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RLI CORP - Quarter Report: 2022 March (Form 10-Q)

 

 

 

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 March 31, 2022

 

or

 

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)

 

 

 

 

Delaware

 

37-0889946

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer 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)

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

 

 

 

Title of each class

Trading Symbol

Name of each exchange on which registered

Common Stock $0.01 par value

RLI

New York Stock Exchange

 

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 every Interactive Data File required to be submitted 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 such files).   Yes     No

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a 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 

 

 

 

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 April 14, 2022, the number of shares outstanding of the registrant’s Common Stock was 45,316,042.

 

 

 


 

 

Table of Contents

 

 

 

 

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 March 31, 2022 and 2021 (unaudited)

3

 

 

 

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021 (unaudited)

4

 

 

 

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the Three-Month Periods Ended March 31, 2022 and 2021 (unaudited)

5

 

 

 

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Three-Month Periods Ended March 31, 2022 and 2021 (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

21

 

 

 

 

 

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

29

 

 

 

 

 

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

30

 

 

 

 

Part II - Other Information

31

 

 

 

 

 

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

31

 

 

 

 

 

Item 1a.

Risk Factors

31

 

 

 

 

 

Item 2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

31

 

 

 

 

 

Item 3.

Defaults upon Senior Securities

31

 

 

 

 

 

Item 4.

Mine Safety Disclosures

31

 

 

 

 

 

Item 5.

Other Information

31

 

 

 

 

 

Item 6.

Exhibits

31

 

 

 

 

Signatures

 

32

 


Table of Contents

 

 

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1.

Financial Statements

 

RLI Corp. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings and Comprehensive Earnings

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

For the Three Months

 

 

 

Ended March 31,

 

(in thousands, except per share data)

 

2022

 

 

2021

 

Net premiums earned

 

$

269,152

 

 

$

228,595

 

Net investment income

 

 

17,883

 

 

 

16,424

 

Net realized gains

 

 

5,588

 

 

 

14,150

 

Net unrealized gains (losses) on equity securities

 

 

(27,810

)

 

 

28,162

 

Consolidated revenue

 

$

264,813

 

 

$

287,331

 

Losses and settlement expenses

 

 

105,524

 

 

 

104,892

 

Policy acquisition costs

 

 

85,287

 

 

 

74,990

 

Insurance operating expenses

 

 

18,863

 

 

 

18,796

 

Interest expense on debt

 

 

2,010

 

 

 

1,901

 

General corporate expenses

 

 

3,363

 

 

 

3,342

 

Total expenses

 

$

215,047

 

 

$

203,921

 

Equity in earnings of unconsolidated investees

 

 

8,759

 

 

 

6,424

 

Earnings before income taxes

 

$

58,525

 

 

$

89,834

 

Income tax expense

 

 

10,602

 

 

 

16,822

 

Net earnings

 

$

47,923

 

 

$

73,012

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other comprehensive earnings (loss), net of tax

 

 

(115,581

)

 

 

(44,747

)

Comprehensive earnings (loss)

 

$

(67,658

)

 

$

28,265

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic net earnings per share

 

$

1.06

 

 

$

1.62

 

Diluted net earnings per share

 

$

1.05

 

 

$

1.60

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

 

45,306

 

 

 

45,178

 

Diluted

 

 

45,714

 

 

 

45,674

 

 

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

3


Table of Contents

 

RLI Corp. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

March 31,

 

 

December 31,

 

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

 

2022

 

 

2021

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investments and cash:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Available-for-sale, at fair value

 

$

2,292,378

 

 

$

2,409,887

 

(amortized cost of $2,374,256 and allowance for credit losses of $594 at 3/31/22)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(amortized cost of $2,346,267 and allowance for credit losses of $441 at 12/31/21)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity securities, at fair value (cost - $347,354 at 3/31/22 and $324,501 at 12/31/21)

 

 

608,180

 

 

 

613,776

 

Other invested assets

 

 

52,406

 

 

 

50,501

 

Cash

 

 

72,148

 

 

 

88,804

 

Total investments and cash

 

$

3,025,112

 

 

$

3,162,968

 

Accrued investment income

 

 

17,477

 

 

 

17,505

 

Premiums and reinsurance balances receivable, net of allowances for uncollectible amounts of $18,381 at 3/31/22 and $18,067 at 12/31/21

 

 

170,501

 

 

 

167,279

 

Ceded unearned premium

 

 

126,311

 

 

 

130,916

 

Reinsurance balances recoverable on unpaid losses and settlement expenses, net of allowances for uncollectible amounts of $10,983 at 3/31/22 and $11,188 at 12/31/21

 

 

631,445

 

 

 

608,086

 

Deferred policy acquisition costs

 

 

112,004

 

 

 

103,553

 

Property and equipment, at cost, net of accumulated depreciation of $77,131 at 3/31/22 and $75,236 at 12/31/21

 

 

52,124

 

 

 

52,161

 

Investment in unconsolidated investees

 

 

179,351

 

 

 

171,311

 

Goodwill and intangibles

 

 

53,562

 

 

 

53,562

 

Other assets

 

 

39,748

 

 

 

40,961

 

TOTAL ASSETS

 

$

4,407,635

 

 

$

4,508,302

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unpaid losses and settlement expenses

 

$

2,081,712

 

 

$

2,043,555

 

Unearned premiums

 

 

696,577

 

 

 

680,444

 

Reinsurance balances payable

 

 

26,264

 

 

 

42,851

 

Funds held

 

 

89,735

 

 

 

89,773

 

Income taxes-deferred

 

 

47,412

 

 

 

83,509

 

Bonds payable, long-term debt

 

 

199,723

 

 

 

199,676

 

Accrued expenses

 

 

57,101

 

 

 

98,274

 

Other liabilities

 

 

55,689

 

 

 

40,859

 

TOTAL LIABILITIES

 

$

3,254,213

 

 

$

3,278,941

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shareholders’ Equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock ($0.01 par value)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Shares authorized - 200,000,000)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(68,246,156 shares issued, 45,315,942 shares outstanding at 3/31/22)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(68,219,551 shares issued, 45,289,337 shares outstanding at 12/31/21)

 

$

682

 

 

$

682

 

Paid-in capital

 

 

346,791

 

 

 

343,742

 

Accumulated other comprehensive earnings (loss)

 

 

(65,755

)

 

 

49,826

 

Retained earnings

 

 

1,264,703

 

 

 

1,228,110

 

Deferred compensation

 

 

8,669

 

 

 

9,642

 

Less: Treasury shares, at cost (22,930,214 shares at 3/31/22 and 12/31/21)

 

 

(401,668

)

 

 

(402,641

)

TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

$

1,153,422

 

 

$

1,229,361

 

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

$

4,407,635

 

 

$

4,508,302

 

 

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

4


Table of Contents

 

RLI Corp. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accumulated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comprehensive

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Treasury

 

 

 

Common

 

 

Shareholders’

Common

Paid-in

Earnings

 

 

Retained

Deferred

Shares

 

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

 

Shares

 

 

Equity

Stock

Capital

(Loss)

 

 

Earnings

Compensation

at Cost

 

Balance, January 1, 2021

 

 

45,142,580

 

 

$

1,135,978

 

 

$

681

 

 

$

335,365

 

 

$

108,714

 

 

$

1,084,217

 

 

$

8,292

 

 

$

(401,291

)

Net earnings

 

 

 

 

 

73,012

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

73,012

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other comprehensive earnings (loss), net of tax

 

 

 

 

 

(44,747

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(44,747

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred compensation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(366

)

 

 

366

 

Share-based compensation

 

 

60,858

 

 

 

1,392

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,392

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dividends and dividend equivalents ($0.24 per share)

 

 

 

 

 

(10,849

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(10,849

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance, March 31, 2021

 

 

45,203,438

 

 

$

1,154,786

 

 

$

681

 

 

$

336,757

 

 

$

63,967

 

 

$

1,146,380

 

 

$

7,926

 

 

$

(400,925

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accumulated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comprehensive

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Treasury

 

 

 

Common

 

 

Shareholders’

Common

Paid-in

Earnings

 

 

Retained

 

 

Deferred

 

 

Shares

 

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

 

Shares

 

 

Equity

Stock

Capital

(Loss)

 

 

Earnings

 

 

Compensation

 

 

at Cost

 

Balance, January 1, 2022

 

 

45,289,337

 

 

$

1,229,361

 

 

$

682

 

 

$

343,742

 

 

$

49,826

 

 

$

1,228,110

 

 

$

9,642

 

 

$

(402,641

)

Net earnings

 

 

 

 

 

47,923

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

47,923

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other comprehensive earnings (loss), net of tax

 

 

 

 

 

(115,581

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(115,581

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred compensation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(973

)

 

 

973

 

Share-based compensation

 

 

26,605

 

 

 

3,049

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,049

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dividends and dividend equivalents ($0.25 per share)

 

 

 

 

 

(11,330

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(11,330

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance, March 31, 2022

 

 

45,315,942

 

 

$

1,153,422

 

 

$

682

 

 

$

346,791

 

 

$

(65,755

)

 

$

1,264,703

 

 

$

8,669

 

 

$

(401,668

)

 

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

 

 

5


Table of Contents

 

 

RLI Corp. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

For the Three Months

 

 

 

Ended March 31,

 

(in thousands)

 

2022

 

 

2021

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

$

39,014

 

 

$

60,287

 

Cash Flows from Investing Activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchase of:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed income securities, available-for-sale

 

$

(107,283

)

 

$

(145,121

)

Equity securities

 

 

(32,678

)

 

 

(31,957

)

Property and equipment

 

 

(1,944

)

 

 

(887

)

Other

 

 

(3,137

)

 

 

(4,323

)

Proceeds from sale of:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed income securities, available-for-sale

 

 

10,779

 

 

 

21,300

 

Equity securities

 

 

15,726

 

 

 

47,638

 

Other

 

 

669

 

 

 

521

 

Proceeds from call or maturity of:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed income securities, available-for-sale

 

 

71,971

 

 

 

96,285

 

Net cash used in investing activities

 

$

(45,897

)

 

$

(16,544

)

Cash Flows from Financing Activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash dividends paid

 

$

(11,322

)

 

$

(10,838

)

Proceeds from (payments related to) stock option exercises

 

 

1,549

 

 

 

(187

)

Net cash used in financing activities

 

$

(9,773

)

 

$

(11,025

)

Net increase (decrease) in cash

 

$

(16,656

)

 

$

32,718

 

Cash at the beginning of the period

 

 

88,804

 

 

 

62,217

 

Cash at March 31

 

$

72,148

 

 

$

94,935

 

 

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

 

6


Table of Contents

 

 

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 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 2021 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 March 31, 2022 and the results of operations of RLI Corp. (the Company) 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.

 

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

 

No new accounting standards applicable in 2022 materially impact our financial statements.

 

C. PROSPECTIVE ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

 

There are no prospective accounting standards which would have a material impact on our financial statements as of March 31, 2022.

 

D. REINSURANCE

 

Ceded unearned premiums and reinsurance balances recoverable on unpaid losses and settlement expenses are reported separately as an asset, rather than being netted with the related liability, since reinsurance does not relieve the Company of our liability to policyholders. Such balances are subject to the credit risk associated with the individual reinsurer. We continually monitor the financial condition of our reinsurers and actively follow up on any past due or disputed amounts. As part of our monitoring efforts, we review reinsurers’ annual financial statements and Securities and Exchange Commission filings for those that are publicly traded. We also review insurance industry developments that may impact the financial condition of our reinsurers. We analyze the credit risk associated with our reinsurance balances recoverable by monitoring the AM Best and Standard & Poor’s (S&P) ratings of our reinsurers. In addition, we subject our reinsurance recoverables to detailed recoverability tests, including a segment-based analysis using the average default rating percentage by S&P rating, which assists the Company in assessing the sufficiency of its allowance. Additionally, we perform an in-depth reinsurer financial condition analysis prior to the renewal of each of our reinsurance placements.

 

Our policy is to charge to earnings, in the form of an allowance, an estimate of unrecoverable amounts from reinsurers. This allowance is reviewed on an ongoing basis to ensure that the amount makes a reasonable provision for reinsurance balances that we may be unable to recover. Once regulatory action (such as receivership, finding of insolvency, order of conservation or order of liquidation) is taken against a reinsurer, the paid and unpaid recoverable for the reinsurer are specifically identified and written off through use of our allowance for estimated unrecoverable amounts from reinsurers. When we write-off such a balance, it is done in full. We then re-evaluate the overall allowance and determine whether the balance is sufficient and, if needed, an additional allowance is recognized.

 

The allowances for uncollectible amounts on paid and unpaid reinsurance recoverables were $16.1 million and $11.0 million, respectively, at March 31, 2022. At December 31, 2021, the amounts were $16.1 million and $11.2 million, respectively. Changes in the allowances were due to changes in the amount of reinsurance balances outstanding, the composition of reinsurers from whom the balances were recoverable and their associated S&P default ratings. No write-offs were applied to the allowances in the first three months of 2022 and less than $0.1 million was recovered. We have no receivables with a due date that extends beyond one year that are not included in our allowance for uncollectible amounts.

 

7


Table of Contents

 

 

E. INTANGIBLE ASSETS

 

The composition of goodwill and intangible assets at March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021 is detailed in the following table:

 

 

 

March 31,

 

 

December 31,

 

(in thousands)

 

2022

 

 

2021

 

Goodwill

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Surety

 

$

40,816

 

 

$

40,816

 

Casualty

 

 

5,246

 

 

 

5,246

 

Total goodwill

 

$

46,062

 

 

$

46,062

 

Intangibles

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Indefinite-lived intangibles - state insurance licenses

 

 

7,500

 

 

 

7,500

 

Total goodwill and intangibles

 

$

53,562

 

 

$

53,562

 

 

Annual impairment assessments were performed on our goodwill and state insurance license indefinite-lived intangible asset during the second quarter of 2021. Based upon these reviews, none of the assets were impaired. In addition, there were no triggering events as of March 31, 2022 that would suggest an updated impairment test would be needed for our goodwill and intangible assets.

 

F. EARNINGS PER SHARE

 

Basic earnings per share (EPS) 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 these items 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 these items. 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 Months

 

 

For the Three Months

 

 

 

Ended March 31, 2022

 

 

Ended March 31, 2021

 

 

 

Income

 

 

Shares

 

 

Per Share

 

 

Income

 

 

Shares

 

 

Per Share

 

(in thousands, except per share data)

 

(Numerator)

 

 

(Denominator)

 

 

Amount

 

 

(Numerator)

 

 

(Denominator)

 

 

Amount

 

Basic EPS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings available to common shareholders

 

$

47,923

 

 

 

45,306

 

 

$

1.06

 

 

$

73,012

 

 

 

45,178

 

 

$

1.62

 

Effect of Dilutive Securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stock options and restricted stock units

 

 

 

 

 

408

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

496

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted EPS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings available to common shareholders

 

$

47,923

 

 

 

45,714

 

 

$

1.05

 

 

$

73,012

 

 

 

45,674

 

 

$

1.60

 

Anti-dilutive options excluded from diluted EPS

 

 

 

 

 

 

214

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

G. COMPREHENSIVE EARNINGS (LOSS)

 

Our comprehensive earnings (loss) include net earnings plus after-tax unrealized gains and losses on our available-for-sale fixed income portfolio. In reporting the components of comprehensive earnings (loss), we used the federal statutory tax rate of 21 percent. Other comprehensive earnings (loss), as shown in the consolidated statements of earnings and comprehensive earnings, is net of tax benefit of $30.7 million for the first quarter of 2022, compared to $11.9 million for the same period in 2021.

 

Unrealized losses, net of tax, recognized in other comprehensive earnings (loss) were $115.6 million for the first three months of 2022, compared to $44.7 million during the same period last year. The unrealized losses were attributable to increased interest rates in both periods, which decreased the fair value of securities held in the fixed income portfolio.

 

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

 

(in thousands)

 

For the Three Months

 

 

 

Ended March 31,

 

Unrealized Gains/Losses on Available-for-Sale Securities

 

2022

 

 

2021

 

Beginning balance

 

$

49,826

 

 

$

108,714

 

Other comprehensive earnings (loss) before reclassifications

 

 

(115,742

)

 

 

(43,795

)

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive earnings

 

 

161

 

 

 

(952

)

Net current-period other comprehensive earnings (loss)

 

$

(115,581

)

 

$

(44,747

)

Ending balance

 

$

(65,755

)

 

$

63,967

 

Balance of securities for which an allowance for credit losses has been recognized in net earnings

 

$

607

 

 

$

463

 

 

Credit losses on or the sale of an available-for-sale security results in amounts being reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive earnings (loss) to current period net earnings. The effects of reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive earnings (loss) by the respective line items of net earnings are presented in the following table:

 

 

 

Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other

 

(in thousands)

 

Comprehensive Earnings (Loss)

 

 

 

For the Three Months

 

 

 

Component of Accumulated

 

Ended March 31,

 

 

Affected line item in the

Other Comprehensive Earnings (Loss)

 

2022

 

 

2021

 

 

Statement of Earnings

Unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities

 

$

(51

)

 

$

1,183

 

 

Net realized gains (losses)

 

 

 

(153

)

 

 

22

 

 

Credit gains (losses) presented within net realized gains

 

 

$

(204

)

 

$

1,205

 

 

Earnings (loss) before income taxes

 

 

 

43

 

 

 

(253

)

 

Income tax (expense) benefit

 

 

$

(161

)

 

$

952

 

 

Net earnings (loss)

 

H. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

 

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. We maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring 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. Financial assets are classified based upon the lowest level of significant input that is used to determine fair value.

 

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

 

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.

 

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,

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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 are 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, pre-payment 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.

 

Regulation D Private Placement Securities: All Regulation D privately-placed bonds are classified as corporate securities and deemed Level 3. The pricing vendor evaluation methodology for these securities includes a combination of observable and unobservable inputs. Observable inputs include public corporate spread matrices classified by sector, rating and average life, as well as investment and non-investment grade matrices created from fixed income indices. Unobservable inputs include a liquidity spread premium calculated based on public corporate spread and private corporate spread matrices. The quantitative detail of the liquidity spread premium is neither provided nor reasonably available to the Company. An increase to the credit spread assumptions would result in a lower fair value.

 

For all of our fixed income securities classified as Level 2, 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. In some cases, we obtain prices from securities brokers and compare them to the prices provided by our pricing services. If discrepancies are found in our comparisons, we compare our prices to actual reported trade data for like securities. No changes to the fair values supplied by our pricing services have occurred as a result of our reviews. Based on these assessments, we have determined that the fair values of our Level 2 fixed income securities provided by our pricing services are reasonable.

 

Equity Securities: As of March 31, 2022, nearly all of our equity holdings were traded on an exchange. Exchange traded equities have readily observable price levels and are classified as Level 1 (fair value based on quoted market prices). Pricing for the equity securities not traded on an exchange is provided by a third-party pricing source and are classified as Level 2.

 

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. Our investments in private funds, classified as other invested assets, are measured using the investments’ net asset value per share and are not categorized within the fair value hierarchy.

 

I. RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES

 

Certain risks and uncertainties are inherent to our day-to-day operations. Adverse changes in the economy could lower demand for our insurance products or negatively impact our investment results, both of which could have an adverse effect on the revenue and profitability of our operations. The COVID-19 pandemic may result in significant disruptions in economic activity and financial markets. The cumulative effects of any public health outbreak could reduce demand for our insurance policies; result in increased level of losses, settlement expenses or other operating costs; reduce the market value of invested assets held by the Company or negatively impact the fair value of our goodwill.

 

2. INVESTMENTS

 

Our investments are primarily composed of fixed income debt securities and common stock equity securities. We carry our equity securities at fair value and categorize all of our debt securities as available-for-sale, which are carried at fair value.

 

Realized gains and losses on disposition of investments are based on specific identification of the investments sold on the settlement date. The following is a summary of the disposition of fixed income and equity securities for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2022 and 2021:

 

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Sales

 

Proceeds

 

 

Gross Realized

 

 

Net Realized

 

(in thousands)

 

From Sales

 

 

Gains

 

 

Losses

 

 

Gain (Loss)

 

2022

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed income securities - available-for-sale

 

$

8,832

 

 

$

117

 

 

$

(31

)

 

$

86

 

Equity securities

 

 

15,726

 

 

 

5,901

 

 

 

 

 

 

5,901

 

2021

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed income securities - available-for-sale

 

$

21,273

 

 

$

1,003

 

 

$

(27

)

 

$

976

 

Equity securities

 

 

47,638

 

 

 

14,233

 

 

 

(1,150

)

 

 

13,083

 

 

Calls/Maturities

 

 

 

 

 

Gross Realized

 

 

Net Realized

 

(in thousands)

 

Proceeds

 

 

Gains

 

 

Losses

 

 

Gain (Loss)

 

2022

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed income securities - available-for-sale

 

$

71,974

 

 

$

20

 

 

$

(13

)

 

$

7

 

2021

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed income securities - available-for-sale

 

$

96,285

 

 

$

255

 

 

$

(48

)

 

$

207

 

 

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

 

Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021 are summarized below:

 

 

As of March 31, 2022

 

 

 

Quoted Prices in

 

 

Significant Other

 

 

Significant

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Active Markets for

 

 

Observable

 

 

Unobservable

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Identical Assets

 

 

Inputs

 

 

Inputs

 

 

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

(Level 1)

 

 

(Level 2)

 

 

(Level 3)

 

 

Total

 

Fixed income securities - available-for-sale

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. government

 

$

 

 

$

131,634

 

 

$

 

 

$

131,634

 

U.S. agency

 

 

 

 

 

30,885

 

 

 

 

 

 

30,885

 

Non-U.S. government & agency

 

 

 

 

 

6,585

 

 

 

 

 

 

6,585

 

Agency MBS

 

 

 

 

 

334,097

 

 

 

 

 

 

334,097

 

ABS/CMBS/MBS*

 

 

 

 

 

259,666

 

 

 

 

 

 

259,666

 

Corporate

 

 

 

 

 

882,197

 

 

 

48,139

 

 

 

930,336

 

Municipal

 

 

 

 

 

599,175

 

 

 

 

 

 

599,175

 

Total fixed income securities - available-for-sale

 

$

 

 

$

2,244,239

 

 

$

48,139

 

 

$

2,292,378

 

Equity securities

 

 

607,715

 

 

 

465

 

 

 

 

 

 

608,180

 

Total

 

$

607,715

 

 

$

2,244,704

 

 

$

48,139

 

 

$

2,900,558

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2021

 

 

 

Quoted Prices in

 

 

Significant Other

 

 

Significant

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Active Markets for

 

 

Observable

 

 

Unobservable

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Identical Assets

 

 

Inputs

 

 

Inputs

 

 

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

(Level 1)

 

 

(Level 2)

 

 

(Level 3)

 

 

Total

 

Fixed income securities - available-for-sale

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. government

 

$

 

 

$

134,554

 

 

$

 

 

$

134,554

 

U.S. agency

 

 

 

 

 

32,760

 

 

 

 

 

 

32,760

 

Non-U.S. government & agency

 

 

 

 

 

8,481

 

 

 

 

 

 

8,481

 

Agency MBS

 

 

 

 

 

367,187

 

 

 

 

 

 

367,187

 

ABS/CMBS/MBS*

 

 

 

 

 

264,054

 

 

 

 

 

 

264,054

 

Corporate

 

 

 

 

 

913,577

 

 

 

43,518

 

 

 

957,095

 

Municipal

 

 

 

 

 

645,756

 

 

 

 

 

 

645,756

 

Total fixed income securities - available-for-sale

 

$

 

 

$

2,366,369

 

 

$

43,518

 

 

$

2,409,887

 

Equity securities

 

 

613,712

 

 

 

64

 

 

 

 

 

 

613,776

 

Total

 

$

613,712

 

 

$

2,366,433

 

 

$

43,518

 

 

$

3,023,663

 

 

*

Non-agency asset-backed, commercial mortgage-backed and mortgage-backed securities

 

The following table summarizes changes in the balance of Regulation D private placement fixed income securities whose fair value was measured using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3).

 

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(in thousands)

 

Level 3 Securities

 

Balance as of January 1, 2022

 

$

43,518

 

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

 

 

 

 

Included in net earnings as a part of:

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

 

(33

)

Net realized gains

 

 

(411

)

Included in other comprehensive earnings (loss)

 

 

(3,067

)

Total net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

 

$

(3,511

)

Purchases

 

 

8,132

 

Balance as of March 31, 2022

 

$

48,139

 

Change in unrealized gains (losses) during the period for Level 3 assets held at period-end - included in net realized gains

 

$

(411

)

Change in unrealized gains (losses) during the period for Level 3 assets held at period-end - included in other comprehensive earnings (loss)

 

$

(3,067

)

 

The amortized cost and fair value of available-for-sale fixed income securities by contractual maturity as of March 31, 2022 were as follows:

 

 

 

March 31, 2022

 

(in thousands)

 

Amortized Cost

 

 

Fair Value

 

Due in one year or less

 

$

44,732

 

 

$

45,069

 

Due after one year through five years

 

 

667,555

 

 

 

660,532

 

Due after five years through 10 years

 

 

533,651

 

 

 

521,300

 

Due after 10 years

 

 

506,651

 

 

 

471,714

 

ABS/CMBS/MBS*

 

 

621,667

 

 

 

593,763

 

Total available-for-sale

 

$

2,374,256

 

 

$

2,292,378

 

 

*

Asset-backed, commercial mortgage-backed and mortgage-backed securities

 

The amortized cost and fair value of available-for-sale securities at March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021 are presented in the tables below. Amortized cost does not include the $16.5 million and $16.4 million of accrued interest receivable as of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively.

 

 

 

March 31, 2022

 

 

 

Cost or

 

 

Allowance

 

 

Gross

 

 

Gross

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amortized

 

 

for Credit

 

 

Unrealized

 

 

Unrealized

 

 

Fair

 

(in thousands)

 

Cost

 

 

Losses

 

 

Gains

 

 

Losses

 

 

Value

 

U.S. government

 

$

130,830

 

 

$

 

 

$

1,314

 

 

$

(510

)

 

$

131,634

 

U.S. agency

 

 

30,386

 

 

 

 

 

 

834

 

 

 

(335

)

 

 

30,885

 

Non-U.S. government & agency

 

 

6,797

 

 

 

 

 

 

135

 

 

 

(347

)

 

 

6,585

 

Agency MBS

 

 

348,318

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,471

 

 

 

(15,692

)

 

 

334,097

 

ABS/CMBS/MBS*

 

 

273,349

 

 

 

(9

)

 

 

177

 

 

 

(13,851

)

 

 

259,666

 

Corporate

 

 

953,353

 

 

 

(585

)

 

 

8,925

 

 

 

(31,357

)

 

 

930,336

 

Municipal

 

 

631,223

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,846

 

 

 

(35,894

)

 

 

599,175

 

Total Fixed Income

 

$

2,374,256

 

 

$

(594

)

 

$

16,702

 

 

$

(97,986

)

 

$

2,292,378

 

 

*

Non-agency asset-backed, commercial mortgage-backed and mortgage-backed securities

 

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December 31, 2021

 

 

 

Cost or

 

 

Allowance

 

 

Gross

 

 

Gross

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amortized

 

 

for Credit

 

 

Unrealized

 

 

Unrealized

 

 

Fair

 

(in thousands)

 

Cost

 

 

Losses

 

 

Gains

 

 

Losses

 

 

Value

 

U.S. government

 

$

127,752

 

 

$

 

 

$

6,846

 

 

$

(44

)

 

$

134,554

 

U.S. agency

 

 

30,403

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,374

 

 

 

(17

)

 

 

32,760

 

Non-U.S. government & agency

 

 

8,297

 

 

 

 

 

 

338

 

 

 

(154

)

 

 

8,481

 

Agency MBS

 

 

362,861

 

 

 

 

 

 

9,277

 

 

 

(4,951

)

 

 

367,187

 

ABS/CMBS/MBS*

 

 

264,273

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,120

 

 

 

(2,339

)

 

 

264,054

 

Corporate

 

 

925,394

 

 

 

(441

)

 

 

37,247

 

 

 

(5,105

)

 

 

957,095

 

Municipal

 

 

627,287

 

 

 

 

 

 

22,750

 

 

 

(4,281

)

 

 

645,756

 

Total Fixed Income

 

$

2,346,267

 

 

$

(441

)

 

$

80,952

 

 

$

(16,891

)

 

$

2,409,887

 

 

*

Non-agency asset-backed, commercial mortgage-backed and mortgage-backed securities

 

Allowance for Credit Losses and Unrealized Losses on Fixed Income Securities

 

A reversable allowance for credit losses is recognized on available-for-sale fixed income securities. Several criteria are reviewed to determine if securities in the fixed income portfolio should be included in the allowance for expected credit loss evaluation, including:

 

 

Changes in technology that may impair the earnings potential of the investment,

 

 

The discontinuance of a segment of business that may affect future earnings potential,

 

 

Reduction of or non-payment of interest and/or principal,

 

 

Specific concerns related to the issuer’s industry or geographic area of operation,

 

 

Significant or recurring operating losses, poor cash flows and/or deteriorating liquidity ratios and

 

 

Downgrades in credit quality by a major rating agency.

 

If changes in interest rates and credit spreads do not reasonably explain the unrealized loss for an available-for-sale security or if any of the criteria above indicate a potential credit loss, the security is subjected to a discounted cash flow analysis. Inputs into the discounted cash flow analysis include prepayment assumptions for structured securities, default rates and recoverability rates based on credit rating. The allowance for any security is limited to the amount that the security’s fair value is below amortized cost. As of March 31, 2022, the discounted cash flow analysis resulted in an allowance for credit losses on 7 securities. The following table presents changes in the allowance for expected credit losses on available-for-sale securities:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

 

(in thousands)

 

2022

 

 

2021

 

Beginning balance

 

$

441

 

 

$

397

 

Increase to allowance from securities for which credit losses were not previously recorded

 

 

131

 

 

 

-

 

Reductions from intent to sell securities

 

 

(17

)

 

 

-

 

Net increase (decrease) from securities that had an allowance at the beginning of the period

 

 

39

 

 

 

(22

)

Balance as of March 31,

 

$

594

 

 

$

375

 

 

During 2022, net realized gains included $0.1 million of losses on fixed income securities for which we no longer had the intent to hold until recovery and the cost basis was written down to fair value. No such losses were recognized during the first quarter of 2021.

 

As of March 31, 2022, in addition to the securities included in the allowance for credit losses, the fixed income portfolio contained 988 securities with an unrealized loss position for which an allowance for credit losses had not been recorded. The $98.0 million in associated unrealized losses represents 4.1 percent of the fixed income portfolio’s cost basis and 3.2 percent of total invested assets. Isolated to these securities, unrealized losses increased through the first three months of 2022, as interest rates

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increased during the period. Of the total 988 securities, 117 have been in an unrealized loss position for 12 consecutive months or longer. The following table illustrates the total value of fixed income securities that were in an unrealized loss position as of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021 after factoring in the allowance for credit losses. All fixed income securities continue to pay the expected coupon payments and we believe we will recover the amortized cost basis of available-for-sale securities that remain in an unrealized loss position.

 

 

 

March 31, 2022

 

 

December 31, 2021

 

(in thousands)

 

< 12 Mos.

 

 

12 Mos. &

Greater

 

 

Total

 

 

< 12 Mos.

 

 

12 Mos. &

Greater

 

 

Total

 

U.S. government

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fair value

 

$

35,025

 

 

$

 

 

$

35,025

 

 

$

2,942

 

 

$

 

 

$

2,942

 

Amortized cost

 

 

35,535

 

 

 

 

 

 

35,535

 

 

 

2,986

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,986

 

Unrealized loss

 

$

(510

)

 

$

 

 

$

(510

)

 

$

(44

)

 

$

 

 

$

(44

)

U.S. agency

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fair value

 

$

6,693

 

 

$

 

 

$

6,693

 

 

$

1,498

 

 

$

 

 

$

1,498

 

Amortized cost

 

 

7,028

 

 

 

 

 

 

7,028

 

 

 

1,515

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,515

 

Unrealized loss

 

$

(335

)

 

$

 

 

$

(335

)

 

$

(17

)

 

$

 

 

$

(17

)

Non-U.S. government

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fair value

 

$

 

 

$

2,653

 

 

$

2,653

 

 

$

4,346

 

 

$

 

 

$

4,346

 

Amortized cost

 

 

 

 

 

3,000

 

 

 

3,000

 

 

 

4,500

 

 

 

 

 

 

4,500

 

Unrealized Loss

 

$

 

 

$

(347

)

 

$

(347

)

 

$

(154

)

 

$

 

 

$

(154

)

Agency MBS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fair value

 

$

190,950

 

 

$

59,572

 

 

$

250,522

 

 

$

102,145

 

 

$

62,669

 

 

$

164,814

 

Amortized cost

 

 

200,176

 

 

 

66,038

 

 

 

266,214

 

 

 

104,336

 

 

 

65,429

 

 

 

169,765

 

Unrealized loss

 

$

(9,226

)

 

$

(6,466

)

 

$

(15,692

)

 

$

(2,191

)

 

$

(2,760

)

 

$

(4,951

)

ABS/CMBS/MBS*

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fair value

 

$

218,189

 

 

$

19,448

 

 

$

237,637

 

 

$

150,997

 

 

$

3,935

 

 

$

154,932

 

Amortized cost

 

 

230,803

 

 

 

20,685

 

 

 

251,488

 

 

 

153,235

 

 

 

4,036

 

 

 

157,271

 

Unrealized loss

 

$

(12,614

)

 

$

(1,237

)

 

$

(13,851

)

 

$

(2,238

)

 

$

(101

)

 

$

(2,339

)

Corporate

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fair value

 

$

460,342

 

 

$

68,905

 

 

$

529,247

 

 

$

217,791

 

 

$

53,818

 

 

$

271,609

 

Amortized cost

 

 

485,129

 

 

 

75,475

 

 

 

560,604

 

 

 

221,010

 

 

 

55,704

 

 

 

276,714

 

Unrealized loss

 

$

(24,787

)

 

$

(6,570

)

 

$

(31,357

)

 

$

(3,219

)

 

$

(1,886

)

 

$

(5,105

)

Municipal

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fair value

 

$

350,366

 

 

$

32,880

 

 

$

383,246

 

 

$

162,998

 

 

$

15,037

 

 

$

178,035

 

Amortized cost

 

 

380,619

 

 

 

38,521

 

 

 

419,140

 

 

 

166,602

 

 

 

15,714

 

 

 

182,316

 

Unrealized loss

 

$

(30,253

)

 

$

(5,641

)

 

$

(35,894

)

 

$

(3,604

)

 

$

(677

)

 

$

(4,281

)

Total fixed income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fair value

 

$

1,261,565

 

 

$

183,458

 

 

$

1,445,023

 

 

$

642,717

 

 

$

135,459

 

 

$

778,176

 

Amortized cost

 

 

1,339,290

 

 

 

203,719

 

 

 

1,543,009

 

 

 

654,184

 

 

 

140,883

 

 

 

795,067

 

Unrealized loss

 

$

(77,725

)

 

$

(20,261

)

 

$

(97,986

)

 

$

(11,467

)

 

$

(5,424

)

 

$

(16,891

)

 

*

Non-agency asset-backed, commercial mortgage-backed and mortgage-backed securities

 

The following table shows the composition of the fixed income securities in unrealized loss positions, after factoring in the allowance for credit losses, at March 31, 2022 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.

 

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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

 

$

1,199,156

 

 

$

1,119,133

 

 

$

(80,023

)

 

 

81.7

 

%

2

 

BBB

 

Baa

 

 

232,808

 

 

 

217,951

 

 

 

(14,857

)

 

 

15.2

 

%

3

 

BB

 

Ba

 

 

64,217

 

 

 

62,216

 

 

 

(2,001

)

 

 

2.0

 

%

4

 

B

 

B

 

 

45,409

 

 

 

44,376

 

 

 

(1,033

)

 

 

1.0

 

%

5

 

CCC

 

Caa

 

 

1,419

 

 

 

1,347

 

 

 

(72

)

 

 

0.1

 

%

6

 

CC or lower

 

Ca or lower

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

0.0

 

%

 

 

 

 

Total

 

$

1,543,009

 

 

$

1,445,023

 

 

$

(97,986

)

 

 

100.0

 

%

 

Other Invested Assets

 

We had $52.4 million of other invested assets at March 31, 2022, compared to $50.5 million at December 31, 2021. Other invested assets include investments in low income housing tax credit partnerships (LIHTC), membership in the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago (FHLBC), and investments in private funds. Our LIHTC investments are carried at amortized cost and our investment in FHLBC stock is carried at cost. Due to the nature of the LIHTC and our membership in the FHLBC, their carrying amounts approximate fair value. The private funds are carried at fair value, using each investment’s net asset value.

 

Our LIHTC interests had a balance of $15.8 million at March 31, 2022, compared to $16.6 million at December 31, 2021 and recognized a total tax benefit of $0.9 million during the first quarters of 2022 and 2021. Our unfunded commitment for our LIHTC investments totaled $1.4 million at March 31, 2022 and will be paid out in installments through 2035.

 

As of March 31, 2022, $59.1 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. As of March 31, 2022, $50.0 million of borrowings were outstanding with the FHLBC.

 

Our investments in private funds totaled $30.8 million at March 31, 2022, compared to $28.6 million at December 31, 2021, and we had $6.8 million of associated unfunded commitments at March 31, 2022. Our interest in private funds is generally restricted from being transferred or otherwise redeemed without prior consent by the respective entities and the timed dissolution of the partnerships would trigger redemption.

 

Investments in Unconsolidated Investees

 

We had $179.4 million of investments in unconsolidated investees at March 31, 2022, compared to $171.3 million at December 31, 2021. Our investments accounted for under the equity method are primarily related to Maui Jim, Inc. (Maui Jim) and Prime Holdings Insurance Services, Inc. (Prime). At March 31, 2022 our investment in Maui Jim was $119.4 million and our investment in Prime was $49.0 million. Other investments in unconsolidated investees totaled $10.9 million at March 31, 2022 and had unfunded commitments of $10.2 million.

 

Cash

 

Cash consists of uninvested balances in bank accounts. We had a cash balance of $72.1 million at March 31, 2022, compared to $88.8 million at December 31, 2021.

 

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3. HISTORICAL LOSS AND LAE DEVELOPMENT

 

The following table is a reconciliation of our unpaid losses and settlement expenses (LAE) for the first three months of 2022 and 2021:

 

 

 

For the Three Months

 

 

 

Ended March 31,

 

(in thousands)

 

2022

 

 

2021

 

Unpaid losses and LAE at beginning of year

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross

 

$

2,043,555

 

 

$

1,750,049

 

Ceded

 

 

(608,086

)

 

 

(443,729

)

Net

 

$

1,435,469

 

 

$

1,306,320

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Increase (decrease) in incurred losses and LAE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current accident year

 

$

150,999

 

 

$

142,013

 

Prior accident years

 

 

(45,475

)

 

 

(37,121

)

Total incurred

 

$

105,524

 

 

$

104,892

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss and LAE payments for claims incurred

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current accident year

 

$

(7,875

)

 

$

(5,962

)

Prior accident years

 

 

(82,851

)

 

 

(64,896

)

Total paid

 

$

(90,726

)

 

$

(70,858

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net unpaid losses and LAE at March 31

 

$

1,450,267

 

 

$

1,340,354

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unpaid losses and LAE at March 31

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross

 

$

2,081,712

 

 

$

1,795,275

 

Ceded

 

 

(631,445

)

 

 

(454,921

)

Net

 

$

1,450,267

 

 

$

1,340,354

 

 

For the first three months of 2022, incurred losses and LAE included $45.5 million of favorable development on prior years’ loss reserves. Professional services, general liability, transportation, commercial excess, personal umbrella, marine, commercial property and surety were drivers of the favorable development. No products experienced significant adverse development.

 

For the first three months of 2021, incurred losses and LAE included $37.1 million of favorable development on prior years’ loss reserves. General liability, transportation, small commercial, professional services, personal umbrella and surety were drivers of the favorable development. No products experienced significant adverse development.

 

Actuarial models base future emergence on historical experience, with adjustments for current trends, and the appropriateness of these assumptions involved more uncertainty as of March 31, 2022. We expect the timing of loss emergence and ultimate loss ratios for certain coverages we underwrite will be affected as a result of COVID-19 and the related economic impact. The industry is experiencing new issues, including the postponement of civil court cases, the extension of various statutes of limitations and changes in settlement trends. Our recorded reserves include consideration of these factors, but the duration and degree to which these issues persist, along with potential legislative, regulatory or judicial actions, could result in loss reserve deficiencies and reduce earnings in future periods.

 

4. INCOME TAXES

 

Our effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2022 was 18.1 percent, compared to 18.7 percent for the same period in 2021. Effective rates are dependent upon components of pretax earnings and the related tax effects. The effective tax rate was lower for 2022 as lower pretax income increased the percentage impact of tax-favored adjustments.

 

Income tax expense attributable to income from operations for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2022 and 2021 differed from the amounts computed by applying the U.S. federal tax rate of 21 percent to pretax income by the items detailed in the below table. In interim periods, income taxes are adjusted to reflect the effective tax rate we anticipate for the year, with adjustments flowing through the other items, net line.

 

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Table of Contents

 

 

 

 

For the Three Months Ended March 31,

 

 

2022

 

2021

(in thousands)

 

Amount

 

 

%

 

 

 

Amount

 

 

%

 

 

Provision for income taxes at the statutory rate of 21%

 

$

12,290

 

 

 

21.0

 

%

 

$

18,865

 

 

 

21.0

 

%

Increase (reduction) in taxes resulting from:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Excess tax benefit on share-based compensation

 

 

(1,414

)

 

 

(2.4

)

%

 

 

(1,924

)

 

 

(2.1

)

%

Tax exempt interest income

 

 

(281

)

 

 

(0.5

)

%

 

 

(319

)

 

 

(0.4

)

%

Dividends received deduction

 

 

(271

)

 

 

(0.5

)

%

 

 

(236

)

 

 

(0.3

)

%

Investment tax credit

 

 

(1,182

)

 

 

(2.0

)

%

 

 

(801

)

 

 

(0.9

)

%

ESOP dividends paid deduction

 

 

(130

)

 

 

(0.2

)

%

 

 

(130

)

 

 

(0.1

)

%

Nondeductible expenses

 

 

316

 

 

 

0.5

 

%

 

 

411

 

 

 

0.5

 

%

Other items, net

 

 

1,274

 

 

 

2.2

 

%

 

 

956

 

 

 

1.0

 

%

Total tax expense

 

$

10,602

 

 

 

18.1

 

%

 

$

16,822

 

 

 

18.7

 

%

 

5. STOCK BASED COMPENSATION

 

Our RLI Corp. Long-Term Incentive Plan (2010 LTIP) was in place from 2010 to 2015. 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 the plan’s approval in 2015, we have granted 2,924,420 awards under the 2015 LTIP, including 24,000 thus far in 2022.

 

Compensation expense is based on the probable number of awards expected to vest. The total compensation expense related to equity awards was $1.5 million in the three-month periods ended March 31, 2022, compared to $1.6 million for the same period in 2021. The total income tax benefit was $0.2 million for the three-month period ended March 31, 2022, compared to $0.3 million for the same period in 2021. Total unrecognized compensation expense relating to outstanding and unvested awards was $5.0 million, which will be recognized over the weighted average vesting period of 2.27 years.

 

Stock Options

 

Under the 2015 LTIP, as under the 2010 LTIP, 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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Table of Contents

 

The following tables summarize option activity for the three-month period ended March 31, 2022:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted

 

 

Aggregate

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted

 

 

Average

 

 

Intrinsic

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average

 

 

Remaining

 

 

Value

 

 

 

Options

 

 

Exercise Price

 

 

Contractual Life

 

 

(in 000’s)

 

Outstanding options at January 1, 2022

 

 

1,669,325

 

 

$

78.63

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Options granted

 

 

24,000

 

 

 

104.85

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Options exercised

 

 

(27,180

)

 

 

59.23

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Options canceled/forfeited

 

 

(4,280

)

 

 

84.53

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding options at March 31, 2022

 

 

1,661,865

 

 

$

79.32

 

 

 

4.74

 

 

$

52,438

 

Exercisable options at March 31, 2022

 

 

785,927

 

 

$

67.89

 

 

 

3.53

 

 

$

33,595

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The intrinsic value, which is the difference between the fair value and the exercise price, of options exercised was $1.3 million and $6.9 million during the first three months of 2022 and 2021, respectively.

 

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 March 31:

 

 

 

2022

 

2021

Weighted-average fair value of grants

 

$

17.28

 

 

 

$

13.82

 

 

Risk-free interest rates

 

 

1.20

 

%

 

 

0.27

 

%

Dividend yield

 

 

2.01

 

%

 

 

2.30

 

%

Expected volatility

 

 

22.79

 

%

 

 

22.67

 

%

Expected option life

 

 

5.01

 

years

 

 

4.96

 

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 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 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 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) are granted with a value equal to the closing stock price of the Company’s stock on the dates the units are granted. For employees, these units generally have a three-year cliff vesting, but have an accelerated vesting feature for participants who are retirement eligible, defined by the plan as those individuals whose age and years of service equals 75. For directors, these units vest on the earlier of one year from the date of grant or the next annual shareholders meeting. In addition, the RSUs have dividend participation, which accrue as additional units and are settled with granted stock units at the end of the vesting period.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Grant Date

 

 

 

RSUs

 

 

Fair Value

 

Nonvested at January 1, 2022

 

 

45,068

 

 

$

97.67

 

Reinvested

 

 

102

 

 

 

108.75

 

Forfeited

 

 

(692

)

 

 

94.53

 

Nonvested at March 31, 2022

 

 

44,478

 

 

$

97.74

 

 

6. 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.

 

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Table of Contents

 

 

 

 

For the Three Months

 

Revenues

 

Ended March 31,

 

(in thousands)

 

2022

 

 

2021

 

Casualty

 

$

171,756

 

 

$

148,770

 

Property

 

 

67,440

 

 

 

51,642

 

Surety

 

 

29,956

 

 

 

28,183

 

Net premiums earned

 

$

269,152

 

 

$

228,595

 

Net investment income

 

 

17,883

 

 

 

16,424

 

Net realized gains

 

 

5,588

 

 

 

14,150

 

Net unrealized gains (losses) on equity securities

 

 

(27,810

)

 

 

28,162

 

Total consolidated revenue

 

$

264,813

 

 

$

287,331

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Earnings

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

2022

 

 

2021

 

Casualty

 

$

27,647

 

 

$

24,867

 

Property

 

 

22,476

 

 

 

(1,005

)

Surety

 

 

9,355

 

 

 

6,055

 

Net underwriting income

 

$

59,478

 

 

$

29,917

 

Net investment income

 

 

17,883

 

 

 

16,424

 

Net realized gains

 

 

5,588

 

 

 

14,150

 

Net unrealized gains (losses) on equity securities

 

 

(27,810

)

 

 

28,162

 

General corporate expense and interest on debt

 

 

(5,373

)

 

 

(5,243

)

Equity in earnings of unconsolidated investees

 

 

8,759

 

 

 

6,424

 

Earnings before income taxes

 

$

58,525

 

 

$

89,834

 

Income tax expense

 

 

10,602

 

 

 

16,822

 

Net earnings

 

$

47,923

 

 

$

73,012

 

 

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

 

 

 

For the Three Months

 

Net Premiums Earned

 

Ended March 31,

 

(in thousands)

 

2022

 

 

2021

 

Casualty

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commercial excess and personal umbrella

 

$

60,072

 

 

$

51,554

 

General liability

 

 

23,740

 

 

 

22,407

 

Commercial transportation

 

 

23,628

 

 

 

16,830

 

Professional services

 

 

23,555

 

 

 

21,728

 

Small commercial

 

 

16,645

 

 

 

15,722

 

Executive products

 

 

6,577

 

 

 

5,241

 

Other casualty

 

 

17,539

 

 

 

15,288

 

Total

 

$

171,756

 

 

$

148,770

 

Property

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commercial property

 

$

33,289

 

 

$

22,712

 

Marine

 

 

26,729

 

 

 

22,958

 

Specialty personal

 

 

5,896

 

 

 

5,034

 

Other property

 

 

1,526

 

 

 

938

 

Total

 

$

67,440

 

 

$

51,642

 

Surety

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commercial

 

$

11,703

 

 

$

11,013

 

Miscellaneous

 

 

11,353

 

 

 

10,635

 

Contract

 

 

6,900

 

 

 

6,535

 

Total

 

$

29,956

 

 

$

28,183

 

Grand Total

 

$

269,152

 

 

$

228,595

 

 

7. LEASES

 

Right-of-use (ROU) assets are included in the other assets line item and lease liabilities are included in the other liabilities line item of the consolidated balance sheet. We determine if a contract contains a lease at inception and recognize

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operating lease ROU assets and operating lease liabilities based on the present value of the future minimum lease payments at the commencement date. As our leases do not provide an implicit rate, we use our incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at the commencement date in determining the present value of future payments. Lease agreements may include options to extend or terminate. The options are exercised at our discretion and are included in operating lease liabilities if it is reasonably certain the option will be exercised. Lease agreements have lease and non-lease components, which are accounted for as a single lease component. Operating lease cost for future minimum lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Variable lease cost is expensed in the period in which the obligation is incurred. Sublease income is recognized on a straight-line basis over the sublease term.

 

The Company’s operating lease obligations are for branch office facilities. The components of lease expense and other lease information as of and during the three-month periods ended March 31, 2022 and 2021 are as follows:

 

 

 

For the Three Months

 

 

 

Ended March 31,

 

(in thousands)

 

2022

 

 

2021

 

Operating lease cost

 

$

1,158

 

 

$

1,351

 

Variable lease cost

 

 

348

 

 

 

384

 

Sublease income

 

 

(139

)

 

 

(123

)

Total lease cost

 

$

1,367

 

 

$

1,612

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash paid for amounts included in measurement of lease liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating cash outflows from operating leases

 

$

1,322

 

 

$

1,488

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ROU assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities

 

$

 

 

$

58

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reduction to ROU assets resulting from reduction to lease liabilities

 

$

 

 

$

59

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other non-cash reductions to ROU assets

 

$

73

 

 

$

 

 

(in thousands)

 

March 31, 2022

 

December 31, 2021

Operating lease ROU assets

 

$

13,620

 

 

 

$

14,765

 

 

Operating lease liabilities

 

$

15,663

 

 

 

$

16,905

 

 

Weighted-average remaining lease term - operating leases

 

4.43

 

years

 

4.52

 

years

Weighted-average discount rate - operating leases

 

 

2.01

 

%

 

 

2.02

 

%

 

Future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable leases as of March 31, 2022 were as follows:

 

(in thousands)

 

March 31, 2022

 

2022

 

$

4,031

 

2023

 

 

4,826

 

2024

 

 

2,844

 

2025

 

 

1,481

 

2026

 

 

884

 

2027

 

 

695

 

Thereafter

 

 

1,587

 

Total future minimum lease payments

 

$

16,348

 

Less imputed interest

 

 

(685

)

Total operating lease liability

 

$

15,663

 

 

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Item 2.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

 

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 appear throughout this report. These statements relate to our current expectations, beliefs, intentions, goals or strategies regarding the future and are based on certain underlying assumptions by the Company. These forward looking statements generally include words such as “expect,” “predict,” “estimate,” “will,” “should,” “anticipate,” “believe” and similar expressions. Such assumptions are, in turn, based on information available and internal estimates and analyses of general economic conditions, competitive factors, conditions specific to the property and casualty insurance and reinsurance industries, claims development and the impact thereof on our loss reserves, the adequacy and financial security of our reinsurance programs, developments in the securities market and the impact on our investment portfolio, regulatory changes and conditions and other factors. These assumptions are subject to various risks, uncertainties and other factors, including, without limitation those set forth in “Item 1A. Risk Factors” within the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021 and Part II within this report. Actual results could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward looking statements. We assume no obligation to update any such statements. You should review the various risks, uncertainties and other factors listed from time to time in our Securities and Exchange Commission filings.

 

OVERVIEW

 

RLI Corp. is a U.S.-based, specialty insurance company that underwrites select property and casualty insurance through major subsidiaries collectively known as RLI Insurance Group (Group). Our focus is on niche markets and developing unique products that are tailored to customers’ needs. We hire underwriters and claim examiners with deep expertise and provide exceptional customer service and support. We maintain a highly diverse product portfolio and underwrite for profit in all market conditions. In 2021, we achieved our 26th consecutive year of underwriting profitability. Over the 26-year period, we averaged an 88.4 combined ratio. 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.

 

We measure the results of our insurance operations by monitoring 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.

 

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, pandemics 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.

 

The casualty portion of our business consists largely of commercial excess, 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 assume a limited amount of hard-to-place risks through a quota share reinsurance agreement. 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. Property insurance results are subject to the variability introduced by perils such as earthquakes, fires, hurricanes and other storms. 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 seek to 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 insurance cycles. We also use computer-assisted modeling techniques to provide estimates that help the Company carefully manage the concentration of risks exposed to catastrophic events.

 

The surety segment specializes in writing small to large-sized commercial and contract surety coverages, including payment and performance bonds. 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

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loss ratio, losses may fluctuate due to adverse economic conditions affecting the financial viability of our principals. 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 competitive across all of our segments. However, 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 further explain the Company’s results of operations and allow for a more complete understanding of the underlying trends in the Company’s business. These measures should not be viewed as a substitute for those determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (GAAP). In addition, our definitions of these items may not be comparable to the definitions used by other companies.

 

The 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.

 

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 6 to the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q, and in note 12 to the consolidated financial statements in our 2021 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 or losses, net unrealized gains or losses on equity securities, general corporate expenses, debt costs and our portion of earnings from unconsolidated investees. A reconciliation of net earnings to underwriting income follows:

 

 

 

For the Three Months

 

 

 

Ended March 31,

 

(in thousands)

 

2022

 

 

2021

 

Net earnings

 

$

47,923

 

 

$

73,012

 

Income tax expense

 

 

10,602

 

 

 

16,822

 

Earnings before income taxes

 

$

58,525

 

 

$

89,834

 

Equity in earnings of unconsolidated investees

 

 

(8,759

)

 

 

(6,424

)

General corporate expenses

 

 

3,363

 

 

 

3,342

 

Interest expense on debt

 

 

2,010

 

 

 

1,901

 

Net unrealized (gains) losses on equity securities

 

 

27,810

 

 

 

(28,162

)

Net realized gains

 

 

(5,588

)

 

 

(14,150

)

Net investment income

 

 

(17,883

)

 

 

(16,424

)

Net underwriting income

 

$

59,478

 

 

$

29,917

 

 

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 consolidated 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.

 

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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 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, recoverability of reinsurance balances, deferred policy acquisition costs and deferred taxes. For a detailed discussion of each of these policies, refer to our 2021 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

There have been no significant changes to critical accounting policies during the year.

 

IMPACT OF COVID-19

 

Our processes and controls continue to operate effectively and we have been able to maintain our high service and support levels for our customers throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. As of March 31, 2022, our premium production was unaffected by the direct impacts of the pandemic. However, actuarial models base future emergence on historical experience, with adjustments for current trends, and the appropriateness of these assumptions still involve greater uncertainty. We expect there will be impacts to the timing of loss emergence and ultimate loss ratios for certain coverages. The industry experienced new issues throughout the pandemic, including the postponement of civil court cases, the extension of various statutes of limitations and changes in settlement trends. Our booked reserves include consideration of these factors, but the duration and degree to which these issues persist, along with potential legislative, regulatory or judicial actions, could result in loss reserve deficiencies and reduce earnings in future periods.

 

We continue to evaluate all aspects of our operations and are making necessary adjustments to manage our business. Our diversified portfolio of products and financial strength have allowed us to remain on solid footing. We believe we have a strong and sustainable underwriting approach that will allow us to weather the economic environment and any remaining uncertainty.

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Three Months Ended March 31, 2022 Compared to Three Months Ended March 31, 2021

 

Net premiums earned for the Group increased 18 percent, driven by growth from our casualty and property segments, while performance in the equity portfolio varied significantly between the periods. Overall market declines resulted in $27.8 million of unrealized losses on equity securities in the first three months of 2022, while positive market performance resulted in $28.2 million of unrealized gains in our equity portfolio in 2021. Investment income was up 9 percent, due to an increased asset base relative to the prior year. Realized gains during the first three months of 2022 were comprised of $5.9 million of realized gains on equity securities, primarily due to rebalancing within our equity strategies, $0.1 million of realized losses on the fixed income portfolio and $0.2 million of other realized losses. This compares to $13.1 million of realized gains on the equity portfolio, $1.2 million of realized gains on the fixed income portfolio and $0.1 million of other realized losses for the same period in 2021.

 

 

 

For the Three Months

 

 

 

Ended March 31,

 

Consolidated Revenues (in thousands)

 

2022

 

 

2021

 

Net premiums earned

 

$

269,152

 

 

$

228,595

 

Net investment income

 

 

17,883

 

 

 

16,424

 

Net realized gains

 

 

5,588

 

 

 

14,150

 

Net unrealized gains (losses) on equity securities

 

 

(27,810

)

 

 

28,162

 

Total consolidated revenue

 

$

264,813

 

 

$

287,331

 

 

Net earnings for the first three months of 2022 totaled $47.9 million, compared to $73.0 million for the same period in 2021. The decrease in earnings for 2022 was primarily attributed to $17.3 million of net after-tax realized and unrealized losses on equity securities, compared to $32.6 million of after-tax realized and unrealized gains in 2021. Underwriting results for 2022 were impacted by $2.0 million of pretax storm losses, compared to $16.0 million of pretax storm losses in the first quarter of 2021. Results for each period benefited from favorable development on prior years’ loss reserves, which provided additional pretax earnings of $45.5 million in the first three months of 2022, compared to $37.1 million in 2021. Pretax bonus and profit sharing-related expenses associated with the net impact of prior years’ reserve development and catastrophe losses totaled $5.7 million in 2022, compared to $3.1 million in 2021. These performance-related expenses affected policy acquisition, insurance

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operating and general corporate expenses. Bonus and profit-sharing amounts earned by executives, managers and associates are predominantly influenced by corporate performance, including operating earnings, combined ratio and return on capital.

 

Underwriting income was $59.5 million on a 77.9 combined ratio for the first three months of 2022, compared to $29.9 million on an 86.9 combined ratio in the same period of 2021. The loss ratio decreased to 39.2 from 45.9, due to lower levels of storm losses and a higher level of favorable development in 2022. The Group’s expense ratio decreased to 38.7 from 41.0, with 2022 benefiting from a larger earned premium base.

 

Our equity in earnings of unconsolidated investees primarily relate to our investments in Maui Jim, Inc. (Maui Jim), a manufacturer of high-quality sunglasses, and Prime Holdings Insurance Services, Inc. (Prime), a specialty insurance company. In the first three months of 2022, $6.4 million of investee earnings were recorded for Maui Jim and $2.8 million of investee earnings were recorded for Prime. Comparatively, the first three months of 2021 reflected investee earnings of $3.7 million and $3.7 million from Maui Jim and Prime, respectively.

 

Comprehensive loss totaled $67.7 million for the first three months of 2022, compared to $28.3 million of comprehensive earnings for the first three months of 2021. Other comprehensive earnings (loss) primarily included net after-tax unrealized gains and losses from the fixed income portfolio. Other comprehensive loss of $115.6 million in the first three months of 2022 was attributable to increased interest rates, which decreased the fair value of securities held in the fixed income portfolio. Comparatively, $44.7 million of other comprehensive loss was recognized in 2021 as interest rates increased.

 

Premiums

 

Gross premiums written for the Group increased $64.3 million for the first three months of 2022 when compared to the same period of 2021. Growth was achieved in all three segments, though the increase was driven by products in the property and casualty segments. Net premiums earned increased $40.6 million, also driven by products in our casualty and property segments.

 

 

 

Gross Premiums Written

 

Net Premiums Earned

 

 

For the Three Months Ended March 31,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Three Months Ended March 31,

 

 

 

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

2022

 

 

2021

 

 

% Change

 

2022

 

 

2021

 

 

% Change

Casualty

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commercial excess and personal umbrella

 

$

77,786

 

 

$

64,723

 

 

 

20

 

%

 

$

60,072

 

 

$

51,554

 

 

 

17

 

%

General liability

 

 

27,894

 

 

 

23,209

 

 

 

20

 

%

 

 

23,740

 

 

 

22,407

 

 

 

6

 

%

Commercial transportation

 

 

22,301

 

 

 

16,438

 

 

 

36

 

%

 

 

23,628

 

 

 

16,830

 

 

 

40

 

%

Professional services

 

 

24,510

 

 

 

22,407

 

 

 

9

 

%

 

 

23,555

 

 

 

21,728

 

 

 

8

 

%

Small commercial

 

 

18,138

 

 

 

16,378

 

 

 

11

 

%

 

 

16,645

 

 

 

15,722

 

 

 

6

 

%

Executive products

 

 

20,681

 

 

 

22,770

 

 

 

(9

)

%

 

 

6,577

 

 

 

5,241

 

 

 

25

 

%

Other casualty

 

 

24,511

 

 

 

22,971

 

 

 

7

 

%

 

 

17,539

 

 

 

15,288

 

 

 

15

 

%

Total

 

$

215,821

 

 

$

188,896

 

 

 

14

 

%

 

$

171,756

 

 

$

148,770

 

 

 

15

 

%

Property

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commercial property

 

$

69,080

 

 

$

40,136

 

 

 

72

 

%

 

$

33,289

 

 

$

22,712

 

 

 

47

 

%

Marine

 

 

32,083

 

 

 

26,853

 

 

 

19

 

%

 

 

26,729

 

 

 

22,958

 

 

 

16

 

%

Specialty personal

 

 

6,441

 

 

 

5,663

 

 

 

14

 

%

 

 

5,896

 

 

 

5,034

 

 

 

17

 

%

Other property

 

 

1,994

 

 

 

1,885

 

 

 

6

 

%

 

 

1,526

 

 

 

938

 

 

 

63

 

%

Total

 

$

109,598

 

 

$

74,537

 

 

 

47

 

%

 

$

67,440

 

 

$

51,642

 

 

 

31

 

%

Surety

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commercial

 

$

12,663

 

 

$

13,301

 

 

 

(5

)

%

 

$

11,703

 

 

$

11,013

 

 

 

6

 

%

Miscellaneous

 

 

13,362

 

 

 

11,974

 

 

 

12

 

%

 

 

11,353

 

 

 

10,635

 

 

 

7

 

%

Contract

 

 

7,715

 

 

 

6,187

 

 

 

25

 

%

 

 

6,900

 

 

 

6,535

 

 

 

6

 

%

Total

 

$

33,740

 

 

$

31,462

 

 

 

7

 

%

 

$

29,956

 

 

$

28,183

 

 

 

6

 

%

Grand Total

 

$

359,159

 

 

$

294,895

 

 

 

22

 

%

 

$

269,152

 

 

$

228,595

 

 

 

18

 

%

 

Casualty

 

Gross premiums written for the casualty segment were up $26.9 million in the first three months of 2022. Gross premiums from commercial excess and personal umbrella increased $13.1 million, due to rate increases and an expanded distribution base. Improvements in the construction industry and increases in new projects led to the increase in general

24


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liability. Commercial transportation premium increased by $5.9 million, driven by our public transportation line, where customers put vehicles back in service on policies that were suspended throughout the first two years of the pandemic. Executive products was down as a result of the exit from our large account cyber and representations and warranties programs.

 

Property

 

Gross premiums written for the property segment were up $35.1 million in the first three months of 2022. Our commercial property business was up $28.9 million, as rates on wind and earthquake exposures continued to increase, building valuations rose and market disruption provided an opportunity to modestly increase market share while strengthening terms and conditions. Rate increases, improved retention and new opportunities in the inland marine space, led to $5.2 million of growth for our marine product.

 

Surety

 

Gross premiums written for the surety segment were up $2.3 million for the first three months of 2022. Contract surety benefited from new construction opportunities and larger contract values, driven by the inflation of material prices. The growth in miscellaneous surety is broad based and has been aided by our focus on being easy to do business with and technology.

 

Underwriting Income

 

 

 

For the Three Months

 

 

 

Ended March 31,

 

 

 

2022

 

 

2021

 

Underwriting Income (Loss) (in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Casualty

 

$

27,647

 

 

$

24,867

 

Property

 

 

22,476

 

 

 

(1,005

)

Surety

 

 

9,355

 

 

 

6,055

 

Total

 

$

59,478

 

 

$

29,917

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Combined Ratio

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Casualty

 

 

83.9

 

 

 

83.3

 

Property

 

66.7

 

 

 

101.9

 

Surety

 

68.8

 

 

78.5

 

Total

 

77.9

 

 

 

86.9

 

 

Casualty

 

The casualty segment recorded underwriting earnings of $27.6 million in the first three months of 2022, compared to $24.9 million for the same period last year. Reserve releases reduced loss and settlement expenses for the casualty segment by $27.6 million, primarily on accident years 2019 through 2021. Favorable development was widespread, with notable amounts from professional services, general liability, transportation, commercial excess and personal umbrella. In comparison, $28.3 million of reserves were released in the first three months of 2021. General liability, transportation, professional services, small commercial and personal umbrella were drivers of the favorable development. Offsetting the favorable development in 2021, winter storm losses on casualty-oriented package policies that include property coverage resulted in $1.1 million of losses.

 

The combined ratio for the casualty segment was 83.9 in 2022, compared to 83.3 in 2021. The segment’s loss ratio was 48.8 in 2022, up from 47.2 in 2021. Current accident year losses are slightly improved, but similar levels of reserve releases on a higher earned premium base resulted in a smaller impact to the loss ratio in 2022. The expense ratio for the casualty segment was 35.1, down from 36.1 for the same period last year.

 

Property

 

The property segment recorded underwriting earnings of $22.5 million for the first three months of 2022, compared to an underwriting loss of $1.0 million for the same period last year. Underwriting results for 2022 included $13.4 million of favorable development on prior years’ loss and catastrophe reserves across all products and $2.0 million of storm losses. Comparatively, the 2021 underwriting results included $6.1 million of favorable development on prior years’ loss and catastrophe reserves and $14.9 million of storm losses.

 

Underwriting results for the first three months of 2022 translated into a combined ratio of 66.7, compared to 101.9 for the same period last year. The segment’s loss ratio was 30.2 in 2022, down from 61.3 in 2021, due to lower levels of storm losses

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and larger reserve releases. The segment’s expense ratio decreased to 36.5 in 2022 from 40.6 in the prior year, with 2022 benefiting from a larger earned premium base.

 

Surety

 

The surety segment recorded underwriting income of $9.4 million for the first three months of 2022, compared to $6.1 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. Results for 2022 included favorable development on prior accident years’ reserves, which decreased loss and settlement expenses for the segment by $4.5 million. Comparatively, 2021 results included favorable development on prior accident years’ loss reserves, which decreased the segment’s loss and settlement expenses by $2.8 million.

 

The combined ratio for the surety segment totaled 68.8 for the first three months of 2022, compared to 78.5 for the same period in 2021. The segment’s loss ratio was 4.4 in 2022, down from 10.7 in 2021 due to larger reserve releases and improved current accident year losses. The expense ratio was 64.4, down from 67.8 in the prior year, as 2022 had a higher earned premium base.

 

Investment Income

 

Our investment portfolio generated net investment income of $17.9 million during the first three months of 2022, an increase of 8.9 percent from that reported for the same period in 2021. The increase in investment income was largely due to an increased asset base relative to the prior year.

 

Yields on our fixed income investments for the first three months of 2022 and 2021 were as follows:

 

 

 

2022

 

 

 

2021

 

 

Pretax Yield

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Taxable

 

 

2.70

 

%

 

 

2.87

 

%

Tax-Exempt

 

 

2.65

 

%

 

 

2.63

 

%

After-Tax Yield

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Taxable

 

 

2.13

 

%

 

 

2.27

 

%

Tax-Exempt

 

 

2.51

 

%

 

 

2.49

 

%

 

The following table depicts the composition of our investment portfolio at March 31, 2022 as compared to December 31, 2021:

 

(in thousands)

 

March 31, 2022

 

 

 

December 31, 2021

 

 

Fixed income

 

$

2,292,378

 

 

 

75.8

 

%

 

$

2,409,887

 

 

 

76.2

 

%

Equity securities

 

 

608,180

 

 

 

20.1

 

%

 

 

613,776

 

 

 

19.4

 

%

Other invested assets

 

 

52,406

 

 

 

1.7

 

%

 

 

50,501

 

 

 

1.6

 

%

Cash

 

 

72,148

 

 

 

2.4

 

%

 

 

88,804

 

 

 

2.8

 

%

Total investments and cash

 

$

3,025,112

 

 

 

100.0

 

%

 

$

3,162,968

 

 

 

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 effectively grow book value over a long-term investment horizon.

 

The fixed income portfolio decreased by $117.5 million in the first three months of 2022. The decline was due to increased interest rates, which decreased the fair value of securities held in the fixed income portfolio. Average fixed income duration was 5.0 years at March 31, 2022, reflecting our current liability structure and sound capital position. The equity portfolio decreased by $5.6 million during the first three months of 2022, as equity markets declined over the first quarter of the year.

 

Income Taxes

 

Our effective tax rate for the first three months of 2022 was 18.1 percent, compared to 18.7 percent for the same period in 2021. Effective rates are dependent upon components of pretax earnings or losses and the related tax effects. The effective rate was lower for the first three months of 2022, as lower pretax income increased the percentage impact of tax-favored adjustments.

 

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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 three-month periods ended March 31, 2022 and 2021:

 

(in thousands)

 

2022

 

 

2021

 

Operating cash flows

 

$

39,014

 

 

$

60,287

 

Investing cash flows

 

 

(45,897

)

 

 

(16,544

)

Financing cash flows

 

 

(9,773

)

 

 

(11,025

)

Total

 

$

(16,656

)

 

$

32,718

 

 

Our largest source of cash is premiums received from customers and our largest cash outflow is claim payments on insured losses. Cash flows from operating activities can vary among periods due to the timing in which these payments are made or received. Operating cash flows in the first three months of 2022 benefited from increased premium receipts relative to the first three months of 2021, but were offset by increased levels of loss and settlement expense payments. Additionally, improved financial performance in 2021 resulted in a higher level of bonus and profit-sharing contributions that were paid in the first quarter of 2022, which also reduced operating cash flows in the current period.

 

We have $199.7 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 notes at March 31, 2022 was $154.5 million. The fair value of our debt is estimated based on the limited observable prices that reflect thinly traded securities. Additionally, RLI Insurance Company borrowed $50.0 million from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago (FHLBC) on November 10, 2021. The borrowing matures on November 10, 2023 and has an option to be paid off early on November 10, 2022. Interest is paid monthly at an annualized rate of 0.84 percent.

 

As of March 31, 2022, we had cash and other investments maturing within one year of approximately $117.2 million and an additional $686.4 million maturing between one to five years. 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 Bank of Montreal, Chicago Branch, which permits us to borrow up to an aggregate principal amount of $60.0 million. This facility was entered into during the first quarter of 2020 and replaced the previous $50.0 million facility with JP Morgan Chase Bank N.A., which was set to expire on May 24, 2020. Under certain conditions, the line may be increased up to an aggregate principal amount of $120.0 million. The facility has a three-year term that expires on March 27, 2023. As of and during the three-month period ended March 31, 2022, no amounts were outstanding on either facility.

 

Additionally, two of our insurance companies, RLI Insurance Company (RLI Ins.) and Mt. Hawley Insurance Company, are members of the 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 March 31, 2022, $59.1 million of investments were pledged as collateral with the FHLBC to ensure timely access to the secured lending facility.

 

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 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. Invested assets at March 31, 2022 have decreased $137.9 million from December 31, 2021. As of March 31, 2022, our investment portfolio had the following asset allocation breakdown:

 

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Cost or

 

 

Fair

 

 

Unrealized

 

 

% of Total

 

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

Amortized Cost

 

 

Value

 

 

Gain/(Loss)

 

 

Fair Value

 

 

 

Quality*

U.S. government

 

$

130,830

 

 

$

131,634

 

 

$

804

 

 

 

4.4

 

%

 

AAA

U.S. agency

 

 

30,386

 

 

 

30,885

 

 

 

499

 

 

 

1.0

 

%

 

AAA

Non-U.S. government & agency

 

 

6,797

 

 

 

6,585

 

 

 

(212

)

 

 

0.2

 

%

 

BBB+

Agency MBS

 

 

348,318

 

 

 

334,097

 

 

 

(14,221

)

 

 

11.0

 

%

 

AAA

ABS/CMBS/MBS**

 

 

273,349

 

 

 

259,666

 

 

 

(13,683

)

 

 

8.6

 

%

 

AA+

Corporate

 

 

953,353

 

 

 

930,336

 

 

 

(23,017

)

 

 

30.8

 

%

 

BBB+

Municipal

 

 

631,223

 

 

 

599,175

 

 

 

(32,048

)

 

 

19.8

 

%

 

AA

Total fixed income

 

$

2,374,256

 

 

$

2,292,378

 

 

$

(81,878

)

 

 

75.8

 

%

 

AA-

Equity

 

 

347,354

 

 

 

608,180

 

 

 

260,826

 

 

 

20.1

 

%

 

 

Other invested assets

 

 

45,701

 

 

 

52,406

 

 

 

6,705

 

 

 

1.7

 

%

 

 

Cash

 

 

72,148

 

 

 

72,148

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.4

 

%

 

 

Total portfolio

 

$

2,839,459

 

 

$

3,025,112

 

 

$

185,653

 

 

 

100.0

 

%

 

 

 

*

Quality ratings provided by Moody’s, S&P and Fitch

**

Non-agency asset-backed, commercial mortgage-backed and mortgage-backed securities

 

Quality is an average of each bond’s credit rating, adjusted for its relative weighting in the portfolio. As of March 31, 2022, our fixed income portfolio had the following rating distribution:

 

AAA

 

 

35.5

 

%

AA

 

 

22.3

 

%

A

 

 

19.7

 

%

BBB

 

 

13.2

 

%

BB

 

 

3.9

 

%

B

 

 

2.4

 

%

CCC

 

 

0.1

 

%

NR

 

 

2.9

 

%

Total

 

 

100.0

 

%

 

As of March 31, 2022, our fixed income portfolio remained well diversified, with 1,586 individual issues.

 

Our investment portfolio has limited exposure to structured asset-backed securities. As of March 31, 2022, we had $124.7 million in ABS, which are pools of assets collateralized by cash flows from several types of loans, including home equity, credit cards, autos and structured bank loans in the form of collateralized loan obligations (CLOs).

 

As of March 31, 2022, we had $135.0 million in commercial mortgage-backed securities and $334.1 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 8.6 percent of our investment portfolio at quarter end.

 

We had $930.3 million in corporate fixed income securities as of March 31, 2022, which includes $110.1 million invested in a high-yield credit strategy. This high-yield 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.

 

The municipal portfolio includes approximately 56 percent taxable securities and 44 percent tax-exempt securities. Approximately 91 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.

 

Securities within the equity portfolio are well diversified and are primarily invested in broad index exchange traded funds (ETFs). Our actively managed equity strategy has a preference for dividend income and value oriented security selection with low turnover, which minimizes transaction costs and taxes throughout our long investment horizon.

 

As of March 31, 2022, our equity portfolio had a dividend yield of 1.8 percent, compared to 1.4 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 13.1 percent on dividends, compared to 21.0 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 85 individual securities and four ETF positions. No single company exposure in the equity portfolio represents more than 1 percent of invested assets.

 

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Table of Contents

 

 

Other invested assets include investments in low income housing tax credit partnerships, membership in the FHLBC and investments in private funds.

 

We had $179.4 million of investments in unconsolidated investees at March 31, 2022, compared to $171.3 million at December 31, 2021. At March 31, 2022 our investment in Maui Jim was $119.4 million and our investment in Prime was $49.0 million. During the first quarter, we announced that we have agreed to sell our minority interest in Maui Jim. Our net after-tax purchase price proceeds from the sale will be approximately $500 million, with the final proceeds to be determined at closing, based on adjustments to the purchase price for working capital and other items. A successful completion of the sale will result in capital generated to our benefit. As always, our top priority is to ensure we have adequate capital to support our business. However, we have demonstrated discipline in returning capital to shareholders if it exceeds our near-term needs.

 

Our investment portfolio does not have any exposure to derivatives.

 

Our capital structure is comprised of equity and debt outstanding. As of March 31, 2022, our capital structure consisted of $199.7 million in long-term debt and $1.2 billion of shareholders’ equity. Debt outstanding comprised 14.8 percent of total capital as of March 31, 2022. Interest and fees on debt obligations totaled $2.0 million for the first three months of 2022, compared to $1.9 million during the same period of 2021. We incurred interest expense on debt at an average annual interest rate of 3.89 percent during the first three months of 2022, compared to 4.91 percent for the same time period during 2021.

 

We paid a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.25 per share on March 18, 2022, the same amount as the prior quarter. We have increased dividends in each of the last 46 years.

 

Our three insurance companies are subsidiaries of RLI Corp, with RLI Ins. as the first-level, or principal, insurance company. At the holding company (RLI Corp.) level, we rely largely on dividends from our insurance 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 March 31, 2022, our holding company had $1.2 billion 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 $81.2 million in liquid assets, which exceeds our normal 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.

 

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 (IDOI). In the first three months of 2022, RLI Ins. paid $13.0 million in ordinary dividends to RLI Corp. In 2021, our principal insurance subsidiary paid ordinary dividends totaling $70.0 million and extraordinary dividends totaling $110.0 million. As of March 31, 2022, $38.1 million of the net assets of our principal insurance subsidiary were not restricted and could be distributed to RLI Corp. as ordinary dividends without prior approval from the IDOI. Because the limitations are based upon a rolling 12-month period, the amount and impact of these restrictions vary over time. In addition to restrictions from our principal subsidiary’s insurance regulator, we also consider internal models and how capital adequacy is defined by our rating agencies in determining amounts available for distribution.

 

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

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Table of Contents

 

quality, investment grade securities. Our fixed maturity portfolio has an average rating of AA-, with 78 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 2021 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.

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Table of Contents

 

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.

 

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.

In 2010, our Board of Directors implemented a $100 million share repurchase program. We did not repurchase any shares during 2022. 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 No.

 

Description of Document

 

Reference

 

 

 

 

 

10.1

 

Share Purchase Agreement with Respect to Sale of Shares in Maui Jim, Inc.*

 

Attached as Exhibit 10.1.

 

 

 

 

 

10.2

 

Stockholder Non-Competition and Non-Solicitation Agreement with Respect to Sale of Shares in Maui Jim, Inc.

 

Attached as Exhibit 10.2.

 

 

 

 

 

31.1

 

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

 

Attached as Exhibit 31.1.

 

 

 

 

 

31.2

 

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

 

Attached as Exhibit 31.2.

 

 

 

 

 

32.1

 

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

 

Attached as Exhibit 32.1.

 

 

 

 

 

32.2

 

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

 

Attached as Exhibit 32.2.

 

 

 

 

 

101

 

iXBRL-Related Documents

 

Attached as Exhibit 101.

 

 

 

 

 

104

 

Cover Page Interactive Data File

 

Embedded in Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101.

 

*Certain exhibits and schedules have been omitted pursuant to Item 601 of Regulation S-K and will be provided to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request.

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Table of Contents

 

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/ Todd W. Bryant

 

 

Todd W. Bryant

 

 

Chief Financial Officer

 

 

(Principal Financial and Chief Accounting Officer)

 

 

 

Date: April 22, 2022

 

 

 

32