RLI CORP - Quarter Report: 2017 September (Form 10-Q)

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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

☒Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2017

☐Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the transition period from to

Commission File Number: 001-09463

RLI Corp.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


Illinois		37-0889946
(State or other jurisdiction of		(I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)		Identification Number)

9025 North Lindbergh Drive, Peoria, IL		61615
(Address of principal executive offices)		(Zip Code)

(309) 692-1000

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒ No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes ☒ No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.


Large accelerated filer ☒		Accelerated filer ☐

Non-accelerated filer ☐		Smaller reporting company ☐
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
		Emerging growth company ☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No ☒

APPLICABLE ONLY TO CORPORATE ISSUERS:

As of October 13, 2017, the number of shares outstanding of the registrant’s Common Stock was 44,059,831.

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			Page

Part I - Financial Information			3

	Item 1.	Financial Statements	3

		Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings and Comprehensive Earnings For the Three-Month Periods Ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 (unaudited)	3

		Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings and Comprehensive Earnings For the Nine-Month Periods Ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 (unaudited)	4

		Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2017 (unaudited) and December 31, 2016	5

		Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows For the Nine-Month Periods Ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 (unaudited)	6

		Notes to unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements	7

	Item 2.	Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations	23

	Item 3.	Quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk	39

	Item 4.	Controls and procedures	39

Part II - Other Information			39

	Item 1.	Legal proceedings	39

	Item 1a.	Risk factors	39

	Item 2.	Unregistered sales of equity securities and use of proceeds	39

	Item 3.	Defaults upon senior securities	40

	Item 4.	Mine safety disclosures	40

	Item 5.	Other information	40

	Item 6.	Exhibits	40

Signatures			41

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PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

RLI Corp. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings and Comprehensive Earnings

(Unaudited)



	For the Three-Month Periods
	Ended September 30,
(in thousands, except per share data)	2017		2016

Net premiums earned	$	182,025	$	183,595
Net investment income		14,187		13,504
Net realized gains		35		9,347
Other-than-temporary impairment (OTTI) losses on investments		-		(95)
Consolidated revenue	$	196,247	$	206,351
Losses and settlement expenses		123,190		97,892
Policy acquisition costs		62,066		61,761
Insurance operating expenses		11,701		13,338
Interest expense on debt		1,856		1,857
General corporate expenses		1,956		2,242
Total expenses	$	200,769	$	177,090
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated investees		3,660		1,881
Earnings (loss) before income taxes	$	(862)	$	31,142
Income tax expense (benefit)		(2,596)		8,879
Net earnings	$	1,734	$	22,263

Other comprehensive earnings (loss), net of tax		8,444		(6,931)
Comprehensive earnings	$	10,178	$	15,332

Earnings per share:
Basic:

Basic net earnings per share	$	0.04	$	0.51
Basic comprehensive earnings per share	$	0.23	$	0.35

Diluted:

Diluted net earnings per share	$	0.04	$	0.50
Diluted comprehensive earnings per share	$	0.23	$	0.34

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:
Basic		44,058		43,843
Diluted		44,515		44,492

Cash dividends paid per common share	$	0.21	$	0.20

See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements.

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	For the Nine-Month Periods
	Ended September 30,
(in thousands, except per share data)	2017		2016

Net premiums earned	$	549,641	$	540,739
Net investment income		40,430		39,922
Net realized gains		1,390		23,457
Other-than-temporary impairment (OTTI) losses on investments		(2,090)		(95)
Consolidated revenue	$	589,371	$	604,023
Losses and settlement expenses		306,927		259,340
Policy acquisition costs		186,264		184,525
Insurance operating expenses		38,582		38,950
Interest expense on debt		5,569		5,570
General corporate expenses		7,816		7,385
Total expenses	$	545,158	$	495,770
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated investees		15,404		10,823
Earnings before income taxes	$	59,617	$	119,076
Income tax expense		11,847		36,343
Net earnings	$	47,770	$	82,733

Other comprehensive earnings, net of tax		30,812		33,898
Comprehensive earnings	$	78,582	$	116,631

Earnings per share:
Basic:

Basic net earnings per share	$	1.09	$	1.89
Basic comprehensive earnings per share	$	1.79	$	2.67

Diluted:

Diluted net earnings per share	$	1.07	$	1.86
Diluted comprehensive earnings per share	$	1.77	$	2.63

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:
Basic		44,008		43,721
Diluted		44,517		44,416

Cash dividends paid per common share	$	0.62	$	0.59

See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements.

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RLI Corp. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(Unaudited)



	September 30,		December 31,
(in thousands, except share data)	2017		2016

ASSETS
Investments and cash:
Fixed income:
Available-for-sale, at fair value (amortized cost - $1,680,321 at 9/30/17 and $1,596,227 at 12/31/16)	$	1,713,558	$	1,605,209
Equity securities available-for-sale, at fair value (cost - $189,212 at 9/30/17 and $187,573 at 12/31/16)		393,213		369,219
Short-term investments, at cost which approximates fair value		11,925		5,015
Other invested assets		25,998		24,115
Cash		26,877		18,269
Total investments and cash	$	2,171,571	$	2,021,827
Accrued investment income		15,161		14,593
Premiums and reinsurance balances receivable, net of allowances for uncollectible amounts of $16,543 at 9/30/17 and $15,981 at 12/31/16		127,388		126,387
Ceded unearned premium		54,186		52,173
Reinsurance balances recoverable on unpaid losses and settlement expenses, net of allowances for uncollectible amounts of $10,066 at 9/30/17 and $10,699 at 12/31/16		291,074		288,224
Deferred policy acquisition costs		77,782		73,147
Property and equipment, at cost, net of accumulated depreciation of $45,927 at 9/30/17 and $41,999 at 12/31/16		55,770		54,606
Investment in unconsolidated investees		88,374		72,240
Goodwill and intangibles		59,427		64,371
Other assets		15,787		10,065
TOTAL ASSETS	$	2,956,520	$	2,777,633

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Liabilities
Unpaid losses and settlement expenses	$	1,253,729	$	1,139,337
Unearned premiums		443,110		433,777
Reinsurance balances payable		21,006		17,928
Funds held		75,294		72,742
Income taxes-deferred		84,982		64,494
Bonds payable, long-term debt		148,881		148,741
Accrued expenses		35,682		51,992
Other liabilities		14,680		25,050
TOTAL LIABILITIES	$	2,077,364	$	1,954,061

Shareholders’ Equity
Common stock ($1 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized)
(66,990,045 shares issued, 44,059,831 shares outstanding at 9/30/17)
(66,874,911 shares issued, 43,944,697 shares outstanding at 12/31/16)	$	66,990	$	66,875
Paid-in capital		233,954		229,779
Accumulated other comprehensive earnings		153,422		122,610
Retained earnings		817,789		797,307
Deferred compensation		7,666		11,496
Less: Treasury shares at cost
(22,930,214 shares at 9/30/17 and 12/31/16)		(400,665)		(404,495)
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY	$	879,156	$	823,572
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY	$	2,956,520	$	2,777,633

See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements.

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RLI Corp. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(Unaudited)



	For the Nine-Month Periods
	Ended September 30,
(in thousands)	2017		2016

Net cash provided by operating activities	$	145,933	$	123,000
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Investments purchased	$	(335,361)	$	(434,505)
Investments sold		131,605		243,506
Investments called or matured		103,193		102,752
Net change in short-term investments		(6,910)		(1,476)
Net property and equipment purchased		(7,262)		(11,852)
Sale (acquisition) of agency		408		(850)
Net cash used in investing activities	$	(114,327)	$	(102,425)

Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Cash dividends paid	$	(27,288)	$	(25,811)
Stock plan share issuance		4,290		(357)
Excess tax benefit from exercise of stock options		-		8,482
Net cash used in financing activities	$	(22,998)	$	(17,686)

Net increase in cash	$	8,608	$	2,889

Cash at the beginning of the period	$	18,269	$	11,081
Cash at September 30	$	26,877	$	13,970

See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements.

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NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

A. BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (GAAP) for interim financial reporting and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the disclosures required by GAAP for complete financial statements. As such, these unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with our 2016 Annual Report on Form 10-K. Management believes that the disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading, and all normal and recurring adjustments necessary to present fairly the financial position at September 30, 2017 and the results of operations of RLI Corp. and subsidiaries for all periods presented have been made. The results of operations for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of the operating results for a full year. Certain reclassifications were made to 2016 to conform to the classifications used in the current year.

The preparation of the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions relating to the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the period. These estimates are inherently subject to change and actual results could differ significantly from these estimates.

B. ADOPTED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

ASU 2016-09, Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting

ASU 2016-09 was issued to simplify the accounting for share-based payment awards. The guidance requires that, prospectively, all tax effects related to share-based payments be made through the income statement at the time of settlement as opposed to excess tax benefits being recognized in additional paid-in-capital under the previous guidance. The ASU also removes the requirement to delay recognition of a tax benefit until it reduces current taxes payable. This change is required to be applied on a modified retrospective basis, with a cumulative-effect adjustment to opening retained earnings. Additionally, all tax related cash flows resulting from share-based payments are to be reported as operating activities on the statement of cash flows, a change from the previous requirement to present tax benefits as an inflow from financing activities and an outflow from operating activities. Finally, entities will be allowed to withhold an amount up to the employees’ maximum individual tax rate (as opposed to the minimum statutory tax rate) in the relevant jurisdiction without resulting in liability classification of the award. The change in withholding requirements will be applied on a modified retrospective approach.

We adopted ASU 2016-09 on January 1, 2017. The guidance’s primary impact on our financial statements relates to the provision concerning the recognition of tax effects through the income statement in 2017 and forward. Excess tax benefits of $3.7 million were recognized in the first nine months of 2017 as a reduction to income tax expense rather than as an increase to additional paid-in-capital. The future impact to our income statement will vary depending upon the level of intrinsic value associated with option exercises in a particular period. Additionally, the changes in cash flow presentation resulted in $3.7 million more operating cash flows and $3.7 million less financing cash flows for the nine month period ended September 30, 2017 than would have been recognized under the previous guidance. We have historically estimated the number of forfeitures as part of our option valuation process and will continue to do so under the new guidance. As no aspect of the guidance that requires retrospective adoption impacted the Company, no prior period adjustments were made.

ASU 2017-04, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment

ASU 2017-04 was issued to simplify the subsequent measurement of goodwill. This update changes the impairment test by requiring an entity to compare the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount as opposed to comparing the carrying amount of goodwill with its implied fair value. We adopted ASU 2017-04 during the second quarter of 2017 to coincide with the annual testing of our energy surety, small commercial and miscellaneous and contract surety reporting units. As most of RLI’s assets and liabilities associated with a reporting unit are measured at fair value, the impact of measuring the impairment at the reporting unit level rather than at the goodwill asset level was believed to be minimal.

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C. PROSPECTIVE ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

ASU 2016-01, Financial Instruments - Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities

This ASU was issued to improve the recognition and measurement of financial instruments. The new guidance makes targeted improvements to GAAP as follows:

Requires equity investments (except those accounted for under the equity method of accounting or those that result in consolidation of the investee) to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income;

Simplifies the impairment assessment of equity investments without readily determinable fair values by requiring a qualitative assessment to identify impairment;

Eliminates the requirement for public business entities to disclose the method(s) and significant assumptions used to estimate the fair value that is required to be disclosed for financial instruments measured at amortized cost on the balance sheet;

Requires public business entities to use the exit price notion when measuring the fair value of financial instruments for disclosure purposes;

Requires an entity to present separately in other comprehensive income the portion of the total change in the fair value of a liability resulting from a change in the instrument-specific credit risk when the entity has elected to measure the liability at fair value in accordance with the fair value option for financial instruments;

Requires separate presentation of financial assets and financial liabilities by measurement category and form of financial asset on the balance sheet or the accompanying notes to the financial statements; and

Clarifies that an entity should evaluate the need for a valuation allowance on a deferred tax asset related to available-for-sale securities in combination with the entity’s other deferred tax assets.

This ASU is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is only permitted for provision (e) above. Upon adoption, a cumulative-effect adjustment to the balance sheet will be made as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. The primary impact this guidance will have on our financial statements relates to the provision requiring the recognition of changes in the fair value of equity securities through the income statement rather than through other comprehensive income. The impact to our income statement will vary depending upon the level of volatility in the performance of the securities held in our equity portfolio and the overall market.

ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842)

ASU 2016-02 was issued to improve the financial reporting of leasing transactions. Under current guidance for lessees, leases are only included on the balance sheet if certain criteria, classifying the agreement as a capital lease, are met. This update will require the recognition of a right-of-use asset and a corresponding lease liability, discounted to the present value, for all leases that extend beyond 12 months. For operating leases, the asset and liability will be expensed over the lease term on a straight-line basis, with all cash flows included in the operating section of the statement of cash flows. For finance leases, interest on the lease liability will be recognized separately from the amortization of the right-of-use asset in the statement of comprehensive income and the repayment of the principal portion of the lease liability will be classified as a financing activity while the interest component will be included in the operating section of the statement of cash flows.

This ASU is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018. Early adoption is permitted. Upon adoption, leases will be recognized and measured at the beginning of the earliest period presented using a modified retrospective approach. We currently have approximately $30 million of undiscounted future lease liabilities that would have to be added to the balance sheet with a corresponding right-of-use asset if the guidance were applicable on September 30, 2017. We do not expect that there will be a materially different annual rental expense upon adoption.

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ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326)

ASU 2016-13 was issued to provide more decision-useful information about the expected credit losses on financial instruments. Current GAAP delays the recognition of credit losses until it is probable a loss has been incurred. The update will require a financial asset measured at amortized cost to be presented at the net amount expected to be collected by means of an allowance for credit losses that runs through net income. Credit losses relating to available-for-sale debt securities will also be recorded through an allowance for credit losses. However, the amendments would limit the amount of the allowance to the amount by which fair value is below amortized cost. The measurement of credit losses on available-for-sale securities is similar under current GAAP, but the update requires the use of the allowance account through which amounts can be reversed, rather than through an irreversible write-down.

This ASU is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted beginning after December 15, 2018. Upon adoption, the update will be applied using the modified-retrospective approach, by which a cumulative-effect adjustment will be made to retained earnings as of the beginning of the first reporting period presented. We do not have any assets measured at amortized cost that would be impacted by this update. Additionally, as our fixed income portfolio is weighted towards higher rated bonds (82.8 percent rated A or better at September 30, 2017), we do not expect that credit loss on our available-for-sale debt securities will be material.

ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments

ASU 2016-15 was issued to reduce the diversity in practice of how certain cash receipts and payments, for which current guidance is silent, are classified in the statement of cash flows. The update addresses eight specific issues, including contingent consideration payments made after a business combination, distributions received from equity method investees and the classification of cash receipts and payments that have aspects of more than one class of cash flows. This ASU is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted. Upon adoption, the update will be applied using the retrospective transition method. We do not expect a material impact on our statement of cash flows.

D. INTANGIBLE ASSETS

In accordance with GAAP guidelines, the amortization of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets is not permitted. Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets remain on the balance sheet and are tested for impairment on an annual basis, or earlier if there is reason to suspect that their values may have been diminished or impaired. Goodwill and intangible assets totaled $59.4 million and $64.4 million at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively, as detailed in the following table.

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Goodwill and Intangible Assets
(in thousands)			September 30,		December 31,
Reporting Unit			2017		2016
Goodwill
	Energy surety	$	25,706	$	25,706
	Miscellaneous and contract surety		15,110		15,110
	Small commercial		5,246		5,246
	Medical professional liability *		3,595		5,208
Total goodwill		$	49,657	$	51,270

Intangibles
	State insurance licenses	$	7,500	$	7,500
	Definite-lived intangibles, net of accumulated amortization of $4,061 at 9/30/17 and $5,546 at 12/31/16		2,270		5,601
Total intangibles		$	9,770	$	13,101

Total goodwill and intangibles		$	59,427	$	64,371

* The medical professional liability goodwill balance reflects a cumulative non-cash impairment charge of $8.8 million and $7.2 million as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.

All definite-lived intangible assets are amortized against future operating results based on their estimated useful lives. Amortization of intangible assets was $0.2 million for the third quarter of 2017 and $0.6 million for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2017, compared to $0.2 million for the third quarter of 2016 and $0.7 million for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2016. Additionally, the asset sale of an agency in the third quarter of 2017 resulted in a $1.0 million reduction to definite-lived intangibles.

Annual impairment testing was performed on our energy surety goodwill, miscellaneous and contract surety goodwill, small commercial goodwill and state insurance license indefinite-lived intangible asset during the second quarter of 2017. Based upon these reviews, none of the assets were impaired. In addition, as of September 30, 2017, there were no triggering events that would suggest an updated review was necessary on the above mentioned goodwill and intangible assets.

As previously disclosed for our medical professional liability reporting unit, rate and volume declines coupled with adverse loss experience resulted in a triggering event during the second quarter of 2016. A fair value was determined by using a weighted average of a market approach and income approach (or discounted cash flow method) valuation. It was determined that the carrying cost of our medical professional liability goodwill exceeded the fair value, resulting in a $7.2 million non-cash impairment charge. Further adverse loss experience triggered the need to test the medical professional liability reporting unit during the second quarter of 2017, resulting in an additional $3.4 million non-cash impairment charge. A fair value for the medical professional liability reporting unit’s agency relationships, carried as a definite-lived intangible, was determined by using a discounted cash flow valuation. The carrying value exceeded the fair value, resulting in a $1.8 million non-cash impairment charge. Similar to in 2016, a fair value for the medical professional liability reporting unit’s goodwill was determined by using a weighted average of a market approach and discounted cash flow valuation. The carrying value exceeded the fair value, resulting in a $1.6 million non-cash impairment charge. All impairment charges were recorded as net realized losses in the respective period’s consolidated statement of earnings. There have been no additional triggering events subsequent to the second quarter 2017 impairment.

E. EARNINGS PER SHARE

Basic earnings per share (EPS) excludes dilution and is computed by dividing income available to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS reflects the dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock or common stock equivalents were exercised or converted into common stock. When inclusion of common stock equivalents increases the earnings per share or reduces the loss per share, the effect on earnings is anti-dilutive. Under these circumstances, the diluted net earnings or net loss per share is computed excluding the common stock equivalents.

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The following represents a reconciliation of the numerator and denominator of the basic and diluted EPS computations contained in the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements.


	For the Three-Month Period					For the Three-Month Period
	Ended September 30, 2017					Ended September 30, 2016
	Income		Shares	Per Share		Income		Shares	Per Share
(in thousands, except per share data)	(Numerator)		(Denominator)	Amount		(Numerator)		(Denominator)	Amount

Basic EPS
Income available to common shareholders	$	1,734	44,058	$	0.04	$	22,263	43,843	$	0.51
Effect of Dilutive Securities
Stock options		-	457				-	649
Diluted EPS
Income available to common shareholders	$	1,734	44,515	$	0.04	$	22,263	44,492	$	0.50

	For the Nine-Month Period					For the Nine-Month Period
	Ended September 30, 2017					Ended September 30, 2016
	Income		Shares	Per Share		Income		Shares	Per Share
(in thousands, except per share data)	(Numerator)		(Denominator)	Amount		(Numerator)		(Denominator)	Amount

Basic EPS
Income available to common shareholders	$	47,770	44,008	$	1.09	$	82,733	43,721	$	1.89
Effect of Dilutive Securities
Stock options		-	509				-	695
Diluted EPS
Income available to common shareholders	$	47,770	44,517	$	1.07	$	82,733	44,416	$	1.86

F. COMPREHENSIVE EARNINGS

Our comprehensive earnings include net earnings plus unrealized gains and losses on our available-for-sale investment securities, net of tax. In reporting comprehensive earnings on a net basis in the statement of earnings, we used the federal statutory tax rate of 35 percent.

Unrealized gains, net of tax, for the first nine months of 2017 were $30.8 million, compared to $33.9 million during the same period last year. Unrealized gains in the first nine months of 2017 were attributable to tightening credit spreads which increased the fair value of securities held in the fixed income portfolio, as well as positive equity market returns. In 2016, unrealized gains were primarily the result of declining interest rates.

The following table illustrates the changes in the balance of each component of accumulated other comprehensive earnings for each period presented in the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements.


(in thousands)	For the Three-Month Periods				For the Nine-Month Periods
	Ended September 30,				Ended September 30,
Unrealized Gains/Losses on Available-for-Sale Securities	2017		2016		2017		2016

Beginning balance	$	144,978	$	164,603	$	122,610	$	123,774
Other comprehensive earnings before reclassifications		9,141		(572)		33,066		54,159
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive earnings		(697)		(6,359)		(2,254)		(20,261)
Net current-period other comprehensive earnings	$	8,444	$	(6,931)	$	30,812	$	33,898
Ending balance	$	153,422	$	157,672	$	153,422	$	157,672

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The sale or other-than-temporary impairment of an available-for-sale security results in amounts being reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive earnings to current period net earnings. The effects of reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive earnings by the respective line items of net earnings are presented in the following table.


	Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other
(in thousands)	Comprehensive Earnings
	For the Three-Month				For the Nine-Month
Component of Accumulated	Periods Ended September 30,				Periods Ended September 30,				Affected line item in the
Other Comprehensive Earnings	2017		2016		2017		2016		Statement of Earnings

Unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities	$	1,073	$	9,878	$	5,558	$	31,266	Net realized gains
		-		(95)		(2,090)		(95)	Other-than-temporary impairment (OTTI) losses on investments
	$	1,073	$	9,783	$	3,468	$	31,171	Earnings before income taxes
		(376)		(3,424)		(1,214)		(10,910)	Income tax expense
	$	697	$	6,359	$	2,254	$	20,261	Net earnings

2. INVESTMENTS

Our investments are primarily composed of fixed income debt securities and common stock equity securities. As disclosed in our 2016 Annual Report on Form 10-K, we present all of our investments as available-for-sale, which are carried at fair value. When available, we obtain quoted market prices to determine fair value for our investments. If a quoted market price is not available, fair value is estimated using a secondary pricing source or using quoted market prices of similar securities. We have no investment securities for which fair value is determined using Level 3 inputs as defined in note 3 to the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements, “Fair Value Measurements.”

Available-for-Sale Securities

The amortized cost and fair value of available-for-sale securities at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 were as follows:


Available-for-sale
(in thousands)
	September 30, 2017
	Cost or		Gross		Gross
	Amortized		Unrealized		Unrealized		Fair
Asset Class	Cost		Gains		Losses		Value
U.S. government	$	88,660	$	159	$	(374)	$	88,445
U.S. agency		13,482		350		(86)		13,746
Non-U.S. govt. & agency		9,497		185		(46)		9,636
Agency MBS		330,257		4,254		(2,953)		331,558
ABS/CMBS*		74,589		616		(216)		74,989
Corporate		532,893		14,496		(2,034)		545,355
Municipal		630,943		20,238		(1,352)		649,829
Total Fixed Income	$	1,680,321	$	40,298	$	(7,061)	$	1,713,558

Equity	$	189,212	$	205,693	$	(1,692)	$	393,213

*Non-agency asset-backed and commercial mortgage-backed

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Available-for-sale
(in thousands)
	December 31, 2016
	Cost or		Gross		Gross
	Amortized		Unrealized		Unrealized		Fair
Asset Class	Cost		Gains		Losses		Value
U.S. government	$	77,054	$	88	$	(579)	$	76,563
U.S. agency		5,473		340		-		5,813
Non-U.S. govt. & agency		9,517		2		(368)		9,151
Agency MBS		283,002		4,635		(3,568)		284,069
ABS/CMBS*		93,791		676		(557)		93,910
Corporate		503,041		10,996		(5,670)		508,367
Municipal		624,349		9,575		(6,588)		627,336
Total Fixed Income	$	1,596,227	$	26,312	$	(17,330)	$	1,605,209

Equity	$	187,573	$	182,912	$	(1,266)	$	369,219

*Non-agency asset-backed and commercial mortgage-backed

The following table presents the amortized cost and fair value of available-for-sale debt securities by contractual maturity dates as of September 30, 2017:


	September 30, 2017
Available-for-sale	Amortized		Fair
(in thousands)	Cost		Value
Due in one year or less	$	21,240	$	20,984
Due after one year through five years		339,233		346,408
Due after five years through 10 years		571,384		586,385
Due after 10 years		343,618		353,234
Mtge/ABS/CMBS*		404,846		406,547
Total available-for-sale	$	1,680,321	$	1,713,558

*Mortgage-backed, asset-backed and commercial mortgage-backed

Unrealized Losses

We conduct and document periodic reviews of all securities with unrealized losses to evaluate whether the impairment is other-than-temporary. The following tables are used as part of our impairment analysis and illustrate the total value of securities that were in an unrealized loss position as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016. The tables segregate the securities based on type, noting the fair value, cost (or amortized cost) and unrealized loss on each category of investment as well as in total. The tables further classify the securities based on the length of time they have been in an unrealized loss position. As of September 30, 2017 unrealized losses, as shown in the following tables, were 0.4 percent of total invested assets. Unrealized losses decreased through the first nine months of 2017, as interest rates declined slightly from the end of 2016, which increased the fair value of securities held in the fixed income portfolio.

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	September 30, 2017						December 31, 2016
(in thousands)	< 12 Mos.		12 Mos. & Greater		Total		< 12 Mos.		12 Mos. & Greater		Total

U.S. Government
Fair value	$	54,686	$	3,008	$	57,694	$	48,500	$	—	$	48,500
Cost or amortized cost		55,028		3,040		58,068		49,079		—		49,079
Unrealized Loss	$	(342)	$	(32)	$	(374)	$	(579)	$	—	$	(579)

U.S. Agency
Fair value	$	7,921	$	—	$	7,921	$	—	$	—	$	—
Cost or amortized cost		8,007		—		8,007		—		—		—
Unrealized Loss	$	(86)	$	—	$	(86)	$	—	$	—	$	—

Non-U.S. government
Fair value	$	1,973	$	1,865	$	3,838	$	7,647	$	—	$	7,647
Cost or amortized cost		1,988		1,896		3,884		8,015		—		8,015
Unrealized Loss	$	(15)	$	(31)	$	(46)	$	(368)	$	—	$	(368)

Agency MBS
Fair value	$	156,908	$	56,025	$	212,933	$	175,858	$	5,737	$	181,595
Cost or amortized cost		158,567		57,319		215,886		179,238		5,925		185,163
Unrealized Loss	$	(1,659)	$	(1,294)	$	(2,953)	$	(3,380)	$	(188)	$	(3,568)

ABS/CMBS*
Fair value	$	22,971	$	15,577	$	38,548	$	48,907	$	5,272	$	54,179
Cost or amortized cost		23,032		15,732		38,764		49,372		5,364		54,736
Unrealized Loss	$	(61)	$	(155)	$	(216)	$	(465)	$	(92)	$	(557)

Corporate
Fair value	$	58,328	$	24,028	$	82,356	$	144,353	$	15,535	$	159,888
Cost or amortized cost		58,881		25,509		84,390		146,979		18,579		165,558
Unrealized Loss	$	(553)	$	(1,481)	$	(2,034)	$	(2,626)	$	(3,044)	$	(5,670)

Municipal
Fair value	$	61,840	$	54,964	$	116,804	$	250,930	$	—	$	250,930
Cost or amortized cost		62,387		55,769		118,156		257,518		—		257,518
Unrealized Loss	$	(547)	$	(805)	$	(1,352)	$	(6,588)	$	—	$	(6,588)

Subtotal, fixed income
Fair value	$	364,627	$	155,467	$	520,094	$	676,195	$	26,544	$	702,739
Cost or amortized cost		367,890		159,265		527,155		690,201		29,868		720,069
Unrealized Loss	$	(3,263)	$	(3,798)	$	(7,061)	$	(14,006)	$	(3,324)	$	(17,330)

Equity securities
Fair value	$	8,696	$	4,506	$	13,202	$	7,438	$	1,973	$	9,411
Cost or amortized cost		9,716		5,178		14,894		8,029		2,648		10,677
Unrealized Loss	$	(1,020)	$	(672)	$	(1,692)	$	(591)	$	(675)	$	(1,266)

Total
Fair value	$	373,323	$	159,973	$	533,296	$	683,633	$	28,517	$	712,150
Cost or amortized cost		377,606		164,443		542,049		698,230		32,516		730,746
Unrealized Loss	$	(4,283)	$	(4,470)	$	(8,753)	$	(14,597)	$	(3,999)	$	(18,596)

* Non-agency asset-backed and commercial mortgage-backed

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The following table shows the composition of the fixed income securities in unrealized loss positions at September 30, 2017 by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) rating and the generally equivalent Standard & Poor’s (S&P) and Moody’s ratings. The vast majority of the securities are rated by S&P and/or Moody’s.


	Equivalent	Equivalent	(dollars in thousands)
NAIC	S&P	Moody’s	Amortized				Unrealized		Percent
Rating	Rating	Rating	Cost		Fair Value		Loss		to Total

1	AAA/AA/A	Aaa/Aa/A	$	483,555	$	478,024	$	(5,531)	78.3	%
2	BBB	Baa		27,896		27,669		(227)	3.2	%
3	BB	Ba		5,693		5,639		(54)	0.8	%
4	B	B		7,945		7,171		(774)	11.0	%
5	CCC or lower	Caa or lower		2,066		1,591		(475)	6.7	%
6				—		—		—	—
		Total	$	527,155	$	520,094	$	(7,061)	100.0	%

Evaluating Investments for OTTI

The fixed income portfolio contained 288 securities in an unrealized loss position as of September 30, 2017. The $7.1 million in associated unrealized losses for these 288 securities represents 0.4 percent of the fixed income portfolio’s cost basis. Of these 288 securities, 89 have been in an unrealized loss position for 12 consecutive months or longer. All fixed income securities in the investment portfolio continue to pay the expected coupon payments under the contractual terms of the securities. Any credit-related impairment related to fixed income securities we do not plan to sell and for which we are not more likely than not to be required to sell is recognized in net earnings, with the non-credit related impairment recognized in comprehensive earnings. Based on our analysis, our fixed income portfolio is of high credit quality and we believe we will recover the amortized cost basis of our fixed income securities. We continually monitor the credit quality of our fixed income investments to assess if it is probable that we will receive our contractual or estimated cash flows in the form of principal and interest. In the first nine months of 2017, we recognized $2.1 million in other-than-temporary impairment (OTTI) charges in earnings on two fixed income securities that we no longer had the intent to hold. Comparatively, we recognized $0.1 million in OTTI losses in earnings on a fixed income security that we no longer had the intent to hold in same period in 2016. There were no OTTI losses recognized in other comprehensive earnings on the fixed income portfolio for the periods presented.

As of September 30, 2017, we held six common stock securities that were in an unrealized loss position. The unrealized loss on these securities was $1.7 million. Based on our analysis, we believe each security will recover in a reasonable period of time and we have the intent and ability to hold them until recovery. Two equity securities have been in an unrealized loss position for 12 consecutive months or longer. There were no OTTI losses recognized in the periods presented on the equity portfolio.

Other Invested Assets

Other invested assets include investments in three low income housing tax credit partnerships (LIHTC), carried at amortized cost, membership in the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago (FHLBC), carried at cost, an investment in a real estate fund, carried at cost, and an investment in a business development company (BDC), carried at fair value. Due to the nature of the LIHTC and our membership in the FHLBC, their carrying amounts approximate fair value. Our LIHTC interests had a balance of $16.0 million at September 30, 2017, compared to $17.5 million at December 31, 2016 and recognized a total tax benefit of $0.6 million during the third quarter of 2017 compared to $0.4 million during the third quarter of 2016. For the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, our LIHTC interests recognized a total benefit of $1.9 million and $1.2 million, respectively. Our investment in FHLBC stock totaled $1.0 million at September 30, 2017, compared to $1.6 million at December 31, 2016. As of September 30, 2017, $9.6 million of investments were pledged as collateral with the FHLBC to ensure timely access to the secured lending facility that ownership of FHLBC stock provides. No assets were pledged as collateral as of December 31, 2016. As of and during the nine month period ending September 30, 2017, there were no outstanding borrowings with the FHLBC. Our investment in the real estate fund was carried at $3.1 million which approximated fair value at September 30, 2017, compared to a carrying value of $5.0 million which approximated fair value at December 31, 2016. During 2017, we made an investment in a BDC which had a fair value of $6.0 million at September 30, 2017. The investment in the BDC is restricted from being transferred until after a qualified IPO unless prior consent is provided by the BDC. Our unfunded commitments related to this investment totaled $19.1 million at September 30, 2017. Additionally, we had a $15.0 million unfunded commitment related to an investment in a global credit fund at September 30, 2017.

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Cash and Short-term Investments

Cash consists of uninvested balances in bank accounts. We had a cash balance of $26.9 million at September 30, 2017, compared to $18.3 million at the end of 2016. Short-term investments of $11.9 million and $5.0 million at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively, are carried at cost, which approximates fair value.

3. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

Assets and Liabilities Recorded at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

Fair value is defined as the price in the principal market that would be received for an asset to facilitate an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date.

We determined the fair value of certain financial instruments based on their underlying characteristics and relevant transactions in the marketplace. GAAP guidance requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The guidance also describes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value.

Financial assets are classified based upon the lowest level of significant input that is used to determine fair value. The following are the levels of the fair value hierarchy and a brief description of the type of valuation inputs that are used to establish each level:

Pricing Level 1 is applied to valuations based on readily available, unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets.

Pricing Level 2 is applied to valuations based upon quoted prices for similar assets in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets in inactive markets; or valuations based on models where the significant inputs are observable (e.g. interest rates, yield curves, prepayment speeds, default rates, loss severities) or can be corroborated by observable market data.

Pricing Level 3 is applied to valuations that are derived from techniques in which one or more of the significant inputs are unobservable.

As a part of management’s process to determine fair value, we utilize widely recognized, third-party pricing sources to determine our fair values. We have obtained an understanding of the third-party pricing sources’ valuation methodologies and inputs. The following is a description of the valuation techniques used for financial assets that are measured at fair value, including the general classification of such assets pursuant to the fair value hierarchy.

Corporate, Agencies, Government and Municipal Bonds: The pricing vendor employs a multi-dimensional model which uses standard inputs including (listed in approximate order of priority for use) benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, issuer spreads, two-sided markets, benchmark securities, market bids/offers and other reference data. The pricing vendor also monitors market indicators, as well as industry and economic events. All bonds valued using these techniques are classified as Level 2. All corporate, agency, government and municipal securities were deemed Level 2.

Mortgage-backed Securities (MBS)/Commercial Mortgage-backed Securities (CMBS) and Asset-backed Securities (ABS): The pricing vendor evaluation methodology includes principally interest rate movements and new issue data. Evaluation of the tranches (non-volatile, volatile or credit sensitivity) is based on the pricing vendors’ interpretation of accepted modeling and pricing conventions. This information is then used to determine the cash flows for each tranche, benchmark yields, prepayment assumptions and to incorporate collateral performance. To evaluate MBS and CMBS volatility, an option adjusted spread model is used in combination with models that simulate interest rate paths to determine market price information. This process allows the pricing vendor to obtain evaluations of a broad universe of securities in a way that reflects changes in yield curve, index rates, implied volatility, mortgage rates and recent trade activity. MBS/CMBS and ABS with corroborated, observable inputs are classified as Level 2. All of our MBS/CMBS and ABS are deemed Level 2.

Common Stock: Exchange traded equities have readily observable price levels and are classified as Level 1 (fair value based on quoted market prices). All of our common stock holdings are deemed Level 1.

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For the Level 2 securities, as described above, we periodically conduct a review to assess the reasonableness of the fair values provided by our pricing services. Our review consists of a two pronged approach. First, we compare prices provided by our pricing services to those provided by an additional source. Second, we obtain prices from securities brokers and compare them to the prices provided by our pricing services. In both comparisons, when discrepancies are found, we compare our prices to actual reported trade data for like securities. Based on this assessment, we determined that the fair values of our Level 2 securities provided by our pricing services are reasonable.

For common stock, we receive prices from a nationally recognized pricing service. Prices are based on observable inputs in an active market and are therefore disclosed as Level 1. Based on this assessment, we determined that the fair values of our Level 1 securities provided by our pricing service are reasonable.

The investment in the BDC is measured using the investment’s net asset value per share and is not categorized within the fair value hierarchy.

Due to the relatively short-term nature of cash, short-term investments, accounts receivable and accounts payable, their carrying amounts are reasonable estimates of fair value.

Assets measured at fair value in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements on a recurring basis are summarized below:


	As of September 30, 2017
	Fair Value Measurements Using
	Quoted Prices in		Significant Other		Significant
	Active Markets for		Observable		Unobservable
	Identical Assets		Inputs		Inputs
(in thousands)	(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)		Total

Available-for-sale securities
U.S. government	$	—	$	88,445	$	—	$	88,445
U.S. agency		—		13,746		—		13,746
Non-U.S. govt. & agency		—		9,636		—		9,636
Agency MBS		—		331,558		—		331,558
ABS/CMBS*		—		74,989		—		74,989
Corporate		—		545,355		—		545,355
Municipal		—		649,829		—		649,829
Equity		393,213		—		—		393,213
Total available-for-sale securities	$	393,213	$	1,713,558	$	—	$	2,106,771


	As of December 31, 2016
	Fair Value Measurements Using
	Quoted Prices in		Significant Other		Significant
	Active Markets for		Observable		Unobservable
	Identical Assets		Inputs		Inputs
(in thousands)	(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)		Total

Available-for-sale securities
U.S. government	$	—	$	76,563	$	—	$	76,563
U.S. agency		—		5,813		—		5,813
Non-U.S. govt. & agency		—		9,151		—		9,151
Agency MBS		—		284,069		—		284,069
ABS/CMBS*		—		93,910		—		93,910
Corporate		—		508,367		—		508,367
Municipal		—		627,336		—		627,336
Equity		369,219		—		—		369,219
Total available-for-sale securities	$	369,219	$	1,605,209	$	—	$	1,974,428

* Non-agency asset-backed and commercial mortgage-backed

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As noted in the above table, we did not have any assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) during the period. Additionally, there were no securities transferred in or out of levels 1 or 2 during the nine-month period ended September 30, 2017.

4. HISTORICAL LOSS AND LAE DEVELOPMENT

The following table is a reconciliation of our unpaid losses and settlement expenses (LAE) for the first nine months of 2017 and 2016.


	For the Nine-Month Periods
	Ended September 30,
(in thousands)	2017		2016
Unpaid losses and LAE at beginning of year
Gross	$	1,139,337	$	1,103,785
Ceded		(288,224)		(297,844)
Net	$	851,113	$	805,941

Increase (decrease) in incurred losses and LAE
Current accident year	$	343,535	$	288,749
Prior accident years		(36,608)		(29,410)
Total incurred	$	306,927	$	259,339

Loss and LAE payments for claims incurred
Current accident year	$	(37,333)	$	(36,972)
Prior accident year		(158,052)		(170,313)
Total paid	$	(195,385)	$	(207,285)

Net unpaid losses and LAE at September 30,	$	962,655	$	857,995

Unpaid losses and LAE at September 30,
Gross	$	1,253,729	$	1,150,938
Ceded		(291,074)		(292,943)
Net	$	962,655	$	857,995

As disclosed in the 2016 Annual Report on Form 10-K, our actuaries have historically performed a ground up reserve study of the expected value of unpaid losses and LAE using multiple standard actuarial methodologies three times a year. As a result of efficiency improvements in our reserving process, our actuaries began performing ground up reserve studies on a quarterly basis during the first quarter of 2017. We continue to perform an emergence analysis on a quarterly basis to determine if further adjustments are necessary. We then review all of the various estimates of ultimate loss by accident year and determine the appropriateness of the reserve balance as we have done in the past.

5. INCOME TAXES

Catastrophic losses incurred in the third quarter of 2017 resulted in a pretax loss and a 301.2 percent effective tax rate, compared to an effective tax rate of 28.5 percent in the third quarter of 2016. Our effective tax rate for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2017 was 19.9 percent, compared to and 30.5 percent for the same periods in 2016. Effective rates are dependent upon components of pretax earnings and the related tax effects. The pretax loss in the third quarter of 2017 and the significantly lower pretax earnings in the first nine months of 2017 caused the tax favored adjustments to have a larger impact than they did in their respective periods for 2016. Additionally, the adoption of FASB ASU 2016-09 reduced the tax rate in 2017 by requiring the excess tax benefit on share-based compensation to run through income tax expense. Prior to the adoption of FASB ASU 2016-09, excess tax benefits on share-based compensation were recorded directly to shareholders’ equity and had no impact on the effective tax rate.

Income tax expense attributable to income from operations for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 differed from the amounts computed by applying the U.S. federal tax rate of 35 percent to pretax income as a result of the following:

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	For the Three-Month Periods Ended September 30,								For the Nine-Month Periods Ended September 30,
	2017				2016				2017				2016
(in thousands)	Amount		%		Amount		%		Amount		%		Amount		%
Provision for income taxes at the statutory rate of 35%	$	(302)	35.0	%	$	10,900	35.0	%	$	20,866	35.0	%	$	41,677	35.0	%
Increase (reduction) in taxes resulting from:
Excess tax benefit on share-based compensation		(477)	55.3	%		—	0.0	%		(3,711)	(6.2)	%		—	0.0	%
Tax exempt interest income		(1,187)	137.7	%		(1,020)	(3.2)	%		(3,525)	(5.9)	%		(3,149)	(2.6)	%
Dividends received deduction		(553)	64.2	%		(626)	(2.0)	%		(1,488)	(2.5)	%		(1,676)	(1.4)	%
ESOP dividends paid deduction		(240)	27.9	%		(238)	(0.8)	%		(724)	(1.2)	%		(714)	(0.6)	%
Other items, net		163	(18.9)	%		(137)	(0.5)	%		429	0.7	%		205	0.1	%
Total tax expense (benefit)	$	(2,596)	301.2	%	$	8,879	28.5	%	$	11,847	19.9	%	$	36,343	30.5	%

6. STOCK BASED COMPENSATION

Our RLI Corp. Omnibus Stock Plan (omnibus plan) was in place from 2005 to 2010. The omnibus plan provided for equity-based compensation, including stock options, up to a maximum of 3,000,000 shares of common stock (subject to adjustment for changes in our capitalization and other events). Between 2005 and 2010, we granted 2,458,059 stock options under this plan, including incentive stock options (ISOs), which were adjusted as part of the special dividends paid in 2014 and prior years. The omnibus plan was replaced in 2010.

In 2010, our shareholders approved the RLI Corp. Long-Term Incentive Plan (2010 LTIP), which provides for equity-based compensation and replaced the omnibus plan. In conjunction with the adoption of the 2010 LTIP, effective May 6, 2010, options were no longer granted under the omnibus plan. The 2010 LTIP provided for equity-based compensation, including stock options, up to a maximum of 4,000,000 shares of common stock (subject to adjustment for changes in our capitalization and other events). Between 2010 and 2015, we granted 2,878,000 stock options under the 2010 LTIP. The 2010 LTIP was replaced in 2015.

In 2015, our shareholders approved the 2015 RLI Corp. Long-Term Incentive Plan (2015 LTIP), which provides for equity-based compensation and replaced the 2010 LTIP. In conjunction with the adoption of the 2015 LTIP, effective May 7, 2015, options were no longer granted under the 2010 LTIP. Awards under the 2015 LTIP may be in the form of restricted stock, restricted stock units, stock options (non-qualified only), stock appreciation rights, performance units as well as other stock-based awards. Eligibility under the 2015 LTIP is limited to employees and directors of the company or any affiliate. The granting of awards under the 2015 LTIP is solely at the discretion of the board of directors. The maximum number of shares of common stock available for distribution under the 2015 LTIP is 4,000,000 shares (subject to adjustment for changes in our capitalization and other events). Since 2015, we have granted 1,408,825 awards under the 2015 LTIP, including 458,075 thus far in 2017.

Stock Options

Under the 2015 LTIP, as under the 2010 LTIP and omnibus plan, we grant stock options for shares with an exercise price equal to the fair market value of the shares at the date of grant (subject to adjustments for changes in our capitalization, special dividends and other events as set forth in such plans). Options generally vest and become exercisable ratably over a five-year period and expire eight years after grant.

For most participants, the requisite service period and vesting period will be the same. For participants who are retirement eligible, defined by the plan as those individuals whose age and years of service equals 75, the requisite service period is deemed to be met and options are immediately expensed on the date of grant. For participants who will become retirement eligible during the vesting period, the requisite service period over which expense is recognized is the period between the grant date and the attainment of retirement eligibility. Shares issued upon option exercise are newly issued shares.

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The following tables summarize option activity for the periods ended September 30, 2017 and 2016:


				Weighted
		Weighted		Average	Aggregate
	Number of	Average		Remaining	Intrinsic
	Options	Exercise		Contractual	Value
	Outstanding	Price		Life	(in 000’s)

Outstanding options at January 1, 2017	2,207,110	$	40.90
Options granted	442,625	$	56.97
Options exercised	(174,890)	$	25.27		$	5,655
Options canceled/forfeited	(41,600)	$	48.30
Outstanding options at September 30, 2017	2,433,245	$	44.82	4.84	$	33,290
Exercisable options at September 30, 2017	1,157,785	$	36.30	3.26	$	25,078

				Weighted
		Weighted		Average	Aggregate
	Number of	Average		Remaining	Intrinsic
	Options	Exercise		Contractual	Value
	Outstanding	Price		Life	(in 000’s)

Outstanding options at January 1, 2016	2,582,220	$	32.42
Options granted	410,250	$	64.15
Options exercised	(638,675)	$	23.67		$	27,704
Options canceled/forfeited	(8,940)	$	41.90
Outstanding options at September 30, 2016	2,344,855	$	40.32	5.12	$	65,748
Exercisable options at September 30, 2016	939,785	$	31.10	3.58	$	35,016

The majority of our stock options are granted annually at our regular board meeting in May. In addition, options are approved at the May meeting for quarterly grants to certain retirement eligible employees. Since stock option grants to retirement eligible employees are fully expensed when issued, the approach allows for a more even expense distribution throughout the year.

Thus far in 2017, 442,625 stock options were granted with a weighted average exercise price of $56.97 and a weighted average fair value of $7.95. We recognized $1.0 million of expense in the third quarter of 2017 and $3.0 million in the first nine months of 2017 related to options vesting. Since options granted under our 2010 LTIP and 2015 LTIP are non-qualified, we recorded a tax benefit of $0.3 million in the third quarter of 2017 and $1.1 million in the first nine months of 2017 related to this compensation expense. Total unrecognized compensation expense relating to outstanding and unvested options was $6.3 million, which will be recognized over the remainder of the vesting period. Comparatively, we recognized $1.0 million of expense in the third quarter of 2016 and $3.2 million in the first nine months of 2016. We recorded a tax benefit of $0.4 million in the third quarter of 2016 and $1.1 million in the first nine months of 2016 related to this compensation expense.

The fair value of options was estimated using a Black-Scholes based option pricing model with the following weighted average grant-date assumptions and weighted average fair values as of September 30:


	2017			2016

Weighted-average fair value of grants	$	7.95		$	11.47
Risk-free interest rates		1.89	%		1.21	%
Dividend yield		3.60	%		1.61	%
Expected volatility		22.95	%		23.06	%
Expected option life		5.05	years		5.04	years

The risk-free rate was determined based on U.S. treasury yields that most closely approximated the option’s expected life. The dividend yield for 2017 was determined based on the average annualized quarterly dividends paid during the most recent five-year period and incorporated a consideration for special dividends paid in recent history. The dividend yield in 2016 and prior was determined based on the average annualized quarterly dividends paid during the most recent five-year period, exclusive of considerations for special dividends. The expected volatility was calculated based on the median of the rolling volatilities for the expected life of the options. The expected option life was determined based on historical exercise behavior and the assumption that

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all outstanding options will be exercised at the midpoint of the current date and remaining contractual term, adjusted for the demographics of the current year’s grant.

Restricted Stock Units

In addition to stock options, restricted stock units (RSUs) were granted for the first time in May 2017. RSUs have a grant date value equal to the closing stock price of the Company’s stock on the dates the shares are granted. Generally, these units have a three-year cliff vesting. When participants become retirement eligible, defined by the plan as those individuals whose age and years of service equals 75, the units become fully vested. In addition, the RSUs have dividend participation which accrues and is settled in additional shares with all granted stock units at the end of the three-year period.

As of September 30, 2017, 15,450 RSUs have been granted and 15,375 remain outstanding. The weighted average grant date fair value was $56.71. We recognized $0.1 million of expense on these units in the third quarter of 2017 and $0.3 million in the first nine months of 2017. Total unrecognized compensation expense relating to outstanding and unvested RSUs was $0.5 million, which will be recognized over the remainder of the three-year vesting period.

7. OPERATING SEGMENT INFORMATION

Selected information by operating segment is presented in the table below. Additionally, the table reconciles segment totals to total earnings and total revenues.


	For the Three-Month Periods				For the Nine-Month Periods
REVENUES	Ended September 30,				Ended September 30,
(in thousands)	2017		2016		2017		2016
Casualty	$	118,393	$	115,619	$	354,636	$	336,572
Property		33,559		37,532		103,849		114,011
Surety		30,073		30,444		91,156		90,156
Net premiums earned	$	182,025	$	183,595	$	549,641	$	540,739
Net investment income		14,187		13,504		40,430		39,922
Net realized gains (losses)		35		9,252		(700)		23,362
Total consolidated revenue	$	196,247	$	206,351	$	589,371	$	604,023

NET EARNINGS
(in thousands)	2017		2016		2017		2016
Casualty	$	3,554	$	259	$	5,321	$	20,490
Property		(27,519)		468		(15,852)		13,911
Surety		9,033		9,877		28,399		23,523
Net underwriting income (loss)	$	(14,932)	$	10,604	$	17,868	$	57,924
Net investment income		14,187		13,504		40,430		39,922
Net realized gains (losses)		35		9,252		(700)		23,362
General corporate expense and interest on debt		(3,812)		(4,099)		(13,385)		(12,955)
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated investees		3,660		1,881		15,404		10,823
Total earnings (loss) before income taxes	$	(862)	$	31,142	$	59,617	$	119,076
Income tax expense (benefit)		(2,596)		8,879		11,847		36,343
Total net earnings	$	1,734	$	22,263	$	47,770	$	82,733

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The following table further summarizes revenues by major product type within each operating segment:


	For the Three-Month Periods				For the Nine-Month Periods
NET PREMIUMS EARNED	Ended September 30,				Ended September 30,
(in thousands)	2017		2016		2017		2016

Casualty
Commercial and personal umbrella	$	28,848	$	27,844	$	86,286	$	82,510
General liability		22,138		21,563		66,572		63,735
Commercial transportation		18,047		21,557		59,543		60,037
Professional services		19,584		19,318		58,826		56,748
Small commercial		12,419		11,706		36,471		33,973
Executive products		4,439		4,716		13,289		14,126
Medical professional liability		4,169		4,512		12,725		12,509
Other casualty		8,749		4,403		20,924		12,934
Total	$	118,393	$	115,619	$	354,636	$	336,572

Property
Commercial property	$	15,600	$	16,819	$	47,191	$	51,528
Marine		13,112		11,964		37,005		36,070
Specialty personal		4,844		6,186		16,370		18,731
Property reinsurance		(62)		2,544		3,200		7,925
Crop reinsurance		(11)		19		(6)		(243)
Other property		76		-		89		-
Total	$	33,559	$	37,532	$	103,849	$	114,011

Surety
Miscellaneous	$	11,780	$	11,714	$	35,491	$	34,304
Contract		7,130		7,221		21,361		22,030
Commercial		6,861		6,906		20,942		20,332
Energy		4,302		4,603		13,362		13,490
Total	$	30,073	$	30,444	$	91,156	$	90,156

Grand Total	$	182,025	$	183,595	$	549,641	$	540,739

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ITEM 2.MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.

“SAFE HARBOR” STATEMENT UNDER THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995: This discussion and analysis may contain 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 that are not historical facts, and involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expected and projected. Various risk factors that could affect future results are listed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.

OVERVIEW

RLI Corp. is an Illinois corporation that was organized in 1965. We underwrite selected property and casualty insurance through major subsidiaries collectively known as RLI Insurance Group (the Group). We conduct operations principally through three insurance companies. RLI Insurance Company (RLI Ins.), a subsidiary of RLI Corp. and our principal insurance subsidiary, writes multiple lines of insurance on an admitted basis in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and Guam. Mt. Hawley Insurance Company (Mt. Hawley), a subsidiary of RLI Ins., writes excess and surplus lines insurance on a non-admitted basis in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and Guam. Contractors Bonding and Insurance Company (CBIC), a subsidiary of RLI Ins., writes multiple lines of insurance on an admitted basis in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Each of our insurance companies is domiciled in Illinois.

As a specialty company with a niche focus, we offer insurance coverages in both the specialty admitted and excess and surplus markets. Coverages in the specialty admitted market, such as our energy surety bonds, are for risks that are unique or hard-to-place in the standard market, but must remain with an admitted insurance company for regulatory or marketing reasons. In addition, our coverages in the specialty admitted market may be designed to meet specific insurance needs of targeted insured groups, such as our professional liability and package coverages for design professionals and our stand-alone personal umbrella policy. The specialty admitted market is subject to more state regulation than the excess and surplus market, particularly with regard to rate and form filing requirements, restrictions on the ability to exit lines of business, premium tax payments and membership in various state associations, such as state guaranty funds and assigned risk plans. We also underwrite coverages in the excess and surplus market. The excess and surplus market, unlike the standard admitted market, is less regulated and more flexible in terms of policy forms and premium rates. This market provides an alternative for customers with risks or loss exposures that generally cannot be written in the standard admitted market. This typically results in coverages that are more restrictive and more expensive than coverages in the admitted market. When we underwrite within the excess and surplus market, we are selective in the lines of business and type of risks we choose to write. Using our non-admitted status in this market allows us to tailor terms and conditions to manage these exposures effectively. Often, the development of these coverages is generated through proposals brought to us by an agent or broker seeking coverage for a specific group of clients or loss exposures. Once a proposal is submitted, our underwriters determine whether it would be a viable product based on our business objectives.

The foundation of our overall business strategy is to underwrite for profit in all market conditions and we have achieved this for 21 consecutive years, averaging an 87.4 combined ratio over that period of time. This drives our ability to provide shareholder returns in three different ways: the underwriting income itself, net investment income from our investment portfolio and long-term appreciation in our equity portfolio. Our investment strategy is based on preservation of capital as the first priority, with a secondary focus on generating total return. The fixed income portfolio consists primarily of highly-rated, diversified, liquid, investment-grade securities. Consistent underwriting income allows a portion of our shareholders’ equity to be invested in equity securities and other risk asset classes. Our equity portfolio consists of a core stock portfolio weighted toward dividend-paying stocks, as well as exchange traded funds (ETFs). Our minority equity ownership interests in Maui Jim, Inc. (Maui Jim), a manufacturer of high-quality sunglasses, and Prime Holdings Insurance Services, Inc. (Prime), a specialty excess and surplus insurance company, has also enhanced returns. We have a diversified investment portfolio and closely monitor our investment risks. Despite periodic fluctuations in market value, our equity portfolio is part of a long-term asset allocation strategy and has contributed significantly to our historical growth in book value.

We measure the results of our insurance operations by monitoring certain measures of growth and profitability across three distinct business segments: casualty, property and surety. Growth is measured in terms of gross premiums written and profitability is analyzed through combined ratios, which are further subdivided into their respective loss and expense components.

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The property and casualty insurance business is cyclical and influenced by many factors, including price competition, economic conditions, natural or man-made disasters (for example, earthquakes, hurricanes and terrorism), interest rates, state regulations, court decisions and changes in the law.

One of the unique and challenging features of the property and casualty insurance business is that coverages must be priced before costs have fully developed, because premiums are charged before claims are incurred. This requires that liabilities be estimated and recorded in recognition of future loss and settlement obligations. Due to the inherent uncertainty in estimating these liabilities, there can be no assurance that actual liabilities will not be more or less than recorded amounts; if actual liabilities differ from recorded amounts, there will be an adverse or favorable effect on net earnings. In evaluating the objective performance measures previously mentioned, it is important to consider the following individual characteristics of each major insurance segment.

The casualty portion of our business consists largely of commercial umbrella, personal umbrella, general liability, transportation and executive products coverages, as well as package business and other specialty coverages, such as professional liability and workers’ compensation for office-based professionals. We also offer fidelity and crime coverage for commercial insureds and select financial institutions and medical and healthcare professional liability coverage in the excess and surplus market. The casualty business is subject to the risk of estimating losses and related loss reserves because the ultimate settlement of a casualty claim may take several years to fully develop. The casualty segment is also subject to inflation risk and may be affected by evolving legislation and court decisions that define the extent of coverage and the amount of compensation due for injuries or losses.

Our property segment is comprised primarily of commercial fire, earthquake, difference in conditions and marine coverages. We also offer select personal lines policies, including homeowners’ coverages. Our crop, property reinsurance and recreational vehicle products are in runoff after we discontinued our crop relationship at the end of 2015 and began curtailing reinsurance and recreational vehicle offerings at the end of 2015 and 2016, respectively. Property insurance results are subject to the variability introduced by perils such as earthquakes, fires and hurricanes. Our major catastrophe exposure is to losses caused by earthquakes, primarily on the West Coast. Our second largest catastrophe exposure is to losses caused by wind storms to commercial properties throughout the Gulf and East Coast, as well as to homes we insure in Hawaii. We limit our net aggregate exposure to a catastrophic event by minimizing the total policy limits written in a particular region, purchasing reinsurance and maintaining policy terms and conditions throughout market cycles. We also use computer-assisted modeling techniques to provide estimates that help us carefully manage the concentration of risks exposed to catastrophic events.

The surety segment specializes in writing small-to-large commercial and contract surety coverages, as well as those for the energy, petrochemical and refining industries. We also offer miscellaneous bonds including license and permit, notary and court bonds. Often, our surety coverages involve a statutory requirement for bonds. While these bonds typically maintain a relatively low loss ratio, losses may fluctuate due to adverse economic conditions affecting the financial viability of our insureds. The contract surety product guarantees the construction work of a commercial contractor for a specific project. Generally, losses occur due to the deterioration of a contractor’s financial condition. This line has historically produced marginally higher loss ratios than other surety lines during economic downturns.

The insurance marketplace is intensely competitive across all of our segments. Despite challenges that exist in today’s marketplace, we believe that our business model is built to create underwriting income by focusing on sound risk selection and discipline. Our primary focus will continue to be on underwriting profitability, with a secondary focus on premium growth where we believe underwriting profit exists, as opposed to general premium growth or market share measurements.

GAAP, non-GAAP and Performance Measures

Throughout this quarterly report, we include certain non-generally accepted accounting principles (“non-GAAP”) financial measures. Management believes that these non-GAAP measures better 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 GAAP. In addition, our definitions of these items may not be comparable to the definitions used by other companies.

Following is a list of non-GAAP measures found throughout this report with their definitions, relationships to GAAP measures and explanations of their importance to our operations.

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Underwriting Income

Underwriting income or profit represents one measure of 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 premiums earned, which are all GAAP financial measures. Each of these captions is presented in the statements of earnings, but is not subtotaled. However, this information is available in total and by segment in note 11 to the consolidated financial statements in our 2016 Annual Report on Form 10-K, regarding operating segment information. The nearest comparable GAAP measure is earnings before income taxes which, in addition to underwriting income, includes net investment income, net realized gains/losses, general corporate expenses, debt costs and earnings from unconsolidated investees.

Combined Ratio

The combined ratio, which is derived from components of underwriting income, is a common industry performance measure of profitability for underwriting operations and is calculated in two components. First, the loss ratio is losses and settlement expenses divided by net premiums earned. The second component, the expense ratio, reflects the sum of policy acquisition costs and insurance operating expenses, divided by net premiums earned. All items included in these components of the combined ratio are presented in our GAAP financial statements. The sum of the loss and expense ratios is the combined ratio. The difference between the combined ratio and 100 reflects the per-dollar rate of underwriting income or loss. For example, a combined ratio of 85 implies that for every $100 of premium we earn, we record $15 of underwriting income.

Net Unpaid Loss and Settlement Expenses

Unpaid losses and settlement expenses, as shown in the liabilities section of our balance sheets, represents the total obligations to claimants for both estimates of known claims and estimates for incurred but not reported (IBNR) claims. The related asset item, reinsurance balances recoverable on unpaid losses and settlement expense, is the estimate of known claims and estimates of IBNR that we expect to recover from reinsurers. The net of these two items is generally referred to as net unpaid loss and settlement expenses and is commonly used in our disclosures regarding the process of establishing these various estimated amounts.

Critical Accounting Policies

In preparing the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements, we are required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the condensed consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses for the reporting period. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates.

The most critical accounting policies involve significant estimates and include those used in determining the liability for unpaid losses and settlement expenses, investment valuation and OTTI, recoverability of reinsurance balances, deferred policy acquisition costs and deferred taxes. For a detailed discussion of each of these policies, refer to our 2016 Annual Report on Form 10-K. There have been no significant changes to any of these policies during the current year.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016

Consolidated revenues, as displayed in the table that follows, totaled $589.4 million for the first nine months of 2017, compared to $604.0 million for the same period in 2016.


	For the Nine-Month Periods
	Ended September 30,
	2017		2016
Consolidated revenues (in thousands)
Net premiums earned	$	549,641	$	540,739
Net investment income		40,430		39,922
Net realized gains (losses)		(700)		23,362
Total consolidated revenue	$	589,371	$	604,023

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Consolidated revenue for the first nine months of 2017 decreased $14.7 million, or 2 percent, from the same period in 2016. Net premiums earned for the Group increased 2 percent, driven by growth from our casualty segment, while investment income increased 1 percent. Net realized losses totaled $0.7 million through the first nine months of 2017. Equity gains of $5.0 million were offset by $1.6 million of realized losses in the fixed income portfolio and $4.3 million in other realized losses, primarily from non-cash goodwill and intangible impairment charges. This compares to $23.4 million of realized gains, inclusive of our $7.2 million non-cash goodwill impairment charge, in 2016. The rebalancing of the equity portfolio throughout 2016 accounts for the higher amount of gains compared to that realized in the current year.

Net after-tax earnings for the first nine months of 2017 totaled $47.8 million, $1.07 per diluted share, compared to $82.7 million, $1.86 per diluted share, for the same period last year. The reduced earnings for 2017 was driven by a significant increase in hurricane activity compared to the prior year. Hurricane and other storm losses totaled $39.0 million through the first nine months of 2017, compared to $8.3 million for the same period last year. Results for each period benefited, however, from favorable development on prior years’ loss reserves, which provided additional pretax earnings of $37.3 million in the first nine months of 2017 compared to $28.3 million in 2016. Bonus and profit sharing-related expenses associated with the net impact of prior years’ reserve development and catastrophe losses totaled $0.2 million in 2017, compared to $2.9 million in 2016. These performance-related expenses affected policy acquisition, insurance operating and general corporate expenses. Bonus and profit-sharing amounts earned by executives, managers and associates are predominately influenced by corporate performance including operating earnings, combined ratio and return on capital.

During the first nine months of 2017, equity in earnings of unconsolidated investees totaled $15.4 million. This amount includes $13.6 million from Maui Jim and $1.8 million from Prime. Comparatively, the first nine months of 2016 reflected $10.8 million of earnings, including $9.9 million from Maui Jim and $0.9 million from Prime.

Comprehensive earnings, which include net earnings plus other comprehensive earnings (primarily the change in unrealized gains/losses net of tax), totaled $78.6 million, $1.77 per diluted share, for the first nine months of 2017, compared to $116.6 million, $2.63 per diluted share, for the first nine months of 2016. The $30.8 million other comprehensive gain for the nine month period ended September 30, 2017 was attributable to tightening credit spreads which increased the fair value of securities held in the fixed income portfolio, as well as positive equity market returns. This compares to a $33.9 million gain for the same period in 2016, which was primarily the result of declining interest rates.

RLI Insurance Group

Gross premiums written for the Group decreased 2 percent to $656.2 million for the first nine months of 2017. The overall decline was driven by previously announced exits from certain unprofitable lines within our property segment and re-underwriting efforts on commercial and public auto coverages within our casualty segment. Premiums from the property segment also continued to be impacted by competitive pressures for catastrophe-exposed business in the excess and surplus (E&S) property markets. Net premiums earned increased $8.9 million, or 2 percent. This growth was largely attributable to our casualty segment, up 5 percent from the prior year.

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	Gross Premiums Written						Net Premiums Earned
	For the Nine-Month Periods Ended September 30,						For the Nine-Month Periods Ended September 30,
(in thousands)	2017		2016		% Change		2017		2016		% Change
Casualty
Commercial and personal umbrella	$	103,456	$	102,146	1.3	%	$	86,286	$	82,510	4.6	%
General liability		69,326		65,867	5.3	%		66,572		63,735	4.5	%
Commercial transportation		67,006		85,203	(21.4)	%		59,543		60,037	(0.8)	%
Professional services		64,179		63,753	0.7	%		58,826		56,748	3.7	%
Small commercial		40,838		40,029	2.0	%		36,471		33,973	7.4	%
Executive products		37,185		35,592	4.5	%		13,289		14,126	(5.9)	%
Medical professional liability		16,392		17,548	(6.6)	%		12,725		12,509	1.7	%
Other casualty		33,492		16,119	107.8	%		20,924		12,934	61.8	%
Total	$	431,874	$	426,257	1.3	%	$	354,636	$	336,572	5.4	%

Property
Commercial property	$	71,351	$	76,211	(6.4)	%	$	47,191	$	51,528	(8.4)	%
Marine		45,921		40,676	12.9	%		37,005		36,070	2.6	%
Specialty personal		13,565		20,103	(32.5)	%		16,370		18,731	(12.6)	%
Property reinsurance		414		9,066	(95.4)	%		3,200		7,925	(59.6)	%
Crop reinsurance		(6)		(242)	(97.5)	%		(6)		(243)	(97.5)	%
Other property		546		-	-			89		-	-
Total	$	131,791	$	145,814	(9.6)	%	$	103,849	$	114,011	(8.9)	%

Surety
Miscellaneous	$	36,133	$	37,302	(3.1)	%	$	35,491	$	34,304	3.5	%
Contract		22,326		22,533	(0.9)	%		21,361		22,030	(3.0)	%
Commercial		21,477		23,794	(9.7)	%		20,942		20,332	3.0	%
Energy		12,646		12,805	(1.2)	%		13,362		13,490	(0.9)	%
Total	$	92,582	$	96,434	(4.0)	%	$	91,156	$	90,156	1.1	%

Grand Total	$	656,247	$	668,505	(1.8)	%	$	549,641	$	540,739	1.6	%

Casualty

Gross premiums written for the casualty segment in the first nine months of 2017 were up 1 percent, following an 8 percent increase posted in the first nine months of 2016. The year-to-date decline from commercial transportation, most of which occurred in the second quarter, served to offset much of the growth achieved across the rest of the segment. While the transportation decline slowed during the third quarter, for the year gross premiums written from this business are down 21 percent. Re-underwriting efforts, which began in the fourth quarter of 2016, are largely complete and price increases have been obtained across all transportation classes, in particular for commercial auto. Excluding the impact of transportation, gross premiums written for casualty were up 7 percent, as newer product initiatives contributed significantly to the increased production. Growth was led by other casualty, notably our assumed reinsurance business with Prime and our recently launched general binding authority business. Gross premiums written have more than doubled for Prime, up $12.4 million during the first nine months of 2017, while general binding contributed $3.4 million. Exposure growth from both mature and newer products led to premium increase within our general liability and executive products lines, despite continued price declines for these coverages. Umbrella also posted a modest increase, as new product initiatives such as energy casualty have had a positive impact on premium production. Medical professional liability declined in the first nine months of 2017, despite growth from the health care liability line within the group. The overall decline related to other medical professional liability offerings, which decreased due to ongoing competitive pressures in that market.

Property

Gross premiums written for the Group’s property segment totaled $131.8 million for the first nine months of 2017, down 10 percent from the same period last year, due largely to previously announced exits from recreational vehicles and treaty reinsurance businesses. Excluding the impact of these products, gross premiums written were up 2 percent. A combination of

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positive rate change and exposure growth contributed to the increases by marine and our specialty personal coverages for Hawaii homeowners, up 13 percent and 6 percent, respectively. However, commercial property premiums were down 6 percent, as rate declines stemming from excess capital and challenging market conditions have continued for these products.

Surety

The surety segment recorded gross premiums written of $92.6 million for the first nine months of 2017, a decrease of $3.9 million, or 4 percent, from the same period last year. Increasingly competitive market conditions have led to modest premiums declines across each of our surety lines. Targeted reductions in certain programs have also impacted premium results in our miscellaneous surety business.

RLI Insurance Group

Underwriting income for the Group totaled $17.9 million for the first nine months of 2017, compared to $57.9 million in the same period last year. Catastrophe losses were much larger in 2017, the bulk of which was attributable to hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria which made landfall during the third quarter. The impact of losses from catastrophe activity, net of related bonus and profit sharing expense offsets, totaled $34.2 million for 2017, compared to $7.0 million in the prior year. Current accident year results in the first nine months of 2017 also trailed 2016 due to the combination of multiple large fire losses within our property segment and higher loss booking ratios for certain casualty lines, namely transportation. An overall shift in mix toward our casualty products contributed to an increased current accident year basis combined ratio as well. However, both periods reflect favorable reserve development on prior accident years, which improved net underwriting results by $32.3 million and $24.2 million in 2017 and 2016, respectively. The GAAP combined ratio for the Group totaled 96.7 in 2017, compared to 89.3 in 2016. The loss ratio increased to 55.8 from 48.0, while the Group’s expense ratio decreased slightly to 40.9 from 41.3.


	For the Nine-Month Periods
	Ended September 30,
	2017		2016
Underwriting income (in thousands)
Casualty	$	5,321	$	20,490
Property		(15,852)		13,911
Surety		28,399		23,523
Total	$	17,868	$	57,924

Combined ratio
Casualty		98.5		93.9
Property		115.3		87.8
Surety		68.8		73.9
Total		96.7		89.3

Casualty

The casualty segment recorded underwriting income of $5.3 million in the first nine months of 2017, compared to $20.5 million of underwriting income for the same period last year. The disparity in underwriting profit between periods relates primarily to higher loss booking ratios on certain lines, most notably transportation and other auto-related exposures, and higher catastrophe losses sustained in 2017. Catastrophe losses in 2017 had a net impact to casualty segment results of $2.4 million, primarily related to hurricane losses in the third quarter as certain casualty-oriented products include ancillary property exposures. Results for both periods reflected favorable development on prior years’ reserves. In total, favorable development on prior years’ reserves improved net underwriting results for the casualty segment by $16.5 million in the first nine months of 2017. Umbrella, general liability, executive products, small commercial and professional services experienced favorable development, while transportation and medical professional liability were unfavorable. For 2016, results included favorable development on prior years’ reserves for general liability, executive products, small commercial, umbrella and professional services, which improved the segment’s net underwriting results by $17.8 million. Transportation and medical professional liability were also unfavorable in 2016.

The combined ratio for the casualty segment was 98.5 for 2017, compared to 93.9 in 2016. The segment’s loss ratio was 64.0 in 2017, up from 59.2 in 2016. The loss ratio increase in 2017 was due to the combination of higher current accident year

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loss ratios and increased catastrophe losses compared to 2016. The expense ratio for the casualty segment was 34.5 for the first nine months of 2017 compared to 34.7 for the same period in 2016.

Property

The property segment produced an underwriting loss of $15.9 million for the first nine months of 2017, compared to $13.9 million of underwriting income for the same period last year. The loss in 2017 was driven by an active hurricane season, as hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria had a significant impact on property segment results. From a product standpoint, our commercial property and marine lines were the most heavily impacted. In total, catastrophe losses reduced net underwriting earnings in the segment by $31.8 million in the first nine months of 2017. Comparatively, catastrophe losses impacted net underwriting results for 2016 by $6.7 million. Both periods reflect favorable development on prior years’ loss and catastrophe reserves. Underwriting results for 2017 included favorable development, primarily on marine and commercial property business, which benefited the segment’s net underwriting results by $5.8 million. For 2016, underwriting results included a net benefit of $0.5 million from favorable prior years’ reserve development. From a current accident year standpoint, in addition to the above mentioned catastrophe losses, results for 2017 were also adversely impacted by multiple large fire losses, including a modest amount of ceded reinstatement premium related to those losses.

Underwriting results for the first nine months of 2017 translated into a combined ratio of 115.3, compared to 87.8 for the same period last year. The segment’s loss ratio increased to 69.4 in 2017 from 43.6 in 2016. The increase was driven by the higher catastrophe losses in 2017 and the previously mentioned fire losses. The segment’s expense ratio increased to 45.9 for the first nine months of 2017, up from 44.2 in the prior year. The increased expense ratio primarily relates to the overall decline in premium due to the fixed nature of certain expenses, and was also adversely impacted by ceded reinstatement premium on a large fire loss in the second quarter.

Surety

The surety segment recorded underwriting income of $28.4 million for the first nine months of 2017, compared to $23.5 million for the same period last year. Both periods reflected positive current accident year underwriting performance and benefited from favorable development on prior years’ loss reserves. Prior years’ reserves have developed favorably across all surety lines in each of these periods. Results for 2017 included favorable development on prior accident years’ reserves, which improved net underwriting results for the segment by $10.8 million. Comparatively, 2016 results included favorable development on prior accident years’ loss reserves which improved the segment’s net underwriting results by $7.0 million. This favorable development was partially offset by $0.7 million in reinsurance reinstatement premium related to a ceded loss on prior years’ contract surety business.

The combined ratio for the surety segment totaled 68.8 for the first nine months of 2017, compared to 73.9 for the same period in 2016. The segment’s loss ratio was 8.5 for 2017, compared to 11.5 for 2016. The loss ratio decrease in 2017 was driven by the higher benefit from favorable development on prior years’ reserves. The expense ratio was 60.3 in 2017, down from 62.4 in the prior year, as an increased amount of earned premium allowed for improved leveraging of our expense base.

Investment Income and Realized Capital Gains

Our investment portfolio generated net investment income of $40.4 million during the first nine months of 2017, an increase of 1.3 percent from that reported for the same period in 2016. On an after-tax basis, investment income increased by 2.0 percent.

Yields on our fixed income investments for the first nine months of 2017 and 2016 were as follows:


	2017		2016
Pretax Yield
Taxable	3.17	%	3.22	%
Tax-Exempt	2.57	%	2.68	%
After-Tax Yield
Taxable	2.06	%	2.09	%
Tax-Exempt	2.43	%	2.54	%

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We recognized $0.7 million of realized losses, inclusive of our $3.4 million non-cash goodwill and intangible impairment charges, in the first nine months of 2017, compared to realized gains of $23.4 million, inclusive of our $7.2 million non-cash goodwill impairment charge, in the same period of 2016. The equity portfolio had realized gains of $5.0 million in 2017 while the fixed income portfolio had realized losses of $1.6 million, primarily due to impairment charges on securities we no longer had the intent to hold. The rebalancing of the equity portfolio throughout 2016 accounts for the higher amount of gains compared to that realized in the current year.

The following table depicts the composition of our investment portfolio at September 30, 2017 as compared to December 31, 2016.


	9/30/2017				12/31/2016
	Financial				Financial
(in thousands)	Stmt Value		%		Stmt Value		%
Fixed income	$	1,713,558	78.9	%	$	1,605,209	79.4	%
Equity securities		393,213	18.1	%		369,219	18.3	%
Other invested assets		25,998	1.2	%		24,115	1.2	%
Cash and short-term investments		38,802	1.8	%		23,284	1.1	%
Total	$	2,171,571	100.0	%	$	2,021,827	100.0	%

We believe our overall asset allocation best meets our strategy to preserve capital for policyholders, provide sufficient income to support insurance operations, and to effectively grow book value over a long-term investment horizon.

The fixed income portfolio increased by $108.3 million in the first nine months of 2017. The increase was due to allocating the majority of available cash flows to the fixed income portfolio. This portfolio had a tax-adjusted total return on a mark-to-market basis of 4.0 percent. Average fixed income duration was 5.0 years at September 30, 2017, reflecting our current liability structure and sound capital position.

The equity portfolio increased by $24.0 million during the first nine months of 2017 and had a total return of 9.5 percent through September 30, 2017. The following table illustrates certain industry-level measurements relative to our equity portfolio as of September 30, 2017, including fair value, cost basis and unrealized gains and losses.


	9/30/2017
	Cost				Unrealized
(in thousands)	Basis		Fair Value		Gains		Losses		Net

Consumer discretionary	$	6,686	$	16,326	$	9,795	$	(155)	$	9,640
Consumer staples		11,810		27,834		16,191		(167)		16,024
Energy		14,437		25,228		10,791		—		10,791
Financials		24,631		49,575		24,944		—		24,944
Healthcare		7,703		20,943		13,455		(215)		13,240
Industrials		9,910		24,859		15,087		(138)		14,949
Information technology		12,345		27,233		15,400		(512)		14,888
Materials		1,480		5,146		3,666		—		3,666
Telecommunications		3,193		10,237		7,044		—		7,044
Utilities		24,322		47,899		24,082		(505)		23,577
ETF		72,695		137,933		65,238		—		65,238
	$	189,212	$	393,213	$	205,693	$	(1,692)	$	204,001

Income Taxes

Our effective tax rate for the first nine months of 2017 was 19.9 percent, compared to 30.5 percent for the same period in 2016. Effective rates are dependent upon components of pretax earnings and the related tax effects. Catastrophic losses incurred in the third quarter of 2017 resulted in significantly lower pretax earnings and caused the tax favored adjustments to have a larger impact than they did in 2016. Additionally, the adoption of FASB ASU 2016-09 reduced the tax rate in 2017 by requiring the excess tax benefit on share-based compensation to run through income tax expense. Prior to the adoption of FASB ASU 2016-09, excess tax benefits on share-based compensation were recorded directly to shareholders’ equity and had no impact on the effective tax rate.

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Three Months Ended September 30, 2017 Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2016

Consolidated revenues, as displayed in the table that follows, totaled $196.2 million for the third quarter of 2017, compared to $206.4 million for the same period in 2016.


	For the Three-Month Periods
	Ended September 30,
	2017		2016
Consolidated revenues (in thousands)
Net premiums earned	$	182,025	$	183,595
Net investment income		14,187		13,504
Net realized gains (losses)		35		9,252
Total consolidated revenue	$	196,247	$	206,351

Consolidated revenue for the third quarter of 2017 decreased $10.1 million from the same period in 2016. Net premiums earned for the Group decreased 1 percent for the quarter, while investment income increased 5 percent. Realized gains of $1.1 million in the equity portfolio were offset by $1.0 million of other realized losses. This compares to realized gains of $9.3 million, during the same period of 2016. The rebalancing of the equity portfolio throughout 2016 accounts for the higher amount of gains compared to that realized in the current year.

Net after-tax earnings for the third quarter of 2017 totaled $1.7 million, $0.04 per diluted share, compared to $22.3 million, $0.50 per diluted share, for the same period last year. The reduction in earnings for 2017 was driven by a significant increase in hurricane activity compared to the prior year, with Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria all occurring during the quarter. Losses from these events totaled $36.0 million, which was considerably higher than the $4.0 million of storm losses recorded in the comparable prior year period. Results for the third quarter of 2017 benefited, however, from favorable development on prior years’ loss reserves, which partially offset the hurricane losses and provided additional pretax earnings of $17.0 million. Comparatively, third quarter 2016 results were negatively impacted by $1.5 million of unfavorable development on prior years’ loss reserves and ceded reinstatement premium. Bonus and profit sharing-related expenses recorded during both periods were impacted by each of these items. For 2017, expenses declined by $2.3 million in connection with the above mentioned items, while in 2016 expenses declined by $0.7 million.

During the third quarter of 2017, equity in earnings of unconsolidated investees totaled $3.7 million. This amount includes $3.1 million from Maui Jim and $0.6 million from Prime. Comparatively, the third quarter of 2016 reflected $1.9 million of earnings, including $1.6 million from Maui Jim and $0.3 million from Prime.

Comprehensive earnings, which include net earnings plus other comprehensive earnings (primarily the change in unrealized gains/losses net of tax), totaled $10.2 million, $0.23 per diluted share, for the third quarter of 2017, compared to $15.3 million, $0.34 per diluted share, for the third quarter of 2016. The third quarter’s $8.4 million other comprehensive gain was primarily attributable to strong equity market returns. This compares to a $6.9 million loss for the same period in 2016, which was attributable to realized gains taken in the equity portfolio, resulting in a lower net unrealized gain position.

RLI Insurance Group

Gross premiums written for the Group were $220.4 million for the third quarter of 2017, relatively flat from prior year. Modest growth was achieved by our casualty segment, as the rate of decline in our transportation business has slowed considerably. The slight overall growth posted by casualty was offset by declines experienced in our property and surety segments, down 8 percent and 4 percent, respectively. Recent product line exits within the property segment continue to contribute to the overall decline versus prior year. Excluding the impact of the previously announced product exits from recreational vehicle and treaty reinsurance, gross premiums written were up 2 percent for the quarter. Similarly, net premiums earned decreased $1.6 million, or 1 percent. This overall decline was also driven by property and surety, despite a modest increase posted by our casualty segment.

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	Gross Premiums Written						Net Premiums Earned
	For the Three-Month Periods Ended September 30,						For the Three-Month Periods Ended September 30,
(in thousands)	2017		2016		% Change		2017		2016		% Change
Casualty
Commercial and personal umbrella	$	32,993	$	34,540	(4.5)	%	$	28,848	$	27,844	3.6	%
General liability		18,384		17,916	2.6	%		22,138		21,563	2.7	%
Commercial transportation		28,251		30,001	(5.8)	%		18,047		21,557	(16.3)	%
Professional services		21,162		21,747	(2.7)	%		19,584		19,318	1.4	%
Small commercial		13,102		12,838	2.1	%		12,419		11,706	6.1	%
Executive products		14,621		14,680	(0.4)	%		4,439		4,716	(5.9)	%
Medical professional liability		4,285		4,648	(7.8)	%		4,169		4,512	(7.6)	%
Other casualty		12,218		4,708	159.5	%		8,749		4,403	98.7	%
Total	$	145,016	$	141,078	2.8	%	$	118,393	$	115,619	2.4	%

Property
Commercial property	$	23,315	$	23,790	(2.0)	%	$	15,600	$	16,819	(7.2)	%
Marine		16,770		14,675	14.3	%		13,112		11,964	9.6	%
Specialty personal		4,382		6,854	(36.1)	%		4,844		6,186	(21.7)	%
Property reinsurance		(201)		2,994	-			(62)		2,544	-
Crop reinsurance		(11)		21	-			(11)		19	-
Other property		358		-	-			76		-	-
Total	$	44,613	$	48,334	(7.7)	%	$	33,559	$	37,532	(10.6)	%

Surety
Miscellaneous	$	12,149	$	12,440	(2.3)	%	$	11,780	$	11,714	0.6	%
Contract		7,153		8,274	(13.5)	%		7,130		7,221	(1.3)	%
Commercial		7,812		7,289	7.2	%		6,861		6,906	(0.7)	%
Energy		3,690		4,178	(11.7)	%		4,302		4,603	(6.5)	%
Total	$	30,804	$	32,181	(4.3)	%	$	30,073	$	30,444	(1.2)	%

Grand Total	$	220,433	$	221,593	(0.5)	%	$	182,025	$	183,595	(0.9)	%

Casualty

Gross premiums written for the casualty segment were up 3 percent to $145.0 million. The growth from casualty this quarter comes after posting a 1 percent decrease in the second quarter of 2017, which included a 40 percent decline in our commercial transportation business. The rate of decline for transportation slowed in the third quarter as re-underwriting efforts that began in the fourth quarter of 2016 were largely completed. Re-underwriting efforts have resulted in price increases on retained accounts and the exit from certain underperforming classes of business. Gross premiums written from transportation were down 6 percent from prior year during the third quarter, much improved from the 40 percent decline from prior year posted in the second quarter. Elsewhere in the segment, growth was led by other casualty, notably our assumed casualty reinsurance business with Prime and recently launched general binding authority business. The bulk of the increase related to Prime, which increased by $4.8 million during the quarter to $7.8 million, while general binding contributed $2.2 million. General liability and small commercial also delivered modest top line growth, despite declining prices for those lines. New initiatives such as energy liability and other exposure growth have had a positive impact on premiums in these businesses. Declines within the segment were posted by umbrella, specifically commercial umbrella, and by medical professional liability, where modest growth from our newer healthcare liability business was offset by declines from other medical professional liability offerings.

Property

Gross premiums written for the Group’s property segment totaled $44.6 million for the third quarter of 2017, a $3.7 million decrease from the same period last year. The overall decline for the quarter includes $5.8 million related to our previously announced exits from recreational vehicles and treaty reinsurance businesses. Excluding the impact of these product exits, premiums increased 5 percent. Growth within the segment was posted by marine, as premiums increased 14 percent on a combination of exposure growth and modestly improved pricing. Marine has recorded double-digit top line growth every

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quarter during 2017. Notwithstanding the exited recreational vehicles program, other specialty personal coverages were also able to achieve slight growth, due to solid production from existing products. Premium declines continued in our commercial property businesses, though the rate of decline has slowed compared to recent periods. Commercial property posted a premium decline of $0.5 million, or 2 percent, as high single-digit rate decreases impacted catastrophe-exposed coverages.

Surety

The surety segment recorded gross premiums written of $30.8 million for the third quarter of 2017, a decrease of 4 percent from the same period last year, with declines posted by the majority of our surety businesses. The most notable decreases were from contract and energy surety, which fell 14 percent and 12 percent, respectively, due to increased competition in each of these markets. Targeted reductions in certain programs also led to the quarterly decline in miscellaneous surety. Slightly offsetting the top line decreases from these products was commercial surety, which posted 7 percent growth in the quarter.

RLI Insurance Group

The Group produced an underwriting loss of $14.9 million for the third quarter of 2017, compared to $10.6 million of underwriting income in 2016. Catastrophe losses were much larger in 2017, as hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria occurred during the quarter. While the bulk of these losses affected property segment results, our casualty segment was impacted as well. The total impact from these events, net of related bonus and profit sharing expense offsets, was a decrease to underwriting earnings of $31.7 million. The net impact of catastrophe losses in the third quarter of 2016 was far less significant, at $3.4 million. In addition to the catastrophe activity, current accident year underwriting results for 2017 also reflected a couple large losses within our property segment, as well as the application of higher loss booking ratios to certain casualty lines. These factors, plus an overall shift in mix toward casualty products, have caused results on a current accident year basis to trail the comparable prior period. Results for both periods were also impacted by development on prior accident years’ reserves. For the third quarter of 2017, favorable development on prior years’ reserves improved net underwriting results by $14.9 million, while 2016 results reflected adverse development and reinstatement premium which impacted underwriting earnings by $1.4 million. The adverse development in 2016 related largely to our transportation business within the casualty segment. In contrast, development on transportation’s prior year reserves were modestly favorable in the third quarter of 2017. The GAAP combined ratio for the Group totaled 108.2 in 2017, with 17.4 points attributable to the hurricane losses recorded in the quarter. The combined ratio for the third quarter of 2016 was 94.2. The loss ratio increased to 67.7 from 53.3, while the Group’s expense ratio improved slightly to 40.5 from 40.9.


	For the Three-Month Periods
	Ended September 30,
	2017		2016
Underwriting income (in thousands)
Casualty	$	3,554	$	259
Property		(27,519)		468
Surety		9,033		9,877
Total	$	(14,932)	$	10,604

Combined ratio
Casualty		97.0		99.8
Property		182.0		98.7
Surety		69.9		67.5
Total		108.2		94.2

Casualty

The casualty segment recorded underwriting income of $3.6 million in the third quarter of 2017, compared to $0.3 million for the same period last year. The disparity in underwriting profit between periods relates primarily to development on prior years’ loss reserves. Results for 2017 reflect favorable development on prior years’ reserves, compared to unfavorable development on prior years’ reserves during 2016. As a result of our reserve study, we recorded adjustments to reserves during the third quarter of 2017 which favorably impacted the segment’s net underwriting results by $10.6 million. Favorable development in 2017 primarily related to more recent accident years (2014-2016), and was largely driven by umbrella, general liability, professional services group and medical professional liability. Our transportation business also experienced a slight

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amount of favorable development for the second consecutive quarter. While encouraging given recent challenges in this sector, we continue to monitor our commercial auto claim activity closely. Difficulties in this market have caused us to take re-underwriting action and to increase our loss estimates for this business over the past year. Partially offsetting the above favorable development was adverse development from the executive products group, which related to one relatively larger loss on the 2016 accident year. Comparatively, results for the third quarter of 2016 included unfavorable development on prior accident years’ loss reserves which adversely impacted the segments’ net underwriting results by $4.0 million. Products with unfavorable development included transportation and umbrella and to a lesser degree professional services and medical professional liability.

Results for each of the periods has varied from a current accident year standpoint as well. The current accident year combined ratio during 2017 has increased, as 2017 results were adversely impacted by higher catastrophe losses. Catastrophe losses had a $2.3 million net impact to underwriting earnings in the third quarter of 2017, which related to hurricane losses on certain casualty-oriented products that include ancillary property exposures. Catastrophe losses did not impact current accident year results during the third quarter of 2016. The current accident year combined ratio for 2017 also reflects higher loss ratio selections on certain lines, most notably transportation and umbrella, due to recent loss trends in those businesses.

The combined ratio for the casualty segment was 97.0 for third quarter of 2017, compared to 99.8 in 2016. The segment’s loss ratio was 62.4 in 2017, improved from 65.7 in prior year. The loss ratio decrease in 2017 was primarily due to higher levels of favorable development on prior years’ reserves, though the current accident year loss ratio has increased from 2016. The expense ratio for the casualty segment was 34.6 for the third quarter of 2017, compared to 34.1 for the same period in 2016.

Property

The property segment produced an underwriting loss of $27.5 million for the third quarter of 2017, compared to $0.5 million of underwriting income for the same period last year. The loss in 2017 resulted from an active hurricane season, with hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria each having an impact on property segment results. The majority of our losses, however, related to Hurricanes Harvey and Irma and were associated with our commercial property and marine lines. In total, catastrophe losses reduced net underwriting earnings in the property segment by $29.4 million. Comparatively, net underwriting results for 2016 include $3.4 million of catastrophe losses. Results for both periods were also impacted by development on prior accident years’ reserves. For 2017, favorable development on prior years’ loss and catastrophe reserves, primarily from our marine and commercial property lines, improved the segment’s net underwriting results by $2.3 million, while 2016 results reflected adverse development which impacted underwriting earnings by $1.3 million. The adverse development in 2016 was largely driven by marine. From a current accident year standpoint, in addition to the above mentioned catastrophe losses, results for 2017 were also adversely impacted by multiple relatively large fire losses.

Underwriting results for the third quarter of 2017 translated into a combined ratio of 182.0, with approximately 88 points attributable to the hurricane losses in the quarter. The combined ratio for the third quarter of 2016 was 98.7. The segment’s loss ratio increased to 137.2 in 2017 from 54.4 in the prior year. The increase was driven by higher hurricane losses in 2017 and the above mentioned fire losses. The segment’s expense ratio was 44.8 for the third quarter of 2017, up from 44.3 in the prior year. The expense ratio increase relates primarily to the overall decline in premium for the segment, due to the fixed nature of certain expenses.

Surety

The surety segment recorded underwriting income of $9.0 million for the third quarter of 2017, compared to $9.9 million for the same period last year. Both periods reflected positive current accident year underwriting performance and benefited from favorable development on prior accident years’ loss reserves. Results for 2017 included favorable development on prior years’ reserves which improved net underwriting results for the segment by $2.4 million. Each of our surety product lines experienced favorable development in the quarter. Comparatively, 2016 results included favorable development on prior years’ loss reserves which impacted the segment’s net underwriting results by $4.4 million. This favorable development was partially offset by $0.7 million in reinsurance reinstatement premium related to a ceded loss on prior years’ contract surety business. Each of our surety product lines experienced favorable development in 2016, as well, though the majority for this period related to energy surety.

The combined ratio for the surety segment totaled 69.9 for the third quarter of 2017, compared to 67.5 for the same period in 2016. The segment’s loss ratio was 10.8 for 2017, up from 5.1 in 2016. The loss ratio increase in 2017 was driven by the lower benefit from favorable development on prior years’ reserves. The expense ratio was 59.1 for the third quarter of

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2017, down from 62.4 in the prior year. The above mentioned reinstatement premium adversely impacted the expense ratio in 2016.

Investment Income and Realized Capital Gains

Our investment portfolio generated net investment income of $14.2 million during the third quarter of 2017, an increase of 5.1 percent from that reported for the same period in 2016. The increase in investment income was due to a larger fixed income asset base and an increase in alternative assets compared to the prior year period. On an after-tax basis, investment income increased by 5.5 percent.

Yields on our fixed income investments for the third quarter of 2017 and 2016 were as follows:


	3Q 2017		3Q 2016
Pretax Yield
Taxable	3.13	%	3.03	%
Tax-Exempt	2.61	%	2.65	%
After-Tax Yield
Taxable	2.03	%	1.97	%
Tax-Exempt	2.47	%	2.51	%

Realized gains of $1.1 million in the equity portfolio were offset by $1.0 million of other realized losses. This compares to realized gains of $9.3 million, during the same period of 2016. The rebalancing of the equity portfolio throughout 2016 accounts for the higher amount of gains compared to that realized in the current year.

Income Taxes

Catastrophic losses incurred in the third quarter of 2017 resulted in a pretax loss and a 301.2 percent effective tax rate compared to an effective tax rate of 28.5 percent in the third quarter of 2016. Effective rates are dependent upon components of pretax earnings and the related tax effects. The pretax loss in the third quarter of 2017 caused the tax favored adjustments to have a larger impact than they did in their respective periods for 2016. Additionally, the adoption of FASB ASU 2016-09 reduced the tax rate in 2017 by requiring the excess tax benefit on share-based compensation to run through income tax expense. Prior to the adoption of FASB ASU 2016-09, excess tax benefits on share-based compensation were recorded directly to shareholders’ equity and had no impact on the effective tax rate.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

We have three primary types of cash flows: (1) cash flows from operating activities, which consist mainly of cash generated by our underwriting operations and income earned on our investment portfolio, (2) cash flows from investing activities related to the purchase, sale and maturity of investments, and (3) cash flows from financing activities that impact our capital structure, such as shareholder dividend payments and changes in debt and shares outstanding.

The following table summarizes cash flows provided by (used in) our activities for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017 and 2016:


(in thousands)	2017		2016

Operating cash flows	$	145,933	$	123,000
Investing cash flows	$	(114,327)	$	(102,425)
Financing cash flows	$	(22,998)	$	(17,686)
Total	$	8,608	$	2,889

Operating activities generated positive cash flows of $145.9 million in the first nine months of 2017, compared to $123.0 million in the same period last year. The increase in operating cash flows was due to lower estimated federal income tax payments resulting from decreased underwriting income and a decline in claim payments during the first nine months of 2017. Additionally, $3.7 million of excess tax benefits on share-based payments were reported as increases to operating cash flows in 2017 after the adoption of FASB ASU 2016-09. Comparatively, excess tax benefits on share-based payments were reported as increases to financing cash flows in 2016.

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We have $148.9 million in debt outstanding. On October 2, 2013, we completed a public debt offering, issuing $150.0 million in senior notes maturing September 15, 2023 (a 10-year maturity), and paying interest semi-annually at the rate of 4.875 percent per annum. The notes were issued at a discount resulting in proceeds, net of discount and commission, of $148.6 million. The estimated fair value for the senior note at September 30, 2017 was $158.3 million. The fair value of our debt is estimated based on the limited observable prices that reflect thinly traded securities.

As of September 30, 2017, we had cash, short-term investments and other investments maturing within one year of approximately $59.8 million and an additional $346.4 million maturing between one to five years. As of September 30, 2017, our short-term investments were held primarily in government/agency funds. All funds are NAIC-rated, AAA-rated and maintain average weighted maturities of less than 60 days. Holdings within each of these funds comply with regulatory limitations.

Whereas our strategy is to be fully invested at all times, short-term investments in excess of demand deposit balances are considered a component of investment activities, and thus are classified as investments in our consolidated balance sheets.

We also maintain a revolving line of credit with JP Morgan Chase Bank N.A., which permits us to borrow up to an aggregate principal amount of $40.0 million. This facility was entered into during the second quarter of 2014 and replaced the previous $25.0 million facility which expired on May 31, 2014. Under certain conditions, the line may be increased up to an aggregate principal amount of $65.0 million. The facility has a four-year term that expires on May 28, 2018. As of and during the nine-month period ended September 30, 2017, no amounts were outstanding on this facility.

Additionally, two of our insurance companies, RLI Ins. and Mt. Hawley, are members of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago (FHLBC). Membership in the Federal Home Loan Bank System provides both companies access to an additional source of liquidity via a secured lending facility. Our membership allows each insurance subsidiary to determine tenor and structure at the time of borrowing. As of and during the nine-month period ended September 30, 2017, there were no outstanding borrowing amounts with the FHLBC.

We believe that cash generated by operations and investments will provide sufficient sources of liquidity to meet our anticipated needs over the next 12 to 24 months. In the event they are not sufficient, we believe cash available from financing activities and other sources will provide sufficient additional liquidity.

We have not had any liquidity issues affecting our operations as we have sufficient cash flow to support operations. In addition to our bank credit facility and FHLBC membership, our highly liquid investment portfolio provides an additional source of liquidity.

We maintain a diversified investment portfolio representing policyholder funds that have not yet been paid out as claims, as well as the capital we hold for our shareholders. As of September 30, 2017, our investment portfolio had a balance sheet value of $2.2 billion. Invested assets at September 30, 2017, have increased $149.7 million from December 31, 2016.

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As of September 30, 2017, our investment portfolio had the following asset allocation breakdown:


Portfolio Allocation
(in thousands)
	Cost or		Fair		Unrealized		% of Total
Asset class	Amortized Cost		Value		Gain/(Loss)		Fair Value		Quality*
U.S. government	$	88,660	$	88,445	$	(215)	4.1	%	AAA
U.S. agency		13,482		13,746		264	0.6	%	AAA
Non-U.S. govt. & agency		9,497		9,636		139	0.4	%	BBB+
Agency MBS		330,257		331,558		1,301	15.3	%	AAA
ABS/CMBS**		74,589		74,989		400	3.5	%	AAA
Corporate		532,893		545,355		12,462	25.1	%	BBB+
Municipal		630,943		649,829		18,886	29.9	%	AA
Total Fixed Income	$	1,680,321	$	1,713,558	$	33,237	78.9	%	AA-

Equity	$	189,212	$	393,213	$	204,001	18.1	%

Other Invested Assets	$	25,998	$	25,998	$	—	1.2	%

Cash and Short-Term Investments	$	38,802	$	38,802	$	—	1.8	%

Total Portfolio	$	1,934,333	$	2,171,571	$	237,238	100.0	%

*Quality ratings provided by Moody’s and S&P

**Asset-backed and commercial mortgage-backed securities

Our investment portfolio does not have any exposure to derivatives.

As of September 30, 2017, our fixed income portfolio had the following rating distribution:


AAA	36.9	%
AA	28.5	%
A	17.4	%
BBB	11.2	%
BB	3.0	%
B	2.5	%
CCC	0.1	%
NR	0.4	%
Total	100.0	%

As of September 30, 2017, the duration of the fixed income portfolio was 5.0 years. Our fixed income portfolio remained well diversified, with 1,208 individual issues as of September 30, 2017.

Our investment portfolio has limited exposure to structured asset-backed securities (ABS). As of September 30, 2017, we had $44.5 million in ABS which are pools of assets collateralized by cash flows from several types of loans, including home equity, credit cards, autos and similar obligations.

As of September 30, 2017, we had $30.5 million in commercial mortgage backed securities (CMBS) and $331.6 million in mortgage backed securities backed by government sponsored enterprises (GSEs - Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae and Ginnie Mae). Excluding the GSE backed MBS, our exposure to ABS and CMBS was 3.5 percent of our investment portfolio at quarter end.

We had $545.4 million in corporate fixed income securities as of September 30, 2017. As of September 30, 2017, we had $73.4 million invested in a high yield credit strategy. This portfolio consists of floating rate bank loans and bonds that are below investment grade in credit quality and offer incremental yield over our core fixed income portfolio.

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We also maintain an allocation to municipal fixed income securities. As of September 30, 2017, we had $649.8 million in municipal securities. As of September 30, 2017, approximately 88 percent of our municipal bond portfolio maintains an ‘AA’ or better rating, while 99 percent of the municipal bond portfolio is rated ‘A’ or better.

Our equity portfolio had a fair value of $393.2 million as of September 30, 2017 and is also a source of liquidity. The securities within the equity portfolio remain primarily invested in large-cap issues with strong dividend performance. In the equity portfolio, the strategy remains one of value investing, with security selection taking precedence over market timing. We use a buy-and-hold strategy, minimizing both transactional costs and taxes.

As of September 30, 2017, our equity portfolio had a dividend yield of 2.6 percent, compared to 1.9 percent for the S&P 500 index. Because of the corporate dividend-received-deduction applicable to our dividend income, we pay an effective tax rate of 14.2 percent on dividends, compared to 35.0 percent on taxable interest and 5.3 percent on municipal bond interest income. The equity portfolio is managed in a diversified and granular manner, with 84 individual names and no single stock exposure greater than 2 percent of the equity portfolio.

Our capital structure is comprised of equity and debt outstanding. As of September 30, 2017, our capital structure consisted of $148.9 million in 10-year maturity senior notes maturing in 2023 (debt) and $879.2 million of shareholders’ equity. Debt outstanding comprised 14.5 percent of total capital as of September 30, 2017. Interest and fees on debt obligations totaled $5.6 million during the first nine months of 2017, the same amount as the previous year. We have incurred interest expense on debt at an average annual interest rate of 4.91 percent for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017 and 2016.

We paid a quarterly cash dividend of $0.21 per share on September 20, 2017, the same as the prior quarter. We have paid dividends for 165 consecutive quarters and increased dividends in each of the last 42 years.

Our three insurance subsidiaries are subsidiaries of RLI Corp, with RLI Ins. as the first-level, or principal, insurance subsidiary. At the holding company (RLI Corp.) level, we rely largely on dividends from our insurance company subsidiaries to meet our obligations for paying principal and interest on outstanding debt, corporate expenses and dividends to RLI Corp. shareholders. As discussed further below, dividend payments to RLI Corp. from our principal insurance subsidiary are restricted by state insurance laws as to the amount that may be paid without prior approval of the insurance regulatory authorities of Illinois. As a result, we may not be able to receive dividends from such subsidiary at times and in amounts necessary to pay desired dividends to RLI Corp. shareholders. On a GAAP basis, as of September 30, 2017, our holding company had $879.2 million in equity. This includes amounts related to the equity of our insurance subsidiaries, which is subject to regulatory restrictions under state insurance laws. The unrestricted portion of holding company net assets is comprised primarily of investments and cash, including $35.2 million in liquid assets, which approximates 75 percent of our estimated 2017 annual holding company expenditures. Unrestricted funds at the holding company are available to fund debt interest, general corporate obligations and dividend payments to our shareholders. If necessary, the holding company also has other potential sources of liquidity that could provide for additional funding to meet corporate obligations or pay shareholder dividends, which include a revolving line of credit, as well as access to capital markets.

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Ordinary dividends, which may be paid by our principal insurance subsidiary without prior regulatory approval, are subject to certain limitations based upon statutory income, surplus and earned surplus. The maximum ordinary dividend distribution from our principal insurance subsidiary in a rolling 12-month period is limited by Illinois law to the greater of 10 percent of RLI Ins. policyholder surplus, as of December 31 of the preceding year, or the net income of RLI Ins. for the 12-month period ending December 31 of the preceding year. Ordinary dividends are further restricted by the requirement that they be paid from earned surplus. Any dividend distribution in excess of the ordinary dividend limits is deemed extraordinary and requires prior approval from the Illinois Department of Insurance. In the first nine months of 2017, RLI Ins. paid $23.0 million in ordinary dividends to RLI Corp. In 2016, our principal insurance subsidiary paid ordinary dividends totaling $123.6 million to RLI Corp. No extraordinary dividends were paid during 2017 or 2016. As of September 30, 2017, $0.3 million of the net assets of our principal insurance subsidiary are not restricted and could be distributed to RLI Corp. as ordinary dividends. Because the limitations are based upon a rolling 12-month period, the presence, amount and impact of these restrictions vary over time.

ITEM 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

Market risk is the risk of economic losses due to adverse changes in the estimated fair value of a financial instrument as the result of changes in equity prices, interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates and commodity prices. Historically, our primary market risks have been equity price risk associated with investments in equity securities and interest rate risk associated with investments in fixed maturities. We have limited exposure to both foreign currency risk and commodity risk.

Credit risk is the potential loss resulting from adverse changes in an issuer’s ability to repay its debt obligations. We monitor our portfolio to ensure that credit risk does not exceed prudent levels. We have consistently invested in high credit quality, investment grade securities. Our fixed maturity portfolio has an average rating of “AA-,” with 83 percent rated “A” or better by at least two nationally recognized rating organizations.

On an overall basis, our exposure to market risk has not significantly changed from that reported in our December 31, 2016 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

ITEM 4. Controls and Procedures

We maintain a system of controls and procedures designed to provide reasonable assurance as to the reliability of the financial statements and other disclosures included in this report, as well as to safeguard assets from unauthorized use or disposition. An evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures was performed, under the supervision and with the participation of management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that these disclosure controls and procedures are effective, as of the end of the period covered by this report.

In designing and evaluating our disclosure controls and procedures, management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurances of achieving the desired control objective, and management necessarily is required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures. We believe that our disclosure controls and procedures provide such reasonable assurance.

No changes were made to our internal control over financial reporting during the last fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION


Item 1.	Legal Proceedings – There were no material changes to report.

Item 1A.	Risk Factors - There were no material changes to report.

Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds -

Items 2(a) and (b) are not applicable.

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In 2010, our Board of Directors implemented a $100 million share repurchase program. We did not repurchase any shares during 2017. We have $87.5 million of remaining capacity from the repurchase program. The repurchase program may be suspended or discontinued at any time without prior notice.


Item 3.	Defaults Upon Senior Securities - Not Applicable.

Item 4.	Mine Safety Disclosures - Not Applicable.

Item 5.	Other Information - Not Applicable.

Item 6.	Exhibits

	Exhibit 31.1	Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

	Exhibit 31.2	Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

	Exhibit 32.1	Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

	Exhibit 32.2	Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

	Exhibit 101	XBRL-Related Documents

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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 thereunto duly authorized.


	RLI Corp.


	/s/Thomas L. Brown
	Thomas L. Brown
	Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
	(Principal Financial and Chief Accounting Officer)

Date: October 25, 2017