RLI Reports Second Quarter 2013 Results

RLI Reports Second Quarter 2013 Results

PEORIA, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- RLI Corp. (NYS: RLI) - RLI Corp. reported second quarter 2013 operating earnings of $27.5 million ($1.27 per share), compared to $25.2 million ($1.17 per share) for the second quarter of 2012. For the six months ended June 30, 2013, operating earnings were $49.9 million ($2.31 per share) compared to $45.8 million ($2.13 per share) for the same period in 2012.

Highlights for the quarter included:

• 11% growth in gross premiums written and 15% growth in net premiums written.

• Underwriting income of $25.6 million, resulting in a combined ratio of 83.4.

• $24.6 million net increase in underwriting income resulting from favorable development on prior years' loss reserves.

• $8.8 million net decrease in underwriting income resulting from 2013 spring storms.

• Book value per share of $38.64, an increase of 3.2% from year end 2012.

"Our underwriters delivered excellent results, as evidenced by the 83 combined ratio and 11% growth in gross premiums written this quarter," said RLI Corp. Chairman & CEO Jonathan E. Michael. "Premium production continues to benefit from improved market conditions and newer product initiatives, particularly within our casualty segment."

"Our performance during the quarter showcases RLI's underwriting-focused business model and well-diversified product portfolio, which enable the agile pursuit of new underwriting opportunities and the consistent delivery of superior results," said Michael.

Underwriting income

RLI achieved $25.6 million of underwriting income in the second quarter of 2013 on an 83.4 combined ratio, compared to $21.6 million of underwriting income on an 84.7 combined ratio in the same quarter for 2012.

Results for 2013 include $24.6 million in favorable development in prior years' loss reserves, compared to $26.5 million in favorable development in prior years' loss reserves in 2012. Partially offsetting the favorable results in both periods were spring storm losses of $8.8 million in 2013 and $12.0 million in 2012.

RLI reported year-to-date underwriting income of $45.4 million representing an 84.8 combined ratio through June 30, 2013, versus $36.6 million of underwriting income representing an 86.9 combined ratio for the same period last year.

Other income

RLI's net investment income for the quarter declined 13.3% to $12.8 million, compared to the same period in 2012. For the six-month period ended June 30, 2013, investment income was $25.7 million versus $30.1 million for the same period in 2012. The investment portfolio's total return was -1.8% for the quarter. The bond portfolio's return was -2.9% in the quarter, which was largely due to an increase in interest rates, while the equity portfolio gained 2.4%. Through six months, the investment portfolio's total return was 0.7% with the bond portfolio returning -2.7% and equities returning 14.3%.

Comprehensive earnings, which include after-tax unrealized gains/losses from the investment portfolio, were -$3.6 million (-$0.17 per share) for the quarter compared to $30.6 million ($1.42 per share) for the same quarter in 2012. Year-to-date comprehensive earnings were $38.8 million ($1.79 per share), compared to $69.5 million ($3.23 per share) for the same period last year.

During the quarter, equity in earnings of unconsolidated investee was $4.6 million compared to $4.1 million from the same period last year. These results are related to Maui Jim, Inc., a producer of premium sunglasses. For the six-month period ended June 30, 2013, equity in earnings of unconsolidated investee was $8.1 million versus $7.1 million in 2012.

Dividend paid in the second quarter 2013

On June 20, 2013, the company paid a dividend of $0.34 per share, its 148^th consecutive quarterly dividend paid to shareholders. This dividend represents a $0.02 increase over the prior quarter, marking the 38^th consecutive year that RLI has increased its dividend.

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

During the second quarter, the Company's A+ "Superior" financial strength rating was affirmed by A.M. Best for the following RLI insurance subsidiaries - RLI Insurance Company, Mt. Hawley Insurance Company, RLI Indemnity Company and Contractors Bonding and Insurance Company.

At 10 a.m. central time (CT) tomorrow, July 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/e95efvm5.

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: