements of the jurisdictions in which they are eligible to write surplus lines insurance. Although surplus lines business is generally less regulated than admitted business, principally with respect to rates and policy forms, strict regulations apply to surplus lines placements in the laws of every state and the regulation of surplus lines insurance may undergo changes in the future. Federal or state measures may be introduced to increase the oversight of surplus lines insurance in the future.
Climate Change and Financial Risks. The NAIC and state insurance regulators continue to evaluate issues related to the management of climate risk. In 2022, the NAIC adopted a new standard for insurance companies to report their climate-related risks as part of its annual Climate Risk Disclosure Survey, which applies to insurers that meet the reporting threshold of $100 million in U.S. direct premium and are licensed in one of the participating jurisdictions. The NYDFS’s 2020 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. For example, an insurer should designate a board member or board committee, as well as a senior management function, to oversee the management of financial risks
associated with climate change. The NYDFS also adopted an amendment to 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 Federal Insurance Office (the “FIO”) is authorized to monitor the U.S. insurance industry under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 (the “Dodd-Frank Act”), as discussed below under “Federal Regulation.” Pursuant to this statutory authority, the FIO is assessing how the insurance sector may mitigate climate risks and help achieve national climate-related goals. In June 2023, the FIO released a report urging insurance regulators to adopt climate-related risk-monitoring guidance in order to enhance their regulation and supervision of insurers.
In 2023, California adopted laws establishing climate disclosure and climate-related financial risk reporting requirements that apply to companies doing business in California that meet applicable revenue thresholds. The Company may be subject to the disclosure requirements of the Climate Corporate Data Accountability Act, requiring entities with more than $1.0 billion in annual revenue to annually disclose emissions on a phased timeline.
Diversity and Corporate Governance.The NAIC and state insurance regulators also continue to evaluate issues related to diversity within the insurance industry, such as the diversity of an insurer’s board of directors and management. In March 2021, the NYDFS issued a circular letter stating that it expects the insurers it regulates, such as our insurance subsidiaries licensed in New York, to make diversity of their leadership a business priority and a key element of their corporate governance, and it includes diversity-related questions in its examination process. In addition, the NAIC is examining practices in the insurance industry in order to determine how barriers are created that disadvantage or discriminate against people of color or historically underrepresented groups. NAIC goals include improving access to different types of insurance products in minority communities, addressing issues related to affordability, and providing guidance to regulators on ways to improve insurance access and the understanding of insurance in underserved communities. See “Human Capital Resources” below.
Federal Regulation. The federal government and its regulatory agencies generally do not directly regulate the business of insurance, although federal initiatives could have an impact on our business in a variety of ways. The Dodd-Frank Act effected sweeping changes to financial services regulation in the United States, and created two new federal government bodies, the FIO and the Financial Stability Oversight Council (the “FSOC”). The FIO does not have general supervisory or regulatory authority over the business of insurance, although it has preemption authority over state insurance laws that conflict with certain international agreements, as discussed below. The FIO also has authority to represent the United States in international insurance matters and is authorized to monitor the U.S. insurance industry and identify potential regulatory gaps that could contribute to systemic risk.
The Dodd-Frank Act authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury and U.S. Trade Representative to enter into international agreements of mutual recognition regarding the prudential regulation of insurance or reinsurance. The U.S. and the European Union ("EU") signed such a covered agreement (the "EU Covered Agreement") in September 2017, which addresses three areas of prudential supervision: reinsurance, group supervision and the exchange of information between the U.S. and EU.
In December 2018, the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative entered into a covered agreement with the U.K. (the “U.K. Covered Agreement,” and together with the EU Covered Agreement, the “Covered Agreements”) in anticipation of the U.K.’s exit from the EU. The U.K. Covered Agreement largely reflects the provisions of the EU Covered Agreement and incorporates the same timeframes within it.
Under the Dodd-Frank Act, the FIO has preemption authority over state insurance laws that conflict with the Covered Agreements as of September 1, 2022, such as state credit for reinsurance laws that result in non-U.S. reinsurers subject to the Covered Agreements being treated less favorably than U.S. reinsurers. The NAIC amended its Credit for Reinsurance Model Law to satisfy the substantive and timing requirements of the Covered Agreements, which amendments have been enacted by all states. On September 30, 2023, the FIO reported that it did not recommend taking any preemption action as a result of inconsistency between the Covered Agreements and state credit for reinsurance laws. Under the Covered Agreements, reinsurance collateral requirements no longer apply to qualifying EU and U.K. reinsurers. The amended Credit for Reinsurance Model Law also extends the zero reinsurance collateral provisions in the Covered Agreements to qualified reinsurers domiciled in U.S. jurisdictions that are accredited by the NAIC and to non-U.S. jurisdictions that have not entered into a covered agreement with the U.S. but which the NAIC has identified as “reciprocal jurisdictions” pursuant to the NAIC Qualified Jurisdiction Process.
We cannot currently predict the impact of these changes to the law or whether any other covered agreements will be successfully adopted, and cannot currently estimate the impact of these changes to the law and any such adopted covered agreements on our business, financial condition or operating results.
The Dodd-Frank Act authorizes the FSOC to designate an insurer as a “systemically important financial institution” or a “non-bank SIFI” if the insurer’s material financial distress could pose a systemic risk to the financial system or the nature or scale of its activities could pose a threat to U.S. financial stability. The FIO can recommend that an insurer be designated as a non-bank SIFI, which would subject the company to Federal Reserve supervision and heightened prudential standards. There are currently no such non-bank SIFIs designated by the FSOC. In November 2023, the FSOC adopted final guidance that establishes a new process for designating certain financial companies as non-bank SIFIs. The revised process is based on the consideration of risk factors set forth in a new analytic framework, which describes how the FSOC intends to monitor a broad range of institutions and activities and respond to potential risks to U.S. financial stability. The financial vulnerabilities that most often contribute to this type of risk include leverage, liquidity risk and maturity mismatch, inadequate risk management, concentration and destabilizing activities. Under the new guidance, the FSOC is no longer required to conduct a cost-benefit analysis and an assessment of the likelihood of a non-bank financial company’s material financial distress before considering the designation of the company. The revised process could have the effect of simplifying and shortening FSOC’s procedures for designating certain financial companies as non-bank SIFIs.
Based upon our current business model and balance sheet, we do not believe that we will be designated by the FSOC as such an institution. Although the potential impact of any future amendments to the Dodd-Frank Act on the U.S. insurance industry is not clear, our business could be affected by changes to the U.S. system of insurance regulation or our designation or the designation of insurers or reinsurers with which we do business as non-bank SIFIs.
International Regulation
Our insurance subsidiaries based in the United Kingdom are regulated by the Prudential Regulation Authority (“PRA”) and/or the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”). The PRA’s primary objectives with regard to insurers are to promote the safety and soundness of insurers and to contribute to the securing of an appropriate degree of protection for current and future policyholders. The FCA has three operational objectives: (i) to secure an appropriate degree of protection for consumers, (ii) to protect and enhance the integrity of the United Kingdom’s financial system, and (iii) to promote effective competition in the interests of consumers in the financial services markets. The PRA and FCA employ a variety of regulatory tools to achieve their objectives, including periodic auditing and reporting requirements, risk assessment reviews, minimum solvency margins and individual capital assessment requirements, dividend restrictions, in certain cases, approval requirements governing the appointment of key officers, approval requirements governing controlling ownership interests and various other requirements.
Our Lloyd’s managing agency is also regulated by Lloyd’s, and the Lloyd’s syndicate business is subject to Lloyd’s supervision. Through Lloyd’s, we are licensed to write business in various countries throughout the world by virtue of Lloyd’s international licenses. In each such country, we are subject to the laws and insurance regulation of that country. Our insurance subsidiary based in Liechtenstein is regulated by the Financial Market Authority of Liechtenstein ("FMA"), which has regulatory tools analogous to those of the U.K. regulators noted above.
Additionally, U.K. and Liechtenstein laws and regulations also impact us as “controllers” of our European-regulated subsidiaries, whereby we are required to notify the appropriate authorities about significant events relating to such regulated subsidiaries’ controllers (i.e. persons or entities which have certain levels of direct or indirect voting power or economic interests in the regulated entities) as well as changes of control, and to submit annual reports regarding their controllers. The PRA/FCA’s Senior Managers and Certification Regime and analogous regulation in Liechtenstein further provide regulatory frameworks for standards of fitness and propriety, conduct and accountability for individuals in positions of responsibility at insurers. In addition, certain employees are individually registered at Lloyd’s.
Our insurance business throughout the EU and EEA is subject to “Solvency II,” an insurance regulatory regime governing, among other things, capital adequacy and risk management. Following the U.K.’s withdrawal from the EU, or Brexit, our Lloyd’s managing agency (and the U.K. branch of our Liechtenstein subsidiary) are now subject to a separate U.K. prudential regime, which derives from Solvency II but has recently begun to diverge from it. Accordingly, the U.K.’s HM Treasury revoked all U.K. insurance legislation derived from EU law (referred to as Solvency II “assimilated law”) effective December 31, 2024, and broadly reinstated it via additional rules, which will eventually be known as “Solvency U.K.” Additionally, in December 2023, the U.K. adopted legislative reforms that amended various parts of the U.K.’s prudential regime, including the risk margin, matching adjustment requirements and regulatory reporting obligations. The PRA also has amended parts of its Rulebook, to reduce the overall regulatory burden on U.K. authorized insurers and to make the U.K. market more internationally competitive. The PRA’s amendments took effect throughout 2024.
Similarly, the EU’s legislative bodies have undertaken a review of Solvency II and have adopted revisions to the current Solvency II rules. EU member states have until the end of January 2027 to implement these amendments into their respective domestic legislation.
Solvency II provides for the supervision of group solvency. Under Solvency II, it is possible that the U.S. parent of a European Union subsidiary could be subject to certain Solvency II requirements if the U.S. company is not already subject to regulations deemed “equivalent” to Solvency II. Currently, the U.S. system of insurance regulation relating to group supervision is not deemed “equivalent” to Solvency II by European Union authorities. The PRA will also perform separate, but comparable, supervision of group solvency under the U.K.’s own domestic prudential regime where a U.S. holding company is a parent of a subsidiary U.K. insurer or reinsurer.
The Liechtenstein financial services regulator, the FMA, is the group supervisor for our European-regulated subsidiaries. However, the Covered Agreements prohibit any EU supervisor or the PRA (as applicable) from exercising group- wide supervision at any level above the highest company organized in the country of that supervisor.
We must also comply with the EU General Data Protection Regulation (EU) 2016/879) (“GDPR”), including EEA member state legislation implementing the GDPR. The regulation’s goal is to impose increased individual rights and protections for all personal data located in or originating from the EU. The Data Protection Act 2018 and the U.K. General Data Protection Regulation, which is the retained EU law version of the GDPR by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 and as amended by the Data Protection, Privacy and Electronic Communications (Amendments etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (together, “U.K. GDPR”), regulate data protection for all individuals within the U.K. Both the GDPR and the U.K. GDPR are extraterritorial in that they apply to all businesses in the EU and the U.K. respectively, and any business outside the EU and the U.K. that offers services, or monitors the behavior of individuals, in the EU and/or U.K., and that processes the personal data of individuals in the EU and/or the U.K. Moreover, there are significant fines associated with non-compliance. In particular, we need to monitor our compliance with all relevant member states’ laws and regulations, including where permitted derogations from the GDPR and the U.K. GDPR are introduced. The introduction of the GDPR and the U.K. GDPR, and any resultant changes in EU member states’ or U.K. national laws and regulations, has increased our compliance obligations and has necessitated the review and implementation of policies and processes relating to our collection and use of data, and has required us to change our business practices regarding these matters.
In addition, we may become subject to or affected by regulatory policies adopted by the IAIS, an international standard setter consisting of supervisors and regulators from more than 200 jurisdictions. The aim of the IAIS is to develop and assist in the implementation of effective and consistent regulation of insurer solvency standards and group supervision of insurance groups in response to the increasing globalization of the insurance sector. In November 2019, the IAIS formally adopted a global framework for the supervision of IAIGs, which is referred to as the Common Framework for the Supervision of Internationally Active Insurance Groups, or “ComFrame.” ComFrame is intended to provide a framework of basic standards for IAIGs and a process for supervisors to cooperate in the supervision of IAIGs. Also in November 2019, the IAIS agreed to a version of a risk-based group-wide global insurance capital standard (“ICS”) that was intended to apply to IAIGs and ultimately form a part of ComFrame. The ICS was adopted by the IAIS in December 2024 as a group-wide prescribed capital requirement for IAIGs and integrated into the rest of ComFrame. IAIS member states will now update their domestic insurance capital requirements where necessary to fully reflect the ICS.
The IAIS has also separately concluded that an aggregation method approach to a group capital standard, which forms part of the NAIC’s group capital calculation, could provide a basis of the implementation of the ICS that would produce comparable outcomes to the ICS. In reaching this determination, the IAIS also highlighted certain areas where it will be necessary for the U.S. to undertake further work as part of implementing the aggregation method to ensure convergence with the ICS. The NAIC has indicated that it intends to work domestically on its approach to the aggregation method as the U.S. implementation of the ICS and will collaborate with the IAIS. Once finalized and implemented, the aggregation method could thereafter be used by US-headquartered IAIGs as a method of group solvency calculation. We have received notice from Delaware, our lead state insurance regulator, that we are considered an IAIG. As an IAIG, we may be subject to international oversight coordinated by the Delaware Department of Insurance.
Our international operations are also subject to varying degrees of regulation in Mexico, Australia and Canada and in certain other countries in Europe, South America, and Southeast Asia. Generally, our subsidiaries must satisfy local regulatory requirements. While each country imposes licensing, solvency, auditing and financial reporting requirements, the type and extent of the requirements differ substantially. Key areas where country regulations may differ include: (i) the type of financial reports to be filed; (ii) a requirement to use local intermediaries; (iii) the amount of reinsurance permissible; (iv) the scope of any regulation of policy forms and rates; and (v) the type and frequency of regulatory examinations.
Our international operations are also subject to increasing regulation governing the management of climate risk. In the United Kingdom, the PRA recognizes that climate change represents both an underwriting and investment risk, and that losses can be incurred from physical climate change-related changes and the global adjustment towards a low-carbon economy. Insurers are therefore expected to reflect the consideration of the financial risks from climate change in their governance arrangements, including allocating responsibility for managing these risks to identified senior management and committees.
Insurers must also monitor and manage the financial risk posed by climate change as part of their risk management frameworks, which would involve scenario testing over a range of time horizons and reporting to the board on identified risks. Financial risks from climate change should also form part of insurers’ public regulatory disclosures.
Similarly, the EU’s latest revisions to Solvency II contain specific regulations relating to the management of climate and environmental risks. When implemented into EU member states’ legislation, insurers must incorporate these risks into their own risk and solvency assessments and perform stress testing on the impact of long-term climate change scenarios on their business. Insurers would also need to include information on any material exposure to climate change-related risks in their public regulatory disclosures. The updated Solvency II text requires the European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority, the supervisory authority for the EU insurance industry, to periodically (and at least every five years) review the scope and calibration of the natural catastrophe risk module used in the standard formula for calculating insurers’ capital requirements using the latest available climate science.
Competition
The property casualty insurance and reinsurance businesses are highly competitive, with many insurance companies of various sizes, as well as other entities offering risk alternatives such as self-insured retentions or captive programs, transacting business in the United States and internationally. We compete directly with a large number of these companies. Competition in our industry is largely measured by the ability to provide insurance and services at a price and on terms that are reasonable and acceptable to the customer. Our strategy in this highly fragmented industry is to seek specialized areas or geographic regions where our businesses can gain a competitive advantage by responding quickly to changing market conditions. Our businesses establish their own pricing practices based upon a Company-wide philosophy to price products with the intent of making an underwriting profit.
Competition for insurance business within the United States comes from other specialty insurers, regional carriers, large national multi-line companies and reinsurers. Our specialty businesses compete with excess and surplus insurers as well as standard carriers. Our regional businesses compete with mutual and other regional stock companies as well as national carriers. Additionally, direct writers of property casualty insurance compete with our regional businesses by writing insurance through their salaried employees, generally at a lower acquisition cost than through independent agents such as those used by the Company. We compete internationally with native insurance operations both large and small, which in some cases are related to government entities, as well as with branches or local subsidiaries of multinational companies.
Competition for reinsurance business, which is especially strong, comes from domestic and foreign reinsurers, which produce their business either on a direct basis or through the broker market. These competitors include Swiss Re, Munich Re, Berkshire Hathaway, Partner Re and others.
In recent years, various institutional investors have increasingly sought 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, provide increasing competition, which may adversely impact our business and profitability. Further, an expanded supply of reinsurance capital may lower costs for insurers that rely on reinsurance and, as a consequence, those insurers may be able to price their products more competitively.
Human Capital Resources
As of January 15, 2025, we employed 8,606 individuals. Of this number, our subsidiaries employed 8,474 individuals and the remaining individuals were employed at the parent company.
We believe that our people are our greatest asset and that our corporate culture is the most important intangible driver of long-term value creation for our Company and the highest priority for pursuing long-term risk-adjusted returns and growth in stockholder value.
Human Capital Management: The Company fosters a performance culture. We are focused on creating a respectful, rewarding, diverse, and inclusive work environment that allows our employees to build meaningful and productive careers. The success of these human capital management objectives is essential to our strategy, as it is our people who drive our success. We invest in their growth as individuals and professionals through training and engagement, as well as in their well-being through robust health and wellness programs and a commitment to diversity.
The Company provides developmental opportunities for our employees through formal and informal programs that focus on enabling employees to build skills and thought leadership in specific facets of our business. Our leadership programs cultivate the talent of our high-potential, strong-performing employees as we strive to deepen, enhance and diversify the Company’s leadership team.
We strive to align employee incentives with the risk and performance frameworks of the Company. The Company’s “pay for performance” philosophy connects individual, business and Company results to employee compensation, providing employees with opportunities to share in the Company’s overall growth and success. The Company offers employees a comprehensive benefits package, including health and wellness, financial, educational and life management benefits. In addition, we support employees in making an impact in their local communities and globally through environmental and social efforts that are meaningful to them.
Our Board of Directors engages with our senior leadership team, including our senior vice president - human resources, on a periodic basis across a range of human capital management issues, including succession planning and development, compensation, benefits, talent recruiting and retention, engagement, diversity and inclusion, and employee feedback.
Culture: The Board of Directors has recognized Accountability, People Oriented Strategy, Responsible Financial Practices, Risk-Adjusted Returns and Transparency as the elements of corporate culture necessary for the Company to achieve success. Our culture unifies our employees across our decentralized business model, positions us to serve our diverse clients globally and propels the Company’s continuous evolution.
We are committed to fostering a unifying culture and encouraging innovation across our enterprise. Our culture encompasses the beliefs that (i) specialized knowledge and having a customer-centric focus are competitive advantages and (ii) an environment that promotes integrity, embraces the commitment to “always do right,” fosters entrepreneurship and innovation, and values making thoughtful decisions for the long-term benefit of our enterprise. While there is no one “Berkley” way, each of our businesses has its own culture that embodies a shared set of values that define our enterprise. Our structure, with 58 distinct businesses, facilitates the prompt identification of and appropriate action with respect to addressing individual business or cultural issues arising within a business, without affecting the larger enterprise. Furthermore, our businesses are overseen by senior corporate business managers and senior corporate functional managers, including actuarial, claims, compliance, enterprise risk management, finance, insurance risk management and underwriting, providing a governance oversight structure that makes it easier to identify such issues. Because our Board of Directors diligently exercises its risk management oversight through, among other activities, regular interactions with employees beyond corporate senior management, our directors have visibility into and receive timely feedback on cultural issues that may affect our business.
As significant owners of our Company who are required to hold their shares until separation from service, each of our directors and senior executives have a vested interest in cultivating talent and perpetuating a culture that facilitates the execution of our long-term objectives.
Other Information about the Company's Business
We maintain an interest in evaluating the startup of possible new ventures and the acquisition of complementary businesses on an ongoing basis. In addition, our businesses develop new coverages or enter lines of business to meet the needs of insureds.
Seasonal weather variations and other events affect the severity and frequency of losses sustained by the insurance and reinsurance businesses. Although the effect on our business of catastrophes such as tornadoes, hurricanes, hailstorms, wildfires, earthquakes and terrorist acts may be mitigated by reinsurance, they nevertheless can have a significant impact on the results of any one or more reporting periods.
We have no customer that accounts for 10 percent or more of our consolidated revenues.
Compliance by W. R. Berkley and its subsidiaries with federal, state and local provisions that have been enacted or adopted regulating the discharge of materials into the environment, or otherwise relating to protection of the environment, has not had a material effect upon our capital expenditures, earnings or competitive position.
The Company's internet address is www.berkley.com. The information on our website is not incorporated by reference in this annual report on Form 10-K. The Company's annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act and other reports filed by us or with respect to our securities by others are accessible free of charge through this website as soon as reasonably practicable after they have been electronically filed with or furnished to the SEC.

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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
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.

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ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
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.

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ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
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.

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ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
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.

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ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.
PART II

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ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY
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 current reserves will prove adequate in light of subsequent events.
Loss reserves included in the Company’s financial statements represent management’s best estimates based upon an actuarially derived point estimate and other considerations. The Company uses a variety of actuarial techniques and methods to derive an actuarial point estimate for each business. These methods include paid loss development, incurred loss development, paid and incurred Bornhuetter-Ferguson methods and frequency and severity methods. In circumstances where one actuarial method is considered more credible than the others, that method is used to set the point estimate. For example, the paid loss and incurred loss development methods rely on historical paid and incurred loss data. For new lines of business, where there is insufficient history of paid and incurred claims data, or in circumstances where there have been significant changes in claim practices, the paid and incurred loss development methods would be less credible than other actuarial methods. The actuarial point estimate may also be based on a judgmental weighting of estimates produced from each of the methods considered. Industry loss experience is used to supplement the Company’s own data in selecting “tail factors” and in areas where the Company’s own data is limited. The actuarial data is analyzed by line of business, coverage and accident or policy year, as appropriate, for each business.
The establishment of the actuarially derived loss reserve point estimate also includes consideration of qualitative factors that may affect the ultimate losses. These qualitative considerations include, among others, the impact of re-underwriting initiatives, changes in the mix of business, changes in distribution sources and changes in policy terms and conditions. Examples of changes in terms and conditions that can have a significant impact on reserve levels are the use of aggregate policy limits, the expansion of coverage exclusions, whether or not defense costs are within policy limits, and changes in deductibles and attachment points.
The key assumptions used to arrive at the best estimate of loss reserves are the expected loss ratios, rate of loss cost inflation, and reported and paid loss emergence patterns. Expected loss ratios represent management’s expectation of losses at the time the business is priced and written, before any actual claims experience has emerged. This expectation is a significant determinant of the estimate of loss reserves for recently written business where there is little paid or incurred loss data to consider. Expected loss ratios are generally derived from historical loss ratios adjusted for the impact of rate changes, loss cost trends and known changes in the type of risks underwritten. Expected loss ratios are estimated for each key line of business within each business. Expected loss cost inflation is particularly important for the long-tail lines, such as excess casualty, and claims with a high medical component, such as workers’ compensation. Reported and paid loss emergence patterns are used to project current reported or paid loss amounts to their ultimate settlement value. Loss development factors are based on the historical emergence patterns of paid and incurred losses, and are derived from the Company’s own experience and industry data. The paid loss emergence pattern is also significant to excess and assumed workers’ compensation reserves because those reserves are discounted to their estimated present value based upon such estimated payout patterns. Management believes the estimates and assumptions it makes in the reserving process provide the best estimate of the ultimate cost of settling claims and related expenses with respect to insured events which have occurred; however, different assumptions and variables could lead to significantly different reserve estimates.
Loss frequency and severity are measures of loss activity that are considered in determining the key assumptions described in our discussion of loss and loss expense reserves, including expected loss ratios, rate of loss cost inflation and reported and paid loss emergence patterns. Loss frequency is a measure of the number of claims per unit of insured exposure, and loss severity is a measure of the average size of claims. Factors affecting loss frequency include the effectiveness of loss controls and safety programs and changes in economic activity or weather patterns. Factors affecting loss severity include changes in policy limits, retentions, rate of inflation and judicial interpretations.
Another factor affecting estimates of loss frequency and severity is the loss reporting lag, which is the period of time between the occurrence of a loss and the date the loss is reported to the Company. The length of the loss reporting lag affects our ability to accurately predict loss frequency (loss frequencies are more predictable for lines with short reporting lags) as well as the amount of reserves needed for incurred but not reported losses (less IBNR is required for lines with short reporting lags). As a result, loss reserves for lines with short reporting lags are likely to have less variation from initial loss estimates. For lines with short reporting lags, which include auto, primary workers’ compensation, other liability (claims-made) and property business, the key assumption is the loss emergence pattern used to project ultimate loss estimates from known losses paid or reported to date. For lines of business with long reporting lags, which include other liability (occurrence), products liability, excess workers’ compensation and liability reinsurance, the key assumption is the expected loss ratio since there is often little paid or incurred loss data to consider. Historically, the Company has experienced less variation from its initial loss estimates for lines of businesses with short reporting lags than for lines of business with long reporting lags.
The key assumptions used in calculating the most recent estimate of the loss reserves are reviewed each quarter and adjusted, to the extent necessary, to reflect the latest reported loss data, current trends and other factors observed. If the actual level of loss frequency and severity are higher or lower than expected, the ultimate losses will be different than management’s estimate. The following table reflects the impact of changes (which could be favorable or unfavorable) in frequency and severity, relative to our assumptions, on our loss estimate for claims occurring in 2024:
(In thousands) Frequency (+/-)
Severity (+/-) 1% 5% 10%
1% $ 142,388 $ 428,582 $ 786,324
5% 428,582 726,110 1,098,020
10% 786,324 1,098,020 1,487,640
Our net reserves for losses and loss expenses of approximately $17.2 billion as of December 31, 2024 relate to multiple accident years. Therefore, the impact of changes in frequency or severity for more than one accident year could be higher or lower than the amounts reflected above. The impact of such changes would likely be manifested gradually over the course of many years, as the magnitude of the changes became evident.
Approximately $3.3 billion, or 19.1%, of the Company’s net loss reserves as of December 31, 2024 relate to the Reinsurance & Monoline Excess segment. There is a higher degree of uncertainty and greater variability regarding estimates of excess workers' compensation and assumed reinsurance loss reserves. In the case of excess workers’ compensation, our policies generally attach at $1 million or higher. The claims which reach our layer therefore tend to involve the most serious injuries and many remain open for the lifetime of the claimant, which extends the claim settlement tail. These claims also occur less frequently but tend to be larger than primary claims, which increases claim variability. In the case of assumed reinsurance our loss reserve estimates are based, in part, upon information received from ceding companies. If information received from ceding companies is not timely or correct, the Company’s estimate of ultimate losses may not be accurate. Furthermore, due to
delayed reporting of claim information by ceding companies, the claim settlement tail for assumed reinsurance is also extended. Management considers the impact of delayed reporting and the extended tail in its selection of loss development factors for these lines of business.
Information received from ceding companies is used to set initial expected loss ratios, to establish case reserves and to estimate reserves for incurred but not reported losses on assumed reinsurance business. This information, which is generally provided through reinsurance intermediaries, is gathered through the underwriting process and from periodic claim reports and other correspondence with ceding companies. The Company performs underwriting and claim audits of selected ceding companies to determine the accuracy and completeness of information provided to the Company. The information received from the ceding companies is supplemented by the Company’s own loss development experience with similar lines of business as well as industry loss trends and loss development benchmarks.
Following is a summary of the Company’s reserves for losses and loss expenses by business segment as of December 31, 2024 and 2023:
(In thousands) 2024 2023
Insurance $ 13,881,574 $ 12,430,202
Reinsurance & Monoline Excess 3,285,067 3,231,618
Net reserves for losses and loss expenses 17,166,641 15,661,820
Ceded reserves for losses and loss expenses 3,201,389 3,077,832
Gross reserves for losses and loss expenses $ 20,368,030 $ 18,739,652
Following is a summary of the Company’s net reserves for losses and loss expenses by major line of business as of December 31, 2024 and 2023:
(In thousands) Reported Case
Reserves Incurred But
Not Reported Total
December 31, 2024
Other liability $ 2,104,721 $ 5,164,994 $ 7,269,715
Professional liability 613,230 1,503,908 2,117,138
Workers’ compensation (1) 1,054,427 771,367 1,825,794
Auto 729,462 936,319 1,665,781
Short-tail lines (2) 410,138 593,008 1,003,146
Total Insurance 4,911,978 8,969,596 13,881,574
Reinsurance & Monoline Excess (1) (3) 1,622,399 1,662,668 3,285,067
Total $ 6,534,377 $ 10,632,264 $ 17,166,641
December 31, 2023
Other liability $ 1,912,594 $ 4,607,507 $ 6,520,101
Professional liability 527,555 1,438,102 1,965,657
Workers’ compensation (1) 1,019,445 790,944 1,810,389
Auto 645,707 700,850 1,346,557
Short-tail lines (2) 375,129 412,369 787,498
Total Insurance 4,480,430 7,949,772 12,430,202
Reinsurance & Monoline Excess (1) (3) 1,673,581 1,558,037 3,231,618
Total $ 6,154,011 $ 9,507,809 $ 15,661,820
____________________
(1)Reserves for excess and assumed workers’ compensation business are net of an aggregate net discount of $405 million and $390 million as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
(2)Short-tail lines include commercial multi-peril (non-liability), inland marine, accident and health, fidelity and surety, boiler and machinery, high net worth homeowners and other lines.
(3)Reinsurance & Monoline Excess includes property and casualty reinsurance as well as certain program management business and operations that solely retain risk on an excess basis.
The Company evaluates reserves for losses and loss expenses on a quarterly basis. Changes in estimates of prior year losses are reported when such changes are made. The changes in prior year loss reserve estimates are generally the result of ongoing analysis of recent loss development trends. Original estimates are increased or decreased as additional information becomes known regarding individual claims and aggregate claim trends.
Certain of the Company's insurance and reinsurance contracts are retrospectively rated, whereby the Company collects more or less premiums based on the level of loss activity. For those contracts, changes in loss and loss expenses for prior years may be fully or partially offset by additional or return premiums.
Net prior year development (i.e, the sum of prior year reserve changes and prior year earned premiums changes) for each of the last three years ended December 31, are as follows:
(In thousands) 2024 2023 2022
Increase in prior year loss reserves $ (14,350) $ (29,681) $ (54,511)
Increase in prior year earned premiums 18,782 10,782 18,106
Net favorable (unfavorable) prior year development $ 4,432 $ (18,899) $ (36,405)
The ultimate net impact of COVID-19 on the Company's reserves remains uncertain. As of December 31, 2024, the Company had recognized losses for COVID-19-related claims activity, net of reinsurance, of approximately $381 million, of which $326 million relates to the Insurance segment and $55 million relates to the Reinsurance & Monoline Excess segment. Such $381 million of COVID-19-related losses included $379 million of reported losses and $2 million of IBNR.
Favorable prior year development (net of additional and return premiums) was $4 million in 2024.
Insurance - Reserves for the Insurance segment developed unfavorably by $8 million in 2024 (net of additional and return premiums). The adverse development was driven by the commercial auto liability and other liability occurrence lines of business, and was largely offset by favorable development for workers’ compensation, professional liability, products liability, and commercial property lines of business.
The adverse commercial auto liability development was concentrated in accident years 2021 through 2023, while the adverse other liability occurrence development was focused across accident years 2015 through 2022. The majority of the other liability occurrence development was driven by umbrella and excess liability claims, of which a significant portion related to underlying commercial auto exposures. The Company believes that commercial auto-related claims are being particularly impacted by social inflation, which is contributing to an increase in the frequency of large losses beyond expectations. Social inflation can include higher settlement demands from plaintiffs, use of aggressive actions by the plaintiffs’ bar such as litigation funding, negative public sentiment towards large businesses and corporations, and erosion of tort reforms, among other factors.
The favorable workers’ compensation development for the Insurance segment was mainly related to accident years 2016 through 2023, with accident years 2020 through 2023 contributing the most. For workers’ compensation, favorable reported claim frequency, below expectations, continued to be the main driver of the favorable reserve development. The favorable development for both the professional liability and products liability lines of business was related mainly to accident years 2020 through 2023. For both of these lines, reported claim frequency and incurred losses for accident years 2020 through 2023 were better than expected, which drove the favorable reserve development. Business written in these years also benefitted from significant price increases, which the Company now believes will result in higher profitability than initially anticipated. The favorable development for commercial property was mainly associated with the 2023 accident year, and resulted from better than expected settlements for both catastrophe related and non-catastrophe claims.
Reinsurance & Monoline Excess - Reserves for the Reinsurance & Monoline Excess segment developed favorably by $12 million in 2024 (net of additional and return premiums). The favorable development was driven mainly by excess workers’ compensation business, partially offset by adverse development in the non-proportional reinsurance assumed liability line of business. The favorable excess workers’ compensation development was driven by continued lower claim frequency and reported losses relative to expectations, and to favorable claim settlements spread across many prior accident years. The unfavorable development for non-proportional reinsurance was concentrated mainly in accident years 2015 through 2019 and was associated primarily with our U.S. and U.K. excess general liability reinsurance businesses, including coverage for cedants insuring construction projects.
Unfavorable prior year development (net of additional and return premiums) was $19 million in 2023.
Insurance - Reserves for the Insurance segment developed unfavorably by $21 million in 2023 (net of additional and return premiums). The unfavorable development for the segment was concentrated in the early part of the year. A key driver of the unfavorable development early in 2023 was property catastrophe losses related to 2022 events which were still being adjusted and settled during the early part of 2023. In particular, losses related to U.S. winter storms which occurred during the month of December 2022 were a significant contributor to the development, as information gathering and evaluation of many of these claims were still ongoing into the new year.
In addition to the property prior year development discussed above, during 2023 the Insurance segment also experienced adverse prior year development on casualty lines of business for the 2016 through 2019 accident years, which was offset by favorable prior year development on casualty lines of business for the 2020 through 2022 accident years. The unfavorable development on the 2016 through 2019 accident years was concentrated in the general liability and commercial auto liability lines of business. The development, which particularly impacted business attaching excess of primary policy limits, was driven by a larger than expected number of large losses reported. The Company believes social inflation is contributing to an increase in the frequency of large losses for these accident years. Social inflation can include higher settlement demands from plaintiffs, use of tactics such as litigation funding by the plaintiffs’ bar, negative public sentiment towards large businesses and corporations, and erosion of tort reforms, among others.
The favorable prior year development on casualty lines for the 2020 through 2022 accident years in the Insurance segment was concentrated in the professional liability, workers’ compensation, and general liability lines of business. Due to elevated uncertainty regarding incurred loss frequency and severity as a result of ongoing social inflation and the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company set its initial loss ratios for the 2020 through 2022 accident years prudently, and largely maintained these estimates through the end of each respective accident year. The reported loss experience to date for these lines of business for the 2020 through 2022 accident years has been significantly better than was expected, and the Company has begun to react to this favorable emergence as the accident years mature beyond the age of twelve months. It should also be noted that commercial auto liability experienced adverse prior year development for the 2020 through 2022 accident years, which partially offset the favorable development discussed above; the adverse development was driven by a larger than expected number of large losses reported.
Reinsurance & Monoline Excess - Reserves for the Reinsurance & Monoline Excess segment developed favorably by $2 million in 2023 (net of additional and return premiums). The overall favorable prior year development for the segment was driven mainly by favorable development in excess workers’ compensation, substantially offset by unfavorable development in the non-proportional reinsurance assumed liability, excess general liability (including umbrella), and commercial auto liability lines of business. The favorable excess workers’ compensation development was driven by continued lower claim frequency and reported losses relative to our expectations, and favorable claim settlements. The favorable development was spread across many prior accident years. The unfavorable development for non-proportional reinsurance assumed liability and excess general liability was associated primarily with our U.S. assumed reinsurance business, and related to accounts reinsuring excess and umbrella business and construction projects. The adverse development was concentrated mainly in accident years 2017 through 2020. The unfavorable development for commercial auto liability was concentrated in the 2022 accident year and related to commercial auto program business.
Unfavorable prior year development (net of additional and return premiums) was $36 million in 2022.
Insurance - Reserves for the Insurance segment developed unfavorably by $41 million in 2022 (net of additional and return premiums). The unfavorable development in the segment primarily related to COVID-19 losses at two businesses. These businesses wrote policies providing coverage for event cancellation and film production delay which were heavily impacted by losses directly caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Most of this COVID-19 related unfavorable development emerged during the third quarter as a result of settlements of claims at values higher than our expectations. However, the Company believes that
as a result of these settlements the remaining level of uncertainty around the ultimate value of its known COVID-19 claims has been significantly reduced.
The unfavorable development mentioned above also includes favorable prior year development for the Insurance segment primarily attributable to the 2020 and 2021 accident years and unfavorable development on the 2015 through 2019 accident years. The favorable development on the 2020 and 2021 accident years was concentrated in certain casualty lines of business including general liability, professional liability, and workers’ compensation. The Company experienced lower reported claim frequency in these lines of business during 2020 and 2021 relative to historical averages, and continued to experience lower reported incurred losses relative to its expectations for these accident years as they developed during 2022. These trends began in 2020 and we believe were caused by the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, including for example, lockdowns, reduced driving/traffic and increased work from home. Due to the uncertainty regarding the ultimate impacts of the pandemic on accident years 2020 and 2021 incurred losses, the Company was cautious in reacting to these lower trends in
setting and updating its loss ratio estimates for these years. As these accident years have continued to mature, the Company has continued to recognize some of the favorable reported experience in its ultimate loss estimates made during 2022.
The unfavorable development on the 2015 through 2019 accident years was concentrated in the general liability and professional liability, including medical professional, lines of business, as well as auto liability. The development was driven by a larger than expected number of large losses reported. The Company believes social inflation is contributing to an increase in the frequency of large losses for these accident years. Social inflation can include higher settlement demands from plaintiffs, use of tactics such as litigation funding by the plaintiffs’ bar, negative public sentiment towards large businesses and corporations, and erosion of tort reforms, among others.
Reinsurance & Monoline Excess - Reserves for the Reinsurance & Monoline Excess segment developed favorably by $5 million in 2022 (net of additional and return premiums). The overall favorable development for the segment was driven mainly by favorable development in excess workers compensation, substantially offset by unfavorable development in the professional liability, non-proportional reinsurance assumed liability, and commercial auto liability lines of business. The favorable excess workers’ compensation development was spread across most prior accident years, including 2012 and prior years, and was driven by a review of the Company’s claim reporting patterns as well as a number of favorable claim settlements relative to expectations. The unfavorable professional liability and non-proportional reinsurance assumed liability development was concentrated mainly in accident years 2016 through 2018 and was associated primarily with our U.S. assumed reinsurance business and related to accounts insuring construction projects and professional liability exposures. The unfavorable development for commercial auto liability was concentrated in the 2021 accident year and related to commercial auto program business.
Reserve Discount. The Company discounts its liabilities for certain workers’ compensation reserves. The amount of workers’ compensation reserves that were discounted was $1,358 million and $1,352 million at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The aggregate net discount for those reserves, after reflecting the effects of ceded reinsurance, was $405 million and $390 million at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. At December 31, 2024, discount rates by year ranged from 0.7% to 6.5%, with a weighted average discount rate of 3.6%.
Substantially all discounted workers’ compensation reserves (97% of total discounted reserves at December 31, 2024) are excess workers’ compensation reserves. In order to properly match loss expenses with income earned on investment securities supporting the liabilities, reserves for excess workers’ compensation business are discounted using risk-free discount rates determined by reference to the U.S. Treasury yield curve. These rates are determined annually based on the weighted average rate for the period. Once established, no adjustments are made to the discount rate for that period, and any increases or decreases in loss reserves in subsequent years are discounted at the same rate, without regard to when any such adjustments are recognized. The expected loss and loss expense payout patterns subject to discounting are derived from the Company’s loss payout experience.
The Company also discounts reserves for certain other long-duration workers’ compensation reserves (representing approximately 3% of total discounted reserves at December 31, 2024), including reserves for quota share reinsurance and reserves related to losses regarding occupational lung disease. These reserves are discounted at statutory rates prescribed or permitted by the Department of Insurance of the State of Delaware.
Assumed Reinsurance Premiums. The Company estimates the amount of assumed reinsurance premiums that it will receive under treaty reinsurance agreements at the inception of the contracts. These premium estimates are revised as the actual amount of assumed premiums is reported to the Company by the ceding companies. As estimates of assumed premiums are made or revised, the related amount of earned premiums, commissions and incurred losses associated with those premiums are recorded. Estimated assumed premiums receivable were approximately $51 million and $65 million at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The assumed premium estimates are based upon terms set forth in reinsurance agreements, information received from ceding companies during the underwriting and negotiation of agreements, reports received from ceding companies and discussions and correspondence with reinsurance intermediaries. The Company also considers its own view of market conditions, economic trends and experience with similar lines of business. These premium estimates represent management’s best estimate of the ultimate amount of premiums to be received under its assumed reinsurance agreements.
Allowance for Expected Credit Losses on Investments.
Fixed Maturity Securities - For fixed maturity securities in an unrealized loss position where the Company intends to sell, or it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell the security before recovery in value, the amortized cost basis is written down to fair value through net investment gains (losses). For fixed maturity securities in an unrealized loss position where the Company does not intend to sell, or it is more likely than not that it will not be required to sell the security before recovery in value, the Company evaluates whether the decline in fair value has resulted from credit losses or all other factors (non-credit factors). In making this assessment, the Company considers the extent to which fair value is less than amortized cost, changes to the rating of the security by a rating agency, and adverse conditions specifically related to the security, among
other factors. If this assessment indicates that a credit loss exists, the present value of cash flows expected to be collected from the security are compared to the amortized cost basis of the security. If the present value of cash flows expected to be collected is less than the amortized cost basis, an allowance for expected credit losses is recorded for the credit loss through net investment gains (losses), limited by the amount that the fair value is less than the amortized cost basis. The allowance is adjusted for any change in expected credit losses and subsequent recoveries through net investment gains (losses). The impairment related to non-credit factors is recognized in other comprehensive income (loss).
The Company’s credit assessment of allowance for expected credit losses uses a third party model for available for sale and held to maturity securities, as well as loans receivable. The allowance for expected credit losses is generally based on the performance of the underlying collateral under various economic and default scenarios that involve subjective judgments and estimates by management. Modeling these securities involves various factors, such as projected default rates, the nature and realizable value of the collateral, if any, the ability of the issuer to make scheduled payments, historical performance and other relevant economic and performance factors. A discounted cash flow analysis is used to ascertain the amount of the allowance for expected credit losses, if any. In general, the model reverts to the rating-level long-term average marginal default rates based on 10 years of historical data, beyond the forecast period. For other inputs, the model in most cases reverts to the baseline long-term assumptions linearly over 5 years beyond the forecast period. The long-term assumptions are based on the historical averages.
The Company classifies its fixed maturity securities by credit rating, primarily based on ratings assigned by credit rating agencies. For purposes of classifying securities with different ratings, the Company uses the average of the credit ratings assigned, unless in limited situations the Company’s own analysis indicates an internal rating is more appropriate. Securities that are not rated by a rating agency are evaluated and classified by the Company on a case-by-case basis.
A summary of the Company’s non-investment grade fixed maturity securities that were in an unrealized loss position at December 31, 2024 is presented in the table below.
($ in thousands) Number of
Securities Aggregate
Fair Value Unrealized
Loss
Foreign government 50 $ 138,388 $ 157,424
Corporate 19 50,525 2,922
State and municipal 6 28,150 1,921
Mortgage-backed securities 17 3,684 206
Asset-backed securities 1 9 1
Total
93 $ 220,756 $ 162,474
As of December 31, 2024, the Company has recorded an allowance for expected credit losses on fixed maturity securities of $0.7 million. The Company has evaluated the remaining fixed maturity securities in an unrealized loss position and believes the unrealized losses are due primarily to temporary market and sector-related factors rather than to issuer-specific factors. None of these securities are delinquent or in default under financial covenants. Based on its assessment of these issuers, the Company expects them to continue to meet their contractual payment obligations as they become due.
Loans Receivable - For loans receivable, the Company estimates an allowance for expected credit losses based on relevant information about past events, including historical loss experience, current conditions and forecasts that affect the expected collectability of the amortized cost of the financial asset. The allowance for expected credit losses is presented as a reduction to amortized cost of the financial asset in the consolidated balance sheet and changes to the estimate for expected credit losses are recognized through net investment gains (losses). Loans receivable are reported net of an allowance for expected credit losses of $1 million and $3 million as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
Fair Value Measurements. The Company’s fixed maturity available for sale securities, equity securities, and its trading account securities are carried at fair value. Fair value is defined as "the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date". The Company utilizes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three broad levels. Level 1 inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the reporting entity has the ability to access at the measurement date. Level 2 inputs are inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for similar assets in active markets. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability. Unobservable inputs may only be used to measure fair value to the extent that observable inputs are not available. The fair value of the vast majority of the Company’s portfolio is based on observable data (other than quoted prices) and, accordingly, is classified as Level 2.
In classifying particular financial securities in the fair value hierarchy, the Company uses its judgment to determine whether the market for a security is active and whether significant pricing inputs are observable. The Company determines the existence of an active market by assessing whether transactions occur with sufficient frequency and volume to provide reliable pricing information. The Company determines whether inputs are observable based on the use of such information by pricing services and external investment managers, the uninterrupted availability of such inputs, the need to make significant adjustments to such inputs and the volatility of such inputs over time. If the market for a security is determined to be inactive or if significant inputs used to price a security are determined to be unobservable, the security is categorized in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.
Because many fixed maturity securities do not trade on a daily basis, the Company utilizes pricing models and processes which may include benchmark curves, benchmarking of like securities, sector groupings and matrix pricing. Market inputs used to evaluate securities include benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, issuer spreads, two-sided markets, benchmark securities, bids, offers and reference data. Quoted prices are often unavailable for recently issued securities that are infrequently traded or securities that are only traded in private transactions. For publicly traded securities for which quoted prices are unavailable, the Company determines fair value based on independent broker quotations and other observable market data. For securities traded only in private negotiations, the Company determines fair value based primarily on the cost of such securities, which is adjusted to reflect prices of recent placements of securities of the same issuer, financial data, projections and business developments of the issuer and other relevant information.
The following is a summary of pricing sources for the Company's fixed maturity securities available for sale as of December 31, 2024:
(In thousands) Carrying
Value Percent
of Total
Pricing source:
Independent pricing services $ 21,919,679 98.1 %
Syndicate manager 135,129 0.6
Directly by the Company based on:
Observable data 278,978 1.3
Cash flow model 19,667 -
Total $ 22,353,453 100.0 %
Independent pricing services - Substantially all of the Company’s fixed maturity securities available for sale were priced by independent pricing services (generally one U.S. pricing service plus additional pricing services with respect to a limited number of foreign securities held by the Company). The prices provided by the independent pricing services are generally based on observable market data in active markets (e.g., broker quotes and prices observed for comparable securities). The determination of whether markets are active or inactive is based upon the volume and level of activity for a particular asset class. The Company reviews the prices provided by pricing services for reasonableness based upon current trading levels for similar securities. If the prices appear unusual to the Company, they are re-examined and the value is either confirmed or revised. In addition, the Company periodically performs independent price tests of a sample of securities to ensure proper valuation and to verify our understanding of how securities are priced. As of December 31, 2024, the Company did not make any adjustments to the prices provided by the pricing services. Based upon the Company’s review of the methodologies used by the independent pricing services, these securities were classified as Level 2.
Syndicate manager - The Company has a 15% participation in a Lloyd’s syndicate, and the Company’s share of the securities owned by the syndicate is priced by the syndicate’s manager. The majority of the securities are liquid, short duration fixed maturity securities. The Company reviews the syndicate manager’s pricing methodology and audited financial statements and holds discussions with the syndicate manager as necessary to confirm its understanding and agreement with security prices. Based upon the Company’s review of the methodologies used by the syndicate manager, these securities were classified as Level 2.
Observable data - If independent pricing is not available, the Company prices the securities directly. Prices are based on observable market data where available, including current trading levels for similar securities and non-binding quotations from brokers. The Company generally requests two or more quotes. If more than one quote is received, the Company sets a price within the range of quotes received based on its assessment of the credibility of the quote and its own evaluation of the security. The Company generally does not adjust quotes obtained from brokers. Since these securities were priced based on observable data, they were classified as Level 2.
Cash flow model - If the above methodologies are not available, the Company prices securities using a discounted cash flow model based upon assumptions as to prevailing credit spreads, interest rates and interest rate volatility, time to maturity and subordination levels. Discount rates are adjusted to reflect illiquidity where appropriate. These securities were classified as Level 3.
Results of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2024 and 2023
Business Segment Results
Following is a summary of gross and net premiums written, net premiums earned, loss ratios (losses and loss expenses incurred expressed as a percentage of net premiums earned), expense ratios (policy acquisition and insurance operating expenses expressed as a percentage of net premiums earned) and GAAP combined ratios (sum of loss ratio and expense ratio) for each of our business segments for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023. The GAAP combined ratio represents a measure of underwriting profitability, excluding investment income. A GAAP combined ratio in excess of 100 indicates an underwriting loss; a number below 100 indicates an underwriting profit.
(In thousands) 2024 2023
Insurance
Gross premiums written $ 12,662,132 $ 11,461,094
Net premiums written 10,549,550 9,560,533
Net premiums earned 10,086,308 9,007,376
Loss ratio 62.8 % 62.3 %
Expense ratio 28.4 28.3
GAAP combined ratio 91.2 90.6
Reinsurance & Monoline Excess
Gross premiums written $ 1,548,958 $ 1,510,912
Net premiums written 1,422,546 1,393,934
Net premiums earned 1,462,177 1,393,311
Loss ratio 54.7 % 54.3 %
Expense ratio 29.4 29.4
GAAP combined ratio 84.1 83.7
Consolidated
Gross premiums written $ 14,211,090 $ 12,972,006
Net premiums written 11,972,096 10,954,467
Net premiums earned 11,548,485 10,400,687
Loss ratio 61.8 % 61.3 %
Expense ratio 28.5 28.4
GAAP combined ratio 90.3 89.7
Net Income to Common Stockholders. The following table presents the Company’s net income to common stockholders and net income per diluted share for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023.
(In thousands, except per share data) 2024 2023
Net income to common stockholders $ 1,756,115 $ 1,381,359
Weighted average diluted shares 403,224 409,948
Net income per diluted share $ 4.36 $ 3.37
The Company reported net income of $1,756 million in 2024 and $1,381 million in 2023. The $375 million increase in net income reflected an after-tax increase in net investment income of $217 million primarily due to higher interest rates, a larger fixed maturity securities portfolio and investment income associated with our Argentine inflation-linked securities, an after-tax increase in foreign currency gains of $65 million mainly due to strengthening of the U.S. dollar against other currencies in 2024, an after-tax increase in net investment gains of $55 million due to change in market value of equity securities and impairment loss recognized on a real estate investment in 2023, an after-tax increase in underwriting income of $37 million mainly due to growth in premium rates, an after-tax reduction in corporate expenses of $15 million, an after-tax increase of $4 million in noncontrolling interests, an after-tax increase in profits from non-insurance businesses of $3 million and an after-tax increase in profit from insurance service businesses of $3 million, partially offset by an increase of $24 million in tax expense due to a change in the effective tax rate. The number of weighted average diluted shares decreased by 6.7 million for 2024 compared to 2023, mainly reflecting shares repurchased in 2024.
Premiums. Gross premiums written were $14,211 million in 2024, an increase of 10% from $12,972 million in 2023. The increase was due to the growth in the Insurance segment of $1,201 million and in the Reinsurance & Monoline Excess segment of $38 million. Approximately 81% of premiums expiring in 2024 and 2023 were renewed.
Average renewal premium rates (per unit of exposure) for insurance and facultative reinsurance increased 6.9% in 2024 and 7.1% in 2023. Average renewal premium rates (per unit of exposure) for insurance and facultative reinsurance excluding workers' compensation increased 7.9% in 2024 and 8.1% in 2023.
A summary of gross premiums written in 2024 compared with 2023 by line of business within each business segment follows:
•Insurance gross premiums increased 10% to $12,662 million in 2024 from $11,461 million in 2023. Gross premiums increased $509 million (11%) for other liability, $476 million (17%) for short-tail lines, $179 million (12%) for auto, $21 million (1%) for professional liability and $16 million (1%) for workers' compensation.
•Reinsurance & Monoline Excess gross premiums increased 3% to $1,549 million in 2024 from $1,511 million in 2023. Gross premiums written increased $68 million (16%) for property lines and $28 million (10%) for monoline excess, partially offset by a reduction of $58 million (7%) for casualty lines.
Net premiums written were $11,972 million in 2024, an increase of 9% from $10,954 million in 2023. Ceded reinsurance premiums as a percentage of gross written premiums were 16% in both 2024 and 2023.
Premiums earned increased 11% to $11,548 million in 2024 from $10,401 million in 2023. Insurance premiums (including the impact of rate changes) are generally earned evenly over the policy term, and accordingly recent rate increases will be earned over the upcoming quarters. Premiums earned in 2024 are related to business written during both 2024 and 2023. Audit premiums were $350 million in 2024 compared with $363 million in 2023.
Net Investment Income. Following is a summary of net investment income (loss) for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023:
Amount Average Annualized
Yield
(In thousands) 2024 2023 2024 2023
Fixed maturity securities, including cash and cash equivalents and loans receivable $ 1,260,429 $ 929,098 5.3 % 4.4 %
Arbitrage trading account 69,573 69,369 5.8 5.7
Equity securities 48,920 55,726 5.0 5.1
Investment funds (11,491) 16,743 (0.7) 1.0
Real estate (23,616) (11,185) (1.8) (0.9)
Gross investment income 1,343,815 1,059,751 4.6 4.0
Investment expenses (10,654) (6,916) - -
Total $ 1,333,161 $ 1,052,835 4.6 % 4.0 %
Net investment income increased 27% to $1,333 million in 2024 from $1,053 million in 2023 due primarily to a $331 million increase in income from fixed maturity securities mainly driven by higher interest rates, a larger fixed maturity securities portfolio and investment income associated with our Argentine inflation-linked securities (see below for further discussion), partially offset by a $28 million decrease in income from investment funds primarily due to financial service funds, a $12 million decrease in real estate, a $7 million decrease from equity securities and a $4 million increase in investment expenses. Investment funds are reported on a one quarter lag. The average annualized yield for fixed maturity securities was 5.3% in 2024 and 4.4% in 2023. The effective duration of the fixed maturity portfolio was 2.6 years at December 31, 2024 and 2.4 years at December 31, 2023. Average invested assets, at cost (including cash and cash equivalents), were $28.9 billion in 2024 up 9.5% from $26.4 billion in 2023.
Pre-tax net investment income associated with the Argentine inflation-linked securities in 2024 was $204 million. Such investment income increased as a result of an adjustment to the inflation rate that was made by the Argentine government in late 2023. As certain of our Argentine bonds matured and were sold throughout 2024 and the inflation rate continued to decline, we do not expect investment income relating to these securities to continue at this level. The proceeds from the Argentine inflation-linked securities that matured and were sold in 2024 have been reinvested.
Insurance Service Fees. The Company earns fees from an insurance distribution business (part of which was sold in June 2023), a third-party administrator, and as a servicing carrier of workers' compensation assigned risk plans for certain states. Insurance service fees increased to $109 million in 2024 from $106 million in 2023 due to an acquisition in the insurance distribution business in late 2023.
Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments. The Company buys and sells securities and other investment assets on a regular basis in order to maximize its total return on investments. Decisions to sell securities and other
investment assets are based on management’s view of the underlying fundamentals of specific investments as well as management’s expectations regarding interest rates, credit spreads, currency values and general economic conditions. Net realized and unrealized gains on investments were $80 million in 2024 compared with $48 million in 2023. In 2024, the gains reflected a change in unrealized gains on equity securities of $121 million, partially offset by net realized losses on investments of $41 million. In 2023, the gains reflected a change in unrealized gains on equity securities of $71 million, partially offset by net realized losses on investments of $23 million.
Change in Allowance for Expected Credit Losses on Investments. Based on credit factors, the allowance for expected credit losses is increased or decreased depending on the percentage of unrealized loss relative to amortized cost by security, changes in rating of the security by a rating agency, and adverse conditions specifically related to the security, among other factors. The pre-tax change in allowance for expected credit losses on investments reflected in net investment gains, decreased by $38 million ($30 million after-tax) in 2024 due to improved pricing associated with foreign government securities and corporate securities, and increased by $498 thousand ($393 thousand after-tax) in 2023.
Revenues from Non-Insurance Businesses. Revenues from non-insurance businesses were derived from businesses engaged in the distribution of promotional merchandise, world-wide textile solutions, and aviation-related businesses that provide services to aviation markets, including (i) the distribution, manufacturing, repair and overhaul of aircraft parts and components, (ii) the sale of new and used aircraft, and (iii) avionics, fuel, maintenance, storage and charter services. Revenues from non-insurance businesses decreased to $528 million in 2024 from $536 million in 2023 mainly due to the aviation-related business and the promotional merchandise business.
Losses and Loss Expenses. Losses and loss expenses increased to $7,132 million in 2024 from $6,372 million in 2023. The consolidated loss ratio was 61.8% in 2024 and 61.3% in 2023. Catastrophe losses, net of reinsurance recoveries, were $298 million in 2024 driven by heightened frequency of severe catastrophe events, with Hurricanes Helene and Milton having the largest impacts, and $195 million in 2023. Favorable prior year reserve development (net of premium offsets) was $4 million in 2024 and adverse prior year reserve development was $19 million in 2023 (refer to Note 13 of our consolidated financial statements for more detail). The loss ratio excluding catastrophe losses and prior year reserve development were 59.2% in both 2024 and 2023.
A summary of loss ratios in 2024 compared with 2023 by business segment follows:
•Insurance - The loss ratio was 62.8% in 2024 and 62.3% in 2023. Catastrophe losses were $227 million in 2024 compared with $160 million in 2023. Adverse prior year reserve development was $8 million in 2024 and $21 million in 2023, principally from property catastrophe losses for 2023. The loss ratio excluding catastrophe losses and prior year reserve development increased 0.2 points to 60.5% in 2024 from 60.3% in 2023.
•Reinsurance & Monoline Excess - The loss ratio was 54.7% in 2024 and 54.3% in 2023. Catastrophe losses were $71 million in 2024 compared with $35 million in 2023. Favorable prior year reserve development was $12 million in 2024 and $2 million in 2023. The loss ratio excluding catastrophe losses and prior year reserve development decreased 1.3 points to 50.6% in 2024 from 51.9% in 2023.
Other Operating Costs and Expenses. Following is a summary of other operating costs and expenses:
(In thousands) 2024 2023
Policy acquisition and insurance operating expenses $ 3,294,902 $ 2,954,686
Insurance service expenses 90,640 91,714
Net foreign currency (gains) losses (52,376) 31,799
Other costs and expenses 269,140 285,737
Total $ 3,602,306 $ 3,363,936
Policy acquisition and insurance operating expenses are comprised of commissions paid to agents and brokers, premium taxes and other assessments and internal underwriting costs. Policy acquisition and insurance operating expenses increased 12% and net premiums earned increased 11% from 2023. The expense ratio (policy acquisition and insurance operating expenses expressed as a percentage of net premiums earned) increased by 0.1 points to 28.5% in 2024 from 28.4% in 2023.
Service expenses, which represent the costs associated with the fee-based businesses, was $91 million in 2024 compared to $92 million in 2023.
Net foreign currency (gains) losses result from transactions denominated in a currency other than a businesses’ functional currency. Net foreign currency gains were $52 million in 2024 compared to losses of $32 million in 2023, primarily due to the U.S. dollar strengthening against other major currencies in 2024.
Other costs and expenses represent general and administrative expenses of the parent company and other expenses not allocated to business segments, including the cost of certain long-term incentive plans and new business ventures. Other costs and expenses decreased to $269 million in 2024 from $286 million in 2023, primarily due to lower new start-up operating unit expenses in 2024.
Expenses from Non-Insurance Businesses. Expenses from non-insurance businesses represent costs associated with businesses engaged in the distribution of promotional merchandise, world-wide textile solutions, and aviation-related businesses that include (i) cost of goods sold related to aircraft and products sold and services provided and (ii) general and administrative expenses. Expenses from non-insurance businesses decreased to $513 million in 2024 from $525 million in 2023, primarily due to the aviation-related business and promotional merchandise business.
Interest Expense. Interest expense was $127 million in both 2024 and 2023.
Income Taxes. The effective income tax rate was 22.5% in 2024 and 21.1% in 2023. The higher effective income tax rate for the year, as compared to 2023, was primarily due to the geographical mix of earnings and larger amounts being subject to tax at a rate greater than the U.S. statutory rate, which was partially offset by tax benefits related to tax-exempt investment income and equity-based compensation. See Note 16 of the Consolidated Financial Statements for a reconciliation of the income tax expense and the amounts computed by applying the Federal income tax rate of 21%.
The Company has not provided U.S. deferred income taxes on the undistributed earnings of approximately $481 million of its non-U.S. subsidiaries since these earnings are intended to be permanently reinvested in the non-U.S. subsidiaries. In the future, if such earnings were distributed, the Company projects that the incremental tax, if any, will be immaterial.
For years beginning after December 31, 2025, certain U.S. tax rates applied to international business will change. Specifically, increases to the Global Intangible Low Taxed Income and the Base Erosion and Anti-Abuse Tax rates will take effect. We do not expect this to have a meaningful impact to tax expense. We are actively monitoring legislative developments and will continue to assess the potential financial implications in 2025.
On August 16, 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 was enacted. Among other things, the legislation introduced a corporate alternative minimum tax on certain corporations. The tax is applicable for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2022 and imposes a 15% minimum tax on a corporation’s applicable financial statement income. While we are not subject to this tax in 2024, we continue to evaluate the overall impact of this tax legislation on our operations and U.S. federal income tax position. In addition, a 1% excise tax is now imposed on the value of corporate share repurchases, net of common share issuances. The tax is included in the cost of treasury stock acquired and was not material for 2024.
Further, the Company is monitoring the impact of the implementation of a global minimum tax rate of 15%, also known as Pillar Two, as introduced by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, which applies in some countries commencing in 2024. The 2024 impact was not material, as the Company mainly operates in jurisdictions with a statutory tax rate above 15%. We continue to evaluate this tax legislation as it will apply to other countries commencing in 2025, as well as possible interactions between Pillar Two measures and recent and potential future actions by the new U.S. administration. Our initial assessment is that the 2025 impact will not be significant.
The “Bermuda Corporate Income Tax Act 2023” was passed into law December 27, 2023. The income tax will be based on a statutory tax rate of 15% on Bermuda businesses, subject to reductions for foreign tax credits, and will be effective for fiscal years beginning on or after January 1, 2025. The legislation does not have a material impact on our income tax position. We will continue to evaluate tax legislation developments during 2025.
Results of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2023 and 2022
For a comparison of the Company’s results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2023 to the year ended December 31, 2022, see Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 23, 2024.
Investments
As part of its investment strategy, the Company establishes a level of cash and highly liquid short-term and intermediate-term securities that, combined with expected cash flow, it believes is adequate to meet its payment obligations. In addition to fixed maturity securities, the Company 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 also attempts to maintain an appropriate relationship between the effective duration of the investment portfolio and the approximate duration of its liabilities (i.e., policy claims and debt obligations). The effective duration of the investment portfolio was 2.6 years and 2.4 years at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The Company’s investment portfolio and investment-related assets as of December 31, 2024 were as follows:
($ in thousands) Carrying
Value Percent
of Total
Fixed maturity securities:
U.S. government and government agencies $ 2,235,341 7.5 %
State and municipal:
Special revenue 1,517,708 5.1
State general obligation 307,514 1.0
Local general obligation 272,376 0.9
Corporate backed 153,574 0.5
Pre-refunded (1) 85,592 0.3
Total state and municipal 2,336,764 7.8
Mortgage-backed securities:
Agency 3,045,639 10.2
Commercial 532,282 1.8
Residential-Prime 187,806 0.6
Residential-Alt A 2,055 -
Total mortgage-backed securities 3,767,782 12.6
Asset-backed securities 3,885,012 13.0
Corporate:
Industrial 3,667,199 12.3
Financial 3,320,513 11.1
Utilities 778,694 2.6
Other 651,235 2.2
Total corporate 8,417,641 28.2
Foreign government 1,755,325 5.9
Total fixed maturity securities 22,397,865 75.0
Equity securities available for sale:
Common stocks 760,167 2.5
Preferred stocks 443,621 1.5
Total equity securities available for sale 1,203,788 4.0
Cash and cash equivalents 1,974,747 6.6
Investment funds 1,468,246 4.9
Real estate 1,291,455 4.3
Arbitrage trading account 1,122,599 3.8
Loans receivable 405,453 1.4
Total investments $ 29,864,153 100.0 %
______________
(1)Pre-refunded securities are securities for which an escrow account has been established to fund the remaining payments of principal and interest through maturity. Such escrow accounts are funded almost exclusively with U.S. Treasury and U.S. government agency securities.
Fixed Maturity Securities. The Company’s investment policy with respect to fixed maturity securities is generally to purchase instruments with the expectation of holding them to their maturity. However, management of the available for sale
portfolio is considered necessary to maintain an approximate matching of assets and liabilities as well as to adjust the portfolio as a result of changes in financial market conditions and tax considerations.
The Company’s philosophy related to holding or selling fixed maturity securities is based on its objective of maximizing total return. The key factors that management considers in its investment decisions as to whether to hold or sell fixed maturity securities are its view of the underlying fundamentals of specific securities as well as its expectations regarding interest rates, credit spreads and currency values. In a period in which management expects interest rates to rise, the Company may sell longer duration securities in order to mitigate the impact of an interest rate rise on the fair value of the portfolio. Similarly, in a period in which management expects credit spreads to widen, the Company may sell lower quality securities, and in a period in which management expects certain foreign currencies to decline in value, the Company may sell securities denominated in those foreign currencies. The sale of fixed maturity securities in order to achieve the objective of maximizing total return may result in realized gains (losses); however, there is no reason to expect these gains (losses) to continue in future periods.
Equity Securities. Equity securities primarily represent investments in common and preferred stocks in companies with potential growth opportunities in different sectors, mainly in the financial institutions and energy sectors.
Investment Funds. At December 31, 2024, the carrying value of investment funds was $1,468 million, including investments in financial services funds of $430 million, other funds of $379 million (which includes a deferred compensation trust asset of $38 million), transportation funds of $286 million, real estate funds of $179 million, infrastructure funds of $151 million and energy funds of $43 million. Investment funds are primarily reported on a one-quarter lag.
Real Estate. Real estate is directly owned property held for investment. At December 31, 2024, real estate properties in operation included a long-term ground lease in Washington D.C., an office complex in New York City and the completed portion of a mixed-use project in Washington D.C. In addition, part of the previously mentioned mixed-use project in Washington D.C. is under development. The Company expects to fund further development costs for the project with a combination of its own funds and external financing.
Arbitrage Trading Account. The arbitrage trading account is comprised of direct investments in arbitrage securities. Merger arbitrage is the business of investing in the securities of publicly held companies that are the targets in announced tender offers and mergers.
Loans Receivable. Loans receivable, net of allowance for expected credit losses, had both an amortized cost and an aggregate fair value of $405 million at December 31, 2024. The amortized cost of loans receivable is net of an allowance for expected credit losses of $1 million as of December 31, 2024. Loans receivable include real estate loans of $402 million that are secured by commercial and residential real estate located primarily in the U.K. and New York. Real estate loans generally earn interest at fixed or stepped interest rates and have maturities through 2028. Loans receivable include commercial loans of $3 million that are secured by business assets and have fixed interest rates with varying maturities not exceeding 5 years.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Cash Flow. Cash flow provided from operating activities increased to $3,678 million in 2024 from $2,929 million in 2023, primarily due to an increase in premium receipts partially offset by increased loss and loss expense payments.
The Company's insurance subsidiaries' principal sources of cash are premiums, investment income, service fees and proceeds from sales and maturities of portfolio investments. The principal uses of cash are payments for claims, taxes, operating expenses and dividends. The Company expects its insurance subsidiaries to fund the payment of losses with cash received from premiums, investment income and fees. The Company generally targets an average duration for its investment portfolio that is within 1.5 years of the average number of years held for its liabilities so that portions of its investment portfolio mature throughout the claim cycle and are available for the payment of claims if necessary. In the event operating cash flow and proceeds from maturities and prepayments of fixed maturity securities are not sufficient to fund claim payments and other cash requirements, the remainder of the Company's cash and investments is available to pay claims and other obligations as they become due. The Company's investment portfolio is highly liquid, with approximately 82% invested in cash, cash equivalents and marketable fixed maturity securities as of December 31, 2024. If the sale of fixed maturity securities were to become necessary, a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the cost and sales price of securities sold would be recognized.
Debt. At December 31, 2024, the Company had senior notes, subordinated debentures and other debt outstanding with a carrying value of $2,841 million and a face amount of $2,864 million. The maturities of the outstanding debt are $9 million in 2025, $250 million in 2037, $350 million in 2044, $470 million in 2050, $400 million in 2052, $185 million in 2058, $300 million in 2059, $250 million in 2060, and $650 million in 2061.
On April 1, 2022, the Company entered into a senior unsecured revolving credit facility that provides for revolving, unsecured borrowings up to an aggregate of $300 million with a $50 million sublimit for letters of credit. The Company may increase the amount available under the facility to a maximum of $500 million subject to obtaining lender commitments for the increase and other customary conditions. Borrowings under the facility may be used for working capital and other general corporate purposes. All borrowings under the facility must be repaid by April 1, 2027, except that letters of credit outstanding on that date may remain outstanding until April 1, 2028 (or such later date approved by all lenders). Our ability to utilize the facility is conditioned on the satisfaction of representations, warranties and covenants that are customary for facilities of this type. As of December 31, 2024, there were no borrowings outstanding under the facility.
Equity. At December 31, 2024, total common stockholders’ equity was $8.4 billion, common shares outstanding were 380,066,070 and stockholders’ equity per outstanding share was $22.09. The Company repurchased 5,702,996 and 13,061,514 shares of its common stock in 2024 and 2023, respectively. The aggregate cost of the repurchases was $304 million in 2024 and $537 million in 2023. 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, respectively, for a total of $532 million in aggregate dividends in 2024.
Total Capital. Total capitalization (equity, debt and subordinated debentures) was $11.2 billion at December 31, 2024. The percentage of the Company’s capital attributable to senior notes, subordinated debentures and other debt was 25% and 28% at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
Federal and Foreign Income Taxes
The Company files a consolidated income tax return in the U.S. and foreign tax returns in each of the countries in which it has overseas operations. At December 31, 2024, the Company had a gross deferred tax asset of $715 million (which primarily relates to, loss and loss expense reserves, unearned premium reserves, employee compensation plans and unrealized losses on investments). The Company also has a $36 million valuation allowance against the gross deferred tax asset and a gross deferred tax liability of $524 million (which primarily relates to deferred policy acquisition costs, and various investment funds) resulting in a net deferred tax asset of $155 million. The realization of this asset is dependent upon the Company's ability to generate sufficient taxable income in future periods. Based on historical results and the prospects for future operations, management anticipates that it is more likely than not that future taxable income will be sufficient for the realization of this asset.
Reinsurance
The Company follows customary industry practice of reinsuring a portion of its exposures in exchange for paying reinsurers a part of the premiums received on the policies it writes. Reinsurance is purchased by the Company principally to reduce its net liability on individual risks and to protect against catastrophic losses. Although reinsurance does not legally discharge an insurer from its primary liability for the full amount of the policies, it does make the assuming reinsurer liable to the insurer to the extent of the reinsurance coverage. The Company monitors the financial condition of its reinsurers and attempts to place its coverages with only financially sound carriers. Reinsurance coverage and retentions vary depending on the line of business, location of the risk and nature of loss. The Company’s reinsurance purchases include the following:
•Property reinsurance treaties - The Company purchases property reinsurance to reduce its exposure to large individual property losses and catastrophe events. Following is a summary of significant property reinsurance treaties in effect as of January 1, 2025:
◦The Company’s property per risk reinsurance generally covers losses between $2.5 million and $85 million.
◦The Company’s property catastrophe excess of loss reinsurance program provides protection for business written by its Insurance segments and U.S. and non-U.S. business written by Lloyd's Syndicate, excluding offshore energy. For 2025, some of our property catastrophe reinsurance is placed via industry loss warranty (ILW) covers and the equivalent W. R. Berkley limit and retention (and resulting net position) are estimated based on our market share and modeled outcome when applying the ILW layering. Retentions by territory and peril range between $46.3 million and $74.0 million. Limits purchased are the difference between the corresponding retentions and $700 million.
•Casualty reinsurance treaties - The Company purchases casualty reinsurance to reduce its exposure to large individual casualty losses and workers’ compensation catastrophe losses for the majority of business written by its U.S. companies. A casualty contingency treaty, in effect as of January 1, 2025, provides protection for bad faith and runaway loss adjustment expense losses in excess of $10 million and up to $75 million. For losses involving two or more claimants for primary workers’ compensation business, coverage is generally in place for losses between $10 million and $500 million. For excess workers’ compensation business, such coverage is generally in place for losses between $25 million and $500 million. Our workers’ compensation catastrophe reinsurance program is a shared cover for both excess and primary workers’ compensation business.
•Facultative reinsurance - The Company also purchases facultative reinsurance on certain individual policies or risks that are in excess of treaty reinsurance capacity.
•Other reinsurance - Depending on the business, the Company purchases specific additional reinsurance to supplement the above programs.
•Lifson Re is expected to continue to be a participant on the majority of the Company’s reinsurance placements. Effective January 1, 2025, Lifson Re participates in a 32.5% share of the placed amounts, increased from 30.0% in the prior year. This pertains to all traditional treaty reinsurance/retrocessional placements for both property and casualty business where there is more than one open market reinsurer participating. Lifson Re is currently capitalized with $418 million of equity from a small group of sophisticated global investors with long-term investment horizons, including a minority participation by the Company. Lifson Re participates on a fully collateralized basis.
The Company places a number of its casualty treaties on a “risk attaching” basis. Under risk attaching treaties, all claims from policies incepting during the period of the reinsurance contract are covered even if they occur after the expiration date of the reinsurance contract. If the Company is unable to renew or replace its existing reinsurance coverage, protection for unexpired policies would remain in place until their expiration. In such case, the Company could revise its underwriting strategy for new business to reflect the absence of reinsurance protection. The casualty contingency treaty highlighted above is purchased on a “losses discovered” basis. Property catastrophe and workers’ compensation catastrophe reinsurance is generally placed on a “losses occurring basis,” whereby only claims occurring during the period are covered. If the Company is unable to renew or replace these reinsurance coverages, unexpired policies would not be protected, though we generally have the option to purchase run-off coverage in our treaties.
Following is a summary of earned premiums and loss and loss expenses ceded to reinsurers for each of the three years ended December 31, 2024:
Year Ended December 31,
(In thousands) 2024 2023 2022
Earned premiums $ 2,163,213 $ 1,958,581 $ 1,883,263
Losses and loss expenses 1,368,279 1,376,144 1,269,338
Ceded earned premiums increased 10% in 2024 to $2,163 million. The ceded losses and loss expenses ratio decreased 7.0 points to 63% in 2024 from 70% in 2023.
The following table presents the credit quality of amounts due from reinsurers as of December 31, 2024.
(In thousands)
Reinsurer Rating (1) Amount
Amounts due in excess of $20 million:
Lloyd’s of London A+ $ 356,338
Partner Re A+ 314,891
Munich Re AA- 287,864
Berkshire Hathaway AA+ 274,182
Hannover Re Group AA- 222,719
Renaissance Re A+ 215,300
Swiss Re AA- 159,462
Liberty Mutual A 120,381
Everest Re A+ 93,223
Axis Capital A+ 83,756
Arch Capital Group A+ 67,357
Sompo Holdings Group A+ 59,074
Fairfax Financial A 58,585
Nationwide Group A+ 52,111
Korean Re A 51,233
Axa Insurance AA- 50,002
TOA RE A 47,501
Markel Corp Group A 42,982
MS & AD Insurance Group A 34,680
Helvetia Holdings Group A+ 29,490
Chubb Group AA 26,708
Other reinsurers:
Rated A- or better 124,699
Secured (2) 636,207
All Others 36,378
Subtotal $ 3,445,123
Residual market pools (3) 120,922
Allowance for expected credit losses (8,350)
Total $ 3,557,695
(1)S&P rating, or if not rated by S&P, A.M. Best rating.
(2)Secured by letters of credit or other forms of collateral.
(3)Many states require licensed insurers that provide workers' compensation insurance to participate in programs that provide workers' compensation to employers that cannot procure coverage from an insurer on a voluntary basis. Insurers can fulfill this residual market obligation by participating in pools where results are shared by the participating companies. The Company acts as a servicing carrier for workers' compensation pools in certain states. As a servicing carrier, the Company writes residual market business directly and then cedes 100% of this business to the respective pool. As a servicing carrier, the Company receives fee income for its services. The Company does not retain underwriting risk, and credit risk is limited as ceded balances are jointly shared by all the pool members.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
An off-balance sheet arrangement is any transaction, agreement or other contractual arrangement involving an unconsolidated entity under which a company has (1) made guarantees, (2) a retained or contingent interest in transferred assets, (3) an obligation under derivative instruments classified as equity or (4) any obligation arising out of a material variable interest in an unconsolidated entity that provides financing, liquidity, market risk or credit risk support to the Company, or that engages in leasing, hedging or research and development arrangements with the Company. The Company has no arrangements of these types that management believes may have a material current or future effect on our financial condition, liquidity or results of operations.
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 2,451 381 3,396
Total revenues 13,638,752 12,142,938 11,166,499
OPERATING COSTS AND EXPENSES:
Losses and loss expenses 7,131,595 6,372,142 5,861,750
Other operating costs and expenses 3,602,306 3,363,936 2,961,505
Expenses from non-insurance businesses 513,451 524,998 493,189
Interest expense 126,907 127,459 130,374
Total operating costs and expenses 11,374,259 10,388,535 9,446,818
Income before income taxes 2,264,493 1,754,403 1,719,681
Income tax expense (509,916) (370,557) (334,727)
Net income before noncontrolling interests 1,754,577 1,383,846 1,384,954
Noncontrolling interests 1,538 (2,487) (3,892)
Net income to common stockholders $ 1,756,115 $ 1,381,359 $ 1,381,062
NET INCOME PER SHARE:
Basic $ 4.39 $ 3.40 $ 3.33
Diluted $ 4.36 $ 3.37 $ 3.29
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
W. R. BERKLEY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Year Ended December 31,
(In thousands) 2024 2023 2022
Net income before noncontrolling interests $ 1,754,577 $ 1,383,846 $ 1,384,954
Other comprehensive (loss) gain:
Change in unrealized translation adjustments (77,615) 32,192 1,179
Change in unrealized investment gains (losses), net of taxes 69,182 306,553 (983,803)
Other comprehensive (loss) gain (8,433) 338,745 (982,624)
Comprehensive income 1,746,144 1,722,591 402,330
Noncontrolling interests 1,536 (2,485) (3,890)
Comprehensive income to common stockholders $ 1,747,680 $ 1,720,106 $ 398,440
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
W. R. BERKLEY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
December 31,
(In thousands, except share data) 2024 2023
Assets
Investments:
Fixed maturity securities (amortized cost of $23,010,899 and $20,915,245; allowance for expected credit losses of $671 and $36,751 at December 31, 2024 and 2023)
$ 22,397,865 $ 20,178,308
Investment funds 1,468,246 1,621,655
Real estate
1,291,455 1,249,874
Arbitrage trading account 1,122,599 938,049
Equity securities 1,203,788 1,090,347
Loans receivable (net of allowance for expected credit losses of $1,114 and $3,004 at December 31, 2024 and 2023)
405,453 201,271
Total investments 27,889,406 25,279,504
Cash and cash equivalents 1,974,747 1,363,195
Premiums and fees receivable (net of allowance for expected credit losses of $39,884 and $35,110 at December 31, 2024 and 2023)
3,266,845 3,109,334
Due from reinsurers (net of allowance for expected credit losses of $8,350 and $8,404 at December 31, 2024 and 2023)
3,557,695 3,534,527
Deferred policy acquisition costs 951,728 861,609
Prepaid reinsurance premiums 823,207 758,927
Trading account receivable from brokers and clearing organizations 60,327 303,614
Property, furniture and equipment 478,511 426,803
Goodwill 184,332 174,597
Accrued investment income 243,772 213,408
Current federal and foreign income taxes 39,382 1,318
Deferred federal and foreign income taxes 220,217 309,623
Other assets 877,099 865,556
Total assets $ 40,567,268 $ 37,202,015
Liabilities and Equity
Liabilities:
Reserves for losses and loss expenses $ 20,368,030 $ 18,739,652
Unearned premiums 6,375,112 5,922,326
Due to reinsurers 668,652 631,164
Trading account securities sold but not yet purchased 73,358 9,357
Current federal and foreign income taxes 53,482 47,525
Deferred federal and foreign income taxes 65,151 42,660
Senior notes and other debt 1,831,158 1,827,951
Subordinated debentures 1,009,808 1,009,090
Other liabilities 1,715,078 1,503,053
Total liabilities 32,159,829 29,732,778
Equity:
Preferred stock, par value $.10 per share:
Authorized 5,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding - none
- -
Common stock, par value $.20 per share:
Authorized 1,250,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding, net of treasury shares, 380,066,070 and 384,817,136 shares, respectively
158,705 158,705
Additional paid-in capital 984,825 964,789
Retained earnings 12,265,070 11,040,908
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (934,269) (925,838)
Treasury stock, at cost, 413,455,739 and 408,704,807 shares, respectively
(4,079,220) (3,783,133)
Total common stockholders’ equity 8,395,111 7,455,431
Noncontrolling interests 12,328 13,806
Total equity 8,407,439 7,469,237
Total liabilities and equity
$ 40,567,268 $ 37,202,015
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
W. R. BERKLEY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Year Ended December 31,
(In thousands, except per share data) 2024 2023 2022
COMMON STOCK:
Beginning and end of period $ 158,705 $ 158,705 $ 158,705
ADDITIONAL PAID IN CAPITAL:
Beginning of period $ 964,789 $ 944,632 $ 928,202
Restricted stock units issued (32,344) (29,043) (32,622)
Restricted stock units expensed 52,380 49,200 49,052
End of period $ 984,825 $ 964,789 $ 944,632
RETAINED EARNINGS:
Beginning of period $ 11,040,908 $ 10,161,005 $ 9,015,135
Net income to common stockholders 1,756,115 1,381,359 1,381,062
Dividends ($1.40, $1.29, and $0.59 per share, respectively)
(531,953) (501,456) (235,192)
End of period $ 12,265,070 $ 11,040,908 $ 10,161,005
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS:
Unrealized investment (losses) gains:
Beginning of period $ (586,354) $ (892,905) $ 90,900
Change in unrealized gains (losses) on securities without an allowance for expected
credit losses 64,756 305,908 (955,435)
Change in unrealized gains (losses) on securities with an allowance for expected credit losses 4,428 643 (28,370)
End of period (517,170) (586,354) (892,905)
Currency translation adjustments:
Beginning of period (339,484) (371,676) (372,855)
Net change in period (77,615) 32,192 1,179
End of period (417,099) (339,484) (371,676)
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss $ (934,269) $ (925,838) $ (1,264,581)
TREASURY STOCK:
Beginning of period $ (3,783,133) $ (3,251,429) $ (3,167,076)
Stock exercised/vested 10,066 10,381 9,787
Stock repurchased (303,655) (537,163) (94,140)
Other (2,498) (4,922) -
End of period $ (4,079,220) $ (3,783,133) $ (3,251,429)
NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS:
Beginning of period $ 13,806 $ 19,829 $ 14,719
Contributions (distributions) 58 (8,508) 1,220
Net (loss) income (1,538) 2,487 3,892
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax 2 (2) (2)
End of period $ 12,328 $ 13,806 $ 19,829
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
W. R. BERKLEY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Year Ended December 31,
(In thousands) 2024 2023 2022
CASH FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income to common stockholders $ 1,756,115 $ 1,381,359 $ 1,381,062
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from operating activities:
Net investment gains (117,708) (47,042) (202,397)
Depreciation and (accretion) amortization (170,638) (20,861) 55,872
Noncontrolling interests (1,538) 2,487 3,892
Investment funds 11,491 (16,743) (145,099)
Stock incentive plans 54,381 51,000 49,411
Change in:
Arbitrage trading account 122,738 (54,213) (53,291)
Premiums and fees receivable (184,431) (334,178) (268,171)
Reinsurance accounts (31,738) (306,017) (266,307)
Deferred policy acquisition costs (91,150) (99,387) (88,844)
Current income taxes (28,526) 52,451 (3,534)
Deferred income taxes 95,311 (26,691) (64,712)
Reserves for losses and loss expenses 1,707,722 1,715,076 1,684,254
Unearned premiums 485,488 617,535 466,590
Other 70,851 14,462 19,878
Net cash from operating activities 3,678,368 2,929,238 2,568,604
CASH FLOWS USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from sale of fixed maturity securities 2,310,746 1,011,195 797,948
Proceeds from sale of equity securities 331,291 318,852 82,319
Distributions from (contributions to) investment funds 134,853 (19,904) 24,623
Proceeds from maturities and prepayments of fixed maturity securities 4,890,572 3,506,903 4,891,179
Purchase of fixed maturity securities (9,368,703) (6,664,763) (8,036,680)
Purchase of equity securities (207,457) (80,454) (340,482)
Real estate purchased (66,632) (2,074) (45,920)
Change in loans receivable (210,816) (29,719) (83,212)
Net additions to property, furniture and equipment (105,623) (53,080) (52,684)
Change in balances due from security brokers 107,280 (33,929) 14,337
Cash received in connection with business disposition - 96,567 906,789
Payment for business purchased, net of cash acquired - (11,558) (49,572)
Net cash used in investing activities (2,184,489) (1,961,964) (1,891,355)
CASH FLOWS USED IN FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Net proceeds from issuance of debt 3,105 980 -
Repayment of senior notes and other debt - (1,954) (429,812)
Cash dividends to common stockholders (531,953) (501,456) (235,192)
Purchase of common treasury shares (303,655) (537,163) (94,140)
Other, net (19,984) (22,902) (12,848)
Net cash used in financing activities (852,487) (1,062,495) (771,992)
Net impact on cash due to change in foreign exchange rates (29,840) 9,070 (24,754)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 611,552 (86,151) (119,497)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 1,363,195 1,449,346 1,568,843
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year $ 1,974,747 $ 1,363,195 $ 1,449,346
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
W. R. BERKLEY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022
(1) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
(A) Principles of consolidation and basis of presentation
The consolidated financial statements, which include the accounts of W. R. Berkley Corporation and its subsidiaries (the "Company"), have been prepared on the basis of U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"). All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated. Shares outstanding and per share amounts have been adjusted to reflect the 3-for-2 common stock split effected on July 10, 2024. Additionally, 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 in the 2023 and 2022 financial statements as originally reported to conform to the presentation of the 2024 financial statements.
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the revenues and expenses reflected during the reporting period. The most significant items on our balance sheet that involve a greater degree of accounting estimates that are subject to change in the future are the valuation of investments, allowance for expected credit losses on investments, reserves for losses and loss expenses and premium estimates. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
(B) Revenue recognition
Insurance premiums are recognized as written at the inception of the policy. Reinsurance premiums are estimated based upon information received from ceding companies, and subsequent differences from such estimates are recorded in the period they are determined. Insurance and reinsurance premiums are primarily earned on a pro rata basis over the policy term. Fees for services are earned over the period that the services are provided. Premiums and fees receivable are reported net of an allowance for expected credit losses, with the allowance being estimated based on current and future expected conditions, historical loss data and specific identification of collectability concerns where applicable. Changes in the allowance are reported within other operating costs and expenses.
Audit premiums are recognized when they are reliably determinable. The change in accruals for earned but unbilled audit premiums increased net premiums written and premiums earned by $19 million, $19 million and $25 million in 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Revenues from non-insurance businesses are derived from businesses engaged in the distribution of promotional merchandise, world-wide textile solutions, and aircraft services provided to the general, commercial and military aviation markets. These aircraft services include (i) the distribution, manufacturing, repair and overhaul of aircraft parts and components, (ii) the sale of new and used aircraft, and (iii) avionics, fuel, maintenance, storage and charter services. Revenue is recognized upon the shipment of products and parts, the delivery of aircraft, the delivery of fuel, and over the completion period of services.
Insurance service fee revenue represents servicing fees for program administration and claims management services provided by the Company, including workers' compensation assigned risk plans, as well as insurance brokerage and risk management services. Fees for program administration, claims management and risk management services are primarily recognized ratably over the related contract period for which the underlying services are rendered.
(C) Cash and cash equivalents
Cash equivalents consist of funds invested in money market accounts and investments with an effective maturity of three months or less when purchased.
(D) Investments
Fixed maturity securities classified as available for sale are carried at estimated fair value, with unrealized gains and losses, net of applicable income taxes, excluded from earnings and reported as a component of comprehensive income and a separate component of stockholders' equity. Fixed maturity securities that the Company has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are classified as held to maturity and reported at amortized cost. Investment income from fixed maturity
securities is recognized based on the constant effective yield method. Premiums and discounts on mortgage-backed securities are adjusted for the effects of actual and anticipated prepayments on a retrospective basis.
Equity securities with readily determinable fair values are measured at fair value, with changes in the fair value recognized in net income within net realized and unrealized gains on investments.
Fixed maturity securities that the Company purchased with the intent to sell in the near-term are classified as trading account securities and are reported at estimated fair value. Realized and unrealized gains and losses from trading activity are reported as net investment income and are recorded at the trade date. Short sales and short call options are presented as trading securities sold but not yet purchased. Unsettled trades and the net margin balances held by the clearing broker are presented as a trading account receivable from brokers and clearing organizations.
Investment funds are carried under the equity method of accounting. The Company's share of the earnings or losses of investment funds is primarily reported on a one-quarter lag in order to facilitate the timely completion of the Company's consolidated financial statements.
Loans receivable primarily represent commercial and real estate loans and are carried at amortized cost. The accrual of interest on loans receivable is discontinued if the loan is 90 days past due based on the contractual terms of the loan unless the loan is adequately secured and in process of collection. In general, loans are placed on non-accrual status or charged off at an earlier date if collection of principal or interest is considered doubtful. Interest on these loans is accounted for on a cash basis until qualifying for return to accrual status. Loans are returned to accrual status when all principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current and future payments are reasonably assured.
Fair value is defined as “the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.” Fair value of investments is determined based on a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the use of observable inputs over the use of unobservable inputs and requires the use of observable inputs when available. (See Note 12 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.)
Realized gains or losses represent the difference between the cost of securities sold and the proceeds realized upon sale and are recorded at the trade date. The Company uses primarily the first-in, first-out method to determine the cost of securities sold.
For available for sale securities in an unrealized loss position where the Company intends to sell, or it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell the security before recovery in value, the amortized cost basis is written down to fair value through net investment gains. For available for sale securities in an unrealized loss position where the Company does not intend to sell, or it is more likely than not that it will not be required to sell the security before recovery in value, the Company evaluates whether the decline in fair value has resulted from credit losses or all other factors (non-credit factors). In making this assessment, the Company considers the extent to which fair value is less than amortized cost, changes to the rating of the security by a rating agency, and adverse conditions specifically related to the security, among other factors. If this assessment indicates that a credit loss exists, the present value of cash flows expected to be collected from the security are compared to the amortized cost basis of the security. If the present value of cash flows expected to be collected is less than the amortized cost basis, an allowance for expected credit losses is recorded for the credit loss through net investment gains, limited by the amount that the fair value is less than the amortized cost basis. The allowance is adjusted for any change in expected credit losses and subsequent recoveries through net investment gains. The impairment related to non-credit factors is recognized in comprehensive income (loss).
For financial assets carried at amortized cost, which includes held to maturity securities and loans receivable, the Company estimates an allowance for expected credit losses based on relevant information about past events, including historical loss experience, current conditions and forecasts that affect the expected collectability of the amortized cost of the financial asset. The allowance for expected credit losses is presented as a reduction to amortized cost of the financial asset in the consolidated balance sheet and changes to the estimate for expected credit losses are recognized through net investment gains.
The Company’s credit assessment of allowance for expected credit losses uses a third party model for available for sale and held to maturity securities, as well as loans receivable. The allowance for expected credit losses is generally based on the performance of the underlying collateral under various economic and default scenarios that involve subjective judgments and estimates by management. Modeling these securities involves various factors, such as projected default rates, the nature and realizable value of the collateral, if any, the ability of the issuer to make scheduled payments, historical performance and other relevant economic and performance factors. A discounted cash flow analysis is used to ascertain the amount of the allowance for expected credit losses, if any. In general, the model reverts to the rating-level long-term average marginal default rates based on 10 years of historical data, beyond the forecast period. For other inputs, the model in most cases reverts to the baseline long-
term assumptions linearly over 5 years beyond the forecast period. The long-term assumptions are based on the historical averages.
The Company reports accrued investment income separately from fixed maturity securities, and has elected not to measure an allowance for expected credit losses for accrued investment income. Accrued investment income is written off through net investment income at the time the issuer of the bond defaults or is expected to default on payments.
Real estate held for investment purposes is initially recorded at the purchase price, which is generally fair value, and is subsequently reported at cost less accumulated depreciation. Real estate taxes, interest and other costs incurred during development and construction are capitalized. Buildings are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the building. Minimum rental income is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Income and expenses from real estate are reported as net investment income. The carrying value of real estate is reviewed for impairment and an impairment loss is recognized if the estimated undiscounted cash flows from the use and disposition of the property are less than the carrying value of the property.
(E) Per share data
The Company presents both basic and diluted net income per share (“EPS”) amounts. Basic EPS is calculated by dividing net income by weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the year (including 17,659,297 common shares held in a grantor trust). The common shares held in the grantor trust are for delivery upon settlement of vested but mandatorily deferred restricted stock units ("RSUs"). Shares held by the grantor trust do not affect diluted shares outstanding since the shares deliverable under vested RSUs were already included in diluted shares outstanding. Diluted EPS is based upon the weighted average number of basic and common equivalent shares outstanding during the year and is calculated using the treasury stock method for stock incentive plans. Common equivalent shares are excluded from the computation in periods in which they have an anti-dilutive effect.
(F) Deferred policy acquisition costs
Acquisition costs associated with the successful acquisition of new and renewed insurance and reinsurance contracts are deferred and amortized ratably over the terms of the related contracts. Ceding commissions received on reinsurance contracts are netted against acquisition costs and are recognized ratably over the life of the contract. Deferred policy acquisition costs are presented net of unearned ceding commissions. Deferred policy acquisition costs are comprised primarily of commissions, as well as employment-related underwriting costs and premium taxes. Deferred policy acquisition costs are reviewed to determine if they are recoverable from future income and, if not, are charged to expense. The recoverability of deferred policy acquisition costs is evaluated separately by each of our operating units. Future investment income is taken into account in measuring the recoverability of deferred policy acquisition costs.
(G) Reserves for losses and loss expenses
Reserves for losses and loss expenses are an accumulation of amounts determined on the basis of (1) evaluation of claims for business written directly by the Company; (2) estimates received from other companies for reinsurance assumed by the Company; and (3) estimates for losses incurred but not reported (based on Company and industry experience). These estimates are periodically reviewed and, as experience develops and new information becomes known, the reserves are adjusted as necessary. Such adjustments are reflected in the statements of income in the period in which they are determined. The Company discounts its reserves for excess and assumed workers' compensation claims using a risk-free or statutory rate. (See Note 13 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.)
(H) Reinsurance ceded
The unearned portion of premiums ceded to reinsurers is reported as prepaid reinsurance premiums and earned ratably over the policy term. The estimated amounts of reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses are reported as due from reinsurers. To the extent any reinsurer does not meet its obligations under reinsurance agreements, the Company must discharge its liability. Amounts due from reinsurers are reflected net of funds held where the right of offset is present. The Company has provided an allowance for expected credit losses for estimated uncollectible reinsurance. The allowance is estimated based on the composition of the recoverable balance, considering reinsurer credit ratings, collateral received from financial institutions and funds withheld arrangements, length of collection periods, probability of default methodology, and specific identification of collectability concerns. Changes in the allowance are reported within losses and loss expenses.
(I) Deposit accounting
Contracts that do not meet the risk transfer requirements of GAAP are accounted for using the deposit accounting method. Under this method, an asset or liability is recognized at the inception of the contract based on consideration paid or received. The amount of the deposit asset or liability is adjusted at subsequent reporting dates using the interest method with a corresponding credit or charge to interest income or expense. Deposit liabilities for assumed reinsurance contracts were $29 million and $31 million at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
(J) Federal and foreign income taxes
The Company files a consolidated income tax return in the U.S. and foreign tax returns in countries where it has overseas operations. The Company's method of accounting for income taxes is the asset and liability method. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using tax rates currently in effect or expected to apply in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to reverse. Interest and penalties, if any, are reported as income tax expense. The Company believes there are no uncertain tax positions that would require disclosure under GAAP. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance if it is more likely than not that all or a portion of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.
(K) Foreign currency
Gains and losses resulting from foreign currency transactions (transactions denominated in a currency other than the entity's functional currency) are reported on the statements of income as other operating costs and expenses. Unrealized gains or losses resulting from translating the results of non-U.S. dollar denominated operations are reported in accumulated other comprehensive income. Revenues and expenses denominated in currencies other than U.S. dollars are generally translated at the weighted average exchange rate during the year. Assets and liabilities are translated at the rate of exchange in effect at the balance sheet date.
(L) Property, furniture and equipment
Property, furniture and equipment are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is calculated using the estimated useful lives of the respective assets. Depreciation expense was $55 million, $51 million and $52 million for 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
(M) Comprehensive income
Comprehensive income encompasses all changes in stockholders' equity (except those arising from transactions with stockholders) and includes net income, net unrealized holding gains or losses on available for sale securities and unrealized foreign currency translation adjustments.
(N) Goodwill and other intangible assets
Goodwill and other intangible assets are tested for impairment on an annual basis and at interim periods where circumstances require. The Company's impairment test as of December 31, 2024 indicated that there were no material impairment losses related to goodwill and other intangible assets. Intangible assets of $97 million and $119 million are included in other assets as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
(O) Restricted stock units
The costs resulting from all share-based payment transactions with employees are recognized in the consolidated financial statements using a fair-value-based measurement method. Compensation cost is recognized for financial reporting purposes over the period in which the employee is required to provide service in exchange for the award (generally the vesting period).
(P) Statements of cash flows
Interest payments were $138 million, $114 million and $138 million in 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Income taxes paid were $410 million, $332 million and $295 million in 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Other non-cash items include unrealized investment gains and losses. (See Note 10 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.)
(Q) Recent accounting pronouncements
Recently adopted accounting pronouncements:
In November 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued ASU 2023-07, Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures, which enhances current segment disclosures and requires additional disclosures of significant segment expenses. When applying this disclosure requirement, an entity identifies the significant expenses for each reportable segment that are regularly provided to its chief operating decision maker and included in the reported measures of a segment’s profit or loss. The guidance was effective for public business entities for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2024. The Company adopted this guidance for the year ended December 31, 2024.
Accounting and reporting standards that are not yet effective:
All recently issued but not yet effective accounting and reporting standards are either not applicable to the Company or are not expected to have a material impact on the Company.
(2) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
The following tables present the components of the changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) as of and for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023:
(In thousands)
December 31, 2024 Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses) Currency Translation Adjustments Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Changes in AOCI
Beginning of period $ (586,354) $ (339,484) $ (925,838)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (26,128) (77,615) (103,743)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI 95,310 - 95,310
Other comprehensive income (loss) 69,182 (77,615) (8,433)
Unrealized investment gain related to noncontrolling interest 2 - 2
Ending balance $ (517,170) $ (417,099) $ (934,269)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI
Pre-tax $ 120,646 (1) $ - $ 120,646
Tax effect (25,336) (2) - (25,336)
After-tax amounts reclassified $ 95,310 $ - $ 95,310
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Pre-tax $ 84,474 $ (77,615) $ 6,859
Tax effect (15,292) - (15,292)
Other comprehensive income (loss) $ 69,182 $ (77,615) $ (8,433)
(In thousands)
December 31, 2023 Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses) Currency Translation Adjustments Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Changes in AOCI
Beginning of period $ (892,905) $ (371,676) $ (1,264,581)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications 252,782 32,192 284,974
Amounts reclassified from AOCI 53,771 - 53,771
Other comprehensive income 306,553 32,192 338,745
Unrealized investment loss related to non-controlling interest (2) - (2)
Ending balance $ (586,354) $ (339,484) $ (925,838)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI
Pre-tax $ 68,065 (1) $ - $ 68,065
Tax effect (14,294) (2) - (14,294)
After-tax amounts reclassified $ 53,771 $ - $ 53,771
Other comprehensive income
Pre-tax $ 392,903 $ 32,192 $ 425,095
Tax effect (86,350) - (86,350)
Other comprehensive income $ 306,553 $ 32,192 $ 338,745
_______________
(1) Net investment gains in the consolidated statements of income.
(2) Income tax expense in the consolidated statements of income.
(3) Investments in Fixed Maturity Securities
At December 31, 2024 and 2023, investments in fixed maturity securities were as follows:
(In thousands) Amortized
Cost Allowance for Expected Credit Losses (1) Gross Unrealized Fair
Value Carrying
Value
Gains Losses
December 31, 2024
Held to maturity:
State and municipal $ 42,145 $ (25) $ 1,492 $ - $ 43,612 $ 42,120
Residential mortgage-backed 2,292 - 69 - 2,361 2,292
Total held to maturity 44,437 (25) 1,561 - 45,973 44,412
Available for sale:
U.S. government and government agency 2,268,596 - 9,608 (42,863) 2,235,341 2,235,341
State and municipal:
Special revenue 1,581,778 - 3,521 (67,591) 1,517,708 1,517,708
State general obligation 272,936 - 1,439 (8,981) 265,394 265,394
Pre-refunded 85,340 - 599 (347) 85,592 85,592
Corporate backed 158,322 - 1,079 (5,827) 153,574 153,574
Local general obligation 278,165 - 922 (6,711) 272,376 272,376
Total state and municipal 2,376,541 - 7,560 (89,457) 2,294,644 2,294,644
Mortgage-backed securities:
Residential 3,411,796 (5) 11,047 (189,630) 3,233,208 3,233,208
Commercial 534,936 (425) 1,201 (3,430) 532,282 532,282
Total mortgage-backed securities 3,946,732 (430) 12,248 (193,060) 3,765,490 3,765,490
Asset-backed securities 3,910,363 - 16,161 (41,512) 3,885,012 3,885,012
Corporate:
Industrial 3,746,501 - 14,518 (93,820) 3,667,199 3,667,199
Financial 3,339,718 - 18,871 (38,076) 3,320,513 3,320,513
Utilities 795,839 - 2,970 (20,115) 778,694 778,694
Other 653,194 - 2,493 (4,452) 651,235 651,235
Total corporate 8,535,252 - 38,852 (156,463) 8,417,641 8,417,641
Foreign government 1,928,978 (216) 11,936 (185,373) 1,755,325 1,755,325
Total available for sale 22,966,462 (646) 96,365 (708,728) 22,353,453 22,353,453
Total investments in fixed maturity securities $ 23,010,899 $ (671) $ 97,926 $ (708,728) $ 22,399,426 $ 22,397,865
(In thousands) Amortized
Cost Allowance for Expected Credit Losses (1) Gross Unrealized Fair
Value Carrying
Value
Gains Losses
December 31, 2023
Held to maturity:
State and municipal $ 50,547 $ (43) $ 3,132 $ - $ 53,636 $ 50,504
Residential mortgage-backed 2,868 - 107 - 2,975 2,868
Total held to maturity 53,415 (43) 3,239 - 56,611 53,372
Available for sale:
U.S. government and government agency 1,762,997 - 11,403 (57,669) 1,716,731 1,716,731
State and municipal:
Special revenue 1,682,550 - 5,651 (82,006) 1,606,195 1,606,195
State general obligation 394,429 - 3,550 (16,405) 381,574 381,574
Pre-refunded 103,029 - 1,634 (185) 104,478 104,478
Corporate backed 166,873 (757) 696 (11,973) 154,839 154,839
Local general obligation 396,041 - 3,188 (11,893) 387,336 387,336
Total state and municipal 2,742,922 (757) 14,719 (122,462) 2,634,422 2,634,422
Mortgage-backed securities:
Residential 1,773,206 - 12,780 (163,844) 1,622,142 1,622,142
Commercial 657,157 (158) 626 (13,312) 644,313 644,313
Total mortgage-backed securities 2,430,363 (158) 13,406 (177,156) 2,266,455 2,266,455
Asset-backed securities 4,252,883 (1,164) 8,527 (73,206) 4,187,040 4,187,040
Corporate:
Industrial 3,679,219 (40) 24,312 (143,936) 3,559,555 3,559,555
Financial 2,838,220 (4,986) 14,681 (68,681) 2,779,234 2,779,234
Utilities 701,865 - 6,471 (23,412) 684,924 684,924
Other 635,975 - 1,605 (7,234) 630,346 630,346
Total corporate 7,855,279 (5,026) 47,069 (243,263) 7,654,059 7,654,059
Foreign government 1,817,386 (29,603) 15,865 (137,419) 1,666,229 1,666,229
Total available for sale 20,861,830 (36,708) 110,989 (811,175) 20,124,936 20,124,936
Total investments in fixed maturity securities $ 20,915,245 $ (36,751) $ 114,228 $ (811,175) $ 20,181,547 $ 20,178,308
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(1) Represents the amount of impairment that has resulted from credit-related factors. The change in the allowance for expected credit losses is recognized in the consolidated statements of income. Amount excludes unrealized losses relating to non-credit factors.
The following table presents the rollforward of the allowance for expected credit losses for held to maturity securities for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023:
State and Municipal
(In thousands) 2024 2023
Allowance for expected credit losses, beginning of period $ 43 $ 114
Change in allowance for expected credit losses (18) (71)
Allowance for expected credit losses, end of period $ 25 $ 43
The following table presents the rollforward of the allowance for expected credit losses for available for sale securities for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023:
2024 2023
(In thousands) Foreign Government Corporate Mortgage- Backed Asset-backed State and Municipal Total Foreign Government Corporate Mortgage- Backed Asset-backed State and Municipal Total
Balance, beginning of period $ 29,603 $ 5,026 $ 158 $ 1,164 $ 757 $ 36,708 $ 32,633 $ 4,701 $ 18 $ - $ - $ 37,352
Change on securities for which credit losses were not previously recorded 347 - 1,706 - - 2,053 - 982 1,766 1,444 821 5,013
Change on securities for which credit losses were previously recorded (29,355) (5,026) (831) (1,164) (757) (37,133) (3,030) (650) (1,624) (280) (64) (5,648)
Reduction due to disposals (379) - (603) - - (982) - (7) (2) - - (9)
Balance, end of period $ 216 $ - $ 430 $ - $ - $ 646 $ 29,603 $ 5,026 $ 158 $ 1,164 $ 757 $ 36,708
During the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company decreased the allowance for expected credit losses for available for sale securities utilizing its credit loss assessment process and inputs used in its credit loss model, primarily due to improved pricing associated with foreign government securities and corporate securities. During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company decreased the allowance for expected credit losses for available for sale securities utilizing its credit loss assessment process and inputs used in its credit loss model due to a reduction in unrealized losses primarily associated with foreign government securities.
The amortized cost and fair value of fixed maturity securities at December 31, 2024, by contractual maturity, are shown below. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because certain issuers may have the right to call or prepay obligations.
(In thousands) Amortized
Cost (1) Fair Value
Due in one year or less $ 1,744,361 $ 1,719,948
Due after one year through five years 9,337,291 9,059,599
Due after five years through ten years 3,966,371 3,902,808
Due after ten years 4,013,827 3,949,220
Mortgage-backed securities 3,949,024 3,767,851
Total $ 23,010,874 $ 22,399,426
________________
(1) Amortized cost is reduced by the allowance for expected credit losses of $25 thousand related to held to maturity securities.
At December 31, 2024 and 2023, there were no investments, other than investments in United States government and government agency securities, which exceeded 10% of common stockholders’ equity. At December 31, 2024, investments with a carrying value of $2,167 million were on deposit in custodial or trust accounts, of which $1,223 million was on deposit with insurance regulators, $884 million was on deposit in support of the Company’s underwriting activities at Lloyd’s, $33 million was on deposit as security for reinsurance clients and $27 million was on deposit as security for letters of credit issued in support of the Company’s reinsurance operations.
(4) Investments in Equity Securities
At December 31, 2024 and 2023, investments in equity securities were as follows:
(In thousands) Cost Gross Unrealized Fair
Value Carrying
Value
Gains Losses
December 31, 2024
Common stocks $ 612,479 $ 223,981 $ (76,293) $ 760,167 $ 760,167
Preferred stocks 329,495 122,716 (8,590) 443,621 443,621
Total $ 941,974 $ 346,697 $ (84,883) $ 1,203,788 $ 1,203,788
December 31, 2023
Common stocks $ 664,997 $ 191,806 $ (18,749) $ 838,054 $ 838,054
Preferred stocks 284,335 3,075 (35,117) 252,293 252,293
Total $ 949,332 $ 194,881 $ (53,866) $ 1,090,347 $ 1,090,347
(5) Arbitrage Trading Account
At December 31, 2024 and 2023, the fair value and carrying value of the arbitrage trading account were $1,123 million and $938 million, respectively. The primary focus of the trading account is merger arbitrage. Merger arbitrage is the business of investing in the securities of publicly held companies which are the targets in announced tender offers and mergers. Arbitrage investing differs from other types of investing 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).
The Company uses put options and call options in order to mitigate the impact of potential changes in market conditions on the merger arbitrage trading account. These options are reported at fair value. As of December 31, 2024, the fair value of long option contracts outstanding was $26 million (notional amount of $582 million) and the fair value of short option contracts outstanding was $73 million (notional amount of $582 million). Other than with respect to the use of these trading account securities, the Company does not make use of derivatives.
(6) Net Investment Income
Net investment income consists of the following:
(In thousands) 2024 2023 2022
Investment income (loss) earned on:
Fixed maturity securities, including cash and cash equivalents and loans receivable $ 1,260,429 $ 929,098 $ 549,281
Arbitrage trading account (1) 69,573 69,369 45,213
Equity securities 48,920 55,726 52,600
Investment funds (11,491) 16,743 145,099
Real estate
(23,616) (11,185) (3,087)
Gross investment income 1,343,815 1,059,751 789,106
Investment expense (10,654) (6,916) (9,921)
Net investment income $ 1,333,161 $ 1,052,835 $ 779,185
(1) Net investment income includes earnings from trading account receivables from brokers and clearing organizations.
(7) Investment Funds
The Company evaluates whether it is an investor in a variable interest entity ("VIE"). Such entities do not have sufficient equity at risk to finance their activities without additional subordinated financial support, or the equity investors, as a group, do not have the characteristics of a controlling financial interest (primary beneficiary). The Company determines whether it is the primary beneficiary of an entity subject to consolidation based on a qualitative assessment of the VIE's capital structure, contractual terms, nature of the VIE's operations and purpose, and the Company's relative exposure to the related risks of the VIE on the date it becomes initially involved in the VIE and on an ongoing basis. The Company is not the primary beneficiary in any of its investment funds, and accordingly, carries its interests in investments funds under the equity method of accounting.
The Company’s maximum exposure to loss with respect to these investments is limited to the carrying amount reported on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet and its unfunded commitments of $279 million as of December 31, 2024.
Investment funds consist of the following:
Carrying Value
as of December 31, (Loss) Income From Investment Funds For the Year Ended
(In thousands) 2024 2023 2024 2023 2022
Financial services $ 430,163 $ 433,407 $ (39,418) $ (10,911) $ 34,030
Transportation 286,426 344,278 13,335 40,607 53,180
Real estate 178,685 201,625 12,195 (6,676) 48,723
Infrastructure 151,560 130,589 17,071 13,049 4,603
Energy 42,776 114,794 14,501 5,058 1,425
Other funds 378,636 396,962 (29,175) (24,384) 3,138
Total $ 1,468,246 $ 1,621,655 $ (11,491) $ 16,743 $ 145,099
The Company's share of the earnings or losses of investment funds is primarily reported on a one-quarter lag in order to facilitate the timely completion of the Company's consolidated financial statements.
Financial services investment funds include the Company’s minority investment in Lifson Re, a Bermuda reinsurance company. Effective January 1, 2021, Lifson Re participated on a fully collateralized basis in a majority of the Company’s reinsurance placements for a 22.5% share of placed amounts. The share was increased to 30% on July 1, 2022 and was increased to 32.5% effective January 1, 2025. This pertains to all traditional reinsurance/retrocessional placements for both property and casualty business where there is more than one open market reinsurer participating. For the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company ceded approximately $417 million and $437 million, respectively, of written premiums to Lifson Re.
Other funds include deferred compensation trust assets of $38 million and $36 million in 2024 and 2023, respectively. These assets support other liabilities reflected in the balance sheet of an equal amount for employees who have elected to defer a portion of their compensation. The change in the net asset value of the trust is recorded in other funds within net investment income with an offsetting equal amount within corporate expenses.
(8) Real Estate
Investment in real estate represents directly owned property held for investment, as follows:
As of December 31,
(In thousands) 2024 2023
Properties in operation $ 1,063,687 $ 1,022,654
Properties under development 227,768 227,220
Total $ 1,291,455 $ 1,249,874
In 2024, properties in operation primarily included a long-term ground lease in Washington, D.C., an office complex in New York City and the completed portion of a mixed-use project in Washington D.C. Properties in operation are net of
accumulated depreciation and amortization of $38,671,000 and $32,745,000 as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Related depreciation expense was $8,633,000 and $8,935,000 for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Future minimum rental income expected on operating leases relating to properties in operation is $35,394,421 in 2025, $34,739,030 in 2026, $34,191,439 in 2027, $35,009,348 in 2028, $30,586,197 in 2029 and $426,838,709 thereafter.
A mixed-use project in Washington, D.C. had been under development in 2024 and 2023, with the completed portion as noted above reported in properties in operation as of December 31, 2024.
The Company had commitments to invest up to $48 million in certain real estate investment projects as of December 31, 2024.
(9) Loans Receivable
At December 31, 2024 and 2023, loans receivable were as follows:
As of December 31,
(In thousands) 2024 2023
Amortized cost (net of allowance for expected credit losses):
Real estate loans $ 402,382 $ 200,381
Commercial loans 3,071 890
Total $ 405,453 $ 201,271
Fair value:
Real estate loans $ 402,177 $ 197,354
Commercial loans 3,071 890
Total $ 405,248 $ 198,244
The real estate loans are secured by commercial and residential real estate primarily located in the U.K. and New York. These loans generally earn interest at fixed or stepped interest rates and have maturities through 2028. The commercial loans are with small business owners who have secured the related financing with the assets of the business. Commercial loans primarily earn interest on a fixed basis and have varying maturities generally not exceeding 5 years.
The following table presents the rollforward of the allowance for expected credit losses for loans receivable for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023:
2024 2023
(In thousands) Real Estate Loans Commercial Loans Total Real Estate Loans Commercial Loans Total
Allowance for expected credit losses, beginning of period $ 2,983 $ 21 $ 3,004 $ 1,100 $ 691 $ 1,791
Reduction due to write-offs - - - - (569) (569)
Change in allowance for expected credit losses (1,895) 5 (1,890) 1,883 (101) 1,782
Allowance for expected credit losses, end of period $ 1,088 $ 26 $ 1,114 $ 2,983 $ 21 $ 3,004
During the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company decreased the allowance for expected credit losses due to a decrease in the weighted average life of the loan portfolio. During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company increased the allowance for expected credit losses due to changes in economic assumptions utilized in its credit loss model.
The Company monitors the performance of its loans receivable and assesses the ability of the borrower to pay principal and interest based upon loan structure, underlying property values, cash flow and related financial and operating performance of the property and market conditions.
In evaluating the real estate loans, the Company considers their credit quality indicators, including loan to value ratios, which compare the outstanding loan amount to the estimated value of the property, the borrower’s financial condition and performance with respect to loan terms, the position in the capital structure, the overall leverage in the capital structure and other market conditions.
(10) Net Investment Gains
Net investment gains were as follows:
(In thousands) 2024 2023 2022
Net investment gains:
Fixed maturity securities:
Gains $ 15,486 $ 2,003 $ 4,224
Losses (32,866) (25,429) (11,654)
Equity securities (1):
Net realized gains (losses) on investment sales (2) 116,475 161,271 (12,879)
Change in unrealized gains (losses) 120,799 70,448 (632)
Investment funds 1,835 (25,625) 12,407
Real estate (3) (4) (2,647) (70,934) 293,525
Loans receivable - (18,841) (32)
Other (5) (139,344) (45,353) (67,648)
Net realized and unrealized gains on investments in earnings before allowance for expected credit losses 79,738 47,540 217,311
Change in allowance for expected credit losses on investments:
Fixed maturity securities 36,080 715 (14,841)
Loans receivable 1,890 (1,213) (73)
Change in allowance for expected credit losses on investments 37,970 (498) (14,914)
Net investment gains 117,708 47,042 202,397
Income tax expense (29,205) (10,250) (42,670)
After-tax net investment gains $ 88,503 $ 36,792 $ 159,727
Change in unrealized investment gains (losses):
Fixed maturity securities without allowance for expected credit losses $ 83,395 $ 389,839 $ (1,216,292)
Fixed maturity securities with allowance for expected credit losses 4,428 643 (28,370)
Investment funds (3,217) 3,989 (2,019)
Other (132) (1,568) (1,447)
Total change in unrealized investment gains (losses) 84,474 392,903 (1,248,128)
Income tax (expense) benefit (15,292) (86,350) 264,325
Noncontrolling interests 2 (2) (2)
After-tax change in unrealized investment gains (losses) $ 69,184 $ 306,551 $ (983,805)
____________________
(1) The net realized gains or losses on investment sales represent the total gains or losses from the purchase dates of the equity securities. The change in unrealized gains (losses) consists of two components: (i) the reversal of the gain or loss recognized in previous periods on equity securities sold and (ii) the change in unrealized gain or loss resulting from mark-to-market adjustments on equity securities still held.
(2) In 2023, the Company completed a sale of the property and casualty insurance services division of Breckenridge IS, Inc. and recognized a pre-tax net realized gain on investment of $89 million on the sale (proceeds from the sale is presented on the business disposition line within the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows).
(3) The Company recognized impairments on real estate of $72 million in 2023.
(4) In 2022, the Company realized a gain on the sale of a real estate investment in London, U.K. of $251 million, net of transaction expenses and the foreign currency impact, including the reversal of the currency translation adjustment (proceeds from the real estate and related entity are presented on the business disposition line within the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows).
(5) Primarily relates to realized foreign currency losses upon the disposition of fixed maturity securities.
(11) Fixed Maturity Securities in an Unrealized Loss Position
The following tables summarize all fixed maturity securities in an unrealized loss position at December 31, 2024 and 2023 by the length of time those securities have been continuously in an unrealized loss position.
Less Than 12 Months 12 Months or Greater Total
(In thousands) Fair
Value Gross
Unrealized
Losses Fair
Value Gross
Unrealized
Losses Fair
Value Gross
Unrealized
Losses
December 31, 2024
U.S. government and government agency $ 767,515 $ 9,637 $ 560,260 $ 33,226 $ 1,327,775 $ 42,863
State and municipal 348,116 8,027 1,411,761 81,430 1,759,877 89,457
Mortgage-backed securities 1,541,464 21,326 1,060,823 171,734 2,602,287 193,060
Asset-backed securities 411,763 4,613 626,237 36,899 1,038,000 41,512
Corporate 1,791,970 21,346 2,951,377 135,117 4,743,347 156,463
Foreign government 600,103 17,933 476,479 167,440 1,076,582 185,373
Fixed maturity securities $ 5,460,931 $ 82,882 $ 7,086,937 $ 625,846 $ 12,547,868 $ 708,728
December 31, 2023
U.S. government and government agency $ 384,392 $ 6,655 $ 614,623 $ 51,014 $ 999,015 $ 57,669
State and municipal 264,273 3,013 1,680,034 119,449 1,944,307 122,462
Mortgage-backed securities 278,819 2,025 1,360,748 175,131 1,639,567 177,156
Asset-backed securities 413,511 2,070 2,176,035 71,136 2,589,546 73,206
Corporate 874,754 11,975 4,418,309 231,288 5,293,063 243,263
Foreign government 204,908 1,758 794,174 135,661 999,082 137,419
Fixed maturity securities $ 2,420,657 $ 27,496 $ 11,043,923 $ 783,679 $ 13,464,580 $ 811,175
Substantially all of the securities in an unrealized loss position are rated investment grade, except for the securities in the foreign government classification. A significant amount of the unrealized loss on foreign government securities is the result of changes in currency exchange rates.
Fixed Maturity Securities - A summary of the Company’s non-investment grade fixed maturity securities that were in an unrealized loss position at December 31, 2024 is presented in the table below:
($ in thousands) Number of
Securities Aggregate
Fair Value Gross
Unrealized
Loss
Foreign government 50 $ 138,388 $ 157,424
Corporate 19 50,525 2,922
State and municipal 6 28,150 1,921
Mortgage-backed securities 17 3,684 206
Asset-backed securities 1 9 1
Total 93 $ 220,756 $ 162,474
For fixed maturity securities that management does not intend to sell or to be required to sell, the portion of the decline in value that is considered to be due to credit factors is recognized in earnings, and the portion of the decline in value that is considered to be due to non-credit factors is recognized in other comprehensive income.
The Company has evaluated its fixed maturity securities in an unrealized loss position and believes the unrealized losses are due primarily to temporary market and sector-related factors rather than to issuer-specific factors. None of these securities are delinquent or in default under financial covenants. Based on its assessment of these issuers, the Company expects them to continue to meet their contractual payment obligations as they become due.
(12) Fair Value Measurements
The Company’s fixed maturity and equity securities classified as available for sale and its trading account securities are carried at fair value. Fair value is defined as “the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date”. The Company utilizes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three broad levels, as follows:
Level 1 - Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access at the measurement date.
Level 2 - Quoted prices for similar assets or valuations based on inputs that are observable.
Level 3 - Estimates of fair value based on internal pricing methodologies using unobservable inputs. Unobservable inputs are only used to measure fair value to the extent that observable inputs are not available.
Substantially all of the Company’s fixed maturity securities were priced by independent pricing services. The prices provided by the independent pricing services are estimated based on observable market data in active markets utilizing pricing models and processes, which may include benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, issuer spreads, two-sided markets, benchmark securities, bids, offers, sector groupings, matrix pricing and reference data. The pricing services may prioritize inputs differently on any given day for any security based on market conditions, and not all inputs are available for each security evaluation on any given day. The pricing services used by the Company have indicated that they will only produce an estimate of fair value if objectively verifiable information is available. The determination of whether markets are active or inactive is based upon the volume and level of activity for a particular asset class. The Company reviews the prices provided by pricing services for reasonableness and periodically performs independent price tests of a sample of securities to ensure proper valuation.
If prices from independent pricing services are not available for fixed maturity securities, the Company estimates the fair value. For Level 2 securities, the Company utilizes pricing models and processes which may include benchmark yields, sector groupings, matrix pricing, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, issuer spreads, two-sided markets, bids, offers and reference data. Where broker quotes are used, the Company generally requests two or more quotes and sets a price within the range of quotes received based on its assessment of the credibility of the quote and its own evaluation of the security. The Company generally does not adjust quotes received from brokers. For securities traded only in private negotiations, the Company determines fair value based primarily on the cost of such securities, which is adjusted to reflect prices of recent placements of securities of the same issuer, financial projections, credit quality and business developments of the issuer and other relevant information.
For Level 3 securities, the Company generally uses a discounted cash flow model to estimate the fair value of fixed maturity securities. The cash flow models are based upon assumptions as to prevailing credit spreads, interest rate and interest rate volatility, time to maturity and subordination levels. Projected cash flows are discounted at rates that are adjusted to reflect illiquidity, where appropriate.
The following tables present the assets and liabilities measured at fair value as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 by level:
(In thousands) Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
December 31, 2024
Assets:
Fixed maturity securities available for sale:
U.S. government and government agency $ 2,235,341 $ - $ 2,235,341 $ -
State and municipal 2,294,644 - 2,294,644 -
Mortgage-backed securities 3,765,490 - 3,765,490 -
Asset-backed securities 3,885,012 - 3,885,012 -
Corporate 8,417,641 - 8,397,974 19,667
Foreign government 1,755,325 - 1,755,325 -
Total fixed maturity securities available for sale 22,353,453 - 22,333,786 19,667
Equity securities:
Common stocks 760,167 757,115 1,011 2,041
Preferred stocks 443,621 - 439,947 3,674
Total equity securities 1,203,788 757,115 440,958 5,715
Arbitrage trading account 1,122,599 1,062,459 56,630 3,510
Total $ 24,679,840 $ 1,819,574 $ 22,831,374 $ 28,892
Liabilities:
Trading account securities sold but not yet purchased $ 73,358 $ 73,358 $ - $ -
December 31, 2023
Assets:
Fixed maturity securities available for sale:
U.S. government and government agency $ 1,716,731 $ - $ 1,716,731 $ -
State and municipal 2,634,422 - 2,634,422 -
Mortgage-backed securities 2,266,455 - 2,266,455 -
Asset-backed securities 4,187,040 - 4,187,040 -
Corporate 7,654,059 - 7,654,059 -
Foreign government 1,666,229 - 1,666,229 -
Total fixed maturity securities available for sale 20,124,936 - 20,124,936 -
Equity securities:
Common stocks 838,054 835,338 1,158 1,558
Preferred stocks 252,293 - 248,598 3,695
Total equity securities 1,090,347 835,338 249,756 5,253
Arbitrage trading account 938,049 546,110 388,167 3,772
Total $ 22,153,332 $ 1,381,448 $ 20,762,859 $ 9,025
Liabilities:
Trading account securities sold but not yet purchased $ 9,357 $ 9,357 $ - $ -
The following tables summarize changes in Level 3 assets and liabilities for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023:
Gains (Losses) Included in:
(In thousands) Beginning Balance Earnings (Losses) Other Comprehensive Losses Impairments Purchases Sales Paydowns/Maturities Transfers In / Out Ending Balance
Year ended December 31, 2024
Assets:
Fixed maturity securities available for sale:
Corporate $ - $ - $ (333) $ - $ - $ - $ - $ 20,000 $ 19,667
Total - - (333) - - - - 20,000 19,667
Equity securities:
Common stocks 1,558 611 - - - (128) - - 2,041
Preferred stocks 3,695 36 - - - (57) - - 3,674
Total 5,253 647 - - - (185) - - 5,715
Arbitrage trading account 3,772 (261) - - - (38) - 37 3,510
Total $ 9,025 $ 386 $ (333) $ - $ - $ (223) $ - $ 20,037 $ 28,892
Year ended December 31, 2023
Assets:
Fixed maturity securities available for sale:
Corporate $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ -
Total - - - - - - - - -
Equity securities:
Common stocks 2,599 (1,041) - - - - - - 1,558
Preferred stocks 11,299 (3) - (7,601) - - - 3,695
Total 13,898 (1,044) - (7,601) - - - - 5,253
Arbitrage trading account 3,590 117 - - - - - 65 3,772
Total $ 17,488 $ (927) $ - $ (7,601) $ - $ - $ - $ 65 $ 9,025
For the year ended December 31, 2024, one corporate security was transferred into level 3 from level 2 given there were no quoted prices or observable inputs available. For the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, one security in each year within the arbitrage trading account portfolio that no longer had a publicly traded price was transferred into Level 3.
(13) Reserves for Losses and Loss Expenses
The Company's reserves for losses and loss expenses are comprised of case reserves and incurred but not reported liabilities (IBNR). When a claim is reported, a case reserve is established for the estimated ultimate payment based upon known information about the claim. As more information about the claim becomes available over time, case reserves are adjusted up or down as appropriate. Reserves are also established on an aggregate basis to provide for IBNR liabilities and expected loss reserve development on reported claims.
Loss reserves included in the Company’s financial statements represent management’s best estimates based upon an actuarially derived point estimate and other considerations. The Company uses a variety of actuarial techniques and methods to derive an actuarial point estimate for each business. These methods may include paid loss development, incurred loss development, paid and incurred Bornhuetter-Ferguson methods and frequency and severity methods. In circumstances where one actuarial method is considered more credible than the others, that method is used to set the point estimate. The actuarial point estimate may also be based on a judgmental weighting of estimates produced from each of the methods considered. Industry loss experience is used to supplement the Company’s own data in selecting “tail factors” in areas where the Company’s own data is limited. The actuarial data is analyzed by line of business, coverage and accident or policy year, as appropriate, for each business.
The establishment of the actuarially derived loss reserve point estimate also includes consideration of qualitative factors that may affect the ultimate losses. These qualitative considerations include, among others, the impact of re-underwriting initiatives, changes in claims handling procedures, changes in the mix of business, changes in distribution sources and changes in policy terms and conditions.
The key assumptions used to arrive at the best estimate of loss reserves are the expected loss ratios, rate of loss cost inflation, and reported and paid loss emergence patterns. Expected loss ratios represent management’s expectation of losses at the time the business is priced and written, before any actual claims experience has emerged. This expectation is a significant determinant of the estimate of loss reserves for recently written business where there is little paid or incurred loss data to consider. Expected loss ratios are generally derived from historical loss ratios adjusted for the impact of rate changes, loss cost trends and known changes in the type of risks underwritten. Expected loss ratios are estimated for each key line of business within each business. Expected loss cost inflation is particularly important for the long-tail lines, such as excess casualty, and claims with a high medical component, such as workers’ compensation. Reported and paid loss emergence patterns are used to project current reported or paid loss amounts to their ultimate settlement value. Loss development factors are based on the historical emergence patterns of paid and incurred losses, and are derived from the Company’s own experience and industry data. The paid loss emergence pattern is also significant to excess and assumed workers’ compensation reserves because those reserves are discounted to their estimated present value based upon such estimated payout patterns.
Loss frequency and severity are measures of loss activity that are considered in determining the key assumptions described in our discussion of loss and loss expense reserves, including expected loss ratios, rate of loss cost inflation and reported and paid loss emergence patterns. Loss frequency is a measure of the number of claims per unit of insured exposure, and loss severity is a measure of the average size of claims. Factors affecting loss frequency include the effectiveness of loss controls and safety programs and changes in economic activity or weather patterns. Factors affecting loss severity include changes in policy limits, retentions, rate of inflation and judicial interpretations.
Another factor affecting estimates of loss frequency and severity is the loss reporting lag, which is the period of time between the occurrence of a loss and the date the loss is reported to the Company. The length of the loss reporting lag affects our ability to accurately predict loss frequency (loss frequencies are more predictable for lines with short reporting lags) as well as the amount of reserves needed for incurred but not reported losses (less IBNR is required for lines with short reporting lags). As a result, loss reserves for lines with short reporting lags are likely to have less variation from initial loss estimates. For lines with short reporting lags, which include auto, primary workers’ compensation, other liability (claims-made) and property business, the key assumption is the loss emergence pattern used to project ultimate loss estimates from known losses paid or reported to date. For lines of business with long reporting lags, which include other liability (occurrence), products liability, excess workers’ compensation and liability reinsurance, the key assumption is the expected loss ratio since there is often little paid or incurred loss data to consider. Historically, the Company has experienced less variation from its initial loss estimates for lines of businesses with short reporting lags than for lines of business with long reporting lags.
The key assumptions used in calculating the most recent estimate of the loss reserves are reviewed each quarter and adjusted, to the extent necessary, to reflect the latest reported loss data, current trends and other factors observed.
A claim may be defined as an event, as a claimant (number of parties claiming damages from an event) or by exposure type (e.g., an event may give rise to two parties, each claiming loss for bodily injury and property damage).
The most commonly used claim count method is by event. Most of the Company's businesses use the number of events to define and quantify the number of claims. However, in certain lines of business, where it is common for multiple parties to claim damages arising from a single event, a business may quantify claims on the basis of the number of separate parties involved in an event. This may be the case with businesses writing substantial auto or transportation exposure.
Claim counts for assumed reinsurance will vary based on whether the business is written on a facultative or treaty basis. Further variability as respects treaty claim counts may be reflective of the nature of the treaty, line of business coverage, and type of participation such as quota share or excess of loss contracts. Accordingly, the claim counts have been excluded from the below Reinsurance & Monoline Excess segment tables due to this variability.
The claim count information set forth in the tables presented below may not provide an accurate reflection of ultimate loss payouts by product line.
The following tables present undiscounted incurred and paid claims development as of December 31, 2024, net of reinsurance, as well as cumulative claim frequency and the total of incurred but not reported liabilities (IBNR). The information about incurred and paid claims development for the years ended December 31, 2014 to 2023 is presented as supplementary information. To enhance the comparability of the loss development data, the Company has removed the impact of foreign exchange rate movements by using the December 31, 2024 exchange rate for all periods.
Insurance
Other Liability
(In thousands)
Loss and Loss Expenses Incurred, Net of Reinsurance As of December 31, 2024
For the Year Ended December 31,
Unaudited IBNR Cumulative Number of Reported Claims
Accident Year 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
2015 $ 934,138 $ 969,246 $ 944,351 $ 948,706 $ 951,981 $ 963,118 $ 969,789 $ 999,316 $ 1,005,801 $ 1,019,173 $ 32,718 28
2016 1,003,192 995,148 1,005,560 1,018,025 1,032,281 1,048,121 1,079,436 1,121,260 1,122,233 59,052 29
2017 1,055,253 1,088,787 1,111,550 1,129,392 1,169,138 1,238,759 1,256,832 1,289,349 79,218 28
2018 1,095,529 1,123,152 1,113,675 1,148,972 1,225,588 1,291,745 1,374,348 98,378 28
2019 1,232,661 1,228,679 1,230,016 1,286,835 1,362,171 1,396,012 139,046 30
2020 1,330,660 1,204,248 1,148,852 1,157,392 1,187,560 181,892 24
2021 1,522,682 1,378,751 1,332,486 1,352,616 285,076 26
2022 1,810,560 1,815,653 1,798,403 688,730 28
2023 2,111,178 2,075,065 1,312,841 25
2024 2,379,621 2,070,647 18
Total $ 14,994,380
Cumulative Paid Claims and Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance
For the Year Ended December 31,
Unaudited
Accident Year 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
2015 $ 80,079 $ 205,207 $ 374,666 $ 528,935 $ 665,272 $ 745,994 $ 804,340 $ 862,557 $ 916,787 $ 948,434
2016 67,290 203,890 383,909 550,589 667,761 757,110 860,423 944,014 996,649
2017 77,719 251,172 447,743 632,721 767,665 922,090 1,038,695 1,119,123
2018 85,148 261,789 432,148 611,323 801,409 979,311 1,122,768
2019 86,531 271,854 467,267 699,906 902,686 1,073,894
2020 70,540 222,274 417,860 614,351 812,453
2021 75,101 265,080 484,588 794,392
2022 92,248 352,886 704,307
2023 91,733 366,496
2024 95,137
Total $ 8,033,653
Reserves for loss and loss adjustment expenses before 2015, net of reinsurance 178,312
Reserves for loss and loss adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance $ 7,139,039
Workers' Compensation
(In thousands)
Loss and Loss Expenses Incurred, Net of Reinsurance As of December 31, 2024
For the Year Ended December 31,
Unaudited IBNR Cumulative Number of Reported Claims
Accident Year 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
2015 $ 712,800 $ 690,525 $ 650,997 $ 641,169 $ 626,432 $ 620,741 $ 617,477 $ 612,687 $ 603,731 $ 604,806 $ 14,681 58
2016 702,716 696,339 684,700 660,520 651,278 657,972 654,385 641,549 639,412 15,340 58
2017 762,093 733,505 689,622 673,216 683,880 682,153 675,871 669,988 15,800 58
2018 778,964 724,697 715,055 724,056 721,170 715,018 708,336 14,769 56
2019 784,281 721,018 732,762 734,034 722,456 714,086 18,751 54
2020 725,245 716,430 704,008 668,222 652,424 12,026 42
2021 742,687 701,703 667,517 649,222 22,916 46
2022 772,620 745,218 715,578 56,385 46
2023 784,906 758,657 146,880 45
2024 811,614 378,116 46
Total $ 6,924,123
Cumulative Paid Claims and Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance
For the Year Ended December 31,
Unaudited
Accident Year 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
2015 $ 139,320 $ 323,744 $ 421,734 $ 477,541 $ 512,933 $ 531,512 $ 544,849 $ 557,215 $ 564,658 $ 570,125
2016 142,998 338,835 446,072 504,850 537,861 558,934 572,669 584,330 591,005
2017 153,456 362,299 468,817 525,753 559,198 583,258 603,006 617,243
2018 171,006 397,464 508,546 574,889 613,675 642,292 660,237
2019 184,715 397,376 515,914 581,003 618,324 644,772
2020 172,478 380,454 485,203 548,585 579,332
2021 172,729 384,867 490,648 547,863
2022 180,982 408,929 527,145
2023 195,204 418,788
2024 196,104
Total $ 5,352,614
Reserves for loss and loss adjustment expenses before 2015, net of reinsurance 246,975
Reserves for loss and loss adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance $ 1,818,484
Professional Liability
(In thousands)
Loss and Loss Expenses Incurred, Net of Reinsurance As of December 31, 2024
For the Year Ended December 31,
Unaudited IBNR Cumulative Number of Reported Claims
Accident Year 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
2015 $ 256,877 $ 255,638 $ 272,360 $ 274,229 $ 289,722 $ 281,461 $ 281,906 $ 286,203 $ 285,591 $ 285,252 $ 11,809 8
2016 307,902 322,107 359,228 400,178 437,690 467,183 462,868 449,033 452,769 15,280 10
2017 331,362 330,753 337,256 376,096 383,246 392,447 401,170 401,789 26,447 11
2018 333,254 320,784 332,201 358,676 381,613 397,102 393,029 59,723 11
2019 334,137 330,146 344,036 353,131 362,333 364,231 62,324 12
2020 391,532 373,550 336,231 312,169 299,806 56,121 11
2021 521,744 468,567 444,060 408,536 119,166 12
2022 644,950 582,764 553,174 307,294 12
2023 642,582 634,269 404,820 13
2024 648,064 499,645 13
Total $ 4,440,919
Cumulative Paid Claims and Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance
For the Year Ended December 31,
Unaudited
Accident Year 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
2015 $ 20,271 $ 85,061 $ 139,244 $ 186,834 $ 215,640 $ 232,187 $ 239,162 $ 246,160 $ 258,640 $ 265,643
2016 28,432 102,079 200,949 254,694 296,742 356,717 404,669 412,243 421,639
2017 36,381 96,025 162,469 242,696 260,764 306,270 329,021 349,406
2018 28,072 99,433 154,953 198,351 243,813 283,349 315,361
2019 31,563 97,082 147,500 199,942 234,789 270,623
2020 27,895 79,968 128,579 168,670 196,332
2021 28,465 85,661 152,764 219,932
2022 33,336 90,416 160,965
2023 40,973 121,991
2024 40,200
Total $ 2,362,092
Reserves for loss and loss adjustment expenses before 2015, net of reinsurance 49,908
Reserves for loss and loss adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance $ 2,128,735
Auto
(In thousands)
Loss and Loss Expenses Incurred, Net of Reinsurance As of December 31, 2024
For the Year Ended December 31,
Unaudited IBNR Cumulative Number of Reported Claims
Accident Year 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
2015 $ 374,801 $ 398,090 $ 403,449 $ 411,886 $ 412,416 $ 410,762 $ 407,874 $ 409,797 $ 409,329 $ 410,218 $ 784 50
2016 414,205 415,208 425,808 426,365 423,216 423,171 425,063 426,814 425,280 1,648 48
2017 412,917 410,409 412,760 417,010 423,180 427,474 428,064 429,646 2,931 44
2018 423,120 443,203 459,826 474,469 502,221 511,283 513,458 5,358 43
2019 462,866 465,817 483,438 508,501 525,110 532,292 9,383 43
2020 493,527 396,616 407,515 433,980 440,625 5,170 29
2021 552,002 517,233 552,219 583,693 26,200 35
2022 723,266 740,688 763,806 83,225 41
2023 890,682 907,503 226,458 43
2024 1,062,427 569,636 41
Total $ 6,068,948
Cumulative Paid Claims and Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance
For the Year Ended December 31,
Unaudited
Accident Year 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
2015 $ 155,699 $ 255,990 $ 310,923 $ 353,772 $ 379,779 $ 392,093 $ 397,747 $ 401,130 $ 402,938 $ 405,009
2016 178,350 270,304 330,222 375,891 394,720 404,241 412,624 418,672 421,309
2017 173,668 256,952 314,336 356,864 385,822 403,421 414,033 421,898
2018 173,779 272,020 337,599 397,517 445,527 479,144 493,942
2019 179,847 279,858 360,921 423,225 473,940 499,996
2020 136,899 213,638 285,875 346,892 402,177
2021 168,497 289,016 379,966 476,462
2022 237,885 394,136 531,324
2023 271,552 467,227
2024 295,450
Total $ 4,414,794
Reserves for loss and loss adjustment expenses before 2015, net of reinsurance 2,295
Reserves for loss and loss adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance $ 1,656,449
Short-tail lines
(In thousands)
Loss and Loss Expenses Incurred, Net of Reinsurance As of December 31, 2024
For the Year Ended December 31,
Unaudited IBNR Cumulative Number of Reported Claims
Accident Year 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
2015 $ 718,877 $ 708,711 $ 705,938 $ 704,501 $ 697,123 $ 695,584 $ 693,963 $ 694,284 $ 699,018 $ 697,949 $ 1,485 29
2016 752,238 756,684 744,208 738,577 732,853 735,299 733,993 734,306 732,544 1,814 31
2017 730,239 729,675 723,989 722,967 722,697 723,925 722,551 722,138 2,262 39
2018 741,002 731,643 728,426 726,956 724,399 723,401 718,987 4,803 46
2019 703,177 684,671 674,717 668,632 668,628 658,367 4,744 41
2020 882,508 887,821 905,858 909,800 912,987 3,715 36
2021 805,048 809,924 793,394 790,478 11,207 33
2022 904,554 889,173 880,040 25,611 31
2023 1,035,378 997,176 66,732 28
2024 1,254,576 450,792 24
Total $ 8,365,242
Cumulative Paid Claims and Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance
For the Year Ended December 31,
Unaudited
Accident Year 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
2015 $ 380,892 $ 592,871 $ 647,710 $ 669,556 $ 678,891 $ 684,679 $ 691,365 $ 691,545 $ 700,792 $ 702,432
2016 403,529 652,336 693,535 708,340 713,193 719,883 720,716 725,721 727,943
2017 429,132 667,750 695,566 707,472 710,624 717,788 723,111 725,516
2018 401,547 645,228 691,499 708,449 707,471 712,526 715,238
2019 392,083 600,257 629,427 641,809 649,886 651,960
2020 447,105 768,617 829,586 884,460 888,746
2021 388,917 677,015 732,996 755,877
2022 440,856 761,924 827,552
2023 531,838 846,828
2024 559,186
Total $ 7,401,278
Reserves for loss and loss adjustment expenses before 2015, net of reinsurance 5,937
Reserves for loss and loss adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance $ 969,901
Reinsurance & Monoline Excess
Casualty
(In thousands)
Loss and Loss Expenses Incurred, Net of Reinsurance As of December 31, 2024
For the Year Ended December 31,
Unaudited
Accident Year 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 IBNR
2015 $ 285,491 $ 261,479 $ 260,696 $ 281,470 $ 321,934 $ 331,370 $ 333,368 $ 335,541 $ 336,653 $ 346,178 $ 9,461
2016 265,059 277,255 269,643 292,188 325,777 325,590 332,538 328,079 332,140 12,449
2017 255,303 245,631 263,327 285,053 304,542 320,518 334,003 344,072 19,683
2018 245,491 235,054 254,696 270,699 282,547 310,129 327,489 26,167
2019 260,178 257,452 264,664 265,001 294,105 315,025 35,101
2020 333,743 329,319 327,257 346,355 345,540 62,760
2021 425,922 428,105 421,190 423,874 118,203
2022 488,982 501,517 474,466 208,624
2023 472,810 466,192 305,158
2024 429,455 382,444
Total $ 3,804,431
Cumulative Paid Claims and Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance
For the Year Ended December 31,
Unaudited
Accident Year 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
2015 $ 24,672 $ 61,106 $ 110,230 $ 163,728 $ 203,940 $ 232,001 $ 260,577 $ 278,540 $ 295,608 $ 308,837
2016 26,599 73,546 115,017 159,651 193,167 228,163 249,017 267,375 279,490
2017 25,295 54,395 86,509 143,838 169,379 198,517 233,096 269,239
2018 18,921 52,668 93,211 128,691 163,823 207,435 245,037
2019 21,506 52,609 81,222 116,579 170,169 219,777
2020 28,291 66,937 109,396 171,527 217,958
2021 24,649 76,977 145,859 211,884
2022 28,029 83,590 159,100
2023 17,622 66,568
2024 16,794
Total $ 1,994,684
Reserves for loss and loss adjustment expenses before 2015, net of reinsurance 357,939
Reserves for loss and loss adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance $ 2,167,686
Monoline Excess
(In thousands)
Loss and Loss Expenses Incurred, Net of Reinsurance As of December 31, 2024
For the Year Ended December 31,
Unaudited
Accident Year 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 IBNR
2015 $ 69,977 $ 57,897 $ 50,099 $ 45,115 $ 39,682 $ 39,781 $ 36,774 $ 32,604 $ 33,590 $ 28,220 $ 5,749
2016 72,657 70,281 71,404 64,957 65,485 65,222 63,932 59,804 55,371 5,800
2017 76,701 80,508 70,749 71,025 66,795 65,147 62,213 57,073 8,242
2018 77,820 72,505 71,448 66,180 60,347 58,244 54,784 14,257
2019 78,929 77,482 76,242 76,478 73,571 70,929 13,613
2020 84,354 83,468 82,952 80,946 70,219 23,018
2021 98,110 90,980 89,220 84,681 27,325
2022 128,923 101,725 100,612 26,481
2023 110,446 86,901 41,059
2024 120,046 98,632
Total $ 728,836
Cumulative Paid Claims and Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance
For the Year Ended December 31,
Unaudited
Accident Year 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
2015 $ 2,069 $ 2,481 $ 3,272 $ 4,099 $ 4,416 $ 5,083 $ 5,421 $ 6,457 $ 6,844 $ 7,402
2016 2,498 4,783 5,573 5,928 7,685 9,883 11,819 13,569 16,872
2017 6,282 12,810 15,356 17,327 18,375 19,275 21,275 23,523
2018 6,141 8,230 9,368 10,359 12,414 13,583 14,952
2019 6,241 10,884 12,728 15,436 18,836 21,094
2020 4,869 8,699 10,471 12,869 15,427
2021 4,586 6,026 8,872 11,412
2022 5,898 10,564 17,778
2023 6,390 12,471
2024 5,723
Total $ 146,654
Reserves for loss and loss adjustment expenses before 2015, net of reinsurance 577,639
Reserves for loss and loss adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance $ 1,159,821
Property
(In thousands)
Loss and Loss Expenses Incurred, Net of Reinsurance As of December 31, 2024
For the Year Ended December 31,
Unaudited
Accident Year 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 IBNR
2015 $ 141,484 $ 132,570 $ 146,437 $ 145,422 $ 144,486 $ 146,140 $ 145,697 $ 146,346 $ 146,893 $ 146,485 $ 444
2016 185,533 191,947 198,909 198,523 204,004 201,996 203,070 204,190 203,198 781
2017 227,950 223,315 222,463 221,413 215,295 215,723 216,854 215,714 347
2018 125,574 128,611 120,284 121,985 120,254 118,633 117,569 918
2019 119,838 93,038 97,748 96,681 96,575 95,708 1,282
2020 131,649 133,897 132,670 137,504 136,155 844
2021 156,046 168,265 165,760 161,699 2,766
2022 205,886 205,569 202,600 24,379
2023 176,457 172,995 37,096
2024 255,770 137,881
Total $ 1,707,893
Cumulative Paid Claims and Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance
For the Year Ended December 31,
Unaudited
Accident Year 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
2015 $ 64,495 $ 103,634 $ 123,995 $ 133,605 $ 137,708 $ 140,564 $ 141,963 $ 143,103 $ 143,999 $ 144,369
2016 91,514 150,326 174,449 185,937 193,595 195,736 200,070 201,985 202,409
2017 87,892 162,814 194,150 202,436 206,018 209,232 211,837 212,577
2018 46,892 80,976 98,416 103,833 112,061 113,418 114,035
2019 35,563 69,694 83,990 86,633 88,628 90,550
2020 39,652 81,238 102,593 111,508 118,503
2021 31,624 92,579 130,371 145,315
2022 56,483 128,640 152,174
2023 58,316 110,095
2024 69,379
Total $ 1,359,406
Reserves for loss and loss adjustment expenses before 2015, net of reinsurance 1,971
Reserves for loss and loss adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance $ 350,458
The reconciliation of the net incurred and paid claims development tables to the reserves for losses and loss expenses in the consolidated balance sheet is as follows:
(In thousands) December 31, 2024
Undiscounted reserves for loss and loss expenses, net of reinsurance:
Other liability $ 7,139,039
Workers' compensation 1,818,484
Professional liability 2,128,735
Auto 1,656,449
Short-tail lines 969,901
Other 180,628
Insurance 13,893,236
Casualty 2,167,686
Monoline excess 1,159,821
Property 350,458
Reinsurance & Monoline Excess 3,677,965
Total undiscounted reserves for loss and loss expenses, net of reinsurance $ 17,571,201
(In thousands) December 31, 2024
Due from reinsurers on unpaid claims:
Other liability $ 1,044,974
Workers' compensation 175,244
Professional liability 1,148,320
Auto 82,331
Short-tail lines 434,368
Other 121,010
Insurance 3,006,247
Casualty 104,928
Monoline excess 36,042
Property 54,172
Reinsurance & Monoline Excess 195,142
Total due from reinsurers on unpaid claims $ 3,201,389
(In thousands) December 31, 2024
Loss reserve discount:
Other liability $ -
Workers' compensation (11,662)
Professional liability -
Auto -
Short-tail lines -
Other -
Insurance (11,662)
Casualty (68,788)
Monoline excess (324,110)
Property -
Reinsurance & Monoline Excess (392,898)
Total loss reserve discount $ (404,560)
Total gross reserves for loss and loss expenses $ 20,368,030
The following is supplementary information regarding average historical claims duration as of December 31, 2024:
Insurance
Average Annual Percentage Payout of Incurred Claims by Age, Net of Reinsurance
Years 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Other liability 5.7 % 13.2 % 15.8 % 16.2 % 13.2 % 10.6 % 8.6 % 6.5 % 5.0 % 3.1 %
Workers' compensation 24.7 % 31.1 % 16.3 % 9.1 % 5.2 % 3.5 % 2.5 % 2.0 % 1.1 % 0.9 %
Professional liability 7.3 % 16.0 % 16.3 % 14.8 % 9.0 % 10.1 % 6.7 % 3.1 % 3.2 % 2.5 %
Auto 33.7 % 20.4 % 14.8 % 12.1 % 8.2 % 4.2 % 2.2 % 1.4 % 0.5 % 0.5 %
Short-tail lines 53.1 % 33.6 % 6.2 % 2.8 % 0.7 % 0.8 % 0.5 % 0.3 % 0.8 % 0.2 %
Reinsurance & Monoline Excess
Average Annual Percentage Payout of Incurred Claims by Age, Net of Reinsurance
Years 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Casualty 6.3 % 11.0 % 12.7 % 14.5 % 11.7 % 11.2 % 9.0 % 7.1 % 4.3 % 3.8 %
Monoline excess 7.3 % 5.1 % 3.3 % 2.7 % 3.1 % 2.6 % 2.7 % 3.6 % 3.7 % 2.0 %
Property 34.4 % 32.1 % 15.1 % 5.6 % 3.7 % 1.5 % 1.2 % 0.7 % 0.4 % 0.3 %
The table below provides a reconciliation of the beginning and ending reserve balances:
(In thousands) 2024 2023 2022
Net reserves at beginning of year $ 15,661,820 $ 14,248,879 $ 12,848,362
Net provision for losses and loss expenses:
Claims occurring during the current year (1) 7,083,999 6,311,780 5,774,713
Increase in estimates for claims occurring in prior years (2) 14,350 29,681 54,511
Loss reserve discount accretion 33,246 30,681 32,526
Total 7,131,595 6,372,142 5,861,750
Net payments for claims:
Current year 1,278,585 1,217,078 1,068,577
Prior year 4,205,845 3,764,532 3,279,333
Total 5,484,430 4,981,610 4,347,910
Foreign currency translation (142,344) 22,409 (113,323)
Net reserves at end of year 17,166,641 15,661,820 14,248,879
Ceded reserve at end of year 3,201,389 3,077,832 2,762,344
Gross reserves at end of year $ 20,368,030 $ 18,739,652 $ 17,011,223
Net change in premiums and losses occurring in prior years:
Increase in estimates for claims occurring in prior years (2) $ (14,350) $ (29,681) $ (54,511)
Retrospective premium adjustments for claims occurring in prior years (3) 18,782 10,782 18,106
Net premium and reserve development on prior years $ 4,432 $ (18,899) $ (36,405)
_______________________________________
(1)Claims occurring during the current year are net of loss reserve discounts of $49 million, $47 million and $35 million in 2024, 2023, and 2022, respectively.
(2)The change in estimates for claims occurring in prior years is net of loss reserve discount. On an undiscounted basis, the estimates for claims occurring in prior years increased by $13 million in 2024, decreased by $13 million in 2023, and increased by $16 million in 2022.
(3)For certain retrospectively rated insurance polices and reinsurance agreements, changes in loss and loss expenses for prior years are offset by additional or return premiums.
The ultimate net impact of COVID-19 on the Company’s reserves remains uncertain. As of December 31, 2024, the Company had recognized losses for COVID-19-related claims activity, net of reinsurance, of approximately $381 million, of which $326 million relates to the Insurance segment and $55 million relates to the Reinsurance & Monoline Excess segment. Such $381 million of COVID-19-related losses included $379 million of reported losses and $2 million of IBNR.
Favorable prior year development (net of additional and return premiums) was $4 million in 2024.
Insurance - Reserves for the Insurance segment developed unfavorably by $8 million in 2024 (net of additional and return premiums). The adverse development was driven by the commercial auto liability and other liability occurrence lines of business, and was largely offset by favorable development for workers’ compensation, professional liability, products liability, and commercial property lines of business.
The adverse commercial auto liability development was concentrated in accident years 2021 through 2023, while the adverse other liability occurrence development was focused across accident years 2015 through 2022. The majority of the other liability occurrence development was driven by umbrella and excess liability claims, of which a significant portion related to underlying commercial auto exposures. The Company believes that commercial auto-related claims are being particularly impacted by social inflation, which is contributing to an increase in the frequency of large losses beyond expectations. Social inflation can include higher settlement demands from plaintiffs, use of aggressive actions by the plaintiffs’ bar such as litigation funding, negative public sentiment towards large businesses and corporations, and erosion of tort reforms, among other factors.
The favorable workers’ compensation development for the Insurance segment was mainly related to accident years 2016 through 2023, with accident years 2020 through 2023 contributing the most. For workers’ compensation, favorable reported claim frequency, below expectations, continued to be the main driver of the favorable reserve development. The
favorable development for both the professional liability and products liability lines of business was related mainly to accident years 2020 through 2023. For both of these lines, reported claim frequency and incurred losses for accident years 2020 through 2023 were better than expected, which drove the favorable reserve development. Business written in these years also benefitted from significant price increases, which the Company now believes will result in higher profitability than initially anticipated. The favorable development for commercial property was mainly associated with the 2023 accident year, and resulted from better than expected settlements for both catastrophe related and non-catastrophe claims.
Reinsurance & Monoline Excess - Reserves for the Reinsurance & Monoline Excess segment developed favorably by $12 million in 2024 (net of additional and return premiums). The favorable development was driven mainly by excess workers’ compensation business, partially offset by adverse development in the non-proportional reinsurance assumed liability line of business. The favorable excess workers’ compensation development was driven by continued lower claim frequency and reported losses relative to expectations, and favorable claim settlements spread across many prior accident years. The unfavorable development for non-proportional reinsurance was concentrated mainly in accident years 2015 through 2019 and was associated primarily with our U.S. and U.K. excess general liability reinsurance businesses, including coverage for cedants insuring construction projects.
Unfavorable prior year development (net of additional and return premiums) was $19 million in 2023.
Insurance - Reserves for the Insurance segment developed unfavorably by $21 million in 2023 (net of additional and return premiums). The unfavorable development for the segment was concentrated in the early part of the year. A key driver of the unfavorable development early in 2023 was property catastrophe losses related to 2022 events which were still being adjusted and settled during the early part of 2023. In particular, losses related to U.S. winter storms which occurred during the month of December 2022 were a significant contributor to the development, as information gathering and evaluation of many of these claims were still ongoing into the new year.
In addition to the property prior year development discussed above, during 2023 the Insurance segment also experienced adverse prior year development on casualty lines of business for the 2016 through 2019 accident years, which was offset by favorable prior year development on casualty lines of business for the 2020 through 2022 accident years. The unfavorable development on the 2016 through 2019 accident years was concentrated in the general liability and commercial auto liability lines of business. The development, which particularly impacted business attaching excess of primary policy limits, was driven by a larger than expected number of large losses reported. The Company believes social inflation is contributing to an increase in the frequency of large losses for these accident years. Social inflation can include higher settlement demands from plaintiffs, use of tactics such as litigation funding by the plaintiffs’ bar, negative public sentiment towards large businesses and corporations, and erosion of tort reforms, among others.
The favorable prior year development on casualty lines for the 2020 through 2022 accident years in the Insurance segment was concentrated in the professional liability, workers’ compensation, and general liability lines of business. Due to elevated uncertainty regarding incurred loss frequency and severity as a result of ongoing social inflation and the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company set its initial loss ratios for the 2020 through 2022 accident years prudently, and largely maintained these estimates through the end of each respective accident year. The reported loss experience to date for these lines of business for the 2020 through 2022 accident years has been significantly better than was expected, and the Company has begun to react to this favorable emergence as the accident years mature beyond the age of twelve months. It should also be noted that commercial auto liability experienced adverse prior year development for the 2020 through 2022 accident years, which partially offset the favorable development discussed above; the adverse development was driven by a larger than expected number of large losses reported.
Reinsurance & Monoline Excess - Reserves for the Reinsurance & Monoline Excess segment developed favorably by $2 million in 2023 (net of additional and return premiums). The overall favorable prior year development for the segment was driven mainly by favorable development in excess workers’ compensation, substantially offset by unfavorable development in the non-proportional reinsurance assumed liability, excess general liability (including umbrella), and commercial auto liability lines of business. The favorable excess workers’ compensation development was driven by continued lower claim frequency and reported losses relative to our expectations, and to favorable claim settlements. The favorable development was spread across many prior accident years. The unfavorable development for non-proportional reinsurance assumed liability and excess general liability was associated primarily with our U.S. assumed reinsurance business, and related to accounts reinsuring excess and umbrella business and construction projects. The adverse development was concentrated mainly in accident years 2017 through 2020. The unfavorable development for commercial auto liability was concentrated in the 2022 accident year and related to commercial auto program business.
Unfavorable prior year development (net of additional and return premiums) was $36 million in 2022.
Insurance - Reserves for the Insurance segment developed unfavorably by $41 million in 2022 (net of additional and return premiums). The unfavorable development in the segment primarily related to COVID-19 losses at two businesses. These businesses wrote policies providing coverage for event cancellation and film production delay which were heavily impacted by losses directly caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Most of this COVID-19 related unfavorable development emerged during the third quarter as a result of settlements of claims at values higher than our expectations. However, the Company believes that
as a result of these settlements the remaining level of uncertainty around the ultimate value of its known COVID-19 claims has been significantly reduced.
The unfavorable development mentioned above also includes favorable prior year development for the Insurance segment primarily attributable to the 2020 and 2021 accident years and unfavorable development on the 2015 through 2019 accident years. The favorable development on the 2020 and 2021 accident years was concentrated in certain casualty lines of business including general liability, professional liability, and workers’ compensation. The Company experienced lower reported claim frequency in these lines of business during 2020 and 2021 relative to historical averages, and continued to experience lower reported incurred losses relative to its expectations for these accident years as they developed during 2022. These trends began in 2020 and we believe were caused by the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, including for example, lockdowns, reduced driving/traffic and increased work from home. Due to the uncertainty regarding the ultimate impacts of the pandemic on accident years 2020 and 2021 incurred losses, the Company was cautious in reacting to these lower trends in setting and updating its loss ratio estimates for these years. As these accident years have continued to mature, the Company has continued to recognize some of the favorable reported experience in its ultimate loss estimates made during 2022.
The unfavorable development on the 2015 through 2019 accident years was concentrated in the general liability and professional liability, including medical professional, lines of business, as well as auto liability. The development was driven by a larger than expected number of large losses reported. The Company believes social inflation is contributing to an increase in the frequency of large losses for these accident years. Social inflation can include higher settlement demands from plaintiffs, use of tactics such as litigation funding by the plaintiffs’ bar, negative public sentiment towards large businesses and corporations, and erosion of tort reforms, among others.
Reinsurance & Monoline Excess - Reserves for the Reinsurance & Monoline Excess segment developed favorably by $5 million in 2022 (net of additional and return premiums). The overall favorable development for the segment was driven mainly by favorable development in excess workers compensation, substantially offset by unfavorable development in the professional liability, non-proportional reinsurance assumed liability, and commercial auto liability lines of business. The favorable excess workers’ compensation development was spread across most prior accident years, including 2012 and prior years, and was driven by a review of the Company’s claim reporting patterns as well as a number of favorable claim settlements relative to expectations. The unfavorable professional liability and non-proportional reinsurance assumed liability development was concentrated mainly in accident years 2016 through 2018 and was associated primarily with our U.S. assumed reinsurance business and related to accounts insuring construction projects and professional liability exposures. The unfavorable development for commercial auto liability was concentrated in the 2021 accident year and related to commercial auto program business.
Environmental and Asbestos - To date, known environmental and asbestos claims have not had a material impact on the Company’s operations, because its subsidiaries generally did not insure large industrial companies that are subject to significant environmental or asbestos exposures prior to 1986 when an absolute exclusion was incorporated into standard policy language.
The Company’s net reserves for losses and loss expenses relating to asbestos and environmental claims on policies written before adoption of the absolute exclusion was $16 million and $17 million at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The estimation of these liabilities is subject to significantly greater than normal variation and uncertainty because it is difficult to make an actuarial estimate of these liabilities due to the absence of a generally accepted actuarial methodology for these exposures and the potential effect of significant unresolved legal matters, including coverage issues, as well as the cost of litigating the legal issues. Additionally, the determination of ultimate damages and the final allocation of such damages to financially responsible parties are highly uncertain.
Discounting - The Company discounts its liabilities for certain workers’ compensation reserves. The amount of workers’ compensation reserves that were discounted was $1,358 million and $1,352 million at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The aggregate net discount for those reserves, after reflecting the effects of ceded reinsurance, was $405 million and $390 million at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. At December 31, 2024, discount rates by year ranged from 0.7% to 6.5%, with a weighted average discount rate of 3.6%.
Substantially all discounted workers’ compensation reserves (97% of total discounted reserves at December 31, 2024) are excess workers’ compensation reserves. In order to properly match loss expenses with income earned on investment securities supporting the liabilities, reserves for excess workers’ compensation business are discounted using risk-free discount
rates determined by reference to the U.S. Treasury yield curve. These rates are determined annually based on the weighted average rate for the period. Once established, no adjustments are made to the discount rate for that period, and any increases or decreases in loss reserves in subsequent years are discounted at the same rate, without regard to when any such adjustments are recognized. The expected loss and loss expense payout patterns subject to discounting are derived from the Company’s loss payout experience.
The Company also discounts reserves for certain other long-duration workers’ compensation reserves (representing approximately 3% of total discounted reserves at December 31, 2024), including reserves for quota share reinsurance and reserves related to losses regarding occupational lung disease. These reserves are discounted at statutory rates prescribed or permitted by the Department of Insurance of the State of Delaware.
(14) Premiums and Reinsurance Related Information
The Company reinsures a portion of its insurance exposures in order to reduce its net liability on individual risks and catastrophe losses. Reinsurance coverage and retentions vary depending on the line of business, location of the risk and nature of loss. The Company’s reinsurance purchases include the following: property reinsurance treaties that reduce exposure to large individual property losses and catastrophe events; casualty reinsurance treaties that reduce its exposure to large individual casualty losses, workers’ compensation catastrophe losses and casualty losses involving multiple claimants or insureds; and facultative reinsurance that reduces exposure on individual policies or risks for losses that exceed treaty reinsurance capacity. Depending on the business, the Company purchases specific additional reinsurance to supplement the above programs.
The following is a summary of reinsurance financial information:
(In thousands) 2024 2023 2022
Written premiums:
Direct $ 12,904,893 $ 11,676,743 $ 10,695,138
Assumed 1,306,198 1,295,263 1,213,914
Ceded (2,238,995) (2,017,539) (1,904,982)
Total net written premiums $ 11,972,096 $ 10,954,467 $ 10,004,070
Earned premiums:
Direct $ 12,346,924 $ 11,112,980 $ 10,217,891
Assumed 1,364,774 1,246,288 1,226,801
Ceded (2,163,213) (1,958,581) (1,883,263)
Total net earned premiums $ 11,548,485 $ 10,400,687 $ 9,561,429
Ceded losses and loss expenses incurred $ 1,368,279 $ 1,376,144 $ 1,269,338
Ceded commission earned $ 505,753 $ 471,841 $ 477,437
The following table presents the rollforward of the allowance for expected credit losses for premiums and fees receivable for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023:
(In thousands) 2024 2023
Allowance for expected credit losses, beginning of period $ 35,110 $ 30,660
Change in allowance for expected credit losses 4,774 4,450
Allowance for expected credit losses, end of period $ 39,884 $ 35,110
The following table presents the rollforward of the allowance for expected credit losses associated with due from reinsurers for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023:
(In thousands) 2024 2023
Allowance for expected credit losses, beginning of period $ 8,404 $ 8,064
Change in allowance for expected credit losses (54) 340
Allowance for expected credit losses, end of period $ 8,350 $ 8,404
The following table presents the amounts due from reinsurers as of December 31, 2024:
(In thousands)
Lifson Re $ 416,509
Lloyd’s of London 356,338
Partner Re 314,891
Munich Re 287,864
Berkshire Hathaway 274,182
Hannover Re Group 222,719
Renaissance Re 215,300
Swiss Re 159,462
Liberty Mutual 120,381
Everest Re 93,223
Axis Capital 83,756
Arch Capital Group 67,357
Sompo Holdings Group 59,074
Fairfax Financial 58,585
Nationwide Group 52,111
Korean Re 51,233
Axa Insurance 50,002
TOA RE 47,501
Markel Corp Group 42,982
MS & AD Insurance Group 34,680
Helvetia Holdings Group 29,490
Chubb Group 26,708
Other reinsurers less than $20,000 380,775
Subtotal 3,445,123
Residual market pools (1) 120,922
Allowance for expected credit losses (8,350)
Total $ 3,557,695
(1)Many states require licensed insurers that provide workers' compensation insurance to participate in programs that provide workers' compensation to employers that cannot procure coverage from an insurer on a voluntary basis. Insurers can fulfill this residual market obligation by participating in pools where results are shared by the participating companies. The Company acts as a servicing carrier for workers' compensation pools in certain states. As a servicing carrier, the Company writes residual market business directly and then cedes 100% of this business to the respective pool. As a servicing carrier, the Company receives fee income for its services. The Company does not retain underwriting risk, and credit risk is limited as ceded balances are jointly shared by all the pool members.
(15) Indebtedness
Indebtedness consisted of the following as of December 31, 2024 (the difference between the face value and the carrying value is unamortized discount and debt issuance costs):
Carrying Value
(In thousands) Interest Rate Face Value 2024 2023
Senior notes and other debt due on:
February 15, 2037 6.250% $ 250,000 $ 248,666 $ 248,556
August 1, 2044 4.750% 350,000 346,389 346,205
May 12, 2050 4.000% 470,000 489,207 489,964
March 30, 2052 3.550% 400,000 394,609 394,411
September 30, 2061 3.150% 350,000 343,314 343,129
Subsidiary debt and other (1) Various 8,973 8,973 5,686
Total senior notes and other debt $ 1,828,973 $ 1,831,158 $ 1,827,951
Subordinated debentures due on:
March 30, 2058 5.700% $ 185,000 $ 179,650 $ 179,489
December 30, 2059 5.100% 300,000 291,656 291,418
September 30, 2060 4.250% 250,000 244,813 244,668
March 30, 2061 4.125% 300,000 293,689 293,515
Total subordinated debentures $ 1,035,000 $ 1,009,808 $ 1,009,090
________________
(1) Subsidiary debt of $9.4 million is due in 2025, partially offset by the unamortized cost of $0.4 million due to entering into the $300 million senior unsecured revolving credit facility.
On April 1, 2022, the Company entered into a senior unsecured revolving credit facility that provides for revolving, unsecured borrowings up to an aggregate of $300 million with a $50 million sublimit for letters of credit. The Company may increase the amount available under the facility to a maximum of $500 million subject to obtaining lender commitments for the increase and other customary conditions. Borrowings under the facility may be used for working capital and other general corporate purposes. All borrowings under the facility must be repaid by April 1, 2027, except that letters of credit outstanding on that date may remain outstanding until April 1, 2028 (or such later date approved by all lenders). Our ability to utilize the facility is conditioned on the satisfaction of representations, warranties and covenants that are customary for facilities of this type. As of December 31, 2024, there were no borrowings outstanding under the facility.
(16) Income Taxes
Income tax expense (benefit) consists of:
(In thousands) Current
Expense Deferred Expense (Benefit) Total
December 31, 2024
Domestic $ 344,210 $ 51,754 $ 395,964
Foreign 69,312 44,640 113,952
Total expense $ 413,522 $ 96,394 $ 509,916
December 31, 2023
Domestic $ 352,891 $ (43,456) $ 309,435
Foreign 44,372 16,750 61,122
Total expense (benefit) $ 397,263 $ (26,706) $ 370,557
December 31, 2022
Domestic $ 295,849 $ (27,544) $ 268,305
Foreign 42,890 23,532 66,422
Total expense (benefit) $ 338,739 $ (4,012) $ 334,727
Income before income taxes from domestic operations was $1,840 million, $1,430 million and $1,240 million for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Income before income taxes from foreign operations was $424 million, $324 million and $480 million for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
A reconciliation of the income tax expense and the amounts computed by applying the Federal and foreign income tax rate of 21% for 2024, 2023 and 2022 to pre-tax income are as follows:
(In thousands) 2024 2023 2022
Computed “expected” tax expense $ 475,543 $ 368,425 $ 361,133
Tax-exempt investment income (7,110) (8,361) (10,815)
Change in valuation allowance (220) (10,883) (28,064)
Impact of foreign operations and related tax rates 19,317 (1,896) (3,444)
State and local taxes, net of federal benefit 12,329 12,271 8,976
Other, net 10,057 11,001 6,941
Total expense $ 509,916 $ 370,557 $ 334,727
At December 31, 2024 and 2023, the tax effects of differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax asset and deferred tax liability are as follows:
(In thousands) 2024 2023
Deferred tax asset:
Loss reserve discounting $ 218,222 $ 230,956
Unearned premiums 216,721 200,938
Unrealized investment losses 58,701 126,693
Net operating losses & foreign tax credits 62,159 59,154
Other-than-temporary impairments 7,149 12,691
Employee compensation plans 70,529 68,062
Other 81,915 78,025
Gross deferred tax asset 715,396 776,519
Less valuation allowance (36,063) (36,283)
Deferred tax asset 679,333 740,236
Deferred tax liability:
Amortization of intangibles 15,124 15,205
Loss reserve discounting - transition rule 4,944 9,894
Deferred policy acquisition costs 195,150 176,281
Property, furniture and equipment 45,276 43,501
Investment funds 184,899 161,867
Other 78,874 66,525
Deferred tax liability 524,267 473,273
Net deferred tax asset $ 155,066 $ 266,963
The Company had a net current tax payable of $14 million and $46 million at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. At December 31, 2024, the Company had foreign net operating loss carryforwards of $196 million that have no expiration date. At both December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company had a valuation allowance of $36 million. The Company has provided a valuation allowance against the utilization of $13 million of foreign tax credits and the future net operating loss carryforward benefits of $23 million for certain foreign operations. The statute of limitations for the Company’s U.S. Federal income tax returns has closed for all years through December 31, 2020.
The realization of the deferred tax asset is dependent upon the Company’s ability to generate sufficient taxable income in future periods. Based on historical results and the prospects for future current operations, management anticipates that it is more likely than not that future taxable income will be sufficient for the realization of this asset.
The Company has not provided U.S. deferred income taxes on the undistributed earnings of approximately $481 million of its non-U.S. subsidiaries since these earnings are intended to be permanently reinvested in the non-U.S. subsidiaries. In the future, if such earnings were distributed the Company projects that the incremental tax, if any, will be immaterial.
(17) Dividends from Subsidiaries and Statutory Financial Information
The Company’s insurance subsidiaries are restricted by law as to the amount of dividends they may pay without the approval of regulatory authorities. The Company’s lead insurer, Berkley Insurance Company ("BIC"), directly or indirectly owns all of the Company’s other insurance companies. During 2025, the maximum amount of dividends that can be paid by BIC without such approval is approximately $1.6 billion.
BIC’s combined net income and statutory capital and surplus, as determined in accordance with statutory accounting practices ("SAP"), are as follows:
(In thousands) 2024 2023 2022
Net income $ 1,624,686 $ 1,176,255 $ 1,358,813
Statutory capital and surplus $ 9,421,874 $ 8,776,138 $ 8,330,587
The significant variances between SAP and GAAP are that for statutory purposes bonds are carried at amortized cost, unrealized gains and losses on equity securities are recorded in surplus, acquisition costs are charged to income as incurred, deferred Federal income taxes are subject to limitations, excess and assumed workers’ compensation reserves are discounted at different discount rates and certain assets designated as “non-admitted assets” are charged against surplus. The Commissioner of Insurance of the State of Delaware has allowed BIC to recognize a non-tabular discount on certain workers' compensation loss reserves, which is a permitted practice that differs from SAP. The effect of using this permitted practice was an increase to BIC’s statutory capital and surplus by $163 million at December 31, 2024.
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (“NAIC”) has risk-based capital (“RBC”) requirements that require insurance companies to calculate and report information under a risk-based formula which measures statutory capital and surplus needs based on a regulatory definition of risk in a company’s mix of products and its balance sheet. This guidance is used to calculate two capital measurements: Total Adjusted Capital and RBC Authorized Control Level. Total Adjusted Capital is equal to the Company’s statutory capital and surplus excluding capital and surplus derived from the use of permitted practices that differ from statutory accounting practices. RBC Authorized Control Level is the capital level used by regulatory authorities to determine whether remedial action is required. Generally, no remedial action is required if Total Adjusted Capital is 200% or more of the RBC Authorized Control Level. At December 31, 2024, BIC’s Total Adjusted Capital of $9.3 billion was 411% of its RBC Authorized Control Level.
See Note 3, Investments in Fixed Maturity Securities, for a description of assets held on deposit as security.
(18) Common Stockholders’ Equity
The weighted average number of shares used in the computation of net income per share was as follows:
(In thousands) 2024 2023 2022
Basic 399,734 406,500 415,278
Diluted 403,224 409,948 419,192
Treasury shares have been excluded from average outstanding shares from the date of acquisition. The weighted average number of basic shares outstanding includes the impact of 17,659,297 common shares held in a grantor trust. The common shares held in the grantor trust are for delivery upon settlement of vested but mandatorily deferred restricted stock units ("RSUs"). Shares held by the grantor trust do not affect diluted shares outstanding since shares deliverable under vested RSUs were already included in diluted shares outstanding. The difference in calculating basic and diluted net income per share is attributable entirely to the dilutive effect of stock-based compensation plans. Changes in shares of common stock outstanding, net of treasury shares, are presented below. Shares of common stock issued and outstanding do not include shares related to unissued restricted stock units (including shares held in the grantor trust).
2024 2023 2022
Balance, beginning of year 384,817,136 396,819,150 397,756,323
Shares issued 951,930 1,059,500 1,118,418
Shares repurchased (5,702,996) (13,061,514) (2,055,591)
Balance, end of year 380,066,070 384,817,136 396,819,150
The amount of dividends paid is dependent upon factors such as the receipt of dividends from our subsidiaries, our results of operations, cash flow, financial condition and business needs, the capital and surplus requirements of our subsidiaries, and applicable insurance regulations that limit the amount of dividends that may be paid by our regulated insurance subsidiaries.
(19) Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The following table presents the carrying amounts and estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments as of December 31, 2024 and 2023:
2024 2023
(In thousands) Carrying Value Fair Value Carrying Value Fair Value
Assets:
Fixed maturity securities $ 22,397,865 $ 22,399,426 $ 20,178,308 $ 20,181,547
Equity securities 1,203,788 1,203,788 1,090,347 1,090,347
Arbitrage trading account 1,122,599 1,122,599 938,049 938,049
Loans receivable 405,453 405,248 201,271 198,244
Cash and cash equivalents 1,974,747 1,974,747 1,363,195 1,363,195
Trading accounts receivable from brokers and clearing organizations 60,327 60,327 303,614 303,614
Due from broker - - 36,747 36,747
Liabilities:
Due to broker 70,483 70,483 - -
Trading account securities sold but not yet purchased 73,358 73,358 9,357 9,357
Senior notes and other debt 1,831,158 1,425,852 1,827,951 1,480,076
Subordinated debentures 1,009,808 805,864 1,009,090 929,598
The estimated fair values of the Company’s fixed maturity securities, equity securities available for sale and arbitrage trading account securities are based on various valuation techniques that rely on fair value measurements as described in Note 12 above. The fair value of loans receivable is estimated by using current institutional purchaser yield requirements for loans with similar credit characteristics, which is considered a Level 2 input. The fair value of the senior notes and other debt and the subordinated debentures is based on spreads for similar securities, which is considered a Level 2 input.
(20) Commitments, Litigation and Contingent Liabilities
In the ordinary course of business, the Company is subject to disputes, litigation and arbitration arising from its insurance and reinsurance businesses. These matters are generally related to insurance and reinsurance claims and are considered in the establishment of loss and loss expense reserves. In addition, the Company may also become involved in legal actions which seek extra-contractual damages, punitive damages or penalties, including claims alleging bad faith in handling of insurance claims. The Company expects its ultimate liability with respect to such matters will not be material to its financial condition. However, adverse outcomes on such matters are possible, from time to time, and could be material to the Company’s results of operations in any particular financial reporting period.
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.
At December 31, 2024, the Company had commitments to invest up to $279 million and $48 million in certain investment funds and real estate construction projects, respectively.
(21) Leases
Lessees are required to recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability for leases with terms of more than 12 months on the balance sheet. All leases disclosed within this note are classified as operating leases. Recognized right-of-use asset and lease liability are reported within other assets and other liabilities, respectively, in the consolidated balance sheet. Lease expense is reported in other operating costs and expenses in the consolidated statement of income and accounted for on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
To determine the discount rate used to calculate present value of future minimum lease payments, the Company uses its incremental borrowing rate during the lease commencement period in line with the respective lease duration. In certain
cases, the Company has the option to renew the lease. Lease renewal future payments are included in the present value of the future minimum lease payments when the Company determines it is reasonably certain to renew.
The main leases entered into by the Company are for office space used by the Company’s operating units across the world. Additionally, the Company, to a lesser extent, has equipment leases mainly for office equipment. Further information relating to operating lease expense and other operating lease information is as follows:
For the Year Ended December 31,
(In thousands) 2024 2023
Leases:
Lease cost $ 45,718 $ 44,256
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities reported in operating cash flows $ 49,441 $ 49,910
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new lease liabilities $ 43,624 $ 53,753
As of December 31,
($ in thousands) 2024 2023
Right-of-use assets $ 180,035 $ 176,496
Lease liabilities $ 218,397 $ 218,621
Weighted-average remaining lease term 7.2 years 7.3 years
Weighted-average discount rate 5.59 % 5.10 %
Contractual maturities of the Company’s future minimum lease payments are as follows:
(In thousands) December 31, 2024
Contractual Maturities:
2025 $ 48,822
2026 41,861
2027 32,775
2028 30,550
2029 27,374
Thereafter 81,980
Total undiscounted future minimum lease payments 263,362
Less: Discount impact 44,965
Total lease liability $ 218,397
(22) Stock Incentive Plan
Pursuant to the Company's stock incentive plan, the Company may issue restricted stock units ("RSUs") to employees of the Company and its subsidiaries. The RSUs generally vest three to five years from the award date and are subject to other vesting and forfeiture provisions contained in the award agreement. The following table summarizes RSU information for the three years ended December 31, 2024:
2024 2023 2022
RSUs granted and unvested at beginning of period: 6,435,267 6,927,639 7,716,779
Granted 1,217,056 1,647,690 1,537,440
Vested (1,594,183) (1,726,956) (1,888,020)
Canceled (323,743) (413,106) (438,560)
RSUs granted and unvested at end of period: 5,734,397 6,435,267 6,927,639
Upon vesting, shares of the Company’s common stock equal to the number of vested RSUs are issued or deferred to a later date, depending on the terms of the specific award agreement. As of December 31, 2024, 17,589,942 RSUs had been deferred. RSUs that have not yet vested and vested RSUs that have been deferred are not considered to be issued and outstanding shares.
The fair value of RSUs at the date of grant are recorded as unearned compensation, a component of stockholders’ equity, and expensed over the vesting period. Following is a summary of changes in unearned compensation for the three years ended December 31, 2024:
(In thousands) 2024 2023 2022
Unearned compensation at beginning of year $ 148,080 $ 142,060 $ 135,535
RSUs granted, net of cancellations 63,347 62,418 60,628
RSUs expensed (52,380) (49,200) (47,611)
RSUs forfeitures (5,718) (7,198) (6,492)
Unearned compensation at end of year $ 153,329 $ 148,080 $ 142,060
(23) Compensation Plans
The Company and its subsidiaries have profit sharing plans in which substantially all employees participate. The plans provide for minimum annual contributions of 5% of eligible compensation; contributions above the minimum are discretionary and vary with each participating businesses's profitability. Employees become eligible to participate in the plan on the first day of the calendar quarter following the first full calendar quarter after the employee's date of hire provided the employee has completed 250 hours of service during the calendar quarter. The plans provide that 40% of the contributions vest immediately and that the remaining 60% vest at varying percentages based upon years of service. Profit sharing expense was $72 million, $75 million and $62 million in 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
The Company has a long-term incentive compensation plan ("LTIP") that provides for compensation to key executives based on the growth in the Company's book value per share over a five year period.
The following table summarizes the outstanding LTIP awards as of December 31, 2024:
Units Outstanding Maximum Value Inception to date earned through December 31, 2024 on outstanding units
2020 grant 196,500 $ 19,650,000 $ 19,650,000
2021 grant 206,000 20,600,000 20,600,000
2022 grant 227,750 22,775,000 20,169,540
2023 grant 241,000 24,100,000 12,466,473
2024 grant 253,750 25,375,000 6,476,304
The following table summarizes the LTIP expense for each of the three years ended December 31, 2024:
(In thousands) 2024 2023 2022
2018 grant $ - $ (125) $ 4,299
2019 grant - 3,366 6,904
2020 grant 135 7,047 6,653
2021 grant 3,543 6,561 6,574
2022 grant 8,167 6,155 6,232
2023 grant 7,076 5,424 -
2024 grant 6,476 - -
Total $ 25,397 $ 28,428 $ 30,662
(24) Supplemental Financial Statement Data
Other operating costs and expenses consist of the following:
(In thousands) 2024 2023 2022
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs $ 1,219,849 $ 1,038,975 $ 1,038,903
Insurance operating expenses 2,075,053 1,915,711 1,635,000
Insurance service expenses 90,640 91,714 96,419
Net foreign currency (gains) losses (52,376) 31,799 (50,930)
Other costs and expenses 269,140 285,737 242,113
Total $ 3,602,306 $ 3,363,936 $ 2,961,505
(25) Industry Segments
The Company’s reportable segments include the following two business segments, plus a corporate segment:
•Insurance - 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 - reinsurance business on a facultative and treaty basis, primarily in the United States, United Kingdom, Continental Europe, Australia, the Asia-Pacific region and South Africa, as well as operations that solely retain risk on an excess basis and certain program management business.
The Company's chief operating decision maker ("CODM") is the President and Chief Executive Officer. The CODM assesses performance, makes decisions and allocates resources for each of the three reportable segments based on their contribution towards the Company's profitability and balance sheet strength. Certain key metrics such as combined ratio and return on allocated capital for the Insurance and Reinsurance & Monoline Excess segments, as well as Corporate segment expenditures, are examples of key components of the assessment, decision-making and resource-allocation process.
The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies. Income tax expense and benefits are calculated based upon the Company’s overall effective tax rate.
Summary financial information about the Company’s reporting segments is presented in the following table. Income before income taxes by segment includes allocated investment income. Identifiable assets by segment are those assets used in or allocated to the operation of each segment.
Revenues Expenses
(In thousands) Earned
Premiums (1) Investment
Income Other Total (2) Losses and Loss Expenses Policy Acquisition and Insurance Operating Expenses Other Total Pre-Tax
Income
(Loss) Net
Income
(Loss)
to Common Stockholders
Year ended December 31, 2024
Insurance $ 10,086,308 $ 1,057,738 $ 37,455 $ 11,181,501 $ 6,332,490 $ 2,863,697 $ 43,231 $ 9,239,418 $ 1,942,083 $ 1,503,875
Reinsurance & Monoline Excess 1,462,177 234,728 - 1,696,905 799,105 431,205 - 1,230,310 466,595 367,569
Corporate, other and eliminations (3) - 40,695 601,943 642,638 - - 904,531 904,531 (261,893) (203,832)
Net investment gains - - 117,708 117,708 - - - - 117,708 88,503
Consolidated $ 11,548,485 $ 1,333,161 $ 757,106 $ 13,638,752 $ 7,131,595 $ 3,294,902 $ 947,762 $ 11,374,259 $ 2,264,493 $ 1,756,115
Year ended December 31, 2023
Insurance $ 9,007,376 $ 783,660 $ 36,830 $ 9,827,866 $ 5,615,526 $ 2,545,310 $ 37,112 $ 8,197,948 $ 1,629,918 $ 1,283,281
Reinsurance & Monoline Excess 1,393,311 221,966 - 1,615,277 756,616 409,376 - 1,165,992 449,285 355,155
Corporate, other and eliminations (3) - 47,209 605,544 652,753 - - 1,024,595 1,024,595 (371,842) (293,869)
Net investment gains - - 47,042 47,042 - - - - 47,042 36,792
Consolidated $ 10,400,687 $ 1,052,835 $ 689,416 $ 12,142,938 $ 6,372,142 $ 2,954,686 $ 1,061,707 $ 10,388,535 $ 1,754,403 $ 1,381,359
Year ended December 31, 2022
Insurance $ 8,171,828 $ 543,844 $ 33,347 $ 8,749,019 $ 5,013,614 $ 2,268,649 $ 31,294 $ 7,313,557 $ 1,435,462 $ 1,153,231
Reinsurance & Monoline Excess 1,389,601 200,512 - 1,590,113 848,136 405,254 - 1,253,390 336,723 271,580
Corporate, other and eliminations (3) - 34,829 590,141 624,970 - - 879,871 879,871 (254,901) (203,476)
Net investment gains - - 202,397 202,397 - - - - 202,397 159,727
Consolidated $ 9,561,429 $ 779,185 $ 825,885 $ 11,166,499 $ 5,861,750 $ 2,673,903 $ 911,165 $ 9,446,818 $ 1,719,681 $ 1,381,062
Identifiable Assets
(In thousands) December 31,
2024 2023
Insurance $ 33,030,140 $ 29,976,619
Reinsurance & Monoline Excess 5,669,729 5,545,249
Corporate, other and eliminations (3) 1,867,399 1,680,147
Consolidated $ 40,567,268 $ 37,202,015
_______________________________________
(1) Certain amounts included in earned premiums of each segment are related to inter-segment transactions.
(2) Revenues for Insurance includes $1,471 million, $1,171 million, and $1,029 million in 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively, from foreign countries. Revenues for Reinsurance & Monoline Excess includes $485 million, $463 million, and $412 million in 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively, from foreign countries.
(3) Corporate, other and eliminations represent corporate revenues and expenses and certain other items that are not allocated to business segments.
Net premiums earned by major line of business were as follows:
(In thousands) 2024 2023 2022
Insurance
Other liability $ 4,068,662 $ 3,605,298 $ 3,188,399
Short-tail lines (1) 2,201,661 1,825,027 1,562,122
Auto 1,481,569 1,270,907 1,097,704
Workers' compensation 1,237,888 1,212,294 1,197,810
Professional liability 1,096,528 1,093,850 1,125,793
Total Insurance 10,086,308 9,007,376 8,171,828
Reinsurance & Monoline Excess
Casualty (2) 771,329 821,826 893,777
Property (2) 424,296 330,359 278,807
Monoline Excess (3) 266,552 241,126 217,017
Total Reinsurance & Monoline Excess 1,462,177 1,393,311 1,389,601
Total $ 11,548,485 $ 10,400,687 $ 9,561,429
(1) Short-tail lines include commercial multi-peril (non-liability), inland marine, accident and health, fidelity and surety, boiler and machinery, high net worth homeowners and other lines.
(2) Includes reinsurance casualty and property and certain program management business.
(3) Monoline excess includes operations that solely retain risk on an excess basis.
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.
Index to Financial Statement Schedules Page
Schedule II - Condensed Financial Information of Registrant
Schedule III - Supplementary Insurance Information
Schedule IV - Reinsurance
Schedule V - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
Schedule VI - Supplementary Information Concerning Property - Casualty Insurance Operations
(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
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See Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.

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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
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 current reserves will prove adequate in light of subsequent events.
Loss reserves included in the Company’s financial statements represent management’s best estimates based upon an actuarially derived point estimate and other considerations. The Company uses a variety of actuarial techniques and methods to derive an actuarial point estimate for each business. These methods include paid loss development, incurred loss development, paid and incurred Bornhuetter-Ferguson methods and frequency and severity methods. In circumstances where one actuarial method is considered more credible than the others, that method is used to set the point estimate. For example, the paid loss and incurred loss development methods rely on historical paid and incurred loss data. For new lines of business, where there is insufficient history of paid and incurred claims data, or in circumstances where there have been significant changes in claim practices, the paid and incurred loss development methods would be less credible than other actuarial methods. The actuarial point estimate may also be based on a judgmental weighting of estimates produced from each of the methods considered. Industry loss experience is used to supplement the Company’s own data in selecting “tail factors” and in areas where the Company’s own data is limited. The actuarial data is analyzed by line of business, coverage and accident or policy year, as appropriate, for each business.
The establishment of the actuarially derived loss reserve point estimate also includes consideration of qualitative factors that may affect the ultimate losses. These qualitative considerations include, among others, the impact of re-underwriting initiatives, changes in the mix of business, changes in distribution sources and changes in policy terms and conditions. Examples of changes in terms and conditions that can have a significant impact on reserve levels are the use of aggregate policy limits, the expansion of coverage exclusions, whether or not defense costs are within policy limits, and changes in deductibles and attachment points.
The key assumptions used to arrive at the best estimate of loss reserves are the expected loss ratios, rate of loss cost inflation, and reported and paid loss emergence patterns. Expected loss ratios represent management’s expectation of losses at the time the business is priced and written, before any actual claims experience has emerged. This expectation is a significant determinant of the estimate of loss reserves for recently written business where there is little paid or incurred loss data to consider. Expected loss ratios are generally derived from historical loss ratios adjusted for the impact of rate changes, loss cost trends and known changes in the type of risks underwritten. Expected loss ratios are estimated for each key line of business within each business. Expected loss cost inflation is particularly important for the long-tail lines, such as excess casualty, and claims with a high medical component, such as workers’ compensation. Reported and paid loss emergence patterns are used to project current reported or paid loss amounts to their ultimate settlement value. Loss development factors are based on the historical emergence patterns of paid and incurred losses, and are derived from the Company’s own experience and industry data. The paid loss emergence pattern is also significant to excess and assumed workers’ compensation reserves because those reserves are discounted to their estimated present value based upon such estimated payout patterns. Management believes the estimates and assumptions it makes in the reserving process provide the best estimate of the ultimate cost of settling claims and related expenses with respect to insured events which have occurred; however, different assumptions and variables could lead to significantly different reserve estimates.
Loss frequency and severity are measures of loss activity that are considered in determining the key assumptions described in our discussion of loss and loss expense reserves, including expected loss ratios, rate of loss cost inflation and reported and paid loss emergence patterns. Loss frequency is a measure of the number of claims per unit of insured exposure, and loss severity is a measure of the average size of claims. Factors affecting loss frequency include the effectiveness of loss controls and safety programs and changes in economic activity or weather patterns. Factors affecting loss severity include changes in policy limits, retentions, rate of inflation and judicial interpretations.
Another factor affecting estimates of loss frequency and severity is the loss reporting lag, which is the period of time between the occurrence of a loss and the date the loss is reported to the Company. The length of the loss reporting lag affects our ability to accurately predict loss frequency (loss frequencies are more predictable for lines with short reporting lags) as well as the amount of reserves needed for incurred but not reported losses (less IBNR is required for lines with short reporting lags). As a result, loss reserves for lines with short reporting lags are likely to have less variation from initial loss estimates. For lines with short reporting lags, which include auto, primary workers’ compensation, other liability (claims-made) and property business, the key assumption is the loss emergence pattern used to project ultimate loss estimates from known losses paid or reported to date. For lines of business with long reporting lags, which include other liability (occurrence), products liability, excess workers’ compensation and liability reinsurance, the key assumption is the expected loss ratio since there is often little paid or incurred loss data to consider. Historically, the Company has experienced less variation from its initial loss estimates for lines of businesses with short reporting lags than for lines of business with long reporting lags.
The key assumptions used in calculating the most recent estimate of the loss reserves are reviewed each quarter and adjusted, to the extent necessary, to reflect the latest reported loss data, current trends and other factors observed. If the actual level of loss frequency and severity are higher or lower than expected, the ultimate losses will be different than management’s estimate. The following table reflects the impact of changes (which could be favorable or unfavorable) in frequency and severity, relative to our assumptions, on our loss estimate for claims occurring in 2024:
(In thousands) Frequency (+/-)
Severity (+/-) 1% 5% 10%
1% $ 142,388 $ 428,582 $ 786,324
5% 428,582 726,110 1,098,020
10% 786,324 1,098,020 1,487,640
Our net reserves for losses and loss expenses of approximately $17.2 billion as of December 31, 2024 relate to multiple accident years. Therefore, the impact of changes in frequency or severity for more than one accident year could be higher or lower than the amounts reflected above. The impact of such changes would likely be manifested gradually over the course of many years, as the magnitude of the changes became evident.
Approximately $3.3 billion, or 19.1%, of the Company’s net loss reserves as of December 31, 2024 relate to the Reinsurance & Monoline Excess segment. There is a higher degree of uncertainty and greater variability regarding estimates of excess workers' compensation and assumed reinsurance loss reserves. In the case of excess workers’ compensation, our policies generally attach at $1 million or higher. The claims which reach our layer therefore tend to involve the most serious injuries and many remain open for the lifetime of the claimant, which extends the claim settlement tail. These claims also occur less frequently but tend to be larger than primary claims, which increases claim variability. In the case of assumed reinsurance our loss reserve estimates are based, in part, upon information received from ceding companies. If information received from ceding companies is not timely or correct, the Company’s estimate of ultimate losses may not be accurate. Furthermore, due to
delayed reporting of claim information by ceding companies, the claim settlement tail for assumed reinsurance is also extended. Management considers the impact of delayed reporting and the extended tail in its selection of loss development factors for these lines of business.
Information received from ceding companies is used to set initial expected loss ratios, to establish case reserves and to estimate reserves for incurred but not reported losses on assumed reinsurance business. This information, which is generally provided through reinsurance intermediaries, is gathered through the underwriting process and from periodic claim reports and other correspondence with ceding companies. The Company performs underwriting and claim audits of selected ceding companies to determine the accuracy and completeness of information provided to the Company. The information received from the ceding companies is supplemented by the Company’s own loss development experience with similar lines of business as well as industry loss trends and loss development benchmarks.
Following is a summary of the Company’s reserves for losses and loss expenses by business segment as of December 31, 2024 and 2023:
(In thousands) 2024 2023
Insurance $ 13,881,574 $ 12,430,202
Reinsurance & Monoline Excess 3,285,067 3,231,618
Net reserves for losses and loss expenses 17,166,641 15,661,820
Ceded reserves for losses and loss expenses 3,201,389 3,077,832
Gross reserves for losses and loss expenses $ 20,368,030 $ 18,739,652
Following is a summary of the Company’s net reserves for losses and loss expenses by major line of business as of December 31, 2024 and 2023:
(In thousands) Reported Case
Reserves Incurred But
Not Reported Total
December 31, 2024
Other liability $ 2,104,721 $ 5,164,994 $ 7,269,715
Professional liability 613,230 1,503,908 2,117,138
Workers’ compensation (1) 1,054,427 771,367 1,825,794
Auto 729,462 936,319 1,665,781
Short-tail lines (2) 410,138 593,008 1,003,146
Total Insurance 4,911,978 8,969,596 13,881,574
Reinsurance & Monoline Excess (1) (3) 1,622,399 1,662,668 3,285,067
Total $ 6,534,377 $ 10,632,264 $ 17,166,641
December 31, 2023
Other liability $ 1,912,594 $ 4,607,507 $ 6,520,101
Professional liability 527,555 1,438,102 1,965,657
Workers’ compensation (1) 1,019,445 790,944 1,810,389
Auto 645,707 700,850 1,346,557
Short-tail lines (2) 375,129 412,369 787,498
Total Insurance 4,480,430 7,949,772 12,430,202
Reinsurance & Monoline Excess (1) (3) 1,673,581 1,558,037 3,231,618
Total $ 6,154,011 $ 9,507,809 $ 15,661,820
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(1)Reserves for excess and assumed workers’ compensation business are net of an aggregate net discount of $405 million and $390 million as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
(2)Short-tail lines include commercial multi-peril (non-liability), inland marine, accident and health, fidelity and surety, boiler and machinery, high net worth homeowners and other lines.
(3)Reinsurance & Monoline Excess includes property and casualty reinsurance as well as certain program management business and operations that solely retain risk on an excess basis.
The Company evaluates reserves for losses and loss expenses on a quarterly basis. Changes in estimates of prior year losses are reported when such changes are made. The changes in prior year loss reserve estimates are generally the result of ongoing analysis of recent loss development trends. Original estimates are increased or decreased as additional information becomes known regarding individual claims and aggregate claim trends.
Certain of the Company's insurance and reinsurance contracts are retrospectively rated, whereby the Company collects more or less premiums based on the level of loss activity. For those contracts, changes in loss and loss expenses for prior years may be fully or partially offset by additional or return premiums.
Net prior year development (i.e, the sum of prior year reserve changes and prior year earned premiums changes) for each of the last three years ended December 31, are as follows:
(In thousands) 2024 2023 2022
Increase in prior year loss reserves $ (14,350) $ (29,681) $ (54,511)
Increase in prior year earned premiums 18,782 10,782 18,106
Net favorable (unfavorable) prior year development $ 4,432 $ (18,899) $ (36,405)
The ultimate net impact of COVID-19 on the Company's reserves remains uncertain. As of December 31, 2024, the Company had recognized losses for COVID-19-related claims activity, net of reinsurance, of approximately $381 million, of which $326 million relates to the Insurance segment and $55 million relates to the Reinsurance & Monoline Excess segment. Such $381 million of COVID-19-related losses included $379 million of reported losses and $2 million of IBNR.
Favorable prior year development (net of additional and return premiums) was $4 million in 2024.
Insurance - Reserves for the Insurance segment developed unfavorably by $8 million in 2024 (net of additional and return premiums). The adverse development was driven by the commercial auto liability and other liability occurrence lines of business, and was largely offset by favorable development for workers’ compensation, professional liability, products liability, and commercial property lines of business.
The adverse commercial auto liability development was concentrated in accident years 2021 through 2023, while the adverse other liability occurrence development was focused across accident years 2015 through 2022. The majority of the other liability occurrence development was driven by umbrella and excess liability claims, of which a significant portion related to underlying commercial auto exposures. The Company believes that commercial auto-related claims are being particularly impacted by social inflation, which is contributing to an increase in the frequency of large losses beyond expectations. Social inflation can include higher settlement demands from plaintiffs, use of aggressive actions by the plaintiffs’ bar such as litigation funding, negative public sentiment towards large businesses and corporations, and erosion of tort reforms, among other factors.
The favorable workers’ compensation development for the Insurance segment was mainly related to accident years 2016 through 2023, with accident years 2020 through 2023 contributing the most. For workers’ compensation, favorable reported claim frequency, below expectations, continued to be the main driver of the favorable reserve development. The favorable development for both the professional liability and products liability lines of business was related mainly to accident years 2020 through 2023. For both of these lines, reported claim frequency and incurred losses for accident years 2020 through 2023 were better than expected, which drove the favorable reserve development. Business written in these years also benefitted from significant price increases, which the Company now believes will result in higher profitability than initially anticipated. The favorable development for commercial property was mainly associated with the 2023 accident year, and resulted from better than expected settlements for both catastrophe related and non-catastrophe claims.
Reinsurance & Monoline Excess - Reserves for the Reinsurance & Monoline Excess segment developed favorably by $12 million in 2024 (net of additional and return premiums). The favorable development was driven mainly by excess workers’ compensation business, partially offset by adverse development in the non-proportional reinsurance assumed liability line of business. The favorable excess workers’ compensation development was driven by continued lower claim frequency and reported losses relative to expectations, and to favorable claim settlements spread across many prior accident years. The unfavorable development for non-proportional reinsurance was concentrated mainly in accident years 2015 through 2019 and was associated primarily with our U.S. and U.K. excess general liability reinsurance businesses, including coverage for cedants insuring construction projects.
Unfavorable prior year development (net of additional and return premiums) was $19 million in 2023.
Insurance - Reserves for the Insurance segment developed unfavorably by $21 million in 2023 (net of additional and return premiums). The unfavorable development for the segment was concentrated in the early part of the year. A key driver of the unfavorable development early in 2023 was property catastrophe losses related to 2022 events which were still being adjusted and settled during the early part of 2023. In particular, losses related to U.S. winter storms which occurred during the month of December 2022 were a significant contributor to the development, as information gathering and evaluation of many of these claims were still ongoing into the new year.
In addition to the property prior year development discussed above, during 2023 the Insurance segment also experienced adverse prior year development on casualty lines of business for the 2016 through 2019 accident years, which was offset by favorable prior year development on casualty lines of business for the 2020 through 2022 accident years. The unfavorable development on the 2016 through 2019 accident years was concentrated in the general liability and commercial auto liability lines of business. The development, which particularly impacted business attaching excess of primary policy limits, was driven by a larger than expected number of large losses reported. The Company believes social inflation is contributing to an increase in the frequency of large losses for these accident years. Social inflation can include higher settlement demands from plaintiffs, use of tactics such as litigation funding by the plaintiffs’ bar, negative public sentiment towards large businesses and corporations, and erosion of tort reforms, among others.
The favorable prior year development on casualty lines for the 2020 through 2022 accident years in the Insurance segment was concentrated in the professional liability, workers’ compensation, and general liability lines of business. Due to elevated uncertainty regarding incurred loss frequency and severity as a result of ongoing social inflation and the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company set its initial loss ratios for the 2020 through 2022 accident years prudently, and largely maintained these estimates through the end of each respective accident year. The reported loss experience to date for these lines of business for the 2020 through 2022 accident years has been significantly better than was expected, and the Company has begun to react to this favorable emergence as the accident years mature beyond the age of twelve months. It should also be noted that commercial auto liability experienced adverse prior year development for the 2020 through 2022 accident years, which partially offset the favorable development discussed above; the adverse development was driven by a larger than expected number of large losses reported.
Reinsurance & Monoline Excess - Reserves for the Reinsurance & Monoline Excess segment developed favorably by $2 million in 2023 (net of additional and return premiums). The overall favorable prior year development for the segment was driven mainly by favorable development in excess workers’ compensation, substantially offset by unfavorable development in the non-proportional reinsurance assumed liability, excess general liability (including umbrella), and commercial auto liability lines of business. The favorable excess workers’ compensation development was driven by continued lower claim frequency and reported losses relative to our expectations, and favorable claim settlements. The favorable development was spread across many prior accident years. The unfavorable development for non-proportional reinsurance assumed liability and excess general liability was associated primarily with our U.S. assumed reinsurance business, and related to accounts reinsuring excess and umbrella business and construction projects. The adverse development was concentrated mainly in accident years 2017 through 2020. The unfavorable development for commercial auto liability was concentrated in the 2022 accident year and related to commercial auto program business.
Unfavorable prior year development (net of additional and return premiums) was $36 million in 2022.
Insurance - Reserves for the Insurance segment developed unfavorably by $41 million in 2022 (net of additional and return premiums). The unfavorable development in the segment primarily related to COVID-19 losses at two businesses. These businesses wrote policies providing coverage for event cancellation and film production delay which were heavily impacted by losses directly caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Most of this COVID-19 related unfavorable development emerged during the third quarter as a result of settlements of claims at values higher than our expectations. However, the Company believes that
as a result of these settlements the remaining level of uncertainty around the ultimate value of its known COVID-19 claims has been significantly reduced.
The unfavorable development mentioned above also includes favorable prior year development for the Insurance segment primarily attributable to the 2020 and 2021 accident years and unfavorable development on the 2015 through 2019 accident years. The favorable development on the 2020 and 2021 accident years was concentrated in certain casualty lines of business including general liability, professional liability, and workers’ compensation. The Company experienced lower reported claim frequency in these lines of business during 2020 and 2021 relative to historical averages, and continued to experience lower reported incurred losses relative to its expectations for these accident years as they developed during 2022. These trends began in 2020 and we believe were caused by the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, including for example, lockdowns, reduced driving/traffic and increased work from home. Due to the uncertainty regarding the ultimate impacts of the pandemic on accident years 2020 and 2021 incurred losses, the Company was cautious in reacting to these lower trends in
setting and updating its loss ratio estimates for these years. As these accident years have continued to mature, the Company has continued to recognize some of the favorable reported experience in its ultimate loss estimates made during 2022.
The unfavorable development on the 2015 through 2019 accident years was concentrated in the general liability and professional liability, including medical professional, lines of business, as well as auto liability. The development was driven by a larger than expected number of large losses reported. The Company believes social inflation is contributing to an increase in the frequency of large losses for these accident years. Social inflation can include higher settlement demands from plaintiffs, use of tactics such as litigation funding by the plaintiffs’ bar, negative public sentiment towards large businesses and corporations, and erosion of tort reforms, among others.
Reinsurance & Monoline Excess - Reserves for the Reinsurance & Monoline Excess segment developed favorably by $5 million in 2022 (net of additional and return premiums). The overall favorable development for the segment was driven mainly by favorable development in excess workers compensation, substantially offset by unfavorable development in the professional liability, non-proportional reinsurance assumed liability, and commercial auto liability lines of business. The favorable excess workers’ compensation development was spread across most prior accident years, including 2012 and prior years, and was driven by a review of the Company’s claim reporting patterns as well as a number of favorable claim settlements relative to expectations. The unfavorable professional liability and non-proportional reinsurance assumed liability development was concentrated mainly in accident years 2016 through 2018 and was associated primarily with our U.S. assumed reinsurance business and related to accounts insuring construction projects and professional liability exposures. The unfavorable development for commercial auto liability was concentrated in the 2021 accident year and related to commercial auto program business.
Reserve Discount. The Company discounts its liabilities for certain workers’ compensation reserves. The amount of workers’ compensation reserves that were discounted was $1,358 million and $1,352 million at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The aggregate net discount for those reserves, after reflecting the effects of ceded reinsurance, was $405 million and $390 million at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. At December 31, 2024, discount rates by year ranged from 0.7% to 6.5%, with a weighted average discount rate of 3.6%.
Substantially all discounted workers’ compensation reserves (97% of total discounted reserves at December 31, 2024) are excess workers’ compensation reserves. In order to properly match loss expenses with income earned on investment securities supporting the liabilities, reserves for excess workers’ compensation business are discounted using risk-free discount rates determined by reference to the U.S. Treasury yield curve. These rates are determined annually based on the weighted average rate for the period. Once established, no adjustments are made to the discount rate for that period, and any increases or decreases in loss reserves in subsequent years are discounted at the same rate, without regard to when any such adjustments are recognized. The expected loss and loss expense payout patterns subject to discounting are derived from the Company’s loss payout experience.
The Company also discounts reserves for certain other long-duration workers’ compensation reserves (representing approximately 3% of total discounted reserves at December 31, 2024), including reserves for quota share reinsurance and reserves related to losses regarding occupational lung disease. These reserves are discounted at statutory rates prescribed or permitted by the Department of Insurance of the State of Delaware.
Assumed Reinsurance Premiums. The Company estimates the amount of assumed reinsurance premiums that it will receive under treaty reinsurance agreements at the inception of the contracts. These premium estimates are revised as the actual amount of assumed premiums is reported to the Company by the ceding companies. As estimates of assumed premiums are made or revised, the related amount of earned premiums, commissions and incurred losses associated with those premiums are recorded. Estimated assumed premiums receivable were approximately $51 million and $65 million at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The assumed premium estimates are based upon terms set forth in reinsurance agreements, information received from ceding companies during the underwriting and negotiation of agreements, reports received from ceding companies and discussions and correspondence with reinsurance intermediaries. The Company also considers its own view of market conditions, economic trends and experience with similar lines of business. These premium estimates represent management’s best estimate of the ultimate amount of premiums to be received under its assumed reinsurance agreements.
Allowance for Expected Credit Losses on Investments.
Fixed Maturity Securities - For fixed maturity securities in an unrealized loss position where the Company intends to sell, or it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell the security before recovery in value, the amortized cost basis is written down to fair value through net investment gains (losses). For fixed maturity securities in an unrealized loss position where the Company does not intend to sell, or it is more likely than not that it will not be required to sell the security before recovery in value, the Company evaluates whether the decline in fair value has resulted from credit losses or all other factors (non-credit factors). In making this assessment, the Company considers the extent to which fair value is less than amortized cost, changes to the rating of the security by a rating agency, and adverse conditions specifically related to the security, among
other factors. If this assessment indicates that a credit loss exists, the present value of cash flows expected to be collected from the security are compared to the amortized cost basis of the security. If the present value of cash flows expected to be collected is less than the amortized cost basis, an allowance for expected credit losses is recorded for the credit loss through net investment gains (losses), limited by the amount that the fair value is less than the amortized cost basis. The allowance is adjusted for any change in expected credit losses and subsequent recoveries through net investment gains (losses). The impairment related to non-credit factors is recognized in other comprehensive income (loss).
The Company’s credit assessment of allowance for expected credit losses uses a third party model for available for sale and held to maturity securities, as well as loans receivable. The allowance for expected credit losses is generally based on the performance of the underlying collateral under various economic and default scenarios that involve subjective judgments and estimates by management. Modeling these securities involves various factors, such as projected default rates, the nature and realizable value of the collateral, if any, the ability of the issuer to make scheduled payments, historical performance and other relevant economic and performance factors. A discounted cash flow analysis is used to ascertain the amount of the allowance for expected credit losses, if any. In general, the model reverts to the rating-level long-term average marginal default rates based on 10 years of historical data, beyond the forecast period. For other inputs, the model in most cases reverts to the baseline long-term assumptions linearly over 5 years beyond the forecast period. The long-term assumptions are based on the historical averages.
The Company classifies its fixed maturity securities by credit rating, primarily based on ratings assigned by credit rating agencies. For purposes of classifying securities with different ratings, the Company uses the average of the credit ratings assigned, unless in limited situations the Company’s own analysis indicates an internal rating is more appropriate. Securities that are not rated by a rating agency are evaluated and classified by the Company on a case-by-case basis.
A summary of the Company’s non-investment grade fixed maturity securities that were in an unrealized loss position at December 31, 2024 is presented in the table below.
($ in thousands) Number of
Securities Aggregate
Fair Value Unrealized
Loss
Foreign government 50 $ 138,388 $ 157,424
Corporate 19 50,525 2,922
State and municipal 6 28,150 1,921
Mortgage-backed securities 17 3,684 206
Asset-backed securities 1 9 1
Total
93 $ 220,756 $ 162,474
As of December 31, 2024, the Company has recorded an allowance for expected credit losses on fixed maturity securities of $0.7 million. The Company has evaluated the remaining fixed maturity securities in an unrealized loss position and believes the unrealized losses are due primarily to temporary market and sector-related factors rather than to issuer-specific factors. None of these securities are delinquent or in default under financial covenants. Based on its assessment of these issuers, the Company expects them to continue to meet their contractual payment obligations as they become due.
Loans Receivable - For loans receivable, the Company estimates an allowance for expected credit losses based on relevant information about past events, including historical loss experience, current conditions and forecasts that affect the expected collectability of the amortized cost of the financial asset. The allowance for expected credit losses is presented as a reduction to amortized cost of the financial asset in the consolidated balance sheet and changes to the estimate for expected credit losses are recognized through net investment gains (losses). Loans receivable are reported net of an allowance for expected credit losses of $1 million and $3 million as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
Fair Value Measurements. The Company’s fixed maturity available for sale securities, equity securities, and its trading account securities are carried at fair value. Fair value is defined as "the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date". The Company utilizes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three broad levels. Level 1 inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the reporting entity has the ability to access at the measurement date. Level 2 inputs are inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for similar assets in active markets. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability. Unobservable inputs may only be used to measure fair value to the extent that observable inputs are not available. The fair value of the vast majority of the Company’s portfolio is based on observable data (other than quoted prices) and, accordingly, is classified as Level 2.
In classifying particular financial securities in the fair value hierarchy, the Company uses its judgment to determine whether the market for a security is active and whether significant pricing inputs are observable. The Company determines the existence of an active market by assessing whether transactions occur with sufficient frequency and volume to provide reliable pricing information. The Company determines whether inputs are observable based on the use of such information by pricing services and external investment managers, the uninterrupted availability of such inputs, the need to make significant adjustments to such inputs and the volatility of such inputs over time. If the market for a security is determined to be inactive or if significant inputs used to price a security are determined to be unobservable, the security is categorized in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.
Because many fixed maturity securities do not trade on a daily basis, the Company utilizes pricing models and processes which may include benchmark curves, benchmarking of like securities, sector groupings and matrix pricing. Market inputs used to evaluate securities include benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, issuer spreads, two-sided markets, benchmark securities, bids, offers and reference data. Quoted prices are often unavailable for recently issued securities that are infrequently traded or securities that are only traded in private transactions. For publicly traded securities for which quoted prices are unavailable, the Company determines fair value based on independent broker quotations and other observable market data. For securities traded only in private negotiations, the Company determines fair value based primarily on the cost of such securities, which is adjusted to reflect prices of recent placements of securities of the same issuer, financial data, projections and business developments of the issuer and other relevant information.
The following is a summary of pricing sources for the Company's fixed maturity securities available for sale as of December 31, 2024:
(In thousands) Carrying
Value Percent
of Total
Pricing source:
Independent pricing services $ 21,919,679 98.1 %
Syndicate manager 135,129 0.6
Directly by the Company based on:
Observable data 278,978 1.3
Cash flow model 19,667 -
Total $ 22,353,453 100.0 %
Independent pricing services - Substantially all of the Company’s fixed maturity securities available for sale were priced by independent pricing services (generally one U.S. pricing service plus additional pricing services with respect to a limited number of foreign securities held by the Company). The prices provided by the independent pricing services are generally based on observable market data in active markets (e.g., broker quotes and prices observed for comparable securities). The determination of whether markets are active or inactive is based upon the volume and level of activity for a particular asset class. The Company reviews the prices provided by pricing services for reasonableness based upon current trading levels for similar securities. If the prices appear unusual to the Company, they are re-examined and the value is either confirmed or revised. In addition, the Company periodically performs independent price tests of a sample of securities to ensure proper valuation and to verify our understanding of how securities are priced. As of December 31, 2024, the Company did not make any adjustments to the prices provided by the pricing services. Based upon the Company’s review of the methodologies used by the independent pricing services, these securities were classified as Level 2.
Syndicate manager - The Company has a 15% participation in a Lloyd’s syndicate, and the Company’s share of the securities owned by the syndicate is priced by the syndicate’s manager. The majority of the securities are liquid, short duration fixed maturity securities. The Company reviews the syndicate manager’s pricing methodology and audited financial statements and holds discussions with the syndicate manager as necessary to confirm its understanding and agreement with security prices. Based upon the Company’s review of the methodologies used by the syndicate manager, these securities were classified as Level 2.
Observable data - If independent pricing is not available, the Company prices the securities directly. Prices are based on observable market data where available, including current trading levels for similar securities and non-binding quotations from brokers. The Company generally requests two or more quotes. If more than one quote is received, the Company sets a price within the range of quotes received based on its assessment of the credibility of the quote and its own evaluation of the security. The Company generally does not adjust quotes obtained from brokers. Since these securities were priced based on observable data, they were classified as Level 2.
Cash flow model - If the above methodologies are not available, the Company prices securities using a discounted cash flow model based upon assumptions as to prevailing credit spreads, interest rates and interest rate volatility, time to maturity and subordination levels. Discount rates are adjusted to reflect illiquidity where appropriate. These securities were classified as Level 3.
Results of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2024 and 2023
Business Segment Results
Following is a summary of gross and net premiums written, net premiums earned, loss ratios (losses and loss expenses incurred expressed as a percentage of net premiums earned), expense ratios (policy acquisition and insurance operating expenses expressed as a percentage of net premiums earned) and GAAP combined ratios (sum of loss ratio and expense ratio) for each of our business segments for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023. The GAAP combined ratio represents a measure of underwriting profitability, excluding investment income. A GAAP combined ratio in excess of 100 indicates an underwriting loss; a number below 100 indicates an underwriting profit.
(In thousands) 2024 2023
Insurance
Gross premiums written $ 12,662,132 $ 11,461,094
Net premiums written 10,549,550 9,560,533
Net premiums earned 10,086,308 9,007,376
Loss ratio 62.8 % 62.3 %
Expense ratio 28.4 28.3
GAAP combined ratio 91.2 90.6
Reinsurance & Monoline Excess
Gross premiums written $ 1,548,958 $ 1,510,912
Net premiums written 1,422,546 1,393,934
Net premiums earned 1,462,177 1,393,311
Loss ratio 54.7 % 54.3 %
Expense ratio 29.4 29.4
GAAP combined ratio 84.1 83.7
Consolidated
Gross premiums written $ 14,211,090 $ 12,972,006
Net premiums written 11,972,096 10,954,467
Net premiums earned 11,548,485 10,400,687
Loss ratio 61.8 % 61.3 %
Expense ratio 28.5 28.4
GAAP combined ratio 90.3 89.7
Net Income to Common Stockholders. The following table presents the Company’s net income to common stockholders and net income per diluted share for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023.
(In thousands, except per share data) 2024 2023
Net income to common stockholders $ 1,756,115 $ 1,381,359
Weighted average diluted shares 403,224 409,948
Net income per diluted share $ 4.36 $ 3.37
The Company reported net income of $1,756 million in 2024 and $1,381 million in 2023. The $375 million increase in net income reflected an after-tax increase in net investment income of $217 million primarily due to higher interest rates, a larger fixed maturity securities portfolio and investment income associated with our Argentine inflation-linked securities, an after-tax increase in foreign currency gains of $65 million mainly due to strengthening of the U.S. dollar against other currencies in 2024, an after-tax increase in net investment gains of $55 million due to change in market value of equity securities and impairment loss recognized on a real estate investment in 2023, an after-tax increase in underwriting income of $37 million mainly due to growth in premium rates, an after-tax reduction in corporate expenses of $15 million, an after-tax increase of $4 million in noncontrolling interests, an after-tax increase in profits from non-insurance businesses of $3 million and an after-tax increase in profit from insurance service businesses of $3 million, partially offset by an increase of $24 million in tax expense due to a change in the effective tax rate. The number of weighted average diluted shares decreased by 6.7 million for 2024 compared to 2023, mainly reflecting shares repurchased in 2024.
Premiums. Gross premiums written were $14,211 million in 2024, an increase of 10% from $12,972 million in 2023. The increase was due to the growth in the Insurance segment of $1,201 million and in the Reinsurance & Monoline Excess segment of $38 million. Approximately 81% of premiums expiring in 2024 and 2023 were renewed.
Average renewal premium rates (per unit of exposure) for insurance and facultative reinsurance increased 6.9% in 2024 and 7.1% in 2023. Average renewal premium rates (per unit of exposure) for insurance and facultative reinsurance excluding workers' compensation increased 7.9% in 2024 and 8.1% in 2023.
A summary of gross premiums written in 2024 compared with 2023 by line of business within each business segment follows:
•Insurance gross premiums increased 10% to $12,662 million in 2024 from $11,461 million in 2023. Gross premiums increased $509 million (11%) for other liability, $476 million (17%) for short-tail lines, $179 million (12%) for auto, $21 million (1%) for professional liability and $16 million (1%) for workers' compensation.
•Reinsurance & Monoline Excess gross premiums increased 3% to $1,549 million in 2024 from $1,511 million in 2023. Gross premiums written increased $68 million (16%) for property lines and $28 million (10%) for monoline excess, partially offset by a reduction of $58 million (7%) for casualty lines.
Net premiums written were $11,972 million in 2024, an increase of 9% from $10,954 million in 2023. Ceded reinsurance premiums as a percentage of gross written premiums were 16% in both 2024 and 2023.
Premiums earned increased 11% to $11,548 million in 2024 from $10,401 million in 2023. Insurance premiums (including the impact of rate changes) are generally earned evenly over the policy term, and accordingly recent rate increases will be earned over the upcoming quarters. Premiums earned in 2024 are related to business written during both 2024 and 2023. Audit premiums were $350 million in 2024 compared with $363 million in 2023.
Net Investment Income. Following is a summary of net investment income (loss) for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023:
Amount Average Annualized
Yield
(In thousands) 2024 2023 2024 2023
Fixed maturity securities, including cash and cash equivalents and loans receivable $ 1,260,429 $ 929,098 5.3 % 4.4 %
Arbitrage trading account 69,573 69,369 5.8 5.7
Equity securities 48,920 55,726 5.0 5.1
Investment funds (11,491) 16,743 (0.7) 1.0
Real estate (23,616) (11,185) (1.8) (0.9)
Gross investment income 1,343,815 1,059,751 4.6 4.0
Investment expenses (10,654) (6,916) - -
Total $ 1,333,161 $ 1,052,835 4.6 % 4.0 %
Net investment income increased 27% to $1,333 million in 2024 from $1,053 million in 2023 due primarily to a $331 million increase in income from fixed maturity securities mainly driven by higher interest rates, a larger fixed maturity securities portfolio and investment income associated with our Argentine inflation-linked securities (see below for further discussion), partially offset by a $28 million decrease in income from investment funds primarily due to financial service funds, a $12 million decrease in real estate, a $7 million decrease from equity securities and a $4 million increase in investment expenses. Investment funds are reported on a one quarter lag. The average annualized yield for fixed maturity securities was 5.3% in 2024 and 4.4% in 2023. The effective duration of the fixed maturity portfolio was 2.6 years at December 31, 2024 and 2.4 years at December 31, 2023. Average invested assets, at cost (including cash and cash equivalents), were $28.9 billion in 2024 up 9.5% from $26.4 billion in 2023.
Pre-tax net investment income associated with the Argentine inflation-linked securities in 2024 was $204 million. Such investment income increased as a result of an adjustment to the inflation rate that was made by the Argentine government in late 2023. As certain of our Argentine bonds matured and were sold throughout 2024 and the inflation rate continued to decline, we do not expect investment income relating to these securities to continue at this level. The proceeds from the Argentine inflation-linked securities that matured and were sold in 2024 have been reinvested.
Insurance Service Fees. The Company earns fees from an insurance distribution business (part of which was sold in June 2023), a third-party administrator, and as a servicing carrier of workers' compensation assigned risk plans for certain states. Insurance service fees increased to $109 million in 2024 from $106 million in 2023 due to an acquisition in the insurance distribution business in late 2023.
Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments. The Company buys and sells securities and other investment assets on a regular basis in order to maximize its total return on investments. Decisions to sell securities and other
investment assets are based on management’s view of the underlying fundamentals of specific investments as well as management’s expectations regarding interest rates, credit spreads, currency values and general economic conditions. Net realized and unrealized gains on investments were $80 million in 2024 compared with $48 million in 2023. In 2024, the gains reflected a change in unrealized gains on equity securities of $121 million, partially offset by net realized losses on investments of $41 million. In 2023, the gains reflected a change in unrealized gains on equity securities of $71 million, partially offset by net realized losses on investments of $23 million.
Change in Allowance for Expected Credit Losses on Investments. Based on credit factors, the allowance for expected credit losses is increased or decreased depending on the percentage of unrealized loss relative to amortized cost by security, changes in rating of the security by a rating agency, and adverse conditions specifically related to the security, among other factors. The pre-tax change in allowance for expected credit losses on investments reflected in net investment gains, decreased by $38 million ($30 million after-tax) in 2024 due to improved pricing associated with foreign government securities and corporate securities, and increased by $498 thousand ($393 thousand after-tax) in 2023.
Revenues from Non-Insurance Businesses. Revenues from non-insurance businesses were derived from businesses engaged in the distribution of promotional merchandise, world-wide textile solutions, and aviation-related businesses that provide services to aviation markets, including (i) the distribution, manufacturing, repair and overhaul of aircraft parts and components, (ii) the sale of new and used aircraft, and (iii) avionics, fuel, maintenance, storage and charter services. Revenues from non-insurance businesses decreased to $528 million in 2024 from $536 million in 2023 mainly due to the aviation-related business and the promotional merchandise business.
Losses and Loss Expenses. Losses and loss expenses increased to $7,132 million in 2024 from $6,372 million in 2023. The consolidated loss ratio was 61.8% in 2024 and 61.3% in 2023. Catastrophe losses, net of reinsurance recoveries, were $298 million in 2024 driven by heightened frequency of severe catastrophe events, with Hurricanes Helene and Milton having the largest impacts, and $195 million in 2023. Favorable prior year reserve development (net of premium offsets) was $4 million in 2024 and adverse prior year reserve development was $19 million in 2023 (refer to Note 13 of our consolidated financial statements for more detail). The loss ratio excluding catastrophe losses and prior year reserve development were 59.2% in both 2024 and 2023.
A summary of loss ratios in 2024 compared with 2023 by business segment follows:
•Insurance - The loss ratio was 62.8% in 2024 and 62.3% in 2023. Catastrophe losses were $227 million in 2024 compared with $160 million in 2023. Adverse prior year reserve development was $8 million in 2024 and $21 million in 2023, principally from property catastrophe losses for 2023. The loss ratio excluding catastrophe losses and prior year reserve development increased 0.2 points to 60.5% in 2024 from 60.3% in 2023.
•Reinsurance & Monoline Excess - The loss ratio was 54.7% in 2024 and 54.3% in 2023. Catastrophe losses were $71 million in 2024 compared with $35 million in 2023. Favorable prior year reserve development was $12 million in 2024 and $2 million in 2023. The loss ratio excluding catastrophe losses and prior year reserve development decreased 1.3 points to 50.6% in 2024 from 51.9% in 2023.
Other Operating Costs and Expenses. Following is a summary of other operating costs and expenses:
(In thousands) 2024 2023
Policy acquisition and insurance operating expenses $ 3,294,902 $ 2,954,686
Insurance service expenses 90,640 91,714
Net foreign currency (gains) losses (52,376) 31,799
Other costs and expenses 269,140 285,737
Total $ 3,602,306 $ 3,363,936
Policy acquisition and insurance operating expenses are comprised of commissions paid to agents and brokers, premium taxes and other assessments and internal underwriting costs. Policy acquisition and insurance operating expenses increased 12% and net premiums earned increased 11% from 2023. The expense ratio (policy acquisition and insurance operating expenses expressed as a percentage of net premiums earned) increased by 0.1 points to 28.5% in 2024 from 28.4% in 2023.
Service expenses, which represent the costs associated with the fee-based businesses, was $91 million in 2024 compared to $92 million in 2023.
Net foreign currency (gains) losses result from transactions denominated in a currency other than a businesses’ functional currency. Net foreign currency gains were $52 million in 2024 compared to losses of $32 million in 2023, primarily due to the U.S. dollar strengthening against other major currencies in 2024.
Other costs and expenses represent general and administrative expenses of the parent company and other expenses not allocated to business segments, including the cost of certain long-term incentive plans and new business ventures. Other costs and expenses decreased to $269 million in 2024 from $286 million in 2023, primarily due to lower new start-up operating unit expenses in 2024.
Expenses from Non-Insurance Businesses. Expenses from non-insurance businesses represent costs associated with businesses engaged in the distribution of promotional merchandise, world-wide textile solutions, and aviation-related businesses that include (i) cost of goods sold related to aircraft and products sold and services provided and (ii) general and administrative expenses. Expenses from non-insurance businesses decreased to $513 million in 2024 from $525 million in 2023, primarily due to the aviation-related business and promotional merchandise business.
Interest Expense. Interest expense was $127 million in both 2024 and 2023.
Income Taxes. The effective income tax rate was 22.5% in 2024 and 21.1% in 2023. The higher effective income tax rate for the year, as compared to 2023, was primarily due to the geographical mix of earnings and larger amounts being subject to tax at a rate greater than the U.S. statutory rate, which was partially offset by tax benefits related to tax-exempt investment income and equity-based compensation. See Note 16 of the Consolidated Financial Statements for a reconciliation of the income tax expense and the amounts computed by applying the Federal income tax rate of 21%.
The Company has not provided U.S. deferred income taxes on the undistributed earnings of approximately $481 million of its non-U.S. subsidiaries since these earnings are intended to be permanently reinvested in the non-U.S. subsidiaries. In the future, if such earnings were distributed, the Company projects that the incremental tax, if any, will be immaterial.
For years beginning after December 31, 2025, certain U.S. tax rates applied to international business will change. Specifically, increases to the Global Intangible Low Taxed Income and the Base Erosion and Anti-Abuse Tax rates will take effect. We do not expect this to have a meaningful impact to tax expense. We are actively monitoring legislative developments and will continue to assess the potential financial implications in 2025.
On August 16, 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 was enacted. Among other things, the legislation introduced a corporate alternative minimum tax on certain corporations. The tax is applicable for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2022 and imposes a 15% minimum tax on a corporation’s applicable financial statement income. While we are not subject to this tax in 2024, we continue to evaluate the overall impact of this tax legislation on our operations and U.S. federal income tax position. In addition, a 1% excise tax is now imposed on the value of corporate share repurchases, net of common share issuances. The tax is included in the cost of treasury stock acquired and was not material for 2024.
Further, the Company is monitoring the impact of the implementation of a global minimum tax rate of 15%, also known as Pillar Two, as introduced by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, which applies in some countries commencing in 2024. The 2024 impact was not material, as the Company mainly operates in jurisdictions with a statutory tax rate above 15%. We continue to evaluate this tax legislation as it will apply to other countries commencing in 2025, as well as possible interactions between Pillar Two measures and recent and potential future actions by the new U.S. administration. Our initial assessment is that the 2025 impact will not be significant.
The “Bermuda Corporate Income Tax Act 2023” was passed into law December 27, 2023. The income tax will be based on a statutory tax rate of 15% on Bermuda businesses, subject to reductions for foreign tax credits, and will be effective for fiscal years beginning on or after January 1, 2025. The legislation does not have a material impact on our income tax position. We will continue to evaluate tax legislation developments during 2025.
Results of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2023 and 2022
For a comparison of the Company’s results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2023 to the year ended December 31, 2022, see Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 23, 2024.
Investments
As part of its investment strategy, the Company establishes a level of cash and highly liquid short-term and intermediate-term securities that, combined with expected cash flow, it believes is adequate to meet its payment obligations. In addition to fixed maturity securities, the Company 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 also attempts to maintain an appropriate relationship between the effective duration of the investment portfolio and the approximate duration of its liabilities (i.e., policy claims and debt obligations). The effective duration of the investment portfolio was 2.6 years and 2.4 years at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The Company’s investment portfolio and investment-related assets as of December 31, 2024 were as follows:
($ in thousands) Carrying
Value Percent
of Total
Fixed maturity securities:
U.S. government and government agencies $ 2,235,341 7.5 %
State and municipal:
Special revenue 1,517,708 5.1
State general obligation 307,514 1.0
Local general obligation 272,376 0.9
Corporate backed 153,574 0.5
Pre-refunded (1) 85,592 0.3
Total state and municipal 2,336,764 7.8
Mortgage-backed securities:
Agency 3,045,639 10.2
Commercial 532,282 1.8
Residential-Prime 187,806 0.6
Residential-Alt A 2,055 -
Total mortgage-backed securities 3,767,782 12.6
Asset-backed securities 3,885,012 13.0
Corporate:
Industrial 3,667,199 12.3
Financial 3,320,513 11.1
Utilities 778,694 2.6
Other 651,235 2.2
Total corporate 8,417,641 28.2
Foreign government 1,755,325 5.9
Total fixed maturity securities 22,397,865 75.0
Equity securities available for sale:
Common stocks 760,167 2.5
Preferred stocks 443,621 1.5
Total equity securities available for sale 1,203,788 4.0
Cash and cash equivalents 1,974,747 6.6
Investment funds 1,468,246 4.9
Real estate 1,291,455 4.3
Arbitrage trading account 1,122,599 3.8
Loans receivable 405,453 1.4
Total investments $ 29,864,153 100.0 %
______________
(1)Pre-refunded securities are securities for which an escrow account has been established to fund the remaining payments of principal and interest through maturity. Such escrow accounts are funded almost exclusively with U.S. Treasury and U.S. government agency securities.
Fixed Maturity Securities. The Company’s investment policy with respect to fixed maturity securities is generally to purchase instruments with the expectation of holding them to their maturity. However, management of the available for sale
portfolio is considered necessary to maintain an approximate matching of assets and liabilities as well as to adjust the portfolio as a result of changes in financial market conditions and tax considerations.
The Company’s philosophy related to holding or selling fixed maturity securities is based on its objective of maximizing total return. The key factors that management considers in its investment decisions as to whether to hold or sell fixed maturity securities are its view of the underlying fundamentals of specific securities as well as its expectations regarding interest rates, credit spreads and currency values. In a period in which management expects interest rates to rise, the Company may sell longer duration securities in order to mitigate the impact of an interest rate rise on the fair value of the portfolio. Similarly, in a period in which management expects credit spreads to widen, the Company may sell lower quality securities, and in a period in which management expects certain foreign currencies to decline in value, the Company may sell securities denominated in those foreign currencies. The sale of fixed maturity securities in order to achieve the objective of maximizing total return may result in realized gains (losses); however, there is no reason to expect these gains (losses) to continue in future periods.
Equity Securities. Equity securities primarily represent investments in common and preferred stocks in companies with potential growth opportunities in different sectors, mainly in the financial institutions and energy sectors.
Investment Funds. At December 31, 2024, the carrying value of investment funds was $1,468 million, including investments in financial services funds of $430 million, other funds of $379 million (which includes a deferred compensation trust asset of $38 million), transportation funds of $286 million, real estate funds of $179 million, infrastructure funds of $151 million and energy funds of $43 million. Investment funds are primarily reported on a one-quarter lag.
Real Estate. Real estate is directly owned property held for investment. At December 31, 2024, real estate properties in operation included a long-term ground lease in Washington D.C., an office complex in New York City and the completed portion of a mixed-use project in Washington D.C. In addition, part of the previously mentioned mixed-use project in Washington D.C. is under development. The Company expects to fund further development costs for the project with a combination of its own funds and external financing.
Arbitrage Trading Account. The arbitrage trading account is comprised of direct investments in arbitrage securities. Merger arbitrage is the business of investing in the securities of publicly held companies that are the targets in announced tender offers and mergers.
Loans Receivable. Loans receivable, net of allowance for expected credit losses, had both an amortized cost and an aggregate fair value of $405 million at December 31, 2024. The amortized cost of loans receivable is net of an allowance for expected credit losses of $1 million as of December 31, 2024. Loans receivable include real estate loans of $402 million that are secured by commercial and residential real estate located primarily in the U.K. and New York. Real estate loans generally earn interest at fixed or stepped interest rates and have maturities through 2028. Loans receivable include commercial loans of $3 million that are secured by business assets and have fixed interest rates with varying maturities not exceeding 5 years.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Cash Flow. Cash flow provided from operating activities increased to $3,678 million in 2024 from $2,929 million in 2023, primarily due to an increase in premium receipts partially offset by increased loss and loss expense payments.
The Company's insurance subsidiaries' principal sources of cash are premiums, investment income, service fees and proceeds from sales and maturities of portfolio investments. The principal uses of cash are payments for claims, taxes, operating expenses and dividends. The Company expects its insurance subsidiaries to fund the payment of losses with cash received from premiums, investment income and fees. The Company generally targets an average duration for its investment portfolio that is within 1.5 years of the average number of years held for its liabilities so that portions of its investment portfolio mature throughout the claim cycle and are available for the payment of claims if necessary. In the event operating cash flow and proceeds from maturities and prepayments of fixed maturity securities are not sufficient to fund claim payments and other cash requirements, the remainder of the Company's cash and investments is available to pay claims and other obligations as they become due. The Company's investment portfolio is highly liquid, with approximately 82% invested in cash, cash equivalents and marketable fixed maturity securities as of December 31, 2024. If the sale of fixed maturity securities were to become necessary, a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the cost and sales price of securities sold would be recognized.
Debt. At December 31, 2024, the Company had senior notes, subordinated debentures and other debt outstanding with a carrying value of $2,841 million and a face amount of $2,864 million. The maturities of the outstanding debt are $9 million in 2025, $250 million in 2037, $350 million in 2044, $470 million in 2050, $400 million in 2052, $185 million in 2058, $300 million in 2059, $250 million in 2060, and $650 million in 2061.
On April 1, 2022, the Company entered into a senior unsecured revolving credit facility that provides for revolving, unsecured borrowings up to an aggregate of $300 million with a $50 million sublimit for letters of credit. The Company may increase the amount available under the facility to a maximum of $500 million subject to obtaining lender commitments for the increase and other customary conditions. Borrowings under the facility may be used for working capital and other general corporate purposes. All borrowings under the facility must be repaid by April 1, 2027, except that letters of credit outstanding on that date may remain outstanding until April 1, 2028 (or such later date approved by all lenders). Our ability to utilize the facility is conditioned on the satisfaction of representations, warranties and covenants that are customary for facilities of this type. As of December 31, 2024, there were no borrowings outstanding under the facility.
Equity. At December 31, 2024, total common stockholders’ equity was $8.4 billion, common shares outstanding were 380,066,070 and stockholders’ equity per outstanding share was $22.09. The Company repurchased 5,702,996 and 13,061,514 shares of its common stock in 2024 and 2023, respectively. The aggregate cost of the repurchases was $304 million in 2024 and $537 million in 2023. 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, respectively, for a total of $532 million in aggregate dividends in 2024.
Total Capital. Total capitalization (equity, debt and subordinated debentures) was $11.2 billion at December 31, 2024. The percentage of the Company’s capital attributable to senior notes, subordinated debentures and other debt was 25% and 28% at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
Federal and Foreign Income Taxes
The Company files a consolidated income tax return in the U.S. and foreign tax returns in each of the countries in which it has overseas operations. At December 31, 2024, the Company had a gross deferred tax asset of $715 million (which primarily relates to, loss and loss expense reserves, unearned premium reserves, employee compensation plans and unrealized losses on investments). The Company also has a $36 million valuation allowance against the gross deferred tax asset and a gross deferred tax liability of $524 million (which primarily relates to deferred policy acquisition costs, and various investment funds) resulting in a net deferred tax asset of $155 million. The realization of this asset is dependent upon the Company's ability to generate sufficient taxable income in future periods. Based on historical results and the prospects for future operations, management anticipates that it is more likely than not that future taxable income will be sufficient for the realization of this asset.
Reinsurance
The Company follows customary industry practice of reinsuring a portion of its exposures in exchange for paying reinsurers a part of the premiums received on the policies it writes. Reinsurance is purchased by the Company principally to reduce its net liability on individual risks and to protect against catastrophic losses. Although reinsurance does not legally discharge an insurer from its primary liability for the full amount of the policies, it does make the assuming reinsurer liable to the insurer to the extent of the reinsurance coverage. The Company monitors the financial condition of its reinsurers and attempts to place its coverages with only financially sound carriers. Reinsurance coverage and retentions vary depending on the line of business, location of the risk and nature of loss. The Company’s reinsurance purchases include the following:
•Property reinsurance treaties - The Company purchases property reinsurance to reduce its exposure to large individual property losses and catastrophe events. Following is a summary of significant property reinsurance treaties in effect as of January 1, 2025:
◦The Company’s property per risk reinsurance generally covers losses between $2.5 million and $85 million.
◦The Company’s property catastrophe excess of loss reinsurance program provides protection for business written by its Insurance segments and U.S. and non-U.S. business written by Lloyd's Syndicate, excluding offshore energy. For 2025, some of our property catastrophe reinsurance is placed via industry loss warranty (ILW) covers and the equivalent W. R. Berkley limit and retention (and resulting net position) are estimated based on our market share and modeled outcome when applying the ILW layering. Retentions by territory and peril range between $46.3 million and $74.0 million. Limits purchased are the difference between the corresponding retentions and $700 million.
•Casualty reinsurance treaties - The Company purchases casualty reinsurance to reduce its exposure to large individual casualty losses and workers’ compensation catastrophe losses for the majority of business written by its U.S. companies. A casualty contingency treaty, in effect as of January 1, 2025, provides protection for bad faith and runaway loss adjustment expense losses in excess of $10 million and up to $75 million. For losses involving two or more claimants for primary workers’ compensation business, coverage is generally in place for losses between $10 million and $500 million. For excess workers’ compensation business, such coverage is generally in place for losses between $25 million and $500 million. Our workers’ compensation catastrophe reinsurance program is a shared cover for both excess and primary workers’ compensation business.
•Facultative reinsurance - The Company also purchases facultative reinsurance on certain individual policies or risks that are in excess of treaty reinsurance capacity.
•Other reinsurance - Depending on the business, the Company purchases specific additional reinsurance to supplement the above programs.
•Lifson Re is expected to continue to be a participant on the majority of the Company’s reinsurance placements. Effective January 1, 2025, Lifson Re participates in a 32.5% share of the placed amounts, increased from 30.0% in the prior year. This pertains to all traditional treaty reinsurance/retrocessional placements for both property and casualty business where there is more than one open market reinsurer participating. Lifson Re is currently capitalized with $418 million of equity from a small group of sophisticated global investors with long-term investment horizons, including a minority participation by the Company. Lifson Re participates on a fully collateralized basis.
The Company places a number of its casualty treaties on a “risk attaching” basis. Under risk attaching treaties, all claims from policies incepting during the period of the reinsurance contract are covered even if they occur after the expiration date of the reinsurance contract. If the Company is unable to renew or replace its existing reinsurance coverage, protection for unexpired policies would remain in place until their expiration. In such case, the Company could revise its underwriting strategy for new business to reflect the absence of reinsurance protection. The casualty contingency treaty highlighted above is purchased on a “losses discovered” basis. Property catastrophe and workers’ compensation catastrophe reinsurance is generally placed on a “losses occurring basis,” whereby only claims occurring during the period are covered. If the Company is unable to renew or replace these reinsurance coverages, unexpired policies would not be protected, though we generally have the option to purchase run-off coverage in our treaties.
Following is a summary of earned premiums and loss and loss expenses ceded to reinsurers for each of the three years ended December 31, 2024:
Year Ended December 31,
(In thousands) 2024 2023 2022
Earned premiums $ 2,163,213 $ 1,958,581 $ 1,883,263
Losses and loss expenses 1,368,279 1,376,144 1,269,338
Ceded earned premiums increased 10% in 2024 to $2,163 million. The ceded losses and loss expenses ratio decreased 7.0 points to 63% in 2024 from 70% in 2023.
The following table presents the credit quality of amounts due from reinsurers as of December 31, 2024.
(In thousands)
Reinsurer Rating (1) Amount
Amounts due in excess of $20 million:
Lloyd’s of London A+ $ 356,338
Partner Re A+ 314,891
Munich Re AA- 287,864
Berkshire Hathaway AA+ 274,182
Hannover Re Group AA- 222,719
Renaissance Re A+ 215,300
Swiss Re AA- 159,462
Liberty Mutual A 120,381
Everest Re A+ 93,223
Axis Capital A+ 83,756
Arch Capital Group A+ 67,357
Sompo Holdings Group A+ 59,074
Fairfax Financial A 58,585
Nationwide Group A+ 52,111
Korean Re A 51,233
Axa Insurance AA- 50,002
TOA RE A 47,501
Markel Corp Group A 42,982
MS & AD Insurance Group A 34,680
Helvetia Holdings Group A+ 29,490
Chubb Group AA 26,708
Other reinsurers:
Rated A- or better 124,699
Secured (2) 636,207
All Others 36,378
Subtotal $ 3,445,123
Residual market pools (3) 120,922
Allowance for expected credit losses (8,350)
Total $ 3,557,695
(1)S&P rating, or if not rated by S&P, A.M. Best rating.
(2)Secured by letters of credit or other forms of collateral.
(3)Many states require licensed insurers that provide workers' compensation insurance to participate in programs that provide workers' compensation to employers that cannot procure coverage from an insurer on a voluntary basis. Insurers can fulfill this residual market obligation by participating in pools where results are shared by the participating companies. The Company acts as a servicing carrier for workers' compensation pools in certain states. As a servicing carrier, the Company writes residual market business directly and then cedes 100% of this business to the respective pool. As a servicing carrier, the Company receives fee income for its services. The Company does not retain underwriting risk, and credit risk is limited as ceded balances are jointly shared by all the pool members.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
An off-balance sheet arrangement is any transaction, agreement or other contractual arrangement involving an unconsolidated entity under which a company has (1) made guarantees, (2) a retained or contingent interest in transferred assets, (3) an obligation under derivative instruments classified as equity or (4) any obligation arising out of a material variable interest in an unconsolidated entity that provides financing, liquidity, market risk or credit risk support to the Company, or that engages in leasing, hedging or research and development arrangements with the Company. The Company has no arrangements of these types that management believes may have a material current or future effect on our financial condition, liquidity or results of operations.

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ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
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.

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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
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 2,451 381 3,396
Total revenues 13,638,752 12,142,938 11,166,499
OPERATING COSTS AND EXPENSES:
Losses and loss expenses 7,131,595 6,372,142 5,861,750
Other operating costs and expenses 3,602,306 3,363,936 2,961,505
Expenses from non-insurance businesses 513,451 524,998 493,189
Interest expense 126,907 127,459 130,374
Total operating costs and expenses 11,374,259 10,388,535 9,446,818
Income before income taxes 2,264,493 1,754,403 1,719,681
Income tax expense (509,916) (370,557) (334,727)
Net income before noncontrolling interests 1,754,577 1,383,846 1,384,954
Noncontrolling interests 1,538 (2,487) (3,892)
Net income to common stockholders $ 1,756,115 $ 1,381,359 $ 1,381,062
NET INCOME PER SHARE:
Basic $ 4.39 $ 3.40 $ 3.33
Diluted $ 4.36 $ 3.37 $ 3.29
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
W. R. BERKLEY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Year Ended December 31,
(In thousands) 2024 2023 2022
Net income before noncontrolling interests $ 1,754,577 $ 1,383,846 $ 1,384,954
Other comprehensive (loss) gain:
Change in unrealized translation adjustments (77,615) 32,192 1,179
Change in unrealized investment gains (losses), net of taxes 69,182 306,553 (983,803)
Other comprehensive (loss) gain (8,433) 338,745 (982,624)
Comprehensive income 1,746,144 1,722,591 402,330
Noncontrolling interests 1,536 (2,485) (3,890)
Comprehensive income to common stockholders $ 1,747,680 $ 1,720,106 $ 398,440
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
W. R. BERKLEY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
December 31,
(In thousands, except share data) 2024 2023
Assets
Investments:
Fixed maturity securities (amortized cost of $23,010,899 and $20,915,245; allowance for expected credit losses of $671 and $36,751 at December 31, 2024 and 2023)
$ 22,397,865 $ 20,178,308
Investment funds 1,468,246 1,621,655
Real estate
1,291,455 1,249,874
Arbitrage trading account 1,122,599 938,049
Equity securities 1,203,788 1,090,347
Loans receivable (net of allowance for expected credit losses of $1,114 and $3,004 at December 31, 2024 and 2023)
405,453 201,271
Total investments 27,889,406 25,279,504
Cash and cash equivalents 1,974,747 1,363,195
Premiums and fees receivable (net of allowance for expected credit losses of $39,884 and $35,110 at December 31, 2024 and 2023)
3,266,845 3,109,334
Due from reinsurers (net of allowance for expected credit losses of $8,350 and $8,404 at December 31, 2024 and 2023)
3,557,695 3,534,527
Deferred policy acquisition costs 951,728 861,609
Prepaid reinsurance premiums 823,207 758,927
Trading account receivable from brokers and clearing organizations 60,327 303,614
Property, furniture and equipment 478,511 426,803
Goodwill 184,332 174,597
Accrued investment income 243,772 213,408
Current federal and foreign income taxes 39,382 1,318
Deferred federal and foreign income taxes 220,217 309,623
Other assets 877,099 865,556
Total assets $ 40,567,268 $ 37,202,015
Liabilities and Equity
Liabilities:
Reserves for losses and loss expenses $ 20,368,030 $ 18,739,652
Unearned premiums 6,375,112 5,922,326
Due to reinsurers 668,652 631,164
Trading account securities sold but not yet purchased 73,358 9,357
Current federal and foreign income taxes 53,482 47,525
Deferred federal and foreign income taxes 65,151 42,660
Senior notes and other debt 1,831,158 1,827,951
Subordinated debentures 1,009,808 1,009,090
Other liabilities 1,715,078 1,503,053
Total liabilities 32,159,829 29,732,778
Equity:
Preferred stock, par value $.10 per share:
Authorized 5,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding - none
- -
Common stock, par value $.20 per share:
Authorized 1,250,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding, net of treasury shares, 380,066,070 and 384,817,136 shares, respectively
158,705 158,705
Additional paid-in capital 984,825 964,789
Retained earnings 12,265,070 11,040,908
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (934,269) (925,838)
Treasury stock, at cost, 413,455,739 and 408,704,807 shares, respectively
(4,079,220) (3,783,133)
Total common stockholders’ equity 8,395,111 7,455,431
Noncontrolling interests 12,328 13,806
Total equity 8,407,439 7,469,237
Total liabilities and equity
$ 40,567,268 $ 37,202,015
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
W. R. BERKLEY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Year Ended December 31,
(In thousands, except per share data) 2024 2023 2022
COMMON STOCK:
Beginning and end of period $ 158,705 $ 158,705 $ 158,705
ADDITIONAL PAID IN CAPITAL:
Beginning of period $ 964,789 $ 944,632 $ 928,202
Restricted stock units issued (32,344) (29,043) (32,622)
Restricted stock units expensed 52,380 49,200 49,052
End of period $ 984,825 $ 964,789 $ 944,632
RETAINED EARNINGS:
Beginning of period $ 11,040,908 $ 10,161,005 $ 9,015,135
Net income to common stockholders 1,756,115 1,381,359 1,381,062
Dividends ($1.40, $1.29, and $0.59 per share, respectively)
(531,953) (501,456) (235,192)
End of period $ 12,265,070 $ 11,040,908 $ 10,161,005
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS:
Unrealized investment (losses) gains:
Beginning of period $ (586,354) $ (892,905) $ 90,900
Change in unrealized gains (losses) on securities without an allowance for expected
credit losses 64,756 305,908 (955,435)
Change in unrealized gains (losses) on securities with an allowance for expected credit losses 4,428 643 (28,370)
End of period (517,170) (586,354) (892,905)
Currency translation adjustments:
Beginning of period (339,484) (371,676) (372,855)
Net change in period (77,615) 32,192 1,179
End of period (417,099) (339,484) (371,676)
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss $ (934,269) $ (925,838) $ (1,264,581)
TREASURY STOCK:
Beginning of period $ (3,783,133) $ (3,251,429) $ (3,167,076)
Stock exercised/vested 10,066 10,381 9,787
Stock repurchased (303,655) (537,163) (94,140)
Other (2,498) (4,922) -
End of period $ (4,079,220) $ (3,783,133) $ (3,251,429)
NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS:
Beginning of period $ 13,806 $ 19,829 $ 14,719
Contributions (distributions) 58 (8,508) 1,220
Net (loss) income (1,538) 2,487 3,892
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax 2 (2) (2)
End of period $ 12,328 $ 13,806 $ 19,829
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
W. R. BERKLEY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Year Ended December 31,
(In thousands) 2024 2023 2022
CASH FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income to common stockholders $ 1,756,115 $ 1,381,359 $ 1,381,062
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from operating activities:
Net investment gains (117,708) (47,042) (202,397)
Depreciation and (accretion) amortization (170,638) (20,861) 55,872
Noncontrolling interests (1,538) 2,487 3,892
Investment funds 11,491 (16,743) (145,099)
Stock incentive plans 54,381 51,000 49,411
Change in:
Arbitrage trading account 122,738 (54,213) (53,291)
Premiums and fees receivable (184,431) (334,178) (268,171)
Reinsurance accounts (31,738) (306,017) (266,307)
Deferred policy acquisition costs (91,150) (99,387) (88,844)
Current income taxes (28,526) 52,451 (3,534)
Deferred income taxes 95,311 (26,691) (64,712)
Reserves for losses and loss expenses 1,707,722 1,715,076 1,684,254
Unearned premiums 485,488 617,535 466,590
Other 70,851 14,462 19,878
Net cash from operating activities 3,678,368 2,929,238 2,568,604
CASH FLOWS USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from sale of fixed maturity securities 2,310,746 1,011,195 797,948
Proceeds from sale of equity securities 331,291 318,852 82,319
Distributions from (contributions to) investment funds 134,853 (19,904) 24,623
Proceeds from maturities and prepayments of fixed maturity securities 4,890,572 3,506,903 4,891,179
Purchase of fixed maturity securities (9,368,703) (6,664,763) (8,036,680)
Purchase of equity securities (207,457) (80,454) (340,482)
Real estate purchased (66,632) (2,074) (45,920)
Change in loans receivable (210,816) (29,719) (83,212)
Net additions to property, furniture and equipment (105,623) (53,080) (52,684)
Change in balances due from security brokers 107,280 (33,929) 14,337
Cash received in connection with business disposition - 96,567 906,789
Payment for business purchased, net of cash acquired - (11,558) (49,572)
Net cash used in investing activities (2,184,489) (1,961,964) (1,891,355)
CASH FLOWS USED IN FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Net proceeds from issuance of debt 3,105 980 -
Repayment of senior notes and other debt - (1,954) (429,812)
Cash dividends to common stockholders (531,953) (501,456) (235,192)
Purchase of common treasury shares (303,655) (537,163) (94,140)
Other, net (19,984) (22,902) (12,848)
Net cash used in financing activities (852,487) (1,062,495) (771,992)
Net impact on cash due to change in foreign exchange rates (29,840) 9,070 (24,754)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 611,552 (86,151) (119,497)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 1,363,195 1,449,346 1,568,843
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year $ 1,974,747 $ 1,363,195 $ 1,449,346
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
W. R. BERKLEY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022
(1) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
(A) Principles of consolidation and basis of presentation
The consolidated financial statements, which include the accounts of W. R. Berkley Corporation and its subsidiaries (the "Company"), have been prepared on the basis of U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"). All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated. Shares outstanding and per share amounts have been adjusted to reflect the 3-for-2 common stock split effected on July 10, 2024. Additionally, 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 in the 2023 and 2022 financial statements as originally reported to conform to the presentation of the 2024 financial statements.
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the revenues and expenses reflected during the reporting period. The most significant items on our balance sheet that involve a greater degree of accounting estimates that are subject to change in the future are the valuation of investments, allowance for expected credit losses on investments, reserves for losses and loss expenses and premium estimates. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
(B) Revenue recognition
Insurance premiums are recognized as written at the inception of the policy. Reinsurance premiums are estimated based upon information received from ceding companies, and subsequent differences from such estimates are recorded in the period they are determined. Insurance and reinsurance premiums are primarily earned on a pro rata basis over the policy term. Fees for services are earned over the period that the services are provided. Premiums and fees receivable are reported net of an allowance for expected credit losses, with the allowance being estimated based on current and future expected conditions, historical loss data and specific identification of collectability concerns where applicable. Changes in the allowance are reported within other operating costs and expenses.
Audit premiums are recognized when they are reliably determinable. The change in accruals for earned but unbilled audit premiums increased net premiums written and premiums earned by $19 million, $19 million and $25 million in 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Revenues from non-insurance businesses are derived from businesses engaged in the distribution of promotional merchandise, world-wide textile solutions, and aircraft services provided to the general, commercial and military aviation markets. These aircraft services include (i) the distribution, manufacturing, repair and overhaul of aircraft parts and components, (ii) the sale of new and used aircraft, and (iii) avionics, fuel, maintenance, storage and charter services. Revenue is recognized upon the shipment of products and parts, the delivery of aircraft, the delivery of fuel, and over the completion period of services.
Insurance service fee revenue represents servicing fees for program administration and claims management services provided by the Company, including workers' compensation assigned risk plans, as well as insurance brokerage and risk management services. Fees for program administration, claims management and risk management services are primarily recognized ratably over the related contract period for which the underlying services are rendered.
(C) Cash and cash equivalents
Cash equivalents consist of funds invested in money market accounts and investments with an effective maturity of three months or less when purchased.
(D) Investments
Fixed maturity securities classified as available for sale are carried at estimated fair value, with unrealized gains and losses, net of applicable income taxes, excluded from earnings and reported as a component of comprehensive income and a separate component of stockholders' equity. Fixed maturity securities that the Company has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are classified as held to maturity and reported at amortized cost. Investment income from fixed maturity
securities is recognized based on the constant effective yield method. Premiums and discounts on mortgage-backed securities are adjusted for the effects of actual and anticipated prepayments on a retrospective basis.
Equity securities with readily determinable fair values are measured at fair value, with changes in the fair value recognized in net income within net realized and unrealized gains on investments.
Fixed maturity securities that the Company purchased with the intent to sell in the near-term are classified as trading account securities and are reported at estimated fair value. Realized and unrealized gains and losses from trading activity are reported as net investment income and are recorded at the trade date. Short sales and short call options are presented as trading securities sold but not yet purchased. Unsettled trades and the net margin balances held by the clearing broker are presented as a trading account receivable from brokers and clearing organizations.
Investment funds are carried under the equity method of accounting. The Company's share of the earnings or losses of investment funds is primarily reported on a one-quarter lag in order to facilitate the timely completion of the Company's consolidated financial statements.
Loans receivable primarily represent commercial and real estate loans and are carried at amortized cost. The accrual of interest on loans receivable is discontinued if the loan is 90 days past due based on the contractual terms of the loan unless the loan is adequately secured and in process of collection. In general, loans are placed on non-accrual status or charged off at an earlier date if collection of principal or interest is considered doubtful. Interest on these loans is accounted for on a cash basis until qualifying for return to accrual status. Loans are returned to accrual status when all principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current and future payments are reasonably assured.
Fair value is defined as “the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.” Fair value of investments is determined based on a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the use of observable inputs over the use of unobservable inputs and requires the use of observable inputs when available. (See Note 12 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.)
Realized gains or losses represent the difference between the cost of securities sold and the proceeds realized upon sale and are recorded at the trade date. The Company uses primarily the first-in, first-out method to determine the cost of securities sold.
For available for sale securities in an unrealized loss position where the Company intends to sell, or it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell the security before recovery in value, the amortized cost basis is written down to fair value through net investment gains. For available for sale securities in an unrealized loss position where the Company does not intend to sell, or it is more likely than not that it will not be required to sell the security before recovery in value, the Company evaluates whether the decline in fair value has resulted from credit losses or all other factors (non-credit factors). In making this assessment, the Company considers the extent to which fair value is less than amortized cost, changes to the rating of the security by a rating agency, and adverse conditions specifically related to the security, among other factors. If this assessment indicates that a credit loss exists, the present value of cash flows expected to be collected from the security are compared to the amortized cost basis of the security. If the present value of cash flows expected to be collected is less than the amortized cost basis, an allowance for expected credit losses is recorded for the credit loss through net investment gains, limited by the amount that the fair value is less than the amortized cost basis. The allowance is adjusted for any change in expected credit losses and subsequent recoveries through net investment gains. The impairment related to non-credit factors is recognized in comprehensive income (loss).
For financial assets carried at amortized cost, which includes held to maturity securities and loans receivable, the Company estimates an allowance for expected credit losses based on relevant information about past events, including historical loss experience, current conditions and forecasts that affect the expected collectability of the amortized cost of the financial asset. The allowance for expected credit losses is presented as a reduction to amortized cost of the financial asset in the consolidated balance sheet and changes to the estimate for expected credit losses are recognized through net investment gains.
The Company’s credit assessment of allowance for expected credit losses uses a third party model for available for sale and held to maturity securities, as well as loans receivable. The allowance for expected credit losses is generally based on the performance of the underlying collateral under various economic and default scenarios that involve subjective judgments and estimates by management. Modeling these securities involves various factors, such as projected default rates, the nature and realizable value of the collateral, if any, the ability of the issuer to make scheduled payments, historical performance and other relevant economic and performance factors. A discounted cash flow analysis is used to ascertain the amount of the allowance for expected credit losses, if any. In general, the model reverts to the rating-level long-term average marginal default rates based on 10 years of historical data, beyond the forecast period. For other inputs, the model in most cases reverts to the baseline long-
term assumptions linearly over 5 years beyond the forecast period. The long-term assumptions are based on the historical averages.
The Company reports accrued investment income separately from fixed maturity securities, and has elected not to measure an allowance for expected credit losses for accrued investment income. Accrued investment income is written off through net investment income at the time the issuer of the bond defaults or is expected to default on payments.
Real estate held for investment purposes is initially recorded at the purchase price, which is generally fair value, and is subsequently reported at cost less accumulated depreciation. Real estate taxes, interest and other costs incurred during development and construction are capitalized. Buildings are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the building. Minimum rental income is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Income and expenses from real estate are reported as net investment income. The carrying value of real estate is reviewed for impairment and an impairment loss is recognized if the estimated undiscounted cash flows from the use and disposition of the property are less than the carrying value of the property.
(E) Per share data
The Company presents both basic and diluted net income per share (“EPS”) amounts. Basic EPS is calculated by dividing net income by weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the year (including 17,659,297 common shares held in a grantor trust). The common shares held in the grantor trust are for delivery upon settlement of vested but mandatorily deferred restricted stock units ("RSUs"). Shares held by the grantor trust do not affect diluted shares outstanding since the shares deliverable under vested RSUs were already included in diluted shares outstanding. Diluted EPS is based upon the weighted average number of basic and common equivalent shares outstanding during the year and is calculated using the treasury stock method for stock incentive plans. Common equivalent shares are excluded from the computation in periods in which they have an anti-dilutive effect.
(F) Deferred policy acquisition costs
Acquisition costs associated with the successful acquisition of new and renewed insurance and reinsurance contracts are deferred and amortized ratably over the terms of the related contracts. Ceding commissions received on reinsurance contracts are netted against acquisition costs and are recognized ratably over the life of the contract. Deferred policy acquisition costs are presented net of unearned ceding commissions. Deferred policy acquisition costs are comprised primarily of commissions, as well as employment-related underwriting costs and premium taxes. Deferred policy acquisition costs are reviewed to determine if they are recoverable from future income and, if not, are charged to expense. The recoverability of deferred policy acquisition costs is evaluated separately by each of our operating units. Future investment income is taken into account in measuring the recoverability of deferred policy acquisition costs.
(G) Reserves for losses and loss expenses
Reserves for losses and loss expenses are an accumulation of amounts determined on the basis of (1) evaluation of claims for business written directly by the Company; (2) estimates received from other companies for reinsurance assumed by the Company; and (3) estimates for losses incurred but not reported (based on Company and industry experience). These estimates are periodically reviewed and, as experience develops and new information becomes known, the reserves are adjusted as necessary. Such adjustments are reflected in the statements of income in the period in which they are determined. The Company discounts its reserves for excess and assumed workers' compensation claims using a risk-free or statutory rate. (See Note 13 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.)
(H) Reinsurance ceded
The unearned portion of premiums ceded to reinsurers is reported as prepaid reinsurance premiums and earned ratably over the policy term. The estimated amounts of reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses are reported as due from reinsurers. To the extent any reinsurer does not meet its obligations under reinsurance agreements, the Company must discharge its liability. Amounts due from reinsurers are reflected net of funds held where the right of offset is present. The Company has provided an allowance for expected credit losses for estimated uncollectible reinsurance. The allowance is estimated based on the composition of the recoverable balance, considering reinsurer credit ratings, collateral received from financial institutions and funds withheld arrangements, length of collection periods, probability of default methodology, and specific identification of collectability concerns. Changes in the allowance are reported within losses and loss expenses.
(I) Deposit accounting
Contracts that do not meet the risk transfer requirements of GAAP are accounted for using the deposit accounting method. Under this method, an asset or liability is recognized at the inception of the contract based on consideration paid or received. The amount of the deposit asset or liability is adjusted at subsequent reporting dates using the interest method with a corresponding credit or charge to interest income or expense. Deposit liabilities for assumed reinsurance contracts were $29 million and $31 million at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
(J) Federal and foreign income taxes
The Company files a consolidated income tax return in the U.S. and foreign tax returns in countries where it has overseas operations. The Company's method of accounting for income taxes is the asset and liability method. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using tax rates currently in effect or expected to apply in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to reverse. Interest and penalties, if any, are reported as income tax expense. The Company believes there are no uncertain tax positions that would require disclosure under GAAP. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance if it is more likely than not that all or a portion of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.
(K) Foreign currency
Gains and losses resulting from foreign currency transactions (transactions denominated in a currency other than the entity's functional currency) are reported on the statements of income as other operating costs and expenses. Unrealized gains or losses resulting from translating the results of non-U.S. dollar denominated operations are reported in accumulated other comprehensive income. Revenues and expenses denominated in currencies other than U.S. dollars are generally translated at the weighted average exchange rate during the year. Assets and liabilities are translated at the rate of exchange in effect at the balance sheet date.
(L) Property, furniture and equipment
Property, furniture and equipment are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is calculated using the estimated useful lives of the respective assets. Depreciation expense was $55 million, $51 million and $52 million for 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
(M) Comprehensive income
Comprehensive income encompasses all changes in stockholders' equity (except those arising from transactions with stockholders) and includes net income, net unrealized holding gains or losses on available for sale securities and unrealized foreign currency translation adjustments.
(N) Goodwill and other intangible assets
Goodwill and other intangible assets are tested for impairment on an annual basis and at interim periods where circumstances require. The Company's impairment test as of December 31, 2024 indicated that there were no material impairment losses related to goodwill and other intangible assets. Intangible assets of $97 million and $119 million are included in other assets as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
(O) Restricted stock units
The costs resulting from all share-based payment transactions with employees are recognized in the consolidated financial statements using a fair-value-based measurement method. Compensation cost is recognized for financial reporting purposes over the period in which the employee is required to provide service in exchange for the award (generally the vesting period).
(P) Statements of cash flows
Interest payments were $138 million, $114 million and $138 million in 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Income taxes paid were $410 million, $332 million and $295 million in 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Other non-cash items include unrealized investment gains and losses. (See Note 10 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.)
(Q) Recent accounting pronouncements
Recently adopted accounting pronouncements:
In November 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued ASU 2023-07, Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures, which enhances current segment disclosures and requires additional disclosures of significant segment expenses. When applying this disclosure requirement, an entity identifies the significant expenses for each reportable segment that are regularly provided to its chief operating decision maker and included in the reported measures of a segment’s profit or loss. The guidance was effective for public business entities for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2024. The Company adopted this guidance for the year ended December 31, 2024.
Accounting and reporting standards that are not yet effective:
All recently issued but not yet effective accounting and reporting standards are either not applicable to the Company or are not expected to have a material impact on the Company.
(2) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
The following tables present the components of the changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) as of and for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023:
(In thousands)
December 31, 2024 Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses) Currency Translation Adjustments Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Changes in AOCI
Beginning of period $ (586,354) $ (339,484) $ (925,838)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (26,128) (77,615) (103,743)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI 95,310 - 95,310
Other comprehensive income (loss) 69,182 (77,615) (8,433)
Unrealized investment gain related to noncontrolling interest 2 - 2
Ending balance $ (517,170) $ (417,099) $ (934,269)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI
Pre-tax $ 120,646 (1) $ - $ 120,646
Tax effect (25,336) (2) - (25,336)
After-tax amounts reclassified $ 95,310 $ - $ 95,310
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Pre-tax $ 84,474 $ (77,615) $ 6,859
Tax effect (15,292) - (15,292)
Other comprehensive income (loss) $ 69,182 $ (77,615) $ (8,433)
(In thousands)
December 31, 2023 Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses) Currency Translation Adjustments Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Changes in AOCI
Beginning of period $ (892,905) $ (371,676) $ (1,264,581)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications 252,782 32,192 284,974
Amounts reclassified from AOCI 53,771 - 53,771
Other comprehensive income 306,553 32,192 338,745
Unrealized investment loss related to non-controlling interest (2) - (2)
Ending balance $ (586,354) $ (339,484) $ (925,838)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI
Pre-tax $ 68,065 (1) $ - $ 68,065
Tax effect (14,294) (2) - (14,294)
After-tax amounts reclassified $ 53,771 $ - $ 53,771
Other comprehensive income
Pre-tax $ 392,903 $ 32,192 $ 425,095
Tax effect (86,350) - (86,350)
Other comprehensive income $ 306,553 $ 32,192 $ 338,745
_______________
(1) Net investment gains in the consolidated statements of income.
(2) Income tax expense in the consolidated statements of income.
(3) Investments in Fixed Maturity Securities
At December 31, 2024 and 2023, investments in fixed maturity securities were as follows:
(In thousands) Amortized
Cost Allowance for Expected Credit Losses (1) Gross Unrealized Fair
Value Carrying
Value
Gains Losses
December 31, 2024
Held to maturity:
State and municipal $ 42,145 $ (25) $ 1,492 $ - $ 43,612 $ 42,120
Residential mortgage-backed 2,292 - 69 - 2,361 2,292
Total held to maturity 44,437 (25) 1,561 - 45,973 44,412
Available for sale:
U.S. government and government agency 2,268,596 - 9,608 (42,863) 2,235,341 2,235,341
State and municipal:
Special revenue 1,581,778 - 3,521 (67,591) 1,517,708 1,517,708
State general obligation 272,936 - 1,439 (8,981) 265,394 265,394
Pre-refunded 85,340 - 599 (347) 85,592 85,592
Corporate backed 158,322 - 1,079 (5,827) 153,574 153,574
Local general obligation 278,165 - 922 (6,711) 272,376 272,376
Total state and municipal 2,376,541 - 7,560 (89,457) 2,294,644 2,294,644
Mortgage-backed securities:
Residential 3,411,796 (5) 11,047 (189,630) 3,233,208 3,233,208
Commercial 534,936 (425) 1,201 (3,430) 532,282 532,282
Total mortgage-backed securities 3,946,732 (430) 12,248 (193,060) 3,765,490 3,765,490
Asset-backed securities 3,910,363 - 16,161 (41,512) 3,885,012 3,885,012
Corporate:
Industrial 3,746,501 - 14,518 (93,820) 3,667,199 3,667,199
Financial 3,339,718 - 18,871 (38,076) 3,320,513 3,320,513
Utilities 795,839 - 2,970 (20,115) 778,694 778,694
Other 653,194 - 2,493 (4,452) 651,235 651,235
Total corporate 8,535,252 - 38,852 (156,463) 8,417,641 8,417,641
Foreign government 1,928,978 (216) 11,936 (185,373) 1,755,325 1,755,325
Total available for sale 22,966,462 (646) 96,365 (708,728) 22,353,453 22,353,453
Total investments in fixed maturity securities $ 23,010,899 $ (671) $ 97,926 $ (708,728) $ 22,399,426 $ 22,397,865
(In thousands) Amortized
Cost Allowance for Expected Credit Losses (1) Gross Unrealized Fair
Value Carrying
Value
Gains Losses
December 31, 2023
Held to maturity:
State and municipal $ 50,547 $ (43) $ 3,132 $ - $ 53,636 $ 50,504
Residential mortgage-backed 2,868 - 107 - 2,975 2,868
Total held to maturity 53,415 (43) 3,239 - 56,611 53,372
Available for sale:
U.S. government and government agency 1,762,997 - 11,403 (57,669) 1,716,731 1,716,731
State and municipal:
Special revenue 1,682,550 - 5,651 (82,006) 1,606,195 1,606,195
State general obligation 394,429 - 3,550 (16,405) 381,574 381,574
Pre-refunded 103,029 - 1,634 (185) 104,478 104,478
Corporate backed 166,873 (757) 696 (11,973) 154,839 154,839
Local general obligation 396,041 - 3,188 (11,893) 387,336 387,336
Total state and municipal 2,742,922 (757) 14,719 (122,462) 2,634,422 2,634,422
Mortgage-backed securities:
Residential 1,773,206 - 12,780 (163,844) 1,622,142 1,622,142
Commercial 657,157 (158) 626 (13,312) 644,313 644,313
Total mortgage-backed securities 2,430,363 (158) 13,406 (177,156) 2,266,455 2,266,455
Asset-backed securities 4,252,883 (1,164) 8,527 (73,206) 4,187,040 4,187,040
Corporate:
Industrial 3,679,219 (40) 24,312 (143,936) 3,559,555 3,559,555
Financial 2,838,220 (4,986) 14,681 (68,681) 2,779,234 2,779,234
Utilities 701,865 - 6,471 (23,412) 684,924 684,924
Other 635,975 - 1,605 (7,234) 630,346 630,346
Total corporate 7,855,279 (5,026) 47,069 (243,263) 7,654,059 7,654,059
Foreign government 1,817,386 (29,603) 15,865 (137,419) 1,666,229 1,666,229
Total available for sale 20,861,830 (36,708) 110,989 (811,175) 20,124,936 20,124,936
Total investments in fixed maturity securities $ 20,915,245 $ (36,751) $ 114,228 $ (811,175) $ 20,181,547 $ 20,178,308
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(1) Represents the amount of impairment that has resulted from credit-related factors. The change in the allowance for expected credit losses is recognized in the consolidated statements of income. Amount excludes unrealized losses relating to non-credit factors.
The following table presents the rollforward of the allowance for expected credit losses for held to maturity securities for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023:
State and Municipal
(In thousands) 2024 2023
Allowance for expected credit losses, beginning of period $ 43 $ 114
Change in allowance for expected credit losses (18) (71)
Allowance for expected credit losses, end of period $ 25 $ 43
The following table presents the rollforward of the allowance for expected credit losses for available for sale securities for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023:
2024 2023
(In thousands) Foreign Government Corporate Mortgage- Backed Asset-backed State and Municipal Total Foreign Government Corporate Mortgage- Backed Asset-backed State and Municipal Total
Balance, beginning of period $ 29,603 $ 5,026 $ 158 $ 1,164 $ 757 $ 36,708 $ 32,633 $ 4,701 $ 18 $ - $ - $ 37,352
Change on securities for which credit losses were not previously recorded 347 - 1,706 - - 2,053 - 982 1,766 1,444 821 5,013
Change on securities for which credit losses were previously recorded (29,355) (5,026) (831) (1,164) (757) (37,133) (3,030) (650) (1,624) (280) (64) (5,648)
Reduction due to disposals (379) - (603) - - (982) - (7) (2) - - (9)
Balance, end of period $ 216 $ - $ 430 $ - $ - $ 646 $ 29,603 $ 5,026 $ 158 $ 1,164 $ 757 $ 36,708
During the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company decreased the allowance for expected credit losses for available for sale securities utilizing its credit loss assessment process and inputs used in its credit loss model, primarily due to improved pricing associated with foreign government securities and corporate securities. During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company decreased the allowance for expected credit losses for available for sale securities utilizing its credit loss assessment process and inputs used in its credit loss model due to a reduction in unrealized losses primarily associated with foreign government securities.
The amortized cost and fair value of fixed maturity securities at December 31, 2024, by contractual maturity, are shown below. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because certain issuers may have the right to call or prepay obligations.
(In thousands) Amortized
Cost (1) Fair Value
Due in one year or less $ 1,744,361 $ 1,719,948
Due after one year through five years 9,337,291 9,059,599
Due after five years through ten years 3,966,371 3,902,808
Due after ten years 4,013,827 3,949,220
Mortgage-backed securities 3,949,024 3,767,851
Total $ 23,010,874 $ 22,399,426
________________
(1) Amortized cost is reduced by the allowance for expected credit losses of $25 thousand related to held to maturity securities.
At December 31, 2024 and 2023, there were no investments, other than investments in United States government and government agency securities, which exceeded 10% of common stockholders’ equity. At December 31, 2024, investments with a carrying value of $2,167 million were on deposit in custodial or trust accounts, of which $1,223 million was on deposit with insurance regulators, $884 million was on deposit in support of the Company’s underwriting activities at Lloyd’s, $33 million was on deposit as security for reinsurance clients and $27 million was on deposit as security for letters of credit issued in support of the Company’s reinsurance operations.
(4) Investments in Equity Securities
At December 31, 2024 and 2023, investments in equity securities were as follows:
(In thousands) Cost Gross Unrealized Fair
Value Carrying
Value
Gains Losses
December 31, 2024
Common stocks $ 612,479 $ 223,981 $ (76,293) $ 760,167 $ 760,167
Preferred stocks 329,495 122,716 (8,590) 443,621 443,621
Total $ 941,974 $ 346,697 $ (84,883) $ 1,203,788 $ 1,203,788
December 31, 2023
Common stocks $ 664,997 $ 191,806 $ (18,749) $ 838,054 $ 838,054
Preferred stocks 284,335 3,075 (35,117) 252,293 252,293
Total $ 949,332 $ 194,881 $ (53,866) $ 1,090,347 $ 1,090,347
(5) Arbitrage Trading Account
At December 31, 2024 and 2023, the fair value and carrying value of the arbitrage trading account were $1,123 million and $938 million, respectively. The primary focus of the trading account is merger arbitrage. Merger arbitrage is the business of investing in the securities of publicly held companies which are the targets in announced tender offers and mergers. Arbitrage investing differs from other types of investing 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).
The Company uses put options and call options in order to mitigate the impact of potential changes in market conditions on the merger arbitrage trading account. These options are reported at fair value. As of December 31, 2024, the fair value of long option contracts outstanding was $26 million (notional amount of $582 million) and the fair value of short option contracts outstanding was $73 million (notional amount of $582 million). Other than with respect to the use of these trading account securities, the Company does not make use of derivatives.
(6) Net Investment Income
Net investment income consists of the following:
(In thousands) 2024 2023 2022
Investment income (loss) earned on:
Fixed maturity securities, including cash and cash equivalents and loans receivable $ 1,260,429 $ 929,098 $ 549,281
Arbitrage trading account (1) 69,573 69,369 45,213
Equity securities 48,920 55,726 52,600
Investment funds (11,491) 16,743 145,099
Real estate
(23,616) (11,185) (3,087)
Gross investment income 1,343,815 1,059,751 789,106
Investment expense (10,654) (6,916) (9,921)
Net investment income $ 1,333,161 $ 1,052,835 $ 779,185
(1) Net investment income includes earnings from trading account receivables from brokers and clearing organizations.
(7) Investment Funds
The Company evaluates whether it is an investor in a variable interest entity ("VIE"). Such entities do not have sufficient equity at risk to finance their activities without additional subordinated financial support, or the equity investors, as a group, do not have the characteristics of a controlling financial interest (primary beneficiary). The Company determines whether it is the primary beneficiary of an entity subject to consolidation based on a qualitative assessment of the VIE's capital structure, contractual terms, nature of the VIE's operations and purpose, and the Company's relative exposure to the related risks of the VIE on the date it becomes initially involved in the VIE and on an ongoing basis. The Company is not the primary beneficiary in any of its investment funds, and accordingly, carries its interests in investments funds under the equity method of accounting.
The Company’s maximum exposure to loss with respect to these investments is limited to the carrying amount reported on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet and its unfunded commitments of $279 million as of December 31, 2024.
Investment funds consist of the following:
Carrying Value
as of December 31, (Loss) Income From Investment Funds For the Year Ended
(In thousands) 2024 2023 2024 2023 2022
Financial services $ 430,163 $ 433,407 $ (39,418) $ (10,911) $ 34,030
Transportation 286,426 344,278 13,335 40,607 53,180
Real estate 178,685 201,625 12,195 (6,676) 48,723
Infrastructure 151,560 130,589 17,071 13,049 4,603
Energy 42,776 114,794 14,501 5,058 1,425
Other funds 378,636 396,962 (29,175) (24,384) 3,138
Total $ 1,468,246 $ 1,621,655 $ (11,491) $ 16,743 $ 145,099
The Company's share of the earnings or losses of investment funds is primarily reported on a one-quarter lag in order to facilitate the timely completion of the Company's consolidated financial statements.
Financial services investment funds include the Company’s minority investment in Lifson Re, a Bermuda reinsurance company. Effective January 1, 2021, Lifson Re participated on a fully collateralized basis in a majority of the Company’s reinsurance placements for a 22.5% share of placed amounts. The share was increased to 30% on July 1, 2022 and was increased to 32.5% effective January 1, 2025. This pertains to all traditional reinsurance/retrocessional placements for both property and casualty business where there is more than one open market reinsurer participating. For the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company ceded approximately $417 million and $437 million, respectively, of written premiums to Lifson Re.
Other funds include deferred compensation trust assets of $38 million and $36 million in 2024 and 2023, respectively. These assets support other liabilities reflected in the balance sheet of an equal amount for employees who have elected to defer a portion of their compensation. The change in the net asset value of the trust is recorded in other funds within net investment income with an offsetting equal amount within corporate expenses.
(8) Real Estate
Investment in real estate represents directly owned property held for investment, as follows:
As of December 31,
(In thousands) 2024 2023
Properties in operation $ 1,063,687 $ 1,022,654
Properties under development 227,768 227,220
Total $ 1,291,455 $ 1,249,874
In 2024, properties in operation primarily included a long-term ground lease in Washington, D.C., an office complex in New York City and the completed portion of a mixed-use project in Washington D.C. Properties in operation are net of
accumulated depreciation and amortization of $38,671,000 and $32,745,000 as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Related depreciation expense was $8,633,000 and $8,935,000 for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Future minimum rental income expected on operating leases relating to properties in operation is $35,394,421 in 2025, $34,739,030 in 2026, $34,191,439 in 2027, $35,009,348 in 2028, $30,586,197 in 2029 and $426,838,709 thereafter.
A mixed-use project in Washington, D.C. had been under development in 2024 and 2023, with the completed portion as noted above reported in properties in operation as of December 31, 2024.
The Company had commitments to invest up to $48 million in certain real estate investment projects as of December 31, 2024.
(9) Loans Receivable
At December 31, 2024 and 2023, loans receivable were as follows:
As of December 31,
(In thousands) 2024 2023
Amortized cost (net of allowance for expected credit losses):
Real estate loans $ 402,382 $ 200,381
Commercial loans 3,071 890
Total $ 405,453 $ 201,271
Fair value:
Real estate loans $ 402,177 $ 197,354
Commercial loans 3,071 890
Total $ 405,248 $ 198,244
The real estate loans are secured by commercial and residential real estate primarily located in the U.K. and New York. These loans generally earn interest at fixed or stepped interest rates and have maturities through 2028. The commercial loans are with small business owners who have secured the related financing with the assets of the business. Commercial loans primarily earn interest on a fixed basis and have varying maturities generally not exceeding 5 years.
The following table presents the rollforward of the allowance for expected credit losses for loans receivable for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023:
2024 2023
(In thousands) Real Estate Loans Commercial Loans Total Real Estate Loans Commercial Loans Total
Allowance for expected credit losses, beginning of period $ 2,983 $ 21 $ 3,004 $ 1,100 $ 691 $ 1,791
Reduction due to write-offs - - - - (569) (569)
Change in allowance for expected credit losses (1,895) 5 (1,890) 1,883 (101) 1,782
Allowance for expected credit losses, end of period $ 1,088 $ 26 $ 1,114 $ 2,983 $ 21 $ 3,004
During the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company decreased the allowance for expected credit losses due to a decrease in the weighted average life of the loan portfolio. During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company increased the allowance for expected credit losses due to changes in economic assumptions utilized in its credit loss model.
The Company monitors the performance of its loans receivable and assesses the ability of the borrower to pay principal and interest based upon loan structure, underlying property values, cash flow and related financial and operating performance of the property and market conditions.
In evaluating the real estate loans, the Company considers their credit quality indicators, including loan to value ratios, which compare the outstanding loan amount to the estimated value of the property, the borrower’s financial condition and performance with respect to loan terms, the position in the capital structure, the overall leverage in the capital structure and other market conditions.
(10) Net Investment Gains
Net investment gains were as follows:
(In thousands) 2024 2023 2022
Net investment gains:
Fixed maturity securities:
Gains $ 15,486 $ 2,003 $ 4,224
Losses (32,866) (25,429) (11,654)
Equity securities (1):
Net realized gains (losses) on investment sales (2) 116,475 161,271 (12,879)
Change in unrealized gains (losses) 120,799 70,448 (632)
Investment funds 1,835 (25,625) 12,407
Real estate (3) (4) (2,647) (70,934) 293,525
Loans receivable - (18,841) (32)
Other (5) (139,344) (45,353) (67,648)
Net realized and unrealized gains on investments in earnings before allowance for expected credit losses 79,738 47,540 217,311
Change in allowance for expected credit losses on investments:
Fixed maturity securities 36,080 715 (14,841)
Loans receivable 1,890 (1,213) (73)
Change in allowance for expected credit losses on investments 37,970 (498) (14,914)
Net investment gains 117,708 47,042 202,397
Income tax expense (29,205) (10,250) (42,670)
After-tax net investment gains $ 88,503 $ 36,792 $ 159,727
Change in unrealized investment gains (losses):
Fixed maturity securities without allowance for expected credit losses $ 83,395 $ 389,839 $ (1,216,292)
Fixed maturity securities with allowance for expected credit losses 4,428 643 (28,370)
Investment funds (3,217) 3,989 (2,019)
Other (132) (1,568) (1,447)
Total change in unrealized investment gains (losses) 84,474 392,903 (1,248,128)
Income tax (expense) benefit (15,292) (86,350) 264,325
Noncontrolling interests 2 (2) (2)
After-tax change in unrealized investment gains (losses) $ 69,184 $ 306,551 $ (983,805)
____________________
(1) The net realized gains or losses on investment sales represent the total gains or losses from the purchase dates of the equity securities. The change in unrealized gains (losses) consists of two components: (i) the reversal of the gain or loss recognized in previous periods on equity securities sold and (ii) the change in unrealized gain or loss resulting from mark-to-market adjustments on equity securities still held.
(2) In 2023, the Company completed a sale of the property and casualty insurance services division of Breckenridge IS, Inc. and recognized a pre-tax net realized gain on investment of $89 million on the sale (proceeds from the sale is presented on the business disposition line within the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows).
(3) The Company recognized impairments on real estate of $72 million in 2023.
(4) In 2022, the Company realized a gain on the sale of a real estate investment in London, U.K. of $251 million, net of transaction expenses and the foreign currency impact, including the reversal of the currency translation adjustment (proceeds from the real estate and related entity are presented on the business disposition line within the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows).
(5) Primarily relates to realized foreign currency losses upon the disposition of fixed maturity securities.
(11) Fixed Maturity Securities in an Unrealized Loss Position
The following tables summarize all fixed maturity securities in an unrealized loss position at December 31, 2024 and 2023 by the length of time those securities have been continuously in an unrealized loss position.
Less Than 12 Months 12 Months or Greater Total
(In thousands) Fair
Value Gross
Unrealized
Losses Fair
Value Gross
Unrealized
Losses Fair
Value Gross
Unrealized
Losses
December 31, 2024
U.S. government and government agency $ 767,515 $ 9,637 $ 560,260 $ 33,226 $ 1,327,775 $ 42,863
State and municipal 348,116 8,027 1,411,761 81,430 1,759,877 89,457
Mortgage-backed securities 1,541,464 21,326 1,060,823 171,734 2,602,287 193,060
Asset-backed securities 411,763 4,613 626,237 36,899 1,038,000 41,512
Corporate 1,791,970 21,346 2,951,377 135,117 4,743,347 156,463
Foreign government 600,103 17,933 476,479 167,440 1,076,582 185,373
Fixed maturity securities $ 5,460,931 $ 82,882 $ 7,086,937 $ 625,846 $ 12,547,868 $ 708,728
December 31, 2023
U.S. government and government agency $ 384,392 $ 6,655 $ 614,623 $ 51,014 $ 999,015 $ 57,669
State and municipal 264,273 3,013 1,680,034 119,449 1,944,307 122,462
Mortgage-backed securities 278,819 2,025 1,360,748 175,131 1,639,567 177,156
Asset-backed securities 413,511 2,070 2,176,035 71,136 2,589,546 73,206
Corporate 874,754 11,975 4,418,309 231,288 5,293,063 243,263
Foreign government 204,908 1,758 794,174 135,661 999,082 137,419
Fixed maturity securities $ 2,420,657 $ 27,496 $ 11,043,923 $ 783,679 $ 13,464,580 $ 811,175
Substantially all of the securities in an unrealized loss position are rated investment grade, except for the securities in the foreign government classification. A significant amount of the unrealized loss on foreign government securities is the result of changes in currency exchange rates.
Fixed Maturity Securities - A summary of the Company’s non-investment grade fixed maturity securities that were in an unrealized loss position at December 31, 2024 is presented in the table below:
($ in thousands) Number of
Securities Aggregate
Fair Value Gross
Unrealized
Loss
Foreign government 50 $ 138,388 $ 157,424
Corporate 19 50,525 2,922
State and municipal 6 28,150 1,921
Mortgage-backed securities 17 3,684 206
Asset-backed securities 1 9 1
Total 93 $ 220,756 $ 162,474
For fixed maturity securities that management does not intend to sell or to be required to sell, the portion of the decline in value that is considered to be due to credit factors is recognized in earnings, and the portion of the decline in value that is considered to be due to non-credit factors is recognized in other comprehensive income.
The Company has evaluated its fixed maturity securities in an unrealized loss position and believes the unrealized losses are due primarily to temporary market and sector-related factors rather than to issuer-specific factors. None of these securities are delinquent or in default under financial covenants. Based on its assessment of these issuers, the Company expects them to continue to meet their contractual payment obligations as they become due.
(12) Fair Value Measurements
The Company’s fixed maturity and equity securities classified as available for sale and its trading account securities are carried at fair value. Fair value is defined as “the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date”. The Company utilizes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three broad levels, as follows:
Level 1 - Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access at the measurement date.
Level 2 - Quoted prices for similar assets or valuations based on inputs that are observable.
Level 3 - Estimates of fair value based on internal pricing methodologies using unobservable inputs. Unobservable inputs are only used to measure fair value to the extent that observable inputs are not available.
Substantially all of the Company’s fixed maturity securities were priced by independent pricing services. The prices provided by the independent pricing services are estimated based on observable market data in active markets utilizing pricing models and processes, which may include benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, issuer spreads, two-sided markets, benchmark securities, bids, offers, sector groupings, matrix pricing and reference data. The pricing services may prioritize inputs differently on any given day for any security based on market conditions, and not all inputs are available for each security evaluation on any given day. The pricing services used by the Company have indicated that they will only produce an estimate of fair value if objectively verifiable information is available. The determination of whether markets are active or inactive is based upon the volume and level of activity for a particular asset class. The Company reviews the prices provided by pricing services for reasonableness and periodically performs independent price tests of a sample of securities to ensure proper valuation.
If prices from independent pricing services are not available for fixed maturity securities, the Company estimates the fair value. For Level 2 securities, the Company utilizes pricing models and processes which may include benchmark yields, sector groupings, matrix pricing, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, issuer spreads, two-sided markets, bids, offers and reference data. Where broker quotes are used, the Company generally requests two or more quotes and sets a price within the range of quotes received based on its assessment of the credibility of the quote and its own evaluation of the security. The Company generally does not adjust quotes received from brokers. For securities traded only in private negotiations, the Company determines fair value based primarily on the cost of such securities, which is adjusted to reflect prices of recent placements of securities of the same issuer, financial projections, credit quality and business developments of the issuer and other relevant information.
For Level 3 securities, the Company generally uses a discounted cash flow model to estimate the fair value of fixed maturity securities. The cash flow models are based upon assumptions as to prevailing credit spreads, interest rate and interest rate volatility, time to maturity and subordination levels. Projected cash flows are discounted at rates that are adjusted to reflect illiquidity, where appropriate.
The following tables present the assets and liabilities measured at fair value as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 by level:
(In thousands) Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
December 31, 2024
Assets:
Fixed maturity securities available for sale:
U.S. government and government agency $ 2,235,341 $ - $ 2,235,341 $ -
State and municipal 2,294,644 - 2,294,644 -
Mortgage-backed securities 3,765,490 - 3,765,490 -
Asset-backed securities 3,885,012 - 3,885,012 -
Corporate 8,417,641 - 8,397,974 19,667
Foreign government 1,755,325 - 1,755,325 -
Total fixed maturity securities available for sale 22,353,453 - 22,333,786 19,667
Equity securities:
Common stocks 760,167 757,115 1,011 2,041
Preferred stocks 443,621 - 439,947 3,674
Total equity securities 1,203,788 757,115 440,958 5,715
Arbitrage trading account 1,122,599 1,062,459 56,630 3,510
Total $ 24,679,840 $ 1,819,574 $ 22,831,374 $ 28,892
Liabilities:
Trading account securities sold but not yet purchased $ 73,358 $ 73,358 $ - $ -
December 31, 2023
Assets:
Fixed maturity securities available for sale:
U.S. government and government agency $ 1,716,731 $ - $ 1,716,731 $ -
State and municipal 2,634,422 - 2,634,422 -
Mortgage-backed securities 2,266,455 - 2,266,455 -
Asset-backed securities 4,187,040 - 4,187,040 -
Corporate 7,654,059 - 7,654,059 -
Foreign government 1,666,229 - 1,666,229 -
Total fixed maturity securities available for sale 20,124,936 - 20,124,936 -
Equity securities:
Common stocks 838,054 835,338 1,158 1,558
Preferred stocks 252,293 - 248,598 3,695
Total equity securities 1,090,347 835,338 249,756 5,253
Arbitrage trading account 938,049 546,110 388,167 3,772
Total $ 22,153,332 $ 1,381,448 $ 20,762,859 $ 9,025
Liabilities:
Trading account securities sold but not yet purchased $ 9,357 $ 9,357 $ - $ -
The following tables summarize changes in Level 3 assets and liabilities for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023:
Gains (Losses) Included in:
(In thousands) Beginning Balance Earnings (Losses) Other Comprehensive Losses Impairments Purchases Sales Paydowns/Maturities Transfers In / Out Ending Balance
Year ended December 31, 2024
Assets:
Fixed maturity securities available for sale:
Corporate $ - $ - $ (333) $ - $ - $ - $ - $ 20,000 $ 19,667
Total - - (333) - - - - 20,000 19,667
Equity securities:
Common stocks 1,558 611 - - - (128) - - 2,041
Preferred stocks 3,695 36 - - - (57) - - 3,674
Total 5,253 647 - - - (185) - - 5,715
Arbitrage trading account 3,772 (261) - - - (38) - 37 3,510
Total $ 9,025 $ 386 $ (333) $ - $ - $ (223) $ - $ 20,037 $ 28,892
Year ended December 31, 2023
Assets:
Fixed maturity securities available for sale:
Corporate $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ -
Total - - - - - - - - -
Equity securities:
Common stocks 2,599 (1,041) - - - - - - 1,558
Preferred stocks 11,299 (3) - (7,601) - - - 3,695
Total 13,898 (1,044) - (7,601) - - - - 5,253
Arbitrage trading account 3,590 117 - - - - - 65 3,772
Total $ 17,488 $ (927) $ - $ (7,601) $ - $ - $ - $ 65 $ 9,025
For the year ended December 31, 2024, one corporate security was transferred into level 3 from level 2 given there were no quoted prices or observable inputs available. For the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, one security in each year within the arbitrage trading account portfolio that no longer had a publicly traded price was transferred into Level 3.
(13) Reserves for Losses and Loss Expenses
The Company's reserves for losses and loss expenses are comprised of case reserves and incurred but not reported liabilities (IBNR). When a claim is reported, a case reserve is established for the estimated ultimate payment based upon known information about the claim. As more information about the claim becomes available over time, case reserves are adjusted up or down as appropriate. Reserves are also established on an aggregate basis to provide for IBNR liabilities and expected loss reserve development on reported claims.
Loss reserves included in the Company’s financial statements represent management’s best estimates based upon an actuarially derived point estimate and other considerations. The Company uses a variety of actuarial techniques and methods to derive an actuarial point estimate for each business. These methods may include paid loss development, incurred loss development, paid and incurred Bornhuetter-Ferguson methods and frequency and severity methods. In circumstances where one actuarial method is considered more credible than the others, that method is used to set the point estimate. The actuarial point estimate may also be based on a judgmental weighting of estimates produced from each of the methods considered. Industry loss experience is used to supplement the Company’s own data in selecting “tail factors” in areas where the Company’s own data is limited. The actuarial data is analyzed by line of business, coverage and accident or policy year, as appropriate, for each business.
The establishment of the actuarially derived loss reserve point estimate also includes consideration of qualitative factors that may affect the ultimate losses. These qualitative considerations include, among others, the impact of re-underwriting initiatives, changes in claims handling procedures, changes in the mix of business, changes in distribution sources and changes in policy terms and conditions.
The key assumptions used to arrive at the best estimate of loss reserves are the expected loss ratios, rate of loss cost inflation, and reported and paid loss emergence patterns. Expected loss ratios represent management’s expectation of losses at the time the business is priced and written, before any actual claims experience has emerged. This expectation is a significant determinant of the estimate of loss reserves for recently written business where there is little paid or incurred loss data to consider. Expected loss ratios are generally derived from historical loss ratios adjusted for the impact of rate changes, loss cost trends and known changes in the type of risks underwritten. Expected loss ratios are estimated for each key line of business within each business. Expected loss cost inflation is particularly important for the long-tail lines, such as excess casualty, and claims with a high medical component, such as workers’ compensation. Reported and paid loss emergence patterns are used to project current reported or paid loss amounts to their ultimate settlement value. Loss development factors are based on the historical emergence patterns of paid and incurred losses, and are derived from the Company’s own experience and industry data. The paid loss emergence pattern is also significant to excess and assumed workers’ compensation reserves because those reserves are discounted to their estimated present value based upon such estimated payout patterns.
Loss frequency and severity are measures of loss activity that are considered in determining the key assumptions described in our discussion of loss and loss expense reserves, including expected loss ratios, rate of loss cost inflation and reported and paid loss emergence patterns. Loss frequency is a measure of the number of claims per unit of insured exposure, and loss severity is a measure of the average size of claims. Factors affecting loss frequency include the effectiveness of loss controls and safety programs and changes in economic activity or weather patterns. Factors affecting loss severity include changes in policy limits, retentions, rate of inflation and judicial interpretations.
Another factor affecting estimates of loss frequency and severity is the loss reporting lag, which is the period of time between the occurrence of a loss and the date the loss is reported to the Company. The length of the loss reporting lag affects our ability to accurately predict loss frequency (loss frequencies are more predictable for lines with short reporting lags) as well as the amount of reserves needed for incurred but not reported losses (less IBNR is required for lines with short reporting lags). As a result, loss reserves for lines with short reporting lags are likely to have less variation from initial loss estimates. For lines with short reporting lags, which include auto, primary workers’ compensation, other liability (claims-made) and property business, the key assumption is the loss emergence pattern used to project ultimate loss estimates from known losses paid or reported to date. For lines of business with long reporting lags, which include other liability (occurrence), products liability, excess workers’ compensation and liability reinsurance, the key assumption is the expected loss ratio since there is often little paid or incurred loss data to consider. Historically, the Company has experienced less variation from its initial loss estimates for lines of businesses with short reporting lags than for lines of business with long reporting lags.
The key assumptions used in calculating the most recent estimate of the loss reserves are reviewed each quarter and adjusted, to the extent necessary, to reflect the latest reported loss data, current trends and other factors observed.
A claim may be defined as an event, as a claimant (number of parties claiming damages from an event) or by exposure type (e.g., an event may give rise to two parties, each claiming loss for bodily injury and property damage).
The most commonly used claim count method is by event. Most of the Company's businesses use the number of events to define and quantify the number of claims. However, in certain lines of business, where it is common for multiple parties to claim damages arising from a single event, a business may quantify claims on the basis of the number of separate parties involved in an event. This may be the case with businesses writing substantial auto or transportation exposure.
Claim counts for assumed reinsurance will vary based on whether the business is written on a facultative or treaty basis. Further variability as respects treaty claim counts may be reflective of the nature of the treaty, line of business coverage, and type of participation such as quota share or excess of loss contracts. Accordingly, the claim counts have been excluded from the below Reinsurance & Monoline Excess segment tables due to this variability.
The claim count information set forth in the tables presented below may not provide an accurate reflection of ultimate loss payouts by product line.
The following tables present undiscounted incurred and paid claims development as of December 31, 2024, net of reinsurance, as well as cumulative claim frequency and the total of incurred but not reported liabilities (IBNR). The information about incurred and paid claims development for the years ended December 31, 2014 to 2023 is presented as supplementary information. To enhance the comparability of the loss development data, the Company has removed the impact of foreign exchange rate movements by using the December 31, 2024 exchange rate for all periods.
Insurance
Other Liability
(In thousands)
Loss and Loss Expenses Incurred, Net of Reinsurance As of December 31, 2024
For the Year Ended December 31,
Unaudited IBNR Cumulative Number of Reported Claims
Accident Year 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
2015 $ 934,138 $ 969,246 $ 944,351 $ 948,706 $ 951,981 $ 963,118 $ 969,789 $ 999,316 $ 1,005,801 $ 1,019,173 $ 32,718 28
2016 1,003,192 995,148 1,005,560 1,018,025 1,032,281 1,048,121 1,079,436 1,121,260 1,122,233 59,052 29
2017 1,055,253 1,088,787 1,111,550 1,129,392 1,169,138 1,238,759 1,256,832 1,289,349 79,218 28
2018 1,095,529 1,123,152 1,113,675 1,148,972 1,225,588 1,291,745 1,374,348 98,378 28
2019 1,232,661 1,228,679 1,230,016 1,286,835 1,362,171 1,396,012 139,046 30
2020 1,330,660 1,204,248 1,148,852 1,157,392 1,187,560 181,892 24
2021 1,522,682 1,378,751 1,332,486 1,352,616 285,076 26
2022 1,810,560 1,815,653 1,798,403 688,730 28
2023 2,111,178 2,075,065 1,312,841 25
2024 2,379,621 2,070,647 18
Total $ 14,994,380
Cumulative Paid Claims and Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance
For the Year Ended December 31,
Unaudited
Accident Year 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
2015 $ 80,079 $ 205,207 $ 374,666 $ 528,935 $ 665,272 $ 745,994 $ 804,340 $ 862,557 $ 916,787 $ 948,434
2016 67,290 203,890 383,909 550,589 667,761 757,110 860,423 944,014 996,649
2017 77,719 251,172 447,743 632,721 767,665 922,090 1,038,695 1,119,123
2018 85,148 261,789 432,148 611,323 801,409 979,311 1,122,768
2019 86,531 271,854 467,267 699,906 902,686 1,073,894
2020 70,540 222,274 417,860 614,351 812,453
2021 75,101 265,080 484,588 794,392
2022 92,248 352,886 704,307
2023 91,733 366,496
2024 95,137
Total $ 8,033,653
Reserves for loss and loss adjustment expenses before 2015, net of reinsurance 178,312
Reserves for loss and loss adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance $ 7,139,039
Workers' Compensation
(In thousands)
Loss and Loss Expenses Incurred, Net of Reinsurance As of December 31, 2024
For the Year Ended December 31,
Unaudited IBNR Cumulative Number of Reported Claims
Accident Year 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
2015 $ 712,800 $ 690,525 $ 650,997 $ 641,169 $ 626,432 $ 620,741 $ 617,477 $ 612,687 $ 603,731 $ 604,806 $ 14,681 58
2016 702,716 696,339 684,700 660,520 651,278 657,972 654,385 641,549 639,412 15,340 58
2017 762,093 733,505 689,622 673,216 683,880 682,153 675,871 669,988 15,800 58
2018 778,964 724,697 715,055 724,056 721,170 715,018 708,336 14,769 56
2019 784,281 721,018 732,762 734,034 722,456 714,086 18,751 54
2020 725,245 716,430 704,008 668,222 652,424 12,026 42
2021 742,687 701,703 667,517 649,222 22,916 46
2022 772,620 745,218 715,578 56,385 46
2023 784,906 758,657 146,880 45
2024 811,614 378,116 46
Total $ 6,924,123
Cumulative Paid Claims and Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance
For the Year Ended December 31,
Unaudited
Accident Year 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
2015 $ 139,320 $ 323,744 $ 421,734 $ 477,541 $ 512,933 $ 531,512 $ 544,849 $ 557,215 $ 564,658 $ 570,125
2016 142,998 338,835 446,072 504,850 537,861 558,934 572,669 584,330 591,005
2017 153,456 362,299 468,817 525,753 559,198 583,258 603,006 617,243
2018 171,006 397,464 508,546 574,889 613,675 642,292 660,237
2019 184,715 397,376 515,914 581,003 618,324 644,772
2020 172,478 380,454 485,203 548,585 579,332
2021 172,729 384,867 490,648 547,863
2022 180,982 408,929 527,145
2023 195,204 418,788
2024 196,104
Total $ 5,352,614
Reserves for loss and loss adjustment expenses before 2015, net of reinsurance 246,975
Reserves for loss and loss adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance $ 1,818,484
Professional Liability
(In thousands)
Loss and Loss Expenses Incurred, Net of Reinsurance As of December 31, 2024
For the Year Ended December 31,
Unaudited IBNR Cumulative Number of Reported Claims
Accident Year 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
2015 $ 256,877 $ 255,638 $ 272,360 $ 274,229 $ 289,722 $ 281,461 $ 281,906 $ 286,203 $ 285,591 $ 285,252 $ 11,809 8
2016 307,902 322,107 359,228 400,178 437,690 467,183 462,868 449,033 452,769 15,280 10
2017 331,362 330,753 337,256 376,096 383,246 392,447 401,170 401,789 26,447 11
2018 333,254 320,784 332,201 358,676 381,613 397,102 393,029 59,723 11
2019 334,137 330,146 344,036 353,131 362,333 364,231 62,324 12
2020 391,532 373,550 336,231 312,169 299,806 56,121 11
2021 521,744 468,567 444,060 408,536 119,166 12
2022 644,950 582,764 553,174 307,294 12
2023 642,582 634,269 404,820 13
2024 648,064 499,645 13
Total $ 4,440,919
Cumulative Paid Claims and Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance
For the Year Ended December 31,
Unaudited
Accident Year 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
2015 $ 20,271 $ 85,061 $ 139,244 $ 186,834 $ 215,640 $ 232,187 $ 239,162 $ 246,160 $ 258,640 $ 265,643
2016 28,432 102,079 200,949 254,694 296,742 356,717 404,669 412,243 421,639
2017 36,381 96,025 162,469 242,696 260,764 306,270 329,021 349,406
2018 28,072 99,433 154,953 198,351 243,813 283,349 315,361
2019 31,563 97,082 147,500 199,942 234,789 270,623
2020 27,895 79,968 128,579 168,670 196,332
2021 28,465 85,661 152,764 219,932
2022 33,336 90,416 160,965
2023 40,973 121,991
2024 40,200
Total $ 2,362,092
Reserves for loss and loss adjustment expenses before 2015, net of reinsurance 49,908
Reserves for loss and loss adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance $ 2,128,735
Auto
(In thousands)
Loss and Loss Expenses Incurred, Net of Reinsurance As of December 31, 2024
For the Year Ended December 31,
Unaudited IBNR Cumulative Number of Reported Claims
Accident Year 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
2015 $ 374,801 $ 398,090 $ 403,449 $ 411,886 $ 412,416 $ 410,762 $ 407,874 $ 409,797 $ 409,329 $ 410,218 $ 784 50
2016 414,205 415,208 425,808 426,365 423,216 423,171 425,063 426,814 425,280 1,648 48
2017 412,917 410,409 412,760 417,010 423,180 427,474 428,064 429,646 2,931 44
2018 423,120 443,203 459,826 474,469 502,221 511,283 513,458 5,358 43
2019 462,866 465,817 483,438 508,501 525,110 532,292 9,383 43
2020 493,527 396,616 407,515 433,980 440,625 5,170 29
2021 552,002 517,233 552,219 583,693 26,200 35
2022 723,266 740,688 763,806 83,225 41
2023 890,682 907,503 226,458 43
2024 1,062,427 569,636 41
Total $ 6,068,948
Cumulative Paid Claims and Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance
For the Year Ended December 31,
Unaudited
Accident Year 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
2015 $ 155,699 $ 255,990 $ 310,923 $ 353,772 $ 379,779 $ 392,093 $ 397,747 $ 401,130 $ 402,938 $ 405,009
2016 178,350 270,304 330,222 375,891 394,720 404,241 412,624 418,672 421,309
2017 173,668 256,952 314,336 356,864 385,822 403,421 414,033 421,898
2018 173,779 272,020 337,599 397,517 445,527 479,144 493,942
2019 179,847 279,858 360,921 423,225 473,940 499,996
2020 136,899 213,638 285,875 346,892 402,177
2021 168,497 289,016 379,966 476,462
2022 237,885 394,136 531,324
2023 271,552 467,227
2024 295,450
Total $ 4,414,794
Reserves for loss and loss adjustment expenses before 2015, net of reinsurance 2,295
Reserves for loss and loss adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance $ 1,656,449
Short-tail lines
(In thousands)
Loss and Loss Expenses Incurred, Net of Reinsurance As of December 31, 2024
For the Year Ended December 31,
Unaudited IBNR Cumulative Number of Reported Claims
Accident Year 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
2015 $ 718,877 $ 708,711 $ 705,938 $ 704,501 $ 697,123 $ 695,584 $ 693,963 $ 694,284 $ 699,018 $ 697,949 $ 1,485 29
2016 752,238 756,684 744,208 738,577 732,853 735,299 733,993 734,306 732,544 1,814 31
2017 730,239 729,675 723,989 722,967 722,697 723,925 722,551 722,138 2,262 39
2018 741,002 731,643 728,426 726,956 724,399 723,401 718,987 4,803 46
2019 703,177 684,671 674,717 668,632 668,628 658,367 4,744 41
2020 882,508 887,821 905,858 909,800 912,987 3,715 36
2021 805,048 809,924 793,394 790,478 11,207 33
2022 904,554 889,173 880,040 25,611 31
2023 1,035,378 997,176 66,732 28
2024 1,254,576 450,792 24
Total $ 8,365,242
Cumulative Paid Claims and Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance
For the Year Ended December 31,
Unaudited
Accident Year 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
2015 $ 380,892 $ 592,871 $ 647,710 $ 669,556 $ 678,891 $ 684,679 $ 691,365 $ 691,545 $ 700,792 $ 702,432
2016 403,529 652,336 693,535 708,340 713,193 719,883 720,716 725,721 727,943
2017 429,132 667,750 695,566 707,472 710,624 717,788 723,111 725,516
2018 401,547 645,228 691,499 708,449 707,471 712,526 715,238
2019 392,083 600,257 629,427 641,809 649,886 651,960
2020 447,105 768,617 829,586 884,460 888,746
2021 388,917 677,015 732,996 755,877
2022 440,856 761,924 827,552
2023 531,838 846,828
2024 559,186
Total $ 7,401,278
Reserves for loss and loss adjustment expenses before 2015, net of reinsurance 5,937
Reserves for loss and loss adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance $ 969,901
Reinsurance & Monoline Excess
Casualty
(In thousands)
Loss and Loss Expenses Incurred, Net of Reinsurance As of December 31, 2024
For the Year Ended December 31,
Unaudited
Accident Year 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 IBNR
2015 $ 285,491 $ 261,479 $ 260,696 $ 281,470 $ 321,934 $ 331,370 $ 333,368 $ 335,541 $ 336,653 $ 346,178 $ 9,461
2016 265,059 277,255 269,643 292,188 325,777 325,590 332,538 328,079 332,140 12,449
2017 255,303 245,631 263,327 285,053 304,542 320,518 334,003 344,072 19,683
2018 245,491 235,054 254,696 270,699 282,547 310,129 327,489 26,167
2019 260,178 257,452 264,664 265,001 294,105 315,025 35,101
2020 333,743 329,319 327,257 346,355 345,540 62,760
2021 425,922 428,105 421,190 423,874 118,203
2022 488,982 501,517 474,466 208,624
2023 472,810 466,192 305,158
2024 429,455 382,444
Total $ 3,804,431
Cumulative Paid Claims and Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance
For the Year Ended December 31,
Unaudited
Accident Year 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
2015 $ 24,672 $ 61,106 $ 110,230 $ 163,728 $ 203,940 $ 232,001 $ 260,577 $ 278,540 $ 295,608 $ 308,837
2016 26,599 73,546 115,017 159,651 193,167 228,163 249,017 267,375 279,490
2017 25,295 54,395 86,509 143,838 169,379 198,517 233,096 269,239
2018 18,921 52,668 93,211 128,691 163,823 207,435 245,037
2019 21,506 52,609 81,222 116,579 170,169 219,777
2020 28,291 66,937 109,396 171,527 217,958
2021 24,649 76,977 145,859 211,884
2022 28,029 83,590 159,100
2023 17,622 66,568
2024 16,794
Total $ 1,994,684
Reserves for loss and loss adjustment expenses before 2015, net of reinsurance 357,939
Reserves for loss and loss adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance $ 2,167,686
Monoline Excess
(In thousands)
Loss and Loss Expenses Incurred, Net of Reinsurance As of December 31, 2024
For the Year Ended December 31,
Unaudited
Accident Year 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 IBNR
2015 $ 69,977 $ 57,897 $ 50,099 $ 45,115 $ 39,682 $ 39,781 $ 36,774 $ 32,604 $ 33,590 $ 28,220 $ 5,749
2016 72,657 70,281 71,404 64,957 65,485 65,222 63,932 59,804 55,371 5,800
2017 76,701 80,508 70,749 71,025 66,795 65,147 62,213 57,073 8,242
2018 77,820 72,505 71,448 66,180 60,347 58,244 54,784 14,257
2019 78,929 77,482 76,242 76,478 73,571 70,929 13,613
2020 84,354 83,468 82,952 80,946 70,219 23,018
2021 98,110 90,980 89,220 84,681 27,325
2022 128,923 101,725 100,612 26,481
2023 110,446 86,901 41,059
2024 120,046 98,632
Total $ 728,836
Cumulative Paid Claims and Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance
For the Year Ended December 31,
Unaudited
Accident Year 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
2015 $ 2,069 $ 2,481 $ 3,272 $ 4,099 $ 4,416 $ 5,083 $ 5,421 $ 6,457 $ 6,844 $ 7,402
2016 2,498 4,783 5,573 5,928 7,685 9,883 11,819 13,569 16,872
2017 6,282 12,810 15,356 17,327 18,375 19,275 21,275 23,523
2018 6,141 8,230 9,368 10,359 12,414 13,583 14,952
2019 6,241 10,884 12,728 15,436 18,836 21,094
2020 4,869 8,699 10,471 12,869 15,427
2021 4,586 6,026 8,872 11,412
2022 5,898 10,564 17,778
2023 6,390 12,471
2024 5,723
Total $ 146,654
Reserves for loss and loss adjustment expenses before 2015, net of reinsurance 577,639
Reserves for loss and loss adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance $ 1,159,821
Property
(In thousands)
Loss and Loss Expenses Incurred, Net of Reinsurance As of December 31, 2024
For the Year Ended December 31,
Unaudited
Accident Year 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 IBNR
2015 $ 141,484 $ 132,570 $ 146,437 $ 145,422 $ 144,486 $ 146,140 $ 145,697 $ 146,346 $ 146,893 $ 146,485 $ 444
2016 185,533 191,947 198,909 198,523 204,004 201,996 203,070 204,190 203,198 781
2017 227,950 223,315 222,463 221,413 215,295 215,723 216,854 215,714 347
2018 125,574 128,611 120,284 121,985 120,254 118,633 117,569 918
2019 119,838 93,038 97,748 96,681 96,575 95,708 1,282
2020 131,649 133,897 132,670 137,504 136,155 844
2021 156,046 168,265 165,760 161,699 2,766
2022 205,886 205,569 202,600 24,379
2023 176,457 172,995 37,096
2024 255,770 137,881
Total $ 1,707,893
Cumulative Paid Claims and Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance
For the Year Ended December 31,
Unaudited
Accident Year 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
2015 $ 64,495 $ 103,634 $ 123,995 $ 133,605 $ 137,708 $ 140,564 $ 141,963 $ 143,103 $ 143,999 $ 144,369
2016 91,514 150,326 174,449 185,937 193,595 195,736 200,070 201,985 202,409
2017 87,892 162,814 194,150 202,436 206,018 209,232 211,837 212,577
2018 46,892 80,976 98,416 103,833 112,061 113,418 114,035
2019 35,563 69,694 83,990 86,633 88,628 90,550
2020 39,652 81,238 102,593 111,508 118,503
2021 31,624 92,579 130,371 145,315
2022 56,483 128,640 152,174
2023 58,316 110,095
2024 69,379
Total $ 1,359,406
Reserves for loss and loss adjustment expenses before 2015, net of reinsurance 1,971
Reserves for loss and loss adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance $ 350,458
The reconciliation of the net incurred and paid claims development tables to the reserves for losses and loss expenses in the consolidated balance sheet is as follows:
(In thousands) December 31, 2024
Undiscounted reserves for loss and loss expenses, net of reinsurance:
Other liability $ 7,139,039
Workers' compensation 1,818,484
Professional liability 2,128,735
Auto 1,656,449
Short-tail lines 969,901
Other 180,628
Insurance 13,893,236
Casualty 2,167,686
Monoline excess 1,159,821
Property 350,458
Reinsurance & Monoline Excess 3,677,965
Total undiscounted reserves for loss and loss expenses, net of reinsurance $ 17,571,201
(In thousands) December 31, 2024
Due from reinsurers on unpaid claims:
Other liability $ 1,044,974
Workers' compensation 175,244
Professional liability 1,148,320
Auto 82,331
Short-tail lines 434,368
Other 121,010
Insurance 3,006,247
Casualty 104,928
Monoline excess 36,042
Property 54,172
Reinsurance & Monoline Excess 195,142
Total due from reinsurers on unpaid claims $ 3,201,389
(In thousands) December 31, 2024
Loss reserve discount:
Other liability $ -
Workers' compensation (11,662)
Professional liability -
Auto -
Short-tail lines -
Other -
Insurance (11,662)
Casualty (68,788)
Monoline excess (324,110)
Property -
Reinsurance & Monoline Excess (392,898)
Total loss reserve discount $ (404,560)
Total gross reserves for loss and loss expenses $ 20,368,030
The following is supplementary information regarding average historical claims duration as of December 31, 2024:
Insurance
Average Annual Percentage Payout of Incurred Claims by Age, Net of Reinsurance
Years 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Other liability 5.7 % 13.2 % 15.8 % 16.2 % 13.2 % 10.6 % 8.6 % 6.5 % 5.0 % 3.1 %
Workers' compensation 24.7 % 31.1 % 16.3 % 9.1 % 5.2 % 3.5 % 2.5 % 2.0 % 1.1 % 0.9 %
Professional liability 7.3 % 16.0 % 16.3 % 14.8 % 9.0 % 10.1 % 6.7 % 3.1 % 3.2 % 2.5 %
Auto 33.7 % 20.4 % 14.8 % 12.1 % 8.2 % 4.2 % 2.2 % 1.4 % 0.5 % 0.5 %
Short-tail lines 53.1 % 33.6 % 6.2 % 2.8 % 0.7 % 0.8 % 0.5 % 0.3 % 0.8 % 0.2 %
Reinsurance & Monoline Excess
Average Annual Percentage Payout of Incurred Claims by Age, Net of Reinsurance
Years 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Casualty 6.3 % 11.0 % 12.7 % 14.5 % 11.7 % 11.2 % 9.0 % 7.1 % 4.3 % 3.8 %
Monoline excess 7.3 % 5.1 % 3.3 % 2.7 % 3.1 % 2.6 % 2.7 % 3.6 % 3.7 % 2.0 %
Property 34.4 % 32.1 % 15.1 % 5.6 % 3.7 % 1.5 % 1.2 % 0.7 % 0.4 % 0.3 %
The table below provides a reconciliation of the beginning and ending reserve balances:
(In thousands) 2024 2023 2022
Net reserves at beginning of year $ 15,661,820 $ 14,248,879 $ 12,848,362
Net provision for losses and loss expenses:
Claims occurring during the current year (1) 7,083,999 6,311,780 5,774,713
Increase in estimates for claims occurring in prior years (2) 14,350 29,681 54,511
Loss reserve discount accretion 33,246 30,681 32,526
Total 7,131,595 6,372,142 5,861,750
Net payments for claims:
Current year 1,278,585 1,217,078 1,068,577
Prior year 4,205,845 3,764,532 3,279,333
Total 5,484,430 4,981,610 4,347,910
Foreign currency translation (142,344) 22,409 (113,323)
Net reserves at end of year 17,166,641 15,661,820 14,248,879
Ceded reserve at end of year 3,201,389 3,077,832 2,762,344
Gross reserves at end of year $ 20,368,030 $ 18,739,652 $ 17,011,223
Net change in premiums and losses occurring in prior years:
Increase in estimates for claims occurring in prior years (2) $ (14,350) $ (29,681) $ (54,511)
Retrospective premium adjustments for claims occurring in prior years (3) 18,782 10,782 18,106
Net premium and reserve development on prior years $ 4,432 $ (18,899) $ (36,405)
_______________________________________
(1)Claims occurring during the current year are net of loss reserve discounts of $49 million, $47 million and $35 million in 2024, 2023, and 2022, respectively.
(2)The change in estimates for claims occurring in prior years is net of loss reserve discount. On an undiscounted basis, the estimates for claims occurring in prior years increased by $13 million in 2024, decreased by $13 million in 2023, and increased by $16 million in 2022.
(3)For certain retrospectively rated insurance polices and reinsurance agreements, changes in loss and loss expenses for prior years are offset by additional or return premiums.
The ultimate net impact of COVID-19 on the Company’s reserves remains uncertain. As of December 31, 2024, the Company had recognized losses for COVID-19-related claims activity, net of reinsurance, of approximately $381 million, of which $326 million relates to the Insurance segment and $55 million relates to the Reinsurance & Monoline Excess segment. Such $381 million of COVID-19-related losses included $379 million of reported losses and $2 million of IBNR.
Favorable prior year development (net of additional and return premiums) was $4 million in 2024.
Insurance - Reserves for the Insurance segment developed unfavorably by $8 million in 2024 (net of additional and return premiums). The adverse development was driven by the commercial auto liability and other liability occurrence lines of business, and was largely offset by favorable development for workers’ compensation, professional liability, products liability, and commercial property lines of business.
The adverse commercial auto liability development was concentrated in accident years 2021 through 2023, while the adverse other liability occurrence development was focused across accident years 2015 through 2022. The majority of the other liability occurrence development was driven by umbrella and excess liability claims, of which a significant portion related to underlying commercial auto exposures. The Company believes that commercial auto-related claims are being particularly impacted by social inflation, which is contributing to an increase in the frequency of large losses beyond expectations. Social inflation can include higher settlement demands from plaintiffs, use of aggressive actions by the plaintiffs’ bar such as litigation funding, negative public sentiment towards large businesses and corporations, and erosion of tort reforms, among other factors.
The favorable workers’ compensation development for the Insurance segment was mainly related to accident years 2016 through 2023, with accident years 2020 through 2023 contributing the most. For workers’ compensation, favorable reported claim frequency, below expectations, continued to be the main driver of the favorable reserve development. The
favorable development for both the professional liability and products liability lines of business was related mainly to accident years 2020 through 2023. For both of these lines, reported claim frequency and incurred losses for accident years 2020 through 2023 were better than expected, which drove the favorable reserve development. Business written in these years also benefitted from significant price increases, which the Company now believes will result in higher profitability than initially anticipated. The favorable development for commercial property was mainly associated with the 2023 accident year, and resulted from better than expected settlements for both catastrophe related and non-catastrophe claims.
Reinsurance & Monoline Excess - Reserves for the Reinsurance & Monoline Excess segment developed favorably by $12 million in 2024 (net of additional and return premiums). The favorable development was driven mainly by excess workers’ compensation business, partially offset by adverse development in the non-proportional reinsurance assumed liability line of business. The favorable excess workers’ compensation development was driven by continued lower claim frequency and reported losses relative to expectations, and favorable claim settlements spread across many prior accident years. The unfavorable development for non-proportional reinsurance was concentrated mainly in accident years 2015 through 2019 and was associated primarily with our U.S. and U.K. excess general liability reinsurance businesses, including coverage for cedants insuring construction projects.
Unfavorable prior year development (net of additional and return premiums) was $19 million in 2023.
Insurance - Reserves for the Insurance segment developed unfavorably by $21 million in 2023 (net of additional and return premiums). The unfavorable development for the segment was concentrated in the early part of the year. A key driver of the unfavorable development early in 2023 was property catastrophe losses related to 2022 events which were still being adjusted and settled during the early part of 2023. In particular, losses related to U.S. winter storms which occurred during the month of December 2022 were a significant contributor to the development, as information gathering and evaluation of many of these claims were still ongoing into the new year.
In addition to the property prior year development discussed above, during 2023 the Insurance segment also experienced adverse prior year development on casualty lines of business for the 2016 through 2019 accident years, which was offset by favorable prior year development on casualty lines of business for the 2020 through 2022 accident years. The unfavorable development on the 2016 through 2019 accident years was concentrated in the general liability and commercial auto liability lines of business. The development, which particularly impacted business attaching excess of primary policy limits, was driven by a larger than expected number of large losses reported. The Company believes social inflation is contributing to an increase in the frequency of large losses for these accident years. Social inflation can include higher settlement demands from plaintiffs, use of tactics such as litigation funding by the plaintiffs’ bar, negative public sentiment towards large businesses and corporations, and erosion of tort reforms, among others.
The favorable prior year development on casualty lines for the 2020 through 2022 accident years in the Insurance segment was concentrated in the professional liability, workers’ compensation, and general liability lines of business. Due to elevated uncertainty regarding incurred loss frequency and severity as a result of ongoing social inflation and the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company set its initial loss ratios for the 2020 through 2022 accident years prudently, and largely maintained these estimates through the end of each respective accident year. The reported loss experience to date for these lines of business for the 2020 through 2022 accident years has been significantly better than was expected, and the Company has begun to react to this favorable emergence as the accident years mature beyond the age of twelve months. It should also be noted that commercial auto liability experienced adverse prior year development for the 2020 through 2022 accident years, which partially offset the favorable development discussed above; the adverse development was driven by a larger than expected number of large losses reported.
Reinsurance & Monoline Excess - Reserves for the Reinsurance & Monoline Excess segment developed favorably by $2 million in 2023 (net of additional and return premiums). The overall favorable prior year development for the segment was driven mainly by favorable development in excess workers’ compensation, substantially offset by unfavorable development in the non-proportional reinsurance assumed liability, excess general liability (including umbrella), and commercial auto liability lines of business. The favorable excess workers’ compensation development was driven by continued lower claim frequency and reported losses relative to our expectations, and to favorable claim settlements. The favorable development was spread across many prior accident years. The unfavorable development for non-proportional reinsurance assumed liability and excess general liability was associated primarily with our U.S. assumed reinsurance business, and related to accounts reinsuring excess and umbrella business and construction projects. The adverse development was concentrated mainly in accident years 2017 through 2020. The unfavorable development for commercial auto liability was concentrated in the 2022 accident year and related to commercial auto program business.
Unfavorable prior year development (net of additional and return premiums) was $36 million in 2022.
Insurance - Reserves for the Insurance segment developed unfavorably by $41 million in 2022 (net of additional and return premiums). The unfavorable development in the segment primarily related to COVID-19 losses at two businesses. These businesses wrote policies providing coverage for event cancellation and film production delay which were heavily impacted by losses directly caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Most of this COVID-19 related unfavorable development emerged during the third quarter as a result of settlements of claims at values higher than our expectations. However, the Company believes that
as a result of these settlements the remaining level of uncertainty around the ultimate value of its known COVID-19 claims has been significantly reduced.
The unfavorable development mentioned above also includes favorable prior year development for the Insurance segment primarily attributable to the 2020 and 2021 accident years and unfavorable development on the 2015 through 2019 accident years. The favorable development on the 2020 and 2021 accident years was concentrated in certain casualty lines of business including general liability, professional liability, and workers’ compensation. The Company experienced lower reported claim frequency in these lines of business during 2020 and 2021 relative to historical averages, and continued to experience lower reported incurred losses relative to its expectations for these accident years as they developed during 2022. These trends began in 2020 and we believe were caused by the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, including for example, lockdowns, reduced driving/traffic and increased work from home. Due to the uncertainty regarding the ultimate impacts of the pandemic on accident years 2020 and 2021 incurred losses, the Company was cautious in reacting to these lower trends in setting and updating its loss ratio estimates for these years. As these accident years have continued to mature, the Company has continued to recognize some of the favorable reported experience in its ultimate loss estimates made during 2022.
The unfavorable development on the 2015 through 2019 accident years was concentrated in the general liability and professional liability, including medical professional, lines of business, as well as auto liability. The development was driven by a larger than expected number of large losses reported. The Company believes social inflation is contributing to an increase in the frequency of large losses for these accident years. Social inflation can include higher settlement demands from plaintiffs, use of tactics such as litigation funding by the plaintiffs’ bar, negative public sentiment towards large businesses and corporations, and erosion of tort reforms, among others.
Reinsurance & Monoline Excess - Reserves for the Reinsurance & Monoline Excess segment developed favorably by $5 million in 2022 (net of additional and return premiums). The overall favorable development for the segment was driven mainly by favorable development in excess workers compensation, substantially offset by unfavorable development in the professional liability, non-proportional reinsurance assumed liability, and commercial auto liability lines of business. The favorable excess workers’ compensation development was spread across most prior accident years, including 2012 and prior years, and was driven by a review of the Company’s claim reporting patterns as well as a number of favorable claim settlements relative to expectations. The unfavorable professional liability and non-proportional reinsurance assumed liability development was concentrated mainly in accident years 2016 through 2018 and was associated primarily with our U.S. assumed reinsurance business and related to accounts insuring construction projects and professional liability exposures. The unfavorable development for commercial auto liability was concentrated in the 2021 accident year and related to commercial auto program business.
Environmental and Asbestos - To date, known environmental and asbestos claims have not had a material impact on the Company’s operations, because its subsidiaries generally did not insure large industrial companies that are subject to significant environmental or asbestos exposures prior to 1986 when an absolute exclusion was incorporated into standard policy language.
The Company’s net reserves for losses and loss expenses relating to asbestos and environmental claims on policies written before adoption of the absolute exclusion was $16 million and $17 million at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The estimation of these liabilities is subject to significantly greater than normal variation and uncertainty because it is difficult to make an actuarial estimate of these liabilities due to the absence of a generally accepted actuarial methodology for these exposures and the potential effect of significant unresolved legal matters, including coverage issues, as well as the cost of litigating the legal issues. Additionally, the determination of ultimate damages and the final allocation of such damages to financially responsible parties are highly uncertain.
Discounting - The Company discounts its liabilities for certain workers’ compensation reserves. The amount of workers’ compensation reserves that were discounted was $1,358 million and $1,352 million at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The aggregate net discount for those reserves, after reflecting the effects of ceded reinsurance, was $405 million and $390 million at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. At December 31, 2024, discount rates by year ranged from 0.7% to 6.5%, with a weighted average discount rate of 3.6%.
Substantially all discounted workers’ compensation reserves (97% of total discounted reserves at December 31, 2024) are excess workers’ compensation reserves. In order to properly match loss expenses with income earned on investment securities supporting the liabilities, reserves for excess workers’ compensation business are discounted using risk-free discount
rates determined by reference to the U.S. Treasury yield curve. These rates are determined annually based on the weighted average rate for the period. Once established, no adjustments are made to the discount rate for that period, and any increases or decreases in loss reserves in subsequent years are discounted at the same rate, without regard to when any such adjustments are recognized. The expected loss and loss expense payout patterns subject to discounting are derived from the Company’s loss payout experience.
The Company also discounts reserves for certain other long-duration workers’ compensation reserves (representing approximately 3% of total discounted reserves at December 31, 2024), including reserves for quota share reinsurance and reserves related to losses regarding occupational lung disease. These reserves are discounted at statutory rates prescribed or permitted by the Department of Insurance of the State of Delaware.
(14) Premiums and Reinsurance Related Information
The Company reinsures a portion of its insurance exposures in order to reduce its net liability on individual risks and catastrophe losses. Reinsurance coverage and retentions vary depending on the line of business, location of the risk and nature of loss. The Company’s reinsurance purchases include the following: property reinsurance treaties that reduce exposure to large individual property losses and catastrophe events; casualty reinsurance treaties that reduce its exposure to large individual casualty losses, workers’ compensation catastrophe losses and casualty losses involving multiple claimants or insureds; and facultative reinsurance that reduces exposure on individual policies or risks for losses that exceed treaty reinsurance capacity. Depending on the business, the Company purchases specific additional reinsurance to supplement the above programs.
The following is a summary of reinsurance financial information:
(In thousands) 2024 2023 2022
Written premiums:
Direct $ 12,904,893 $ 11,676,743 $ 10,695,138
Assumed 1,306,198 1,295,263 1,213,914
Ceded (2,238,995) (2,017,539) (1,904,982)
Total net written premiums $ 11,972,096 $ 10,954,467 $ 10,004,070
Earned premiums:
Direct $ 12,346,924 $ 11,112,980 $ 10,217,891
Assumed 1,364,774 1,246,288 1,226,801
Ceded (2,163,213) (1,958,581) (1,883,263)
Total net earned premiums $ 11,548,485 $ 10,400,687 $ 9,561,429
Ceded losses and loss expenses incurred $ 1,368,279 $ 1,376,144 $ 1,269,338
Ceded commission earned $ 505,753 $ 471,841 $ 477,437
The following table presents the rollforward of the allowance for expected credit losses for premiums and fees receivable for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023:
(In thousands) 2024 2023
Allowance for expected credit losses, beginning of period $ 35,110 $ 30,660
Change in allowance for expected credit losses 4,774 4,450
Allowance for expected credit losses, end of period $ 39,884 $ 35,110
The following table presents the rollforward of the allowance for expected credit losses associated with due from reinsurers for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023:
(In thousands) 2024 2023
Allowance for expected credit losses, beginning of period $ 8,404 $ 8,064
Change in allowance for expected credit losses (54) 340
Allowance for expected credit losses, end of period $ 8,350 $ 8,404
The following table presents the amounts due from reinsurers as of December 31, 2024:
(In thousands)
Lifson Re $ 416,509
Lloyd’s of London 356,338
Partner Re 314,891
Munich Re 287,864
Berkshire Hathaway 274,182
Hannover Re Group 222,719
Renaissance Re 215,300
Swiss Re 159,462
Liberty Mutual 120,381
Everest Re 93,223
Axis Capital 83,756
Arch Capital Group 67,357
Sompo Holdings Group 59,074
Fairfax Financial 58,585
Nationwide Group 52,111
Korean Re 51,233
Axa Insurance 50,002
TOA RE 47,501
Markel Corp Group 42,982
MS & AD Insurance Group 34,680
Helvetia Holdings Group 29,490
Chubb Group 26,708
Other reinsurers less than $20,000 380,775
Subtotal 3,445,123
Residual market pools (1) 120,922
Allowance for expected credit losses (8,350)
Total $ 3,557,695
(1)Many states require licensed insurers that provide workers' compensation insurance to participate in programs that provide workers' compensation to employers that cannot procure coverage from an insurer on a voluntary basis. Insurers can fulfill this residual market obligation by participating in pools where results are shared by the participating companies. The Company acts as a servicing carrier for workers' compensation pools in certain states. As a servicing carrier, the Company writes residual market business directly and then cedes 100% of this business to the respective pool. As a servicing carrier, the Company receives fee income for its services. The Company does not retain underwriting risk, and credit risk is limited as ceded balances are jointly shared by all the pool members.
(15) Indebtedness
Indebtedness consisted of the following as of December 31, 2024 (the difference between the face value and the carrying value is unamortized discount and debt issuance costs):
Carrying Value
(In thousands) Interest Rate Face Value 2024 2023
Senior notes and other debt due on:
February 15, 2037 6.250% $ 250,000 $ 248,666 $ 248,556
August 1, 2044 4.750% 350,000 346,389 346,205
May 12, 2050 4.000% 470,000 489,207 489,964
March 30, 2052 3.550% 400,000 394,609 394,411
September 30, 2061 3.150% 350,000 343,314 343,129
Subsidiary debt and other (1) Various 8,973 8,973 5,686
Total senior notes and other debt $ 1,828,973 $ 1,831,158 $ 1,827,951
Subordinated debentures due on:
March 30, 2058 5.700% $ 185,000 $ 179,650 $ 179,489
December 30, 2059 5.100% 300,000 291,656 291,418
September 30, 2060 4.250% 250,000 244,813 244,668
March 30, 2061 4.125% 300,000 293,689 293,515
Total subordinated debentures $ 1,035,000 $ 1,009,808 $ 1,009,090
________________
(1) Subsidiary debt of $9.4 million is due in 2025, partially offset by the unamortized cost of $0.4 million due to entering into the $300 million senior unsecured revolving credit facility.
On April 1, 2022, the Company entered into a senior unsecured revolving credit facility that provides for revolving, unsecured borrowings up to an aggregate of $300 million with a $50 million sublimit for letters of credit. The Company may increase the amount available under the facility to a maximum of $500 million subject to obtaining lender commitments for the increase and other customary conditions. Borrowings under the facility may be used for working capital and other general corporate purposes. All borrowings under the facility must be repaid by April 1, 2027, except that letters of credit outstanding on that date may remain outstanding until April 1, 2028 (or such later date approved by all lenders). Our ability to utilize the facility is conditioned on the satisfaction of representations, warranties and covenants that are customary for facilities of this type. As of December 31, 2024, there were no borrowings outstanding under the facility.
(16) Income Taxes
Income tax expense (benefit) consists of:
(In thousands) Current
Expense Deferred Expense (Benefit) Total
December 31, 2024
Domestic $ 344,210 $ 51,754 $ 395,964
Foreign 69,312 44,640 113,952
Total expense $ 413,522 $ 96,394 $ 509,916
December 31, 2023
Domestic $ 352,891 $ (43,456) $ 309,435
Foreign 44,372 16,750 61,122
Total expense (benefit) $ 397,263 $ (26,706) $ 370,557
December 31, 2022
Domestic $ 295,849 $ (27,544) $ 268,305
Foreign 42,890 23,532 66,422
Total expense (benefit) $ 338,739 $ (4,012) $ 334,727
Income before income taxes from domestic operations was $1,840 million, $1,430 million and $1,240 million for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Income before income taxes from foreign operations was $424 million, $324 million and $480 million for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
A reconciliation of the income tax expense and the amounts computed by applying the Federal and foreign income tax rate of 21% for 2024, 2023 and 2022 to pre-tax income are as follows:
(In thousands) 2024 2023 2022
Computed “expected” tax expense $ 475,543 $ 368,425 $ 361,133
Tax-exempt investment income (7,110) (8,361) (10,815)
Change in valuation allowance (220) (10,883) (28,064)
Impact of foreign operations and related tax rates 19,317 (1,896) (3,444)
State and local taxes, net of federal benefit 12,329 12,271 8,976
Other, net 10,057 11,001 6,941
Total expense $ 509,916 $ 370,557 $ 334,727
At December 31, 2024 and 2023, the tax effects of differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax asset and deferred tax liability are as follows:
(In thousands) 2024 2023
Deferred tax asset:
Loss reserve discounting $ 218,222 $ 230,956
Unearned premiums 216,721 200,938
Unrealized investment losses 58,701 126,693
Net operating losses & foreign tax credits 62,159 59,154
Other-than-temporary impairments 7,149 12,691
Employee compensation plans 70,529 68,062
Other 81,915 78,025
Gross deferred tax asset 715,396 776,519
Less valuation allowance (36,063) (36,283)
Deferred tax asset 679,333 740,236
Deferred tax liability:
Amortization of intangibles 15,124 15,205
Loss reserve discounting - transition rule 4,944 9,894
Deferred policy acquisition costs 195,150 176,281
Property, furniture and equipment 45,276 43,501
Investment funds 184,899 161,867
Other 78,874 66,525
Deferred tax liability 524,267 473,273
Net deferred tax asset $ 155,066 $ 266,963
The Company had a net current tax payable of $14 million and $46 million at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. At December 31, 2024, the Company had foreign net operating loss carryforwards of $196 million that have no expiration date. At both December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company had a valuation allowance of $36 million. The Company has provided a valuation allowance against the utilization of $13 million of foreign tax credits and the future net operating loss carryforward benefits of $23 million for certain foreign operations. The statute of limitations for the Company’s U.S. Federal income tax returns has closed for all years through December 31, 2020.
The realization of the deferred tax asset is dependent upon the Company’s ability to generate sufficient taxable income in future periods. Based on historical results and the prospects for future current operations, management anticipates that it is more likely than not that future taxable income will be sufficient for the realization of this asset.
The Company has not provided U.S. deferred income taxes on the undistributed earnings of approximately $481 million of its non-U.S. subsidiaries since these earnings are intended to be permanently reinvested in the non-U.S. subsidiaries. In the future, if such earnings were distributed the Company projects that the incremental tax, if any, will be immaterial.
(17) Dividends from Subsidiaries and Statutory Financial Information
The Company’s insurance subsidiaries are restricted by law as to the amount of dividends they may pay without the approval of regulatory authorities. The Company’s lead insurer, Berkley Insurance Company ("BIC"), directly or indirectly owns all of the Company’s other insurance companies. During 2025, the maximum amount of dividends that can be paid by BIC without such approval is approximately $1.6 billion.
BIC’s combined net income and statutory capital and surplus, as determined in accordance with statutory accounting practices ("SAP"), are as follows:
(In thousands) 2024 2023 2022
Net income $ 1,624,686 $ 1,176,255 $ 1,358,813
Statutory capital and surplus $ 9,421,874 $ 8,776,138 $ 8,330,587
The significant variances between SAP and GAAP are that for statutory purposes bonds are carried at amortized cost, unrealized gains and losses on equity securities are recorded in surplus, acquisition costs are charged to income as incurred, deferred Federal income taxes are subject to limitations, excess and assumed workers’ compensation reserves are discounted at different discount rates and certain assets designated as “non-admitted assets” are charged against surplus. The Commissioner of Insurance of the State of Delaware has allowed BIC to recognize a non-tabular discount on certain workers' compensation loss reserves, which is a permitted practice that differs from SAP. The effect of using this permitted practice was an increase to BIC’s statutory capital and surplus by $163 million at December 31, 2024.
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (“NAIC”) has risk-based capital (“RBC”) requirements that require insurance companies to calculate and report information under a risk-based formula which measures statutory capital and surplus needs based on a regulatory definition of risk in a company’s mix of products and its balance sheet. This guidance is used to calculate two capital measurements: Total Adjusted Capital and RBC Authorized Control Level. Total Adjusted Capital is equal to the Company’s statutory capital and surplus excluding capital and surplus derived from the use of permitted practices that differ from statutory accounting practices. RBC Authorized Control Level is the capital level used by regulatory authorities to determine whether remedial action is required. Generally, no remedial action is required if Total Adjusted Capital is 200% or more of the RBC Authorized Control Level. At December 31, 2024, BIC’s Total Adjusted Capital of $9.3 billion was 411% of its RBC Authorized Control Level.
See Note 3, Investments in Fixed Maturity Securities, for a description of assets held on deposit as security.
(18) Common Stockholders’ Equity
The weighted average number of shares used in the computation of net income per share was as follows:
(In thousands) 2024 2023 2022
Basic 399,734 406,500 415,278
Diluted 403,224 409,948 419,192
Treasury shares have been excluded from average outstanding shares from the date of acquisition. The weighted average number of basic shares outstanding includes the impact of 17,659,297 common shares held in a grantor trust. The common shares held in the grantor trust are for delivery upon settlement of vested but mandatorily deferred restricted stock units ("RSUs"). Shares held by the grantor trust do not affect diluted shares outstanding since shares deliverable under vested RSUs were already included in diluted shares outstanding. The difference in calculating basic and diluted net income per share is attributable entirely to the dilutive effect of stock-based compensation plans. Changes in shares of common stock outstanding, net of treasury shares, are presented below. Shares of common stock issued and outstanding do not include shares related to unissued restricted stock units (including shares held in the grantor trust).
2024 2023 2022
Balance, beginning of year 384,817,136 396,819,150 397,756,323
Shares issued 951,930 1,059,500 1,118,418
Shares repurchased (5,702,996) (13,061,514) (2,055,591)
Balance, end of year 380,066,070 384,817,136 396,819,150
The amount of dividends paid is dependent upon factors such as the receipt of dividends from our subsidiaries, our results of operations, cash flow, financial condition and business needs, the capital and surplus requirements of our subsidiaries, and applicable insurance regulations that limit the amount of dividends that may be paid by our regulated insurance subsidiaries.
(19) Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The following table presents the carrying amounts and estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments as of December 31, 2024 and 2023:
2024 2023
(In thousands) Carrying Value Fair Value Carrying Value Fair Value
Assets:
Fixed maturity securities $ 22,397,865 $ 22,399,426 $ 20,178,308 $ 20,181,547
Equity securities 1,203,788 1,203,788 1,090,347 1,090,347
Arbitrage trading account 1,122,599 1,122,599 938,049 938,049
Loans receivable 405,453 405,248 201,271 198,244
Cash and cash equivalents 1,974,747 1,974,747 1,363,195 1,363,195
Trading accounts receivable from brokers and clearing organizations 60,327 60,327 303,614 303,614
Due from broker - - 36,747 36,747
Liabilities:
Due to broker 70,483 70,483 - -
Trading account securities sold but not yet purchased 73,358 73,358 9,357 9,357
Senior notes and other debt 1,831,158 1,425,852 1,827,951 1,480,076
Subordinated debentures 1,009,808 805,864 1,009,090 929,598
The estimated fair values of the Company’s fixed maturity securities, equity securities available for sale and arbitrage trading account securities are based on various valuation techniques that rely on fair value measurements as described in Note 12 above. The fair value of loans receivable is estimated by using current institutional purchaser yield requirements for loans with similar credit characteristics, which is considered a Level 2 input. The fair value of the senior notes and other debt and the subordinated debentures is based on spreads for similar securities, which is considered a Level 2 input.
(20) Commitments, Litigation and Contingent Liabilities
In the ordinary course of business, the Company is subject to disputes, litigation and arbitration arising from its insurance and reinsurance businesses. These matters are generally related to insurance and reinsurance claims and are considered in the establishment of loss and loss expense reserves. In addition, the Company may also become involved in legal actions which seek extra-contractual damages, punitive damages or penalties, including claims alleging bad faith in handling of insurance claims. The Company expects its ultimate liability with respect to such matters will not be material to its financial condition. However, adverse outcomes on such matters are possible, from time to time, and could be material to the Company’s results of operations in any particular financial reporting period.
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.
At December 31, 2024, the Company had commitments to invest up to $279 million and $48 million in certain investment funds and real estate construction projects, respectively.
(21) Leases
Lessees are required to recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability for leases with terms of more than 12 months on the balance sheet. All leases disclosed within this note are classified as operating leases. Recognized right-of-use asset and lease liability are reported within other assets and other liabilities, respectively, in the consolidated balance sheet. Lease expense is reported in other operating costs and expenses in the consolidated statement of income and accounted for on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
To determine the discount rate used to calculate present value of future minimum lease payments, the Company uses its incremental borrowing rate during the lease commencement period in line with the respective lease duration. In certain
cases, the Company has the option to renew the lease. Lease renewal future payments are included in the present value of the future minimum lease payments when the Company determines it is reasonably certain to renew.
The main leases entered into by the Company are for office space used by the Company’s operating units across the world. Additionally, the Company, to a lesser extent, has equipment leases mainly for office equipment. Further information relating to operating lease expense and other operating lease information is as follows:
For the Year Ended December 31,
(In thousands) 2024 2023
Leases:
Lease cost $ 45,718 $ 44,256
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities reported in operating cash flows $ 49,441 $ 49,910
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new lease liabilities $ 43,624 $ 53,753
As of December 31,
($ in thousands) 2024 2023
Right-of-use assets $ 180,035 $ 176,496
Lease liabilities $ 218,397 $ 218,621
Weighted-average remaining lease term 7.2 years 7.3 years
Weighted-average discount rate 5.59 % 5.10 %
Contractual maturities of the Company’s future minimum lease payments are as follows:
(In thousands) December 31, 2024
Contractual Maturities:
2025 $ 48,822
2026 41,861
2027 32,775
2028 30,550
2029 27,374
Thereafter 81,980
Total undiscounted future minimum lease payments 263,362
Less: Discount impact 44,965
Total lease liability $ 218,397
(22) Stock Incentive Plan
Pursuant to the Company's stock incentive plan, the Company may issue restricted stock units ("RSUs") to employees of the Company and its subsidiaries. The RSUs generally vest three to five years from the award date and are subject to other vesting and forfeiture provisions contained in the award agreement. The following table summarizes RSU information for the three years ended December 31, 2024:
2024 2023 2022
RSUs granted and unvested at beginning of period: 6,435,267 6,927,639 7,716,779
Granted 1,217,056 1,647,690 1,537,440
Vested (1,594,183) (1,726,956) (1,888,020)
Canceled (323,743) (413,106) (438,560)
RSUs granted and unvested at end of period: 5,734,397 6,435,267 6,927,639
Upon vesting, shares of the Company’s common stock equal to the number of vested RSUs are issued or deferred to a later date, depending on the terms of the specific award agreement. As of December 31, 2024, 17,589,942 RSUs had been deferred. RSUs that have not yet vested and vested RSUs that have been deferred are not considered to be issued and outstanding shares.
The fair value of RSUs at the date of grant are recorded as unearned compensation, a component of stockholders’ equity, and expensed over the vesting period. Following is a summary of changes in unearned compensation for the three years ended December 31, 2024:
(In thousands) 2024 2023 2022
Unearned compensation at beginning of year $ 148,080 $ 142,060 $ 135,535
RSUs granted, net of cancellations 63,347 62,418 60,628
RSUs expensed (52,380) (49,200) (47,611)
RSUs forfeitures (5,718) (7,198) (6,492)
Unearned compensation at end of year $ 153,329 $ 148,080 $ 142,060
(23) Compensation Plans
The Company and its subsidiaries have profit sharing plans in which substantially all employees participate. The plans provide for minimum annual contributions of 5% of eligible compensation; contributions above the minimum are discretionary and vary with each participating businesses's profitability. Employees become eligible to participate in the plan on the first day of the calendar quarter following the first full calendar quarter after the employee's date of hire provided the employee has completed 250 hours of service during the calendar quarter. The plans provide that 40% of the contributions vest immediately and that the remaining 60% vest at varying percentages based upon years of service. Profit sharing expense was $72 million, $75 million and $62 million in 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
The Company has a long-term incentive compensation plan ("LTIP") that provides for compensation to key executives based on the growth in the Company's book value per share over a five year period.
The following table summarizes the outstanding LTIP awards as of December 31, 2024:
Units Outstanding Maximum Value Inception to date earned through December 31, 2024 on outstanding units
2020 grant 196,500 $ 19,650,000 $ 19,650,000
2021 grant 206,000 20,600,000 20,600,000
2022 grant 227,750 22,775,000 20,169,540
2023 grant 241,000 24,100,000 12,466,473
2024 grant 253,750 25,375,000 6,476,304
The following table summarizes the LTIP expense for each of the three years ended December 31, 2024:
(In thousands) 2024 2023 2022
2018 grant $ - $ (125) $ 4,299
2019 grant - 3,366 6,904
2020 grant 135 7,047 6,653
2021 grant 3,543 6,561 6,574
2022 grant 8,167 6,155 6,232
2023 grant 7,076 5,424 -
2024 grant 6,476 - -
Total $ 25,397 $ 28,428 $ 30,662
(24) Supplemental Financial Statement Data
Other operating costs and expenses consist of the following:
(In thousands) 2024 2023 2022
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs $ 1,219,849 $ 1,038,975 $ 1,038,903
Insurance operating expenses 2,075,053 1,915,711 1,635,000
Insurance service expenses 90,640 91,714 96,419
Net foreign currency (gains) losses (52,376) 31,799 (50,930)
Other costs and expenses 269,140 285,737 242,113
Total $ 3,602,306 $ 3,363,936 $ 2,961,505
(25) Industry Segments
The Company’s reportable segments include the following two business segments, plus a corporate segment:
•Insurance - 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 - reinsurance business on a facultative and treaty basis, primarily in the United States, United Kingdom, Continental Europe, Australia, the Asia-Pacific region and South Africa, as well as operations that solely retain risk on an excess basis and certain program management business.
The Company's chief operating decision maker ("CODM") is the President and Chief Executive Officer. The CODM assesses performance, makes decisions and allocates resources for each of the three reportable segments based on their contribution towards the Company's profitability and balance sheet strength. Certain key metrics such as combined ratio and return on allocated capital for the Insurance and Reinsurance & Monoline Excess segments, as well as Corporate segment expenditures, are examples of key components of the assessment, decision-making and resource-allocation process.
The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies. Income tax expense and benefits are calculated based upon the Company’s overall effective tax rate.
Summary financial information about the Company’s reporting segments is presented in the following table. Income before income taxes by segment includes allocated investment income. Identifiable assets by segment are those assets used in or allocated to the operation of each segment.
Revenues Expenses
(In thousands) Earned
Premiums (1) Investment
Income Other Total (2) Losses and Loss Expenses Policy Acquisition and Insurance Operating Expenses Other Total Pre-Tax
Income
(Loss) Net
Income
(Loss)
to Common Stockholders
Year ended December 31, 2024
Insurance $ 10,086,308 $ 1,057,738 $ 37,455 $ 11,181,501 $ 6,332,490 $ 2,863,697 $ 43,231 $ 9,239,418 $ 1,942,083 $ 1,503,875
Reinsurance & Monoline Excess 1,462,177 234,728 - 1,696,905 799,105 431,205 - 1,230,310 466,595 367,569
Corporate, other and eliminations (3) - 40,695 601,943 642,638 - - 904,531 904,531 (261,893) (203,832)
Net investment gains - - 117,708 117,708 - - - - 117,708 88,503
Consolidated $ 11,548,485 $ 1,333,161 $ 757,106 $ 13,638,752 $ 7,131,595 $ 3,294,902 $ 947,762 $ 11,374,259 $ 2,264,493 $ 1,756,115
Year ended December 31, 2023
Insurance $ 9,007,376 $ 783,660 $ 36,830 $ 9,827,866 $ 5,615,526 $ 2,545,310 $ 37,112 $ 8,197,948 $ 1,629,918 $ 1,283,281
Reinsurance & Monoline Excess 1,393,311 221,966 - 1,615,277 756,616 409,376 - 1,165,992 449,285 355,155
Corporate, other and eliminations (3) - 47,209 605,544 652,753 - - 1,024,595 1,024,595 (371,842) (293,869)
Net investment gains - - 47,042 47,042 - - - - 47,042 36,792
Consolidated $ 10,400,687 $ 1,052,835 $ 689,416 $ 12,142,938 $ 6,372,142 $ 2,954,686 $ 1,061,707 $ 10,388,535 $ 1,754,403 $ 1,381,359
Year ended December 31, 2022
Insurance $ 8,171,828 $ 543,844 $ 33,347 $ 8,749,019 $ 5,013,614 $ 2,268,649 $ 31,294 $ 7,313,557 $ 1,435,462 $ 1,153,231
Reinsurance & Monoline Excess 1,389,601 200,512 - 1,590,113 848,136 405,254 - 1,253,390 336,723 271,580
Corporate, other and eliminations (3) - 34,829 590,141 624,970 - - 879,871 879,871 (254,901) (203,476)
Net investment gains - - 202,397 202,397 - - - - 202,397 159,727
Consolidated $ 9,561,429 $ 779,185 $ 825,885 $ 11,166,499 $ 5,861,750 $ 2,673,903 $ 911,165 $ 9,446,818 $ 1,719,681 $ 1,381,062
Identifiable Assets
(In thousands) December 31,
2024 2023
Insurance $ 33,030,140 $ 29,976,619
Reinsurance & Monoline Excess 5,669,729 5,545,249
Corporate, other and eliminations (3) 1,867,399 1,680,147
Consolidated $ 40,567,268 $ 37,202,015
_______________________________________
(1) Certain amounts included in earned premiums of each segment are related to inter-segment transactions.
(2) Revenues for Insurance includes $1,471 million, $1,171 million, and $1,029 million in 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively, from foreign countries. Revenues for Reinsurance & Monoline Excess includes $485 million, $463 million, and $412 million in 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively, from foreign countries.
(3) Corporate, other and eliminations represent corporate revenues and expenses and certain other items that are not allocated to business segments.
Net premiums earned by major line of business were as follows:
(In thousands) 2024 2023 2022
Insurance
Other liability $ 4,068,662 $ 3,605,298 $ 3,188,399
Short-tail lines (1) 2,201,661 1,825,027 1,562,122
Auto 1,481,569 1,270,907 1,097,704
Workers' compensation 1,237,888 1,212,294 1,197,810
Professional liability 1,096,528 1,093,850 1,125,793
Total Insurance 10,086,308 9,007,376 8,171,828
Reinsurance & Monoline Excess
Casualty (2) 771,329 821,826 893,777
Property (2) 424,296 330,359 278,807
Monoline Excess (3) 266,552 241,126 217,017
Total Reinsurance & Monoline Excess 1,462,177 1,393,311 1,389,601
Total $ 11,548,485 $ 10,400,687 $ 9,561,429
(1) Short-tail lines include commercial multi-peril (non-liability), inland marine, accident and health, fidelity and surety, boiler and machinery, high net worth homeowners and other lines.
(2) Includes reinsurance casualty and property and certain program management business.
(3) Monoline excess includes operations that solely retain risk on an excess basis.

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ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.

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ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
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

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ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
None.

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ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
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.

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ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
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.

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ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS
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.

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ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
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.

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ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
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

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ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
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.
Index to Financial Statement Schedules Page
Schedule II - Condensed Financial Information of Registrant
Schedule III - Supplementary Insurance Information
Schedule IV - Reinsurance
Schedule V - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
Schedule VI - Supplementary Information Concerning Property - Casualty Insurance Operations
(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).