RLI Reports Fourth Quarter and Year-End 2022 Results
01/25/2023 - 04:05 PM
PEORIA, Ill. --(BUSINESS WIRE)--
RLI Corp. (NYSE: RLI) – RLI Corp. reported fourth quarter 2022 net earnings of $97.8 million ($2.13 per share), compared to $95.3 million ($2.08 per share) for the fourth quarter of 2021. Operating earnings(1) for the fourth quarter of 2022 were $70.5 million ($1.53 per share), compared to $55.3 million ($1.21 per share) for the same period in 2021.
Fourth Quarter
Year to Date
Earnings Per Diluted Share
2022
2021
2022
2021
Net earnings
$
2.13
$
2.08
$
12.74
$
6.11
Operating earnings (1) (2)
$
1.53
$
1.21
$
4.69
$
3.48
(1)
See discussion below: Non-GAAP and Performance Measures.
(2)
Equity in earnings of Maui Jim and the related taxes were excluded from operating earnings per share due to the sale of RLI’s investment in Maui Jim . Prior period amounts have been restated to reflect the adjustment.
Highlights for the quarter included:
Underwriting income(1) of $54.0 million on a combined ratio(1) of 82.1.
14% increase in gross premiums written.
59% increase in net investment income.
Favorable development in prior years’ loss reserves, resulting in a $17.0 million net increase in underwriting income.
Special dividend of $7.00 per share, representing $318.1 million returned to shareholders.
Highlights for the year included:
Underwriting income(1) of $178.2 million on a combined ratio(1) of 84.4.
16% increase in gross premiums written.
Favorable development in prior years’ loss reserves, resulting in a $106.5 million net increase in underwriting income.
Net earnings include $434.4 million ($9.49 per diluted share) related to the sale of Maui Jim, Inc.
Book value per share of $25.89 , an increase of 25% (inclusive of dividends) from year-end 2021.
“In 2022, we continued to provide outstanding service to our customers while delivering profitable growth,” said RLI Corp. President & CEO Craig Kliethermes . “We faced some headwinds from hurricane activity and capital market volatility, but strong underwriting performance across all product segments resulted in 16% growth in gross premiums written for the year and an 84 combined ratio, marking our 27th consecutive year of underwriting profitability. We also successfully closed on the sale of our minority ownership interest in Maui Jim and were able to share excess capital generated with shareholders through a $7 per share special dividend.
“I’m proud of what our team accomplished in 2022 and want to thank our talented associate owners for their dedication to our mission and our customers. In the year ahead, we anticipate the industry will remain dynamic. We will continue to address both the opportunities and challenges with discipline, and a focus on the long-term success of our company.”
Underwriting Income
RLI achieved $54.0 million of underwriting income in the fourth quarter of 2022 on an 82.1 combined ratio, compared to $49.7 million on an 80.7 combined ratio in 2021.
For the year, RLI achieved $178.2 million of underwriting income on an 84.4 combined ratio, compared to $129.9 million on an 86.8 combined ratio in 2021. Favorable development in prior years’ loss reserves resulted in a $106.5 million net increase to underwriting income in 2022, which was partially offset by $44.4 million of hurricane and storm losses. Comparatively, favorable development in prior years’ loss reserves resulted in a $106.5 million net increase to underwriting income in 2021, which was partially offset by $50.2 million of hurricane and storm losses.
The following table highlights underwriting income and combined ratios by segment for the year.
Underwriting Income(1)
Combined Ratio(1)
(in millions)
2022
2021
2022
2021
Casualty
$
73.8
$
95.5
Casualty
89.6
84.9
Property
72.5
11.3
Property
76.4
95.1
Surety
31.9
23.1
Surety
74.4
80.0
Total
$
178.2
$
129.9
Total
84.4
86.8
(1)
See discussion below: Non-GAAP and Performance Measures.
Other Income
Net investment income for the quarter increased 58.7% to $28.5 million , compared to the same period in 2021. For the year ended December 31, 2022 , net investment income was $86.1 million , compared to $68.9 million for the same period in 2021. The investment portfolio’s total return was 2.3% for the quarter and -11.5% for the year.
RLI’s comprehensive earnings were $113.3 million for the quarter ($2.47 per share), compared to $78.2 million ($1.71 per share) for the same quarter in 2021. Full-year comprehensive earnings were $304.5 million ($6.65 per share), compared to $220.5 million ($4.82 per share) in 2021. In addition to net earnings, comprehensive earnings included after-tax unrealized losses from the fixed income portfolio, due to rising interest rates.
Equity in earnings of Maui Jim, Inc. (Maui Jim ), a producer of premium sunglasses, was $3.5 million for the quarter, as post-closing adjustments were made after the sale. Equity in earnings of Prime Holdings Insurance Services, Inc. (Prime), a specialty insurance company, was $3.7 million . Comparatively, for the fourth quarter of 2021, equity in earnings of unconsolidated investees from Maui Jim and Prime was $3.1 million and $5.3 million , respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2022 , equity in earnings of Maui Jim was $0.4 million , down from $22.8 million in 2021, primarily due to transaction related expenses from the sale of the company. Equity in earnings of Prime was $13.0 million in 2022, compared to $17.0 million in 2021.
Special and Regular Dividends
On December 20, 2022 , the company paid a special cash dividend of $7.00 per share and a regular quarterly dividend of $0.26 per share for a combined total of $329.9 million . RLI has paid dividends for 186 consecutive quarters and increased regular dividends in each of the last 47 years. Over the last 10 years, the company has returned $1.37 billion to shareholders and the regular quarterly dividend has grown an average of 5.0% per year.
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. Additionally, equity in earnings of Maui Jim and the related taxes were excluded from operating earnings and operating EPS due to the sale of RLI’s investment. Operating earnings and operating EPS for prior periods have been restated to reflect the equity in earnings of Maui Jim adjustment. 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 2022 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
During the fourth quarter, the company’s A+ (Superior) financial strength rating was affirmed by AM Best Company for the company’s insurance subsidiaries – RLI Insurance Company , Mt. Hawley Insurance Company and Contractors Bonding and Insurance Company .
At 10 a.m. central standard time (CST) tomorrow, January 26, 2023 , 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/603734663 .
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, 2021 .
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 47 consecutive years and delivered underwriting profits for 27 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
Twelve Months Ended
December 31 ,
December 31 ,
(Dollars in millions, except per share amounts)
2022
2021
2022
2021
Favorable development in casualty prior years' reserves
$
14.0
$
25.7
$
87.0
$
109.5
Favorable development in property prior years' reserves
$
0.4
$
—
$
21.2
$
8.4
Favorable development in surety prior years' reserves
$
1.1
$
3.2
$
10.4
$
5.8
Net incurred losses related to:
2022 storms
$
(8.0
)
$
—
$
(13.0
)
$
—
Hurricane Ian
$
2.0
$
—
$
(38.0
)
$
—
2021 and prior events
$
4.0
$
—
$
4.0
$
(56.8
)
Operating Earnings Per Share
Three Months Ended
Twelve Months Ended
December 31 ,
December 31 ,
2022
2021
2022
2021
Operating Earnings Per Share(1) (2)
$
1.53
$
1.21
$
4.69
$
3.48
Specific items included in operating earnings per share: (3) (4)
Net favorable development in casualty prior years' reserves
$
0.21
$
0.40
$
1.31
$
1.72
Net favorable development in property prior years' reserves
$
0.01
$
—
$
0.32
$
0.07
Net favorable development in surety prior years' reserves
$
0.01
$
0.02
$
0.15
$
0.03
Net incurred losses related to:
2022 storms
$
(0.12
)
$
—
$
(0.20
)
$
—
Hurricane Ian
$
0.03
$
—
$
(0.57
)
$
—
2021 and prior events
$
0.06
$
—
$
0.06
$
(0.84
)
Gain from tax benefit of special dividend to ESOP(5)
$
0.08
$
0.02
$
0.08
$
0.02
(1)
See discussion above: Non-GAAP and Performance Measures.
(2)
Equity in earnings of Maui Jim and the related taxes were excluded from operating earnings per share due to the sale of RLI’s investment in Maui Jim . Prior period amounts have been restated to reflect the adjustment.
(3)
Includes incentive and profit sharing-related impacts which affected policy acquisition, insurance operating and general corporate expenses.
(4)
Reserve development reflects changes from previously estimated losses.
(5)
Dividends paid on employer securities in an ESOP are fully deductible from taxable income and resulted in a 21% tax benefit.
RLI CORP
2022 FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Three Months Ended December 31 ,
Twelve Months Ended December 31 ,
SUMMARIZED INCOME STATEMENT DATA:
2022
2021
% Change
2022
2021
% Change
Net premiums earned
$
301,006
$
257,919
16.7
%
$
1,144,436
$
980,903
16.7
%
Net investment income
28,453
17,933
58.7
%
86,078
68,862
25.0
%
Net realized gains (losses)
(3,047
)
11,780
NM
588,515
64,222
NM
Net unrealized gains (losses) on equity securities
34,181
35,732
(4.3
)
%
(121,037
)
65,258
NM
Consolidated revenue
$
360,593
$
323,364
11.5
%
$
1,697,992
$
1,179,245
44.0
%
Loss and settlement expenses
125,849
101,028
24.6
%
514,376
456,602
12.7
%
Policy acquisition costs
97,753
84,794
15.3
%
369,632
317,468
16.4
%
Insurance operating expenses
23,418
22,403
4.5
%
82,212
76,907
6.9
%
Interest expense on debt
2,013
1,966
2.4
%
8,047
7,677
4.8
%
General corporate expenses
4,347
3,797
14.5
%
12,900
13,330
(3.2
)
%
Total expenses
$
253,380
$
213,988
18.4
%
$
987,167
$
871,984
13.2
%
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated investees
6,792
7,653
(11.3
)
%
9,853
37,060
(73.4
)
%
Earnings before income taxes
$
114,005
$
117,029
(2.6
)
%
$
720,678
$
344,321
109.3
%
Income tax expense
16,171
21,745
(25.6
)
%
137,267
64,967
111.3
%
Net earnings(3)
$
97,834
$
95,284
2.7
%
$
583,411
$
279,354
108.8
%
Other comprehensive earnings (loss), net of tax
15,490
(17,078
)
NM
(278,902
)
(58,888
)
NM
Comprehensive earnings
$
113,324
$
78,206
44.9
%
$
304,509
$
220,466
38.1
%
Operating earnings(1) :
Net earnings(3)
$
97,834
$
95,284
2.7
%
$
583,411
$
279,354
108.8
%
Less:
Net realized (gains) losses
3,047
(11,780
)
NM
(588,515
)
(64,222
)
NM
Income tax on realized gains (losses)
(646
)
2,474
NM
124,415
13,487
NM
Net unrealized (gains) losses on equity securities
(34,181
)
(35,732
)
(4.3
)
%
121,037
(65,258
)
NM
Income tax on unrealized gains (losses) on equity securities
7,178
7,503
(4.3
)
%
(25,418
)
13,703
NM
Equity in earnings of Maui Jim
(3,493
)
(3,095
)
12.9
%
(372
)
(22,786
)
(98.4
)
%
Income tax on equity in earnings of Maui Jim
734
650
12.9
%
78
4,785
(98.4
)
%
Operating earnings(2)
$
70,472
$
55,304
27.4
%
$
214,636
$
159,063
34.9
%
Return on Equity:
Net earnings
48.6
%
23.2
%
Comprehensive earnings
25.4
%
18.3
%
Per Share Data:
Diluted:
Weighted average shares outstanding (in 000's)
45,954
45,730
45,794
45,712
Net earnings per share(2)
$
2.13
$
2.08
2.4
%
$
12.74
$
6.11
108.5
%
Less:
Net realized (gains) losses
0.06
(0.26
)
NM
(12.84
)
(1.40
)
NM
Income tax on realized gains (losses)
(0.01
)
0.05
NM
2.72
0.30
NM
Net unrealized (gains) losses on equity securities
(0.74
)
(0.77
)
(3.9
)
%
2.64
(1.44
)
NM
Income tax on unrealized gains (losses) on equity securities
0.16
0.16
—
%
(0.56
)
0.30
NM
Equity in earnings of Maui Jim
(0.08
)
(0.06
)
33.3
%
(0.01
)
(0.49
)
(98.0
)
%
Income tax on equity in earnings of Maui Jim
0.01
0.01
—
%
—
0.10
(100.0
)
%
Operating earnings per share(1) (2)
$
1.53
$
1.21
26.4
%
$
4.69
$
3.48
34.8
%
Comprehensive earnings per share
$
2.47
$
1.71
44.4
%
$
6.65
$
4.82
38.0
%
Cash dividends per share - ordinary
$
0.26
$
0.25
4.0
%
$
1.03
$
0.99
4.0
%
Cash dividends per share - special
7.00
2.00
NM
7.00
2.00
NM
Net Cash Flow provided by (used in) Operations(4)
$
(32,438
)
$
104,464
(131.1
)
%
$
250,448
$
384,905
(34.9
)
%
(1)
See discussion above: Non-GAAP and Performance Measures.
(2)
Equity in earnings of Maui Jim and the related taxes were excluded from operating earnings and operating earnings per share due to the sale of RLI’s investment in Maui Jim . Prior period amounts have been restated to reflect the adjustment.
(3)
Net earnings include $434.4 million related to the sale of Maui Jim , which was completed in the third quarter of 2022.
(4)
Proceeds from the sale of Maui Jim were classified as cash flow from investing activities, not operating activities. However, $116.5 million of tax payments related to the sale were included as operating cash outflows.
NM = Not Meaningful
RLI CORP
2022 FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
December 31 ,
December 31 ,
2022
2021
% Change
SUMMARIZED BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Fixed income, at fair value
$
2,666,950
$
2,409,887
10.7
%
(amortized cost - $2,945,273 at 12/31/22)
(amortized cost - $2,346,267 at 12/31/21)
Equity securities, at fair value
498,382
613,776
(18.8
)
%
(cost - $328,019 at 12/31/22)
(cost - $324,501 at 12/31/21)
Short-term investments
36,229
—
NM
Other invested assets
47,922
50,501
(5.1
)
%
Cash and cash equivalents
22,818
88,804
(74.3
)
%
Total investments and cash
$
3,272,301
$
3,162,968
3.5
%
Accrued investment income
21,259
17,505
21.4
%
Premiums and reinsurance balances receivable
189,501
167,279
13.3
%
Ceded unearned premiums
138,457
130,916
5.8
%
Reinsurance balances recoverable on unpaid losses
740,089
608,086
21.7
%
Deferred policy acquisition costs
127,859
103,553
23.5
%
Property and equipment
49,573
52,161
(5.0
)
%
Investment in unconsolidated investees
58,275
171,311
(66.0
)
%
Goodwill and intangibles
53,562
53,562
0.0
%
Income taxes - deferred
40,269
—
NM
Other assets
75,923
40,961
85.4
%
Total assets
$
4,767,068
$
4,508,302
5.7
%
Unpaid losses and settlement expenses
$
2,315,637
$
2,043,555
13.3
%
Unearned premiums
785,085
680,444
15.4
%
Reinsurance balances payable
61,100
42,851
42.6
%
Funds held
101,144
89,773
12.7
%
Income taxes - deferred
—
83,509
(100.0
)
%
Current portion of long-term debt
199,863
—
NM
Long-term debt
—
199,676
(100.0
)
%
Accrued expenses
94,869
98,274
(3.5
)
%
Other liabilities
32,029
40,859
(21.6
)
%
Total liabilities
$
3,589,727
$
3,278,941
9.5
%
Shareholders' equity
1,177,341
1,229,361
(4.2
)
%
Total liabilities & shareholders' equity
$
4,767,068
$
4,508,302
5.7
%
OTHER DATA:
Common shares outstanding (in 000's)
45,470
45,289
Book value per share
$
25.89
$
27.14
(4.6
)
%
Closing stock price per share
$
131.27
$
112.10
17.1
%
Statutory surplus
$
1,437,324
$
1,240,649
15.9
%
RLI CORP
2022 FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
UNDERWRITING SEGMENT DATA
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Three Months Ended December 31 ,
GAAP
GAAP
GAAP
GAAP
Casualty
Ratios
Property
Ratios
Surety
Ratios
Total
Ratios
2022
Gross premiums written
$
221,729
$
127,932
$
34,127
$
383,788
Net premiums written
175,132
91,332
32,031
298,495
Net premiums earned
183,338
84,912
32,756
301,006
Net loss & settlement expenses
102,623
56.0
%
20,558
24.2
%
2,668
8.1
%
125,849
41.8
%
Net operating expenses
67,344
36.7
%
32,105
37.8
%
21,722
66.4
%
121,171
40.3
%
Underwriting income(1)
$
13,371
92.7
%
$
32,249
62.0
%
$
8,366
74.5
%
$
53,986
82.1
%
2021
Gross premiums written
$
213,563
$
91,270
$
32,396
$
337,229
Net premiums written
163,796
68,443
29,166
261,405
Net premiums earned
165,822
63,444
28,653
257,919
Net loss & settlement expenses
82,820
49.9
%
18,281
28.8
%
(73
)
(0.3
)
%
101,028
39.2
%
Net operating expenses
61,737
37.3
%
25,179
39.7
%
20,281
70.8
%
107,197
41.5
%
Underwriting income(1)
$
21,265
87.2
%
$
19,984
68.5
%
$
8,445
70.5
%
$
49,694
80.7
%
Twelve Months Ended December 31 ,
GAAP
GAAP
GAAP
GAAP
Casualty
Ratios
Property
Ratios
Surety
Ratios
Total
Ratios
2022
Gross premiums written
$
926,231
$
499,461
$
139,794
$
1,565,486
Net premiums written
744,607
364,644
132,285
1,241,536
Net premiums earned
711,832
307,886
124,718
1,144,436
Net loss & settlement expenses
381,436
53.6
%
120,745
39.2
%
12,195
9.8
%
514,376
44.9
%
Net operating expenses
256,607
36.0
%
114,619
37.2
%
80,618
64.6
%
451,844
39.5
%
Underwriting income(1)
$
73,789
89.6
%
$
72,522
76.4
%
$
31,905
74.4
%
$
178,216
84.4
%
2021
Gross premiums written
$
871,584
$
347,866
$
127,904
$
1,347,354
Net premiums written
674,709
262,816
120,008
1,057,533
Net premiums earned
633,639
231,837
115,427
980,903
Net loss & settlement expenses
311,627
49.2
%
129,924
56.0
%
15,051
13.0
%
456,602
46.5
%
Net operating expenses
226,493
35.7
%
90,613
39.1
%
77,269
67.0
%
394,375
40.3
%
Underwriting income(1)
$
95,519
84.9
%
$
11,300
95.1
%
$
23,107
80.0
%
$
129,926
86.8
%
(1)
See discussion above: Non-GAAP and Performance Measures.
Category: Earnings Release
View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230125005742/en/
Aaron Diefenthaler
Chief Investment Officer & Treasurer
309-693-5846
Aaron.Diefenthaler@rlicorp.com
Source: RLI Corp.