RLI Corp. (NYSE: RLI) boosts dividends and authorizes $250M share repurchase
Rhea-AI Filing Summary
RLI Corp. is returning significant capital to shareholders through higher dividends and a new buyback. The Board declared a special cash dividend of $2.00 per common share, expected to total about $184 million, alongside a regular quarterly dividend of $0.18 per share, a 12.5% increase over the prior quarter. Both dividends are payable on June 12, 2026 to shareholders of record as of May 29, 2026.
The Board also authorized a new share repurchase program of up to $250 million of outstanding common stock, with no expiration date. Repurchases may occur over time in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions and are expected to be funded from available cash and operating cash flow. Management links these actions to the company’s strong business performance, long dividend growth record and confidence in its long-term strategy.
Positive
- Large capital return package: A special dividend of $2.00 per share (about $184 million), a 12.5% increase in the regular quarterly dividend, and authorization of up to $250 million in share repurchases together signal strong capital generation capacity.
- Long dividend growth record: The regular dividend increase marks the 51st consecutive annual raise, highlighting a long-standing commitment to returning cash to shareholders through the cycle.
Negative
- None.
Insights
RLI pairs a sizable special dividend with a flexible $250M buyback.
RLI Corp. is combining immediate and flexible capital returns. A $2.00 per share special dividend, estimated at about $184 million, delivers an upfront cash return, while raising the regular quarterly dividend to $0.18 per share extends a 51-year dividend growth streak.
The new share repurchase program authorizes up to $250 million of buybacks with no expiration, giving the company discretion to act based on market conditions, share price and capital needs. The company expects to fund repurchases through available cash and operating cash flow, suggesting current balance sheet and cash generation support these actions.
Management cites the stock price and business strength as drivers for the authorization, aligning repurchases with perceived valuation and long-term strategy. Actual impact on share count and per-share metrics will depend on the pace and pricing of repurchases over time and any changes in operating performance or capital requirements.
8-K Event Classification
Key Figures
Key Terms
special cash dividend financial
regular quarterly dividend financial
forward-looking statements regulatory
underwriting profits financial
Emerging growth company regulatory
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM
CURRENT REPORT
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Emerging growth company
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Item 8.01 Other Events.
On May 14, 2026, RLI Corp. (“RLI”) announced that its Board of Directors approved a special cash dividend on its common stock of $2.00 per share and a regular quarterly dividend on its common stock of $0.18 per share. Both dividends are payable on June 12, 2026 to shareholders of record as of May 29, 2026.
RLI also announced its Board of Directors approved a share repurchase program authorizing an aggregate of $250 million in share repurchases (the “Repurchase Program”). Repurchases under the Repurchase Program may be made at the Company’s discretion from time to time using open market purchases or privately negotiated transactions, in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. The Repurchase Program has no expiration date.
Furnished as Exhibit 99.1 and incorporated herein by reference is a copy of the press release issued by RLI announcing the dividends and Repurchase Program.
Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.
(d) Exhibits
Exhibit No. | | Description |
99.1 | Press Release dated May 14, 2026. | |
104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document). |
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
RLI CORP. | ||
Date: May 14, 2026 | By: | /s/ Jeffrey D. Fick |
Jeffrey D. Fick | ||
Chief Legal Officer | ||
Exhibit 99.1
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RLI DECLARES REGULAR AND SPECIAL DIVIDENDS and AUTHORIZES NEW $250 Million Share REPuRCHASE PROGRAM
PEORIA, ILLINOIS, May 14, 2026 -- RLI Corp. (NYSE: RLI) – RLI Corp. today announced that its Board of Directors declared a special cash dividend of $2.00 per share of common stock, which is expected to total approximately $184 million, and a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.18 per share, a 12.5% increase over the prior quarter. The Board also authorized a new share repurchase program of up to $250 million of the company’s outstanding common stock. The company’s stock price was one of the factors in the Board’s decision to authorize the repurchase program.
“This share repurchase program, special dividend and 51st consecutive annual increase in our regular dividend reflect the strength of our business and our confidence in RLI’s long-term strategy,” said RLI Corp. President & CEO Craig W. Kliethermes. “These actions underscore our disciplined approach to capital management while maintaining the flexibility to invest in growth opportunities.”
Both dividends are payable on June 12, 2026, to shareholders of record as of May 29, 2026. RLI has increased its regular dividend in each of the past 51 years.
Repurchases under the program may be made from time to time in the open market, through privately negotiated transactions or by other means in accordance with applicable securities laws. There is no expiration date for the repurchase program. The timing, volume, and method of repurchases will depend on a variety of factors, including market conditions, share price and capital needs. The program does not obligate the company to acquire any specific number of shares and may be suspended or discontinued at any time. The company expects to fund repurchases through available cash and operating cash flow.
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 subsidiaries are rated A++
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Exhibit 99.1
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“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.
MEDIA CONTACT
Aaron Diefenthaler
Chief Financial Officer
309-693-5846
investors@rlicorp.com
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