WR Berkley Sells Notes

WR Berkley Corporation (WRB - Analyst Report) sold $300 million of senior notes on Wednesday. This was an increase from the $250 million planned originally. 

Interest will be payable on the notes on Mar 15 and Sep 15 every year. The first interest payment will be made on Mar 15, 2010. The notes will mature on Sep 15, 2019; would be denominated as senior unsecured debt obligations of WR Berkley. 

The company intends to use the net proceeds for general corporate purposes, including the potential repurchase of its common stock and the repayment of debt. Such debt may include its $150 million of 5.125% senior notes, which will mature on Sep 30, 2010. Until the net proceeds of this offering are used, they will primarily be invested in the U.S. Treasury and Government agency obligations, money market funds, municipal bonds and high grade corporate debt securities and commercial paper. 

WR Berkley has and will continue to have a significant amount of debt after the offering. On Jun 30, 2009, before giving effect to this offering, the company had a total debt of $1,272 million. 

At present, Berkley’s debt to capitalization ratio stands at 27.9%. It will increase to 34.4% post this issue. It is to be noted that the company’s ability to pay fixed charges has diminished witnessed by a decline in the ratio of earnings to fixed charges which shrank to 4.5:1.0 in 2008 from 12.0:1.0 in 2007. 

During July, Berkley reported operating earnings of 60 cents per share, lower by 20 cents per share from the prior year. The company’s premium written remains under pressure. Also, realized losses from investments have enhanced during the quarter. We recommend a Neutral rating on the shares of the company.

Read the full analyst report on WRB