RLI Reports First Quarter 2013 Results

RLI Reports First Quarter 2013 Results

PEORIA, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- RLI Corp. (NYS: RLI) - RLI Corp. reported first quarter 2013 operating earnings of $22.5 million ($1.04 per share), compared to $20.6 million ($0.96 per share) for the first quarter of 2012.

Highlights for the quarter included:

• 10% growth in gross premiums written.

• Underwriting income of $19.8 million, resulting in a combined ratio of 86.2.

• $10.8 million net increase in underwriting income resulting from favorable development on prior years' loss reserves.

• Book value per share of $39.16, an increase of 4.6% from year end 2012.

"Last year we delivered solid results, achieving our 17^th consecutive year of underwriting income, and I'm pleased to report a strong start in 2013," said RLI Corp. Chairman & CEO Jonathan E. Michael. "We produced an 86.2 combined ratio and almost 5% growth in book value per share in the first quarter. Gross premium growth hit 10% as positive rate momentum and the impact of growth initiatives carried through to the first quarter, particularly in our Casualty segment."

"I commend our talented underwriters on continuing to find attractive niche markets where our underwriting expertise is appreciated and rewarded by our customers. We remain well-positioned to capitalize on improving market conditions, but will not lose focus on our trademark underwriting discipline," said Michael.

Underwriting income

RLI achieved $19.8 million of underwriting income in the first quarter of 2013 on an 86.2 combined ratio, compared to $14.9 million of underwriting income on an 89.1 combined ratio in the same quarter for 2012.

The following table highlights annual underwriting income and combined ratios by segment:

Results for 2013 include $10.8 million in favorable development in prior years' loss reserves, compared to $7.8 million in favorable development in prior years' loss reserves in 2012.

Other income

RLI's net investment income for the quarter declined 15.7% to $12.9 million, compared to the same period in 2012. The decline in investment income was due to lower reinvestment rates as well as higher allocation to tax-exempt municipal bonds, which have lower pre-tax yields than taxable alternatives. The investment portfolio's total return was 2.5% for the quarter. The bond portfolio gained 0.2% in the quarter, and the equity portfolio's return was 11.6%.

Comprehensive earnings, which include after-tax unrealized gains/losses from the investment portfolio, were $42.4 million for the quarter ($1.96 per share) compared to $38.8 million ($1.80 per share) for the same quarter in 2012.

During the quarter, equity in earnings of unconsolidated investee was $3.5 million compared to $2.9 million from the same period last year. These results are related to Maui Jim, Inc., a producer of premium sunglasses.

Dividend paid in the first quarter 2013

On March 20, 2013, the company paid a dividend of $0.32 per share, its 147^th consecutive quarterly dividend paid to shareholders. RLI's cumulative dividends, including this recent payment, total more than $470 million paid over the last five years.

Non-GAAP measures

Underwriting income, operating earnings, earnings per share (EPS) from operations and other per share items are non-GAAP financial measures, and we believe that investors' understanding of RLI's core operating performance is enhanced by our disclosure of these financial measures. Underwriting income or profit represents the pretax profitability of our insurance operations and is derived by subtracting losses and settlement expenses, policy acquisition costs, and insurance operating expenses from net premium earned. Operating earnings and EPS from operations consist of our net earnings adjusted by net realized investment gains/(losses) and taxes related to net realized gains/(losses). Our definitions of these items may not be comparable to the definitions used by other companies. Net earnings and net earnings per share are the GAAP financial measures that are most directly comparable to operating earnings and EPS from operations. All earnings per share data are calculated using fully diluted shares. Combined ratio refers to a GAAP combined ratio.

Other news

At 10 a.m. central time (CT) tomorrow, April 18, 2013, 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 www.media-server.com/m/p/pkism3qf.

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, 2012.

RLI, a specialty insurance company, offers a diversified portfolio of property and casualty coverages and surety bonds serving niche or underserved markets. RLI operates in all 50 states from office locations across the country. RLI's insurance subsidiaries - RLI Insurance Company, Mt. Hawley Insurance Company, RLI Indemnity Company and Contractors Bonding and Insurance Company - are rated A+ "Superior" by A.M. Best Company.

For additional information, contact Aaron Jacoby, Vice President, Corporate Development at 309-693-5880 or at aaron.jacoby@rlicorp.com or visit our website at www.rlicorp.com.

Supplemental disclosure regarding the earnings impact of specific items:

(1) Includes bonus and profit sharing-related impacts which affected other insurance and general corporate expenses.

(2) Reserve development reflects changes from previously estimated losses.

(1) See discussion of non-GAAP financial measures on page 2.