BERKLEY W R CORP
For the period ended Dec 31, 2024. Filed Feb 24, 2025.
View on SEC.govAbout this filing
A company's yearly report to the SEC, with audited financial statements. It is the fullest account a company gives of its business, its finances and the risks it sees.
FY2024 · Filed Feb 24, 2025
WRB$75.23-2.3%Stored close · as of Nov 6, 2026
What changed in Management’s Discussion and Analysis?
Read the current filingPrevious report: 10-K
Period ended 2023-12-31; filed 2024-02-23.
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Item 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONSCurrent report: 10-K
Period ended 2024-12-31; filed 2025-02-24.
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Item 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONSThe baseline is this issuer’s latest earlier reporting period of the same form that was filed before the current report. A previous 10-Q is a different quarter, not a year-over-year comparison. Amendments are excluded.
Compared 147 previous paragraphs and 140 current paragraphs.
73 unchanged; 58 reworded; 8 added; 15 removed; 1 previous and 1 current paragraphs rearranged.
Tables are not compared: 14 previous and 13 current tables excluded. Dates, whitespace, punctuation and numbering changes are ignored; changes to financial figures remain significant.
A changed paragraph is not evidence that risk increased or decreased. An unchanged paragraph does not establish that risk stayed the same.
Added paragraphs (8)
Current report
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.
Current report
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.
Current report
Favorable prior year development (net of additional and return premiums) was $4 million in 2024.
Current report
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.
Current report
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.
Current report
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.
Current report
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.
Current report
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.
Removed paragraphs (15)
Previous report
In March 2022, the Company sold a real estate investment consisting of an office building located in London for £718 million. The Company realized a pretax gain of $317 million in the first quarter of 2022, before transaction expenses and the impact of foreign currency, including the reversal of the currency translation adjustment. The gain was $251 million after such adjustments.
Previous report
In June 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.
Previous report
The ultimate impact of COVID-19 on the Company’s results of operations, financial position and liquidity is not within the Company’s control and remains unclear due to, among other factors, its ongoing impact and uncertainty in connection with its claims, reserves and reinsurance recoverables.
Previous report
Favorable prior year development (net of additional and return premiums) was $7 million in 2021.
Previous report
Insurance – Reserves for the Insurance segment developed favorably by $20 million in 2021 (net of additional and return premiums). The overall favorable development in 2021 was attributable to favorable development on the 2020 accident year, partially offset by adverse development on the 2016 through 2019 accident years.
Previous report
The favorable development on the 2020 accident year was largely concentrated in the auto liability and other liability lines of business, including commercial multi-peril liability. During 2020 the Company achieved larger rate increases in these lines of business than were contemplated in its budget and in its initial loss ratio selections. The Company also experienced significantly lower reported claim frequency in these lines in 2020 relative to historical averages, and lower reported incurred losses relative to its expectations. We believe that the lower claim frequency and lower reported incurred losses were caused by the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, for example, lockdowns, reduced driving and traffic, work from home, and court closures. However, due to the uncertainty regarding the ultimate impacts of the pandemic on accident year 2020 incurred losses, the Company elected not to react to these lower reported trends during 2020. As more information became available and the 2020 accident year continued to mature, during 2021 the Company started to recognize favorable accident year 2020 development in response to the continuing favorable reported loss experience relative to its expectations.
Previous report
The adverse development on the 2016 through 2019 accident years is concentrated largely in the other liability line of business, including commercial multi-peril liability, but is also seen to a lesser extent in auto liability. The adverse development for these accident years is driven by a higher than expected number of large losses reported, and particularly impacted the directors and officers liability, lawyers professional liability, and excess and surplus lines casualty classes of business. We also believe that increased social inflation is contributing to the increased number of large losses, for example, higher jury awards on cases which go to trial, and the corresponding higher demands from plaintiffs and higher values required to reach settlement on cases which do not go to trial.
Previous report
the sale of the property and casualty insurance services division of Breckenridge IS, Inc.
Previous report
▪For terrorism: $700 million.
Previous report
▪For Northeast wind exposures: $600 million.
Previous report
▪For all other perils and/or territories: $500 million.
Previous report
Contractual Obligations
Previous report
Following is a summary of the Company's contractual obligations as of December 31, 2023:
Previous report
The estimated payments for reserves for losses and loss expenses in the above table represent the projected (undiscounted) payments for gross loss and loss expense reserves related to losses incurred as of December 31, 2023. The estimated payments in the above table do not consider payments for losses to be incurred in future periods. These amounts include reserves for reported losses and reserves for incurred but not reported losses. Estimated amounts recoverable from reinsurers are not reflected. The estimated payments by year are based on historical loss payment patterns.The actual payments may differ from the estimated amounts due to changes in ultimate loss reserves and in the timing of the settlement of those reserves. In addition, at December 31, 2023, the Company had commitments to invest up to $339 million and $106 million in certain investment funds and real estate construction projects, respectively. These amounts are not included in the above table.
Previous report
The Company utilizes letters of credit to back certain reinsurance payments and obligations. Outstanding letters of credit were $29 million as of December 31, 2023. The Company has made certain guarantees to state regulators that the statutory capital of certain subsidiaries will be maintained above certain minimum levels.
Reworded paragraphs (58)
Previous wording
Our net reserves for losses and loss expenses of approximately $15.7 billion as of December 31, 2023 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.
Current wording
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.
Previous wording
Approximately $3.1 billion, or 20%, of the Company’s net loss reserves as of December 31, 2023 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.
Current wording
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.
Previous wording
(1)Reserves for excess and assumed workers’ compensation business are net of an aggregate net discount of $390 million and $416 million as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Current wording
(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.
Previous wording
(3)Reinsurance & Monoline Excess includes property and casualty reinsurance as well as operations that solely retain risk on an excess basis.
Current wording
(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.
Previous wording
The COVID-19 global pandemic has impacted, and may further impact, the Company’s loss costs. Accordingly, the ultimate net impact of COVID-19 on the Company's reserves remains uncertain. As of December 31, 2023, the Company had recognized losses for COVID-19-related claims activity, net of reinsurance, of approximately $384 million, of which $326 million relates to the Insurance segment and $58 million relates to the Reinsurance & Monoline Excess segment. Such $384 million of COVID-19-related losses included $381 million of reported losses and $3 million of IBNR. For the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company recognized current accident year losses for COVID-19-related claims activity, net of reinsurance, of approximately $1 million, all of which relates to the Insurance segment.
Current wording
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.
Previous wording
Reinsurance & Monoline Excess – Reserves for the Reinsurance & Monoline Excess segment developed unfavorably by $13 million in 2021. The unfavorable development in the segment was driven by the non-proportional reinsurance assumed liability and other liability lines of business, related primarily to accident years 2017 through 2019, and was partially offset by favorable development in excess workers’ compensation business which was spread across many prior accident years. The unfavorable non-proportional reinsurance assumed liability and other liability development was associated with our U.S. and U.K. assumed reinsurance business, and related primarily to accounts insuring construction projects and professional liability exposures.
Current wording
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.
Previous wording
Insurance – Reserves for the Insurance segment developed unfavorably by $24 million in 2023 (net of additional and return premiums). The unfavorable development for the segment was concentrated in the early part of the year, with reserve development being flat overall during the second half of 2023. 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.
Current wording
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.
Previous wording
Reinsurance & Monoline Excess – Reserves for the Reinsurance & Monoline Excess segment developed favorably by $5 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 and excess general liability (including umbrella) 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.
Current wording
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.
Previous wording
Insurance – Reserves for the Insurance segment developed unfavorably by $40 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.
Current wording
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
Previous wording
Reinsurance & Monoline Excess – Reserves for the Reinsurance & Monoline Excess segment developed favorably by $4 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 and non-proportional reinsurance assumed 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.
Current wording
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.
Previous wording
Reserve Discount. The Company discounts its liabilities for certain workers’ compensation reserves. The amount of workers’ compensation reserves that were discounted was $1,352 million and $1,464 million at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The aggregate net discount for those reserves, after reflecting the effects of ceded reinsurance, was $390 million and $416 million at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. At December 31, 2023, discount rates by year ranged from 0.7% to 6.5%, with a weighted average discount rate of 3.4%.
Current wording
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%.
Previous wording
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 $65 million and $60 million at December 31, 2023 and 2022, 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.
Current wording
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.
Previous wording
As of December 31, 2023, the Company has recorded an allowance for expected credit losses on fixed maturity securities of $37 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.
Current wording
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.
Previous wording
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 $3 million and $2 million as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Current wording
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.
Previous wording
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 (underwriting 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, 2023 and 2022. 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.
Current wording
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.
Previous wording
The Company reported net income of $1,381 million in both 2023 and 2022. The 2023 net income reflected an after-tax increase in net investment income of $216 million primarily due to rising interest rates and a larger investment portfolio related to fixed maturity securities, an after-tax increase in underwriting income of $38 million mainly due to the growth in premium rates, an after-tax reduction in interest expenses of $2 million due to debt repayment in 2022, an after-tax increase in profit from insurance service businesses of $1 million and an after-tax increase of $1 million in minority interest, offset by an after-tax reduction in net investment gains of $123 million mainly due to the gain on sale of a real estate investment in 2022, an after-tax increase in foreign currency losses of $65 million mainly due to weakening of the U.S. dollar against other currencies in 2023, an after-tax increase in corporate expenses of $37 million due to increased compensation-related costs, an increase of $28 million in tax expense due to a change in the effective tax rate and an after-tax decrease in profits from non-insurance businesses of $5 million. The number of weighted average diluted shares decreased by 6.2 million for 2023 compared to 2022, mainly reflecting shares repurchased in 2023.
Current wording
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.
Previous wording
Premiums. Gross premiums written were $12,972 million in 2023, an increase of 9% from $11,909 million in 2022. The increase was due to the growth in the Insurance segment of $977 million and $86 million in the Reinsurance & Monoline Excess segment. Approximately 81% and 82% of premiums expiring were renewed in 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Current wording
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.
Previous wording
Average renewal premium rates for insurance and facultative reinsurance increased 7.1% in 2023 and 6.4% in 2022, when adjusted for changes in exposures. Average renewal premium rates for insurance and facultative reinsurance excluding workers' compensation increased 8.1% in 2023 and 7.5% in 2022, when adjusted for changes in exposures.
Current wording
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.
Previous wording
•Insurance gross premiums increased 9% to $11,561 million in 2023 from $10,584 million in 2022. Gross premiums increased $516 million (13%) for other liability, $454 million (19%) for short-tail lines, $141 million (11%) for auto and $10 million (1%) for workers' compensation, partially offset by a reduction of $144 million (9%) for professional liability.
Current wording
•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.
Previous wording
•Reinsurance & Monoline Excess gross premiums increased 6% to $1,411 million in 2023 from $1,325 million in 2022. Gross premiums written increased $79 million (30%) for property lines and $28 million (12%) for monoline excess, partially offset by a reduction of $22 million (3%) for casualty lines.
Current wording
•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.
Previous wording
Net premiums written were $10,954 million in 2023, an increase of 10% from $10,004 million in 2022. Ceded reinsurance premiums as a percentage of gross written premiums were 16% in both 2023 and 2022.
Current wording
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.
Previous wording
Premiums earned increased 9% to $10,401 million in 2023 from $9,561 million in 2022. 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 2023 are related to business written during both 2023 and 2022. Audit premiums were $363 million in 2023 compared with $312 million in 2022.
Current wording
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.
Previous wording
Net investment income increased 35% to $1,053 million in 2023 from $779 million in 2022 due primarily to a $380 million increase in income from fixed maturity securities mainly driven by higher interest rates and a larger investment portfolio, a $24 million increase from the arbitrage trading account (including investment income from trading account receivables from brokers and clearing organizations), a $3 million increase from equity securities and a $3 million reduction in investment expenses, partially offset by a $128 million decrease in income from investment funds primarily due to financial service funds and real estate funds and an $8 million decrease in real estate. Investment funds are reported on a one quarter lag. The average annualized yield for fixed maturity securities was 4.4% in 2023 and 2.9% in 2022. The effective duration of the fixed maturity portfolio was 2.4 years at both December 31, 2023 and 2022. The Company maintained the shortened duration of its fixed maturity security portfolio, thereby reducing the potential impact of mark-to-market on the portfolio and positioning the Company to react quickly to changes in the current interest rate environment. Average invested assets, at cost (including cash and cash equivalents), were $26.4 billion in 2023 and $24.4 billion in 2022.
Current wording
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.
Previous wording
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 were $106 million in 2023 and $111 million in 2022. The decrease in service fees resulted from
Current wording
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.
Previous wording
Net Realized and Unrealized Gains 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 $48 million in 2023 compared with $217 million in 2022. In 2023, the gains reflected a change in unrealized gains on equity securities of $70 million, partially offset by net realized losses on investments of $23 million. In 2022, the gains reflected net realized gains on investments of $218 million (primarily due to a $251 million net gain from the sale of a real estate investment in London after transaction expenses and the foreign currency impact including reversal of the currency translation adjustment), partially offset by a change in unrealized losses on equity securities of $1 million.
Current wording
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.
Previous wording
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. In 2023, the pre-tax change in allowance for expected credit losses on investments increased by $498 thousand ($393 thousand after-tax), which is reflected in net investment gains. In 2022, the pre-tax change in allowance for expected credit losses on investments increased by $15 million ($12 million after-tax), which is reflected in net investment gains, primarily due to change in estimate.
Current wording
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.
Previous wording
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 were $536 million in 2023 and $510 million in 2022. The increase mainly relates to aviation-related business and the commercial and residential textile business, which we acquired in 2022, partially offset by the decrease of promotional merchandise and existing textile business.
Current wording
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.
Previous wording
Losses and Loss Expenses. Losses and loss expenses increased to $6,372 million in 2023 from $5,862 million in 2022. The consolidated loss ratio was 61.3% in both 2023 and 2022. Catastrophe losses, net of reinsurance recoveries, were $195 million (including current accident year losses of approximately $1 million related to COVID-19) in 2023 compared with $212 million (including losses of approximately $5 million related to COVID-19) in 2022. Adverse prior year reserve development (net of premium offsets) was $19 million in 2023 and $36 million in 2022 (refer to Note 13 of our consolidated financial statements for more detail). The loss ratio excluding catastrophe losses and prior year reserve development was 59.2% and 58.7% in 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Current wording
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.
Previous wording
•Insurance - The loss ratio was 62.3% in 2023 and 61.3% in 2022. Catastrophe losses were $160 million in 2023 compared with $127 million in 2022. Adverse prior year reserve development was $24 million in 2023, principally from property catastrophe losses, and $40 million in 2022. The loss ratio excluding catastrophe losses and prior year reserve development increased 1.0 points to 60.3% in 2023 from 59.3% in 2022.
Current wording
•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.
Previous wording
•Reinsurance & Monoline Excess - The loss ratio was 53.8% in 2023 and 61.3% in 2022. Catastrophe losses were $35 million in 2023 compared with $85 million in 2022. Favorable prior year reserve development was $5 million in 2023 and $4 million in 2022. The loss ratio excluding catastrophe losses and prior year reserve development decreased 3.1 points to 51.4% in 2023 from 54.5% in 2022.
Current wording
•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.
Previous wording
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 11% and net premiums earned increased 9% from 2022. The expense ratio (underwriting expenses expressed as a percentage of net premiums earned) increased by 0.4 points to 28.4% in 2023 from 28.0% in 2022 mainly due to lower ceding
Current wording
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.
Previous wording
Service expenses, which represent the costs associated with the fee-based businesses, was $92 million in 2023, down from $96 million in 2022, as a result of the sale of the property and casualty insurance services division of Breckenridge IS, Inc.
Current wording
Service expenses, which represent the costs associated with the fee-based businesses, was $91 million in 2024 compared to $92 million in 2023.
Previous wording
Net foreign currency losses (gains) result from transactions denominated in a currency other than a businesses’ functional currency. Net foreign currency losses were $32 million in 2023 compared to gains of $51 million in 2022, primarily related to the strengthening of the U.K. sterling and Euro against the U.S. dollar in 2023.
Current wording
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.
Previous wording
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 increased to $286 million in 2023 from $242 million in 2022, primarily due to the increase in compensation-related costs in 2023.
Current wording
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.
Previous wording
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 were $525 million in 2023 compared to $493 million in 2022. The increase mainly relates to the aviation-related business and the residential and commercial textile business, which we acquired in 2022, partially offset by the decrease of promotional merchandise and existing textile business.
Current wording
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.
Previous wording
Interest Expense. Interest expense was $127 million in 2023, down from $130 million in 2022, primarily due to the repayment at maturity of its $77 million aggregate principal amount of 8.7% senior notes and its $350 million aggregate principal amount of 4.625% senior notes in the first quarter of 2022.
Current wording
Interest Expense. Interest expense was $127 million in both 2024 and 2023.
Previous wording
Income Taxes. The effective income tax rate was 21.1% in 2023 and 19.5% in 2022. The higher effective income tax rate for the year, as compared to 2022, was primarily due to a net reduction to the Company’s valuation allowance against foreign tax credits and foreign net operating losses in the earlier period. 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%.
Current wording
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%.
Previous wording
The Company has not provided U.S. deferred income taxes on the undistributed earnings of approximately $261 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.
Current wording
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.
Previous wording
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 2023, 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 on the value of corporate share repurchases (net of issuance) went into effect on January 1, 2023, but was not material for 2023.
Current wording
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.
Previous wording
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. Our initial assessment is that the impact will not be significant, as the Company mainly operates in jurisdictions with a statutory tax rate above 15%.
Current wording
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.
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Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
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.
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Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
commissions, increased compensation costs and new start-up operating unit expenses.