W. R. Berkley Management
Management criteria checks 4/4
W. R. Berkley's CEO is Rob Berkley, appointed in Nov 2009, has a tenure of 16.67 years. total yearly compensation is $16.82M, comprised of 6.5% salary and 93.5% bonuses, including company stock and options. directly owns 1.45% of the company’s shares, worth $408.73M. The average tenure of the management team and the board of directors is 12 years and 6.7 years respectively.
Key information
Rob Berkley
Chief executive officer
US$16.8m
Total compensation
| CEO salary percentage | 6.53% |
| CEO tenure | 16.7yrs |
| CEO ownership | 1.5% |
| Management average tenure | 12yrs |
| Board average tenure | 6.7yrs |
Recent management updates
Recent updates
Seeking Alpha • Jul 03
W. R. Berkley: Capital Appreciation Potential From Its Baby Bonds
Summary W. R. Berkley Corporation demonstrates strong long-term outperformance versus insurance peers and the S&P 500, especially since 2025. WRB boasts 36 consecutive years of dividend payments, with 20 years of increases, currently yielding 2.69% on a $1.90 annual payout. WRB's baby bonds, all investment grade and callable, offer attractive yields to maturity between 7.02% and 7.45%, trading below par. WRB maintains robust credit ratings and balance sheet strength, with $44.35B in assets, $3.09B in debt, and $9.75B in equity. Read the full article on Seeking Alpha
Narrative Update • Jun 30
WRB: Softer Pricing And Margin Pressure Will Constrain Future Share Re Rating
Analysts have adjusted the W. R.
Narrative Update • Jun 16
WRB: Capital Returns And Underwriting Discipline Will Support Future Share Price Resilience
Analysts report a mixed reset on W. R.Narrative Update • Jun 01
WRB: Share Repurchases And Underwriting Discipline Will Support Future Earnings Resilience
Analysts have trimmed their average price targets for W. R.Narrative Update • May 15
WRB: Capital Returns And Underwriting Discipline Will Support Future Earnings Resilience
The analyst price target for W. R.Narrative Update • May 01
WRB: 2026 Execution Risks And Competition Will Pressure Future Share Re Rating
Analysts have made a modest upward revision to the average price target for W. R.Narrative Update • Apr 16
WRB: Sector Headwinds And 2026 Execution Risks Will Drive Share Re Rating
Analysts have trimmed the W. R.Narrative Update • Apr 02
WRB: Softer P&C Pricing And Margin Pressure Will Drive Share Re-Rating
Analysts have trimmed the average price target for W. R.
Narrative Update • Mar 19
WRB: Future Returns Will Reflect Softening Pricing And Resilient Earnings Profile
Analysts have trimmed their average price targets on W. R.Narrative Update • Mar 05
WRB: Capital Returns And Reinvestment Yields Will Support Future Earnings Resilience
The updated analyst price target for W. R.Narrative Update • Feb 19
WRB: Future Returns Will Balance Softening Pricing And Full Earnings Multiple Risk
Analysts have nudged their average price targets for W. R.Narrative Update • Feb 05
WRB: Future Returns Will Balance Softening Cycle And P E Compression Risk
Analysts have nudged their average price target for W. R.Narrative Update • Jan 22
WRB: Future Returns Will Reflect Softening Cycle And Premium P E Compression Risk
Analysts have trimmed their price target for W. R.Narrative Update • Jan 07
WRB: Future Returns Will Hinge On Softening Cycle And Premium P E Risk
Analysts have trimmed their average price target for W. R.Narrative Update • Dec 18
WRB: Higher Reinvestment Yields Will Support Stronger Future Earnings Profile
Our updated price target for W. R.Narrative Update • Dec 04
WRB: Future Returns Will Depend On Softening Cycle And Margin Resilience
Analysts modestly lifted their blended price target for W. R.Narrative Update • Nov 20
WRB: Future Performance Will Depend On Premium Trends And Margin Pressures
W. R.Narrative Update • Nov 05
WRB: Sector Shifts And Mixed Results Will Guide Share Performance Ahead
The analyst consensus price target for W. R.Narrative Update • Oct 22
Analyst Sentiment Mixed as W. R. Berkley Price Target Rises Amid Valuation Shifts
The consensus analyst price target for W. R.Narrative Update • Oct 08
Global Complexity And Digital Shifts Will Empower Specialty Insurance
Analysts have raised their price target for W. R.Seeking Alpha • Mar 29
W. R. Berkley: Fairly Valued After Mitsui Investment
Summary Shares of W.R. Berkley surged 10% after Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance announced plans to buy a 15% stake, boosting shares over 20% year-on-year. MSI's gradual open market purchases of WRB shares until March 2026 create favorable demand, with the Berkley family retaining significant control. WRB's strong financial performance, including a 22.4% operating return on equity and solid underwriting results, justifies MSI's strategic investment. Given the recent rally, WRB's valuation seems stretched; however, MSI's purchases should sustain it, making WRB a hold rather than a sell. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaSeeking Alpha • Feb 10
W. R. Berkley: A Compounding Machine, Not For Straight-Up Income Investors
Summary W. R. Berkley, an American insurance holding company that underwrites insurance and reinsurance on a global basis, focusing on commercial niche lines, is now a $22 billion (by market cap) insurance player. To date, the company has increased its dividend for 23 consecutive years, with a 10-year dividend growth rate of 9.4%. WRB grew its revenue from $7.2 billion in FY 2015 to $13.6 billion in FY 2024, a compound annual growth rate of 7.3%. The company showed healthy increases both in premiums written and investment income. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaSeeking Alpha • Feb 01
W. R. Berkley: Favorable Operating Conditions Continue To Drive Strong Earnings
Summary U.S. commercial insurer W. R. Berkley recently released fourth quarter results. Profitability continues to be excellent, aided by higher interest rates and the current upswing in the insurance cycle. This continues to be reflected in a premium valuation, with the stock's price-to-book ratio significantly ahead of its long-term average. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaSeeking Alpha • Jan 24
W. R. Berkley Q4 2024 Earnings Preview: Wait For Market Dips
Summary W. R. Berkley Corporation is a strong P&C insurer with consistent underwriting profits and superior risk management, but Q4 2024 earnings may be slightly impacted by higher catastrophe losses. The company has a decentralized structure with 60 independently managed units, allowing rapid market response and specialized knowledge across different insurance lines. Despite expected higher catastrophe losses, Berkley’s Q4 net premiums are projected to grow by 9% YoY, with stable operating expenses and strong investment income. WRB stock offers a low regular dividend yield but has a history of special dividends; current valuation suggests limited upside, recommending waiting for market dips for entry. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaSeeking Alpha • Nov 05
W. R. Berkley: Strong Results But A Premium Multiple
Summary W. R. Berkley shares have gained 27% over the past year, but recently declined 7% after Q3 results; I maintain a "hold" rating due to valuation. Q3 results showed solid performance despite higher catastrophe losses, with net written premiums rising to $3.06 billion, driven by premium inflation. Elevated interest rates boosted net investment income by 19%, and WRB's conservative fixed-income portfolio remains defensively positioned with an AA- average credit quality. WRB's forward multiple of 13.5-14x is relatively expensive; I recommend looking at Chubb for better value, though WRB's strong underwriting and buyback capacity remain positives. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaSeeking Alpha • Jun 06
W.R. Berkley: Pricing Pressure Could Weigh On Shares (Rating Downgrade)
Summary W.R. Berkley's stock has gained over 40% in the past year but has dropped 10% from its March highs. The company's Q1 earnings beat expectations, but there are concerns about a one-off boost to investment income and potential deceleration in underwriting results. Management's commentary on future growth and pricing dynamics has been disappointing, leading me to downgrade the stock to a hold. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaSeeking Alpha • Mar 28
W. R. Berkley: Good Global Insurer, Needs A Better Price
Summary W. R. Berkley is a holding group consisting of 60 individual insurance companies that provide specialty insurance products globally. The company has a strong balance sheet with assets of $37.2 billion and reserves for potential claims well-covered by assets. Management plans to allocate capital through reinvestment in existing businesses, starting new businesses or acquisitions, and continuing buybacks and dividends. While WRB's execution has been strong, it's also trading at a historically unattractive premium to tangible book value. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaSeeking Alpha • Jan 10
W. R. Berkley: Shares Fully Valued Amid A Favorable Macro Environment
Summary W. R. Berkley stock has been on a good run in recent times, buoyed by a favorable operating environment for commercial insurers. The company has a history of consistent underwriting profitability, with its combined ratio improving to the 90% area, while the higher interest rate environment is also benefiting investment income. While these tailwinds have led to a material uptick in W. R. Berkley's overall profitability, its current book value multiple fully reflects this, and investors should use the opportunity to realize profits. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaCEO Compensation Analysis
| Date | Total Compensation | Salary | Company Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 31 2026 | n/a | n/a | US$2b |
| Dec 31 2025 | US$17m | US$1m | US$2b |
| Sep 30 2025 | n/a | n/a | US$2b |
| Jun 30 2025 | n/a | n/a | US$2b |
| Mar 31 2025 | n/a | n/a | US$2b |
| Dec 31 2024 | US$17m | US$1m | US$2b |
| Sep 30 2024 | n/a | n/a | US$2b |
| Jun 30 2024 | n/a | n/a | US$2b |
| Mar 31 2024 | n/a | n/a | US$2b |
| Dec 31 2023 | US$17m | US$1m | US$1b |
| Sep 30 2023 | n/a | n/a | US$1b |
| Jun 30 2023 | n/a | n/a | US$1b |
| Mar 31 2023 | n/a | n/a | US$1b |
| Dec 31 2022 | US$17m | US$1m | US$1b |
| Sep 30 2022 | n/a | n/a | US$1b |
| Jun 30 2022 | n/a | n/a | US$1b |
| Mar 31 2022 | n/a | n/a | US$1b |
| Dec 31 2021 | US$14m | US$1m | US$1b |
| Sep 30 2021 | n/a | n/a | US$1b |
| Jun 30 2021 | n/a | n/a | US$931m |
| Mar 31 2021 | n/a | n/a | US$765m |
| Dec 31 2020 | US$10m | US$1m | US$531m |
| Sep 30 2020 | n/a | n/a | US$338m |
| Jun 30 2020 | n/a | n/a | US$351m |
| Mar 31 2020 | n/a | n/a | US$497m |
| Dec 31 2019 | US$11m | US$1m | US$682m |
Compensation vs Market: Rob's total compensation ($USD16.82M) is about average for companies of similar size in the US market ($USD14.67M).
Compensation vs Earnings: Rob's compensation has been consistent with company performance over the past year.
CEO
Rob Berkley (54 yo)
16.7yrs
Tenure
US$16,823,866
Compensation
Mr. William Robert Berkley, Jr. also known as Rob, is President & Director of Midwest Employers Casualty Company. Mr. Berkley serves as Director at W. R. Berkley Europe AG since March 25, 2025. He is Chair...
Leadership Team
| Name | Position | Tenure | Compensation | Ownership |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| President | 16.7yrs | US$16.82m | 1.45% $ 408.7m | |
| Executive VP & CFO | 10.2yrs | US$3.13m | 0.0063% $ 1.8m | |
| Executive Vice President of Investments | 11.1yrs | US$2.31m | 0.092% $ 25.9m | |
| Executive VP & Secretary | 6.1yrs | US$3.13m | 0.025% $ 7.2m | |
| Vice President of Investor Relations | 20.5yrs | no data | no data | |
| Senior VP & General Counsel | less than a year | no data | no data | |
| Senior VP & Chief Compliance Officer | no data | no data | no data | |
| VP & Chief Marketing Officer | 13yrs | no data | no data | |
| Senior Vice President of Human Resources | 16.8yrs | no data | no data | |
| Senior Vice President of Investments | 8.5yrs | no data | no data | |
| Executive Vice President | 24.5yrs | no data | no data | |
| Senior Vice President | no data | no data | no data |
12.0yrs
Average Tenure
66yo
Average Age
Experienced Management: WRB's management team is seasoned and experienced (12 years average tenure).
Board Members
| Name | Position | Tenure | Compensation | Ownership |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| President | 25.5yrs | US$16.82m | 1.45% $ 408.7m | |
| Independent Director | 25.5yrs | US$321.03k | 0.038% $ 10.7m | |
| Independent Director | 3.5yrs | US$332.03k | 0.0038% $ 1.1m | |
| Independent Director | 9.2yrs | US$330.03k | 0.015% $ 4.3m | |
| Chair of Berkley Entertainment | 2.6yrs | no data | no data | |
| Independent Director | 20.3yrs | US$370.53k | 0.041% $ 11.6m | |
| Chairman of Berkley Healthcare | 6.7yrs | no data | no data | |
| Independent Director | 14.2yrs | US$379.53k | 0.028% $ 7.9m | |
| Chairman of Vela Insurance Services | 1yr | no data | no data | |
| Independent Director | 6.7yrs | US$332.03k | 0.0087% $ 2.5m | |
| Independent Director | 2.1yrs | US$330.53k | 0.0025% $ 697.6k | |
| Independent Director | 1.1yrs | US$262.03k | 0.0015% $ 424.8k |
6.7yrs
Average Tenure
66yo
Average Age
Experienced Board: WRB's board of directors are considered experienced (6.7 years average tenure).
Company Analysis and Financial Data Status
| Data | Last Updated (UTC time) |
|---|---|
| Company Analysis | 2026/07/12 01:44 |
| End of Day Share Price | 2026/07/10 00:00 |
| Earnings | 2026/03/31 |
| Annual Earnings | 2025/12/31 |
Data Sources
The data used in our company analysis is from S&P Global Market Intelligence LLC. The following data is used in our analysis model to generate this report. Data is normalised which can introduce a delay from the source being available.
| Package | Data | Timeframe | Example US Source * |
|---|---|---|---|
| Company Financials | 10 years |
| |
| Analyst Consensus Estimates | +3 years |
|
|
| Market Prices | 30 years |
| |
| Ownership | 10 years |
| |
| Management | 10 years |
| |
| Key Developments | 10 years |
|
* Example for US securities, for non-US equivalent regulatory forms and sources are used.
Unless specified all financial data is based on a yearly period but updated quarterly. This is known as Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) or Last Twelve Month (LTM) Data. Learn more.
Analysis Model and Snowflake
Details of the analysis model used to generate this report is available on our Github page, we also have guides on how to use our reports and tutorials on Youtube.
Learn about the world class team who designed and built the Simply Wall St analysis model.
Industry and Sector Metrics
Our industry and section metrics are calculated every 6 hours by Simply Wall St, details of our process are available on Github.
Analyst Sources
W. R. Berkley Corporation is covered by 27 analysts. 10 of those analysts submitted the estimates of revenue or earnings used as inputs to our report. Analysts submissions are updated throughout the day.
| Analyst | Institution |
|---|---|
| null null | Argus Research Company |
| Taylor Scott | Barclays |
| Michael Zaremski | BMO Capital Markets Equity Research |