Open the filing on EDGARRLI REPORTS THIRD QUARTER 2026 RESULTS
PEORIA, ILLINOIS, October 19, 2026 - RLI Corp. (NYSE: RLI) reported third quarter 2026 net earnings of $81.0 million ($0.88 per share), compared to $124.6 million ($1.35 per share) for the third quarter of 2025. Operating earnings for the third quarter of 2026 were $79.3 million ($0.86 per share), compared to $75.8 million ($0.82 per share) for the same period in 2025.
| Third Quarter | Year to Date |
|---|
| Earnings Per Diluted Share | 2026 | 2025 | 2026 | 2025 |
| Net earnings | $0.88 | $1.35 | $3.29 | $3.38 |
| Operating earnings (1)(2) | $0.86 | $0.82 | $2.52 | $2.53 |
- See discussion below: Non-GAAP and Performance Measures.
- Equity in earnings of unconsolidated investees and the related taxes were removed from operating earnings and operating earnings per share beginning in the fourth quarter of 2025, resulting in consistent exclusion of unrealized changes in equity investments from operating results. Prior period amounts have been recast to conform to the current definition.
Highlights for the quarter included:
- Underwriting income of $58.8 million on a combined ratio of 86.2.
- Gross premiums written increased 2% and net investment income increased 13%.
- Favorable development in prior years’ loss reserves resulted in a $20.1 million net increase in underwriting income.
- Book value increased 10% from year-end 2025, inclusive of dividends and share repurchases.
“Our third-quarter results reflect consistent, disciplined execution across the business,” said RLI Corp. President & CEO Craig Kliethermes. “We delivered an 86 combined ratio, with strong underwriting performance in our property and surety segments. Gross premiums written increased 2%, led by our casualty segment. Investment income grew 13%, further contributing to earnings. As market conditions evolve across our portfolio, we remain focused on risk selection and profitable growth. We will continue to pursue opportunities where our underwriting expertise can deliver attractive long-term returns.”
Underwriting Income
RLI achieved $58.8 million of underwriting income in the third quarter of 2026 on an 86.2 combined ratio, compared to $60.5 million on an 85.1 combined ratio in 2025.
Results for both years include favorable development in prior years’ loss reserves, which resulted in a $20.1 million and $13.7 million net increase to underwriting income in 2026 and 2025, respectively.
The following table highlights underwriting income and combined ratios by segment for the third quarter.
| Underwriting Income | | | Combined Ratio | | |
| (in millions) | 2026 | 2025 | | 2026 | 2025 |
| Casualty | $1.0 | $4.5 | Casualty | 99.6 | 98.2 |
| Property | 50.5 | 50.4 | Property | 60.1 | 60.2 |
| Surety | 7.3 | 5.6 | Surety | 79.8 | 85.0 |
| Total | $58.8 | $60.5 | Total | 86.2 | 85.1 |
- See discussion below: Non-GAAP and Performance Measures.
Other Income
Net investment income for the quarter increased 13% to $46.7 million, compared to the same period in 2025. The investment portfolio’s total return was -2.0% for the quarter and 0.9% for the nine months ended September 30, 2026.
RLI’s comprehensive loss was $36.8 million for the quarter (-$0.40 per share), compared to $152.3 million of comprehensive earnings ($1.65 per share) for the same quarter in 2025. In addition to net earnings, comprehensive loss for 2026 included after-tax unrealized losses from the fixed income portfolio, due to rising interest rates.
Dividends and Share Repurchase Program
On September 15, 2026, the company paid a regular quarterly dividend of $0.18 per share, the same amount as the prior quarter.
During the third quarter, RLI repurchased 103,573 shares at an average price of $60.51 per share for a total cost of $6.3 million. As of September 30, 2026, $231.7 million of capacity remained available under the share repurchase program. Over the past five years, RLI has returned more than $1.3 billion to its shareholders through dividends and share repurchases.
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. Equity in earnings of unconsolidated investees and the related taxes were excluded from operating earnings and operating EPS beginning in the fourth quarter of 2025. The change was made to present a consistent approach in excluding all unrealized changes in equity investments. Operating earnings and operating EPS for prior periods have been recast to conform to the current definition. 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 2026 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) on October 20, 2026, 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/320165068.
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, 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 51 consecutive years and delivered underwriting profits for 30 consecutive years. To learn more about RLI, visit www.rlicorp.com.
Supplemental disclosure regarding the earnings impact of specific items:
| Reserve Development and Catastrophe Losses, |
|---|
| Net of Reinsurance |
|---|
| Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended |
|---|
| September 30, | September 30, |
|---|
| (Dollars in millions, except per share amounts) | 2026 | 2025 | 2026 | 2025 |
| Favorable development in prior accident years' casualty reserves | $8.2 | $8.1 | $35.8 | $28.4 |
| Favorable development in prior accident years' property reserves | $10.4 | $4.7 | $54.2 | $32.4 |
| Favorable development in prior accident years' surety reserves | $4.3 | $2.7 | $8.2 | $13.3 |
| Net incurred losses from current accident year catastrophe events: | | | | |
| Casualty | $(0.1) | $(0.2) | $(2.6) | $(2.0) |
| Property | $(3.9) | $0.2 | $(27.4) | $(24.0) |
| Operating Earnings Per Share |
| Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended |
| September 30, | September 30, |
| 2026 | 2025 | 2026 | 2025 |
| Operating Earnings Per Share(3)(4) | $0.86 | $0.82 | $2.52 | $2.53 |
| Specific items included in operating earnings per share:(1)(5) | | | | |
| Net favorable development in prior accident years' casualty reserves | $0.06 | $0.05 | $0.23 | $0.19 |
| Net favorable development in prior accident years' property reserves | $0.08 | $0.04 | $0.43 | $0.25 |
| Net favorable development in prior accident years' surety reserves | $0.03 | $0.02 | $0.06 | $0.10 |
| Net incurred losses from current accident year catastrophe events: | | | | |
| Casualty | $ - | $ - | $(0.02) | $(0.01) |
| Property | $(0.03) | $ - | $(0.20) | $(0.18) |
- Reserve development reflects changes in estimated losses for prior accident years, including development related to catastrophe events occurring in prior accident years.
- Current accident year catastrophe losses reflect net incurred losses from catastrophe events occurring during the current accident year. Development on prior accident year catastrophe events is included in reserve development by segment above.
- See discussion above: Non-GAAP and Performance Measures.
- Equity in earnings of unconsolidated investees and the related taxes were removed from operating earnings and operating earnings per share beginning in the fourth quarter of 2025, resulting in consistent exclusion of unrealized changes in equity investments from operating results. Prior period amounts have been recast to conform to the current definition.
- Items included in operating earnings per share are after tax and incorporate incentive and profit sharing-related impacts which affected policy acquisition, insurance operating and general corporate expenses.
RLI CORP
2026 FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
| Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, |
|---|
| SUMMARIZED INCOME STATEMENT DATA: | 2026 | 2025 | % Change | 2026 | 2025 | % Change |
| Net premiums earned | $424,914 | $407,695 | 4.2% | $1,253,396 | $1,207,944 | 3.8% |
| Net investment income | 46,694 | 41,270 | 13.1% | 135,057 | 117,414 | 15.0% |
| Net realized gains | 8,637 | 18,318 | (52.8)% | 27,603 | 48,234 | (42.8)% |
| Net unrealized gains (losses) on equity securities | (3,282) | 41,981 | NM | 60,346 | 43,163 | 39.8% |
| Consolidated revenue | $476,963 | $509,264 | (6.3)% | $1,476,402 | $1,416,755 | 4.2% |
| Loss and settlement expenses | 201,341 | 187,998 | 7.1% | 584,480 | 549,814 | 6.3% |
| Policy acquisition costs | 134,147 | 128,937 | 4.0% | 400,897 | 378,126 | 6.0% |
| Insurance operating expenses | 30,657 | 30,215 | 1.5% | 91,554 | 86,683 | 5.6% |
| Interest expense on debt | 4,200 | 1,364 | NM | 10,994 | 4,049 | 171.5% |
| General corporate expenses | 3,388 | 5,045 | (32.8)% | 12,335 | 12,747 | (3.2)% |
| Total expenses | $373,733 | $353,559 | 5.7% | $1,100,260 | $1,031,419 | 6.7% |
| Equity in earnings of unconsolidated investees | (3,137) | 1,540 | NM | 1,980 | 7,055 | (71.9)% |
| Earnings before income taxes | $100,093 | $157,245 | (36.3)% | $378,122 | $392,391 | (3.6)% |
| Income tax expense | 19,084 | 32,635 | (41.5)% | 74,200 | 80,231 | (7.5)% |
| Net earnings | $81,009 | $124,610 | (35.0)% | $303,922 | $312,160 | (2.6)% |
| Other comprehensive earnings (loss), net of tax | (117,809) | 27,674 | NM | (145,489) | 76,405 | NM |
| Comprehensive earnings (loss) | $(36,800) | $152,284 | NM | $158,433 | $388,565 | (59.2)% |
| Operating earnings: | | | | | | |
| Net earnings | $81,009 | $124,610 | (35.0)% | $303,922 | $312,160 | (2.6)% |
| Less: | | | | | | |
| Net realized gains | (8,637) | (18,318) | (52.8)% | (27,603) | (48,234) | (42.8)% |
| Income tax on realized gains | 1,814 | 3,848 | (52.9)% | 5,797 | 10,130 | (42.8)% |
| Net unrealized (gains) losses on equity securities | 3,282 | (41,981) | NM | (60,346) | (43,163) | 39.8% |
| Income tax on unrealized gains (losses) on equity securities | (689) | 8,816 | NM | 12,672 | 9,064 | 39.8% |
| Equity in earnings of unconsolidated investees | 3,137 | (1,540) | NM | (1,980) | (7,055) | (71.9)% |
| Income tax on equity in earnings of unconsolidated investees | (659) | 323 | NM | 416 | 1,481 | (71.9)% |
| Operating earnings | $79,257 | $75,758 | 4.6% | $232,878 | $234,383 | (0.6)% |
| Return on Equity: | | | | | | |
| Net earnings (trailing four quarters) | | | | 22.2% | 20.8% | |
| Comprehensive earnings (trailing four quarters) | | | | 14.5% | 21.3% | |
| Per Share Data: | | | | | | |
| Diluted: | | | | | | |
| Weighted average shares outstanding (in 000's) | 92,251 | 92,310 | | 92,259 | 92,460 | |
| Net earnings per share | $0.88 | $1.35 | (34.8)% | $3.29 | $3.38 | (2.7)% |
| Less: | | | | | | |
| Net realized gains | (0.09) | (0.20) | (55.0)% | (0.30) | (0.52) | (42.3)% |
| Income tax on realized gains | 0.02 | 0.04 | (50.0)% | 0.06 | 0.11 | (45.5)% |
| Net unrealized (gains) losses on equity securities | 0.04 | (0.45) | NM | (0.65) | (0.47) | 38.3% |
| Income tax on unrealized gains (losses) on equity securities | (0.01) | 0.09 | NM | 0.14 | 0.10 | 40.0% |
| Equity in earnings of unconsolidated investees | 0.03 | (0.01) | NM | (0.02) | (0.08) | (75.0)% |
| Income tax on equity in earnings of unconsolidated investees | (0.01) | - | NM | - | 0.01 | (100.0)% |
| Operating earnings per share(1)(2) | $0.86 | $0.82 | 4.9% | $2.52 | $2.53 | (0.4)% |
| Comprehensive earnings (loss) per share | $(0.40) | $1.65 | NM | $1.72 | $4.20 | (59.0)% |
| Cash dividends per share - ordinary | $0.18 | $0.16 | 12.5% | $0.52 | $0.47 | 10.6% |
| Cash dividends per share - special | $ - | $ - | NM | $2.00 | $ - | NM |
| Net cash flow provided by operations | $194,659 | $179,220 | 8.6% | $382,708 | $457,453 | (16.3)% |
- See discussion above: Non-GAAP and Performance Measures.
- Equity in earnings of unconsolidated investees and the related taxes were removed from operating earnings and operating earnings per share beginning in the fourth quarter of 2025, resulting in consistent exclusion of unrealized changes in equity investments from operating results. Prior period amounts have been recast to conform to the current definition.
NM = Not Meaningful
RLI CORP
2026 FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
| September 30, | December 31, | |
|---|
| 2026 | 2025 | % Change |
|---|
| SUMMARIZED BALANCE SHEET DATA: | | | |
| Fixed income, at fair value | $3,600,969 | $3,533,336 | 1.9% |
| (amortized cost - $3,892,806 at 9/30/26) | | | |
| (amortized cost - $3,642,362 at 12/31/25) | | | |
| Equity securities, at fair value | 948,319 | 898,876 | 5.5% |
| (cost - $523,206 at 9/30/26) | | | |
| (cost - $534,311 at 12/31/25) | | | |
| Short-term investments | 254,273 | 120,562 | 110.9% |
| Other invested assets | 57,608 | 59,281 | (2.8)% |
| Cash and cash equivalents | 46,212 | 51,565 | (10.4)% |
| Total investments and cash | $4,907,381 | $4,663,620 | 5.2% |
| Accrued investment income | 32,205 | 30,026 | 7.3% |
| Premiums and reinsurance balances receivable | 231,730 | 212,226 | 9.2% |
| Ceded unearned premiums | 124,169 | 124,669 | (0.4)% |
| Reinsurance balances recoverable on unpaid losses | 727,036 | 746,798 | (2.6)% |
| Deferred policy acquisition costs | 191,393 | 172,648 | 10.9% |
| Property and equipment | 41,032 | 40,733 | 0.7% |
| Investment in unconsolidated investees | 54,455 | 53,521 | 1.7% |
| Goodwill and intangibles | 53,562 | 53,562 | 0.0% |
| Income taxes - deferred | 9,508 | - | NM |
| Other assets | 73,088 | 63,683 | 14.8% |
| Total assets | $6,445,559 | $6,161,486 | 4.6% |
| Unpaid losses and settlement expenses | $2,997,555 | $2,886,819 | 3.8% |
| Unearned premiums | 1,069,378 | 991,636 | 7.8% |
| Reinsurance balances payable | 30,535 | 40,580 | (24.8)% |
| Funds held | 140,441 | 127,242 | 10.4% |
| Income taxes - current | 1,842 | 29,724 | (93.8)% |
| Income taxes - deferred | - | 21,769 | (100.0)% |
| Short-term debt | - | 100,000 | (100.0)% |
| Long-term debt | 297,044 | - | NM |
| Accrued expenses | 110,054 | 128,597 | (14.4)% |
| Other liabilities | 102,537 | 56,923 | 80.1% |
| Total liabilities | $4,749,386 | $4,383,290 | 8.4% |
| Shareholders' equity | 1,696,173 | 1,778,196 | (4.6)% |
| Total liabilities & shareholders' equity | $6,445,559 | $6,161,486 | 4.6% |
| OTHER DATA: | | | |
| Common shares outstanding (in 000's) | 91,732 | 91,879 | |
| Book value per share | $18.49 | $19.35 | (4.4)% |
| Closing stock price per share | $55.31 | $63.98 | (13.6)% |
| Statutory surplus | $1,964,770 | $1,846,615 | 6.4% |
NM = Not Meaningful
RLI CORP
2026 FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
UNDERWRITING SEGMENT DATA
| | GAAP | | GAAP | | GAAP | | GAAP |
|---|
| Casualty | Ratios | Property | Ratios | Surety | Ratios | Total | Ratios |
|---|
| Three Months Ended September 30, | | | | | | | | |
| 2026 | | | | | | | | |
| Gross premiums written | $330,937 | | $152,373 | | $38,937 | | $522,247 | |
| Net premiums written | 275,573 | | 118,302 | | 35,408 | | 429,283 | |
| Net premiums earned | 262,177 | | 126,520 | | 36,217 | | 424,914 | |
| Net loss & settlement expenses | 168,087 | 64.1% | 31,103 | 24.6% | 2,151 | 5.9% | 201,341 | 47.4% |
| Net operating expenses | 93,050 | 35.5% | 44,991 | 35.5% | 26,763 | 73.9% | 164,804 | 38.8% |
| Underwriting income | $1,040 | 99.6% | $50,426 | 60.1% | $7,303 | 79.8% | $58,769 | 86.2% |
| 2025 | | | | | | | | |
| Gross premiums written | $317,063 | | $154,631 | | $38,527 | | $510,221 | |
| Net premiums written | 263,395 | | 109,007 | | 34,924 | | 407,326 | |
| Net premiums earned | 243,508 | | 126,689 | | 37,498 | | 407,695 | |
| Net loss & settlement expenses | 150,912 | 62.0% | 32,815 | 25.9% | 4,271 | 11.4% | 187,998 | 46.1% |
| Net operating expenses | 88,110 | 36.2% | 43,450 | 34.3% | 27,592 | 73.6% | 159,152 | 39.0% |
| Underwriting income | $4,486 | 98.2% | $50,424 | 60.2% | $5,635 | 85.0% | $60,545 | 85.1% |
| | GAAP | | GAAP | | GAAP | | GAAP |
|---|
| Casualty | Ratios | Property | Ratios | Surety | Ratios | Total | Ratios |
|---|
| Nine Months Ended September 30, | | | | | | | | |
| 2026 | | | | | | | | |
| Gross premiums written | $976,950 | | $506,412 | | $122,421 | | $1,605,783 | |
| Net premiums written | 821,080 | | 398,369 | | 112,188 | | 1,331,637 | |
| Net premiums earned | 767,665 | | 376,684 | | 109,047 | | 1,253,396 | |
| Net loss & settlement expenses | 480,605 | 62.6% | 91,682 | 24.3% | 12,193 | 11.2% | 584,480 | 46.6% |
| Net operating expenses | 276,985 | 36.1% | 132,892 | 35.3% | 82,574 | 75.7% | 492,451 | 39.3% |
| Underwriting income | $10,075 | 98.7% | $152,110 | 59.6% | $14,280 | 86.9% | $176,465 | 85.9% |
| 2025 | | | | | | | | |
| Gross premiums written | $902,127 | | $536,500 | | $124,981 | | $1,563,608 | |
| Net premiums written | 755,247 | | 391,662 | | 114,567 | | 1,261,476 | |
| Net premiums earned | 707,194 | | 389,897 | | 110,853 | | 1,207,944 | |
| Net loss & settlement expenses | 438,007 | 61.9% | 103,999 | 26.7% | 7,808 | 7.0% | 549,814 | 45.5% |
| Net operating expenses | 254,341 | 36.0% | 129,048 | 33.1% | 81,420 | 73.5% | 464,809 | 38.5% |
| Underwriting income | $14,846 | 97.9% | $156,850 | 59.8% | $21,625 | 80.5% | $193,321 | 84.0% |
- See discussion above: Non-GAAP and Performance Measures.
Contacts
Aaron Diefenthaler
Chief Financial Officer
309-693-5846
Investors@rlicorp.com