EX-99.1 2 rli-20200722ex99161c7d0.htm EX-99.1

Exhibit 99.1

Graphic

RLI REPORTS SECOND QUARTER 2020 RESULTS

PEORIA, ILLINOIS, July 22, 2020 -- RLI Corp. (NYSE: RLI) – RLI Corp. reported second quarter 2020 net earnings of $92.2 million ($2.04 per share), compared to $40.5 million ($0.89 per share) for the second quarter of 2019. Operating earnings(1) for the second quarter of 2020 were $34.8 million ($0.77 per share), compared to $29.7 million ($0.66 per share) for the same period in 2019.

Second Quarter

Year to Date

Earnings Per Diluted Share

2020

2019

2020

2019

Net earnings

$

2.04

$

0.89

$

0.68

$

2.35

Operating earnings (1)

$

0.77

$

0.66

$

1.43

$

1.37

(1)

See discussion below: Non-GAAP and Performance Measures.

Highlights for the quarter included:

Underwriting income(1) of $24.2 million on a combined ratio(1) of 88.4.
1% increase in gross premiums written.
Net favorable development in prior years’ loss reserves, resulting in a $21.6 million net increase in underwriting income.
Book value per share of $23.39, an increase of 8% (inclusive of dividends) from year-end 2019.

“As we navigate the path forward in this uncertain environment, we remain focused on providing the best support possible to our customers, associates and communities,” said RLI Corp. Chairman & CEO Jonathan E. Michael. “Commitments to those we serve are most easily fulfilled from a position of sustainable strength. Our financial results are a testament to that longstanding foundation. Although COVID-19 related losses were $6 million in the quarter, we achieved underwriting profitability in all product segments and an 88 combined ratio overall. Underwriting results, paired with steady investment income, generated $0.77 of operating earnings per share for the quarter. In addition, a strong rebound in the capital markets contributed to an 8 percent increase in book value for the first six months of 2020. We are prepared to meet any further challenges this crisis may bring and thank all RLI associates for their dedication to our stakeholders.”

Underwriting Income

RLI achieved $24.2 million of underwriting income in the second quarter of 2020 on an 88.4 combined ratio, compared to $14.9 million on a 92.8 combined ratio in 2019. Results for both years include net favorable development in prior years’ loss reserves, which totaled $21.6 million and $17.8 million for 2020 and 2019, respectively.

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

Underwriting Income(1)

Combined Ratio(1)

(in millions)

2020

2019

2020

2019

Casualty

$

9.7

$

6.9

Casualty

92.8

95.0

Property

6.2

(0.4)

Property

86.4

101.1

Surety

8.3

8.4

Surety

70.6

71.2

Total

$

24.2

$

14.9

Total

88.4

92.8

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

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Other Income

Net investment income for the quarter decreased 0.5% to $16.9 million, compared to the same period in 2019. The investment portfolio’s total return was 6.6% for the quarter and 2.0% for the six months ended June 30, 2020.

RLI’s comprehensive earnings were $145.7 million for the quarter ($3.22 per share), compared to $68.3 million ($1.51 per share) for the same quarter in 2019. In addition to net earnings, comprehensive earnings (loss) included after-tax unrealized gains/(losses) from the fixed income portfolio.

Equity in earnings of unconsolidated investees was $5.1 million for the quarter, compared to $8.5 million from the same period last year. For the second quarter of 2020, $2.6 million of the equity in earnings of unconsolidated investees related to Maui Jim, Inc., a producer of premium sunglasses, and $2.5 related to Prime Holdings Insurance Services, Inc., a specialty insurance company. For the second quarter of 2019, equity in earnings of unconsolidated investees from Maui Jim and Prime was $6.5 million and $2.0 million, respectively.

Dividends Paid in the Second Quarter of 2020

On June 19, 2020, the company paid a regular quarterly dividend of $0.24 per share, a $0.01 increase over the prior quarter. RLI’s cumulative dividends total more than $529 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 earnings per share (EPS) from operations consist of our GAAP net earnings adjusted by the 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 EPS from operations. A reconciliation of the operating earnings and EPS from operations to the comparable GAAP financial measures is included in the 2020 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

At 10 a.m. central daylight time (CDT) tomorrow, July 23, 2020, RLI management will hold a conference call to discuss quarterly results with insurance industry analysts. Interested parties may listen to the discussion through the Internet at https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/rnmhrgqa.

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, 2019.

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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 45 consecutive years and delivered underwriting profits for 24 consecutive years. To learn more about RLI, visit www.rlicorp.com.

Media Contact

Aaron Diefenthaler

Vice President, Chief Investment Officer & Treasurer

309-693-5846

Aaron.Diefenthaler@rlicorp.com

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Supplemental disclosure regarding the earnings impact of specific items:

Operating Earnings Per Share

2020

2019

2020

2019

2nd Qtr

2nd Qtr

6 Mos.

6 Mos.

Operating Earnings Per Share(1)

$

0.77

$

0.66

$

1.43

$

1.37

Specific items included in operating earnings per share:(2) (3)

Net favorable development in casualty prior years' reserves

$

0.32

$

0.26

$

0.44

$

0.47

Net favorable (unfavorable) development in property prior years' reserves

$

-

$

(0.01)

$

0.05

$

0.01

Net favorable development in surety prior years' reserves

$

0.06

$

0.06

$

0.12

$

0.12

Net incurred losses related to:

2020 storms and civil unrest

$

(0.09)

$

-

$

(0.10)

$

-

COVID-19

$

(0.09)

$

-

$

(0.16)

$

-

2019 and prior catastrophe events

$

-

$

(0.06)

$

-

$

(0.07)

(1)See discussion above: Non-GAAP and Performance Measures.
(2)Includes incentive and profit sharing-related impacts which affected policy acquisition, insurance operating and general corporate expenses.
(3)Reserve development reflects changes from previously estimated losses.

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RLI CORP

2020 FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

(Unaudited)

(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

Three Months Ended June 30,

Six Months Ended June 30,

SUMMARIZED INCOME STATEMENT DATA:

2020

2019

% Change

    

2020

  

2019

% Change

Net premiums earned

$

208,734

$

207,541

0.6

%

$

424,316

$

412,230

2.9

%

Net investment income

16,917

16,998

(0.5)

%

34,695

33,563

3.4

%

Net realized gains (losses)

(2,109)

4,764

NM

13,043

13,832

(5.7)

%

Net unrealized gains (losses) on equity securities

74,705

8,810

NM

(55,690)

42,308

NM

Consolidated revenue

$

298,247

$

238,113

25.3

%

$

416,364

$

501,933

(17.0)

%

Loss and settlement expenses

101,202

103,919

(2.6)

%

212,223

198,216

7.1

%

Policy acquisition costs

69,463

71,742

(3.2)

%

142,404

143,034

(0.4)

%

Insurance operating expenses

13,906

16,948

(17.9)

%

28,287

33,615

(15.9)

%

Interest expense on debt

1,903

1,861

2.3

%

3,800

3,722

2.1

%

General corporate expenses

1,994

3,283

(39.3)

%

3,749

6,559

(42.8)

%

Total expenses

$

188,468

$

197,753

(4.7)

%

$

390,463

$

385,146

1.4

%

Equity in earnings of unconsolidated investees

5,100

8,468

(39.8)

%

9,614

13,782

(30.2)

%

Earnings before income taxes

$

114,879

$

48,828

135.3

%

$

35,515

$

130,569

(72.8)

%

Income tax expense

22,713

8,361

171.7

%

4,616

24,629

(81.3)

%

Net earnings

$

92,166

$

40,467

127.8

%

$

30,899

$

105,940

(70.8)

%

Other comprehensive earnings, net of tax

53,571

27,864

92.3

%

40,540

57,165

(29.1)

%

Comprehensive earnings

$

145,737

$

68,331

113.3

%

$

71,439

$

163,105

(56.2)

%

Operating earnings(1):

Net earnings

$

92,166

$

40,467

127.8

%

$

30,899

$

105,940

(70.8)

%

Less:

Realized (gains) losses

2,109

(4,764)

NM

(13,043)

(13,832)

(5.7)

%

Income tax on realized gains (losses)

(443)

1,001

NM

2,739

2,905

(5.7)

%

Unrealized (gains) losses on equity securities

(74,705)

(8,810)

NM

55,690

(42,308)

NM

Income tax on unrealized gains (losses) on equity securities

15,688

1,849

NM

(11,695)

8,884

NM

Operating earnings

$

34,815

$

29,743

17.1

%

$

64,590

$

61,589

4.9

%

Return on Equity:

Net earnings (trailing four quarters)

11.8

%

14.2

%

Comprehensive earnings (trailing four quarters)

17.0

%

20.7

%

Per Share Data:

Diluted:

Weighted average shares outstanding (in 000's)

45,274

45,219

45,311

45,056

Net earnings (loss) per share

$

2.04

$

0.89

129.2

%

$

0.68

$

2.35

(71.1)

%

Less:

Realized (gains) losses

0.05

(0.10)

NM

(0.29)

(0.30)

(3.3)

%

Income tax on realized gains (losses)

(0.01)

0.02

NM

0.06

0.06

0.0

%

Unrealized (gains) losses on equity securities

(1.66)

(0.19)

NM

1.24

(0.94)

NM

Income tax on unrealized gains (losses) on equity securities

0.35

0.04

NM

(0.26)

0.20

NM

EPS from operations(1)

$

0.77

$

0.66

16.7

%

$

1.43

$

1.37

4.4

%

Comprehensive earnings per share

$

3.22

$

1.51

113.2

%

$

1.58

$

3.62

(56.4)

%

Cash dividends per share - ordinary

$

0.24

$

0.23

4.3

%

$

0.47

$

0.45

4.4

%

Net Cash Flow provided by Operations

$

89,540

$

74,560

20.1

%

$

83,773

$

105,347

(20.5)

%

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

NM = Not Meaningful

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RLI CORP

2020 FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

(Unaudited)

(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

June 30,

December 31,

2020

2019

% Change

SUMMARIZED BALANCE SHEET DATA:

Fixed income, at fair value

$

2,075,093

$

1,983,086

4.6

%

(amortized cost - $1,956,137 at 6/30/20)

(amortized cost - $1,915,278 at 12/31/19)

Equity securities, at fair value

422,198

460,630

(8.3)

%

(cost - $270,987 at 6/30/20)

(cost - $262,131 at 12/31/19)

Other invested assets

63,440

70,441

(9.9)

%

Cash and cash equivalents

84,797

46,203

83.5

%

Total investments and cash

$

2,645,528

$

2,560,360

3.3

%

Premiums and reinsurance balances receivable

154,941

160,369

(3.4)

%

Ceded unearned premiums

93,679

93,656

0.0

%

Reinsurance balances recoverable on unpaid losses

364,756

384,517

(5.1)

%

Deferred policy acquisition costs

87,560

85,044

3.0

%

Property and equipment

52,350

53,121

(1.5)

%

Investment in unconsolidated investees

112,662

103,836

8.5

%

Goodwill and intangibles

53,923

54,127

(0.4)

%

Other assets

53,880

50,691

6.3

%

Total assets

$

3,619,279

$

3,545,721

2.1

%

Unpaid losses and settlement expenses

$

1,590,996

$

1,574,352

1.1

%

Unearned premiums

543,113

540,213

0.5

%

Reinsurance balances payable

24,777

25,691

(3.6)

%

Funds held

84,430

83,358

1.3

%

Income taxes - deferred

57,421

56,727

1.2

%

Bonds payable, long-term debt

149,395

149,302

0.1

%

Accrued expenses

35,998

66,626

(46.0)

%

Other liabilities

81,691

54,064

51.1

%

Total liabilities

$

2,567,821

$

2,550,333

0.7

%

Shareholders' equity

1,051,458

995,388

5.6

%

Total liabilities & shareholders' equity

$

3,619,279

$

3,545,721

2.1

%

OTHER DATA:

Common shares outstanding (in 000's)

44,953

44,869

Book value per share

$

23.39

$

22.18

5.5

%

Closing stock price per share

$

82.10

$

90.02

(8.8)

%

Statutory surplus

$

1,019,981

$

1,029,671

(0.9)

%

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RLI CORP

2020 FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

UNDERWRITING SEGMENT DATA

(Unaudited)

(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

Three Months Ended June 30,

GAAP

GAAP

GAAP

GAAP

Casualty

Ratios

Property

Ratios

Surety

Ratios

Total

Ratios

2020

Gross premiums written

$

190,047

$

69,286

$

27,820

$

287,153

Net premiums written

152,114

51,563

26,413

230,090

Net premiums earned

135,215

45,387

28,132

208,734

Net loss & settlement expenses

77,651

57.4

%

21,550

47.5

%

2,001

7.1

%

101,202

48.5

%

Net operating expenses

47,831

35.4

%

17,670

38.9

%

17,868

63.5

%

83,369

39.9

%

Underwriting income (loss) (1)

$

9,733

92.8

%

$

6,167

86.4

%

$

8,263

70.6

%

$

24,163

88.4

%

2019

Gross premiums written

$

189,123

$

64,360

$

29,788

$

283,271

Net premiums written

153,636

49,111

28,343

231,090

Net premiums earned

138,344

39,972

29,225

207,541

Net loss & settlement expenses

80,121

57.9

%

22,597

56.5

%

1,201

4.1

%

103,919

50.1

%

Net operating expenses

51,284

37.1

%

17,811

44.6

%

19,595

67.1

%

88,690

42.7

%

Underwriting income (loss) (1)

$

6,939

95.0

%

$

(436)

101.1

%

$

8,429

71.2

%

$

14,932

92.8

%

Six Months Ended June 30,

GAAP

GAAP

GAAP

GAAP

Casualty

Ratios

Property

Ratios

Surety

Ratios

Total

Ratios

2020

Gross premiums written

$

349,283

$

126,007

$

57,695

$

532,985

Net premiums written

279,291

92,990

54,912

427,193

Net premiums earned

278,635

89,735

55,946

424,316

Net loss & settlement expenses

171,916

61.7

%

37,521

41.8

%

2,786

5.0

%

212,223

50.0

%

Net operating expenses

98,309

35.3

%

36,139

40.3

%

36,243

64.8

%

170,691

40.2

%

Underwriting income (loss) (1)

$

8,410

97.0

%

$

16,075

82.1

%

$

16,917

69.8

%

$

41,402

90.2

%

2019

Gross premiums written

$

341,230

$

113,381

$

59,572

$

514,183

Net premiums written

278,538

86,433

56,790

421,761

Net premiums earned

275,244

78,718

58,268

412,230

Net loss & settlement expenses

160,575

58.3

%

35,530

45.1

%

2,111

3.6

%

198,216

48.1

%

Net operating expenses

102,387

37.2

%

35,378

45.0

%

38,884

66.8

%

176,649

42.8

%

Underwriting income (loss) (1)

$

12,282

95.5

%

$

7,810

90.1

%

$

17,273

70.4

%

$

37,365

90.9

%

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

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