Darwin Professional Underwriters Inc. posted second-quarter netincome that more than quadrupled from the year ago period.

The Farmington, Conn.-based company reported net income of $3.4million compared with $600,000 in the 2005 period.

Gross premium written jumped 58 percent in the quarter, withyear-to-date premium of $118 million representing a 67 percent risefor the first six months of last year.

The combined ratio fell two points to 96.3 this quarter, whichthe company said was driven by decreases in both the loss ratio andexpense ratio.

Also in the quarter the company completed its public offering of6 million shares at $16 per share.

According to company Chief Executive Officer Stephen Sills, “Aswe said at the time of our offering, we believe there is ampleopportunity in the specialty markets for a company with the rightpeople, approach and execution.”

The company focuses on the professional liability insurancemarket and underwrites directors and officers and errors andomissions policies.