WRB Berkley W R Corp - 10-K
0000011544-26-000005Year-over-year tone shift - average net-tone change across Risk Factors and MD&A vs the prior 10-K. This filing is -0.05pp more bearish than last year's.
Why YoY instead of absolute: the LM lexicon has ~6.6× more negative words than positive (legal/risk-disclosure language is heavy on hedging), so every 10-K reads bearish on raw tone. Year-over-year change strips that bias and surfaces the actual shift in management's framing.
Tone shift by section
The two components the gauge averages: how Risk Factors and MD&A each shifted in net tone versus last year's 10-K. The headline above is their average, so a green needle over a soft section just means the other section carried it.
Sentence-level sentiment highlighting with category and subcategory filters is coming once the snippet-scoring pipeline lands. For now, dig into the actual section text on the Sections tab.
Language change vs prior 10-K
Risk Factors (Item 1A) - words with the biggest YoY frequency increase- catastrophe+8
- losses+6
- loss+5
- adversely+4
- excessive+4
- profitability+2
- opportunities+2
- strength+1
- achieve+1
- effective+1
Risk Factors (Item 1A)
9,850 words
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, including the impact of tariffs, 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. Recently, insurance rates have generally moderated for many lines of business, particularly for property lines, which in some instances are experiencing rate decreases. Rates for workers' compensation and certain professional liability lines of business continue to decrease.
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 face 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 Hannover Re. Perceived financial strength, in particular, is 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 rate increases have generally moderated for many lines of business, particularly for property lines, which in some instances are experiencing rate decreases. Rates for workers' compensation and certain professional liability lines of business continue to decrease. Loss costs continue to increase, principally due to continued social inflation. 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 $22.2 billion as of December 31, 2025. 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 $336 million in 2025, $298 million in 2024 and $195 million in 2023. 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.
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.
• A lthough 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 of operations.
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 of operations.
We, as a primary insurer, may have significant exposure to 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 2025 earned premiums, our aggregate deductible under TRIPRA during 2026 is approximately $1,835 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 potentially significant 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 current 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 adopted amendments to certain provisions in Solvency II, which EU member states are in the process of implementing in their domestic regulation over 2025 and 2026. 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, continue to diverge due to both the EU’s 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.
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.
Adverse economic factors, including recessions, inflation, periods of high unemployment, the impact of tariffs or lower economic activity could result in the sale of fewer policies than expected or an increase in frequency or severity of claims and premium defaults or both, which, in turn, could affect our growth and profitability.
Numerous factors, such as business revenue, economic conditions, the impact of tariffs, the volatility and strength of the capital markets and inflation can affect the business and economic environment. These same factors affect our ability to generate revenue and profits. In an economic downturn that is characterized by higher unemployment, declining spending and reduced corporate revenues, the demand for insurance products is generally adversely affected, which directly affects our premium levels and profitability. Negative economic factors may also affect our ability to receive the appropriate rate for the risk we insure with our policyholders and may adversely affect the number of policies we can write, including with respect to our opportunities to underwrite profitable business. In an economic downturn, customers may have less need for insurance coverage, cancel existing insurance policies, modify their coverage or not renew the policies they hold. Existing policyholders may exaggerate or even falsify claims to obtain higher claims payments. These outcomes would reduce our underwriting profit to the extent these factors are not reflected in the rates we charge.
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 existing or future 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, 2025, 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.
Given the inherent uncertainty of models, the usefulness of such models as a tool to evaluate risk is subject to a high degree of uncertainty that could result in actual losses that are materially different than our estimates. A deviation from our loss estimates may adversely impact, perhaps significantly, our financial results.
Our approach to risk management relies on subjective variables that entail significant uncertainties. For example, we consider estimates of probability of exceedance and deterministic scenarios for certain events that are generated by computer-run models. In addition, we use historical data and scenarios, among other factors, to analyze and manage credit and interest rate risks in our investment portfolio. It is possible that actual events could give rise to losses materially different to those estimated by these models.
Small changes in assumptions, which depend heavily on our judgment and foresight, can have a significant impact on the modeled outputs. For example, catastrophe models that simulate loss estimates based on a set of assumptions are important tools used to estimate our exceedance probability curves. These assumptions address a number of factors that impact loss potential including, but not limited to, the characteristics of a given natural catastrophe event; the increase in claim costs resulting from limited supply of labor and materials needed for repairs following a catastrophe event (demand surge); the types, function, location and characteristics of exposed risks; susceptibility of exposed risks to damage from an event with specific characteristics; and the financial and contractual provisions of the (re)insurance contracts that cover losses arising from an event. We run many model simulations in order to understand the impact of these assumptions on a catastrophe’s loss potential.
Furthermore, there are risks associated with catastrophe events, which are either poorly represented or not represented at all by catastrophe models. Each modeling assumption or un-modeled risk introduces uncertainty into estimated modeled losses that management must consider. These uncertainties can include, but are not limited to, the following:
• The models do not address all the possible hazard characteristics of a catastrophe peril (e.g. the precise path and wind speed of a hurricane);
• The models may not accurately reflect the true frequency of events;
• The models may not accurately reflect a risk's vulnerability or susceptibility to damage for a given event characteristic;
• The models may not accurately represent loss potential to insurance or reinsurance contract coverage limits, terms and conditions; and
• The models may not accurately reflect the impact on the economy of the area affected or the financial, judicial, political, or regulatory impact on insurance claim payments during or following a catastrophe event.
As a result of these factors and contingencies, our reliance on assumptions and data used to estimate exceedance probability curves and modeled scenario losses is subject to a high degree of uncertainty that could result in actual losses that are materially different from our modeled estimates and our financial results could be adversely affected.
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.
Our employees could take excessive risks, which could negatively affect our financial condition and business.
As an insurance enterprise, we are in the business of binding certain risks. The employees who conduct our business, including executive officers and other members of management, underwriters, product managers and other employees, do so in part by making decisions and choices that involve exposing us to risk. These include decisions such as setting underwriting guidelines and standards, product design and pricing, determining which business opportunities to pursue and other decisions. We endeavor, in the design and implementation of our compensation programs and practices, to avoid giving our employees incentives to take excessive risks. Employees may, however, take such risks regardless of the structure of our compensation programs and practices. Similarly, although we employ controls and procedures designed to monitor employees’ business decisions and prevent them from taking excessive risks, these controls and procedures may not be effective. If our employees take excessive risks, the impact of those risks could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and business operations.
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.
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, other computer systems, or other critical infrastructure 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 and results of operations could be harmed.
Failure to maintain the security of information technology systems and confidential data may expose us to liability .
Although we have taken reasonable steps intended to protect our data and information technology systems, and to mitigate potential 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 on which we rely.
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 responding to these threats 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.
Our increasing investment in and use of artificial intelligence technologies or their use by third-parties on which we rely could expose us to technological, security, legal, and other risks.
Products or services offered that develop or employ artificial intelligence (“AI”) technologies, including generative AI and machine learning, offer potential benefits (e.g., 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. As we make significant investments in AI and related technology and increasingly rely on the use of AI by third parties, we may not achieve the expected operational and other benefits, or such benefits may take longer than anticipated, and our competitors may adopt AI technologies more effectively or efficiently than we do, which may adversely affect our market position and results of operations.
In addition, 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 such as generative AI are relatively new and rapidly evolving, many of the potential risks regarding their use are currently unknown. Our investment in and use of AI technologies and the introduction of new products and services may also expose us to new or enhanced risks, particularly in areas where we have less experience or our existing internal control systems may be insufficient, which could require us to make substantial expenditures or subject us to legal liability, heightened regulatory scrutiny and brand or reputational harm.
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, 2025, our investment in fixed maturity securities was approximately $25.0 billion, or 75.3% 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 (16.0%); state and municipal securities (7.4%); corporate securities (34.7%); asset-backed securities (15.2%); mortgage-backed securities (19.2%) and foreign government (7.5%).
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, particularly in the event of a recession. 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. Similarly, our investments in foreign government fixed maturity securities expose us to currency risk, in addition to the underlying credit, interest rate and other risks.
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, 2025, our investment in these assets was approximately $5.6 billion, or 17.1%, of our investment portfolio, including cash and cash equivalents.
Merger and arbitrage trading securities were $1.2 billion, or 3.7% of our investment portfolio, including cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2025. 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 5.7% of our investment portfolio, including cash and cash equivalents, at December 31, 2025. 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 2026, the maximum amount of dividends that can be paid without regulatory approval is approximately $1.4 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 and other documents (such as voting and other arrangements with Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Co., Ltd.) 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; and
• 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.
In addition, Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Co., Ltd. ("MSI"), which owns approximately 14.7% of our common stock as of February 23, 2026, has entered into voting and other arrangements with members of the Berkley family, such that the Berkley family can, subject to certain exceptions, determine the voting of the Company shares held by MSI, including with respect to an
extraordinary transaction, other than one expected to result in a business combination that would give rise to a significant, direct and irresolvable conflict of interest for MSI.
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.
Language change vs prior 10-K
MD&A (Item 7) - words with the biggest YoY frequency increase- adverse+3
- claims+2
- damage+2
- weakening+2
- catastrophe+1
- favorable+5
- improved+2
MD&A (Item 7)
12,263 words
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 businesses 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.
Critical Accounting Estimates
The following presents a discussion of accounting policies and estimates relating to reserves for losses and loss expenses, assumed reinsurance premiums, allowance for expected credit losses and fair value measurements on 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 2025:
(In thousands)
Frequency (+/-)
Severity (+/-)
Our net reserves for losses and loss expenses of approximately $19.0 billion as of December 31, 2025 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 $3.4 billion, or 18.0%, of the Company’s net loss reserves as of December 31, 2025 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, 2025 and 2024:
(In thousands)
Insurance
Reinsurance & Monoline Excess
Net reserves for losses and loss expenses
Ceded reserves for losses and loss expenses
Gross reserves for losses and loss expenses
Following is a summary of the Company’s net reserves for losses and loss expenses by major line of business as of December 31, 2025 and 2024:
(In thousands)
Reported Case
Reserves
Incurred But
Not Reported
Total
December 31, 2025
Other liability
Professional liability
Workers’ compensation (1)
Auto
Short-tail lines (2)
Total Insurance
Reinsurance & Monoline Excess (1) (3)
Total
December 31, 2024
Other liability
Professional liability
Workers’ compensation (1)
Auto
Short-tail lines (2)
Total Insurance
Reinsurance & Monoline Excess (1) (3)
Total
(1) Reserves for excess and assumed workers’ compensation business are net of an aggregate net discount of $420 million and $405 million as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, 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)
Increase in prior year loss reserves
Increase in prior year earned premiums
Net favorable (unfavorable) prior year development
Favorable prior year development (net of additional and return premiums) was $3 million in 2025.
Insurance – Reserves for the Insurance segment developed unfavorably by $44 million in 2025 (net of additional and return premiums). The adverse development was driven by the other liability and auto liability lines of business, and was partially offset by favorable development for short tail lines of business, auto physical damage, professional liability and workers’ compensation.
The adverse other liability development was driven mainly by umbrella and excess liability claims, and to a lesser degree from the Company’s primary surplus lines casualty business. The umbrella and excess liability development included a significant component stemming from underlying auto exposures. The other liability development was concentrated in accident years 2017 through 2022. The adverse auto liability development was concentrated in accident years 2021 through 2023. The Company believes that auto-related claims are being particularly impacted by social inflation, which is contributing to an increase in the frequency of large losses beyond expectations. An increase in the frequency of litigated claims is also driving up both indemnity and loss adjustment expense in these lines of business beyond expectations. 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 development for both short tail lines of business and auto physical damage related to the 2024 accident year, and resulted from favorable settlements of both catastrophe and non-catastrophe property claims below our expectations. The favorable professional liability development related mainly to accident years 2022 and 2023, and was driven by lower reported claim frequency and incurred losses than expected. The favorable workers’ compensation development was mainly related to accident years 2023 and 2024, and resulted from a continuation of favorable reported claim frequency below expectations, although the magnitude of the favorable development in this line has moderated from levels seen in previous years.
Reinsurance & Monoline Excess – Reserves for the Reinsurance & Monoline Excess segment developed favorably by $47 million in 2025 (net of additional and return premiums). The favorable development was driven mainly by property and workers’ compensation business, and was partially offset by adverse development in casualty reinsurance assumed. Similar to the Insurance segment, the favorable property development related primarily to the 2024 accident year and resulted from favorable claims settlements below our expectations. The favorable workers’ compensation development was driven by continued lower claim frequency and reported losses relative to expectations, and was spread across many prior accident years, mainly 2017 through 2024. The unfavorable development for casualty reinsurance was concentrated mainly in accident years 2019 through 2023 and was associated primarily with non-proportional assumed reinsurance.
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 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.
Reserve Discount . The Company discounts its liabilities for certain workers’ compensation reserves. The amount of workers’ compensation reserves that were discounted was $1,400 million and $1,358 million at December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. The aggregate net discount for those reserves, after reflecting the effects of ceded reinsurance, was $420 million and $405 million at December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. At December 31, 2025, 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, 2025) 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, 2025), 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 $54 million and $51 million at December 31, 2025 and 2024, 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, 2025 is presented in the table below.
($ in thousands)
Number of
Securities
Aggregate
Fair Value
Unrealized
Loss
Foreign government
Corporate
State and municipal
Mortgage-backed securities
Total
As of December 31, 2025, the Company recorded an allowance for expected credit losses on fixed maturity securities of $0.1 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 $0.2 million and $1 million as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, 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, 2025:
(In thousands)
Carrying
Value
Percent
of Total
Pricing source:
Independent pricing services
Syndicate manager
Directly by the Company based on:
Observable data
Cash flow model
Total
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, 2025, 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, 2025 and 2024
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, 2025 and 2024. 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)
Insurance
Gross premiums written
Net premiums written
Net premiums earned
Loss ratio
Expense ratio
GAAP combined ratio
Reinsurance & Monoline Excess
Gross premiums written
Net premiums written
Net premiums earned
Loss ratio
Expense ratio
GAAP combined ratio
Consolidated
Gross premiums written
Net premiums written
Net premiums earned
Loss ratio
Expense ratio
GAAP combined ratio
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, 2025 and 2024.
(In thousands, except per share data)
Net income to common stockholders
Weighted average diluted shares
Net income per diluted share
The Company reported net income of $1,779 million in 2025 and $1,756 million in 2024. The $23 million increase in net income reflected an after-tax increase in net investment income of $75 million primarily due to a larger fixed maturity securities portfolio and increased investment income from investment funds, an after-tax increase in underwriting income of $29 million mainly due to growth in premium rates, a reduction of $18 million in tax expense due to a change in the effective tax rate, an after-tax increase in net investment gains of $11 million, an after-tax increase in profits from non-insurance businesses of $8 million and an after-tax increase in profit from insurance service businesses of $5 million, partially offset by an after-tax increase in foreign currency losses of $94 million due to the U.S. dollar weakening against other major currencies in 2025, an after-tax increase in corporate expenses of $22 million and an after-tax decrease in income of $7 million related to minority interests. The number of weighted average diluted shares decreased 3.4 million for 2025 compared to 2024, mainly reflecting shares repurchased in 2025 and 2024.
Premiums . Gross premiums written were $15,105 million in 2025, an increase of 6% from $14,211 million in 2024. The increase was due to the growth in the Insurance segment of $803 million and in the Reinsurance & Monoline Excess segment of $91 million. Approximately 81% of premiums expiring in 2025 and 2024 were renewed.
Average renewal premium rates (per unit of exposure) for insurance and facultative reinsurance increased 6.7% in 2025 and 6.9% in 2024. Average renewal premium rates (per unit of exposure) for insurance and facultative reinsurance excluding workers' compensation increased 7.6% in 2025 and 7.9% in 2024.
A summary of gross premiums written in 2025 compared with 2024 by line of business within each business segment follows:
• Insurance gross premiums increased 6% to $13,465 million in 2025 from $12,662 million in 2024. Gross premiums increased $365 million (11%) for short-tail lines, $264 million (5%) for other liability, $110 million (7%) for auto, $44 million (3%) for workers' compensation and $20 million (1%) for professional liability.
• Reinsurance & Monoline Excess gross premiums increased 6% to $1,640 million in 2025 from $1,549 million in 2024. Gross premiums written increased $63 million (13%) for property lines and $28 million (9%) for monoline excess, partially offset by a reduction of $0.2 million (less than 1%) for casualty lines.
Net premiums written were $12,711 million in 2025, an increase of 6% from $11,972 million in 2024. Ceded reinsurance premiums as a percentage of gross written premiums was 16% in both 2025 and 2024.
Premiums earned increased 8% to $12,447 million in 2025 from $11,548 million in 2024. 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 2025 are related to business written during both 2025 and 2024. Audit premiums were $333 million in 2025 compared with $350 million in 2024.
Net Investment Income . Following is a summary of net investment income (loss) for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024:
Amount
Average Annualized
Yield
(In thousands)
Fixed maturity securities, including cash and cash equivalents and loans receivable
Arbitrage trading account
Equity securities
Investment funds
Real estate
Gross investment income
Investment expenses
Total
Net investment income increased 7% to $1,429 million in 2025 from $1,333 million in 2024 due primarily to a $47 million increase in income from fixed maturity securities mainly driven by a larger fixed maturity securities portfolio, a $39 million increase in income from investment funds primarily due to transportation funds and financial services funds, a $5 million increase in arbitrage trading account, a $5 million increase in real estate and a $1 million increase from equity securities, partially offset by a $1 million increase in investment expenses. Investment funds are reported on a one quarter lag. The average annualized yield for fixed maturity securities was 4.9% in 2025 and 5.3% in 2024. The average annualized yield for fixed maturity securities excluding Argentine inflation-linked securities was 4.7% in 2025
and 4.5% in 2024. The effective duration of the fixed maturity portfolio was 3.0 years at December 31, 2025 and 2.6 years at December 31, 2024. Average invested assets, at cost (including cash and cash equivalents), were $31.6 billion in 2025, up 9% from $28.9 billion in 2024.
Insurance Service Fees . The Company earns fees from an insurance distribution business, a third-party administrator, and as a servicing carrier of workers' compensation assigned risk plans for certain states. Insurance service fees increased to $119 million in 2025 from $109 million in 2024, mainly due to organic growth within the business.
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 $131 million in 2025 compared with $80 million in 2024. The gains of $131 million in 2025 reflected an increase in unrealized gains on equity securities of $97 million and net realized gains on investments of $34 million. The gains
of $80 million in 2024 reflected an increase in unrealized gains on equity securities of $121 million, partially offset by net realized losses on investments of $41 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 $2 million ($1 million after-tax) in 2025 reflecting improved pricing related to fixed maturity securities and the redemption of one loan in the loan receivable portfolio, and $38 million ($30 million after-tax) in 2024 due to improved pricing associated with foreign government securities and corporate securities.
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 increased to $577 million in 2025 from $528 million in 2024 mainly due to the aviation-related business, partially offset by a reduction in promotional merchandise.
Losses and Loss Expenses . Losses and loss expenses increased to $7,772 million in 2025 from $7,132 million in 2024. The consolidated loss ratio was 62.4% in 2025 and 61.8% in 2024. Catastrophe losses, net of reinsurance recoveries, were $336 million in 2025, with the largest contributors being California wildfire losses and frequency of severe storms, and $298 million in 2024, driven by heightened frequency of severe catastrophe events, with Hurricanes Helene and Milton having the largest impacts. Favorable prior year reserve development (net of premium offsets) was $3 million in 2025 and $4 million in 2024 (refer to Note 13 of our consolidated financial statements for more detail). The loss ratio excluding catastrophe losses and prior year reserve development increased 0.6 points to 59.8% in 2025 from 59.2% in 2024.
A summary of loss ratios in 2025 compared with 2024 by business segment follows:
• Insurance - The loss ratio was 63.5% in 2025 and 62.8% in 2024. Catastrophe losses were $260 million in 2025 compared with $227 million in 2024. Adverse prior year reserve development was $44 million in 2025 and $8 million in 2024. The loss ratio excluding catastrophe losses and prior year reserve development increased 0.2 points to 60.7% in 2025 from 60.5% in 2024.
• Reinsurance & Monoline Excess - The loss ratio was 54.6% in 2025 and 54.7% in 2024. Catastrophe losses were $76 million in 2025 compared with $71 million in 2024. Favorable prior year reserve development was $47 million in 2025 and $12 million in 2024. The loss ratio excluding catastrophe losses and prior year reserve development increased 2.1 points to 52.7% in 2025 from 50.6% in 2024.
Other Operating Costs and Expenses . Following is a summary of other operating costs and expenses:
(In thousands)
Policy acquisition and insurance operating expenses
Insurance service expenses
Net foreign currency losses (gains)
Other costs and expenses
Total
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 7% and net premiums earned increased 8% from 2024. The expense ratio (policy acquisition and insurance operating expenses expressed as a percentage of net premiums earned) decreased by 0.2 points to 28.3% in 2025 from 28.5% in 2024.
Service expenses, which represent the costs associated with the fee-based businesses, were $94 million in 2025 and $91 million in 2024.
Net foreign currency losses (gains) result from transactions denominated in a currency other than a businesses’ functional currency. Net foreign currency losses were $68 million in 2025 compared to gains of $52 million in 2024, primarily due to the U.S. dollar weakening against other major currencies in 2025.
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 $298 million in 2025 from $269 million in 2024, primarily due to higher compensation-related costs and new start-up operating unit expenses in 2025.
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 increased to $552 million in 2025 from $513 million in 2024 mainly due to the aviation-related business, partially offset by a reduction in promotional merchandise.
Interest Expense . Interest expense was $127 million in both 2025 and 2024.
Income Taxes. The effective income tax rate was 21.7% in 2025 and 22.5% in 2024. The lower effective income tax rate for the year, as compared to 2024, was primarily due to an improved geographical mix of earnings and larger benefits attributable to 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 $585 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 but we do not expect this to have a meaningful impact on tax expenses. We are monitoring legislative developments and will continue to assess the potential financial implications.
Pursuant to the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, a corporate alternative minimum tax on certain corporations was introduced. 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 were not subject to this tax in 2025, 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 2025.
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 (the "OECD"), which applied in some countries commencing in 2024. The 2025 impact on the Company was not material, as the Company mainly operates in jurisdictions with a statutory tax rate above 15%. We will continue to evaluate this tax legislation given the recent release of administrative guidance applicable to U.S. multinationals issued by the OECD.
The Bermuda Corporate Income Tax Act 2023 introduced an income tax based on a statutory tax rate of 15% on Bermuda businesses, subject to reductions for foreign tax credits effective for fiscal years beginning on or after January 1, 2025. The legislation did not have a material impact on our income tax position.
Results of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2024 and 2023
For a comparison of the Company’s results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2024 to the year ended December 31, 2023, 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, 2024, which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 24, 2025.
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 3.0 years and 2.6 years at December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. The Company’s investment portfolio and investment-related assets as of December 31, 2025 were as follows:
($ in thousands)
Carrying
Value
Percent
of Total
Fixed maturity securities:
U.S. government and government agencies
State and municipal:
Special revenue
State general obligation
Local general obligation
Corporate backed
Pre-refunded (1)
Total state and municipal
Mortgage-backed securities:
Agency
Commercial
Residential-Prime
Residential-Alt A
Total mortgage-backed securities
Asset-backed securities
Corporate:
Industrial
Financial
Utilities
Other
Total corporate
Foreign government
Total fixed maturity securities
Equity securities available for sale:
Common stocks
Preferred stocks
Total equity securities available for sale
Cash and cash equivalents (2)
Investment funds
Real estate
Arbitrage trading account
Loans receivable
Total investments
(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.
(2) Cash and cash equivalents includes trading accounts receivable from brokers and clearing organizations, trading account securities sold but not yet purchased and unsettled purchases.
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, 2025, the carrying value of investment funds was $1,362 million, including investments in financial services funds of $360 million, other funds of $354 million (which includes a deferred compensation trust asset of $43 million), transportation funds of $273 million, infrastructure funds of $170 million, real estate funds of $163 million and energy funds of $42 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, 2025, 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 $419 million at December 31, 2025. The amortized cost of loans receivable is net of an allowance for expected credit losses of $0.2 million as of December 31, 2025. Loans receivable include real estate loans of $419 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.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Cash Flow . Cash flow provided from operating activities decreased to $3,583 million in 2025 from $3,678 million in 2024, primarily due to increased loss and loss expense payments partially offset by increased premium receipts.
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, purchase of investments, 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 83% invested in cash, cash equivalents and marketable fixed maturity securities as of December 31, 2025. 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, 2025, the Company had senior notes, subordinated debentures and other debt outstanding with a carrying value of $2,840 million and a face amount of $2,862 million. The maturities of the outstanding debt are $7 million in 2026, $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, 2025, there were no borrowings outstanding under the facility.
Equity . At December 31, 2025, total common stockholders’ equity was $9.7 billion, common shares outstanding were 377,155,799 and stockholders’ equity per outstanding share was $25.72. The Company repurchased 4,069,026 and 5,702,996 shares of its common stock in 2025 and 2024, respectively. The aggregate cost of the repurchases was $270 million in 2025 and $304 million in 2024. In 2025, the Board declared ordinary quarterly cash dividends of $0.08 per share in the first quarter and $0.09 per share in each of the remaining three quarters, as well as special dividends of $0.50 per share and $1.00 per share in the second and fourth quarters, respectively, for a total of $700 million in aggregate dividends in 2025.
Total Capital . Total capitalization (equity, debt and subordinated debentures) was $12.5 billion at December 31, 2025. The percentage of the Company’s capital attributable to senior notes, subordinated debentures and other debt was 23% and 25% at December 31, 2025 and 2024, 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, 2025, the Company had a gross deferred tax asset of $732 million (which primarily relates to loss and loss expense reserves, unearned premium reserves and employee compensation plans). The Company also has a $56 million valuation allowance against the gross deferred tax asset and a gross deferred tax liability of $634 million (which primarily relates to deferred policy acquisition costs, and various investment funds) resulting in a net deferred tax asset of $42 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, 2026:
◦ 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 businesses as well as U.S. and non-U.S. business written by Lloyd's Syndicate, excluding offshore energy. For 2026, some of our property catastrophe reinsurance is placed via an industry loss warranty ("ILW") cover and the equivalent Company 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 $40 million and $65 million within the first $100 million of limit. Limits purchased are the difference between these retained amounts 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, 2026, provides protection for bad faith and runaway loss adjustment expense losses in excess of $10 million (also in excess of the net policy limit) 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 $565 million. For excess workers’ compensation business, such coverage is generally in place for losses between $25 million and $550 million. Our workers’ compensation catastrophe reinsurance program is a shared cover for both excess and primary workers’ compensation business.
• Facultative reinsurance - The Company 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 continues to participate on the majority of the Company’s reinsurance placements. As of January 1, 2026, Lifson Re participates in a 32.5% share of the placed amounts, consistent with 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 "losses occurring" reinsurance treaties, 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, 2025:
Year Ended December 31,
(In thousands)
Earned premiums
Losses and loss expenses
Ceded earned premiums increased 8% in 2025 to $2,342 million. The ceded losses and loss expenses ratio decreased 3.5 points to 59.8% in 2025 from 63.3% in 2024.
The following table presents the credit quality of amounts due from reinsurers as of December 31, 2025.
(In thousands)
Reinsurer
Rating
Amount
Amounts due in excess of $20 million:
Lloyd’s of London
Partner Re
Munich Re
Berkshire Hathaway
Hannover Re
Renaissance Re
Swiss Re
Liberty Mutual
Everest Re
Arch Capital
Axis Capital
Sompo Holdings
Fairfax Financial
Nationwide Corp
TOA Reinsurance
Korean Re
Axa Insurance
MS & AD Insurance
Markel Corp
Chubb
Helvetia Holdings
Other reinsurers:
Rated A- or better
Secured (2)
All Others
Subtotal
Residual market pools (3)
Allowance for expected credit losses
Total
(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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- 0000011544-26-000005-index-headers.html0000011544-26-000005-index-headers.html
- Ticker
- WRB
- CIK
0000011544- Form Type
- 10-K
- Accession Number
0000011544-26-000005- Filed
- Feb 27, 2026
- Period
- Dec 31, 2025 (Q4 25)
- Industry
- Fire, Marine & Casualty Insurance
External resources
Permalink
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