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1. Company Snapshot

1.a. Company Description

RLI Corp., an insurance holding company, underwrites property and casualty insurance in the United States and internationally.Its Casualty segment provides commercial and personal coverage products; and general liability products, such as coverage for third-party liability of commercial insureds, including manufacturers, contractors, apartments, and mercantile.It also offers coverages for security guards and in the areas of onshore energy-related businesses and environmental liability for underground storage tanks, contractors and asbestos, and environmental remediation specialists; and professional liability coverages focuses on providing errors and omission coverage to small to medium-sized design, technical, computer, and miscellaneous professionals.


This segment provides commercial automobile liability and physical damage insurance to local, intermediate and long haul truckers, public transportation entities, and other types of specialty commercial automobile risks; incidental and related insurance coverages; inland marine coverages; management liability coverages, such as directors and officers liability insurance, fiduciary liability and coverages, employment practice liability, and for various classes of risks, including public and private businesses; and healthcare liability and home business insurance products.The company's Property segment offers commercial property, cargo, hull, protection and indemnity, marine liability, inland marine, homeowners' and dwelling fire, and other property insurance products.Its Surety segment offers commercial surety bonds for medium to large-sized businesses; small bonds for businesses and individuals; and bonds for small to medium-sized contractors.


The company also underwrites various reinsurance coverages.It markets its products through branch offices, brokers, carrier partners, and underwriting and independent agents.RLI Corp.


was founded in 1965 and is headquartered in Peoria, Illinois.

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1.b. Last Insights on RLI

RLI Corp.'s recent performance has been negatively impacted by a combination of factors. The company's Q2 earnings revealed a mixed bag, with operating earnings of $0.84 per share beating estimates, but underwriting income was affected by escalating expenses and poor underwriting income in certain segments. Despite a 7% increase in premiums in Casualty and Surety, the Property segment declined by 10% due to increased competition and rate pressure. Additionally, the company's exposure to catastrophe risks and adverse prior year development have been a concern. RLI's management has noted that they are taking a cautious approach to reserving, particularly in areas with high uncertainty. The company's investment income, however, has been a bright spot, with a 16% increase in Q2. Overall, while RLI has demonstrated solid underwriting performance, its results have been impacted by challenging market conditions and adverse developments.

1.c. Company Highlights

2. RLI Corp. Delivers Strong Underwriting Performance and Growth

RLI Corp.'s financial performance for the year was impressive, with underwriting income of $264 million on an 84 combined ratio, and operating earnings for Q4 at $0.94 per share, surpassing estimates of $0.76. The company's full-year combined ratio was 83.6, indicating strong underwriting profitability. The Property segment saw a decrease in premium by 11% in Q4, while Casualty premium grew 2% in Q4 and 7% for the full year, driven by personal umbrella, which saw 24% growth in Q4.

Publication Date: Feb -15

📋 Highlights
  • 2025 Underwriting Income:: Achieved $264 million underwriting income with an 84 combined ratio, reflecting 30th consecutive year of underwriting profitability.
  • Book Value Growth:: Book value per share surged 33%, reaching $5.29 comprehensive earnings for the year, driven by underwriting gains and dividends.
  • Q4 Earnings Boost:: Operating earnings per share rose to $0.94 in Q4 (vs. $0.52 prior year), fueled by improved underwriting, low storm activity, and 9% higher investment income.
  • Segment Performance:: Casualty premiums grew 7% annually (2% in Q4), while Property premiums fell 11% QoQ, offset by 24% growth in personal umbrella insurance.
  • Expense & Investment Efficiency:: Q4 expense ratio increased to 39.3% (vs. 37.6% prior year), but net investment income rose 9%, with a 1.5% quarterly portfolio return.

Segment Performance

The Casualty segment continues to be a growth driver, with lower levels of favorable development, but still seeing growth in certain areas like General Liability and commercial excess. The Property segment has invested in talent, and despite potential retirements, submission counts are still up, indicating growth in the property book. The company's personal umbrella business has a "wide moat" due to strong relationships and service, and they're still getting rate increases in various states.

Market Conditions and Outlook

RLI Corp. remains optimistic about opportunities in 2026, with a focus on underwriting discipline and prudent risk selection. The company renewed about 2/3 of its annual reinsurance spend on January 1, securing rate decreases on catastrophe programs and modest relief on property working layers. The management is confident about their approach and commitment to staying disciplined, as evident from CEO Craig Kliethermes' statement, highlighting their 30 consecutive years of underwriting profitability.

Valuation and Dividend Yield

With a Price-to-Book Ratio of 0.92, the stock appears to be fairly valued. The Dividend Yield is 4.27%, indicating an attractive return for income investors. Analysts estimate next year's revenue growth at 3.3%, which, combined with the company's strong underwriting performance, could lead to further growth. The actual EPS of $0.94 in Q4 beat estimates, demonstrating the company's ability to deliver strong earnings.

Technology Investments and Efficiency

The company's technology investments have improved customer experience, increased efficiencies through automation, and enhanced the feedback loop between underwriting, claims, and analytics, as mentioned by Jennifer Klobnak. This focus on technology is expected to drive future growth and profitability.

3. NewsRoom

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AM Best Upgrades Financial Strength Rating to A++ (Superior) and Revises Outlook to Stable for RLI Corp., RLI Insurance Co., Mt. Hawley Insurance Co. and Contractors Bonding and Insurance Co.

Feb -20

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AM Best Upgrades Credit Ratings for RLI Corp. and Its Subsidiaries

Feb -20

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FPA Queens Road Small Cap Value Fund Q4 2025 Performance Review

Feb -20

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RLI Declares Regular Dividend

Feb -18

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RLI Corp. (NYSE:RLI) Sees Large Increase in Short Interest

Feb -18

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Dividend Kings: No Ideal Buys In February's 57

Feb -10

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Alps Advisors Inc. Sells 43,496 Shares of RLI Corp. $RLI

Feb -09

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Vanguard 0-3 Month Treasury Bill ETF: A Key Addition in Steven Scruggs' Portfolio

Feb -02

4. Business Breakdown

4.a. Revenues by Country

4.b. Revenues by Segment

5. Expected revenues mid-term growth (10.52%)

6. Segments

Casualty

Expected Growth: 10%

RLI Corp's 10% growth in Casualty segment is driven by increasing demand for specialty insurance products, expansion into new markets, and strategic partnerships. Additionally, favorable market conditions, improved underwriting discipline, and effective risk management practices contribute to the segment's growth.

Property

Expected Growth: 12%

RLI Corp's 12% growth in Property segment is driven by increasing demand for specialty insurance products, expansion into new markets, and strategic partnerships. Additionally, favorable underwriting results, improved pricing, and a strong capital position contribute to the segment's growth.

Surety

Expected Growth: 9%

RLI Corp's surety segment growth is driven by increasing demand for construction bonds, expansion into new markets, and strategic partnerships. Additionally, the company's strong underwriting discipline, diversified product offerings, and favorable regulatory environment contribute to its 9% growth rate.

7. Detailed Products

Casualty

RLI Corp.'s Casualty segment offers a range of liability insurance products, including general liability, umbrella, and excess liability coverage to protect businesses from unforeseen events.

Property

RLI Corp.'s Property segment provides insurance coverage for commercial and personal property, including buildings, equipment, and inventory, against damage or loss.

Transportation

RLI Corp.'s Transportation segment offers insurance products for the transportation industry, including trucking, public transportation, and logistics companies.

Professional Services

RLI Corp.'s Professional Services segment provides insurance coverage for professionals, including lawyers, doctors, and accountants, against errors and omissions.

Reinsurance

RLI Corp.'s Reinsurance segment offers reinsurance products to other insurance companies, providing additional coverage and risk management solutions.

8. RLI Corp.'s Porter Forces

Forces Ranking

Threat Of Substitutes

RLI Corp. operates in a niche market, providing specialty insurance products. While there are substitutes available, they are not easily accessible, and the company's products are highly specialized, reducing the threat of substitutes.

Bargaining Power Of Customers

RLI Corp.'s customers are primarily businesses and individuals who require specialized insurance products. The company's strong relationships with its customers and the complexity of its products reduce the bargaining power of customers.

Bargaining Power Of Suppliers

RLI Corp. has a diversified supplier base, and the company is not heavily dependent on a single supplier. This reduces the bargaining power of suppliers.

Threat Of New Entrants

The specialty insurance market has high barriers to entry, including regulatory hurdles and the need for specialized expertise. This reduces the threat of new entrants.

Intensity Of Rivalry

RLI Corp. operates in a competitive market, but the company's specialized products and strong relationships with its customers help to mitigate the intensity of rivalry.

9. SWOT Analysis

10. Capital Structure

10.a. Balance Sheet

10.b. Weighted Average Cost of capital

Value
Debt Weight 12.62%
Debt Cost 5.66%
Equity Weight 87.38%
Equity Cost 5.66%
WACC 5.66%
Leverage 14.44%

11. Quality Control: RLI Corp. passed 8 out of 9 key points

12.a Historical Valuation

12.b Price/Earnings Ratio

12.c Margin Valuation

12.d Peers Valuation

Peers Group Analysis

Stock-Card
WR Berkley

A-Score: 7.2/10

Value: 6.0

Growth: 7.9

Quality: 6.4

Yield: 5.0

Momentum: 8.5

Volatility: 9.3

1-Year Total Return ->

Stock-Card
Hanover Insurance

A-Score: 6.8/10

Value: 7.2

Growth: 4.8

Quality: 6.7

Yield: 4.0

Momentum: 8.5

Volatility: 9.7

1-Year Total Return ->

Stock-Card
Mercury General

A-Score: 6.7/10

Value: 6.9

Growth: 6.8

Quality: 6.7

Yield: 5.0

Momentum: 8.0

Volatility: 6.7

1-Year Total Return ->

Stock-Card
RLI

A-Score: 6.6/10

Value: 5.5

Growth: 6.9

Quality: 8.4

Yield: 8.0

Momentum: 1.5

Volatility: 9.3

1-Year Total Return ->

Stock-Card
Markel

A-Score: 6.4/10

Value: 6.7

Growth: 7.2

Quality: 6.8

Yield: 0.0

Momentum: 8.0

Volatility: 9.7

1-Year Total Return ->

Stock-Card
Loews

A-Score: 6.1/10

Value: 6.3

Growth: 6.7

Quality: 5.3

Yield: 0.0

Momentum: 8.5

Volatility: 10.0

1-Year Total Return ->

Peers Metrics

12.e Scoring Insights

12.f DCF BETA

Parameters

Short Term Growth

Short term Time

Long-Term Growth

WACC

Target Price

60.73$

Current Price

60.73$

Potential

-0.00%

Expected Cash-Flows