W.R. Berkley (NYSE: WRB) reported Q2 EPS of $1.17, $0.23 better than the analyst estimate of $0.94.

Second quarter highlights included:

• Net premiums written increased 27.2%.
• The reported combined ratio was 89.7%. The current accident year combined ratio before catastrophe losses of 2.2 loss ratio points was 87.5%.
• Return on equity of 15.0%.
• Record quarterly underwriting income of $202.2 million.
• Average rate increases excluding workers' compensation were approximately 9.7%.
• Net investment income increased 96.9% to $168.2 million.
• Total capital returned to shareholders was $112 million, consisting of $89 million of special dividends and $23 million of regular dividends.

For earnings history and earnings-related data on W.R. Berkley (WRB) click here.