How did WRB's Q4 earnings surprise impact its annual performance?

**W.R. Berkley's (WRB) Q4 earnings surprise had a positive impact on its annual performance**, as evidenced by the following key points: 1. **Q4 Earnings Performance**: - WRB reported a fourth-quarter net income of $382.2 million, with earnings per share (EPS) of $1.37, surpassing Wall Street's expectations. - Adjusted EPS was $1.16, which also exceeded market estimates. 2. **Annual Performance Implications**: - The company's annual net income for 2024 was significantly boosted by the strong Q4 performance. - With Q4 contributing above expectations, the annual EPS was likely enhanced, reflecting robust profitability for the year. 3. **Revenue and Premium Growth**: WRB's revenue for Q4 2024 was $3.51 billion, marking a 9.2% increase year-over-year. This growth in revenue, coupled with the earnings beat, indicates a strong annual performance. 4. **Market Reaction**: The market responded positively to the earnings news, with shares rising 1.35% in after-hours trading following the earnings release. This uptick reflects investor confidence in WRB's annual financial health. 5. **Catastrophe Losses and Investment Gains**: While wider catastrophe losses and investment gains influenced Q4 results, the company's resilience in overcoming these challenges and still exceeding expectations speaks to its robust risk management and financial strength. 6. **Analyst Expectations**: WRB's Q4 earnings outperformed analyst expectations, with adjusted EPS of $1.13 surpassing the consensus estimate of $0.99. This achievement contributed to a better annual EPS and overall financial performance. In conclusion, WRB's Q4 earnings surprise had a significant and positive impact on its annual performance, underscored by strong revenue growth, robust EPS, and a favorable market reaction.