RLI Reports First Quarter 2025 Results

RLI Reports First Quarter 2025 Results

PEORIA, Ill.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
RLI Corp. (NYSE: RLI) – RLI Corp. reported first quarter 2025 net earnings of $63.2 million ($0.68 per share), compared to $127.9 million ($1.39 per share) for the first quarter of 2024. Operating earnings(1) for the first quarter of 2025 were $84.9 million ($0.92 per share), compared to $87.4 million ($0.95 per share) for the same period in 2024.

On January 15, 2025, RLI executed a two-for-one stock split of common stock. All share and per share data in this release reflect the stock split.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

First Quarter

 

 

 

Earnings Per Diluted Share

 

2025

 

2024

Net earnings

 

$

0.68

 

$

1.39

Operating earnings (1)

 

$

0.92

 

$

0.95

(1) See discussion below: Non-GAAP and Performance Measures.

 

Highlights for the quarter included:

  • Underwriting income(1) of $70.5 million on a combined ratio(1) of 82.3.
  • 5% increase in gross premiums written and 12% increase in net investment income.
  • Favorable development in prior years’ loss reserves resulted in a $27.4 million net increase in underwriting income.
  • Book value per share of $17.48, an increase of 6% (inclusive of dividends) from year-end 2024.

“We are pleased to report continued premium growth and profitability in the first quarter of 2025,” said RLI Corp. President & CEO Craig Kliethermes. “Gross premiums written increased 5%, driven by continued momentum in our casualty segment. Strong margins in our property and surety segments contributed to an overall combined ratio of 82.3. Coupled with positive investment returns, this led to a 6% increase in book value since year-end 2024. Our performance highlights the strength and resilience of our diversified, niche specialty portfolio. I am proud of our team’s dedication to our customers and their focus on delivering results for our shareholders.”

Underwriting Income

RLI achieved $70.5 million of underwriting income in the first quarter of 2025 on an 82.3 combined ratio, compared to $77.7 million on a 78.5 combined ratio in 2024.

Results for both years include favorable development in prior years’ loss reserves, which resulted in a $27.4 million and $37.4 million net increase to underwriting income in 2025 and 2024, respectively.

The following table highlights underwriting income and combined ratios by segment for the first quarter.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Underwriting Income(1)

 

 

 

 

 

Combined Ratio(1)

 

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

2025

 

2024

 

 

 

2025

 

2024

Casualty

 

$

2.1

 

$

13.7

 

Casualty

 

99.1

 

93.1

Property

 

 

56.9

 

 

57.7

 

Property

 

57.1

 

55.4

Surety

 

 

11.5

 

 

6.3

 

Surety

 

68.5

 

80.9

Total

 

$

70.5

 

$

77.7

 

Total

 

82.3

 

78.5

(1) See discussion below: Non-GAAP and Performance Measures.

Other Income(2)

Net investment income for the quarter increased 12% to $36.7 million, compared to the same period in 2024. The investment portfolio’s total return was 1.3% for the quarter.

RLI’s comprehensive earnings were $93.2 million for the quarter ($1.01 per share), compared to $115.2 million ($1.25 per share) for the same quarter in 2024. In addition to net earnings, comprehensive earnings for 2025 included after-tax unrealized gains from the fixed income portfolio, due to declining interest rates.

Dividends Paid in First Quarter of 2025

On March 20, 2025, the company paid a regular quarterly dividend of $0.15 per share, an increase of 3.4% over the prior quarter. RLI’s cumulative dividends total more than $967 million paid over the last five years.

Non-GAAP and Performance Measures

Management has included certain non-generally accepted accounting principles (non-GAAP) financial measures in presenting the company’s results. Management believes that these non-GAAP measures further explain the company’s results of operations and allow for a more complete understanding of the underlying trends in the company’s business. These measures should not be viewed as a substitute for those determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). In addition, our definitions of these items may not be comparable to the definitions used by other companies.

Operating earnings and operating earnings per share (EPS) consist of our GAAP net earnings adjusted by net realized gains/(losses), net unrealized gains/(losses) on equity securities and taxes related thereto. Net earnings and net earnings per share are the GAAP financial measures that are most directly comparable to operating earnings and operating EPS. A reconciliation of the operating earnings and operating EPS to the comparable GAAP financial measures is included in the 2025 financial highlights below.

Underwriting income or profit represents the pretax profitability of our insurance operations and is derived by subtracting loss and settlement expenses, policy acquisition costs and insurance operating expenses from net premium earned, which are all GAAP financial measures. The combined ratio, which is derived from components of underwriting income, is a performance measure commonly used by property and casualty insurance companies and is calculated as the sum of loss and settlement expenses, policy acquisition costs and insurance operating expenses, divided by net premiums earned, which are all GAAP measures.

Other News

During the first quarter, the company’s A+ (Superior) financial strength rating was affirmed by AM Best Company for the company’s insurance subsidiaries – RLI Insurance Company, Mt. Hawley Insurance Company and Contractors Bonding and Insurance Company.

At 10 a.m. central daylight time (CDT) on April 24, 2025, RLI management will hold a conference call to discuss quarterly results with insurance industry analysts. Interested parties may listen to the discussion at https://events.q4inc.com/attendee/513071564.

Except for historical information, this news release may include forward-looking statements (within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) including, without limitation, statements reflecting our current expectations about the future performance of our company or our business segments or about future market conditions. These statements are subject to certain risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially. Various risk factors that could affect future results are listed in the company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Form 10-K Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2024.

(2) All share and per share data reflect the 2-for-1 stock split that occurred on January 15, 2025.

About RLI

RLI Corp. (NYSE: RLI) is a specialty insurer serving niche property, casualty and surety markets. The company provides deep underwriting expertise and superior service to commercial and personal lines customers nationwide. RLI’s products are offered through its insurance subsidiaries – RLI Insurance Company, Mt. Hawley Insurance Company and Contractors Bonding and Insurance Company. All of RLI’s insurance subsidiaries are rated A+ (Superior) by AM Best Company. RLI has paid and increased regular dividends for 50 consecutive years and delivered underwriting profits for 29 consecutive years. To learn more about RLI, visit www.rlicorp.com.

Supplemental disclosure regarding the earnings impact of specific items:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reserve Development(1) and Catastrophe Losses,

 

 

Net of Reinsurance

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

March 31,

(Dollars in millions, except per share amounts)

 

2025

 

2024

Favorable development in casualty prior years’ reserves

 

$

5.1

 

$

18.1

Favorable development in property prior years’ reserves

 

$

17.6

 

$

18.9

Favorable development in surety prior years’ reserves

 

$

8.3

 

$

5.4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net incurred losses related to:

 

 

 

 

 

 

2025 catastrophe events

 

$

(12.0)

 

$

2024 and prior catastrophe events

 

$

 

$

(12.0)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating Earnings Per Share

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

March 31,

 

 

2025

 

2024

Operating Earnings Per Share(2)(3)

 

$

0.92

 

$

0.95

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Specific items included in operating earnings per share:(1) (4)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net favorable development in casualty prior years’ reserves

 

$

0.02

 

$

0.13

Net favorable development in property prior years’ reserves

 

$

0.14

 

$

0.15

Net favorable development in surety prior years’ reserves

 

$

0.07

 

$

0.04

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net incurred losses related to:

 

 

 

 

 

 

2025 catastrophe events

 

$

(0.09)

 

$

2024 and prior catastrophe events

 

$

 

$

(0.09)

(1)

Reserve development reflects changes from previously estimated losses.

(2)

See discussion above: Non-GAAP and Performance Measures.

(3)

All share and per share data reflect the 2-for-1 stock split that occurred on January 15, 2025.

(4)

Items included in operating earnings per share are after tax and incorporates incentive and profit sharing-related impacts which affected policy acquisition, insurance operating and general corporate expenses.

 

RLI CORP

2025 FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

(Unaudited)

(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

 

SUMMARIZED INCOME STATEMENT DATA:

 

 

2025

 

 

 

2024

 

 

 

% Change

 

Net premiums earned

 

$

398,345

 

 

$

360,676

 

 

 

10.4

 

%

Net investment income

 

 

36,726

 

 

 

32,847

 

 

 

11.8

 

%

Net realized gains

 

 

14,912

 

 

 

5,994

 

 

 

148.8

 

%

Net unrealized gains (losses) on equity securities

 

 

(42,318

)

 

 

45,314

 

 

 

NM

 

 

Consolidated revenue

 

$

407,665

 

 

$

444,831

 

 

 

(8.4

)

%

Loss and settlement expenses

 

 

177,238

 

 

 

143,824

 

 

 

23.2

 

%

Policy acquisition costs

 

 

123,687

 

 

 

110,454

 

 

 

12.0

 

%

Insurance operating expenses

 

 

26,874

 

 

 

28,703

 

 

 

(6.4

)

%

Interest expense on debt

 

 

1,335

 

 

 

1,618

 

 

 

(17.5

)

%

General corporate expenses

 

 

2,948

 

 

 

5,010

 

 

 

(41.2

)

%

Total expenses

 

$

332,082

 

 

$

289,609

 

 

 

14.7

 

%

Equity in earnings of unconsolidated investees

 

 

3,048

 

 

 

4,769

 

 

 

(36.1

)

%

Earnings before income taxes

 

$

78,631

 

 

$

159,991

 

 

 

(50.9

)

%

Income tax expense

 

 

15,417

 

 

 

32,091

 

 

 

(52.0

)

%

Net earnings

 

$

63,214

 

 

$

127,900

 

 

 

(50.6

)

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other comprehensive earnings (loss), net of tax

 

 

30,030

 

 

 

(12,671

)

 

 

NM

 

 

Comprehensive earnings

 

$

93,244

 

 

$

115,229

 

 

 

(19.1

)

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating earnings(1):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings

 

$

63,214

 

 

$

127,900

 

 

 

(50.6

)

%

Less:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net realized gains

 

 

(14,912

)

 

 

(5,994

)

 

 

148.8

 

%

Income tax on realized gains

 

 

3,132

 

 

 

1,259

 

 

 

148.8

 

%

Net unrealized (gains) losses on equity securities

 

 

42,318

 

 

 

(45,314

)

 

 

NM

 

 

Income tax on unrealized gains (losses) on equity securities

 

 

(8,888

)

 

 

9,516

 

 

 

NM

 

 

Operating earnings

 

$

84,864

 

 

$

87,367

 

 

 

(2.9

)

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Return on Equity:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings (trailing four quarters)

 

 

17.6

 

%

 

24.2

 

%

 

 

 

Comprehensive earnings (trailing four quarters)

 

 

19.8

 

%

 

25.1

 

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Per Share Data(2):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average shares outstanding (in 000’s)

 

 

92,528

 

 

 

92,326

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings per share

 

$

0.68

 

 

$

1.39

 

 

 

(51.1

)

%

Less:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net realized gains

 

 

(0.16

)

 

 

(0.06

)

 

 

166.7

 

%

Income tax on realized gains

 

 

0.03

 

 

 

0.01

 

 

 

200.0

 

%

Net unrealized (gains) losses on equity securities

 

 

0.46

 

 

 

(0.49

)

 

 

NM

 

 

Income tax on unrealized gains (losses) on equity securities

 

 

(0.09

)

 

 

0.10

 

 

 

NM

 

 

Operating earnings per share(1)

 

$

0.92

 

 

$

0.95

 

 

 

(3.2

)

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comprehensive earnings per share

 

$

1.01

 

 

$

1.25

 

 

 

(19.2

)

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash dividends per share – ordinary

 

$

0.15

 

 

$

0.14

 

 

 

11.1

 

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash flow provided by operations

 

$

103,514

 

 

$

70,946

 

 

 

45.9

 

%

(1)

See discussion above: Non-GAAP and Performance Measures.

(2)

All share and per share data reflect the 2-for-1 stock split that occurred on January 15, 2025.

 

NM = Not Meaningful
 

RLI CORP

2025 FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

(Unaudited)

(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

March 31,

 

December 31,

 

 

 

 

 

2025

 

2024

 

% Change

 

SUMMARIZED BALANCE SHEET DATA:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed income, at fair value

 

$

3,274,276

 

$

3,175,796

 

3.1

 

%

(amortized cost – $3,448,746 at 3/31/25)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(amortized cost – $3,391,159 at 12/31/24)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity securities, at fair value

 

 

725,946

 

 

736,191

 

(1.4

)

%

(cost – $447,799 at 3/31/25)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(cost – $417,897 at 12/31/24)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Short-term investments

 

 

116,601

 

 

74,915

 

55.6

 

%

Other invested assets

 

 

60,357

 

 

57,939

 

4.2

 

%

Cash and cash equivalents

 

 

27,058

 

 

39,790

 

(32.0

)

%

Total investments and cash

 

$

4,204,238

 

$

4,084,631

 

2.9

 

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accrued investment income

 

 

27,932

 

 

28,319

 

(1.4

)

%

Premiums and reinsurance balances receivable

 

 

242,655

 

 

230,534

 

5.3

 

%

Ceded unearned premiums

 

 

117,790

 

 

124,955

 

(5.7

)

%

Reinsurance balances recoverable on unpaid losses

 

 

752,829

 

 

755,425

 

(0.3

)

%

Deferred policy acquisition costs

 

 

169,628

 

 

166,214

 

2.1

 

%

Property and equipment

 

 

42,328

 

 

43,172

 

(2.0

)

%

Investment in unconsolidated investees

 

 

56,684

 

 

56,477

 

0.4

 

%

Goodwill and intangibles

 

 

53,562

 

 

53,562

 

0.0

 

%

Income taxes – deferred

 

 

10,043

 

 

7,793

 

28.9

 

%

Other assets

 

 

51,465

 

 

77,720

 

(33.8

)

%

Total assets

 

$

5,729,154

 

$

5,628,802

 

1.8

 

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unpaid losses and settlement expenses

 

$

2,743,245

 

$

2,693,470

 

1.8

 

%

Unearned premiums

 

 

975,721

 

 

984,140

 

(0.9

)

%

Reinsurance balances payable

 

 

27,693

 

 

44,681

 

(38.0

)

%

Funds held

 

 

105,721

 

 

97,380

 

8.6

 

%

Income taxes – current

 

 

24,735

 

 

749

 

NM

 

 

Short-term debt

 

 

100,000

 

 

100,000

 

 

%

Accrued expenses

 

 

63,454

 

 

124,242

 

(48.9

)

%

Other liabilities

 

 

84,373

 

 

62,173

 

35.7

 

%

Total liabilities

 

$

4,124,942

 

$

4,106,835

 

0.4

 

%

Shareholders’ equity

 

 

1,604,212

 

 

1,521,967

 

5.4

 

%

Total liabilities & shareholders’ equity

 

$

5,729,154

 

$

5,628,802

 

1.8

 

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OTHER DATA(1):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common shares outstanding (in 000’s)

 

 

91,773

 

 

91,738

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Book value per share

 

$

17.48

 

$

16.59

 

5.4

 

%

Closing stock price per share

 

$

80.33

 

$

82.42

 

(2.5

)

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Statutory surplus

 

$

1,787,065

 

$

1,787,312

 

(0.0

)

%

(1)

All share and per share data reflect the 2-for-1 stock split that occurred on January 15, 2025.

 

NM = Not Meaningful

 

RLI CORP

2025 FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

UNDERWRITING SEGMENT DATA

(Unaudited)

(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GAAP

 

 

 

GAAP

 

 

 

GAAP

 

 

 

GAAP

 

 

 

Casualty

 

Ratios

 

Property

 

Ratios

 

Surety

 

Ratios

 

Total

 

Ratios

 

2025

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross premiums written

 

$

278,454

 

 

 

$

170,052

 

 

 

$

42,600

 

 

 

 

$

491,106

 

 

 

Net premiums written

 

 

235,607

 

 

 

 

121,736

 

 

 

 

39,748

 

 

 

 

 

397,091

 

 

 

Net premiums earned

 

 

229,048

 

 

 

 

132,544

 

 

 

 

36,753

 

 

 

 

 

398,345

 

 

 

Net loss & settlement expenses

 

 

145,835

 

63.7

%

 

32,725

 

24.7

%

 

(1,322

)

 

(3.6)

%

 

177,238

 

44.5

%

Net operating expenses

 

 

81,142

 

35.4

%

 

42,904

 

32.4

%

 

26,515

 

 

72.1

%

 

150,561

 

37.8

%

Underwriting income (1)

 

$

2,071

 

99.1

%

$

56,915

 

57.1

%

$

11,560

 

 

68.5

%

$

70,546

 

82.3

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2024

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross premiums written

 

$

245,329

 

 

 

$

180,364

 

 

 

$

42,982

 

 

 

 

$

468,675

 

 

 

Net premiums written

 

 

205,628

 

 

 

 

133,171

 

 

 

 

38,834

 

 

 

 

 

377,633

 

 

 

Net premiums earned

 

 

198,276

 

 

 

 

129,411

 

 

 

 

32,989

 

 

 

 

 

360,676

 

 

 

Net loss & settlement expenses

 

 

109,472

 

55.2

%

 

32,577

 

25.2

%

 

1,775

 

 

5.4

%

 

143,824

 

39.9

%

Net operating expenses

 

 

75,130

 

37.9

%

 

39,118

 

30.2

%

 

24,909

 

 

75.5

%

 

139,157

 

38.6

%

Underwriting income (1)

 

$

13,674

 

93.1

%

$

57,716

 

55.4

%

$

6,305

 

 

80.9

%

$

77,695

 

78.5

%

(1)

See discussion above: Non-GAAP and Performance Measures.

Category: Earnings Release

Media Contact

Aaron Diefenthaler

Chief Investment Officer & Treasurer

309-693-5846

[email protected]

KEYWORDS: United States North America Illinois

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Insurance Professional Services

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