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RLI Corp (RLI) Q4 2024 Earnings Call Highlights: Strong Underwriting Profits and Special ...

In This Article:

  • Net Written Premium Growth: 12% growth for the year.

  • Underwriting Profit Growth: 22% growth for the year.

  • Operating Earnings: $0.41 per share for the fourth quarter.

  • Combined Ratio: 94.4 for the fourth quarter; 86.2 for the full year.

  • Gross Premiums Growth: 9% in the fourth quarter; 11% year-to-date.

  • Net Earnings Per Share: $0.44 for the fourth quarter; $3.74 for the year.

  • Casualty Segment Premium Growth: 18% in the fourth quarter.

  • Casualty Combined Ratio: 97.9 for the calendar year.

  • Surety Segment Growth: Flat in the quarter; 9% year-to-date.

  • Property Segment Premium Change: Down 3% in the fourth quarter.

  • Investment Income Growth: 19% rise contributing to operating earnings.

  • Comprehensive Earnings: $3.66 per share.

  • Book Value Per Share: $16.59, an increase of 24% from year-end 2023.

  • Special Dividend: $2 per share, split adjusted.

Release Date: January 23, 2025

For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.

Positive Points

  • RLI Corp (NYSE:RLI) reported its 29th consecutive year of underwriting profit, showcasing strong financial consistency.

  • The company achieved a 12% growth in net written premium and a 22% growth in underwriting profits for the year.

  • Operating earnings for the fourth quarter were $0.41 per share, supported by positive underwriting performance and a 19% rise in investment income.

  • The casualty segment saw an 18% growth in premiums during the fourth quarter, driven by a 10% rate change in auto coverages.

  • RLI Corp (NYSE:RLI) declared a special dividend of $2 per share, reflecting its strong capital management strategy and consistent financial performance.

Negative Points

  • The combined ratio for the fourth quarter was 94.4, influenced by hurricane losses and additions to current accident year casualty reserves.

  • The property segment experienced a 3% decline in gross premiums for the quarter, primarily due to increased competition and rate softening in the E&S property market.

  • RLI Corp (NYSE:RLI) recorded a loss of $12.5 million from its investment in Prime due to reserve strengthening on prior accident years.

  • The transportation and personal umbrella segments faced challenges with increased auto severity, prompting reserve additions to the current accident year.

  • The equity portfolio underperformed the general market, partly due to a value-oriented portion of the allocation.