Investment Returns Drive 3% Net Income Growth at W.R. Berkley

W.R. Berkley Corp. reported net income of $123.4 million during the first quarter of 2017, a 3% increase from $119.5 million in the same quarter of last year.  W.R. Berkley’s net written premiums, however, declined 1% to $1.65 billion during the first quarter, from $1.66 billion in the first quarter of 2016. Those net premiums included $426.5 million from the workers’ compensation line, up 6.6% from $399.9 million in the prior-year quarter.  The carrier’s improved net income was driven largely by an increase in investment income, up 14% to $148.9 million during th...