W.R. Berkley Corporation's (NYSE: WRB) board of directors approved a special cash dividend of 50 cents per share. Concurrently, the board also approved a 9.1% hike in annual cash dividend to 48 cents. Shareholders, as of the close of business on Jun 24, 2024, will receive the quarterly dividend on Jun 28, 2024.
The recent dividend hike is the 19th straight increase by the insurer. It also pays special dividends. Notably, WRB has continually paid dividends for nearly five decades.
W.R. Berkley, banking on operational strength, has a solid balance sheet with sufficient liquidity and strong cash flows. A strong capital position enables the nation's largest commercial lines property casualty insurance provider to distribute wealth to shareholders via share repurchases, special dividends and dividend hikes.
Apart from dividends, the company resorts to regular share buybacks as another way to enhance shareholder value.
Improved pricing, expansion of international business, reserve discipline, a solid balance sheet and a prudent capital management policy should help WRB maintain its streak of dividend hikes and special dividends. The company targets a return on equity of 15% over ...