W.R. Berkley (WRB) Reports Q1 Earnings: What Key Metrics Have to Say (Revised)
For the quarter ended March 2024, W.R. Berkley (WRB) reported revenue of $3.23 billion, up 12.5% over the same period last year. EPS came in at $1.56, compared to $1.00 in the year-ago quarter.
The reported revenue compares to the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3.23 billion, representing a surprise of +0.18%. The company delivered an EPS surprise of +6.85%, with the consensus EPS estimate being $1.46.
While investors closely watch year-over-year changes in headline numbers -- revenue and earnings -- and how they compare to Wall Street expectations to determine their next course of action, some key metrics always provide a better insight into a company's underlying performance.
Since these metrics play a crucial role in driving the top- and bottom-line numbers, comparing them with the year-ago numbers and what analysts estimated about them helps investors better project a stock's price performance.
Here is how W.R. Berkley performed in the just reported quarter in terms of the metrics most widely monitored and projected by Wall Street analysts:
Combined Ratio - Total: 88.8% versus the four-analyst average estimate of 90%.
Expense Ratio: 28.6% versus the four-analyst average estimate of 28.7%.
Loss Ratio - Insurance Segment (Underwriting Ratios): 61.8% versus the four-analyst average estimate of 61.4%.
Net investment income: $319.84 million versus the four-analyst average estimate of $305.38 million. The reported number represents a year-over-year change of +43.2%.
Net premiums earned: $2.76 billion compared to the $2.75 billion average estimate based on four analysts. The reported number represents a change of +11% year over year.
Revenues from non-insurance businesses: $120.99 million versus $130.25 million estimated by four analysts on average. Compared to the year-ago quarter, this number represents a -2.6% change.
Net investment gains (losses)- Net realized gains on investment sales: $11.50 million compared to the $33.87 million average estimate based on three analysts. The reported number represents a change of -49.1% year over year.
Other income (loss): $0.50 million compared to the $0.12 million average estimate based on three analysts. The reported number represents a change of +363.6% year over year.
Insurance service fees: $25.32 million versus the three-analyst average estimate of $32.63 million. The reported number represents a year-over-year change of -22.9%.
Net premiums earned- Reinsurance: $365.58 million versus $318.10 million estimated by two analysts on average. Compared to the year-ago quarter, this number represents a +18.1% change.
Net premiums earned- Insurance: $2.40 billion compared to the $2.40 billion average estimate based on two analysts. The reported number represents a change of +9.9% year over year.
View all Key Company Metrics for W.R. Berkley here>>>
Shares of W.R. Berkley have returned -3.8% over the past month versus the Zacks S&P 500 composite's -4.2% change. The stock currently has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), indicating that it could perform in line with the broader market in the near term.
(We are reissuing this article to correct a mistake. The original article, issued earlier today, should no longer be relied upon.)
Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report
W.R. Berkley Corporation (WRB) : Free Stock Analysis Report