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W. R. Berkley highlighted as ballast in Bristol US Equity strategy letter
In the latest Q2 2026 investor update, Bristol Gate’s US Equity Strategy points to Berkley’s 25 consecutive years of dividend increases and notes the shares closed at $72.36 on July 22, 2026.
Bristol Gate Capital Partners, in its Q2 2026 investor letter for a US Equity Strategy, said the strategy lagged the S&P 500 Total Return Index during the quarter on returns but emphasized stronger dividend growth.
The firm highlighted W. R. Berkley Corporation as a fit for its approach, describing the company as a property and casualty insurer that it views as having “ballast” characteristics for portfolios. According to the letter, Berkley runs a decentralized model across more than 50 business units and operates in specialty and excess and surplus lines that require underwriting expertise.
The update said Berkley has raised its dividend for 25 consecutive years, with a five year compound annual growth rate of roughly 11.6%, and it regularly returns excess capital through special dividends when its balance sheet allows. It also said earnings are relatively insulated from the economic cycle.
Yahoo Finance reported that on July 22, 2026, Berkley shares closed at $72.36 per share, valuing the company at about $26.85 billion, with a one month return of 4.43% and a gain of 5.57% over the past 52 weeks. The letter reiterated that Bristol Gate continues to focus on high dividend growth companies while maintaining discipline around valuation and earnings durability.
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